True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-11-17
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1t was the morning of the feast OF
Consus. The sun never rose more bril-
liantly, and sweeter breeze never swept
through the rich and romantic groves
which surrounded the Palatine Hill. II
seemed that the god Of waters had es-
pecially bespoken for his votaries a day
best suited for their amorous design. =
The spot selected for the banquet, was
one which nature had so bountfully
adorned. that nothing was lef: for art to
supply, except the tables and the dishes.
Lofty trees cast delicious shade around.
Through the clustering branches the
wind sighed tenderly, and the soft per.
fumes of a thousand wild flowers filled
the air. A thousand feathery warblers
.auttered from boughs, echoing each 9TH
er's gay, glad notes. As he surveyed the
scene, the kings heart swelled with a
proud consciousness Of coming triumph.
His chosen band of followers were wild
with rosy expectations. Even Aurelius,
who had travelled much, and who had
dined in Greece with the Deipnosphists.
and cultivated all the arts Of appe,ites and
taste, approved Of The arrangements, which
indeed, had been very much under his
care.
"Our deity has surely inspired us to
this deed," said Romulus, "our horses
Of which we know he taught his devolees
the use, and which therefore form so i'm
portant feature in our Consuela, will
serve us admirably in bearing off our fair
prizes"
An hour passed and no tidings of the
Sabines. Doubtful looks were exchanged
by all save Aurslius, who believed that
impatience was vulgar, and anxiety spoil
ed the complexion. Another hour, and
still they came not. Low murmers arose.
The king handled his sword nervously.
In every countenance an impending ex.
plosion might have been detected.
Towards noon heavy cloud Of dust
darkened the horizon. The kings eye
frightened. Dra,us endeavored to assume
a gay and youthful mien. Aurelius pas.
sed his hands through his hair, and sud
denly remembered that il was fashionable
to be late. The Romans disposed them.
selves To receive their visitors. Every
pulse quickened. 3I
AT length a gorgeous cavalcade drew
near. Led on by Tatius, their king. the
Quiaites swept gracefully up the avenue
which led TO the festival ground, and hav.
ing dismounted, advanced to meet their
hosts, who saw with inexpressible deligh!
that Of their guests the larger number
were young and beautiful women.
Romulus stepped forward with cour-
teous grace, but with the proud bearing
that might have been expected on such an
occasion Of the offspring Of the God Of
war. He deeply felt the honor Of this
visit had he dared to hope his beauteous
neighbors would have so very generously
responded to his humble invitation, he
should have striven to supply more ex-
tensive means for their diversion. As it
was, he welcomed them with an overflow.
ing heart, and begged them to pardon
whatever deficiencies they might observe
in the methods and manners Of men so
long deprived Of the sweet and refining
influence Of their presence. o.@A'
The women looked vastly pleased
Some murmered Acknowledgements; all
smiled. Romulus led Tatius aside, and
briefly arranged the order Of the days
festivities. Then, with gay asslduity, he
devoted himself to the fair spouse Of his
royal neighbor. Aurelius.fell in with the
naughty patritian dame who had written
q book. Yes, she too was there. Curl.
osity had crushed out even her scruples.