The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1869-01-24
A LEGEND

Angela
her well-for her sweet face in its pale purity
and the bright waves Of her golden hair was
Just what we might picture to ourselves -
Still more, however, in tho innocence Of her
heart, than in the beauty Of her countensnce
did Angela resemble Code guardian spirits,
the poor followed her, for it was her delight 70
minister to their wants-and many wretched
death-bed was cheered by her presence end the
words of hope and consolation which fell from
her lips.
Leonardo, her father, was . proud, stern
man, whose whole soul was given mp TO- am
delighted in painting pictures Of our Lady snd
the saints, it was merely that they should be
admired BY men, and add to his earthly re-
Jesus, when it smiled upon him from the
canvas awakened thrill of love in the
heart Of the proud artist-he only felt q glow OF
pride that his was the hand that had painted
20 exquisite picture.
Next to his own genius, Leonardo gloried in
that of Albrecht, his pupil, whom he regarded
as his successor, and the person to whom he
which might remain unfinished at his death.
Albrecht was German, handsome youth,
with broad fair brow, that bore the impress
of genius, and eye kindling with inspiration.
He was an orphan, and his home was with
Leonardo. Angela and he had now lived beneath
the same roof for years, she was quite child
when first he knew her, yet, even then she had
made. for herself place in his heart. Every
day she had grown dcarer to him, until now,
in the dawn of her womanhood, her presence
seemed the ye-y sunshine of his existence.
The young girl loved him also with true af-
lection, but as yet it was only with the calm
love of a sister, and il was with clear uneon-
cious glance that she looked into the eyes
which, when they Turned upon her, were UNI
fashionable in their depths Of tenderness.
Leonardo mixed but little in society; his
cold, proud bearing seemed to chill all those
who approached him, and if men accorded him
their praise, he cared but little for themselves
He lived in o strange, old fashioned villa
Il, Il
ings; and here, almost shut out from the world,
with no companion save her father and AL
brecht, Angela had lived peaceful, happy
life, with, however, one sorrow weighing heav-
lily upon her heart. Grave and pious beyond
her years, it was with q PAIN akin to anguish
that the girl observed how the thirst for fame
was corruptiug herr fathers heart and fervcntly
did she pray that he might find the emptiness
of human applause and learn to work for q
higher and holier motive. Every evening. at
the BenediCtion hour, when she knelt before
our Lady's altar in the church, which was close
by her home she implored, with never-tiring
faith, the grace of conversion for her father
Time went past, however, and her prayers
were not answered it seemed though they
never would be, for the shadow which had
fallen upon Leonardo's soul grew darker and
darker, till it seemed to stand between him and
every glimpse of what was good and holy.
religion was neglected and every thought OF
his souls welfare forgotten. Angela wept and
evening when the twill ght crept into the quiet
church, and the air was full offragrant incense
and sweet music, the same earnest prayer rose
ND to heaven before our Lady's altar, on!
mother, change his heart"
The church where Angela prayed was . very
beautiful one, rich in all the picturesque beauty
which the sun shone in with soft and mellowed
beam. The altar was of the Purest white mar,
Bile upon it's broad slab knelt scnlptured
gs se10P HoS g
Above the altar was large vacant space
which seemed intended for picture, and which
was, in fact, shortly to be filed Py painting an
been chosen as the artist and requested to exert
himselfto make the picture worthy of 80 promi-
nent place in so splendid temple, The proud
soul of the artist swelled within him, and he
determined to paint magnificent picture,
that the whole world should be amazed at its
beauty, and declare him to be the first OF living
artists.
Foolish Leonardo. vas this the spirit in
which to approach the delincation of her who,
for her humility, was exalted
One bright summer evening, Angela, her
father and Albrecht, sat together i'll the studio
painting. Angela soon laid down her brushes,
and set with her forehead resting upon her
hand, watching her father. Albrecht, too, had
ceased to work, and his eyes were fixed upon
Angela, and far awayin the future vision rose
before him of a home upon the borders of his
own blue Rhne-a home that seemed o very
heaven upon earth, sanctified by the presence
of Angela, his wife. Leonardo alone seemed
absorbed in his painting. He was working at
his great picture, which wasf now pretty far
advanced; in fact it was almost completed
with the exception of the Virgins face, which
was merely sketchedin, and seemed as though
it had been frequently erased. 1t represented
the woman clothed with the sun, the moon be
meath her feet, and upon her head o crown OF
twelve stars"
Leonardo worked on in silence for o long
time he touched and retouched the azure dra
perry, the golden-tinted clouds, the sifvery
crescent of the moon. Then he drew long
breath and murmured to himself, This picture
shall earn for me fame that will endure q
long as time shall last; my name shall go dowI
to poeterity encircled by q halo" He started a.
Angela made some slight movement, (for III
had quite forgotten her presence and that O
Albrecht.) !" Leave me, my children, he sale
hurriedly, I wish to be alone; am going Il
paint the face of my picture. Is 1t not you
hour, Angela for going to the church p'
Albrecht left the studio Immediately, ant
Angela, too, rose and was about to follow him
when a sudden impulse made her turn back