The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1881-07-08
DAILY INTELLIGENCER.
Friday, July 8, 1881.
A TALE OF ITALY.

Acib . VIII bNO cOus-
Rod of their wardship had expired;
and possessors Of considerable patri.
mony. they were thrown into danger
ous connection. and gave themselves up
without restraint TO all the Irregular
ties Of misguided youth. Advice, pray
ers. and even tears, were employed by
their mother TO induce them 10 change
their mode Of life, but in vain. They
persevered in their designations, one of
them remaining in Florence. the other
having set out On his travels over
Italy.
One evening while the afflicted
moibsr was sitting alone. and weeping
owe. the profigste course of her sons.
the door was suddenly burst open. and
stranger precipitately entered. pale,
breathless. his eyes glariDg wildly, and
holding in his hand bloody sword.
This unexpected SEPARATION filed her
with alarm; but the stranger, throwing
himself ct heE feet, exclaimed:
For heavens sake have pity on 9
wretched man. 1t was only two days
since arrived from Rome, and, having
finished my business here. / was re-
turning 10 my inn, only a few mo-
ments since. to arrange everything for
my departure when q man. utterly nm
known to nae, assaulted me in the most
uncivil way. demonstrated against his
ruisness. when he proceeded to insult
me. ] grew warm, and he pushed his
insults to threats of personal violence,
and, unable to endure his insolence, l
drew my sword; he did the same, anu
in few minutes be was overmsstered
and fell, apparently lifeless. God is
witness to my regret for this uninten-
tionai crime. In my agitation and ter.
ror / fed, not knowing whittier to di-
rect my steps, have dared in my dis
traction, to enter this house. Let me
remain here for few hours, until the
search which will be made for me is a
little slsckened, and can make my es-
cape in the Darkness Theresa Bal
ducci was almost chilled with horror
at this story, and could not rid herself
of an awful presentiment; but listen
ing DOLLY 10 the dictates of humanity
and compassion, she led him to pri.
vate closet, and fastened the door.
Presently fresh tumult was heard;
pale aud trembling she approached,
and saw borne along the body of q
man, covered with blood, flowing from
g deep wound in the breast-it was her
son! She recognized him at once-and
uttered fearful cry. Painting and near
ly lifeless, the unhappy youth turned
to bis mother, and bad just strength
enough to say. In me You behold an
instance of the righteous Judgment of
heaven. l have deserved it well. Let
my death serve as o lesson to my
brother. II the person by whose hand
fell should be taken, defend him, oh
my mother! for he is innocent: I alone
am to blamep With these words he ex-
PRED, and his mother fell upon his
corpse, deprived of sense. She was re-.
moved from the body by force, and the
necessary means taken to revive her.
For long time her life was despaired
Of; and when she recovered, it was
to a. state of agony approaching
madness.
But what was the situation of the
young strSnger, who, from the closet
where he was concealed. heard II that
had been said, and felt the horror q
the tragic scene to which he had so
largely contributed On one side, the
thought Of having caused such q burden
of grief to the virtuous and unfortu-
nate mother. made him almost wish
thst he had been himself the victim
and, on the other hand, the fear of be.
ing surprised and taken filed him with
terror. In this agitation he remained
until midnight, when, all being quiet
and the grief of the mother having
given way to reflection. she proceeded
to the door of the closet. The stranger
threw himself at her feet: Heaven il
my witness said he, that / would
willingly shed my own blood Rise
young man, replied she; you hav,
made me the most wretched of moth
ers, but know that you are innocent
My son supplicated me to rescue OF
from punishment, and 1 will do it. Ii
few minutes . carriage will be read,
to receive you; one Of my servants will
conduct you beyond the frontiers. aut
in this purse You will find sufficien
for your immediate wants. May hea
give you that peace which you
have taken from me forever
Such an exceeding generosity filled
the soul of the young man with sorrow
and compassion. 'Ah. never, cried be
never shall I pardon myself for hav-
ing occasioned such an atilieiion to {
lady &c estimable and so deserving O
reverence He uttered q thousant
wishes for her prosperity. kissed will
gratitude the hand of the afflicted
mother. and left her with eyes file,
with tears. resolving to exert ever,
means in his power to prove the sin
certify of his regret and the extent o
bis gratitude. An occasion offered il
self not long afterward. He was pass
ing near Viterbo. when be saw q youn,
man attacked by two robbers, and de
Tending himself with great difficulty
He leaped from the carriage, an,
rushed TO the rescue. The assailant
fled. but the young man was severed,
wounded. The Roman had hin
lifted into his carriage, took him 4
, Viterbo. where he was soon cured.
The wounded man expressed tn
=