Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-08-15
THE OAKEN CHEST.

IhE OAh
TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN.
In Modena, in the vicinity of Riggo gate
the proud colonnade of an old palace attracts
The eye of every stranger. If he walks thro
the magnificent portal, and the sumptuouS
state rooms where the eye is daZzlcd and the
bewildered, he thinks he will retain q
recollection of the splendor he has beheld
but he wanders on, passes out of the houses
that he entered with wonder and amaZement
and he will certainly feel slight shudder ol
dread as he casts back his glance land his mind
will alone be occupied by Oaken chest
which he saw in the palace. 1t stands in q
iarge, spacious room, against one of the bare
walls that have no other ornament than wo
manly portrait, which hangs over this. with
carvings richly supplied, dark chest. If The
glance OF the visitor falls this picture,
which beams forth fullpess Of beauty, splen-
dor and youth, he will deem the room which
before seemed so bare and empty, sufficiently
ornamented; he thinks they did right not to
Bring any other picture into this room ,as none
would be worthy to hang by the side of this
one. As the searching eye of the visitor sinks
deeper and deeper into the blue depths of an
expression betraying an ineXhaustible source
OF love and resignation. he feels by continued
gazing on Il face beaming with happiness and
beatitude, a sense OF satisfaction stealing
through his heart that there is on earth some
thing that has the power to transport int o
be is standing at the grave of all that is look
Ing dOwn on him with IA look of almost super
terrestrial splendor. The young maiden whose
smile Sempierl gave with such wonderful f.
deity in the picture, smiled even more happi-
iy in that hour when the painter, with master
iy hand, at the request OF her lover, fastened
her features into the canvass, on watch they
are preserved, after hundreds Of years, in
magical grace and beauty.
1t WAS on her wedding day She was one
of tho ioveliest daughters of the noble house
of Orsinis-was betrothed to one of the hand
soonest and most knightly princes of the old
and powerful race OF the Colonnas. Through
the love of these young hearts, the deadly
hate which had existed between these two
families for years, was not only ended, but
changed into feelings OF the warmest friend,
ship. Lond shouts of laughter and rejoicing
rang through every room and hall of the proud,
magnificent palace on the wedding day and
II here and there remnant of the former an
tmosity still brooded, it would vanish before
the smile that beamed from the charming
countenance of the young and lovely bride.
reminding one of sunshine in spring it would
disappear at the sight of the overjoyed bride
groom, o'er whose face fitted the rays of pur-
est bliss.
The JOY and rapture of the united entered
The hearts of all that witnessed their happi-
ness, and all rejoiced with them. No one
could resist the serene and cheerful atmos-
fhere that pervaded the beautiful festival, and
each one in overgushing joy sought the pleas
ure that best suited their tastes.
Towards evening the varied crowds OF guests
rushed forth from the sumptuouS parors of
the house, into the gardens, brilliantly illumi-
mated with thousand variegated colored Ian
terms, into which above all the moon poured
Its soft and mellow light. Suddenly the face
OF the groom, wearing serious expression, ap-
he ham onA
In astonishment they asked him what had
caused shadow on his countenance, which
but few minutes before beamed forth Joy and
happiness. Il cannot find my bride 20 he cried
hastily, and in tones betraying the anguish of
his soul, he added, eShe told me while ago
that she would hide herself, and in place
that never would think of looking for her
or lind her. She seems to have disappeared
completely, not vestge of her remaining
They laughed at the prince for his apprehen-
sion, and jokingly aided him in searching the
orange grove but in the hearts of the most
cheerful there was uneasness, as the night ad-
Vanced; the festivities drew to close and,
In spite of the most diligent searches no trace
OF the bride was visible. Greater and great
sr grew the anxiety, and more eagerly were
the house and garden searched as the night
shades descended but of all the hours spent
In breathless suspense, not one Of their SLOW
and to every guest painfully gliding seconds
brought back the lost one.
Words of distrus. were uttered by the la
mentIng Orsinis and answered with outcries
OF sedition by the offended Colonas daggcrs
were drawn on the ground where only few
hours before pledges Of ever lasting friendship
were made, and the glittering blades of swords
mashed through the dewy foliage, where be-
iofe brilliant eyes beamed with love and hap
gahess. 1t was frghtful, terrible change =
ne more affecting, as during the preceding
PteasuFeS no one had the least apprehension
VI rupture! But though they blamed and
accused, though they defended themselves
ana ana called on God and all the saints to witness
.nelt innocency; though they endeavored to
Nash out injuries with blood, and carry away
nn passion many heart was pierced with
aafh suspicion, neither an imprecation, MUIR
uer nor cry of Observation-Disclosures
oronght back the lost BRIDE
The place of Orsinis was closed after the
marriage which ended so tragicalIy desolate
remained the halls, where pleasure and happi-
ness were changed, as it were, with lightning
speed into grief and despair. Only after
Huhuleos OF years was the long closed portal
upeheu by one Of the descendants of the no.
o.e race OF the Orsinis, and light and air were
w me more allowed TO circulate through the
.oohs % that had been yelled in night and dark
ness SO long.
.ne closed house was restored to pleasure
- -. "irth, when one day the eye of the lady
nv mouse while walking through the rooms