Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-04-09
selefteD storp.
The Gypsy's Prophecy.

On n high, sea-beaten cliff on the
coast OF Scotland loomed up an old.
half-decaved tower. Out in front aud
looking sadly upon the old ruin, stood
lls master. Young nobleman of scarce
twenty-three summers. His elbow
rested upon low post Of the inner
gate and his head on his hand, while
his hat WAS raised from 4 brow upon
which drops of anguish were fast gath
ering.
Il have lost all-all. - he groaned.
as he paced with restless tread, the
stone-paved walk leading to the door.
Only one month since what a brill
liant future was spread before Inc !.
Heir Of Glenullen-one of the prondest
houses that Scotland boasts Now.
alas where am | , Almost penniless-
cast on the world without home save
this lonely, comfortless nest. Once i
loved the low olaintive music of the
sea, and longed TO dwell where l could
forever hear its dreamy murmurings,
but it distracts me now, and were il
not for her who. know, is still faith
ful to her Edmund, who will cling TO
him. despite his ruined fortunes, |
would soon find a dreamless repose
where its horrid chaos could be heard
no more Damon" he called TO one of
his old, and faithful servants, saddle
nv horse in q moments time r.
What. my lord in such Storm"
exclaimed the astonishcd menial. ut
can't be that YOU are going ~ leave
such home AS this, to weather one of
the worst gales that ever swept across
the cliff:
Poor fellow sighed young Ed
mund. .'he forgets that | am no lord,
but simply master Of that spot which
is 10 me but little better than prison,
and that he tortures my over-burdened
heart by his simple reminder Of what
has been" To his servant he added ::
There is no time for questions nor
answers, Damon. Ihope TO he some
distance on my journey when the rain
which those clouds betoken descends.
To your duty, Damon There is no
remedy" And while the old man
hastily threw on Ravens trappings,
Edmund continued SHOULD the storm
unexpectedly vent its fury, l will seek
shelter with Amer our gypsy friend"
Giving the bride to his fiery steed
and pressing his flank with his spurs,
he darted off like lightning down the
rocky road lea2ing from the tower.
AS he was passing out of sight he
sent a backward glance toward his
cherries home. and perceived that the
huge masses of vapor had rolled them
selves together and formed a frightful
canopy 10 the old castle.
When he neared the door of Amer's
straw matched cottage, near the cav
ern which had shielded his father and
a number of his intrepid followers from
the rage of their foes during the san
culinary and unequal struggle of the
Scots for their rights, he reined up his
horse and halted, for the rain was de-
cending in torrents.
Feeling perfectly at home, be first
sought shelter for his animal and then
walked into the cottage.
The solitude of the gypsy was rare
ly intruded upon, and, as he expect
ed, Edmund Fitzgerald found her
alone and busted with her knitting.
She was humming a wild ballad in her
native tongue when her visitor step
ped upon the threshold, but she in
stantly ceased upon recognizing him,
and throwing her withered arms around
him. besought the goodness and mercy
of God upon his young head.
20 my son, my son! Did l ever
think that these old eyes would again
behold the form and face Of Lord Fitz'
gerald's childl | saved your father
three times from his foes, Edmund
when their swords, reeking with the
blood of his ill-fated comrades, were
upliftedtO sever soul and body. He
never forgot old Amer, did he5"