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VOL. 11.
For the Banner of the South.
Despair.
This vague Bouse of loneliness, this feeling apart.
This strange, restless yearning, this wild beating
heart;
The fiad wistful gaze at a pitiless throng,
The ne’er ending sound of a ne’er ending song ;
Afar in the distance the weird echoes roll
With a low, solemn cadence, that thrills to the soul;
A song that n -echoes one sad monotone,
One weary, sad whisper,—“alone! all alone!”
still comes the mad whisper again and again,
With the same mocking tone, with the same mad re
frain !
All alone 1 0, my God ! while the hopes of the past
In raiment dishevelled, stand mute and aghast:
Down, down on my i-eart falls the bright fairy gold,
Like the dead leaves of Autumn, it falls in the mold
Os a life, whos<‘ bright sunshine forever has fled,
Os a life that was life; of a life that is dead!
All mute and aghast, all cheerless and drear,
Those hopes loom again in the chill of despair;
Despair for the flowers once glowing and bright;
Despair for the sunshine, now shadow’d by night;
Despair for the promise now crushed to the earth;
Despair for the gladness that perished at birth;
Despair for the darkness that shuts out the glow
Os all that once brightened our pathway below.
Despair! dark despair ! —’tis a pitiless guest,
A fa nd of darkness to enter the breast
Os some wav-worn mortal, some stranger to rest!
C.
For the Banner of the South.
THEUIST DAYS OF CARTHAGE;
OR
A SISTER OF FABIOLA.
AFTER THE MANNER OF THE FRENCH.
[continued]
CHAPTER XVII.
LAST MOMENTS OF ANGELA.
The words of Tertullian were not
without their effect. The Senate re
sumed its work but the ideas with which
they were now inspired restrained them
from all excess, and induced them to
adopt a more conciliatory plan of action.
Some hud fallen completely under the
influence of the Christian Priest and
were now convinced that they had been
hitherto actuated by the blindness of
fanatical fury and that they had not shown
justice to the Christians in thus condemn
ing them before they knew who they
were and what they had
were now enabled to see the sanctity of
that religion which taught dogmas the
purity of which was indicative of its
heavenly origin. The words proscrip
tion and death were no longer in their
mouths and they energetically opposed
any attempt of either the Senate or the
people to bring the Christians to punish
ment before they had been proved guilty
of a violation of the laws.
There were others, however, more
timid than these. They were apprehen
sive of a popular tumuit and to appease
the people they proposed that a few
Christians should be imprisoned. But the
majority rejected with disdain such a
proposal. If the disciples of Christ are
guilty, they answered, let them be con
demned according to the edict of the
Emperor. If they cannot be reproached
with any crime, the Senate out of regard
for its own dignity and the interests of
Justice, should detend them against their
enemies. Helarion moved in accordance
with this resolution. He wanted to gain
« few days for he still cherished the hope
that Angela would retract what she had
<suiu and become his spouse.
but the fears oi those timid Senators
were very nearly realized, for the excite
ment of the multitude against what they
called the apathy of the Senate had
reached its highest point, and there was
£ er >; indication of a general outbreak.
i,ut hurtumately it was just at this mo-
Glcnt that the mortal remains of Jarbas
Were to he borne into the city, and the
crowd began to move in the direction of
t!l ° gate through which the escort were
to pass.
, j' lie was borne on the shoulders of
k, 111 ’ soldiers while the remainder follow
ou wearing the mark of mourning. The
J w'rnn procession had scarcely entered
, i( * htnits of the town when it was met
a hideous crowd of slaves. Their
'' : ; infuriated looks indicated that
. were under the inilnence of the
(1 ' leariul excitement. As they ap
* u " uuu die soldiers they gathered round
£
them with a view to impede their march,
at the same time yelling and shouting
like the war whoop of the indians.
“Vengeance!” cried out one of them;
“my friends, let us have vengeance, now
that the time has arrived! shall we
allow the cursed remains of a Christian
to be honored with such pomp ? Long
live Sylvain!” roared simultaneously a
thousand voices.
Before the least resistance could be
made by the soldiers, the exasperated
villains had rushed upon the urn and
with demoniacal fury had scattered the
venerable ashes to the winds amid curses
and imprecations.
The news of the attack spread with
wonderful rapidity through the city and
naturally came to the ears of Vivia who
still remained retired out of grief for
Jarbas. She wept tears of the most
poignant sorrow. How could she help
it ? He who had loved her so dearly
was insulted even in the grave! But
she soon recollected herself and dried
her tears. She thought of heaven and
thither she directed all her thoughts and
aspirations. She would soon meet him
there.
But where is Angela, that pure and
amiable virgin? Let us leave the agita
tions of the crowd and their desecration
of the ashes of the warrior and return
to the young Christian whom Hrl iriou
had condemned to death in case of a re
fusal to comply with his irreligious de
mands.
It was late when Vivia had heard of
the position in which Angela was
placed, but nevertheless she hurried to
embrace her and tender her comfort in
the hour of trial They loved each other.
Their minds were of a similar cast, and
their dispositions accorded with the most
perfect harmony. They had been trained
alike, and had both the same ardor ami
willingness to shed their blood for Christ
their beloved spouse. Accordingly they
sought each others company and spent
hours together talking of the future and
of the glories of eternal life.
When Vivia arrived at the door of
Angela’s dwelling, she entered stealthily,
for in case she should be at devotion she
did not wish to disturb her. Angela
was on her knees at the other end of the
room pouring forth her soul before her
crucifix. Occasionally" she would told
her arms across her bosom and look up
wards as if in deep contemplation of
the things of God. It seemed as if
some supernatural being had presented
itself before her clothed in a visible
shape, for her lips were half open and
bore the expression of a sweet and tran
quil smile. She was preparing herself
for the approaching feast of her eternal
marriage with the lamb without stain.
She had dressed herself in a white bridal
robe, and the veil which she had received
on the day of her consecration covered
head and fell in graceful folds over her her
shoulders. A garland of lilies entwined
with roses surrounded her brow while a
cincture of white satin girt her waist as
the symbol of virginal purity. In this
attire she was waiting for the supreme
moment when she would be called upon
to seal with her blood the indissoluble
contract of love with her Saviour. To
see her thus with the faint and solemn
reflection of a midnight lamp, one would
take her for an angel lost in the contem
plation of the beauty of God.
Vivia remained immoveable. She was
awed by what she saw. She felt as if
she were in the presence of those celestial
messengers whom God sometimes deputes
to minister to the wants of man. It were
a pity to disturb her in those sweet
ecstacies of love, but then it was the
last time, perhaps, and it should be done.
“Angela,” she said, softly approaching;
“Angela,” and bursting into tears she
; threw herself into her arms.
‘ \\ hat, \ ivia You have to congratu
late me on my happiness. Thanks,
thanks, my dear friend. I shall soon
contemplate my adorable Saviour, not
AUGUSTA, GA., MAY 22, 1869.
i
| obscurely but such as he is, face to face.”
“O Angela! Angela!” broke forth
l C O
| Vivia. She could say no more, but wept
convulsively iu her embrace.
“Take courage, Vivia: if you only
know how 1 have desired to pass from
this world. My soul has yearned to meet
its God, and notwithstanding the attrac
tions of life, it tends instinctively
towards its increated centre. But don’t
weep so, Vivia, if yon would not mingle
a drop of bitterness in my cup of happi
ness.”
Vivia started back in astonishment.
What was that bright halo of light that
surrounded the pure virginal brow of
Angela ? How supernatural that sweet
face shining with the reflexion of celes
tial beauty! What brilliancy in those
blue eyes as tli ;y were turned upwards
with a look of deep meaning and love to
behold what to others was invisible.
A few moments after Angela turned
round to Vivia, saying:
“Did you not hear the tender accents
of that voice ? I thought I saw the hand
of my beloved spouse extending to me
a gorgeous bridal ring, and after speaking
of the heavenly joy which was soon to be
my heritage, he stooped down to kiss me
and I leit an inexpressible thrill of
pleasure as he left the impression of his
bps upon my brow. It appeared lo mo
as if I should die of happiness alone, but
Vivia what shall it be when I shall be
hold him in the plenitude of his beauty,
and enjoy the sweetness of his love ?
“0 Angela! speak and inspire me with
that celestial fire that* breathes through
word. I have need of it, for I too, may
be called to suffer death. You will pray
pray for me will you not ? I must needs
follow in the thorny and rugged path in
which Christ first led the way, and without
grace to sustain me I shall grow faint
tiom weakness.”
“I will, my dear friend,' 7 and Angela
imprinted on her cheek the sacred kiss of
peace.
“Angela, I came here to comfort you.
Poor frail creature that I am; it is you
who have to comfort me. Angela, your
faith is strong and your love is stronger
still. You will prepare the way. You
know those recent events which have
transpired. The passions of the people
against our most holy religion have in
creased to a pitch of fury and will soon
take the form of a systematic persecution.
My darling husband, Angela, * * *
excuse these tears; human nature is still
strong within me; my husband has been
cruelly assassinated, and his ashes scat
tered to the four winds because it was
found out that he bad died a Christian.
And who is likely to be the next victim
for the sacrifice ? Angela, pray that
when lam called by the bridegroom my
lamp may be burning. But your exam
ple will animate me, and sustain me in
prison; your image, with that sacred halo
and that crown of lilies interlaced with
roses will be before our minds as we
march to the arena, and then you will
kneel before the throne of God and pour
forth a prayer which will ascend like
sweet incense in his sight—that prayer
will be for you dearYivia, when, writh
ing in the agonies of death; will it not
Angela ? A tear hung from the long eye
lashes of Angela. “But come, Vi via,
let us not grow weak. Let us valiantly
meet the foe, resting upon the omnipotent
arm of God. See that crucifix; that
dear beloved image! How often have I
kissed it ? Let us kneel before it and
pray to the Saviour for final grace. You
know the soldiers of Hilarion will soon
be here. They knelt together and their
pure souls had entered into close com
munion with God.
The early dawn of the morning ap
proached and the guards were already at
the door,
“Venerable old man.'* said Pudeus,
the officer of the party, addressing the
father of Angela, “pardon me if I bring
mourning to vour hearth, tam a soldier
and must obey. Hilarion summons your
daughter to appear before him.”
“f pardon you, for I know it is hard
for you to perform this disagreeable
duty, and tear a loving child from the
arms of her father. But obey. I beg of
you, I implore you not to put these cruel
heavy irons on those tender arms. * *
Emotion choked his utterance and the
old man wept.
I have received orders to lead her in
chains, but I care not. I cannot do it.
Let her come with me. I will take her
under my protection and I swear that
no harm shall be done her, no insult shall
be offered her until I place her in the
hands of Hilarion.”
“Thanks, soldier, thanks! I hope God
will reward your humanity and respect
for virtue. May he enlighten your
mind as to the truth.”
“But time is going fast and my duty
must be performed.”
“Well, come with me; spare me the
pain of telling my beloved child that the
moment of separation has arrived. When
she sees you she will understand the mo
tive that has brought you here. Come.”
And both ascended to the room of An
gela.
The young virgin was still on her
knees before the crucitix and appeared to
bo absorbed in profound contemplation.
Her arms wore as usual crossed upon
her breast, and her eyes were steadilv
fixed upoir the image of the Redeemer.
But her gaze was strange and preter
natural !y immoveable. There was no
expression of yearning anxiety in her
features such as would naturally betray
the ardent emotions of the heart. Her
lips had assumed a stiff and rigid ap
pearance. though they still bore that
sweec and winning smile. It was, how
ever, the smile of a statue skilfully
chiseled by the hand of an artist, 't hose
lively impetous movements which from
time to time she was want to suppress,
lest their violence might be too great
for her feeble frame, now no longer came
to disturb her, but on the contrary all
was as quiet as the silence which reigned
around. The round and arched forehead
was as white as the lilies which adorned
it, and her countenance wore that soft
serene pallor which denotes the calmness
and innocence of the thoughts. There
was nevertheless a glow of celestial
beauty about her features that seemed to
descend from above, and reflect the smile
of God’s approval upon that creature
whose every act was fashined according
to his will.
The rough soldier stood transfixed
and unable to utter a word, lie was
overawed by a scene of such super
natural loveliness. How like an angel
as she knelt before the crucifix witii
Vivia on one side and her mother on
the other! But the thought of Hilarion
came to his mind ana looking at the
father, he pointed to Angela as if he
himself were afraid to speak.
Rise my child, bid farewell to your
mother ! Come my darling, rise. I will
accompany you to the place of martyrdom
and bear back to your mother the precious
blood which shall have flowed from your
veins. Come, my beloved child, let me
offer you as a sacrifice of sweet smelling
odor to the Lord of Hosts—and the
father approached her and laid his hand
tremblingly upon her shoulder. lie
started back while his entire frame
shook convulsively. A r ivia now rose to
her feet and turning round and stretch
ing forth her hand with an air of defi
ance, exclaimed, “get ye gone, she is
dead,”
CHAPTER VIII.
THE VISION.
From the beginning God has revealed
himself to man. In the garden of EJcn
he made known to him his destiny, and
instructed him in his commandments.
Adam knew the voice of God. and when
after the violation of the Lord, lie heard
I it calling upon him, he withdrew to con-
I ceal his nakedness. That voice was
| heard by Cain, and the fratricide trembled
with fear when it declared to him the
terrible punishment which lie and his
descendants were to undergo. The
patriarchs were likewise in close com
muncation with God, Jacob had two
mysterious visions, and all the prophets
commenced by saying, “the word of the
Lord came to me.” Thus begins the
royal prophet who commenced the great
events which he forsaw through tin* mist
of future ages. Again the chaste
spouse of the Virgin Mary beholds in a
dream a heavenly messenger who warns
him of his danger. And who has not
read the mysterious visions of St. John
in the solitude of Patinos ? There he
saw with a clear eye view the trials and
sufferings of the Church. He beheld to
its final victory over the passions and
prejudices of the world and all the strik
ing vicissitudes which have since
marked its path in the accomplishment
of its destiny. The vast extent of that
wicked empire over which antichrist
should reign was clearly visible to bis
prophetic eye, and he sighed with grief
as he looked upon the apparent glory of
the throne upon which he sat in place of
the living God.
The Apostle has ascended in spirit to
heaven, and there stood enraptured with
the beauty of the heavenly Jerusalem.
It was then that he was permitted to be
hold the Incarnate word iu all its mar
vellous splendor, and to hear the chants of
praise as they issued forth with thrilling
ecstasy from the loving hearts of the
blessed.
In every age God has favored his ser
vants with communications of this kind
which are called visions. It may be op
posed to the convictions of those who
have not fully entered into the spirit of
Christianity, but they are nevertheless
true and well authenticated. The wis
dom of the world has marked out for it
self limits, and these limits do not in
clude within their grasp anything that
is supernatural. But the visions ’related
in the “acts of the martyrs” repose upon
historical proof, aud arc moreover of such
a nature as would naturally be vouchsafed
to those who were ready to shed their
blood in defence of the faith. They are
monuments of those ages of faith, of he
roism, in which God has manifested his
power and his goodness as well for the
consolation of the faithful as tor the con
version of those who are still in dark
ness and in the shadow of death.
Vivia, as has has been remarked, had
two brothers. They were now catechu
mens and were preparing iu secret for
the grace of Baptism. They had not,
however, ceased to frequent the public
schools of Carthage. Such was the de
sire of their father Ilanuo. They kept
away from the company of the young
patricians, and studiously avoided their
games and places of resort. They lis
tened attentively to the lectures of their
professsor upon the art of speaking and
then returned to their parents to follow
the religious exercises which had been
marked out for them bv their pious
mother Julia.
They had obtained permission to visit
their sister who was in prison, tor the
persecution had commenced despite the
efforts of some among the senators to op
pose it. It was thought that the object
of their visit was to induce her to re
nounce her faith, and they were accord
ingly permitted to enter wituout the
slightest difficulty. No one has yet sus
pected them in their attachments to the
ancient religion, and many were con
vinced that the final issue of the intru
sions would be a complete retraction on
the part of Vivia of all that she had
previously declared in reference to the
Christian faith.
One day the elder of the brothers
came alone, as the younger coaid : ot ac
company him for some reason, ' lister, ’
he said, “there is a strange rumor in the
No. 10.