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old servant, his only companion, was preparing [ tears, and once more collected himself, saying, our morning's repast-agreeably entertained me he hoped I would excuse his childish conduct; with an account of the settlement of the surround-for he found it impossible to control his feelings ing country, the depredations of the Indians, and on learning that I was the son of his earliest and their bloody border conflicts with the white man; kindest friend. And looking me full in the face, for I found him, to my surprise, possessed of a to trace therein, as I supposed, the likeness of my vast fund of information, and an education which father, a dark shade might have been seen to come a prince might have envied. He told me, that again over his features, and tears to start afresh in many years had elapsed since his unlucky stars his eyes-but he suppressed his emotions, and, had led him to leave his native place, in the State after a slight pause, continued: of Virginia, and to settle at his present residence. He omitted to mention any of the secrets of his early life; but whenever he referred to those days, a cloud would settle over his brow, and a deep sigh would burst from his bosom, telling at once that there was something connected with those by gone times which rested heavily upon his soul. What that was, is the object of this tale to show.

"Henry Hastings," and for a moment his whole soul seemed absorbed in thoughts of things, which came up to his recollection like a dream, and his very frame shook with the intensity of his feelings. I sat motionless, for never before had I observed the full force of mental suffering.

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Henry Hastings," he continued, as if forgetful of my presence-" thou wert indeed a true and faithful friend. How often have I turned, in the Scarcely had the old negro placed a hot bear's- bitterness of my grief, to those halcyon days, steak with some roots and other eatables, on the when the night went not, and the morning came table; when I heard approaching the shrill whistle not, without bearing witness to a friendship reciof my merry " Sancho," and on looking out, I per-procated by hearts, free from the withering touch ceived behind his saddle a noble buck, the result of selfishness and uncontaminated by a less heaof his morning's excursion. Shortly afterwards venly feeling! Yes-how often do I turn to them he came in, and both of us with appetites not a lit-as the bright spots in the wide waste of my life, tle increased by the night's fast, did ample justice and wish, vainly wish, that thy words had not been to the frugal board of our hospitable entertainer. thrown away to the idle winds."

Then turning to me, he said, "George, I knew him from his childhood. In after years' we lived and loved together,' and together roamed through many a changing scene.' The buffetings and storms of life we alike encountered-and after the clouds were blown aside, revelled in the sweet sunshine of the soul. Open, frank and generous, he had that within him, which few men possess ; but if possessed, causes life to pass away as smoothly as a sunbeam glides over the blue sheen of the sparkling waters. Those were happy, happy

companion of my youth? And what am I?" and again he sunk into a deep revery.

It was thus, in eating, sleeping, hunting and talking, that we passed our time, until the arrival of the third evening of our stay, when I told the good old gentleman that we should be compelled to leave him in the morning. As yet I had been unable, by any question, however artful, to draw from him a disclosure of the incidents of his life, which I felt so anxious to know. The evening was mild, and he had been seated for some time on a rough bench, at the foot of an old but majestic oak, seemingly in deep thought; and it was evident from the contraction of his brow, and the flash-days-but they are gone-and where is he, the ings of his keen gray eye, that something was passing within his mind, which caused many a bitter pang to shoot, burning, through his frame; but again his countenance would clear up, and it was impossible to discover beneath its serene and benevolent expression, the storm that was raging within. It was in one of these moments, that he looked up and called me to him; and seating me by his side, asked, in a tone slightly touched with melancholy, if I was George Hastings, the son of Henry Hastings, formerly of L- in the State of Virginia." I told him I was-and he arose, incapable of utterance, and clasped me in his arms, while the big tear-drop rolled down his time-worn cheeks, and his breast heaved with emotion. I feared I had touched a chord which vibrated to his heart, and caused the waters of anguish, which had been for years pent up in his bosom, to overflow, and I was about to beg for forgiveness, when he suddenly stopped his

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I was unable to speak, for my feelings stifled my utterance. He remained in that situation, apparently unconscious of any thing around him, until finally all outward appearance of inward care entirely vanished-and he commenced in a full, soft and sonorous voice, the following narrative:

"George, I know you were surprised at the deep emotions which overpowered me, when you answered my inquiry concerning your name and family. It was a shock indeed which my old frame has not suffered for many-many years. Why I was not struck with the name, at first, I cannot tell. Perhaps time had dealt too heavily with my decaying memory-or, being such an utter stranger, I took too little interest in you. But this evening, when the thoughts of other scenes and other days, crowded themselves upon me, that name was associated with them; and the

soms, and the wild honeysuckle and jessamine diffused their fragrant scents through the neighboring woods, and the beautiful rose bloomed over every walk; the merry song of the robin, and the wild strains of the thrush, echoed in the distant groves; and the melodious notes of the mockingbird issued from each garden bower The beauty of the land were here collected together-and the halls of pleasure thrown open for their reception. I entered eagerly into their sports-their presence acted upon my spirits like healing balsam to the painful and distracting wound,-it was necessary, it soon appeared to me, to my very existence. When languishing and melancholy, and worn out by a close application to my studies, the gay circles of beauty and fashion soon roused my heart from its drooping state, and ere long with buoyant spirits I fluttered in all the lightness of joy. I could then gaze upon the fairy forms around me, unmoved by any other emotion than that of friendship: towards each and all I felt the same, and even looked upon them as sisters. To have injured one, either by word or deed, would have destroyed my happiness forever the stain would have acted upon my heart-spreading and increasing daily, in magnitude and blackness, and grown hourly more foul, until, at last, what was once as pure as the innocent child's, would have perished, leaving a dark cloud resting over the damned spot, pointing out to posterity its unhallowed site, and telling, in a manner more expressive than words, its unrighteous tale.

idea struck me that you were in some way con- sweets-the modest violet opened its tender blosnected with it. You have seen the result of the discovery, and, since then, I have determined to relate to you, the son of the only individual whom I ever called friend, what I would do to him, were he living and here present-the causes which have led me to seek this lone spot, free from the world and its cares. Your curiosity on this point has not escaped my notice. But I had long since determined never to disclose the secrets of my life, and therefore evaded all your questions relating to them; then I knew you not, nor did I expect ever again to see a member of your family. "I will pass over the occurrences of my more childish days-(for the relation of them would be as uninteresting to you, as tedious to myself,) and commence at that period which gave a coloring to every incident of my after life: I speak of the time when the frivolities of the boy, were to be thrown aside for the more lasting and arduous pursuits of the man-when the cup and ball, were to be dashed to the earth, and the staff of the philosopher taken up in their stead. It was no easy task to throw off my youthful sports and youthful companions; but, ambitious as I was and had always been, I did not hesitate, and it required but a moment's reflection to determine me to choose William and Mary College, as the place where I was to form my character-not only because it had been the alma mater' of many of my country's deliverers, but because there, I knew, besides the many advantages which it held out in instruction, I could have an opportunity of entering the most refined circles* on this side the Atlantic-and thereby, at the same time that my mind was undergoing a thorough course of training, my body would acquire grace, ease, and dignity, and my manners by possibility might become highly accomplished. Whether I have ever had cause to repent that choice, you will perceive in the sequel. "Your father had decided upon pursuing the same course and at the same time we bade adieu to the homes of our sires, and set out for the ancient metropolis of the Old Dominion. The names of Henry Hastings and Charles McDonald, unless effaced by the destructive hand of time, may still be seen cut on the chimney piece in one of the rooms, on the southern side of the college, which we then occupied. Many a night did we see our taper flicker and die away in its socket; many an hour did we pass in searching out the secrets of philosophy, and the mighty principles of science but at length the gay season commenced, and we found time to enjoy that intercourse which I had looked forward to with so much pleasure. But, alas, the day was now fast approaching which was to stamp upon me the seal of wretchedness.

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"The spring season set in with all its flowery

Williamsburg has always been celebrated for its good society--but more particularly so at the time here alluded to.

"But these feelings soon vanished. On a clear and lovely night—such as generally marks the commencement of May-when all appears doubly brilliant, by the bright stars, and the glowing, though mild and serene light of the chaste moonI attended as usual one of the many parties given at this season of the year to the young, the gay, the light-hearted, and the thoughtless. I entered the hall, and looking around to see if I could recognize any familiar face, in the numerous assembly there collected, my eyes rested upon one, fair and beautiful, and it seemed that in years past I I had seen the same countenance-where, or how, it matters not. 'Tis enough-and too muchto know, from that time she was the object of my thoughts by day, and the vision of my dreams by night. The stream of my affections was turned into a new channel, and conducted into a new reservoir.

"I went the smile which played around her lip, the mild expression of her eye, and the sweetness of her voice, all made an indelible impression upon me. I saw the tenderness of her manners which some blamed, as being coquetish.

admired—and was conquered! 'Twas enoughI was no longer the being I had been. That universal attachment which I had for all, was

gradually drawn off, and centred on this one ob-| ject that joy and delight which I formerly found in the society of others, I found no longer. It was only with her, that I felt contented and happy; and yet I was not-for, when with her, though my heart was full to overflowing, still I could not speak. Every other thought, but those pertaining to the burning passion within me, fled from my brain-until, finally, there came a gloom-a portentous gloom-and settled over me; and the mirthfulness of my heart was changed, like all things else, into the calmness of melancholy.

"For once in my life I was happy—the cloud vanished from my brow-the smile played around my lips-and my eyes again shone with their wonted lustre. But, alas! how short was the duration of my happiness; how soon were the bright hopes which cheered my youthful dreams to pass away forever-the cup of bliss was no sooner raised to my lips, than some mysterious power shattered it to atoms. The next morning found me, with a heavy heart, on the road to the home of my childhood-and though that home was once to me the sweetest place on earth, surrounded by my friends, and former associates-yet when again there, I soon became restless and discontented-the hours passed like days—and the days like months. I sighed for the arrival of the college course-I longed to see Ellen."

"Henry noticed this change-for it forced it self upon him--and vainly attempted to break the spell by which I was bound. In vain did he place before me, honor and fame, as the reward of exertion. In vain did he tell of the warrior's And again he pressed his hand against his forelaurels, or the statesman's wreath-and depict | head-and again his feeble frame shook with the the glory of immortality. The charm was too intensity of his feelings. But at length he conpowerful for any thing human to dispel ;—and his tinued: words passed-heard, but unheeded.”

Here he paused, and a smothered sigh broke from his bosom. At length in a milder tone he continued

"Yes! she was once my own-my beautiful Ellen-my plighted, my promised bride-on whom my every hope of happiness was centred. Indeed, I wished for any thing which might serve "Ellen Howard, might have been truly called to drive away the negative state in which I existtranscendently beautiful-with an eye, dark and ed—and soon was my wish gratified. News arlustrous, and a form of the most perfect symmetry. rived, that the western tribes of Indians under a In the light cotillon, or more stately minuet, she new leader, had broken from their forests, burning moved as a queen, in the midst of the graces, stri- and destroying the border settlements, in the king at once with admiration, the beholder, and present states of Kentucky and Tennessee, and afterwards chaining him to her side by the powers massacreing the inhabitants. This called up my of her mind, which displayed themselves with such patriotism, and animated me with a double desire brilliancy, that she seemed to be a being of another for distinction. And it was scarcely the work of world, sent on earth only for the purpose of show-a moment for me to raise a corps of volunteers—at ing its vain creatures how frail and imperfect the head of which I placed myself and marched off they are when compared to the things of Heaven. Alas! she has long since passed away, but her image still dwells with me--and at times methinks I can see her, with her white robes, and airy curls, as she appeared to me on the night when I first beheld her.

to assist in repelling the invaders. It would be useless to detail the many conflicts and hairbreadth escapes which we encountered; suffice it to say, that the final struggle at length came; when, unexpectedly, as I was marching through a dense wood, my whole company was surrounded. "The close of the college session was now ra- We fought bravely-and struggled manfully pidly approaching-and for the last time, as the against their superior numbers-but every exersun sunk to rest beneath the western skies, on the tion proved in vain. As the last resort-driven evening of the 3d of July, I wended my way to to desperation-I turned to the faithful few, who her father's dwelling. She was alone, gently re- as yet remained unscathed; and exhorted them to clining upon a sofa. Her head rested lightly on follow me. They did so, we rushed among her lily white hand; and her beautiful eyes-their the thickest of our enemies-and at every stroke usual brightness being partially dimmed by a tear sent a foe from the earth forever. Their bodies which had stolen unconsciously from its pure lay heaped up around us, but their ranks continued fount-shone with a mild lustre, and were fixed, to strengthen; till, finally, faint and weary, I saw in silent pensiveness, on the floor. It was evident my brave followers, one by one, cut down by my from the soft sighs, which now and then slightly side. I despaired of life, and determined to die like broke on the ear, that a melancholy sadness perva- a soldier. Seeing at a short distance, an Indian ded her soul. I approached, and seating myself chief, who appeared to be the leader of the hostile by her side, declared in burning words the im- band, at one bound I was by his side, with my perishable love that I bore her. She spoke not-sword descending over his head, when, pierced but placing her hand within mine, rested her head by a ball, my weapon dropped from my hand, and innocently upon my bosom, and wept. I fell nerveless at his feet. How long I remained

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in that situation I know not; but on coming to my senses I found myself in a strange land, and heard their savage laughter ring in my ears, as they saw life returning in me. For they had applied their healing balms to my wounds in order to reserve me for a more cruel death. In about a month afterwards through the attention of Meona, the chief's daughter, I was entirely restored. Many laborious tasks were then, day after day, and month after month, imposed upon me, until, finally, the time came, which would have ended all my sufferings. Meona discovered the preparations for my funeral pyre, and urged me to fly while I was yet unfettered. But I was immoveable, and declared my determination to remain, until she satisfied me that she feared nothing on her own account, that not a hair of her head would be touched-and that night, through her assistance, I effected my escape.

"But many days came and went, before the tall spires of L-greeted my eyes. Twelve months had scarce elapsed, since, full of high hopes and ardent aspirations, at the head of a gallant band I had left it; yet hunger and disease, together with my uncouth habiliments, had worked such a change in my appearance, that no one knew me. The inhabitants were just throwing off their mourning robes; and I learnt, though I did not reveal my name, that an account of the unfortunate accident which has been mentioned, was soon spread through the country, causing many a scalding tear to flow from the eyes of the childless matron. And I moreover heard, that Ellen Howard who had remained for some time inconsolable for my loss, had at last yielded to the solicitations of her friends, and consented to give her hand in marriage to a young man of wealth, who had since my departure addressed her. George! I never knew until that moment how much I loved her. I had borne all my sufferings with patience I had witnessed with a calm and steady eye, the anguish which, through my misfortune, I had caused; I had heard, unmoved, myself spoken of in a pitying tone as the 'poor unfortunate.' But this was more than I could bear. If Heaven's fiery bolt had fallen upon me, the shock could not have been more violent. The blood seemed to boil in my veins, and I thought my very heart would have burst with its unspeakable anguish. I waited not to speak to friend or foe, but, almost as swift as the winds, I flew over the space which separated us, and in a few days might have been seen, dashing, as fast as my noble steed could carry me, into the ancient metropolis. It was about dusk-and the mansion of Ellen Howard was already lighted up. I approached and entered itand, oh God! what were my feelings, when, at the next instant, I saw the fatal ring placed upon her finger, and she pronounced another's! A deadening pang shot through me. My brain fired

and my head reeled, and I fell against a pillar at the entrance of the room. At this moment, I heard my name accidentally mentioned-I turned and saw a paleness like that of death come over the features of Ellen. 'Twas enough-I knew that it was still sacred with her. And reflecting upon the consequences which might result from a discovery of myself, I rushed from the house; the next day found me a lonely exile, wandering over the face of the earth, with every tie, that bound me to my fellow creatures, torn asunder-my fortunes shattered-my hopes blasted. I fled-the mere wreck of my former self-away from my home. Since then, Charles McDonald has never been heard of in Virginia. Concerning her who was 'the morning star of my memory,' I have since made many inquiries-and learnt, thank Heaven, that her life passed away like a summer flower in the midst of its own sweetness." His voice died away-and as I looked upon silvery locks and furrowed cheeks, I could scarce refrain from weeping through very sympathy.

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We retired to rest-and the next morning I bade him an affectionate farewell, with his blessing on my head.

The winter's blast had passed on, and the gentle breath of spring swept softly by, when I found myself again-on my way home-at that lovely spot, the home of the wanderer; but its owner had been gathered to his fathers! and I stood by his grave, over which the wild violet unfolded its humble blossom, and dropped a tear to the memory of "THE VICTIM OF LOVE." T.

TO MARGARET.

"Daughter of the hand of snow, I was not [then] so mournful and blind-I was not so dark and forlorn." *** Youth of the gloomy brow, raise the praise of the daughter of Sarno, and give her name to the wind of the hills. ** Attend to the tale of Ossian, oh maid! for he remembers the days of his youth." "Why dost thou come, my love, to frighten and please my soul!" My fair-my gentle cousin ;

My meek and winsome lass-
At every time, in every clime,

Through which I've chanced to pass,
Since our adieu, thou hast been near:
Thy presence is a blessing here.

The blue lines of the mountains,

Which kiss the bending skies,
And the clouds around the mountains bound,
Less beauteous in mine eyes
Have grown; but in thy glance I see
A brightening smile reserved for me.
Our brook no longer prattles,
Adown its shining way,
Nor flowers, in ranks, upon its banks,
Rise at the wand of May,
As in the past; but at thy side,

I hear its blossom-bordered tide.

Thy blooming tree-thy bower,

So beautiful in Spring-
Beneath whose screen, of rustling green,
We used to sit and sing,

Is gone-yet, in my dreams of thee,
We sit beneath that blooming tree.

The "old house" is deserted,

And through its ancient halls, Mid poisonous air, engendered there, The noxious reptile crawls;

But, come! and I will breathe that air, Nor feel the desolation there.

Oh! the happy, happy voices,

That cheered life's radiant dawn;

And the gladsome band, that, hand in hand,
Gambol'd upon the lawn,

Have ceased-but, in thy voice, appears
The melody of distant years.

Long in the past I linger,

When memory leads astray;

For wearily and drearily,

Trails off the present day.
Let in those memories to my soul-
The curtain is at thy control.

A prospect of the future

No consolation brings,

But doubt and fright,—for, horrid Night
There spreads her darkling wings.
She comes, she hovers round me now,
But, bless my being, here art thou.

Cheerless were earth, my cousin,

Without thy heavenly smile,

To light, to bless, my loneliness,

My terrors to beguile :

But with thy love, deep, pure and warm, Life has its sunshine and its charm. Middletown, Va.

LETTER FROM MALTA.

G. B. W.

country, and voices of every language, are to be seen and heard during the carnival, within the walls of this building. That period of the year, when of all others this opera should be avoided by respectable females, is immediately after the arrival of the Mediterranean fleet. At this time, crowds of seamen come on shore from the different ships, with sufficient money to riot during the day in the numerous dram-shops of the city, and at night to seat themselves in the upper gallery with the women of the town. While here, having no taste for Rossini's music, and not understanding the language, they amuse themselves by cracking nuts, the shells of which they throw in all directions-by uttering oaths, and using such language as would be sufficient to corrupt the minds of children, and shock the ears of refinement. At no season, however, are the boxes better filled; and if by chance, a drunken tar utters a vulgar joke, or blasphemous oath, fit only for the inmates of billingsgate to hear, 'tis then, some have been noticed to use their handkerchiefs to conceal their blushing cheeks. The principal performers, whom I have seen at this opera-and neither of whom deserve to be named, for bad are the best-are the tenore Dagnini, who I regret to add was among those who were thought by the Palermitans to have introduced the cholera among them, and was stoned to death by the ignorant inhabitants, in that Sicilian city-the basso del Riccio, and the prima donna Madam Darbois. This last has been singing for several years, and was, in former days, a great favorite with all classes who visited the opera. In her youth, she was gifted with a pretty face and sweet voice-but what with her increasing years, and over exertions, her good looks have left her, her powers are fast failing, and she must content herself ere long, however loathing to her spirits the thought must be, to occupy a second place, even in this colonial theatre.

As an American and a republican, and oftentimes the only one present, who was not the subject of a king, I was forcibly struck on my first arrival at the island, with the attention which was paid by all present, to the national air of "God save the King." This air is performed in the interval between the first and second acts, and the whole audience rises at the commencement of it, and remains standing and uncovered until it is concluded. Indeed, during my long residence at Valetta, I have never known this custom for a single

Opera House at Malta; Sir Thomas Maitland; God save the evening to be dispensed with. Perhaps I may be jusKing; Misunderstanding between the English Army and Ame-tified in saying, that in the present disturbed state of

rican naval officers, &c.

The Opera House in Valetta is, during the greater part of the year, the principal resort for amusement: it was erected in the time of the "Order," and is sufficiently large to contain some two hundred persons in the pit, and numbers upwards of seventy boxes. It is very much in the Roman style, of an oval form, and brilliantly lighted by a large French chandelier, which hangs from the centre of the ceiling. The pit, and third tier of boxes, are occupied by respectable citizens, while the second or dress circle, ie solely for the "bon ton." Being patronised by the admirals of the station, the highest officers in government employ, and by the native nobility of the island, the house, during the winter, is very much crowded; and the company as mixed as can well be imagined; indeed, people from every

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the island, it is not at the moment a favorite tune with the people; and instances have recently occurred, when the last notes were being played, previous to the dropping of the curtain, that all present, except those only, who, as His Majesty's officers, were compelled to remain, have suddenly retired, and left the musicians to play this "crowning rose of the musical wreath," to an almost empty house. One night, I remember in particular, when the Basso, who chanced to be a political exile from Italy, was in good voice, and the subject of his song was the blessings of liberty, he so excited his audience, that there was simultaneously a round of applause, and a general cry of “Liberta”—a little while after, when "God save the King" was being performed, there was almost as general a murmur. Although the opera, in which the Basso's song occurred, was one of the most popular with the people, and most profitable

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