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

not absolute spirit This breach of trust was dis
covered and Robha visited by her companions with
terrible punishment The witches by counter-spe which
efficient against MORTAL killed Robhas lover and
Selling her. ncosed her within stone chamber with the
corpse Left thus in utter darkness and feeling about the
walls of the icy CELL the wretched Robha discovered to-
her horror the dead body which was her only companion
but knew that of her lover Days and nights
passed in that abode of night and at length weared out
with anxiety and terror she slept She slept but sleep
ing became conscious of horrible dream. The corpse
kne beside her. she felt its cold and clammy Unfold
her. she heard its icy whispers breathing hdeous passion in
her ears her voice. her Frame were parayzed and after
period of insensiby she awokeawoke to find herself
surrounded by her sisters who animated with internal
triumph again released her. and kept her in cavern among
the mountains until her child born when they destroyed
her. That child the witch Sorca.* The witches
brought up this child educating her in all their mysteries
and rites and when arrived at womanhood placed her
under spell which rendered her immortal, but doomed
her, accompanied forever by Demon Shadow whom we
who what invisible recognize amid the phanoms of
the earth Arpha Sorc though hundreds of years have
passed since her BIRTH is still the most beautiful witch of
the Northand and her power is great that but myself
and another magician the remote east possess the
of averng her malefcent nfuence-not always, however,
but only during certain and conuncons of the
planets"
Femia felt cold thrill of creep through her veins
Sgrua reced this strange history prospective dread
associated with her appearance as described that she was
destined to work some evil her lover possessed her
Pale with beating heart she casped the bony hands of the
aged druid gazing those wondrous bright eyes which
famed upon her from their snowy caverns full of power
and love- After silence of moments during which
the only sound that of the storm buetng the stony
walls of the tower crashing the branches of the huge
oaks lulling if to render audible its distant voice
upon the desoate sea- she inquired eagerly "And where
O Sgruta where now dwells this fearful Sorca?"
The magician paused for space and with closed eyes,
appeared to be occupied in some spiritual communion.
Them awakening if from Dream he said Far off this
night in one of the Dread Islands-ha the main
land-she is about to work enchantment."
"Can you her ?" inquired Femia with eyes fright
and darkened face though imagination had rendered
visible the beautiful witchs hateful presence
"No" answered Sgruta in hollow voice; "not with the
eyes of the esh but through with my attendant
genius"
T fear for Carbre whose vessel on the north seas this
night" cried the girl "Save him. good sgruta him."
smile passed the brow of the aged magician like
CLEAN of moonlight summit white with
"Fear not he said calmly, "no harm shall happen him
at least while Sgrua lives But 10 is near midnight
Leave to my studies, fair daughter; be thy dreams
happy And touching her on the forehead he dismissed
her.
SCENE SECOND
Sorcas seA the shore-Ngh-Stom ragingEnter
from the beach Sorca and her Demon.
SoRcA-The tempest rising from the sea
Is raging in its fullest force;
Now while our spell pursues its
Is ittest time to prophecy
Arpha, lay to the sand thine ear,
And say, what dost thou hear?
DEMoN-In the southwest sound of war;
On the great plains of Conmaice Mar,
Where CORN has met with Conchobar;
They combat on the moonlit wold
Within forests gloomy fold.
SoRcA-Look to the sea, where yonder star
Sinks in the raging foam afar;
Lock to the sea- if on its waste
storm-driven barque does hereward haste
That bears the daring chief,
Young Cairbre Nafear like leaf
IJpon the torrent Speak in haste