The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-10-16

at Antonins Csaile, which he suddenly
knew again as fell the moonlight. He
clambercd over the park walls, aud, after
walking to and fro, proceedod 70 tho open
door Of a chapel. He entered, and bsheld
a marble tomb rise pallidly In the centre
aisle, whereon beautiful young girl stood,
spell.bound, as one who listenst to the angels.
Draped in her robe Of white, her ooronet up
on her brow, her ruby collur round her
swan-like neck, her nrms folded reverrntly,
and her gaze raised upwards--such was
Cecilia in her statue.
Roland thought he was admiring bis own
beloved.
"After twenty years search, l found you
once again, my beauteous darling" cried
he. al come with the same hope--to touch
your heart'and attract your tears"
His viol was a tune,and he began quaint
but sublime song, wherein sobbed forth the
most heart-rending appeal that ever issued
from sorrow-laden soul.
All Of a sudden, the stony face Of the
image relented with sadness, and liquid
diamonds rnostened the tender, kiudling
eyes. When the echoes had ceased loving
ly to repeat these sounds, the lady unfolded
her marble arms, took FROM her necklace the
largest ruby, and held it down toward Ro
land. He trem5led as he took the precious
stone, while the statue crossed it's arms again,
and moved no more.
The loving man fell on his knees, aud
thanked her for her faithfulness.
"But is it only the musician who pleoses
you ?" walled be. 81 beg Of you one word,
one sign, to prove that the man has touched
your heart"
But mute remained the image and passion.
less, and Roland departed in despair. That
night be wandered oyer the country, and
all the day. The men-at-arms encountered
him as he dropped with weariness under the
trees, and finding tire precious stone upon
him, dragged him the tatterdernslion before
the judge.
To all queries,he replied that the Countess
had given him the ruby. Tho judge be.
lieved that he was frigning his lunacy, pro-
nounced him guilty Of sacrilege, and con-
demned him to be hung, without delay, in
front of the very chapel where his crane had
been committed. Followed by multitude.
Roland was conducted thther by his guards,
not understanding whittier he was taken or
wherefore. But, on reaching the execution
ground, he beheld Cecila's statue and a
glean of reason illumined his soul.
Brothers," said he, at is our want to
permit the last wish Of one condemned to
dis. Pray hand me my viol, for would
run my fingers over its cords once more in
life"
1t was so done,and he, placing himself be-
fore the statue, sounded it's requiem.
"For you-fOr you, fair maid, I die -
went his lament. ~ regret not my life,
since you have loved me never; but you
know that am guiltcss Of the crime with
which my memory is burdeued Will you
permit so much injustice ?"
As thus he played and sang, his wits re-
turned to HIM and he perceived that this
was not Cecilia before him, but only her
image in frigid marble. He noticed, besldssi
that she had no ruby necklace now, nor
pearl crown, for they had been removed, to
tempt no more thieves
"Alas all is over now pi moaned the
violj "and your promises will not be acted
out unto the end; Nothing can save me now;
and so fare thee we'll thou maiden of infinite
charm, whom have loved go we'll |"
At this moment some one shouted, "Be-
hold !" and long shudder agitated the
throng, for The marble brow was clouded
with pain, and the eyes caught gleam of
light. Presently tears welled out of those
stony sockets, and slowly ran down the
rounded cheeks. The statue unfolded Its
hands, caught the two tears and presented
them, glimmering like pearls, to the poor
troubadour.
The people cried, "Hurah for the mira
Gle |" and set Roland free. Then reason re-
turned wholly to him, and he became anew
a mighty musician.
Ere long the chapel was goal Of pilgrim
age, and musicians chose for their patron
,aint Cecilia, daughter of the Duke Of An
.oing, who loved the Viola of Love 30 ten.
lerly that the sound Of it made even her
marble eyes run tears which were marble.