On this page
- Departments (2)
-
Text (6)
-
litionMrCrawford heard noise Jt July 17,...
-
2i-—^- _ ... -«-. -»^. • m -»-- t * ""^ LITERATURE-
-
OUR $ett=attif*&tft portrait ®&Xlm. Hekr...
-
THE COUNTESS OF RUDOLSTADT, [Sequel to "...
-
©Jtaife mtB Sitr<ws.
-
Authors are liko asparagus—there ia noth...
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Litionmrcrawford Heard Noise Jt July 17,...
litionMrCrawford Jt July 17 , 1852 . _ THE STAR , OF FREEDOM . I "I » t * ^ f ft n m "" " ' '" ' " " "' ' * ——^— . — ^^^^^^^^^ i ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^\^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^* Eff *> Mttl > BaEMPCBW 3 WM « gm ] l'ftAJ ™ IJJ t Tl I lir . mn Mr I : ra > joF .. » l ...... . . „_ ..,.. _ .. < . _ . ! i .. i j . i ~ ¦•
2i-—^- _ ... -«-. -»^. • M -»-- T * ""^ Literature-
2 i- —^ - _ ... - « -. - »^ . m - » -- t * " " ^ LITERATURE-
Our $Ett=Attif*&Tft Portrait ®&Xlm. Hekr...
OUR $ ett = attif *& tft portrait ®& Xlm . Hekry Clay . H < Henry Clay has breathed his last . His political jjarejareer , his many long years of unrewarded patriotic iiaboiabours are ended , and he sleeps with the many great ppatrpatriots of the American Republic ^ To every pubno nic man , to every citizen , there is an important lesson Djresjresented in the fife of the departed American statesmanrian . Throughout his whole life Henry Clay has
t bowbowed to tho evil-genius of modern " politicians-- ex-[ Bedbediency—compromise . He "was warmly attached to i ! ihe ihe cause of Freedom and of Progress ; but he was vwaiwanting in that stern and unbending determination ito sto accept nothing less than the troth , thai andeviatiincinc attachment to principle which characterised the ( gregreat men of antiquity . T Without doubt , he was warmly attached to the icaucause of Troth , Justice , and Liberty ; his refusal to Ibovbow before the prejudices of any party of his coun-Itrytrymen , and his enthusiasm in favour of South AmeiricTican and Grecian Independence sufficiently prove it ; Ibuibut he has ever descended to the little excuse , the
] peipeddl 3 ng expediency , of the weak-minded and unprmcitcipled , attempting to . serve the cause of right , by ] phplayin # wrong against wrong , and bargaining with in injustice , to procure toleration for truth . Born and ed educated iu a slave state , it is the more honourable to to his head , and to his heart , that he was capable of bt bursting the fetters of the iniquitous ideas by which hi his mind had been warped in childhood , and that he w ; was generous enough to protest against slavery—that si shameless sin against Humanity—and to labour for tl the destruction of the atrocious and degrading syst € tem . But it would seem that he was too generous
to to be just . In his case excessive generosity was not m merely a failing , but it was a crime ; for it prompted h him to mate terms with injustice , instcad-of aiming a at its immediate and complete overthrow and extern urination . .,, » . =- * Henry Clay was born on the 12 th of April , 1 // 7 , i in Hanover county , Virginia , consequently only three 3 years after the Declaration of Independence , and in the i State which was to produce Eome of the first champions
a and governors of the American Confederation . Hia 1 : life includes the whole era of his country ' s history , i from the doubtful contest of a revolted colony and t the formation of the Union to the present exalted t condition of its prosperity and power . For upwards ( of fifty years he had taken an active part in public j affairs . At tlie . early age of twenty he began to i practise the law with success at the bar of Lexington , in the State of Kentucky , which he thenceforth
alopied as his own . Even then , though but a youth , he became a C ounsellor of the People by addressing his fellow citizens from place to place in favour of providing , in their State Constitution then about to be formed , for the Gradual Extinction of Human Slavery throughout their State—a suggestion which was over-ruled by short-sighted egotism , but which , had it prevailed , would have rendered Kentucky ere this as wealthy , populous and powerful as Ohio now is . Fifty years later , the Revision of that Constitution afforded him an opportunity of reiterating his convictions on this rital theme , which slave-holding selfishness again over-ruled . While this decision is deepl y to be regretted , the cause which enlists and retains such an advocate can never be justly deemed hopeless . Kentucky will heed more profoundly tho voice of her most illustrious statesman , now that it is hushed for
ever in death . Bat it may have been that in thus advocating the gradual extinction of slavery , he failed to awaken any sympathy in themindsevenof the unselfish , for if slavery was an injustice—a crime—to speak of its gradud extinction was unjust and criminal . With crime aud injustice no honourable-minded man can possibly make any compromise . And if it was merely in matter of expediency to be abolished—if such a course was preferable—it was only natural that the slave holders should find it most expedient to oppose abolition , and to uphold the ' domestic institution . '
The next great topic which enlisted Mr . Clay s youthful energies was the foolishly arbitary Alien aud Sedition Laws . Guided by his strong instinct of sympathy for Freedom and hatred of despotism , Mr . Clay enlisted in the support of Jefferson , and contributed by his popular eloquence to the zeal aud almost unanimity wherewith the West supported his election and administration . The War of 1812 also found in Mr Clay one of its earliest , heartiest , and most efiicient champions . m ilture of
Having served with distinction in the Legsa Kentucky , Mr . Clay was chosen in 1806 to the U . S . Senate to fill a short vacancy , and was soon after re-elected for a longer vacancy . Retiring from that body ha was chosen to the House , whereof he was immediately made Speaker , a compliment never paid to any other new member . Thence until 1825 , when he accepted the first p lace in the Cabinet of Mr . Adams , Mr . Clay , with scarcely an interruption , was the master-spirit of the House , in which he wielded an influence entirely without parallel . Whether as presiding ofiicer , as a debater , or as a practical legislator , that House has known no other member who could bo fairly pronounced the equal of Henry Clay .
His conduct of the State Department was able , dignified , and efiicient , and several of his State Papers drawa up in that capacity , are models for just sentiment and concise energy . of expression . Retiring to private life at the close of Mr . Adams ' s term , he was thence called to the U . S . Senate in 1831-2 , remaining a member of that body , except during a brief period of voluntary retirement , to the day of hia death . That he exercised therein an influence rarely conceded to any legislator , and still more rarely to a minority member , is undoubted .
But bis speeches in the Legislature , thoug h such as gained for him great influence with his brother legislators and the people of tha time , are not such as to acquire for him fame or honour for posterity , in consequence of their being grounded upon expediency aud compromise , and not upon principle ; their influence extended no farther than to tho hour when they were spoken , and to the circumstances which called them forth . Hence the great body of his speeches , which have rarely been surpassed in cogency and fertility of illustration , in fitness to the occasion and force of argument , will be rarely consulted by future
generations . Whatever may have been his faults , Henry Clay never wavered from his faith in the principle of e sovereignty of the people , and in his hatred for desfotism . History had taught him , that the greatest danger for a free people was that of their becoming dazzled with a brilliant tyrant . Hence he ever raised his voice against the popular folly whenever thev showed a disposition to ' bestow admiring praise upon a citizen conspicuous for qualities other than virtue and patriotic abnegation . Witness his noble speech wherein , 1818-19 , he arraigned at the bar of
Congress and the country , the outrageous usurpation of power by Andrew Jackson , in the unauthorised invasion and conquest of Florida , then the undisputed colony of a nation with which America was then at peace . That speech by a civilian in exposure and reprehension of the tyrannies and crimes of a victorious and idolised military chieftain was worthy ot the noblest age of any republic , ancient or modern . "We have never ceased to love and honour him for his fearless patriotism in exposing and resisting that great danger of republics , a blind admiration of military achievement , and a disposition to varnish over the crimes of conquerors . When such exposures fall upon the public ear unheeded , then is the
commonwealth ready to become the prey of some maa Alexander , all-grasping Cebsut , or assassin Bonaparte . That Mr . Clay changed his politics or party a ssociations in 1824—5 , is among the most successful f alsehoods of the last generation . Five candidates for the Presidency were in the field—all belonging to tte Democratic party of that time—three of them ^ embers of the existing Democratic administration—^ Adams , Secretary of State ; Mr . Crawford , Secretary of War ; Mr . Calhoun , Secretary of the Navy . Of the other two , Mr . Clay was Speaker of the House ; General Jackson was a U . S . Senator . Bef ° * e the popular vote was cast , Mr . Calhoun retired fr the canvass and threw his strength into the ^ e of General Jackson , whose friends thenceforth ^ 'ported him for Vice-President ; vet no one ever char ged these two with having formed a corrup ! coa-
Our $Ett=Attif*&Tft Portrait ®&Xlm. Hekr...
. . was prostrated by a severe and ! in £ ftrmsr illness ,, whereof he died a vaar or so afterwards ; Mr . Clay received not quite votes enough to carry him into the House , and was virtually constrained to support either Mr . Ajlaras or General Jackson , with both ' of whom he had been at variance , but far more with the latter . He supported Mr . Adams , as La Fayette testifies he had told him in confidence , months before , that he would do if compelled to choose between him and Jackson ; and this has been persistently represented by his enemies as a desertion of Democracy ' . Hereupon he has been stigmatized as a Federalist , and hundreds of thousands who would otherwise have supported him , have therefore united in hunting him down through the last twenty-five years .
Henry Clay in the National Councils was from first to last instinctively an advocate of all those measures whereby a nation is strengthened by inward growth rather than external accreation . He sought national greatness and glory through the facilitation and cheapening of internal intercourse , the creation of new branches of industry , the improvement of national resources , rather than through the devastation of foreign territories and the dismemberment of neigbouring countries . Of that system of policy justly known as ' the American System , ' lie was one of the founders and has been foremost among its untiring and efficient champions .
Although calumny and misunderstanding of his real character has prevented his elevation to the Presidential chair , it is not for a moment to be doubted that he was at least as much worthy of that honour as many of those not better intentioned , or possessed of a better policy , who obtained it . Yet he would not , perhaps , havo been disappointed , for disappointed he undoubtedly was by his want of success , if he had cast aside his fatal tendency to compromise , aud appealed to the people on the broad ground of principle and universal justice . Henry Clay ' s illness has been long and painful . Although his death had been almost momentarily expected for some time past , yet those in attendance did not even on the morning of his decease anticipate that that sad event was so near .
During the preceding day and night , he seemed to breathe only with the greatest difficulty , and evidectly endeavoured to communicate some wish to those about him , but from his utter prostration , scarcely anything that he said was satisfactorily understood . It was on the 29 th of June that his death took place . On the preceding afternoon there appeared to be a giving way in Mr .- Clay ' s system . Imagination attributed it , in some degree , to excitement produced by the enthusiasm of the Ratification Meeting . At night he was * calm , but his mind wandered , and in a low , distinct voice ,, he named his wife , son , and other relatives . Rev . Dr . Butler offered his services to watch during the night , but they were deemed unnecessary .
On the morning of the 29 th , Mr . Clay was perfectly tranquil and exceedingly feeble , and showed a disposition to slumber . About half past ten o ' clock he asked for cool water , which he was accustomed to take through a silver tube . On removing the tube from his mouth , he seemed to have more difficulty than previously . He turned to his son and said , ' Don ' t leave me . ' Soon after he made a motion to have his shirt-collar opened' and added , ' I am going soon , ' and serenely breathed his last . Although hourly expected , the news of his death produced the most intense sorrow in New York , which city has always been prominent in its attachment to the Great Commoner . All public business was suspended ; flags of all nations and in number innumerable were half-masted , many public places were festooned with crape , and a sudden silence fell upon all the City like a pall . ¦
In other towns the melancholy intelligence produced the same universal sorrow , and gloom , and similar manifestations of regret at the death of the great statesman were displayed . Immediately his death was made Known , tho Senate and House of Representatives adjourned from respect for his memory . Messrs . W . Riymond and Co ., of New York , received an order to forward to Washington a sarcophagus , or what is styled " Fisk'a Metallic Burial Case , " for the inclosure of his remains . In addition to the adaptation of these cases for the preservation and transportation of bodies , the one provided on this occasion surpasses , in richness of style and finish , anything of the kind ever produce i in America .
The material of which the case is composed consists of a composition of metals of t « 'e most indestructible character —the shape resembling the outlines of the human body , and so joined together as to be impervious to air or water ; enveloping this is rich folding drapery of black cloth , conforming in shape with the case ; the handles , the faceplate , the plate for inscribing the name , with the other plates , are of massive silver , beautifully wrought and chased , having appropriate emblems , among which appear wreaths of laurel and oak , with a full-blown rose and sprig
of oak , with its acorns detached from their parent stems , showing the work of the fell destroyer . The inside is lined with rich , white satin , tastefully cushioned , quilted and bound with silver cord . The whole appearance , although rich and'beautiful , still plain and appropriate . dOtt the day that intelligence of Mr . Clay's death reached New York , a meeting of prominent citizens was held , and steps taken to send a very large Delegation to Washington to attend the funeral ; A national subscription has been opened for the purpose of raising a monument to his
memory . Faulty ns » as Henry Clay , America could ill afford to lose him now , for amongst her present statesmen there ia not one who is a whit less tainted with expediency ; and sho has certainly bad not one who had a greater love for justice and truth , had not the natural sentiments of his mind been dwarfed aud obscured by the degrading policy of Compromise .
The Countess Of Rudolstadt, [Sequel To "...
THE COUNTESS OF RUDOLSTADT , [ Sequel to " CbnsueW ] Br Gkorge Sand . THE MYSTEBIES OF THE INVISIBLES . The two costumes which the neophyte found displayed in her chamber , were a brilliant bride ' s dress and a mourning garment , with all the distinctive signs of widowhood . She hesitated some moments . Her resolution as to choice of husband was taken , but which of these two costumes would externally testify her intention ? After a little reflection she put on the white robe , the veil , the flowers , and the pearls of a bride . This attire was pure in taste and extremely elegant .. Consuelo was soon ready ; but on looking at herself in the mirror framed with the threatening sentences , she had ' no longer an inclination to smile as on the first occasion . A mortal paleness was on her features , and terror in her heart . "Whichever course she had
resolved to take , she felt that there would remain to her a regret , or a remorse ; that a soul would be broken by her desertion ; aud her own experienced a horrible anguish in anticipation . On seeing ber cheeks and her lips as white as her veil and her orange flowers , she feared for Albert and for Liverani equally , tho effect of so violent emotion , and she was tempted to put on rouge , but she renounced the thoughts at once . " If » y face lies , " thought she , " can my heart lie V She knelt by the aide of her bed , and hiding her face in the drapery , she remained absorbed in sorrowful meditation until the moment when the clock struck midnight . She rose immediately , and saw an invisible , with a black mask , standing behind her . I know not what instinct made her presume this to be Marcus . ' She was not de . ceived , and yet he did not make himself known , but only said to her , in a gentle aud sad voice : " Madame , all is ready . Fleaso to cover yourself with this cloak and to follow me . " '
"AM" said Consuelo , as she wrapped herself in the black cloak that was presented to her , "this Cagiiostro ' s hood I " " There is no Cagliostro here , " replied Marcus , " and our mysteries are neither treacheries nor impostures ; do not biud the hood over your head , it is not yet time . " Consuelo followed the " invisible to the extremity of tho garden , to the place where the stream lost itself under the verdant arcade of the park . There she found an uncovered gondola , entirely black , similar in every respect to the gondolas of Venice , and in the gigantic rower at the prow , she recognised Karl , who crossed himself on seeing her . "Am I permitted to speak to him ? " asked Consuelo of her guide .
" You may say a few words aloud , " he replied . " Well , then , dear Karl , my deliverer and my friend , " said Consuelo , who felt a thrill of delight at seeing a wellknown face once more , after so long a seclusion among mysterious beings , " May I hope that nothing serves to lessen the pleasure j-ou feel at finding me again ?" « ' Xotking , signora , " replied Karl , in a cheerful voice ; " nothing , if ifc be not the remembrance of that which is no longer of this world , and which I fancy I always see by your side . Courage and contentment , my good mistress , my good sister I We are here as on the night when we fled from Spandau I " This also is a day of deliverance , brother , " said Marcus . " Come row with that vigour and address with which you are "ifted , and let the pvadence of jow tongue equa \ the strength of your arm . This does indeed resemble a flight , " added he , addressing Consuelo ; "but the principal deliverer is no longer the same . "
Ashe pronounced these words , Marcus offered Consuelo h s hsnd to assist her to the cushioned bench . lie felt her trouble slightly ct the allusion to Liverani , aud begged her to cover her face for a few moments only . Consuelo obeyed , and the gondola , urged by the robust arm of the deserter , elided rapidly over " the gloomy and silent waters . After a « hort interval , the exact length of which Consuelo ' s disturned state of mind did not permit her to ascertain , she
The Countess Of Rudolstadt, [Sequel To "...
heard a noise of voices and instruments at some distance , and received , without altogether stopping , the slight shock as of the boat touching the land . The hood' which had covered her face fell back gently , and the neophyte fancied she was passing from one dream to another , as she con - templated the fairy spectacle before her eyes . The bark was gliding along a sloping bank , covered thickly with flowers and fresh herbage , while the wide expanse of the river was as it were on fire , and reflected long colonnades of light on its glassy surface . When Consuelo ' s eyes had become accustomed to this . ¦ . » . ' ..
sudden light , she was able to fix them upon the illuminated fapade of the palace , which rose at a little distance , and mirrored in the lake with magical splendour . This elegant edifice , the outline of which was relieved against the star-lit sky , these hnrmonious voices , this concert of instruments , these open windows , through which , between the curtains of purple glowing in the light , Consuelo saw a glittering throng of men and women richly dressed , sparkling with embroidery , diamonds , gold , and pearls . She stood up in the bout , which was drawing nearer and nearer to the chateau , and . suddenly excited by the chorus of
Handel—Cliantonslagl'iirc Da Judavainqueurshe forgot all else , and mingled her voice in the general tide of harmony . But a fresh shock of the gondola , which , gliding close to the bank , sometimes struck against a branch or a tuft of grass , caused her to fill . Obliged to cling- to the first hand which offered itself to support her , sho 5 ien for the first time perceived that there was a fourth person in the skiff , a masked Invisible , who certainly w .-is not there when she had entered . A large dark grey cloak , falling in long folds , a broad-brimmed hat worn in a certain fashion , an inuiscribable something in the features of this mask , tlirouih which the human physiognomy seemed to speak ; but , above all , the pressure of the trembling hand which would not release her own , told Consuelo that tho man she loved , the Chevalier Liverani , such as he had appeared to her for the first time ou the lake at Spandau , was beside her . Then the' music , the illumination , the enchimted
palace , the intoxicating fete , and even the approach of the solemn moment which was to decide her destiny , all was effaced from Consuelo ' s memory . Agitated , and ,, as it were , conquered by a superhuman power , she fell back breathless iipon the cushions of the gondola by the side of Liverani . Tlie other unknown was standing at the prow , his back turned towards them . Her long fast ,, the narrative of the Countess Wanda , the dread of some terrible denouement , the surprise of this fete , all overwhelmed Consuelo ' s strength . Shewasno longer conscious of anything but the hand of Liverani pressing her . own , his arm around her waist in readiness to prevent her leaving him , and that heavenly charm which the presence of the beloved object sheds even upon the very air we breathe . Consuelo remainedthus some moments , as unconscious of the glittering scene as if it had withdrawn into the deepest ni » ht no longer hearing anything but the warm breathing ° of her lover , and the beatings of her own heart .
" Madame , ' said Marcus , suddenly turning towards her , 'do you not know the air they are now singing , and would you not like to stop and listen to that magnificent tenor V ° " I know not what the air and voice may be , " replied Consuelo , absently ; "lot us stop or go on as you please . " "Do you not know that fine voice which is singing a Venetian air ? ' asked Marcus again , surprised at the immobility and apparent indifference of Consuelo " Pardon me , monsieur ! " she replied , somewhat impatiently ; ' « he is called Anzoleto ; Ah 1 that false re ! He has lost the note ! " Do you not wish to see his face ? You are perhaps mistaken . From this you can distinguish him perfectly , for I can see him clearly . He is a very handsome young man . " ' 6 " What is the use of looking at him ? " returned Con-Consuelo , rather warmly . " I am quite sure that he is tho same . "
Marcus took Consuelo ' s hand gently , and Liverani offering his , they assisted her to rise and look through the open window . Consuelo , who might perhaps have resisted the one , yielded to the other , and threw a glance upon the handsome Venetian , who was at that moment the centre of attraction for more than a hundred women , who gazed at him with admiring looks . " He" has grown very stout ! " said Consuelo , seating herself again , and gently resisting the efforts of Liverani , who attempted to take back the little cross , which he succeeded in effecting . '' Would you not feel some pleasure in talking to him ? If we should enter this palace , and they should ask you to sing with him ?'*
"If it be atrial , " said Consuelo , with some sharpness , fur she began to observe Marcus ' s perseverance , * ' and as I roust obey you in all things , I will yield myself willingly to this . But if it be for my pleasure you make this oner , I should prefer to decline it . " « " Am I to stop here , my brother ? " said Karl , giving a military signal with his oar . " Pass on , brother . '" replied Marcus . Karl obeyed ; and in a , few moments , the gondola , having crossed the lake , shot beneath a thick bower . " Listen , M idame ! " said Marcus , « ' Do you not hear the applause of the audience ? Yes , that is indeed the clapping of hands and acclamations . ' They are enchanted with what they ba ? e just heard . This Anzoleto has had great success at the palace . " " They do not know him ! " said Consuelobrusquely ,
, seizing the flower of a magnolia which Liverani had just gathered , and thrown furtively into her lap . She pressed the flower convulsively in her bunds , and hid it in her bosom , as the last relic of undying love which a fatal trial was about to sanctify or break for ever . The bark at last touched the shore at the junction of the gardens and the woods , in a picturesque spot , where the river flawed among rocks and ceased to be navigable . Consuelo had but little time to examine the wild landscape which was lighted up by the moon . They were still within the wide domains of the palace ; but art was only applied hero to preserve nature in her primitive b . eauty ; the old trees planted by chance amidst the glossy turf , the gentle undulations of the ground , tho surrounding hills , the dashing cascades , the troops of bounding and timid deer .
Here a new personage arrested the attention of Consuelo : this was Gottlieb , who was seated carelessly upon the handle of a sedan chair , in an attitude of calm and thoughtful musing . He trembled as he recognised his friend of the prison , but at a sign from Marcus he abstained from speaking to her . " You forbid this poor fellow , then , to press my hand ?" said Consuelo , in a low tone to her guide . " After your initiation you will be at liberty in all your actions , " be replied in the same tone . " May I not know at least , " replied the neophyte , " whether he suffered persecution for my sake after my flight from Spandau ? Forgive my ' impatience . " " He did suffer , " replied Marcus , " but not long . As learuea oi coasted witn artless
soon as no your escape , ne enthusiasm of having contributed towards it , and his involuntary disclosures during his sleep had almost proved fatal to some of us . They attempted to shut him up in a madhouse , as much to punish him as to prevent him from assisting other prisoners . It was then he fled ; and as we had our eye upon him , we caused him to bo conducted hither , where we have since lavished every caie upon his mind and body . We shall restore him to bis family and his country , when wo have given him the strength and prudence-necessary to labour usefully in our work , which has become his own , for he is one of the purest and most fervent of our adepts . But the chair is ready , madame ; will you enter it ? I will not leave you , though I intrust you to the sure and faithful arms of Karl and Gottlieb . "
Consuelo immediately seated herself in the chair , which was closed on all sides , and only admitted the air through a few chinks in the roof . She then ceased to see what was passing around her . At times she perceived the stars shining , and thus judged that she was still in the open air ; at others she saw their light interrupted without being able to distinguish whether it wero by buildings or by the thick shadow of the trees . . The porters walked rapidly on in . the most profound silence , while she endeavoured for some time to distinguish by the sound of their footsteps whether there were four or three persons accompanying ber . Several times she thought she recognised the footsteps of Liverani on the right of her chair ; but this might be only an illusion , and , moreover , she felt that she ought to try not to think of him . When tho chair stopped and wan opened , Consuelo could not avoid a feeling of terror , as she saw herself be *
ne & th the portcullis of an old feudal tower . The moon was pouring a flood of light on the oourt-yard , which was covered with buildings in ruins , and filled with persons dressed in white , who came and went , some alone , others in groups , like spectres . The black and massive archway of the entrance lent a more fantastic and transparent blue to the distance . These restless shadows , some silent , others speaking in a low voice , their noiseless movement over the long grass of the court , the appearance of these ruins , which Consuelo recognised as those into which sho bad onco penetrated , and in which she had seen Albert , made such an impression upon her , that she was seized with a species of superstitious terror . She instinctively looked around for Liverani . He was indeed with Marcus , but the obscurity of the vault did not allow ber to distinguish which of the two offered her his hand ; and this time , her heart paralysed hy a sudden sadness , an indefinable feardid not inform her .
, They threw her cloak over her dress , and drew the hood around ber head , so that she could sea all without herself being sren by any one . Some one then told her , in a low voice , not to allow a single word , a single exclamation , to escape her , whatever she might seo ; and sho was thus conducted to the extremity of the court-yard , where a strange spectacle did indeed offer itself to her eyes . A bell , of a faint and gloomy tone , -was summoning the shadows towards the ruined chapel where Consuelo had formerly sought refuge against the storm , This chapel was now illuminated by wax tapers , disposed in systematic order . Tho altar appeared to have been recently erected ; it was covered with a pall and decorated with singular designs , in which the emblems of Christianity
were mingled with those of Judaism , as well as with Egyptian hieroglyphics , and various cabalistic signs . In tho middle of the choir , which was enclosed wuh symbolic columns and balustrades ' , was a bier surrounded by tapers , covered with cross-bars , and surmounted by a death ' s head , in which burned a blood-coloured flame . Towards this cenotaph was led a young man , whose features Consuelo could not see ; a large bandage covered the half of his face : be was a candidate , and appeared overcome by fatigue or emotion . He had one arm and one leg naked , his hands were tied behind his back , and his white robe was spotted with blood . A ligature round the arm seemed to indicate that he bad been just bled . Two shadows waved torches of lighted resin around his head , and scattered clouds of smoke and lighted sparks over his
The Countess Of Rudolstadt, [Sequel To "...
face and breasf . Then there commenced a singular dialogue between him and those who presided over the ' ceremony , and who wore distinguished m-. u-Ks oi umir various dignities , which recalled to Consuelo that which Cagliostro had caused her to overhear at Berlin between Albert and some unknown personages . Then several spectres , who were armed with swords , and whom she heard called tho Terrible Brothers , stretched the candidate upon the flaaS pressing the point of their weapons against his heart , while several others began , with a great clashing ol swords a desperate combat , some pretending to prevent the admission of the new brother , treating him as perverse , unworthy , and a traitor , while tho rest declared that they fought for him in the name of truth and acquired ri ° ht This strange scene produced the effect of a painful dream upon Consuelo . This strugsrle , these throats , this ma < rj 0 which tie adolescents
faith , the groans young uttered around the bier , wore so wel simulated , that a spectator not wevionsly initiated , would have been really terrified When the godfathers of the candidate had conquered in the dispute and in the combat against their opponents , they raised him up , placed a noignard in his hand , and ordered him to walk straight before him , and to strike whoever should oppose his entrance to the temple . Consuelo saw no more . At the moment when the nowly . mUi ; Ued , with arm uplifted , and in a sort of delirium , . approaohed-a low door to which ho wa * directed , the two guides , who had not quitted their hold of Consuelo s arm , led her rapidly awav as ! h < HU ? li to conceal from her the sight of some horrible ' spectacle ; then , drrwing the hood over her face , they con . ducted her bv numerous turning ? , and among ruins over which she stumbled more than once , into a place where th 0
most profound silence ri- 'ignod . There they uncovered her face , and ehe found herself in the large octagon apartment where she had formerly witnessed tho interview between Albert and Trench . All the openings wero this time cavefully closed and veiled ; tho walls and the ceilings ^ e , ^ hung with black ; wax tapers wore burning in a particular order , differing from that of the chapel . An altar in the form of Mount Calvary , surmounted with three crosses , conceiled tho large chimney . A tomb , upon which were dispose a hammer , nails , a spear , and a crown of thorns was erected in the middle of the room . . Personages , dressed in black , and masked , were kneeling or sitting around upon a . carpet sprinkled with silver tears . They neither wept
nor sighed ; their attitude was that of austere meditation , or of deep and silent sorrow . Consuelo's guides made h v approach almost close to the bier ; , and the men who guarded it having risen and arranged themselves at tho other extremity , one of the two thus spolie : —¦ " Consuelo , you have just seen tho ceremony of a masonic reception . You have seen there , as here , an unknown faith , mysterious signs , funeral images , initiatory pontiffs , a bier . What have you understood by this feigned scene , by these trials , so terrible to the candidate ,. by the words which have been addressed to him , and by these manifes . tations of respect , love , and grief around an illustrious tomb ?"
" I know not if I have understood aright /' replied Consuelo . " This scene agitates mo ; this ceremony seems to me barbarous . 1 pity this candidate , whose courage and virtue have been submitted to material' trials only , as if physical courage were sufficient for initiation into a work requiring moral courage , I blame what L bnve seen , and deplore these cruel forms of a gloomy fanaticism , or these childish experiences of an outward and idolatrous faith . I have heard obscure enigmas proposed , and the explanations which have been given to , the candidate appeared to me dictated by an unbelieving or a brutal catechist . Nevertheleas , this bloody tomb ,, this immolated victim , this ancient myth of Hiram , the divine architect , assassinated by jealous and avaricious workmen , this sacred word lost for so many centuries , and promised to the initiated as the magic key which is to open to him the gate of tho temple j all this appears to me a symbol not without grandeur and interest , but why is the fable so badly woven , or why does it admit of so false an interpretation ?•'
" What do you mean ?• Have you listened attentively to this narrative , which you treat as a fable ?" " This is what t . understood , and what I have previously learned in the bookswhich I : was desired to study during my retirement : —Hiram , the . eonductor of the works in the temple of Solomon , divided the workmen into classes , which received-different salaries and possessed unequal rights . Three ambitious members of the lowest class resolved to participate in the salary reserved for tho rival class , and to force from Hiram the word of command , tho secret formula which served to distfnguish the companions from the master at the solemn hour of distribution . They
laid in wait for him in the temple , in which he had remained alone after this ceremony , and posted themselves , at each of the three outlets from tho holy place ,, they prevented his departure , threatened him , beat him cruelly , and finally assassinated him , without being able to wrest from him his secret ,, the fatal word whioh was . to render them equal to himjfelf and his privileged fellows . Then they carried away his body , and buried it beneath the rubbish ;• and from that day the faithful adepts of the temple , the friends of Hiram , have mourned his fatal end , have sought for the sacred word , and rendered almost divine honours to his memory . " " And now , how do , you explain this myth 1 "
" I meditated upon it before I came hera , and this is how I understand it . Hiram is the cold intellect and governing science of ancient societies , whioh are founded upon inequality of condition : upon the regime of caste . This Egyptian fable corresponded with the mysterious despotism of the hieropbants .. The three ambitious members are Indignation , Rebellion ,, and Vengeance ;• those who attempted to seize their right by violence ate , perhaps , the three classes inferior to the sacerdotal class . Hiram assassinated is Despotism , whioh has losd its power taxi-prestige , and which has gone down to the tomb , carrying with it the secret of governing men by blindness and superstition . " « ' Is it thus , indeed , you interpret this myth ?"
" I have read in your books fchatit was brought from the East by the templars , and that they made use of ifc in their initiations . They must , therefore , have interpreted it somewhat in this manner j but in baptising Hiram , the Theocracy , and the assassins , Impiety , Anarchy , and Ferocity ,, the templars , who desired to' subject society to a species of monastic despotism , mourned their impotence , which was personified by the destruction of Hiram . The watchword of their empire , lost and found again , was that of association or craft , like tho ancient cite , or the temple of Osiris . This is why I am surprised to see this fable still adopted in your initiations to the work of universal deliverance . I am anxious to . believe that it is onlv proposed to your adepts as a trial of their intelligence and courage . "
" "Well , we , who did not invent these masonic forms , and who , indeed , use them but as moral trials—we | . who are now the companions and masters in this symbolic science , since , having passed through all the masonic grades , we have reached a point at which we are nt longer masons , at least as the word is understood in the common ranks of the ordsr—we conjure you to explain to us the myth of Hiram , as you understand it , that we may pronounce upon your leal , your intelligence aud faith , the judgment which will stop you here at the door of the true temple , or which will throw open the sanctuary to you . " " You ask me to tell you the word of Hiram—the lost word It is not that which will open the gates of the temple to me , for this word is tyranny or falsehood . But I know the true words , the names of the three doors of the divine edifice by whioh the destroyers of Hiram entered , to force their chief to bury himself beneath the ruins of his work they are Liberty , Fraternity , Equality . " . ¦
" Consuelo , your interpretation , whether correct or not , reveals to us the nobleness of your heart . You are therefore excused from ever kneeling upon the tomb of Hiram , neither shall you pass through the grade in which the neophyte prostrates himself before the image of the remains of Jacques Molay , the grand master and the grand victim of the temple , of the soldier-monks and prelate-knights of the middle ages . You issue victorious from this second trial as from the first . You can discern the lying traces of a fanatic barbarism , still necessary as formulas of trial to minds imbued with the principle of inequality . Remember , then , that the freemasons of the highest grades aspire only , for the most part , to construct a profane temple ; a mysterious shelter for an association elevated to the highest rank . You understand their purpose otherwise , and you would march directly to the universal temple which receives all men to one faith , to one law . Nevertheless , you must here take a last stand , and prostrate yourself before this tomb . You must adore Christ , and recognise in him tho only true God . "
" You s » y that to try mo yet once more , " replied Con . suelo , with firmness ; " but you have deigned to open my eyes to lofty truths , in teaching mo to read your secret books . Christ is a divine man , whom we revere as ihe greatest philosopher and the greatest saint of ancient times . We adore him as much as it is permitted to us to adore the greatest of masters and martyrs . We may well call him the Saviour of men , in thissonse : that he taught to those of his own time truths of which before they had only glimpses , and which were to bring to humanity a new era of light and holiness . We may well kneel before his image , to thank God for having created such a prophet , such an example , such a friend ; but wo adore God in him , and we
do not commit the crime of idolatry . We distinguish the divinity of the revelation from that of the rovealer . I consent , then , to render to these emblems of an eternally illustrious and sublime sacrifice , the homage of pious gratitude and filial enthusiasm ; but I do not believe that tho final wordof revelation was understood and proclaimed bythemen of Jesus's time , for it has not yet been officially announced upon earth . I expect , from tho wisdom and faith of his disciples , from the continuation of his work through seventeen ages , a more practical truth , a more complete application of the holy word and its fraternal doctrine . I await tho development of the Gospel : I expect something more than equality before God ; I expect and I invoke it among men . "
" Your words aro audacious , and your doctrines are full of danger . Have you well reflected upon them iu solitude ? Have you calculated the misfortunes which your new faith will heap beforehand on your head ? Do y ^ u know the world and your own strength ? Do you know that we are as one against a hundred thousand in the most civilised countries of the globe ? Do you know that at the period in which we ave living , between those who render to the sublime revealer Jesus a gross and injurious worship , and those , henceforth almost as numerous , who deny his mission , and even his existence-brtween idolaters and atheists , there is no room for ua to breathe the air of Heaven , save in the midst of the persecutions , tho mockeries , the hate , and the contempt of tho human species ? Do you know that in France , at this very time , Rossoau and Vol aire are almostequally proscribed : the religious and the unbelieving philosopher ? Dj you know—yet more fearful and unparalleled fact!—that from the depths of their exile they proscribe each ether ? Do you know that you aro about to return to a world where all things will conspire to shake your faith and to corrupt your mind ? Do you know , in
The Countess Of Rudolstadt, [Sequel To "...
short , that of perils ,. " 1 am r cast eyes , support r . " Web , Consuelo \ us to some i : which we can , „ , to fortify u . .. in the culm oi .. ridst the pleasures of tho world , but in .- tears , that faith grows and strengthens . Do you .. di sufficient courage to brave painful emotions , and , it may be , to combat terrors ?" " lf . it must he so , and if my soul will profit by it , I submit myself to your will , " rcp ' lied Consuelo , somewhat
dejected ly . Immediatel y the Invisibles began to remove tho carpet aud the torches which surrounded the Ider . The bier itself was rolled into ono of the dee : > recesses of the window , and several adepts , having armed themselves with ciowbar . * , hastened to raise a round stone which occupied tho centre of the apartment . Consuelo then saw a circular opening , sufficiently large to admit ono poison , the granite edges ot winch , blackened and worn by time , wore manifestly as ancient as the rest of the architecture of tho tower . A long ladder was brought and lowered into tho gloomy opening , lhon Marcus , leading Consuelo to the brink ' , . vked her t . irce times , m a solemn tone , if sho felt ftren-ih sufficient to deseend alone into the subterranean v . ults of the great feudal tower ,.
" Listen , lathers or brothers , for I know not which to call ynu . " replied Consuelo . "Uall them brothers , " returned Marcus .- " You are lure among tho Invisibles , ycur equals in rank if ym nersovero an hour longer . You are about to bid them adiow here , to meet them again iu an hourinthj pnwenoe of tl * e council of supremo chiefs—of those whoso voices they m-ver hear whoso faces they never seo . Tho .-e you will call your fathers . They are the sovereign ponfcilfs—tho spiritual and temporal chiefs of our temple . Wo shall appear before tliom and before you with uncoveied faces , if you arc firmly determined to rejoin us at the ( ' oo . ' of the ' sanctuary by this gloomy and terror-strewed path which here yawns beneath your feet , in whicliyou must walk alone , aiid with no other shield than your own courage and perseverance . "
" I will talk in it , if it must bo so , " replied the neoohyte , trembling ; " but this trial , which you announce " as so severe , is it then inevitable ? Oh , my brethren ! yca-Twuld not , doubtless , trifle with the already over-taxed refcon of a simple and unpretending woman ? You have condemned me to-day to a long fast ; and , though emotion has s-tillcd the pangs of hunger for several hours , I feel myself physically weak .. I know-not if I shall not sink hwicath the task you impose upon me . I care but little , I swear to you , that my body-should suffer and fail ; but do not you " consider that as a moral cowardice which is after all but n failing of nature ! Tell me that you will forgive mo if I displayjthe weakness of a woman , provided that when restored to consciousness I have still the heirt of a man "
" Poorchild ! " replied Marcus ; "I would ra ber that you should confess-your weakness than seek to mislead us by a foolish boldness . We will consent , if you wish it , to give you a guide , one only , to assist aud succour you at need in your privilege . My brother , " he added , addressing the Chevalier Liverani , who had remained during this conversation near the door , with bis eyes fixed upon Consuelo , " take the hand of your sister , and conduct her by the subterranean passages to the general rendezvous . " " And you , my brother , " ' said Consuelo , bewildered , will you not also accompany me V "It is impossible . You can have but one guide , and he whom I appoint is the only one I am permitted to give you . "I will have courage , " replied Consuelo , folding her cloak around her : " I will go alone . " " You refuse the arm of a brother and friend ?" "I refuse neither bis sympathy nor iiis interest ; but I shall go alone . "
" Go then , noble daughter , and fear nothing . Sho who descended alono into tho Fountain of Tears at ltiesenberg , she who braved so many dangers to find the concealed grotto of the Schrcckenstein , will without difficulty penetrate the recesses of our pyramid . Go then , like the young heroes ofantiquity , and seek your initiation through tha trials of-sacred mysteries . Brothers , present her the cup , that precious relie whioh a descendant of Ziska brought among us , and with which we consecrate tho august sacrament of fraternal communion . " Liverani took from tha altnr a roughly worked chalice in wood , and having filled it , presented Consuelo with bread .
" My sister , " said Marcus , " our fathers , the martyrs of the Saborite . church , thought that tho . intorvention of impious and sacrilegious priests was not of equal value in the consecration of the august sacrament with the pure hands of a woman or a child . Communicate then with us here , while waiting , to take y « ur seat at the banquet of the temple , where the grand mystery of the supper will be more fully revealed to you . Tako this cup , and drink the first . If you have faith in tho act , a few . drops of tha beverage will be . of sovereign strength to your 1 o-ly , and your fervent soul will bear your-whole being onwards upon , wings offiame . " -
Consuelo , having first drunk , handed the eup to Liverani , who had presented her with it ; and when he in his turn . had drunk , he passed it to tho rest of the brothers . Marcus , having drained the last drops , blessed Gonsuelo , and invited the assembly to pray for her ; he then presented the neophyte with a small silver lamp , and assisted her to place her feet upon the upmost rounds of the ladder . " I need not tell you , " * he added , " that no danger threatens your life ; but tremble for your soul ; tremble less you may never arrive at the door of the temple , if you have the mis-fortuno to look behind you but once . You will
halt several times in various places ; you must then examine everything which presents itself to your eyes ; but as soon as the door is opened before you , pass though it and do not turn back . . This , as you know , is tho rigid conditions of the initiations of old . You must , al--o , according to the ancient rites carefully preserve tha- flame of your lamp , the emblem of your faith and aeal . Go , my daughter , and let this thought inspire you with superhuman courage ; . what you , are now condemned to suffer is necessary to the development of your mind and heart in virtue and the true faith , "
Consuelo cautiously descended the- ladder , and as soon as she had reached the bottom it was withdrawn , and she heard the heavy stone fall with a loud noise and close the subterranean entrance above her head . ( To be Continued )
©Jtaife Mtb Sitr≪Ws.
© Jtaife mtB Sitr < ws .
Authors Are Liko Asparagus—There Ia Noth...
Authors are liko asparagus—there ia nothing good about them but their heads . A notice of a recent steamboat explosion closes as follows : — ' » The captain swam ashore . So did the chambermaid . She was insured for 16 , 000 dollars , and loaded with iron . " Womks are liko fruit : those that fall of their own accord are generally tainted and good for nothing ; but those that will not fall without a good deal of shaking , are sound , and worth having .
Gbowino Potatoes by Stbam . —The steward on board a United States steamer has produced s veral crops of excellent potatoes by the following mode of cultivation : — " He procured a common crockery crate , abindel of straw , " How came that oven in such a greasy mess ? " said a tired fidgety spinster to her maid of all work . " Why look you missus , " said the poor confounded Cambrian , " tha candle fell into tho water and I put it into the oven to dry . " Woman Executed by . Bcbnino at Dtouk . —A gentleman is still alive , or was so very recently , who saw the last woman who was burned in Dublin at the place of public execution , which was where the handsome and fashionable street called Fitzwilliam-streetnow is ; and I am acquainted with a gentleman whose kitchen fireplace was as nearly as possible on tho spot . —Ginieta in " Notes and Queries . " Sombtiuno wonrn Knowing—The " yard" is d rived
from the Saxon word gyrd , or girth , { being originally the circumference of tho body , until Henry I . decreed that it should bo the length of his arm . Inch from «««'« , or twelfth . In 10 G 0 , when . William the Conqueror began to reign , the penny , or sterling , was cast with a deep cross , eo that it might be' broken in half as a ha \ f-oex ny , or in quarters for fourthings or farthings . —Kelly and a few eyes of the potatoe , ami went to work farming ii on board ship ! The process of cultivating is tl » is r—Fill your crate with alternate layers of straw and tie eyes of the potatoes , commencing at the bottom with a 1 ifer of about six inches in depth of straw , and then a la } er of the eyes , the eyes being placed about two inches apart , over the surface of the straw , then another layer of straw on the top . Keep fho straw always damp , and in about two months you will havo about fourteen dollars' worth of sound good potatoes , of tho ' first wator . '"—American Paper .
lt . vsK at its Yaws . —Many were the recontres between Will Speir and the Earl of Eglinton , who condescended to familiarity with him , and in return allowed ths 8 s » me latitude of expression to the wayward Will . The vagrant one day made a demand on his lordship for a bottle of ale . " ' Deed , Will , gin ye kon it ? ' replied the earl , " 1 have not a farthing iu my pocket just now ; but just gang in there , to Leelio Paterson ' s , and I'll tell her to gi ' e ye't , and I'll return in a few minutes and hel p you to drink . " The earl , faithful to his promise , returned in a short time and taking a seat opposite to Will , " Ye may be a proud man this day , Will , " said his lordship . "An'for what ?" queried the wit . " Sitting drinking with an earl ., ' ' Heoh , hech , man , great cause to be proud , sitting beside an earl that hasna a bodle in his pouch to bless himsel' wiV
The Bishop and tub Foxhunting Pabsoh . —Bishop Blomfield was a very young man when he first oame into the diocese of Chester , and some of the older clergy rather presumed upon this . There were at that time many among them who would cross the coun-ry , and take a five-barred gate , as if it were that forti th article of which Theodore Hooke spoko to the Vice-Chancellor of Ox ord . The bishop one day met a number of these black-coated NimrodB . The scene was not far from Manchester . After dinner some of the old incorngibles peisorored for a long time , with marvellously bad taste , to talk of their dogs and horses , and
nothing else . His lordshi p looked grave , but was silent . At last one of them , directing his conversation immediately to him , began to tell him a long story about a famous horse which he owned , and " which he bad lately ridden sixty miles on the Korth-rond without drawing hit . " It was the bishop ' s turn now , and down came his sledge hammer with all the force of a steam-engine . " Ah , " ho said , with the most cutting indifference , *« I recollect hearing of tho same feat being once accomplished before , and , by a strange coincidence , on the North-road too ; it was by Tnrpin thi highwayman . "
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), July 17, 1852, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_17071852/page/3/
-