Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-07-21
Selected Miscellany.
STORIES FROM THE OPERA.
The Tragic Love of Rachei,the Jewess.

with his daughter Rachel, had taken up
his residence IN the city of Constance after
he had been driven out Of Rome, and lived
there as peacefully and quietly az one OF
his race could hope in Catholic country
during the early part OF the iourteeth cen
fury. His little shop and home ironted on
the grand square, and directly opposite to
the cathedral. But this circumstance,
which would ordinarily be regarded as par
ticularly pleasant, really led to the first
popular outbreak against him.
The occasion was that OF holiday, not
only in the modern sense Of the word, but
in the original meaning of holy Gay and the
entire populace WAS in the streets, first to
celebrate in church and atterward in feast
ing, dancing, and carousing. AS thepeo-
pie were entering the cathedral they heard
the sound OF o workman's hammer oppo-
site, and rushed into che Jews shop to find
him breaking one of their feast days by
saorilegous work. They seized both La.
zarus aud Rachel and with cries OF ven
geance, were about to drag them to instant
condemnation and punishment, when they
were met by Cardinal Brogni. in full robes,
and entering the church for service He
recognized Lazarus ut once.
81 havo seen you before, said the card.
inal; "what does this mean
eyes, you once banished me from
Rome" replied the jew, bitterly, "and
now | suppose you will Danish me from
here. But when | knew you last you did
not wear sacerdotal robes You had wife,
a child
Hush, hush!" whispered the cardinal
'Rospect a husband, fathers griet and |
will save you."
Cardinal Brogni was as good as his word,
dispersed the populace, and commanded
that the jew and his daughter should be
let alone. Rachel, in her youthful CON
fidence, took this to be permanent protec-
ton, but her father knew the nature OF his
prosecutors too well to believe in il. His
suspicious were right, for it was not An
hour after that they wore set upon again
by the people, this time for daring to tread
upon chuych steIs,
"Tollow the example of Him who first
expelled the usurers" cried one.
"Cast ont the vile racel" cried another.
"rhrow them into the laker erieaa third
and this was taken up by the crowd and
would probably have been put into execu.
ton, had not II young man rushed upon
the scene, into whose arms Rachel threw
herself with all the confidence otloye.
Back Stand back, say" shouted the
newcomer, as he drew his sword menac-
ingy.
Rachel was terrified at her lovers teme-
rity, but her terror gave way to surprise
when the crowd and the soldiers really iell
back, taking off their hats, and whispering
among themselves as though they recog-
ni2ed some one Of authority III the young
man who came upon the scene so oppor-
timely, AT all events. she aud her father
were saved, and, in company with their
preseryer they withdrew into their house,
there tosueet u number of their race, and
discuss the exciting events Of the day.
II.
R8Chal seemed 10 combine all the per-
sonul beauties OF her race. and added TO
these the gentleneSs and trust that are
rather the characteristics Of Christian wu.
manhood, Ii was not strange that she
should have attracted love nor that she
should hive given her heart and life 20 the /
handsome Young mGu whom she knew as
Samuel, whom she believed 10 be Of her
own race, and who was known among the
small circle of Jews as an artist OF great
talent aud greater promise. Bat the singu
lar effect o. his presence, and evident au-
tholty among the people who had threat
euea bar lite and her fathers, troubled her
exceedingly. Yet she found no immediate
opportunity Of demanding an explanation,
as the guests in the house took theirpiaces
around the humble board to partaAe of the
unltaveuui bread which lazarus gave 10
them, witha prayer calling down blessings
upon the faithful, and curses mon the
traitor who should abandon the religion of
his father.
Rachel WAS troubled more than ever
when she noticed that Samuel, instead of
eating the bread rs the others did, threw
il suWephtously under the table But all
explanation was interrupted again by loud
knocking at the door, and demand for
admission in the emperors name. La2a-
rus told Rachel and his guests 10 with.
draw, but requested Samuel to remain, ad-
ding;
Your strong arm may be needed again
10 help NE, A visit at this hour can be
made Tor no good purpose.
The poor was opened and woman APP.
peared on the threshold. Samuel could
scarcely retain an cutlery of surprise and
diS>nay "a he saw her, but his embarrasse-
meut WAS uuobseryed
"What is your wish?' asked Lazarus.
II will tell You presently answered
the strange lady, but first, who is this
man.
Samuel was careful to keep his face turn.
ed from the newcomer, and Lazarus An.
swered for him
He is painter Of great repute, and A
friend who has given me many proofs OF
his love, But he shall withdraw II You
wish it.
No, it is not necessary. Ny visit is No
secret am EUiossia, the emperor
niece"
ooh, heavens Are you indeed the prin
cess exclaimed Lazarus, as be tel npor
his knee.
'les, but rise, my good man Az