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I am the undying spirit of the wretch who cursed his Saviour on the cross. He looked at me in the closing hour of his existence, and that look hath not yet passed away, for I am cursed above all on earth. I am eternally condemn

Here they paused for an instant; and the stranger, in a softened tone, said, "but one hour more, and the struggle will be over. And yet this heart of incarnate malice can feel, when it devotes so young, so pure a spirit to the grave. But it must-it must be," he proceeded to hell! and must cater for my mascd, as the memory of her past love rushed on her mind; for the fiend whom I obey has so willed it. Poor girl, I am leading thee indeed to our nuptials; but the priest will be death, thy parents the mouldering skeletons that rot in heaps around; and the witnesses of our union, the lazy worms that revel on the carious bones of the dead. Come, my young bride, the priest is impatient for his victim." As they proceeded, a dim blue light moved swiftly before them, and displayed at the extremity of the church-yard the portals of a vault. It was open, and they entered it in silence. The hollow wind came rushing through the gloomy abode of the dead; and on every side were piled the mouldering remnants of coffins, which dropped piece by piece upon the damp earth. Every step they took was on a dead body; and the bleached bones rattled horribly beneath their feet. In the centre of the vault rose a heap of unburied skeletons, whereon was seated a figure too awful even for the darkest imagination to conceive. As they approached it, the hollow vault rung with a hellish peal of laughter; and every mouldering corpse seemed endued with unearthly life. The stranger paused, and as he grasped his victim in his hand, one sigh burst from his heart-one tear glistened in his eye. It was but for an instant; the figure frowned awfully at his vacillation, and waved his gaunt hand.

The stranger advanced; he made certain mystic circles in the air, uttered unearthly words, and paused in excess of terror. On a sudden he raised his voice, and wildly exclaimed-" Spouse of the spirit of darkness, a few moments are yet thine; that thou may'st know to whom thou hast consigned thyself.

ter's taste till the world is parched as is a scroll, and the heavens and the earth have passad away. I am he of whom thou may'st have read, and of whose feats thou may'st have heard. A million souls has my master condemned me to ensnare, and then my penance is accomplished, and I may know the repose of the grave. Thou art the thousandth soul that I have damned. I saw thee in thine hour of purity, and I marked thee at once for my home. Thy father did I murder for his temerity, and permitted to warn thee of thy fate; and thyself have I beguiled for thy simplicity. Ha! the spell works bravely, and thou shall soon see, my sweet one, to whom thou hast linked thine undying fortunes, for as long as the seasons shall move on their course of nature-as long as the lightning shall flash, and the thunders roll, thy penance shall be eternal. Look below! and see to what thou art destined." She looked, the vault split in a thousand different directions; the earth yawned asunder; and the roar of mighty waters was heard. A living ocean of molten fire glowed in the abyss beneath her, and blending with the shrieks of the damned, and the triumphant shouts of the fiends, rendered horror more horrible than imagination. Ten millions of souls were writhing in the fiery flames, and as the boiling billows dashed them against the blackened rocks of adamant, they cursed with the blasphemies of despair; and each curse echoed in thunder across the wave. The stranger rushed towards his victim. For an instant he held her over the burning marle, looked fondly in her face, and wept as he were a child. This was but the impulse of a moment; again he grasped her in his arms, dashed her

from him with fury; and as her last parting glance was cast in kindness on I his face, shouted aloud, "not mine is the crime, but the religion that thou professest; for it is not said that there is a fire of eternity prepared for the souls of the wicked; and hast thou not sincurred its torments?" She, poor girl, heard not, heeded not the shouts of the blasphemer. Her delicate form bound

ed from rock to rock, over billow, and over foam; as she fell, the ocean lashed itself as it were in triumph to receive her soul, and as she sunk deep in the burning marle, ten thousand voices reveberated from the bottomless abyss, "Spirit of evil! here indeed is an eternity of torments prepared for thee; for here the worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched."

HANS HEILING'S ROCKS.

A Bohemian Legend.

TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF KÖRNER.

THERE lived many years ago, in a little village on the Eger, a rich farmer. The name of the village, tradition has not handed down to us, but it is generally believed to have been situated on the left bank of the Eger, opposite the village of Alch, which is well known to all the invalids of Carlsbad. Veit, such was the name of the farmer, had a pretty and amiable daughter, the joy and pride of the surrounding country.

Elsbeth was really very handsome; and besides that, so good and well educated, that it would not have been then easy to find her equal.

Near Veit's house stood a little cottage, which belonged to the young Arnold, whose father had lately died. He had learned the trade of a mason, and was just returned home for the first time after a long absence, at the period of his father's death. Like an affectionate son, he dropped tears of unfeigned grief upon the old man's grave, for he had received as his patrimony nothing but a miserable cottage. Arnold, however, enjoyed, in the stillness of his own bosom, a more valuable inheritancetruth and probity, and a lively sense of every thing good and beautiful. The elder Arnold was already in a declining

state of health, when his son arrived at the village, and his physical strength was not sufficient for the joy of again beholding him. The young man sedulously attended him, and in fact never stirred from his side, so that, previously to his father's decease, he saw none of his early friends and companions, except those who visited him as he sat by the bed of sickness.

Of all the other villagers there was none that took so lively an interest in Veit's daughter, Elsbeth, as Arnold; for they had grown up together, and he still entertained a pleasurable remembrance of the kind-hearted little maid, who had been so fond of him, and wept so bitterly when he was obliged to set out for the dwelling of his master, who resided at Prague. He was now a fine slender youth, and he had often said within himself, that Elsbeth must also be now full grown, and exceedingly

handsome.

The third evening after her father's death, Arnold was musing in sorrow, upon the new made grave, when he heard a light step entering the churchyard behind him. He looked up, and saw a lovely girl gliding among the grave-hillocks with a basket of flowers

upon her arm. An elder-bush concealed him from the eyes of Elsbeth, for it was she who was coming to adorn with garlands the resting-place of her venerable neighbour.

She bent in tears over the turf, and spoke in a low tone as she folded her hands together: "Rest in peace, virtuous man! may the earth be less burthensɔme to thee than thy life!-though no flowers were strewed along thy path, yet shall thy grave at least be bedecked with them!"Here Arnold sprang forward through the bushes-" Elsbeth!" cried he, as he pressed the terrified maiden in his arms, "Elsbeth, do you not know me?"-"Ah! Arnold! is it you?" stammered she, blushing; it is very, very long since we have seen one another." And you are so handsome, so mild, so amiable-and you loved my father, and still cherish such an affectionate remembrance of him. Dear, delightful girl!"-"Yes, worthy Arnold, I loved him with all my heart," said she, gently disengaging herself from his embrace; 66 we have often conversed together about you the only joy he knew was the possession of such a son." "Was I really a source of joy to him?" interrupted Arnold, hastily; then do I thank thee, God, for having preserved me in probity and virtue! But, Elsbeth, only think how every thing is altered. Formerly we were little, and, as my father sat before the door, we played about his knees-you were so fond of me-and we could not live asunderand now the good old man slumbers beneath us we are grown up; and, though I have not had in my power to be with you, yet have I often thought of you." And I also of you," whispered Elsbeth, softly, as she tenderly gazed upon him with her large friendly

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upon him, I feel as if we had never been separated. The sentiment of a child awakens within me, fostered into the passion of a man.-Elsbeth, I love you-here, on this sacred spot, I declare it to you, for the first time, I love you! and you?"-But Elsbeth hid her glowing face in his breast, and wept heartily -"and you?" repeated Arnold, in a mournful and imploring tone. She gently raised her head, and looked full upon him through her tears, but with an expression of satisfaction. "Arnold, from the bottom of my heart, I am your's-I have ever, ever loved you !" He again pressed her to his bosom, and they sealed with kisses the confession of their hearts.

When the first transport of recipro cal affection was over, they sat in an ecstasy of bliss upon the grave. Arnold related his adventures, and longings for his home, while Elsbeth again dwelt upon his father, and their early childhood, those days of unclouded enjoyment. The sun was already a considerable time below the horizon, but they had not observed it. At last a bustle in the adjoining street awoke them from their reverie, and Elsbeth, after a hasty parting kiss, flew from the arms of Arnold towards her father's house. At the dead of the night, Arnold was still sitting upon the old man's grave, sunk in blissful recollections; and the morning was already dawning, when, with an overflowing and thankful heart, he entered his paternal cottage.

On the morrow, as Elsbeth was preparing her father's morning repast, the old Veit began to speak of Arnold. "I pity the poor youth," said he," from my heart-you must certainly remember him, Elsbeth, for ye have often played together."" How should I not?" stammered she, reddening. “I should be sorry if it were the case-it would appear as if you were too proud to think of the poor lad. It is true I have become rich, and the Arnolds have always continued poor creatures, -but they have always been honest,

at least the father, and I also hear very favourable accounts of the son.""Really, father," interrupted Elsbeth, hastily," he is an excellent young hastily, man. "Ho, Elsbeth," retorted the father," how have you learned that with such certainty ?"-" They say so in the village," was the faltering answer. "I am glad of it; if I can assist him in any way, my exertions shall not be wanting."

Elsbeth, in order to terminate the conversation, during which her cheeks exhibited one continued blush, set about some of her household affairs, and thus escaped the scrutinizing glances of the suspicious old man. Before mid-day, Arnold met his beloved by appointment in the garden behind Veit's house. She related to him the entire conversation, which inspired him with the most favourable expectations. "Yes," said he in conclusion, "I have been considering all night what is best to be done. I shall go this very day to your father, openly declare to him our love, and desire to be united. I shall acquaint him with my pursuits, produce the testimonials which I have obtained from my master, and implore his blessings. He will be pleased with my candour, and consent: I shall then cheerfully depart on my travels, amass a little competence, return a faithful and joyous lover, and we will then be happy. Is it not true, sweet good Elsbeth?". "Yes," cried the transported maid, as she hung upon his neck, "yes, my father will certainly give his consenthe is so fond of me!" They separated, full of the most sanguine hopes.

In the evening Arnold put on his best attire, once more visited his father's grave, fervently invoked his blessing, and then, with a beating heart, took the way to Veit's house. Elsbeth,

trembling with joy, welcomed him, and forthwith introduced him to her father. "Neighbour Arnold." cried the old man, anticipating him," what have you to offer me?"-" Myself," answered he. "That means ?". inquired

Veit. "Sir," began Arnold, with a voice tremulous at first, but afterwards more resolute and animated, “Sir, let me recover myself a little, and you will then understand me better. I am poor, but I have been regularly brought up to business, as these testimonials will certify. The whole world lies open before me; for it is not my intention to confine myself to the mechanical part of my profession, but to pursue the theory of it: I shall one day become a skilful architect-this promise I have given to my deceased father. But,Sir, all human efforts must centre in some object, and labour must be directed towards some fixed end. The houses which I build are not projected for the purpose of erection merely, but of utility; so is it with my profession. I do not devote myself to it for the mere sake of study, but with a view of deriving some profit from it, and that reward which I have proposed to myself, it rests with you to bestow. Promise me that it shall be mine, as soon as ever I have earned a competence, and I will devote myself to my profession with the utmost avidity."" And what then do 1 possess,' "" answered Veit," which can be of such importance to you?"-Your daughter-we love one another-I have, like an honest man, applied in the first instance to her father, and also refrained from saying much about the girl herself, as is the habit of many. No, I come to you after the good old fashion, and solicit a promise, that if, at the end of three years, I return home from my travels, and with some little property realized, you will not deny me your paternal blessing,-and that you will, in the mean time, suffer your daughter to continue for three years my betrothed bride."

"Young man," replied the father, "I have let you speak on-do you permit me to do the same, and I shall plainly and fairly declare to you my resolution. That you love my daughter gives me unfeigned pleasure, for you

are an honest youth; and I am still more pleased that you have openly applied to her father, which conduct indeed merits my decided approbation. Your principals term you a clever young man, and inspire you with hopes of advancement: I wish you joy with this; but hope is an uncertain good, and shall I rest the future prospects of my Elsbeth on so frail a foundation? It is possible, tbat, during these three years, proposals may be offered, which shall be more agreeable to my daughter, or at least to me. Shall I refuse such, because there is a possibility of your return? No, young man-I shall do no such thing. If, however, you return while Elsbeth is still disengaged, and with your fortune already made, I shall not oppose your wishes. For the present, not a word more on the subject."—" But neighbour Veit," faltered Arnold imploringly, and seized the old man's hand, "" There is no "only reflectneed of further reflection," interrupted Veit," and therefore God bless you, or, if you wish to remain longer, you are welcome; but not a word more of Elsbeth."-" And this is your final resolve?" stammered. Arnold. "My final one," returned the old man coolly. "Then God help me," cried the youth, and was rushing out of the room; Veit caught him quickly by the hand, and detained him. 66 Young man, do not commit an indiscretion. If you are a man, and possessed of strength and fortitude, be collected, and suppress your feelings. The world is wide-seek to engage yourself in busy life, and your breast will recover its tranquillity. Now, farewell, and may good fortune accompany you in your wanderings." With these words he let go his hold, and Arnold tottered to his cottage. Weeping bitterly, he packed up his bundle, bid adieu to his little patrimony, and then directed his steps towards the churchyard, in order to pay a parting visit to his father's grave.

Elsbeth, who had, through the door, partially overheard the conversation, sat

drowned in tears. She had indulged in dreams of future bliss, and now, even hope itself seemed to be annihilated. Wishing to get a last sight of Arnold, she had stationed herself at the window of her apartment, and waited until he stepped out of the cottage, and bent towards the church-yard. She flew quickly after him, and found him praying on the grave. "Arnold, Arnold, you will then depart," cried she, embracing him, "ah! I cannot let you go!" Arnold started up as if awakened up out of a dream I must, Elsbeth, I must. Forbear to break my heart with your tears, for I must go."-" Will you ever return, and when ?"-" Elsbeth, I will labour as much as man can do I will not squander a moment of my timein three years I return again. Will you continue true to me?"-" Until death, dear Arnold," cried she, sobbing. "Even though your father should endeavour to compel you."-" Let them drag to the church-even at the foot of the altar I will cry-No. Yes, Arnold, we will remain true to one another, here and above yon sky. Somewhere we shall meet again!"" Then let us part," cried Arnold, while a ray of hope beamed through the tears which filled their eyes, "let us part. No longer do I shrink before any obstacles-no enterprise shall be too great, or too audacious for me. With this kiss I pledge my troth to you, and nowfarewell! in three years we shall be happy." He tore himself from her arms. "Arnold," cried she, "Arnold do not forsake your Elsbeth!" but he was already gone. His white handkerchief waved from afar a last adieu, and he at length disappeared in the obscurity of the wood.

Elsbeth flung herself down upon the grave, and prayed fervently to God. Being confident that Arnold would be true to her, she became more calm, and appeared more collected in the presence of her father, who fixed his eyes sharply upon her, and inquired into the most minute particulars.

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