East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1860-07-05
Silas, or the Combat.
BY ALEX. DUMAS.

The gladiators had just made their
exit; tumult reigned throughout the cir
Gus, and the fencers were succeeded by
those who were TO be exposed to the
wild beasts. They were Christians; so
that all the hatred was transferred to them,
aud all the sympathy to the beasts
Meanwhile, whatever was the impatienee
of the crowd they were forced to wait
until the slaves had drawn their rakes
over the sands of the circus; but this
operation was fastened by the furious
vociierations from every part of the am
phitheatre. AT length the slaves with.
drew, the arena was for a moment empty,
and the multitude were all in expectation.
a door then opened and all attention was
turned towards the new victims about to
make their appearance.
A female entered, clad in a white robe
and covered with white veil. She was
led to one of the posts, to which she was
bound by cord round her waist. One
of the slaves then tore off the veil, when
the spectators beheld a, figure perfect in
beauty, and, though pale yet resigned.
A heightened murmur was audible
Notwithstanding her title as Christian,
the maiden at first view engaged the
minds of this crowd so impressively, and
with such a change, that all eyes were
rivetcd upon her. a parallel door now
opened, and young man entered. 1t
was customary thus to expose to the
beasts Christian of both sexes, giving
to the man all the means Of defence, from
a desire to retard not only his own death,
but that of his companion. He was per.
mltted to select either mother, lover,
or sister-thus giving to a son, lover,
or q brother fresh courage to prolong
combat which the Christians almost al
ways refused for martyrdom, though they
knew that if they triumph over the first
three animals that were let loose upon
them, they should be saved.
In effect though this man, at first
sight of whom it was easy to recognize
vigor and suppleness was followed by
two slaves, one bearing for him sword
and two javelins, the other leading a Nu.
indian courser-hc did not appear at all
disposed to allow the people spectacle
Of the struggle that awaited him.
He advanced slowly to the circus, cast |
around him look calm and undaunted,
then making sign with his hand that
the horse and arms were useless, he raised |
his eyes towards heaven, fell upon his
knees and offered up prayer. At this
instant, the people, deceived in their ex-
pectations, began to threaten and bel.
ow, exclaiming, ut is combat, and not
martyrdom that we come to see "-
And now the cry was heard. "To the
'rossP In comparing punishment with
he preferred this, though the
might be more protracted.
A ray of ineffable joy shonein the eyes
If the young man, who extended his arms
n token of thankfulness, happy that he
vas about to die the same death by which
he Redeemer made his apothcosis. At
his moment he heard behind him O sigh
10 deep that he turned himself.
"Sias! Silas" murmurcd the maiden.
"Actccp exclaimed the youth, as he
fastened towards her.
Silas have pity on me ;" said Actee.
Soon as l observed you, hope sprang up
n my heart. You are courageous and
trong, Injured to combats with the in.
abitants of the forests and hordes of the
esert. Peradventure if you fight you
ave us both"
And the martyrdom ?" interrupted
,ilas.
And the pain ]" said Actee, letting
ell her head upon her breast. "Alas I |
m not like thee, born in holy city; I
IN a maiden Of Corinth. / have never
card the words of life froaA the mouth
{ Him for whom we are eUllA. Brought
p in the religion of my ancestors, my
aith and creed are new. The word
was unknown TO me until
esterday. Perhaps might have cour-
&c for myself; but, Silas, il were forced
o see you die this slow and cruel death" !"
Enough will fghtl" exclaimed
ilas. "l nm sure to find, though late,
he joy with which you charm me this ,
ay. Then making sign Of command {
D his slaves" Nv horse. sword and |