The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-08-11
THREE SCENES IN HENRY'S
REIGN.
SCENE I.

1t was the land OF poetry ana OF song
the land peopled with the memories OF
the mighty past-the land over which the
shadows of long renown rested more
glowingly than present glory. Ii was
beautiful italy; the air, like sweet
odor, was to. the senses as soft thoughts
are to the mind, or tender feelings to the
heart breathing serenity and peace. That
sweet air swept balmily over the worn
brow of an invalid, giving in the pallid
hue of his countenance the first faint
dawn OF returning health.
The eye of the invalid was fixed on the
dark characters of book in cumbrous
binding and massive clasps; and SO alb
sorbed was he in it's perusal, that he
heard not the approaching steps of visit
ors, until the sound of their greeting
reused him from his meditations.
'The saints have you in their keepingi"
said his elder visitor, man whose brow
bore traces of age, though time had
dealt leniently with him.
"The dear Madonna bless your eiscu-
lated his other visitor, a young girl with
the large flashing eye, the pure oval face
and the classic contour of Italy.
The invalid bowed his head to each Of
these salutations.
Sand now,' said the merchant, for such
was the elder visitor, "that your VIC unds
are healing and your strength returning,
may we not inquire of your kin and
country2"
A slight flush passed over the pale
face of the sick man. He was silent for
a moment, as if communing with himself,
and then replied. 81 am of England, and a
soldier, albeit of the lowest rank"
"Of Englandr' hastily responded the
merchant; "of England of hereto Eng
landr' he crossed himself devoutly, and
started back, as if afraid of contamina-
ton.
81 may not deny home and country"
replied the soldier mildly.
"But should incur the church's Gen.
sure for harboring theeP' exclaimed the
merchant; Chou knowest not what pains
and penalties may be mine for doing
thee this service"
"Then let me forth" replied the soldier;
'you have been to me the good Samaritan,
and would not requite you with evil;
let me go on my way, and may the bless
ings of heaven be upon you in the hour
of your own need"
"Nay, nay, 1 said not SO. Thou hast
not yet strength for the travel, and be-
side England was once one of the bright
est jewels in our holy fathers crown, and
she might reconcile herself again; but I
fear me she will not, for your master, Hen
ry, is violent, hot blooded man, he hath
torn away the kingdom from apostolic
care. Know you not that your land is
under interdict, and that I, as true son
of holy mother church. ought not now to
be changing words with theep
seven So" replied the soldier, out
there are many that think the kings
grace hardly dealt by"
"The shepherd knoweth best how to
keep his fold," replied the merchant has
tily; "but you are the kings soldier; you
take his pay, You eat his bread, and
doubtless ought to hope the best for
him, and even SO do /. I would that he
might repent and humble himself, and
then our holy father would again receive
him into the fold; but, now bethink
me, thou vert reading; what were thy
studies?'
The brow of the soldier clouded, he
hesitated a moment, but then gathering
up his resolution replied, I'm the din OF
battle this book was my breastplate, in
the hour Of sickness my best palm, '..and
he laid the open volume before the mer-
chant.
"Holy saint' exclaimed the merchant,
crossing himself, and drawing back as he
beheld the volume which his church had
closed against laymen. "Thou art among
the heretics which bring down curse
upon thy land Nay, thy sojourn here
may bring down maledictions upon me
and minel upon my house and home!
But thou shalt go forth! will not hsr-
Dor theel will deliver thee over to the
church, that she may chasten theel Away
from him, my child! away from him."