and she mentioned the distant regions she had traversed: but it is most probable that the high authority of her father had preserved her from the last degree of human punishment, and that she had passed the period of her absence from Venice in the state prison. Though this adventure had no connection with the present history, yet as it materially tended to elucidate the character of Olympia, I was extremely gratified at having informed myself of it. Furnished with the kuowledge of these circumstances, I presented myself at the palace of one of the inquisitors of the state. produced the slightest alteration, so difficult is it to develope the real affections of a statesman's soul through the mask with which policy covers his features. "I return you thanks in the name of the state," said Rozzelino, when I had finished speaking, "for disclosing crimes which miiitate against its safety; you have preferred to the character of an infamous informer, who acts in the dark and behind the back of the person he accuses, that of a loyal denunciator, who dares the enemy of the laws to meet him face to face in the awful presence of justice.-Depart. Though the Government of the Republic is armed with the necessary terrors to maintain its authority among the great, and secure the dependence of the people, yet it knows how to esteem virtue, and appreciate good actions. I shall this instant inform the president of the council, and I promise you an audience this evening. Good ma Having obtained from Signor Rozzelino (the name of that senator) a private audience, in his cabinet, I entered into a detail of the extraordinary events I had witnessed in the Cavern of Strozzi, without omitting the slightest circumstance: I mentioned to him the accident, or rather the miracle bygistrates ought not to sleep which they had been revealed to me; I added to my narrative that of the tragical history of Laurentini, and urged the necessity of promptitude and celerity in the present instance, in order to prevent Olympia sacrificing a second victim. Rozzelino listened to me with as much gravity as attention. I carefully observed his countenance, but could not perceive that the name or the crimes of Olympia when guilt is awake, nor repose when it ought to be punished. Be not a larmed at the forms which surround the inquisition; submit to the orders of the guards, who will be with you at eleven in the evening, and follow them with confidence. The sight of the sword of justice may appal the criminal, but cannot terrify the innocent man, whom it is only drawn to protect. I left Signior Rozzelino, and retired early home. I thought I per ceived a man plain in his appearance, but extremely cautious in his manner, following, and studiously endeavouring not to lose sight of me. I was by no means surprised at it; I concluded that after the secrets with which I had entrusted the government, my actions no longer depended on myself, but that the police and its spies had the disposal of them. The dial pointed to seven minutes after eleven at night, when three knocks were struck against the gate of the hotel in which I lodged, and a command to open it in the name of the Council of Ten, announced to me the arrival of the officers. They were soon at my door, which I opened with silence and respect; they were five in number. The foremost drawing from beneath his cloak a small ebony rod with an ivory head, gently touched me with it in the name of the Most Serene Republic and dread inquisition, and made a sign for me to follow him. We descended the stair-case without meeting any one: at the bottom a gondola awaited us; we entered it, and in less than a quarter of an hour we landed before the palace of the council: then the chief of the guards placed a bandage before my eyes, and in this manner preceded by him and surrounded by the rest, I crossed several galleries, and at last found myself in the hall where the inquisitors were sitting. By the silence which eigned I judged that they had not all met, and that I should only have to answer one person. In fact after a few moments, a mild but sonorous and distinct voice addressed me, and desired me to sit down. "You were, said the voice, this morning at the palace of the senator Rozzelino, and entrusted him with the important secret of the crimes you have witnessed. Are you desirous of changing that cons fidential information into a legal denunciation ? "Yes, Signor,', I answered. "Then take the oath upon the Holy Evangelists and the crucifix, that whatever you shall say shall be the truth," "My faith does not allow me to swear upon the image of Jesus ; but if you please I will swear upon the Evangelists." I thought I heard some voices whispering together, and I took the oath, at the same time extending my hand upon the Evangelists. " Commence your recital," resumed the voice," and speak sufficiently slow that the secretary may write down the principal circumstances." I hesitated a moment in order to collect my ideas, and deliver them with the greater precision ; then raising my voice, I repeated what I had stated in the morning to Signor Rozzelino, and which the reader has been informed of. When I had finished, the voice enquired of the secretary if his transcript of what I had said was finished, and he having answered in the affirmative, began to read it. It perfectly agreed with my recital: then having asked me if I persisted in my denunciation, and having invited me to sign it, an order was given to take the bandage off my eyes. The spectacle which at that moment struck my sight had something in it terrible and awful. As The room in which I was seated was spacious, and supported by a range of circular pillars, from the capital of which, to within three feet of the floor, hung a black drapery. Two large chandeliers, suspended by chains from the ceiling, gave glaring and mournful light, which reflected on the countenances of the inquisitors. the bottom of the room, under a scarlet canopy, with plumes of black and white feathers over it, was placed a large marble figure of Christ, and beneath it was a long table covered with a black carpet, round which were seated, upon Gothic chairs, the ten inquisitors and the secretary of state, clad in long gowns of black sattin, embroidered with crimson. Several officers and guards stood around them, with their wands in their hands; and I, with a guard on each side of me, was placed upon a seat at a distance from the rest, fronting the crucifix, about ten paces from the table. The secretary presented my denunciation to me, which I signed: then the president of the inquisitors showing me a volume in folio and opening the frontispiece, asked me if I recollected it. I answered that I believed it to be the description of the Cavern of Strozzi, and that it belonged to the Dominicans of the library of St. Mark then taking from my pocket the card on which I had transcribed the transparent words of the ninth page, and which were repeated on every thirteenth page, I read it to the council, at the same time entreating it to verify my conjectures. I was admitted to this proof, and obtained the same confirmation as in the first instance. After several formalities unnecessary to repeat, the council decreed that within three days at the farthest, three of its members should repair to the island of Strozzi, accompanied by a strong guard, and that I should direct the expedition. The council congratulated me on what it was pleased to denominate my virtuous courage; and ordered that until the day of justice, I should be kept as an hostage in one of the apartments of its palace, but at the same time treated with every possible degree of respect. On the morning of the day appointed for proceeding to the island, I was desired to hold myself in readiness to depart at six in the evening. I felt the highest satisfaction, not so much at the approach of the termination of my own captivity, as because it enabled me to contribute towards the deliverance of the unfortunate Antoni, and punish his detestable enemy. those who should attempt to force the passage. Having taken this precaution, we entered the Cavern: I pointed out to the inquisitors the protecting willow which had concealed me while I inspired the prisoner with hope and courage. At length we found ourselves before the entrance to the inner cavern; I recollected the signal, and struck it with my dagger: the same voice immediately pronounced the watch word Treason! we answered by that of Vengeance! (a word under the present circumstances perfectly applicable) and the cavern was opened to us. [To be continued] At the appointed hour two guards came to me, and conducted me to a covered bark, in which were three inquisitors, two of their attendants, and a detachment of soldiers completely armed. The principal inquisitor, who was Signor Rozzelino, gave his orders, and distributed masks to each of us; after which we rowed offWe were soon in sight of the is-beings struggling with adversity; land, but instead of landing on the side of Venice, where Olympia was to disembark, we doubled the bay, and landed in a small crcek to the east. Though the night was very dark, and the reflection of the stars scarce pointed out our road, Signor Rozzelino would not allow us to light torches, but ordered us to observe silence, and proceed without the least noise. When we arrived near the Cavern, I advised the inquisitors to place ten guards at the entrance; with orders to stop and secure For the Lady's Miscellany, We see thousands of our fellow we see many of them sink under the pressure of distress; and but few seem to be happy. It were a subject not unworthy of the contemplation of the moralist, or the man of feeling, deliberately to consider what mode of conduct during needy or other adverse circumstances 'twere adviseable that the poor sufferer should adopt. This unfortunately, however, unless in a general sense, would be impossible, as the constitution of almost every man's mind, as well as of his corporeal system differs from that of others. But a few general observations might not be inadmissible. Submission to our fate, whether as inevitable or proceeding from the gracious behest of an omnipotent and benevolent cause, is an essential and primary requisite. Regret, unavailing and childish, though it may emanate from the bosom of the purest, most refined, most elevated humanity is irreleThe intrusions of regret, with its sad concomitants, discon vant. means of happiness by whom. those who are so fortunate as to possess them, may alleviate the sorrows of captivity, the degradation of slavery, the hardships of want, the torments of disease, and even the horrors of despair. The consolations of religion need not be enumerated; they are too great, and the generality known to require description; besides, the distresses arising from misfortune being incident to the human race in general, and no general tent, ennui, and anxiety, ought religion existing, its exhilarating influence cannot be specifically applied. never to be permitted. They must be set aside as unworthy passions of the noble soul. Let them associate with the weak and sordid. An equanimity, the happy result of a well regulated and virtuous mind, should ever be preserv ed; and a just comparison of our own situations with those of millions of others still more afflicting and deplorable, should always be kept in view. A deep conviction of the fertility and evanescent nature of all human enjoyment; a thorough impression of the brevity and precarious tenure of our sublunary existence, and a dignified, elevated philosophy superior to the pressure of adversity or the conflicting emotions of the human passions, soaring from the contemplation of the effects of the unerring laws of naure up to Nature's God, are ADVENA. |