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For Richards’ Weekly Gazette
JOY AND ENV\.
BY MRS. MARY S. WHITAKER.
Pleasant a fountain swept along
Its fragrant bank of flowers,
And summer birds beguil'd, with song,
The sun-lit, spring-like flowers
O. sweeter f.tr than earthly strain,
Those heavenly notes flow’d forth ;
Tall trees bedeck’d the velvet plain—
Winds murmur’d from the South.
And Joy was there, with seraph smile,
And form and features fair,
With dimpling cheek and winning wile,
And curling, golden hair.
She smooth'd the brow of wrinkled (Jrief,
And bade her weep no more ;
gave the anxious blest relief,
And comforted the poor.
She sooth’d desponding Genius still—
The weary lull'd to rest;
And Innocence, o’erborne with ill,
Slept gently on her breast.
Hut one alone her pow'er defied—
Scowling with ghastly sneer,
While Discord, Hate and Malice vied
To stamp her visage drear.
That pining Fury, fill’d with hate.
And cruelty and strife,
Is Envy bight, foe of the great,
And direst plague of life.
She sought to blight the laurel crown
Exulting Genius wore:
Helicalh her dark, malignant frown,
Merit was priz'd no more.
I nder the thraldom of her gaze,
Heauty was seen to die;
She utter’d uever word of praise—
Her ev'ry breath a sigh.
On Goodness fell her fiercest wrath—
She joy'd in Friendship's tear :
Hope faded round her gloomy path,
And Love was fill'd with fear.
IT la BIB© 52 MIBB 18,
For Richards’ Weekly Gazette.
NATALIA.
BY M. E. C .
CHAPTER 1
“Charming Natalia, hear me.” The
speaker seemed some thirty-five or forty
years of age, though one could scarcely
judge with accuracy. His form was state
ly and symmetrical—the sweeping robe of
dark green, reaching even to the ground in
heavy folds, fell open at the breast, reveal
c'g an under vest of crimson, while a man
tle of the same hue as the robe, lined with
Bcariet, enveloped the shoulders, and was
gathered under the richly-gemmed belt. A
•agger, whose hilt gleamed with jewels,
Btnck carelessly ’mid the folds, and a three
■ornered cap, richly embroidered, its single
fastened by a costly ruby, completed
equipment. His features were regular
strikingly beautiful —the cheeks some-
IHhat embrowned by exposure ; but the
Bj vc ” curls fell from a high, broad fore-
dazzlingly white, and lay in sable
sses on the shoulders. I have said his
was beautiful, but it was so
‘ n repose. Now, when agitated, the
i es of passion were plainly discernible:
brow’ was knit, and the deep furrows
“ed ih a t it was not unusually so ; the
IB” yet finely-chiselled lip was firmly
and his eyes flashed from un-
U *^ e ' r brows, with a gleam of
passion, that gave an almost de-
W ““'“I expression to the handsome sea-
IjW’ ns he listened to the words of his
iWl’aniou. Ui s voice was musical — soft,
and seemed strangely at variance
pH 1 convulsed countenance, so calm
and tenderly beseeching was
His companion was a maiden,
Uli gbt
seen some sixteen sum-
the touch of old Time had but
to mellow the loveliness of her
sweet countenance. The contour of her
face was aboriginal, but the polished skin
was fair as the opening lily, with the blue
veins wandering in delicate mazes over the
snowy forehead, while the eyes, of a rich,
lustrous hazel, beamed strange, wild glances
from under their long raven lashes—and
tresses of the same deep hue formed a dia
dem of wreathed plaits “round the small,
queenly-looking head. Her figure was
slight and graceful—attired in a simple
robe of white muslin, gathered in full folds
on the faultless shoulders, and falling open
from an under robe of pale blue. A neck
lace of diamonds was her only ornament.
The place, like the persons introduced,
was peculiar. They stood by a rude foun
tain, which cast its tribute of giittering
spray into a huge basin, scooped from a
single block of granite. Walks extended
as radii in various directions through the
woods, meeting at the fountain as a centre.
The giant trees of the surrounding forest
threw changing shadows on the rich car
peting of grass—strange fruits and cluster
ing flowers decked it with rich luxuriance
—and hanging vines, sweeping in massy
festoons from the trees, offered their tempt
ing pioduce at every step. The forest
seemed ancient; no undergrowth marred
the view, and far through the green shaded
vistas were seen herds of red deer, quietly
reposing; and occasionally, through the
openings of the veteran stems, a glimpse
was caught of a white, rude wall, showing
that this was enclosed ground. It was, in
truth, the palace park. A party of maid
ens, sufficiently distant to be beyond hear
ing, sat under the wide-spreading branches
of an ancient tree, wreathing chaplets of,
wild flowers, and telling tales; and some- ,
times a burst of musical laughter, louder
than usual, reached the ears of the two at 1
the fountain, and wakened strange echoes
in the quiet shades.
“ Charming Natalia, hear me,” said the
man to the beautiful maiden standing be
fore him with downcast eyes, and pluck
ing the numerous petals of a wiid flower.
“ Men call me wise, and the breath of fame
follows my footsteps—a princely fortune
overflows my coffers—slaves innumerable
wait my bidding—men speak with awe of
the strange magnificence of my palaces,
and the smiles of maidens greet their pos
sessor. Wouldst thou reign, a diadem
more costly than the mines of Elerita shall
deck thy brows —nay, thou shalt ascend
thy mother’s throne, if thou wilt. Who
can resist the power of Arbantel f Hith
erto, the wiles of maidens, the fascinations
of beauty, hath had for me no charm ; but
now, thy loveliness hath wakened a pas
sion consuming as the burning volcano—
terrible as the whirlwind in its wrath.—
Poets but dream of what 1 feel. If thou
smilest upon my suit, I will be thy willing
slave, submissive as the Guiar to thy
slightest wish ; if thou refusest—but no,
thou wilt not be so cruel!”
“Arbantel,” said the maiden haughtily,
while a rosy flush mantled to her temples,
“ 1 have heard thee thus far calmly. I
have shunned thee ever, thou well know
est. Why, then, hast thou ventured to
disturb me again with thy wild suit.—
Canst thou think, oh, chief, that thy pos
sessions weigh aught with me ? Am 1
poor, that I should value wealth I Am I
a slave, to prize thy homage ? Methinks
my mother's vassal is somewhat presump
tuous in sucing for her daughter’s hand.
Thou sayest men pay thee homage, but it
is the homage of fear. Strange whispers
I have heard of thy practice, in early years,
of worship of foreign gods, and mystic
studies, that lead to commerce with demons.
Nay,” continued she, drawing her slight
form to its full height, and turning her
wild, lustrous eyes full upon him, while
the beautiful lip curled with ineffable scorn
—“ nay, thou hast dared to speak of my
mother’s crown, and tempt me to treason.
Beware, Arbantel, beware! Thinkest thou
I will ever bear insult tamely I—that my
heart harbors unworthy thoughts, such as
debase thine, oh, hypocrite ? I tell thee I
will hear no more of thy presumptuous
passion. I cannot love thee, and methinks
thy words but now would have destroyed
the passion if I entertained it. Henceforth,
speak thou to me no more of love. Woo
some more willing damsel, and beware
that thy false heart hatches no more such
treasonable schemes, or I may whisper
that to the queen, which will bring thy
haughty head to the block. Natalia can
never be thine. Thou hast my final an
swer.” And drawing her robe around her,
she stepped forward to leave him.
Arbantel’s proud features were convuls
ed with a demon’s anger more than once
during this address, but now his counte
nance softened. The haughty spirit of
the damsel, her musical voice and queenly
loveliness, but maddened him the more,
and catching her robe, he detained her.
“Nay, Natalia, bethink thee yet again.
I pray thee linger yet awhile, ere thou
convertest my fiery love into ungovernable
hatred, Oh, princess!” said he passion
ately, “canst thou not pardon the wild
words of too great a love ? Natalia, thy
life shall glide away like, a poet’s dream,
surrounded by all that thy most insatiate
fancy can devise of splendor and loveli
ness. Music shall sound for thee ever its
sweetest strains—thy walk shall be on
rarest flowers, and thy slight tread shall fill
the air with fragrance—the costliest gems
of ocean shall deck thy apartments, and
kneeling slaves await thy commands; and
I will live only to find for thee new plea
sures, and devise new enchainments.—
Earth shall not hold a creature so blest as
thou. Bethink thee, oh! Natalia, of the
wild love which courses my veins like
melted lava, and renders life but a curse.
Without thee, it isa world without a sun—
a desert waste, that but mocks the owner
with barrenness. Natalia, does not my
worship merit some return?”
As the musical intonations of his voice,
so inexpressibly beseeching and earnest in
their gentle melody, fell on her ears, the
haughty composure of Natalia’s demeanor
somewhat relaxed, and the silvery accents
of her voice expressed somewhat of com
passion, as she answered, decisively—
“Arbantel, it may not be. Thou hast
my answer. Farewell.”
He released his hold upon her robe, and
with a light, graceful step, she bounded
forward. A few steps brought her to the
seat of the maidens. Their musical laugh
ter and glad voices struck somewhat dis
cordantly on her ear, when compared with
the passionate ardor of Arbantel.
“ Fair princess,” said one arch-looking
damsel, “hast thou spirited away Arban
tel ? Methinks the sage Governor is un
gallant, to let thee return unattended.”
“ Cease, Annora,” said Natalia coldly,
“thy prattle is unwelcome. Thy mistress
craves no attendant, pert maiden.”
Annora shrank back among the crowd
of maidens, who whispered among them
selves at the Princess unusual mood and
harsh language. She had ever before been
as gentle as she was beautiful, and even
like a sister to them in her innocent, unas
suming gayety.
The walk through that green old forest
led by many a gushing fountain and
gleaming statue. Though rude was the
workmanship, there was an air of bold
grandeur and original design, that meetly
compensated for the deficiency of polish.
They soon came to a stone wall, enclosing
a garden, in the midst of which stood the
palace. It was a large, massy structure of
white marble. The huge columns of the
portico were entwined with wreaths of
flowers and clustering fruits; and many
strange devices, sculptured with rare, but
still beautiful art, adorned the walls. The
garden surrounding the palace seemed a
second paradise, with its wealth of bril
liant flowers, and glowing fruit. Winding
walks passed hither and thither through
the fruit-laden groves, redolent with fra
grance, and enlivened by the gay notes of
the birds, who warbled their gushing lays
in the cool shade. Several attendants were
at wont, training the vines, removing the
fallen fruits, and propping the bending
boughs, which were nearly breaking with
their luxuriant burden. It seemed a fairy
land, this lovely garden, with its murmur
ing waterfall, chanting birds, and blushing
flowers —while the groves offered a feast
that might have tempted the fastidious ap
petite of the most determined epicure.—
Natalia passed on to the palace, unmindful
of the thousand enchantments which reign
ed around—reluming with grave courtesy
the lowly homage of the gardeners. She
entered the portico, with its double range
of marble columns, and the richly sculp
tured pilasters, and proceeding onward in
to the more private apartments, sought the
chamber of the Queen-mother.
These apartments were furnished with
magnificence. The floors were executed
in a curious mosaic of small parti-colored
shells, representing flowers, fruit, &c., while
the walls seemed like a vast bracelet, so
gorgeous was their effect. The ceiling
was of some rich, dark wood, inlaid with
a narrow border of plain gold, while the
compartments were decked with shells, and
many a brilliant gem fantastically arranged
in patterns. Along the sides of the vast
saloon, in niches expressly constructed for
the purpose, were ranged delicate vases,
filled with rare, blushing exotics, breathing
a fragrance almost oppressive. The cush
ions of the seats were of the deepest crim
son, embroidered in wreaths with a gold
thread; and the hangings and covers which
screened the furniture of fantastic form,
was of the same gorgeous fabric. The
range of apartments she passed through on
her way to the Queen, were equally mag
nificent with the saloon just described,
though there were different hues and pat
terns in each. The chamber of the Queen
was octagonal—gems supplied the place
of shells, while the hangings were purple,
and the embroidery of a still more fanciful
and finely-executed pattern. Carpets of
splendid workmanship covered the floor,
and the vases of finely-carved metal were
fewer in number, but busts and rude paint
ings, splendidly set, were in some of the
panels, glowing with that rich coloring in
which earlier artists delighted The Queen's
chair was somewhat like a throne, cano
pied by a purple hanging. By the side of
the Queen, on a small mother-of-pearl ta
ble, supported by a golden serpent, richly
studded with gems, lay the royal diadem.
The Queen was of the middle age—ma
ture in beauty—seemingly but an elder
sister of the fair Natalia. Her faultless
form was richly attired in a robe of deep
purple, clasped at the waist by a zone of
gold, glittering with diamonds. A neck
lace of the same pattern circled the snowy
neck, and the full sleeves were gathered
midway the rounded arm by similar brace
lets. The border of the robe was sown
with seed pearls, and the sandals were yet
more richly embroidered with jewels. The
features of the Queen were surpassingly
beautiful, but her dark eyes beamed haugh
tily, and the whole face breathed an air of
inexpressible and cold composure, well
bespeaking the consciousness of majesty.
Her form was taller, and more inclined to
em bon point , than her daughters, and her
dark tresses were confined in a golden net.
A gemmed string, clasped by a priceless
emerald, showing the finely-turned head to
full advantage. There was grace in all
her ntotions, but it was the grace of queen
liness.
Natalia advanced, and bending her knee,
kissed the snowy hand, sparkling with
jewels, which the Queen gracefully ex
tended to her.
“ Mother,” whispered she, glancing round
upon the attendants, “ wilt thou dismiss
these ? I have that to say which thou
alone must hear.”
The Queen waved her hand, and the
crowd vanished with respectful obeisance.
“ Speak, Natalia,” said the Queen. —
“ Why, how is this ? unornamented, and
why so agitated ?”
The Queen glanced with surprise at her
simple dress. Natalia seated herself on
the richly embroidered cushion at her mo
ther’s feet, and narrated her conversation
with Arbantel, in a low voice, with down
cast eyes—suppressing only his treasona
ble whispers regarding her mother’s crown.
The Queen made no comment, but as the
narrative proceeded, her beautiful lips
quivered, her eyes filled with tears, and
the almost imperceptible heaving of the
bust gave evidence of emotion, had Nata
lia noted it—but her eyes were veiled with
their long silken lashes during the whole
recital; and when she at last raised them,
the countenanee of the Qneen wore its
usual air of cold composure, and her voice
was even more calm and passionless than
its wont, as she answered the enquiry from
Natalia’s speaking eyes.
“Thou hast done well, my child. Go
now, and robe thee as befits thy state, to
meet Arbantel at the noon-tide meal.”
With graceful step, Natalia passed from
her mother’s presence. Till her light form
had vanished, and the sweeping folds of
the rich purple curtain fell over the door
way, the attitude of the Soverein remained
unchanged; but then! the hanghty
head was bowed —gushing tears rained
from the beautiful eyes, and she threw her
self on at ottoman, utterly abandoned to
her grief. Long she remained, with her
face buried in the cushions, silent and mo
tionless, save now and then an agonized
sob, and a quivering of the frame, which
told of suppressed anguish. Strange!—
What could thus affect her! Ah, woman !
woman ! ever governed by the heart—ever
unforeseeing, unpreventing the entrance of
that insidious guest, who steals in all
too oft but to fill the heart with anguish,
and destroy a life-time’s happiness. She
loved Arbantel!
Slowly, at last, the Queen arose, and
bathing her flushed cheeks and burning
temples in a crystal vase filled with the
sweet essence of some fragrant herb, soon
removed all traces of emotion. She re-ar
ranged her disordered robes, and seating
herself, rang a small golden bell for the
entrance of her tiring women.
CHAPTER 11.
The meal came on. Arbantel was the
only guest, and was admitted to that honor
as the governor of an important province
on a visit to the capital. His form was
statelier than ever. No trace of emotion
marred the symmetrical beauty of the com-
posed countenance, and with gentle, yet
lofty bearing, he demeaned himself toward
the Sovereign. Natalia sat silently, and
joined not in the conversation, held by the
Queen and Arbantel. The Queen loved ;
and the gentle intonations of his ever mu
sical voice, softer to-day than usual, serv
ed but to increase the passion, and strange
fancies coursed rapidly through her mind,
as she sat by his side.
“Methinks, Arbantel,” said the Queen,
with a graceful inclination of her head,
“ thou art somewhat paler than thy wont.
Thy subjects must not say their Governor
pined for lack of amusement in his sove
reign’s court.”
Arbantel raised his eyes to hers, and
there was that in the expression of those
full, dark orbs, which caused the blood to
flush his cheeks. His eyes lingered on that
beautiful countenance till the eyes were
bashfully veiled by their glossy lashes and
the cheek crimsoned with the rushing
blood. Arbantel delayed his answer, ab
sorbed in thought, but at last, mindful of
his forgetfulness, he replied :
“Nay, my Queen, they will not have
cause. Methinks, rather excess of plea
sure overpowers one.”
And Arbantel looked at the Queen with
a gallantry which heightened the crimson,
till her cheeks burned painfully.
The heart of the Queen beat rapturous
ly. Alas! for woman’s heart! Dare Ar
bantel whisper to himself of suit to his
sovereign? Even so.
Arbantel and the Queen sank into reve
ry, and nothing more was said till the par
ty separated.
That afternoon, Arbantel sought au
dience of the Queen. It was granted, and
alone. Since dinner, the Queen had dis
missed the attendants, and mused alone, in
her costly chamber—heightening her pas
sion by these love reveries. Passionately,
devotedly, she loved him. His unusual
beauty, his wide-spread fame for wisdom,
his stately and majestic demeanor, and yet
his gentleness, when he willed it, so win
ning in him. all appealed to her imagina
tion, and she remembered with pity the
faint predileci ion for her former husband,
which she t nought love. Ah! now, in
deed, she kn w the meaning of the word.
Long had th passion been fostered in her
heart, ere sli dreamed of its existence.—
His devoirs ! > Natalia awakened her des
pair, but his demeanor at dinner had arous
ed hope, anil seemed to contradict Natalia's
statement.
The audience was granted. The Queen
denied his humble petition that he might
return to the government of his province,
and gave, as an excuse, some official busi
ness yet untransacted. Then Arbantel,
guessing the secret advocate harbored in
the Queen’s breast, whispered of the strange
presumption of his heart, which aspired to
love even her, and gave this as the cause
of his petition. He did not wish to go.—
Ah! no: who loves to fly from enchant
ment so blissful ? But then, the increase
of his hopeless passion might fill the fu
ture with despair, and destroy the moiety
of happiness he could hereafter expect.
Arbantel passed from the council-cham
ber after a while, and left the Queen hap
py in joyful anticipations. His brow clear
ed, ere long, from the cloud which over
shadowed it, soon after he left the Queen’s
presence.
“Ah! yes,” he muttered, smiling joy
ously to himself, “the throne, and then—
Natalia.
He walked on in deep musing, and the
smile again repeated his ejaculation—“ The
throne—Natalia, and then —viitory /”
Vain man ! ambition is but a deceiver,
as thyself.
CHAPTER 111.
The moon rose in “ unclouded majesty,”
and flooded the vast palace and its surroud
ing gardens with a sea of silvery light. It
stole between the rustling leaves of a large
fruit tree, and its small, chequered gems
were tremulous on the dewy grass, as the
wind whispered among the green leaves,
and swayed, with invisible touch, the fruit
laden boughs. The moonbeams glanced
hither and thither, changing the shadowy
leaves, and lo ! the countenance of a hu
man being. Jt is handsome, too, and me
thinks as well as the trembling light will
permit me to see, that it somewhat resem
bles Natalia’s. The large dark eyes of the
intruder are turned immovably on one par
ticular portal in the vast building before
him. What charm hath it, more than the
delicate loveliness of the sleeping flowers,
oh! strange one! Hath not the moon-clad
beauty of those ruby cups reposing on their
couch of green leaves, or the delicate white
of that large flower beside thee, with its
faint pencilling of veins on the snowy pe
tals, more attraction for thee than that
workmanship of wood and stone—decora-
ted though it be ? The secret is explained.
A maiden, enveloped in a mantle, steals
cautiously forth, and glancing timidly
around to detect the presence of any un
welcome spectator, she opens the latticed
wicket, and comes with graceful steps up
the walk, stopping only once to pluck a
blue bell. Ah ! it is but an excuse to look
from under those long lashes, unobserved,
for thee. Ah ! Natalia thou art notsocold
to all as thou wert to Arbantel.
“Beautiful, adored Natalia,” says the
strange one, advancing and kissing the
snowy little hand—“blest be thou for this
kindness, my cousin.”
Natalia looks up to him with her lus
trous eyes, now so soft and dove-like, and
her low, musical voice, whispers an an
swer. They move deeper into the shadow
of the grove, and there, ’mid the sweet
breath of flowers—the gentle wind rustling
the leaves, the gushing music of the wild
bird’s note, Natalia exchanges vows of love
with her proscribed and banished cousin,
Osella.
Not long had they enjoyed the friendly
shade, ere the sound of voices warned them
to silence. Heavens! could they credit
their senses! They were those of the Queen
and Arbantel!
“ Then, your majesty,” continued Arban
tel, “there have been, of late, strange whis
pers rife of Osella’s return, and they say,
too, that the attraction is thy fair daughter,
Natalia.” [Osella pressed the hand he
held ; Natalia shuddered.] “Thou mays’!
perhaps, remember the engagement between
them, ere the rebellion of Elnochiel. Will
it please thee that the engagement should
be continued ?”
They halted under the self-same tree
where we first caught a glimpse of the
handsome Oseila.
“Why should it not?” said the Queen,
who, happy in her love, saw no objection
to the arrangement. “ Osella has not re
belled, and I see no more suitable consort
for Natalia, who, I suppose, will wed soon
er or later.”
Arbantel frowned. “ I have also heard
of the increasing strength of the rebel, and
of the vast army which he daily disciplines
in his mountain fastnesses. Does not your
majesty foresee the great peril which would
most certainly accrue from this alliance ?
If Osella weds Natalia, the ambitious Elno
chiel, would sweep down upon us with his
wild forces, dethrone thee : and crown Osel
la—nay, perchance reign himself! We
have no force that could successfully cope
with him, if the rumors of his great strength
can indeed be accredited.”
The Queen turned pale at the picture
just presented—at the thoughts of death to
herself and Arbantel, when now she had on
ly learnt to value a crown, when she could
place it on his brow—“ Nay” said she gent
ly “have it as thou wilt thou shalt be my
sovereign and my dictator” and she looked
up fondly at the white forehead which in
truth seemed meet resting-place for a cor
onet. Arbantel’s graveness relaxed, and
kissing, with feigned fondness, the snowy
hand which rested on his arm, murmured
his devotion. For awhile they stood si
lent. Arbantel was satisfied with this sub
mission'from the Queen, who had hitherto
acted the monarch full haughtily—while
she, full of beautiful fancies, and sweet
thoughts, mused only of happiness. At
last, the Queen broke the silence.
“ Thou dost not love another, say Ar
bantel,” said she, looking up to him eager
ly. Though his manner satisfied her of his
devotion, with Iheexacting jealousy of love,
she craved a confirmation from his own
lips —that his suit to Natalia had been on
ly from Ambition; but now, thought she,
not only ambition, but love, is satisfied.
“ Nay,” answered he gently and tender
ly, and they moved onward, the soft tones
of his voice coming back faintly to the ears
of the trembling pair, who stood motionless
in the shade; and somewhat they heard of
the capture of Osella, and his detention as
a hostage. Natalia buried her head in her
cousin’s bosom, and wept unrestrainedly,
till, at last, his fond whispers of hope and
endearment somewhat soothed her.
“ Hypocrite,” said she, raising her head
suddenly—her beautiful lip curling scorn
fully, while glittering tears yet gemmed her
lashes—’twas bat this morning he paid
presumptuous to me, and now he
sways my mother, the haughty Queen, as
the wind does the lithe branches of the
water-reed. Alas! Osella, he will murder
thee ! and I shall own him lord in my fa
ther's palace. Ah ! would he were now
alive, and then this strange sorcerer would
ne’er have bewitched my beautiful mother,
with his serpent wiles. Fool that I was!
I did not tell my mother of the treason he
dared whisper to her daughter, and now
she would but mock the narrative.—
Thoughtless one! with my mistaken ten-
derness to a viper, who will but sting me
for my reward.”
“ How, Natalia V ’ said Osella.
She narrated Arbantel’s conversation,
and Osella sank into a reverie.
“Nay,” said he, arousing himself, “it
were useless to inform the Queen. She is
in the magician’s toils, and we can but let
her do her own will. Natalia,” continued
he sadly, “dearest cousin, fly with me.—
Away in our mountain heme, in a peace
ful cot, amid the wild loveliness of nature,
we can live secure from his influence—oh ’
how happily! Canst thou consent, my
sweetest cousin 1 Will not a home with
me, though not magnificent, prove more
acceptable to thee than servitude in thy
father’s mansion, though that mansion be
a palace? My father's blessing will sanc
tion our union, and then, dearest one! my
life shall prove the fervor of iny gratitude.
I have wealth, and though I cannot give
thee a palace, thou shalt lack no luxuries
thou hast hitherto possessed in thy prince
ly halls. Thou wilt hereafter be to thy
mother comparatively estranged, for verily
Arbantel hath bewitched her. Natalia—
cousin—wilt thou ?” ended he, kissing her
unresisting hand with passionate fondness.
Natalia listened to these gently-whis
pered hopes, and her beautiful eyes looked
love and gratitude, but not consent.
“ Nay, Osella, though such a fate would
indeed be blest, (ah ! what would not with
thee !) 1 can never be thy bride, a fugitive
from my mother’s house.”
“But, Natalia,” interrupted Osella, “it
was thy father’s wish, ere he died—and
canst thou hesitate, with his sanction'?
Nay, the Queen would give willing con
sent, were it not for this cursed Arbantel.”
“ It cannot be, Osella,” said Natalia sad
ly. “Osella, dearest Osella,” continued
she, noting his deep dejection, “1 have
been thy playmate from my youth up.—
Thou knowest in thy inmost heart I love
thee; but this I cannot do. Alone must
thou go, and speedily, for Arbantel will
seek thy life, as the blood-thirsty tiger
does his prey. Thou canst not wish me
to fly, when remorse for violated duty
would ever embitter my happiest mo
ments.”
“ Nay, Natalia,” said Osella, “ believe
me, I would not tempt thee to wrong. 1
care not for Arbantel’s wiles. Dare but
the traitor cross my path,” added he fierce
ly, and I will hurl ‘rebel’ in his teeth, and
repay his daring presumption in whisper
ing love to thee. I fear not death. Life
to me is valueless without thee.”
“ Osella, Osella,” said Natalia imploring
ly, “thy life is mine, and oh! remember
that, in sacrificing it, thou plungesta sword
into my heart. I must hasten thee home
ward, ah ! how unwillingly ! but the ven
geance of Arbantel is sleepless and un
tiring.”
Long the lovers whispered, and formed
plans for the future. Osella talked of de
manding his bride at the head of his father’s
army; and at last, somewhat consoled by
hope for the long separation yet in store
for them, they parted, with many whisper
ed words of fondness and caution. Hope
soon overcame their momentary dejection.
Ah! these youthful and beautiful lovers,
culling happiness from the midst of danger
—like flowers on the brow of. the preci
pice—from their deep devotion and love,
increasing even from childhood. She stole
to her sleepless chamber, and he, after
watching the last moonlit gleam of her
white robe, threaded the mazes of the
garden, and vaulting on his trusty steed,
was soon far beyond the possibility of Ar
bantel's detaining him, on his way to his
father.
CHAPTER IV.
Soon the whole kingdom was thrown in
to amaze, by the announcement of the in
tended nuptials of the Queen and Arban
tel, and ere the city had recovered from its
astonishment at the news, the espousals
were consummated with great pomp and
magnificence. The wild, absorbing pas
sion of the Queen, had hurried her into
this step, and she thought not of the indig
nation it was doomed to excite among her
loving subjects, who were, in truth, much
astounded by her daring to wed out of
• the royal family. The step was unpiece
dented, and they looked with jealous eyes
upon the new consort, who, according to
the law of the realm, would succeed to
the throne upon her death.
For a f*iv weeks, the tenderness of Ar
bantel’s manner satisfied the Queen’s jeal
ous claims to devotion, but gradually this
wore away; he became stern and harsh,
and swayed the sceptre without a shadow
of acknowledgment to her superior au
thority. Grieved at her idol’s neglect,
nay, cruelty, she watched his every move
ment with minute attention, and her jeal
ousy became almost frantic, when she no-