did not prevent his hearing all the various, rumours and gossip which emanated from it, or occasionally having it in his power unseen to watch his enamoured lord and the fair and false idol of his heart, who had once smiled as sweetly on him as she now did on her noble lover. He wrote to her; but Viola, amid the excitements and delight of her present life, threw the epistle aside, to be read at some leisure moment, and forgot it altogether. Serini waited first patiently, then impatiently for some answer; but receiving none, became exasperated by what appeared to him studied contempt, and believing Maria to be as much wronged as himself, he sought her, to breathe revenge on their betrayers. But he little knew the being he addressed; no particle of revenge lurked in that gentle bosom. Maria had become convinced that Viola and Nadasti were deeply attached to each other, and only prayed for their happiness. She used all her eloquence to dissuade Serini from attempting to disturb or injure either of them, and at length he feigned to be convinced and calmed; but not the less deadly was his hatred, not the less firm his determination to obtain vengeance. The Count Harras, who regretted Maria's determination chiefly on account of its robbing him of his noble son-in-law, was not a little delighted when Nadasti requested permission to transfer his addresses to Viola, and eagerly consented. and strove by every fond token of affection to atone for her involuntary offence, and saw with remorse and regret the fading health of that so lately beautiful and happy being. Maria, unconscious of the secret slander uttered against her, retired to a convent on the day after her sister's betrothal, feeling it impossible to witness the happiness and affection of the lovers without betraying the anguish of her own heart, and thereby grieving them. CHAP. VII. The wedding-day had now arrived. Throughout the whole of the previous night Viola's rest was haunted by feverish dreams. Every scene in Walfrida's hut recurred with all the vividness of reality; again she heard the wailing notes of that guitar, and saw the pale spectral boy die; again she gazed on the blood-stained jewel, and heard the warning-" Keep it from your husband's sight, as you value your life and his love." Then the air seemed peopled by thousands of diamond bodkins, each dimmed by the same crimson stain; and that sharp, agonizing pain, once felt, again pierced her bosom. Day had begun to dawn before sound sleep visited her exhausted frame, and then a shadowy, nun-like form bent over the bed, and an icy touch thrilled to her bones. Her cry of terror aroused A magnificent fête was given in honour of the her attendants, who, on entering the chamber, betrothal, and the handsome pair received the started to see a white form flit from the bedcongratulations of all their friends. My Viola! side, and melt into the misty morning vapour my bride!" exclaimed Nadasti, drawing her which hung around. "It was Maria, my poor from the crowd into a quiet walk, and looking sister!" she exclaimed. "I have broken her down with fond pride on the sweet face raised heart! Send immediately to the convent to inhalf bashfully, half lovingly, to meet his gaze. quire after her, and entreat the Count Nadasti A sharp report of a pistol followed his words, to postpone our nuptials until the messenger and the ball whizzed closely past Viola. Instant returns." Her first command was complied search was made, and the assassin discovered with; but her impatient lover laughed at the and brought forward; but he disdained to re-idea of a spirit, insisted that all was a dream, ply to any questions, and stood with compressed and implored her not to delay his happiness. bloodless lips, and his flashing eyes fiercely His eager, passionate entreaties, the voice of fixed on the shrinking bride. How unlike the her own heart, and the commands of her father, animated, joyous Serini of old! Away with overcame all her scruples, she plighted her faith him to a dungeon!" exclaimed the Count; "he to him; and as she received the priest's and shall not mar our festivities to-day, and to-mor- her father's blessing, and her husband's fond row torture shall wring from him the cause of embrace, all the gloomy visions of the past night this cowardly attack." Ere that to-morrow vanished even from memory, nor were they reSerini had escaped from his cell; there was one called until the return of the messenger from in the fortress who pitied, though she had the convent on the following day, who brought ceased to love him, and could not see him word that Maria had died about the same hour harmed. Vain was Nadasti's rage, no one her sister fancied that she had seen her. Viola knew who had assisted the prisoner to escape; was deeply affected, and the Count Harras even Serini himself knew not the hand which much moved; even Nadasti felt that his happiunbolted his dungeon doors, and left him the ness was clouded by this sad intelligence, and means of flight. Suspicion fell on Maria, for he spared no pains to soothe and console his several persons bore witness to the fact that he weeping bride, and was strenuously aided in his had had a private audience with her on the pre-endeavours by the wise and pious conversations vious day, and there were not wanting voices to hint that, envious of her sister's happiness, she had incited him to the murderous attempt; but no one ventured to breathe such a thought in Viola's presence, for she knew too well that she had wrecked the happiness of that gentle sister, 66 of the good father Paul, the family priest, whose highly cultivated and religious mind enabled him to amuse, instruct, and edify his listeners. "I have lately made a very interesting discovery," he said to them one day. "I had frequently read, in the works of old writers, that blood will soften the diamond; the moderns laugh and deny this assertion most positively. Lately I met with a diamond at a jeweller's which was so soft as to be capable of receiving an impression. As it had evidently been beautifully cut and highly polished, this softness could only have taken place latterly. On viewing it closely I observed a dark red stain, as if it had been dipped in blood, which had adhered to it. Being fond of natural curiosities I bought it, although the man asked a considerable sum; it was not, however, too much, considering the rarity of the thing." Nadasti expressed a desire to see it, and Father Paul went to his chamber to fetch it. "It is still in what was probably its original setting," he said, as he unclasped the case, and handed it to Count Harras, who sat next to him. The old nobleman gazed at it with astonishment. "Why, Viola, my love, this was yours; I sent it to you as a memorial of your departed mother." 66 "Look at it, my child," continued the Count, offering the case to her; but with a faint scream she covered her eyes with her hands. "This is folly," exclaimed her father; "take the jewel." Why not, my own Viola?" said Nadasti, fondly taking it from her father, and approaching her; but even while he spoke his eyes fell on the bodkin—he turned pale, shuddered, and the wound in his hand burst out bleeding. Like lightning did the past flash on his mind, and his voice thundered out "Accursed sorceress! now do I remember thee. It was thy devilish spells which tore my soul from its tenement! My blood it is which has crimsoned this stone! see how it flows afresh. Maria, gentle, innocent being! have I sacrificed thee, and to such an one!" Viola, pallid and fainting, stretched out her arms imploringly towards him, and would have thrown herself on his bosom, but he repulsed her; and as he did so the point of the bodkin pierced her heart. "Ah, that pain!" she murmured; all is now accomplished. Forgive me, my lord, my husband! I am no sorceress; I am weak, but not wicked. Gertrude can tell you all. Forgive-forgive!" Her spirit fled with the last accents. Nadasti shortly fell in battle, and Serini is supposed to have died in the Holy Land, whither he went as a pilgrim. The sympathies of nature are neither exploded by philosophy, nor condemned by religion. These two luminaries of the mind do not extinguish, but only regulate the affections; restraining them when inordinate, and reducing them under the dominion of reason when they begin to acquire an undue and dangerous tendency. STANZAS. Say, dost thou love the twilight hour, Ah no! For me the twilight hour Then dost thou love that borrow'd ray Oh yes, I love the moon's sweet light, These scenes can then no joy impart, Oh yes, I love the blushing dawn, The thing that is uttered from the inmost parts of a man's soul differs altogether from what is uttered by the outer part. The outer is of to-day, and passes away; the inmost is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. The weakness of sickly and imperfect virtue might perhaps often be recovered and strengthened by the support, and in the society of more fixed and regular characters, and this would lead to its being established upon a better and surer foundation. THE FIRST OF APRIL; OR, A TALE OF THE HARTZ MOUNTAINS. fury, still immoveably kept the place it had for ages occupied, seemingly regardless of the shock. Yet no-not so; for on nearer inspection the worn fissures and dulled edges denied the assertion its stolid appearance so resolutely advanced; thus showing perseverance will enable the weak to triumph over the strong! I could have moralized; and already I fancied the placid pool, from which the restless waters were so eager to escape, represented the smiling, tranquil days of childhood; while the noisy current was like youth, anxiously eager to escape the trammels of restraint! In the solid rock I pictured the good principles in which he had been nurtured; while the turbulence of the gushing water resembled the passions, which It was a splendid morning, and though the young year had scarcely emerged from early infancy, the precocious warmth and beauty were to me irresistible; and I strolled forth alike unmindful of my route or destination. Nature was just bursting into life and gladness, as if suddenly awakened from a trance. At every step some new charm presented itself, where, a few days before, stern desolation had held its court. Wrapped in the enthusiastic delight the scene was so well calculated to inspire, I entered fully into the joy and gratitude which seemed to animate the very shrubs and trees. But high-wrought as I had deemed my feelings, they faded into insignificance and listless inanity, when compared to those with which I viewed the scene now opening upon me. I had unwittingly approached the brink of a precipitous descent; the bank where I stood was the northern boundary of a deep, wide, and fertile valley. It was truly a sylvan scene! The broad placid stream that graced the midst seemed to linger on its way, as if loath to leave so much beauty, and repose where peace, happiness, and content reigned undisturbed. From the margin of the stream the ground rose in gentle undulations, its verdant green embellished by many patches of early flowers, amongst which the eldest daughter of the spring, the welcome primrose, shone forth conspicuously; At this moment I heard voices in an adjoinnor did the modest violet deny her meed of per- ing thicket. Though I did not see the parties, fume. The air was redolent with sweets. Be- I readily ascertained from the tone (as who yond, upon the very verge, the steep was would not?) that neither voice pertained to the crowned with the noble oak and majestic elm; fair sex; and so feeling quite certain that here while farther down, the smooth-rind beech could be no scene of that peculiar nature which its elegant foliage just expanding-threw slen- makes a third un de trop, I disposed myself on der, fitful shadows on the rich carpet at its base. the luxuriant bank in a reclining attitude, leavLower still, the pensive willow, as if fatigued ing it to the discretion of the parties themselves and satiated with very enjoyment, bent in whether I should or should not be a listener. graceful languor over the grassy pool, as though The voices neither advancing nor receding, I to refresh its wasted energies, by laving its concluded my entertainers had found as convelong branches in the cool, pellucid stream, nient a resting place as myself. whose liquid breast gave back the deep blue firmament and gauzy clouds in wild fantastic shapes. though peurile and powerless at first-if unchecked, become resistless! Whither my imagination might have carried me, I know not; for at this juncture my meditations were disturbed by the branching antlers of a deer appearing within a few yards of me. As the startled creature caught a glimpse of me in the water beneath, and stood gazing in bewilderment, the Duke and Jacques of Shakespeare occurred to me so forcibly, that I immediately gave up moralizing, lest I should be considered a qualified candidate, if not "ambitious for the motley coat!" "And so," cried one, the musical intonations of whose voice had attracted my attention, "you see your indefatigable search for me is rewarded with success. And now, sir, what are your commands?" Why, you know," said the other, hesitat Oh, it was a charming dell! worthy the artist's pencil; or higher still, meet to inspire the poet's dream of beauty, purity, and bliss! Then why disgrace the hallowed spot by poverty-ingly. stricken description? Below the gothic bridge, whose fairy arch gave light and life, the waters, erewhile so gently tranquil, rushed over a ragged shelf of broken rock with headlong impetuosity that threatened to exterminate opposing obstacles, But the rock, heedless of its Oh, pray tell me something fresh," said the first, "nor waste time in repeating what I already know." 66 Well, then," said the other, as if in a fit of desperation, "I have a strong desire to be mesmerized! or, at least, to hear one describe, The First of April; or, a Tale of the Hartz Mountains. awake, the wonders he has witnessed while in the trance; and my cousin Alice has sent me to you, saying, she knew you could, and she did not doubt but that you would gratify my curiosity, as you have been subjected to the mesmeric influence." "Oh, yes," rejoined the first speaker, in a tremulous tone, as if with difficulty suppressing laughter; "if the young lady wishes and desires it, I cannot choose but comply." "I thought you would," cried the other. "Now, pray begin directly." 66 Listen, then," continued the former, in tones in which mirth and gravity were blended, "As great a desire as you have to hear this, I had to visit Germany and view the Hartz mountains, so famed for inspiration. This, my avocations prohibiting, I determined to get myself mesmerized for that purpose. The desired effect was no sooner produced, than I found myself alone on a spot whose wild desolation my waking imagination could never have portrayed. Before, behind, on either side-nay, even above and beneath me, nothing could I distinguish but monstrous heaps, each struggling for pre-eminence, appearing to be formed of every earthly material extant. These were piled one above another, to a stupendous height, and wearing every variety of shape, such as fanciful, majestic, wild, noble, elegant, grandthe whole appearing terrific and sublime! I stood lost in wonder and amazement, unmindful of aught but the astonishing scenery around me. Recovering a little from the first effect, I observed a vista, formed by an immense rent in a rock, whose head seemed towering to the skies. The sides of this chasm were perpendicular, save where enormous projections shot out horizontally, threatening to crush anything which might unwarily approach. The bottom it was in vain for the eye to seek; it was, in fact, a bottomless abyss! Not a bush, not a herb, not a blade of grass was to seen; the interior looked a dirty, smoky brown-perhaps like the crater of a volcano. As these thoughts were passing through my mind, I plainly perceived a mist rising from the fearful aperture! Its indetermined shape and etherial substance directly satisfied me that this was nothing more than a vapour, or a collection of vapours, which had congregated in the place, and here found a vent to issue from its prison; but after noticing it some time, who shall delineate my horror, when I observed it gradually condense and assume the form of solidity! It now stood upon the brink of the chasm, and a more hideous spectacle words cannot describe nor imagination conceive! There it was, about four yards distant from me! I shivered with terror and apprehension, yet could neither fly nor withdraw my eyes, which were fixed on it as if by fascination! Yes, and there it still remained rolling its visual orbs in a frightful manner. Eyes I should be loath to call them; for, instead of a portion of white to set off the colour, here was nothing but red-fierce, fiery red! unmixed with aught save a bright green 237 spot in the centre, like a grassy island in a lake of burning lava! My attention was now drawn to the feet, if such might be called the base supporting this extraordinary figure! You may have seen the claws of a large black bear, grown old in confinement, such as is, or was, in the Regent's-park! Even so were these; that is, like a skeleton-nothing visible but bone, skinless, fleshless bone! The figure was shrouded in a drapery of the deepest black, which continued from the neck to the ground; but its shape was indiscernible. To add to its deformity, the appendages depending from the shoulders, where we look for arms, were dissimilar, though both monstrous, loathsome, and unnatural-the one being long and horny, covered with hard scales, and terminated with what resembled an eagle's talon; while the other, not more than a span long, bore an immense hand, sporting six adjuncts, hairy fingers! I had now, in part, recovered from my consternation, and turned to fly the hideous monster! The ground was broken, however, and in many places precipitous; and yet I ran, or rather flew, with but little inconvenience. I had proceeded some time at this rapid pace, without perceiving any end of the interminable hills, when I heard a slight noise behind me, and again another, unmistakeable-it was the rattle of the horny claws I had so fearfully noted! I now redoubled my speed, but found the noise gain upon me! Nearer and nearer it came! yet I durst not look back, lest I should lose heart and time; and yet I knew-I felt this could not last long. My strength was fast evaporating. I was gasping with exhaustion and terror, when a sudden grasp arrested my flight, and-oh, horrible! the scraggy arm entwined me!! I saw the huge, red flaming eye scowl on me, and wished I know not what of distance between us. At length the green island in the sea of fire (not like an oasis in the desert) having scowled its full, an immense mouth Í had not before observed, unclosed its tremendous portal, when forth issued these words, in a voice cracked and broken-"Young man! cease to contend with me! You are my lawful prey, for I found you in my own domain !" This I thought mending matters, with a vengeance; but resolved, as I could not choose between liberty and captivity, that at least I would not aggravate my fate by impatience. Those horny appendages before named were now beaten upon the ground alternately-one, twoone, two, three!-as if in accordance to music, when quick issuing from the ground, where I saw no fissure, up rose a something like an inverted balloon; but where I should have thought to have seen a car, was a small chamber of wicker work, apparently laid upon the etherial machine. I was now, in the same broken voice, ordered to place myself in this curious basket; but before I had time to decline, the long arm enforced obedience, and I found myself riding through the air companion to the fiend! Up, up we rose! higher-higher-higher! and yet we continued to ascend! for a time that seemed to me eternity. So swift was our movement, that I was in constant dread of collision with the planets; but though I saw many, many more than are visible from this puny earth, there was space ample, vast, sickening. Presently, our flight was intercepted by a being of light, so lovely, so graceful, with mien so majestic and dignified, and enveloped in a halo of such vivid brightness, that I was completely dazzled with the sight. It said in a voice clear, strong, yet sweet and benign-This may not be. Denizen of earth! return to thy terrestrial abode, nor waste time, precious and invaluable, in vain, futile efforts to attain those hidden secrets which may not be disclosed to man on earth!' Then in a voice of thunder—' And you, foul fiend! keep to your own limits, nor longer trespass within these-to you, forbidden precincts! This was succeeded by a blast so tremendous, that it quickly sent us back to earth; and-lo! here I am!" From her pale brow she flings the raven tresses, The cherish'd mother of her lost and dead! To her wild sorrow deeper sadness lending, "Entreat me not to leave thee; Thy God shall be my God, The earth's dark paths we roam. For I have liv'd to gaze, As in my love's bright days, Into thine eyes, yet read no answer thereTo see thee turn aside, In cold disdain and pride, When at thy feet I pour'd my parting prayer. Lady! thy path is free; Go; sorrow not for me: Smile in thy beauty as in time of yore; But oh! if thou shouldst meet A colder heart than mine hath proved to be, |