Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1870-12-15
THE SUNkEN CITY.

Among the commercial sea-towns ot
Holland, six centuries ago, Stavorcn held
the place. The ships of its merchants
covered the seas, and imported the pro-
duc,ions Of ull zones Such an extensive
commerce raised the wealth of this town
to hitherto unknown extent. Il is true
that they were here, as elsewhere, many
poor, but the wealthy vastly outnumbcred
them. High life. luxury and magnif-
cencc, the usual companions IF great rich
&c. prevailed, for in foolish pride aud ruin
Gus zeal each citizen tried 10 outvie the
other in pomp. splcndor. and cxtravagant
!angre1S. Tradition relates there weremanv
houses which cqualled palaces in their
grandeur. They were constructed ofmar-
bic. the interiors ornamented with the
most artistic decorations. covered with the
richest tapestries, provided with the rarest
furniture, the doors bound with the mos,
precious metals, instead OF iron.
But IT all the Stavoren merchants none
could compare in riches with the virgin
RichIcrta. The success with which each
of her spcculations was rewarded. and not
seldom with unexpected profits, seem to
show to her to what degree fortune could
lavish her gifts on a mortal, and how long
allow her tavors to be enioyed.
The commercial feet of the virgin mcr-
char. visited the rcmotcst seas, and not
only returned each time with the richest
profits but loaded with the most eYpen-
sive wares, with ornaments of diamonds.
pearls. and precious stones. which were
employed in the palace of their mistress
and shonc on its walls.
Such uucxamplcd good fortune Richbcr-
ta could not support with Indifference, and
ii the maxim ;hat great misfortuncs are
easier TO be borne than immoderatc hap
pines" be true. Richherta was destined
to be glaring proof of the truth of this
assertion
Her pride and vain glory kept step
with the increase Of her riches, and she
showed this both by contempt for her fcl-
low-creaturcs and by preparing the most
luxuriant and extravagant feastS. less with
the intention of amusing and gladdening
the town, than to give her guests the op-
portunity TO admire the ever changing
splendor of her apartments. and be aston
ished at the foreign and costly food and
wine, and thus excite their envy.
AT one of these senscless rcpa Is. offer
ing nothing to the mind and leaving the
heart void. a strange guest was announced
He came, he said. from foreign countries:
bad seen many royal kingdoms and the
splendor Of their courts, aud had come to
aJu,;... R:chkar.,.s r..l.s ,-i:.l g. =
ported to be miraculous.
The fatterei mistress begged the stran-
ger to take a seat at her side. He ap.
peared to be still robust old man, in the
picturesque costume ofthe Orient. His con-
duet was both dignitied and noble rs he
stepped to Richbcrta, expecting the vel
come from her hand. which, according 70
the usage of his country, is given sym
bolically BY the Offering of bread and
salt.
But there was no bread on the luxuri-
Gus table. which groaned under Its bar
den Of rare, epicurean dishes, and from
which the simple ncurisiment' of poycrty
Silently the st q. ~ er seated himself, and
while taking rec aen,s related, in a
manner which & - syes and ears upor
him. of his travis Z sd and water. o.
foreign nations and thssk kt,astouis.
I Every guest was ensrsnced with hi:
words: bat net 50 the virgin Riehberta.
Her vanity could expect nothing else thar
that the stranger should be loud in hi.
praises Of her riches. the brillianey Of he,
feast. and would make comparisons Civ.
ing fresh nourishmen. 10 her pride. Il
these subjects, however. he made no allu
sion: till finally driven 10 desperation
she demanded Il of him herself, when b,