The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-03-12
ALCIDUR:
Or, the Power Of Song.

Or, the Power Of Song.
1t was the height of the "Reign of Ter
rors" in Paris. A crowded audience was
breathlesslv listening to the favorite tenor,
Alcider. y II s'''t"s ~ 4s& Il
"C'est magnifquel c'est charmant ~
1t is superb! ravishing!' was whispered
alike in pit, boxes and gallery. as Alci-
dor was singing 20, Richard! o, mon
ROi!'
And when he, finished 3, the beautiful,
song in the second act o f the opera, "Un
reve 81 douxp' the public enthusiasm
could no longer be restrained. The house
shook with thunders of applause. Even
Robespierre's features were. for the mo-
mept, litup with an agreeable smile.
The favorite seemed neither to notice
the enthusiasm of the audience nor the
smile of satisfaction on the countenance
of the terrible Robespierre. His eyes
were steadily fixed upon one of the
boxes, in which sat the Marquise d. An
Vile. Vainly he sought to catch the
glance of the marquis; she was deeply
engaged in conversation with gentleman
who was sitting near her in the box and
seemed to be totally unconscious of, the
singer. But his ardent gaze at length
aroused her; she seemed to recollect her
self, and, leaning forward over the front
Of the box, waved him her handkerchief
and fan, whilst he, beside himself,
stretched out both arms towards her.
The audience knew very we'll that tue
marquise was Alcidor's beloved-that he
devoted his love, voice and life to her,
and they honored the lady to whom Al
cidor frequently alluded in his rsptorous
song as his guardian angel The applause
was now, therefore, as much for the mar
quise as for the singer.
The next morning Alcidor was reclin-
ing on a couch, exhausted with the past
evenings excitement, arrayed in gor-
geou SILK dressing gown, and with his feet
feet thrust carelessly into pair of Turk.
ish slippers.
There was an air Of agreeable confusion
about the room On tamDorine was the
ermine mantle in which the singer had
appeared on the previous evening. On a
chair lay, carelessly huddled together, a
Spanish dress and gypsy costume. On a
small table were a guitar and a dagger,
whilst on the piano, where lay the open
music, book, stood bottles and champagne
glasses. Alcidor threw quick glance
round upon this elegant disorder, and
then, with an ironical smile, leant his head
back on the soft cushions of the couch
and sank into pleasant reverie.
A rustling at the door aroused him, and
the next minute a sweet voice asked
"May I come in?" Alcidor started up, his
counteaance radiant with delight. He
fastened to the door, opened it, and the
ma1quise entered. The singer stood
speeches. with establishment and joy at
this unexpected visit; but the marquise
who did not remark his embarrassment
hastily bolted the door, enquiring earn
estly, "Can any one hear us2''
No, no one,' he replied, scarcely able
to command his voice, from emotion and
falling on his knees, he exclaimed, co.
Cecilia, you come to me, you deign tc
honor this wretched apartment with your
my titular genius, my guardian angel
my beloved!: A u Cd T.
mot so--not sop said the marquise
anxiously. austen, Isbeseech you Some
time since gave into your custody {
small box, Of which you promised to TAXI
care for me. Lay I now ask you to re
turn it2"
Alcidor went to his bureau. The
marquise watched him breathlesslv as b.
sought for the box amongst books, note
and letters, and when he had found it sh
could not repress a joyful, scream
Quickly she pressed a spring; the lii
flew open, and costly jewels were expose,
to view. a - - . >~'. ..". 1'"..
''Look, Alcidor," said the marquise, ez
citedly; "this IS all the property I pos
sess, and you have carefully preserved j
for me- #cai ;.".'" 80 ''5. -.
Alcidor kissed her outstretched hands
80, Cecilia exclaimed he, ''what do
care for dazzling jewels, costly thong
they are? Your eyes are my jewels, an
your love my treasure. Say you sti
love me-" s<+sssshs' 7F' s571 3'@. a@'s' "a
The marqaise was silent. 49,. :
80. say you still love meW besough
Alcidor. ''Speak to me, beseech you
you, the JOY Of my hfeW a~< -:
The marquise turned pale; he
eyes filed with tears. Suddenly sh
flung hersvlf at his feet. and, raising he
beautiful arms, sobbed forth, 80. Alcido
forgive me; have deceived your
The singer drew back, and exclaimed
"You no longer love me!'
"Forgive mel" entreated the marquis,
20, do not look at me like that. Spur
me, kill me, but do not look at me lik
that" ....- - -.: ...,. 49,.
Alcidor recovered his self. command
Stretching out his hands towards tt
marquise, he cried, "Stand up, madame
That is no true position for you !''ot ''
But the marquise replied, II will nc
quit this lowly position until you ga
you will forgive me. Listen to me patien
~ a moment. You remember the cru,
outrages Of the 10th Of Augusta sa,
my father and mother slaughtered by til
men whom you call the protectors {
France. They forced me to be witnes
Alcidor, Of their death by the guillotin,
Then they thrust me back again into m
prison, to be guillotined some other da,
But that night was set free. Cour
Roger obtained my pardon from Rob,
sDlerre. 7 had disdaine6 his 1ovo hu< h