The Georgia mirror. (Florence, Ga.) 1838-1839, September 29, 1838, Image 1

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BY GARDNER & BARROW. TSI3 *3E€Mt«aA 711/?;?075, h published every Saturday, in Florence, tewart county, Ga. at J HItEH DODJ.AtIS a vear, it paid in advance, or FOUR DOLLARS, if not paid until the end of the year. Advertisements will be conspicuously inserted at One Dollar per square, (15 lines) the first, and 50 cents for each subsequent insertion. Nothing under 15 lines will be considered less than a square. A deduction will be made for yearly ad vertisements. All advertisements handed in for publication without «limitation, will be published till forbid, and charged accordingly. Sales of Land and Negroes by Executors, Ad ministrators and Guardians, are required by law to be advertised in a public Gazette, sixty days previous to the day of sale. The sale of Personal property must be adver tise' 1 in like manner forty days. Notice to Debtors and Creditors of au estate must be published forty days. Notice that application will be mid* to the Court of Ordinary for leave to sell Land and Ne groes, must be published weekly for four months. (T/ > ' All Letters on business must be post paid to insure attention. „JU . . .Pi l«r •WTOnaapw, T*: f., VfO S; >yv Jlr vis vi, %i.» sX os POPPING THE QUESTION DESCRIBED. A lovely young wife said one day in her bower, As her bride-maiden sat at her side, ‘l’ll tell thee what passed in that halcyon hour, When he asked me if Pd he his bride; ’Twas in tliis same bower, to behold the sun set In his golden bed, glorious and bright— We silently stood, but our eyes often met, And each glance was a gleam of delight. •He tenderly press’d both my waist and my hand, Yet still nothing said he, Or little that I could at first understand, For lie spoke in a fluttering key; His tongu *. it would s° •n, had forgotten its duty, lie tremble though ’twas not with fear— I blush’d like the rose, and it heighten'd my beautv. At least so he told me, my dear. ‘I felt—but I cannot describe as T would, My feelings of timid delight— But felt like a poor silly thin ; as I stood, And confused, played the baby outright; To hide my confusion still clo:.-*r he press’d, My head on his shonld 'r reclined, And gasping with pleasure, T then was address’d With words that delight womankind. Oh. sweet were the sounds, as they fell on my ear, •When thus, in a whisper, said he— ‘Than life more 1 love thee, then tell me, my dear, 0 wilt thou be married to me ?’ What my heart would have answer’d, he very soon guess’d, Though my timid tongue would not sav yes— For then, when his lips were on mine fondly press’d I gave him a modest first kiss!” A BACHELOR’S .SONG TO THE LADIES. Oh, no! 1 never mention it, 1 dare not br athe the name; A bachelor I’ve always been, And would remain the same. But jokes on jokes you play on me, To make me change my lot; But when you win the truth from me, 1 say, “I’d rather not.” Yon bid me peek in married life The charms that others see, But were 1 now a married man, You’d find no joy in me. ’Tis true that 1 can call no more On those I oft have met; I do not grace their parties now, But how can l regret ? For, oh! there are so many things Recall the past to me; The pleasures of a single life— "’o happy, calm and free. The jov I’ve'known in flirting with A! I maiden young and fair; Aye, each cmjuette I look upon, Invites me to beware. A on te!i me married men are now Idle gayest of the gay— A ou hint that bachelors are fools 1 I heed not what you say. Like me, perchance you struggle Withafeeling of despair; But if you’d live as I would live, A married life forswear. • E. THE LADIES’ ANSWER TO THE BACH ELOR’S SONG. A ou’ll do best ne’er to mention it, Or ever try to write A song against the married life, In which you would delight, Y. e never thought of playing jokes On such poor worms as you; We never tried to win the truth From one who can’t be true. 'Tis true we bid you seek a wife, H you could one procure; But never did we once suppose ou could a wife secure. A ou say that you can call no more On those you often met; A ouknow too well the reason why. They cut you in the street. There are too many things, no doubt, That oft the past recall— The pleasures of your worthless life, i Are envied not at all. The joy, you say, you’ve had in flirts. No one will e’er begrudge; But sen those empty boasts, we know, Are at the nest ail fudge. Go hang yourself, you cumberer Ot earth’s fair garden, go; Nor linger here in dark despair, And helpless, hopeless woe. We certainly a mariietl lift. Forever would forswear. Before we could make up our minds Our lives with you to share. £!. •A £< f :A «5$ ’ r TP. AV:” ’ T w"»;«<* kt Lj .iii -4=a * - - - * if/ From the Philadelphia Visiter {jllycon, the Wi’Pfiaii. A tole of Rome's evil days. BY HENRY F. HARKING TON'. ( Continued.) CHAPTER IV.—THE DTSOLOSURE. Domitian, the emperor of Rome, was alone in his apartment, lie had just pressed his pollu ting lips upon the forehead of the beautiful Gre riati, whom Rhetius had given up to him, and dismissed her from his presence. He was alone ; and iniseciHle. The emblems of his grandeur w-we around bi n. Me gloated upon the remem brance of a thousand maddening pleasures—upon the anticipation of a thousand coming gratilica tions of his unholy passions. He trod the floor, the emperor of Rome ! —to whom a world bowed down—before whom millions trembled ! —yet hap pier was the savage Scythian in his wild fastnes ses. than Domitian in his greatness. He knew that revenge—just re verge burned in the breasts of husbands, fathers, brothers —for wives, daugh ters, sisters, dragged to the sacrifice of fiendish licentiousness!—that the hate of many was upon him for possessions tyrannically seized—that a people would have shouted at his dentil knell for rights trampled into the dust, honor assailed, jus tice violated—that the gods must have fixed their ban upon his soul for enormities that the tongue trembled to titter. The demon of fear was his second self, within him, and ever by his side.— Minors of polished brass lined his walls, that the shadows of the secret assa-sin might betray him! Such is the happiness of the mighty wicked! Such was Domitian—the emperor of Rome! His features were distorted by the indulgence of brutish sensibility—and so complete'}’ had he Surrendered his soul to unbridled guilt, that every successive thought was a hideous crime. Even now, as he sat upon his couch, a savage smile came over liis lace, at Ttlio recollection of the death pan is of two citizens, on whose murder he had that day feasted. Gradually, the fierce ex pression faded -and visions crossed his depraved imagination, of beauty oft made his own—-of de mon plans to win yet more to his loathsome em braces; —but ever and anon, as he thus indulged his foul desires, a shudder came over him—a pale ness overspread his countenace, and his eye peered in every corner There were a slight sound—he sprung to his feet, and the drops cams out upon his forehead—and, in a tremulous voice, as of a scared child, he called out — “Jupiter defend me ! Lucius, art thou there?” The voice of the guard at the door was heard in reply, and if calmed the fears of the emperor, who, muttering of assassins, threw liimselt upon his couch. lie soon started again in an agony of terror, the challenge of the guard sounded in the stillness ; rfnd he tremblingly grasped the handle of his naked sword, when he heard the door slow ly open. A soldier entered, made his obeisance, and approached the almost shrieking monarch and not until he had spoken, was he recognized to be the trusty, the faithful Glycon. “Pardon me that 1 intrude upon thee, my mas ter, thus unseasonable I bethought me thou would not desire me to sleep, ere my mission’s end were known to thee.” “Right, my Glycon. Let me grasp thy hand. Thy emperor rejoices in thy safety. 1 hou art ever watchful—we know thou hast achieved our work.” . . Glycon then detailed the events of the uprising which he had been sent to quell; when lie had concluded, the emperor again spoke : “Nobly acted ! what need have we to fear, with such as thou art to protect ? But soft—the guard again challenges a comer. ’Tis Rhetius, my tried captain, who hath returned from his post in Ci . \ slight start was the nr\]y evidence that Glycon knew aught of Rhetius-.f or he possessed the power to smother liis passions within his breast. 1 lie emperor continued : “Go thou within the inner chamber, my Glycon, until 1 have spoken with Rhetius. I will call thee when I have done.” Gladlv did our hero avail himself of this com mand ; i’or he could not calmly have met the be trayer of his sister—and the deep and settled hate burning within him might have broken out even in the chamber of Domitian. lie strode hastily across the floor of the room designated, that his fitrure might not be shadowed in the mirrors a round, and himself be revealed—yet lie closed not Mae door, ere his enemy had entered, and the emperor thus spoken— “O, my Rhetius— -welcome ! I sent for thee as I promised, to tell thee of the sunny Hyala.'’ Hyala ;—Glycon caught the sentence and stood aghast. Hyala!—Domitian uttering that name? It could not be—he had not heard aright—and he bent his head, and stilled his very breath to listen. , , “Dist thou not find her in all as worthy the kis ses of the mighty emperor as I had depicted . said the heartless parasite. “More—more exclaimed Domitian, his eye kindling, and his voice fervent at the memory of her beauty. “Her breath was as sweet as tin fra grant gales from the groves of the far cast; and her ruby lips wood the kiss I hastened in rapture to bestow. Here— here is thy reward- She must come again.” FLORENCE, GA. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1838. \ “Sir; shall mighty emperor. May thy subject ask haw received the girl the carresses of her grea’master ?” “Coyly, coyly, my Rhetius—she shrunk and wept: and made me burn tire more with the fire of love. But I conquered —1 conquered. Re member, she must come again. Where got thou her ?'’ “In Greece. She was a peasant girl of uiy province. 1 won her love that I might bring her “I tiiank thee I thank thee! and now farewell. Bear thou this word toihe darkeyed Hyala; that Domitian loves her. Per Jove! She is a god dess ! Farcweii!” Rhetius left the apartment, loaded with the price ot his mistress ; a casket of the richest gems; and Glycon came again before his mon arch ; but he looked not as before. There was a flush upon his face, a withering fire in his eye, a quiver on bislip, and drops of sweat upon his brow, that told how mental agony had mastered even the careful soldier. His fingers played upon the handle ol liis sword, as if they longed to clutch it; he towered to bis full height, and the steel plates that covered his breast rose and fed, and slightly rattled with its heaving. He did not, could not speak. “ l hou mayst go, my Glycon,” said Domitian ; in his reverie on the beauties of Hyala, blind to the emotion ot his soldier. “Thou mayst go; assured of my love for thee; let me see thee to morrow.” Giycon only bowed as he departed, and as the door closed behind him he grasped his sword with convulsive energy, while the breath came, hard through his teeth. * * * » * Another, a softly moving, cringing creature was not long alter this in the chamber of Domitian. It was Matho whom we have met before. “My lord, a prize have I for thee-—a being so beautiful and bright, and young, that she seems one of the daughters of heaven sojourning on earth, a being who has been kept from the world, pure as the gushing fountain.” Domitian, while Matho thus discoursed, listen ed with a joy increased by every new epithet of praise. “Who is she, Matho ?” interrupted he ; “where ? is she here ? Has! thou already procured her tor me ? Speak ! What callest thou her ?” Livia—-and she is the daughter of a proud sen ator. Force alone will get her. O, how celestial are her charms!” “A senator! Curses light upon him and his order 1 Get her! here is my signet; and slay the senator if it be necessary. Shall I have her to morrow, Matho?” asked he, in eagerness, laying his hand tn the informer’s arm. “Yes, my lord, and I dare to crave a boon.— When thou hast done with her, shall Matho pos sess her ?” “Yes, yes. I will give her to thee.” * * * * « Glycon strode through the broad galleries ol the palace, hardly conscious of his course ; and his emotion grew more vivid and maddening as he went on. He was governed by a wild determina tion to exceute immediate vengeance. Hyala— his sister—what was she now ? The thought al most turned his brain, and hastily inquring of the guard the direction, he rushed towards the apart ment of Rhetius, impelled by passion, unknow ing what end he would attain. He paused not at the door—the guard dared not oppose the en trance ot so powerful an officer, and lie within the chamber. Rhetius was not there, but a quivering yet melodious voice broko on his ear. “Rhetius, is it thou ?” There was no reply, and Hyala stole softly for ward and lifted her eyes to scan the comer. She saw him, knew hi.n, and was blasted by the sight! She did not utter a sound, but her gaze was chained on his, and the blood retreated to her her heart, leaving hei an icy stature. With a slight cry, as he mastered his thronging feelings, Glycon grasped her by the shoulder and drew her from the room. Sustained and carried onward by his giant strength she almost unconsciously moved along. Accustomed to such sights, the servitors only glanced at them as they went by, whispering, perhaps, to each other, a casual remark; and thus they emerged from the palace, into the wide and splendid gardens. Glycon went on without pause or hesitation, toward a nook, at some dis tance, with the same dreadful agony depicted on his countenance—and never did he bend his head to jjGni'p at the almost paralyzed being he was dragging along, who now, nearly exhausted, scarce trod the earth beneath her. It was a quiet and lovely spot where Glycon paused: a grove encircled it, and a marble fountain played cease lessly in its centre—its tinkling waters alone break ing the stillness that hallowed the scene. Be neath, the greenward spread out like an inviting carpet —wooing the feet to tempt its softness.— Beside this fountain stood Glycon with his sister. For a few moments he held her as he had come, without motion, as if he needed time to collect his wild and bewildered senses, and make sure ot the stern purpose within his soul. Then he drew his hand across his brow, and with a faint groan looked upon poor Hyala—at first, the victim of her own innocent heart—and then the betrayed of the wretch who had first taught her even the name of sin. Sh« was not now the fair creature who laughed in the sunlight of her native Greece ; though few could rival the beauty that yet robed her features. Alas! the sorrow of blighted hope, of dread humiliation and shame was gnawing at her heart. Glycon smoothed away the dishevel de hair from her brow, and gazed into hsreyes. With a quick gasp, sh* closed the aching lids as if-the sight of him were pain. “Hyala”—at length he said, inlow husky tones, “I loved thee. Thy mothertloated on thee-—and 1 have seen her watch thee when thy spirit was glad smiling in her joy, that the gods had bestow ed upon her such a child. Thy father was proud when the villagers asked for the welfare of his beauteous daughter, and he, too, blessed Jupiter for the gift of thee. Thou wert the victim of a Roman ! Thou preferd’st the kiss of a Roman villain, to virtue and the iove of the kindred—-and j now!—Hyala— Hyala!—where wast thou last night? lia! thou shrinkest, and thy breath grows | quick. Guilty oue !—0 ye gods—that ever such shame should be thine—that Glycon should blush for the sister of his affection! What is fit for tlice ? Each day of thy life is heaping loads of ignominy on thee and ure, Hyala, thou must die !” Ilia rQhf hand grasped hij weapon, and it gleamed in the air. His arm trembled, as if he had scarce courage for the deed ; his face was blanched to snowy whiteness, and his body rocked to and fro. He lifted the sword to strike—it was a useless motion. The hands of Hyala convul sively clasped together—a sudden aud fearful change caine over her features; her fingers par ted-—the arm of Glycon bended beneath her life less weight—and he laid her upon the earth senseless—-motionless—dead! He stooped down by her side and kissed her brow—-and taking a long, still look at her face, he severed a lock of her dark hair with liis Rword, thrust it into his bosom, aud strode away. He bade some of the slaves in a few words to bury her where she lay—and ere long, the clods were the covering to the sad girl’s bosom—and the fountain played alone—its bell-like droppings sounded thp only requiem of the departed. CHAPTER V.—THE BATTLE. The morning after this eventful night, the Sena tor Marcellus met Glycon at the bath, and drew him aside. “Glycon, how fares thy master now—the em petor of Rome?” “Doipitian has glorious caterers to supply him with the richest delicacies wherewith to feast his dainty palate,” answered Glycon, with ill-conceal ed scorn and emotion. The quick perception of the senator easily de tected his troubled feelings. “Glycon!” said he, “thou art sueerilig at thy master.” “Master!" ejaculated Glycon, in a whisper. The senator grew bolder; he feared not to be betrayed by the betrothed of his daughter. “Glycon, thou lovest him not!” There was no answer—and after scanning his features with intense interest, Marcellus said— “A spirit so noble as thine cannot loTe him— cannot be the friend to his dark depravity. Rome rebels against it. “Methinks Rome suffers it calmly, noble Mar celhis.” The face of the senator expressed the bitter ness of his soul. “Nay, there is some of the Roman spirit left; I will trust thee. Look thou with a shudder for the day after the morrow, when the sun shall be high in heaven and harken for the cry.” Glycon paused a moment, as if tire tale were not ungrateful to him—then he suddenly broke away. t “Farewell!—l must not listen to treason again* my master.” “Hold” exclaimed Marcellus, with a look of bitter disappointment—“if this subject suite not thee, I will discourse with thee on another. Igo to day from Rome to my villa and return not until the morrow. Watch thou over Livia meanwhile. Glycon grasped his hand, hade him adieu, and hastened to his troop—and he might have been seen until nightfall in earnest conversation with 110 ofEcua uu.l »«»l .... li. TIIC.I UC-ltl. them, and having transacted his business at the palace, he wended his way to the home of his Livia. Twilight had departed, and the still balmy light fast shrouded nature in its mantle. Our hero checked his steps before the palace of the sena tor, and found relief to his harrassed mind in gazing upon the walls within whose protecting strength was the best beloved of his soul. The dreadful scenes which had of late driven peace from his breast vanished from remembrance and lie was filled with the image of her whose Love was the charm of his existence. He remained not long without, but with eager impatience mounted the marble steps to enter. Ere he gave signal of his wish to be admitted, low whispers reached his ear from beneath the walls of the gar den. lie listened tothe continued conversation, and suspicions of evil, with ready presence of mind concealed himself behind an outer pillar, where the shadows gathered thickest and afforded ample concealment. Soon two individuals stole softly up the steps, and after carefully rconnoiter ing thus addressed each other:— “Is all secure, good Matho ?” “Yes, and I will give the signal.” “Art sure the senator is from Rome—and will the slaves be true to os ?” “Fear not. Domitian’s gold has made them ours. So, for the signal.” A low rap sounded at tlie door, which slowly opened, and the attendant slave spoke. “Is all right ? Who art thou ?” “Matho. All ’is ready. The soldiers wait beneath the garden walls.” Glycon longed to rush forth and slay the base pander while he stood near him, as the whole of the plot broke upon him. This, this alone was waiting to turn his heart to gall. His sister had fallen into the power of the monster, and he had bitterly wept over her shame; and now the net was spread for anothei prey—that prey the object of his devotion! The memory oi past kindness from the mighty murderer of his peace last fled away—chased from his swelling thoughts by the dark catalogne of present insult. Do mitian! thy guilt has now lost to thee a heart that would have poured out its life-blood to save one drop of thine! Glycon restrained himself to im** l ,u * <iono«...i-enient oi tne affair. The slave withdrew, and for a time the two ministers of guilt were left together before the door; then the slave again appeared, putting his finger on his mouth. A moment afler, the lady Livia crossed the threshold, and shrinking back exclaimed— “ Titus—no —he is not here.” As she the two parasities graspaed her arms and drew her violently forward down tb# V*l. I.— N«. 27. steps, while the slave wound his fingers in lier hair, and strove to cover her mouth that he might stifle her shrieks. With one step Glycon was beside the group, and seizing the slave by the throat, with a single stroke of bis sword, wielded by his powers ul arm, he clove hiiJ from the shoul der to the heart aud laid him dead upon the ground. It was through fear of Glycon that Matho had summoned the soldiers, aud now be beckoned for them to approach. Glycon ere they came up. threw off the grasp of the two from bis Livia, and standing between her and her captors, while she clung to his supporting aria, he placed himself in au attiude of bold defiance, ready ta. dare 'he contest with one or all. Matho and his vile associate cowed by the baseness of their pur pose, and awed by the majority of indignant re solve, drew back from before him, pausing until the soldiers should begin the assault. They ad vanced from their hiding place and levelled their spears for the attack, while Matho encouraged them from behind. As they halted to reconnoitre ,their brave foe, Glycon knocked up the spears, of the foremost with his sword, exclaiming— “ Away with you, ye dogs!—and know meftr Glycon!—away ! or I’ll have you flayed alive for your temerity, ye fools of a villain !” The sound of his voice operated like a magic spell. The soldiers turned and walked rapidly away without reply, dreading the vengeance of the mighty captian of the body-guard, though they were acting for the emperor himself. Matho frustrated in his project, quickly followed them with his companion, and Glycon was soon left alone with his mistress. “Fear not, my Livia,” said he, “thy Glycon will protect thee,”—and gently assisting her up the steps, they disappeared within the palace. The morning referred to by the Senator Mar cellus, dawned upon Rome. The day previous had passed away without any occurrence to be tray that a stern resolve would soon break forth in destroying fury, and now the storm, unchecked, was ready to burst. The sky was cloudless, and the sun shone out upon the misera ble city, its burning ray tempered by a mild breeze from the snowy Appenines. As noon approach ed, the streets distant from the capitol became gradually deserted-—and when the hour had ar rived for the work to begin, the oppressed inhabi tants of fallen Rome, old and young armed with whatever weapon they could command, poured through the arched entrances info the Forum Magnum—the place where had been promulgated the laws of the republic—whose every spot waa consecrated by some glorious memorial. Tha senators were there—armed—for they had exci ted this uprising against oppression and were de termined to save themselves and the people, or lay their gory forms an offering in the streets of Rome. But not all were assembled, either of senators or people, for the gold of an emperor licentious indulgence had boi ght the virtue of thousands-—but there were enough, if the deed were done in unity, to free the eternal city. The sea of heads waved to and fro, and the clamor rose of a thousand tongues, until the ven erable Marcellus mounted the rostrum to speak to the people. When his gray head appeared above mass, a deathlike silence reigned. He began.— He told them of Rome’s better days—of her present degradation. He told them of Rome’s ancient patriots—of Rome’s degenerate sons.- lie tutu nil iii tft in uoi puiuou ivi n u ui» noui js ing tyrant—he exhorted them to imitate their glorious example. A shout of applause and fierce determination r nt the air: and as the fathers oue afler the other said a few words to cheer them on, the fire ol resolve burned more vividly. The plans had been well arranged, and when all was ready, the soldiers who were attached to liberty marched first along the street—after them, the young and hardy men—then the sena tors, and in the rear the crowd, shouting “Liber ty !” -“Vengeance ” —“Freedom again to Rome!” Domitian was feasting at a banquet with his flatterers and parasites, when a soldier announced that the people had risen ; and soon their echoing shout that filled all Rome, rung through the hall of the palace. The revellers started and stood aghast. Domitian, pale as the face of the Mead, in his trembling fear, could scarcely give his orders for resistance; but at last he spoke. “Rhetius—Rhetius! Go thou against them quicklv. Let thy brave cohorts surround them and resist them well; if they get victory over tho vile rabble, they shall be loaded With spoils— Go! let someone bid the Pretoriius guard the outer gates of the palace—-and he! summon Gly con hither.” He was quickly obeyed. Rhetius departed, and Glycon, in full armour cameinto ; the presence of the emperor. “Ha! my Glycon—welcome! Never could I welcome thee in a better hour. I depend all upon thee and thy brave band. Lie thou in reserve— and it the soldiers of Rhetius waver, put in the strong arm of succor-—or if they conquer, help thou to pile the streets with the carcassess of these rebels. Away my Glycon!” The captain bowed, and left his master. (To be concluded.) ANECDOTE. At a late Temperance Convention in one of our towns, the hotels being somewhat crowded, a couple of gentlemen called at a private dwelling to get accommodated for the night. The man of the house coming in soon after thev had departed inquired of his art;*- .w. of so much unusal bustle anu preparation. “Why, lau,” replied she, “don’t you think we’re going to have a couple of total absent Ale* gators here to supper and-——” “Alegatora!” exclaimed the old man, ‘why you mean delegates, don’t you?’ “O, yes, ’tis delegates.” replied she ‘but no matter—— it magnifies the same meaning yw, know.”