The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-04-14
Selerf Stury.
CEIEN a,
THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS.
By H. 8. KELLAR.

Venice, fair Venice, once proud mis-
tress Of the seas, lay bathed in the gold
en- sunset whose last expiring rays paint
ed glowing pictures on dome, turret'and
marble cornice. The cries of the gon.
doliers were waited from every source !;
the canals, crowded with the picturesque
era ts were alive on this auspicious occa-
sion. MIGUEL Foil. chief OF the myste-
rious Council, bad invited the notablity,
the high, the rich, to celebra'e with him
the seventeenth anniversary of his fair
birthday.
The golden ball drops below the Wes
tern horizon; lights CLEAN from doors
and windows Of the Foil palace. In front
OF the marble steps leading up from the
waters edge, a feet OF royalty bedecked
gondolas await. The guests have arriv-
ed and within merriment reigns supreme.
MIGUEL Foil was proud, naughty man.
His position was responsible one and
it's power widespread, awe-inspiring,
rendering him alike courted and feared
by the highest in the city.
Ceena was bis pride, bis hearts idol,
who upon this occasion carried her grace
and loveliness of person with demeapor
exquisitely delightful. She was favor.
lite among oil classes. The lowly OF the
city worshlpped her, for her purse was
ever open. To the needy she was q
friend, indeed, and her sweet face was q
welcome one in many household where
sorrow had fallen heavily. Thia fair oh
ject OF the peoples generous solicitation
was most worthy of their love, esteem
and appreciation; for, in her heart OF
hearts she secretly bewailed the dire op-
preston which had fallen upon them ever
since the stern, relentless Marino Foliro
had ascended to the throne of the Doge.
His was grasping nature; never sat-
isfied with the utmost efforts Of the
classes 10 please, to iawn upon bis roval
tigbness. He must needs spur them on
to still greater 'endeavorings in his be-
half.
In Venice there was 'ohe man whom
the naughty Doee feared-Foli The
order of which Foil Was the head, bad
power to csuse the Doge to tremble.
The marble walls of the Foil palace we're
heavily hung with many bued and rich
tapestries. From every side grand paint.
irgs from master hands looked down
upon the assembled guests. Music from
some hidden source sent forth Its fascina.
ting strains, filing the perfumed air with
intoxicaiion. The barduet-rOom was
like some tropical scene The two long
tables bending under gorgeous outlay
Of tie richest viands. culled from the
oriental 'cliDes and sun-kissed isles OF
southern seas, were arranged along the
side walls, The space between the tables
was crowded with exotic plants, whose
perfume permeated the air. Among the
plants was sparkling fountain, whose
wsters flashed in the light from waxen
candles, falling in silvery showers upor
The basin below, where gold and silver
fish darted to and fro among tiny caves.
long grasses and spiral sprays of pink
coral. Heated and flushed. after along
turn of the walA with one Of her mcst
ardent admirers, Celena took q seques-
tered sest on the balcony. The calm
and gentle scene without seemed to rest
her eyes, which we're weary of richly.
bedecked forms and glarIng lights'of the
ballroom. The canal below stretched
like siwery serpent in the distance. A
long range of lights embrace the waser's
edge as far as the eye can reach. And
afar off in the distance, the massive Cam.
panile rising from the water of the gres'
St. Mark Square greets her gaze. A long
slim gondola crosses the silvery wake
leaving behind q million sparkling, dan
cling jewels upon the water.
All! sherecognixes the frsgilc hooking
craft. itis Guido's gondols. Heavens
If he should sppear now. what would b.
the conseqnepcesP Such were bel
Thoughts as she leaned over the baIcony
rail and peepsd dewn. And who il
Guido7
A poor gondolier-her lover! A
her feet belted knights had sued. Th
highest among the Venetian nobility hat
wooed Celens and-Guido succeeded il
! winning her heart.