St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1858-07-15
Rmlmtit Skettb.
From GrahaIn's Magazine for July
THE TRIBUNE'S DAUGHTER.
A TALE OF THE FALL OF POMPEII

Nearly two thousand years ago,
and about the time of the vintage.
the broad, down-pouring sun tinted
gorgeously the pine-crested Appe-
niaes, and danced on the green slopes
of the Campania.
Standing in the Via Appia, as it
led from Pompcii, round the lower
side of the mountain, and branched
off, in one direction over the Scbetus,
toward Neapolis, the other toward
Nola, the spectator beheld to the north,
majestically springing up, the vine
clad sides of Nesuvius, standing in
bold relief against the blue depth of
heaven beyond. Far past appeared
the mountains of Samnium, their snow.
covered tops cleaving the distant sky
Over the Campi Phlegara, westward
the eye roamcd with delight, as houses
Hi..oos, anu p'.-.---~ ,~-i- -. Al :
glance. Further still were the waters
of the bay of Cuma-thc marble
mansions of Neapolis-the Baie, the
city of baths, lay slumbering on the
shore Of the tranquil sea.
Beneath, nesting i'll the odorous air,
lay Herculaneum and eastward, down
the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea,
stood its neighbor city, Retina. Some
ninety stadii beyond that, again, We're
uprearcd the stately proportions of
Pompcii-a miniature Rome. On a
curve of the southern waters stood
the rich city of Stabia, while beyond
the Campanlan promontory was the
fair island of Caprca, like a rich gem
within dazzling and flashing setting
The lovely and animated scene
with shepherds in the distance, vino,
dressers at hand, aud galleys of every
kind and size dotting the blue waters
had an admiring witness in the per.
son of young patrician, who had
evidently driven in his biga from the
Immortal City on a visit to its smaller
rival, Pompeii. He had stopped his
beautiful steeds in the very midst OF
their wild haste, and fixed them for a
moment, in an attitude ineXprcssibly
graceful and striking.
His biga, elaborately carved, was
of the usual size and construction
The wheels were bound with bronze
tires, elegantly wrought. The har
ness was of silver, and the bells which
adorned the furniture of his steeds
jingled swcetly with every motion OF
the faultlessly formed animals.
The patrician was youth of about
five-and-twenty, of tall, commanding
figure, and with face bold in outline
and strikingly handsome in its tea
lures. His rich attire bespoke rank
as well as wealth ; and leaning over
the head of his car was richly
chased hunting spear.
His eyes kindlcd as they roved ovel
the wide eXpansc, and his passionate
rapture burst forth.
"It is beautiful, by Spor !" he ex
claimed. "I have seen naught in tn,
virgin loveliness of barbaric lands t,
surpass the picture !; and the glorious
old mountain rises heavenward, a
though recling beneath its weight o
purple berries. But | must not tarry
for Theseis, my beautiful betrothed
will expect me. First to the baths, t.
gather the news, and then to the hous
of the tribune. On, my good steeds
on The starry giant will soon b
high in the heavens, and the shad
will be more grateful )" and shaking
the rcins, his horses bounded onwar,
toward Pompeii, leaving cloud Q
dust behind them.
As he advanced to the city the roa
became more crowded. People wer
going to and fro. Here and there tn
+ biga of some fashionable Pompeiia
dashed by, while, in the distance,
squadron of Roman cavalry was see
to rush past in full gallop-the tril
une's crimson tunic hoisted on ia
spear, and the golden eagle carrie
by stalwort bearer, and surrounde
by cleaning axes. Rude wains, bea
ing amphore of wine, fruits, veget;
bles, or other produce for the marke
went groaning ON. In short, all c.
hibited the suburban hustle of r.
man city two thousand years ago.
Presently the biga of the patricia
dashed through the gate Of Nola, b
fore which stood the sentinel, ali
| bearing ON his shoulders his ponde
e Gus axe. The car was now threadin
:, the city streets, when suddenly Il
!, ! horses stumbled-fell--but Instant
: regained their feet. The evil ONE