The soft voice of the affectionate slave aroused her from her sorrowful revery. continuance. The first day is one of important tasteful exertions to the toilet of the melancholy ceremonies at court. The Sultan receives the but sanguine captive. True, no brilliant flash of homage of the different orders of the State at the joy or happiness danced in the violet blue of Ino's Seraglio, and afterwards proceeds to attend the ser- eye, but there gleamed the fire of insulted, yet vice of the mosque of the Sultan Achmet, escorted by subdued dignity from its speaking depth; no blooma brilliant retinue, and although, according to late ing rose freshened on her soft cheek as in her day travellers, this procession, together with the forms of pride and unfaded beauty, but its transparent and ceremonies on this occasion, are not so zealously and changing hue was far more lovely than all the performed by the present ruler of Turkey as by his deep and mantling color of health or joy; the bright illustrious predecessors, still, at the time we allude pencilling of her beautiful lip alone remained unto, they were engaged in with more spirit and ani- changed in its full and matchless curve. Her light mation than is now displayed. Mahmoud, in honor hair flowed in loose curls o'er her shoulders, enof his officers and grandees, had prepared a magnifi- twined with glistening pearls, while from her pocent entertainment on the third and last day, at lished brow they were waved back by a dazzling which he had issued orders for the exhibition of all tiara of diamonds. A snow white kirtle, tissued the captives taken during the late wars. It came. with silver, hung gracefully over the folds of a light The spacious state-room was crowded with the blue robe, flowing from her delicate waist, which dignitaries of the Empire, all superbly arrayed in was encircled by a girdle of the rarest and largest the rich and garish show of the oriental costume. pearls, while the sleeves full to the elbow, were Conspicuous amidst that imposing pageant sat the caught midway the arm by a fillet of magnificent Sultan upon his burnished silver throne, dazzling in jewels; a small but richly wrought chain, Adrian's his regal splendor. On his right was an elevated parting token, was the only ornament resting on seat covered with a gorgeous carpet of erimson her neck, and as she pressed it to her lip, she tearand gold, and evidently reserved for some distin- fully murmured: "Would that this could prove a guished individual, while on his left stood the Le- talisman against all degrading and impertinent scruraskier Pacha with his attendants. Before him tiny. Alas! Adrian, though it has been love's amuwere seated, in a circular range, all the principal let, yet its magic charm cannot shield thy betrothed ministers and great officers, at the back of each was from a stern fate." stationed a page richly dressed, and somewhat in the rear stood the most noted oulemas, or men of the law, forming a scene which the testimony of "Forbear, lady Ino, those tears, they will dim the travellers pronounces one of astonishing splendor. brightness of thy beauty, which would cause the How felt the delicate and sensitive Ino Del Cas-great Sultan to laugh to scorn the reports concerntro, as she prepared to obey a mandate involving so ing the noble Stamboul's captive." public and humiliating an exposure of her beauty as a captive before that august assemblage? Had not Stamboul left her his guerdon, that her release could be effected, and she in return consented for his sake to obey the summons, the agony of her mind as the decisive hour approached, would per-ration. Bring hither my veil, which, although haps have induced a faithful execution of her father's solemn injunction. But her hand and will were stayed by a firm reliance upon her noble captor's word and power, and yielding to the cheering influence of Hope, she passively submitted the array of her person to the entire taste of the ad- The gentle hand of Zeida had hardly adjusted miring and attached Zeida. Custom had always the thick white folds of the veil over the pale face imposed upon those thus especially summoned to of her mistress, when a messenger announced, the presence of the Sultan, the most magnificent "That all was ready, and Stamboul's retinue display of dress, and although this conspicuous be-awaited to escort the lady Ino to the palace." dizzenment of the person was revolting to Ino, yet Farewell, Zeida," said she in a voice broken by policy and a desire to avoid that notice which an deep emotion, as the faithful slave twined her arms unusual departure from such would not fail to at- around her, o'erwhelmed with grief at parting from tract, caused her to likewise adopt all those blan- one so tenderly loved, "would that thou wert perdishments of attire calculated to please the eye. mitted to stand by me in the approaching hour of Never had Zeida beheld her lady so radiant with trial. Alas! who will support and protect me, for beauty as when she gave the last touch of her own Dr. Clarke gives an interesting account of these festivi ties in his description of the manners and customs of the Turks. VOL. X-83 "And thinkest thou, Zeida, it would disappoint me were Mahmoud not to award a favorable glance on this poor, fading, bedecked form? Next to the wish of meeting with Adrian Marcova is that of being entirely shielded from his dishonorable admi rarely worn by a Greek maiden, especially when a helpless captive, yet I will dare to adopt its blessed concealment-for one of Del Castro's noble blood, though of the frail sex, cannot tamely submit to all the insulting requirements of an infidel court." 66 even Stamboul has failed to gladden the darkness of this moment by his promised coming and assistance! deeply, deeply have I drained the chalice of bitter misfortune-farewell, come what may, Ino Del Castro will remember thee with grateful | hand, " withdraw thy veil, unfortunate Greek, and tenderness." speak without fear, for a woman's heart feels for thee, and her ear ever hearkens to the accents of distress." "Allah's smile will cheer thee, for thou art pure and good, lady, and though all may forsake thee, his great power will overshadow thy shrinking soul, and preserve thee from harm or evil. But stay, promise thy Zeida one thing, if thou art ransomed, that she shall share in the joy of thy liberty, as she has done in the sorrow of thy captivity. Oh! grant her the happiness of continuing thy faithful slave through all changes!" 66 "It is Ino Del Castro, an orphaned Sciote and the noble Stamboul's captive," replied she, rising and lifting her veil, while she stood firm and unawed before the silent throng. Transfixed with admiration the Sultana gazed for some moments upon the beautiful face of the suppliant, then passing her hand over her eyes, she sighed deeply, and as if alone said in a low voice Alas! Zeida," replied Ino, gazing tenderly upon the anxious face of the slave, as she knelt "No wonder Asma hath in vain wooed the before her, "would that it were in my power to eye and love of Stamboul, when such a being held grant thy wish, but thou knowest that I too sigh his heart in thraldom"--then adding in a calmer 'neath the galling chains of bondage, and no free-tone, "do I indeed see before me the far-famed dom of my will or action can avail any thing, un-captive of that great and valiant general,-one less sanctioned or directed by Stamboul." whose beauty all now so eagerly desire to behold! She bent down her trembling lips and affection- Doubtless I see too in thee the betrothed of his ately pressing the brow of the weeping girl, hoarse-gallant love?" ly murmured, "Farewell, my only friend." In a "No, great Sultana, thou only beholdest a poor few moments, Ino Del Castro was rapidly convey-heart-stricken Sciote, at present unprotected even ed in a close vehicle, attended by a well selected by her generous captor. Ino Del Castro could retinue, to the palace. It was with a burning never prove faithless to the betrothed of her early, cheek and beating heart she mingled with the cap-happy youth; and Stamboul is too noble to accept tive throng, awaiting the summons for its appear- the sacrifice of an unwilling hand, when Adrian ance before the Sultan. Suddenly a loud flourish Marcova owns the devotion of her heart." of music and the aroused excitement of those around her, proclaimed the approach of some distinguished individual. It was the brilliant train of Asma Sultana, the sister of the Sultan, on her way to the state-room, and for whom the low throne on Mahmoud's right was reserved. This amiable princess hoped by her presence and personal influence to mitigate somewhat the excesses to which this degrading exhibition might be carried, nor did she fail to remonstrate with indignation against the injustice and inhumanity of thus reducing rajahs, (as the Christian subjects were styled,) to slavery. Revolting as was the sight to one of her gentle nature, still a noble humanity impelled her to become an unwilling spectator, and doubtless to her eloquence and persevering importunity may be attributed the subsequent suppression of that barba-her despairing bosom, suddenly flapped its bright rous custom. When Asma paused to survey the unhappy looking band, ranged on each side to admit the advance of her attendants, the expression of deep compassion and sympathy, so visibly imprinted on her gentle countenance, induced Ino to east aside all feeling of restraint or fear, and throwing herself before her, she humbly, but vehemently, implored her protecting influence. "Who is it that claims Asma's aid in this sad hour," said she, kindly taking the kneeling captive's *This is a well authenticated fact respecting the Sultana's interference in behalf of the Sciote captives,-the details of which may be found in the travels of Mr. Waddington, who was in Constantinople a short while after the direful massacre of Scio. A second flourish of martial music interrupted the short pause of Asma's train. It proceeded from a full band of gorgeously dressed eunuchs in flowing robes, richly embroidered, and caps with waving plumes, who loudly announced the mandate of the Sultan. With a brief assurance of friendly protection, Asma bade Ino resume her place in the captive procession, which then slowly moved towards the state-room, and in a few moments stood awe struck in the presence of the "mighty one of earth." Ino saw not the vast crowd around her. She was insensible to the atmosphere of titled greatness which she was then inhaling, but instinctively her eye was raised to the face of Mahmoud upon his silver throne. That flatterer, Hope, which had so shriekingly fled from wing o'er its wonted resting place, when she beheld a pleasing expression of benignity in his countenance, instead of that fiend-like ferocity which her imagination had always so vividly pictured t and wondering that one could so strangely contradict in his deeds of savage cruelty that index of the soul--the face-which was stamped with kindly feeling, she stood calm and collected amidst that imposing scene. Not until her name was loudly called was her revery of thick and coming fancies broken, or her bewildered senses recalled to a full reality of her situation. may acknowledge the truth of what rumor saith | rosity and disinterestedness towards thy captive concerning our general's cherished captive." Mahmoud's voice seemed to be attuned to the softest and most silvery cadence when he thus spoke. bird, is indeed marvellous, thus to desire her return to thy golden cage, after she has so long refused to respond to thy soft wooing. Methinks thou art somewhat selfish to deprive us the warbling of her music, since it is denied thine ear.” The fine form of Stamboul seemed to expand with muscular emotion; his piercing eye glared with the fire of deadly wrath, and his teeth were fiercely clenched to suppress the deep bitterness, which the taunting language of Mahmoud had aroused. But the tempest of passion passed away, ere he suffered his blanched lip to give vent to its direful force, and drawing himself erect, in all his towering height, he slowly replied— "Since Mahmoud's oath is so slight a bond, A slight hesitation at first withheld her hand, but, as if nerving herself with desperate fortitude, she drew it hastily aside, and stood, flashing with all the pride and scorn of incensed virtue, which Stamboul hath yet another plea which may not the scene was so well calculated to arouse. Then gathering around her person the thick folds of the fallen veil, she raised her head and bent upon the Sultan a look of calm disdain apparently unmoved by the least tremor of fear. prove so fruitless in accomplishing his desires. Thou hast informed me thy coffers need replenishing; a high ransom may give me what thy honor has denied; name it, Sultan, yea if it be the price of Stamboul's head, thou shalt freely possess it." He paused in the excess of withering contempt. "Ha! thou art indeed considerate, general, and hath touched a chord more sensitive, in Mahmoud's breast, than the beauty of thy captive could have "Allah be praised!" exclaimed Mahmoud, "we blame not the brave Stamboul for his Argus eyed watchfulness over thee, though we do confess he has proved a timid sportsman in not securing the tenderest note of love from a bird of such sur-vibrated. But we require and estimate thy valiant passing beauty. Come, we propose a change of cages, and would fain select thee, our favored slave of the harem." exertions too much, to permit the price of thy noble head to be the stake. A surrender of half thy vast estates would not, methinks, be too high a ransom for Ino Del Castro." Stamboul approached the Sultan, and laying his sword at his feet, stepped back, saying in a clear, Mahmoud arose, and with his extended hand was about to place a crown of bright flowers upon the head of the immoveable Ino, when the shrill blast of a clarion caused every one to start with unwont-calm voice, ed surprise. A sudden breaking away amongst "All, every thing, and myself would be but a the dense crowd was seen, and a soldier, brandish- slight sacrifice, if it secured the freedom of Ino ing high above his head a threatening sword, rushed Del Castro, and now take with thy ransom Stamthrough the line of officers and grandees, and cast- boul's sword. Perish thy oath's emblem, (throwing himself before the throne, as the Sultan had ing down the jewelled cross, and with fearful force just descended the last step, vehemently exclaimed. crushing it beneath his feet,) for, in its glitter, "Forbear, forbear great Mahmoud, thy propo-Stamboul beholdeth only thy falsehood, and never sed selection, or further insult to yonder spotless will his hand wield a sword in the service of a Sciote. Behold at thy feet the champion of her perjured monarch." innocence in Stamboul, thy favored general. Twice A deadly silence seemed to hold every one breathhas it been in his power to save thy life from treach-less with fear; all eyes turned from the undaunted ery, and in the first moments of grateful emotion, Stamboul to the abashed Sultan, whose brow was thou didst give him this jewelled cross, (holding up a cross of great brilliancy,) consecrated by thine oath, that whatsoever Stamboul should ask of thee in future, it should be faithfully granted. But it has never been his need to test a fulfilment of that oath until now; hear then his present petition. It is, (continued he rising and advancing towards Ino,) that thou wilt give me back my captive, with a promise to molest her no more." deeply contracted with suppressed rage and shame. But a soft, tremulous voice broke upon that ominous stillness. It was that of Asma Sultana, who descending her throne and extending her hand towards Stamboul, said gently, 66 "Stamboul, permit thy friend and princess to share with thee the ransom of thy virtuous and beautiful captive: Asma Sultana will render half of what the exaction of Mahmoud requireth of thee." A shade of disappointment passed over the face No, most generons lady, Stamboul cannot conof the Sultan, when Stamboul paused, then as if sent to share a deed of justice with even thee, and some sudden thought flashed through his mind, a what he hath said, by that will he firmly stand. smile of scornful derision curled his lip as he said, Gladly now will he leave his country, for not the "By the great Mahomet! Stamboul, thy gene-'sinallest portion of its wealth would he possess, so long as the tie of loyalty has been so ignobly sev-bony hand towards Mahmoud, she said in a voice ered. Ino Del Castro, (turning to the bewildered of bitter defiance, maiden, and respectfully taking her hand,) thou art free-aye as free as when Scio's beauteous isle owned thee its fairest flower. Although Allah hath smiled upon my efforts to restore thee thy liberty; yet, alas! I grieve to say that the joy of thy heart, in this hour, cannot be enhanced by the return, or any successful tidings of Adrian Marcova, thy betrothed. Stamboul hath sought him in vain, but rest assured that though his vow is still unpaid, yet it is deemed too sacred to be set at naught by any present failure, and no future exertion will be spared to secure thee that happiness, in love, which thy constancy and virtue deserve." "Behold, most noble Stamboul, he whom thou hast so faithfully sought, acknowledges thy unparalleled generosity. Ino, my beloved, and is it thus we meet?" A manly form stood before him, then a faint cry, one single bound and the brave bosom of Adrian Marcova, habited as a Turkish soldier, held firmly the betrothed of his glad youth. He raised her head from his shoulder, saying in a tone of trembling joy— "Smile now, Ino, thy tears have all been shed. Stamboul, in Odessa, thy aid-de-camp, thou beholdest Adrian Marcova, who, on hearing that his destined bride was thy captive, entered thy service hoping to gain more certain tidings of her fate. Imagine my anguish when rumor confidently asserted she was thy willing and happy captive, in consequence of which, I so eagerly accepted thy offer of bearing her thy last missive, that I might be assured of its truth, or that the 'love of other days' possessed her heart; I was convinced of her truth and fidelity, but as thou hadst so graciously confided to me thy wishes and intentions regarding her release from captivity, I forbore revealing myself, fearing that any rash act of mine would probably involve her in greater misfortunes. Besides, I had resolved to anticipate thee in rendering the ransom, and without delay sought the assistance of a friend in securing one, that the most rapacious or insatiate heart could demand. Take back thy generously forfeited estates, for Adrian Marcova claims the prerogative of releasing Ino Del Castro and can give thee, most exacting Mahmoud, double the amount of thy stated ransom." "Ha! Stamboul, thou mayest well blush for thy allegiance to such a blood hungered tyrant, thou hast already risked a life too precious, and wielded a sword too true in the service of such as Mahmoud. Thy resolution is a noble one, and there let it sleep quiet in its scabbard ere thou unsheath it to advocate perjury and insatiate avarice. Adrian Marcova, doff the unsightly tarbouch of the barbarous infidels, and deign no longer to wear even the semblance of subjection, to one deaf to the voice of honor or common humanity." Lamia received the tarbouch which Adrian immediately cast from his head, and seizing the sabre from his hand, she severed it into numerous pieces, then scattering them before the silver throne, she uttered another discordant, pealing yell, adding in a tone of fearless denunciation, "Thus may thy kingdom be blasted by the winds of destruction, and the blood of every butchered Sciote fall upon thy accursed head with tenfold vengeance." "Stay, hag," replied the Sultan, rising as Lamia turned to depart, “Mahmoud will yet prove himself worthy of the sceptre he now wields, as also of the faithful loyalty of all his subjects; yea, even that of the magnanimous Stamboul. Not one piastre in this bag will he accept in ransom for Ino Del Castro; receive, Adrian Marcova, with thy peerless bride, the fairest portion of thy once beauteous isle as her dowery, for he now freely granteth to thee a full patent to return to Scio. Mahmoud's blessing goeth with thee. Stamboul, my valued friend and general, listen to my overtures. Although, in the moment of chagrin, I yielded my better nature to the tempter, yet conscience and honor now demand a candid retraction, which thy Sultan hesitates not to make before this present assemblage; permit him then, to renew his former oath of obligation with thee, and now not only doth he grant Ino Del Castro an unransomed liberty, but also that of every Christian captive present; regard their release as a reward of thy noble bravery, and say, can Mahmoud's overture regain thy sword's service?" Enough, most mighty Sultan," returned Stamboul, receiving his sword from Mahmoud, "gladly will thy general renew the blessed covenant of He waved high above his head an embroidered friendship with thee and reiterate the pledge of his scarf, as a signal for the appearance of some one life's devotion to thy will, and his country's good. expected. It was Ino's parting token, and no Henceforth the latter shall be his only desired sooner was it lifted, than there stalked through the bride, and at her shrine alone will he bend the knee gaping, wondering crowd, a fierce and singular of homage. Accept then of Stamboul's most gratelooking being, who paused before the throne, and ful thanks for this day's act of justice and humanity scornfully threw a heavy bag of gold at the Sul-in releasing so numerous a band of heart-stricken tan's feet, then, with a countenance expressing the captives, and proudly will his memory ever recur most blasting ire, Lamia, the Circe of the moun- to it, because the event so strongly proves he sertains, gave vent to a loud and hissing laugh, as she veth a noble king in heart and deed." spurned it with her foot, and extending her long, But Adrian and Ino's heart had become too Intent his distant pilgrimage to go, Though bent by years and weary of the way: His great and blest similitude to see, sorely lacerated by the direful massacre of their | Far from his home with trembling step and slow, Fredericksburg, 1844. Whose features shall resemble thine in grace! SONNETS FROM PETRARCH. BY MARY G. WELLS. IV. "Benedetto sia 'l giorno, e'l mese, e'l anno." Ah! blessed be the day, the month, the year, The season, time and the propitious hour, Calling aloud my lady's cherished name, The pensive verse which makes her known to fame; V. "Discolorato hai Morto il piu bel viso." Ah! Death, thou'st paled the fairest, loveliest face All that I loved, hast stilled the sweetest voice To where Religion leads her eye would turn, Could'st speak like her, with such a lustre burn, VI. "Movesi'l vecchierel canuto e bianco." As moves the ancient man with hoary hair The absence of their well loved sire to mourn, VII. Nill'eta sua piu bella e piu fiorita." In life's most beauteous and most flowery morn, Laura, my very life from me was torn. From there she rules me, and from there commands; VIII. "Quand'io veggio dal ciel scendar l' Aurora." When high in heaven I see Aurora rise, Love seizes me; I sicken, and with sighs She sleeps in death whom I so sadly mourn! My nights are sad, my days are filled with pain, IX. "L'aura serena che fra verdi fronde." The murmuring breeze that thro' the verdant grove And Time so firmly fixed each knot and band, Philadelphia, September, 1844. |