The Irish republic. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1867-18??, 1868-02-22


is hour before dawn gray darkness hangs over the
ghtened only the shore by the gmmer of the bill
lows which, following in endless lines thunder against the
gaunt sleeps and gnash in the white foam of their fury at
their feet The broodng the sea, minging its
ncessant sound in awful harmony with that of the waves
becomes deeper it RACES inland amid the great oak wood
which occupies the of the isle. At times flash of
blue lightning falls on the faro pillows of that empestuous
wilderness and repeated dscloses barque with rent
sail and shattered mast drifting hopelessy towards the shore
ward tumu of the breakers and as washed by the
SEAS tapproaches the deadly ong the fierce flame dcloses
the form of youthful chief who, clinging to the mast half
smohered in spray gazes earnestly through the watey mist
towards the rocks whittier he is hurrying.
Abandoned the mighty force the and wind the
brque has already entered the surf ne rising and sinking
amid the CULTS of foam. And the overwhelmed
it wholly for moment the figure the deck uers
prayerhe lightning ilumines but desert
But over the place where has sunk strange Shadow Form
hovers and though sustaining pale figure
floating towards the land 1t is the Demon Arpha who
folding its phantom around the shpwrecked Cabre
bears him nsensbe into great above the beach, and
lays him the feet of his mistress AS Sorca kneeling
beside the chief rings the spray from his cur and kisses his
cold lips the shadow uters wild ncanatlon which has
ended when the undergoes Transformation,
beautiful and strange Rich hangngs soft morning Clouds
depend from its rocky roof and walls soft carpets spread
its sandy floor sparry lamps scinate from its ceiling;
soft couches rse surrounding table covered with rich
banquet glowing with golden avers of fruit and cups of
wine while curtains folding hicky across the entrance,
shut the raging and boerous noises of the tempest
The has been TRANSPORTED into luxurious chamber
and bright breathing of perfumes and rich with tempt
ing fare =
grace bends the YOUTH who has not awakened
from his drowning trance. The beauty of the WITCH though
excessive has yet something fearful In its enchantment
Amaby her golden hair streams from her ivory temples
her fair shoulders and swelling bosom the pouting
rose mouth breathing love words whispers in his ears but
her eyes of exquisite green though dmmed by amorous
haze hide the fiery sparkle in either pupil which, like
the of hell proclaim her demoniac nature Volupu-
| CHI
wrecked YOUTH his head resting her arm until perceiyng
by the faint flush the cheek that life is returning she
makes sign the Shadowt disappears With eyes still
closed Cabre heaves sgh and stretching forth
murmur in dream, the name-Feiimia. The sound Of
his voice awakes him. and gazing round in amaze he ex
claims, "What vision is this? Where am p
! ain safety"
" And you, beautiful lady?"
Gone who preserved you from shipwreck." The chief
elbow can display my gratitude? If thou hast any
ayeng any purpose to execute my soul and my
sword are thine"
"If thou woudst please me- fair and brave cheain,
to the feast for thee refresh myself after such tolls and
dangers and first, drink to me in this cup of wine"
Hereupon Sorca presented the youth with ruby goblet
in whose magic vintage, in sooh, love potion had been
mingled and with enchanting solicited him to par
take of the costly fare In few moments however the
deceitfu LIQUID had wrought upon him his swan In
derous delight, his heart beat with amorous tumu and
soft golden light seemed to float around him. amid which he
was only of the presence of the beautiful Sorca
whose arm encrcled his neck and whose lips seemed to
mingle whispers with kisses.
Meanwhile what time it was still night at saborce CASTLE
Femia, who had been visited by dream-a dream
Swallowing forth the events which had occurred to her lover
hurried to Sgrutas chamber narrated her vson and
treated him. through his magical faculty. to avert the ndu
ence of the enchantress.
Sgrna uttered few words to some invisible presence
evoking counter spell, while fame flashed from his
waved staff piercing towards the northern night and peal
of distant thunder followed Feimia sank terrified the
feet of the potential mage
- CONTINUED.
*sorca is Celtic female name, meaning bright" ~
TRANSFORMATIONS Nessa King of the Irans He
egpd Emana and died Al 49, His reign celebrated in
holds much the same place in annals the Celtic King Arthur
Ruadh Cross the Red by Mogach the Fear
King of enster fought many battles father
with the Fearbogs both of Lnste Connaugh from which
latter he took the lands given them
and his queen Meavethe famous heroine the 6
est Erie Wnose achievements celebrated IN the ~
gne one OF the oldest of our heroic Celtic poems ne
castle OF Sabolce stood promontory near the %