The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1875-08-17
Selett Sturp.
THE LUNATIC.

Two strangers were passing through
the city of Ferrara, in Italy many years
ago, and proposed while there to pay
visit to the prison of st. Anne, in which
lunatics are confined. The older trav
eler had ar open and pleasing expression
of countenance. AS he now and then
asked question of the rude guide, his
dark and piercing eye seemed to read his
inmost soul, and decipher the expected
answer before the coarse and rugged
features of the jailer could give it utter
ance The gentleman who accompanied
him appeared some years younger.
His perfumed hair escaped from under
his soft white hat, and hung down upon
his shoulders. A short mantle of Grim
son velvet, richly embroidered, was
thrown over his shoulders and hung in
graceful folds to his waist, permitting
only partial glimpse of the ermined
adoublet underneath, and the large and
brilliant links of a magnificent gold
chain. His hand rested carelessly upon
the hilt of an elegant sword, which hung
by his side, and the clang of his spurs,
as they struck against the marble pave
ment, was the only sound that disturbed
the stiffness Of the long corridor through
which they were passing.
o"Boseti," said his companion to him
in French, "methinks this jaier is no
less stupid than ugly, and he will GER.
tainly not be able to give US any salts
factory information concerning the
things we see here, which / the more re-
gret as my curiosity has been strongly
excited by the singularity of this place.
At these words young Italian, who
had been walking in the gallery, advanc-
ed toward them, and addressing them in
good French, offered to escort them
through the prison.
81 shall be pleased" he added, 'ap
make you acquainted with the peculiar
species OF insanity which afflicts each OF
the unhappy objects which pine in these
gloomy cells"
"That offer is made with too good q
grace not to be eagerly accepted by the
Lord of Montaing and myself" replied
Boseti.
Stroll, for such was the young Ital'
ian's name, conducted the visitors through
long hall bordered on each side by
narrow cells, before which he stopped
and explained with much accuracy the
kind of madness ofthe, miserable in
mates
Stroll and Montaing were indulging in
this melancholy train of thought, when
they were suddenly interrupted by the
noise from dungeon, whose door turn
ed gratingly upon its enormous hinges
A man covered with rags and bent by
misery, rather than age, cautiously emerg
ed from the cell, and cast a hurried ani
inquiring glance around. His beard ant
hair were in disorder; yet his pale
shrunken features still presented som,
traces Of noble and imposing nature.
| He advanced hesitatingly toward th'
strangers, and drawing letter from hi
bosom, said in loud and solemn voice
"If you are Christians, see that thi
packet is conveyed to the Princess LIE
more d Este
Boseti exchanged smile with Mon
taing and Stroll, whilst the former tool
the paper,and in order not to wound tn
feelings of the unhappy object that hat
addressed them
"You deem me madman," he con
tinued. "You confound me with tn
vile beings among whom l have beel
thrown Alas! / hardly know mysel
how l have been able to preserve m,
reason amidst the infamous torture
which they have inflicted upon me- All
who can support such an existence?-
Did Lenore but know the wretched cav
in which | breathe out my life, she woul
fly to deliver me. But you hesitate ;yo
: dread the anger of her brother Aye
fear him, for his vengeance is frightiul
But you can tell the friend of m
| infancy, the faithful Cardinal Cinthic
5 that here, under an assumed name
S At this moment the formidable voic
of the jailer resounded through the hal
: and heavy and precipitate steps wer
heard approaching. The poor mania