- ^/ / // . /:,/,/ . ir /x.

run.,,,;/ .,., ,, , 1r , , tlrrt . u ,-..., t0m f . tHr _ , /a ^

I. .ll/.,,,,.,rl, M, ,,

WELSH LEGENDS :

A COLLECTION OF

POPULAR

OMAJL TAJLES,

" Tales of the days of old, when superstition, that
foul ugly witch, smiled on the lap of ignorance."

LONDON:

Printtd h) J. D. Dtwick, jttdtrsgatt-Strttt,
FOR Jt BADCOCK, PATERNOSTER - ROW.

1802.

PREFACE.

- Legends are of the highest an-
tiquity, and any attempt to trace
their origin, would not only be at-
tended with the greatest difficulty,
but even, we may venture to say, be
found impossible. It is not the in-
tention of the Editor to make such
an attempt, but merely to relate such
Legends as have come to his know-
ledge, and present the greatest in*
terest, either on account of their
antiquity, by which they have, in a
manner, become consecrated ; or on
account of the fanciful, strange, and
unaccountable contexture of the

FOUKLORC

various events with which they
abound.

There is hardly any Traveller in
Wales, who has not heard, at least,
of the titles of some of those an-
cient traditionary tales, which every
grandmother, on a cold winter even-
ing, repeats to her grandchildren,
sitting round the blazing hearth.
Whether they ever had the curiosity
to listen to those wonderful, terror-
striking relations is a matter of
doubt their works being entirely
silent on the subject. . It is not in
the well-built house, nor from the
well-informed inhabitant of Wales,
that such stories can be learnt ; it is
in the thatched cottage, among, we
might say, the primitive Welsh, who
have carefully preserved and trans-
mitted from generation to genera-

tion, from grandmother to grand-
child, every tale, story, legend, or
ditty, which they had received from
their ancestors, that authentic in-
formation can be gathered, and from
these genuine sources that the Editor
has been enabled, in an intercourse
of several years, to obtain the col-
lection which he now offers to the
public.

That a considerable fund of enter-
tainment may be found in these
kind of tales, we believe every pei^
son who stilt remembers the days of
his infancy and felices meminisse
juvat will readily allow. But, ex-
clusive of that pleasure, we will ven-
ture to assert, the knowledge of those
legendary tales is, if not absolutely
necessary, at least extremely useful,
in the perusal of the early poets of

this and other countries, whose works
are almost always interspersed with
ballads founded on those tales, or
with allusions to the popular notions
of the times in which they wrote. We
may say, that each Legend is a kind
of local mythology, and that, could
a regular connected arrangement be
formed of all the materials presented
by a complete collection of .them,
it would be found equally absurd,
equally extravagant, and yet perhaps
equally interesting.
ft.

CONTENTS,

Knight of the Blood-red Plume - 1

Weird Witch of the Wood - - 73

Sighs of Ulla 91

Infidel - --. - - 143

Mountain Bard - - - - 269

fenig&t of t&e XlootwD Iplume*

Enig&t of t&e ^Btoofrteti Purne*

On a rising eminence, east of the river Clwyd, in
Flintshire, about two miles from its influx into the
sea, are the majestic ruins of Rhuddlan castle, which
derives its name from the colour of the soil on which
it is situated, according to Leland, who thus deduces its
etymology in his Itinerary j *i Rethlan, communely
" called Rudelan, cummeth of Rethe, that ys to saye,
*' color or pale, redde, and glan, that ys shore; but
" g, when glan ys set with a word preceding g, ys ex*
" ploded." Camden reports it to have been built by
Llewellyn ap Sitshilt, a brave and amiable prince, who,
after a reign of great glory, in which he had gained
the love of his subjects, was assassinated by Howel
and Meredydh, the sons of Edwyn by regular descent,
of Howel Dha, in hopes of gaining the crown of
South Wales ; but their schemes were defeated by the
odium which the people manifested towards them, and
they were obliged to fly to Ireland. He left only one
son,by name Gryffydh,who succeeded him, and,during
his life time, made Rhuddlan his chief residence. Of
the ruin, there are many legendary tales related ; but
this, though not the most popular, is perhaps the most
B2

extravagant, and is equally credited with the rest by
the superstitious peasantry, who tremble to pass the
"ruin, in the dusk of evening, when it is believed that
Witches and ghosts are there holding their revels.

Stay, pilgrim j whither wendst

thou?

Cold is the north wind that plays

around the mountains heart-chilling the
snow that's wafted across the moor still
bleaker blows the blast, cutting, keen, and
freezing, as the grey mist of evening falls
upon the vales; frozen is the path that
winds through yon forest ; upon the leaf-
less trees hangs the winter's hoary frost
and cheerless the bosom of him doom'd
to wander along the lone path in such a
night as this.

Turn thee, pilgrim! and bend thy

step to Rhuddlan's ruined walls, where
thou mayst, undisturbed, waste the gloomy
night, and take the morning to enjoy the
road.

Pious hermit ! knowest thou not,

from dusky eve until return, of morn, that

tortured spirits in yon castle rove? E'en
now, the blood runs chill within my veins,
while I do think on what I've seen. Such
groans have met my ears ! such sights my
eyes ! and screams and riotous laughs min-
gled with the winds that whistled through
the'broken arches of the courts ! e'en now,
the sweat of terror dews my brow, and
languid beats my heart.

Say, didst thou penetrate the hall ?

. 1 did ; and, on the hearth, light some

dried leaves, to warm my shivering frame.
J spread my wallet's fare upon the ground
with joyful heart, began to merry make
but angry spirits broke upon my glee, and
fearful noises paled my livid cheek. In-
stantly I dropped upon my trembling
knee, and told my beads ; but the screams
increased a ray of flame shot through
the room, and before me stood a warrior,
in complete armour clad his casque was*
down, and above his brow there waved a
blood-red plume. No word he spake, but
looked upon me with earnestness; his eye

was as the sloe is, black as the basilisk's
fascinating his cheek was wan and death-
like. I would have fled, but my feet seem-
ed enchained to the ground, and my heart
feared to beat against my bosom. At this
moment, a female voice I heard, that loud-
ly sounded in the hall.... "1 come, Erilda,"
cried the red-plumed knight; and in-
stantly vanished. Again were the screams
repeated, and showers of blood fell upon
the marble flooring on which I stood.
My veins were filled with icicles from my
heart ; but, rendered desperate by fear, in
the midst of the most horrible howlings,
I flew, and the expiring embers of my fire
casting a faint light, guided me along the
courts, through which I darted with the
rapidity of lightning. Venerable hermit,
again I dare not trust myself in Rhudd-
lan's walls. I have opposed my bosom to
the Saxon's sword, and never trembled ;
I have braved dangers for my country, and
was never known to fear ; but I dare not
face the spirits of the angry Clwyd.

The hermit smiled.

Thou seest yon rock,which, threa*

tening, hangs above the river which,
slowly rippling along, now laves against
its broken sides. In the bosom of that
rock, I dwell. Peace is its inmate. My
cell is humble but hospitable ; and in its
lap the weary pilgrim has often found re-
pose. Rest thou with me this night, to
share it, friend, and eke my frugal meal.

Holy father, with joy I follow

you j hunger and fatigue doth sore oppress
me ; and my wearied limbs almost refuse
their wonted office.

The venerable hermit conducted him
to his cell, which was clean his meal
was wholesome. The pilgrim ate of the
frugal repast; and a chrystal water, spring-
ing from the rock, was the beverage on,
which the man of piety regaled. This
was proffered in a rudely-carved wooden
bowl to his guest, who drank, and felt
relieved. He now drew his stool near the
hearth^ on which the faggot blazed, and

the hermit, to beguile the moments, and
remove the fear which occupied his com-
panion's breast, thus related of the Knight
of the Blood-red Plume, and the fair Erilda.

High on the walls of Rhuddlan,

waved the black flag of death Loud the
bell of the neighbouring priory tolled the
eolemn knell, which every vale re-echoed
round, and the sad response floated to the
ear through each passing gale The monks,
in solemn voice, sung a mass for the ever-
lasting repose of the deceased- A thousand
tapers illumined the chapel and boun-
teously was the dole distributed to the surr
Tounding poor. The evening blast was
keen the grey mist circled the moun-
tain's craggy brow rand thin flakes of
snow beat in the traveller's face, while
cold and shivering airs wafted his cloak
aside. Sir Rhyswick the Hardy, heard,
as he advanced, the echo of the distant
bell; and, spurring his mettled steed, with
heart harbouring many fears, pursued his
course fleetly through the forest.

" Use speed, Sir Knight 1" cried a voice
in his ear: "Egberta dies !"

Rhyswick turned pale.

" Egberta's bosom's cold ;" continued
the voice, " and vain will be your sighs."

The Knight in dismay checked his horse,
and inclined his head to whence he thought
the sound proceeded ; but nothing met his
eye ; all was vacant before him, and only
the quivering bough, fanned by the breeze,
was heard. Rather alarmed, again he set
spurs to the sides of his steed still the
snow was drifted in his face. Night was
now ushered to the heavens, and it was
with difficulty he could maintain the path
that branched through the forest. The
web-winged bat brushed by his ear, in
her circular flight ; and the ominous
screech-owl, straining her throat, pro-
claimed the dissolution of the deceased.

Sir Rhyswick heaved a sigh ; a melan-
choly thought stole across his brain, and>
arriving at the banks of the Clwyd, he
beheld., with trembling, the many tapers

in the priory of Rhuddlan, and heard
more distinct the solemn bell.

t( Egberta is no more," cried the voice
that had before accosted him ; " Egberta
is in Heaven."

The Knight turned round; but, behold-
ing no one, and agonized by the predic-
tion, again he rouzed his steed, and flew,
pale and breathless, to the castle. He
blew the loud horn suspended at the gate
of Twr Silod, the strong tower which stands
upon the banks of the river ; and the loud
blast, echoing in the courts, arouzed the
ominous bird that had alighted on the
battlements, who, flapping her heavy
wings, resumed her flight, uttering a wild
discordant scream. The portal was opened
to receive him j and Sir Rhyswick entered,
through a long range of vassals, habited in
mournful weeds.

(t Is the prediction true, then ?" he ex-
claimed; and, rushing to the apartment
of Egberta, found her cold and lifeless.
The colour that once adorned her cheek

was faded her eyes were shrouded
and her lips became more and more pale,
from which the last breath had so lately
issued. A serene smile mantled her coun-
tenance her locks were carefully bound
in rose-bands her corpse was prepared
for the earth and two monks sat on each
side of her, offering up their holy prayers
for her repose. Sir Rhyswick, overcome
by the unexpected sight, with a groan of
anguish, fainted upon the couch. Some
servants that had attended him from the
hall, conveyed him in a state of insensi-
bility to his chamber j and, the next day*
the body of the virtuous Egberta was de-
posited in the chapel of the castle. Maidens
strewed the path with flowers, along which
their sainted lady was borne ; and 6ome
monks from the priory sung a solemn
dirge over her bare-headed and with their
arms crossed upon their bosoms. The
fair Erilda with her own hands decked the
person of her mother with flowers j and
each flower was moist with a daughter's

tears. A requiem, chaunted by the monies^
and in which the maidens joined, closed
the ceremony j and Erilda, with oppressed
heart, returned to the castle.

Sir Jihyswick, whose grief would not per-
mit him to attend the funeral rites, pressed
the affectionate girl to his bosom, and they
sought mutual consolation in each other.

Rhyswick the Hardy was. the friend and
favourite of his Prince. He had fought
in all the wars of his country, since the
first moment he could hurl the spear -
victory had ever attended his arms ; but
now, his beard was silvered o'er with age -
peace was restored to the land, and he had
hoped, at Hhuddlan, in the bosom of his
Egberta, to pass away his few remaining
years. Bliddyn ap Cynvyn had united in
himself, by conquest, the sovereignty of
Owynedd, or North Wales, with Powys,
end thus had terminated a war that had
long threatened destruction to either na-
tion. With pleasure did Wales observe
her implacable enemy, the English, strug-,

glingto overcome a foreign foe. Bloody
were the battles fought with William of
Normandy, surnamed the Bastard; and;
with secret satisfaction, did Bliddyn ap
Cynvyn, a silent spectator, see either army
reduced and weakened in the sanguinary
contest. Sir Rhyswick had by his be-
loved Egberta, from whose fond arms the
war had often torn him, and who^ in his
last absence, being attacked by a sudden
and violent illness, in a few days expired,!
one only daughter. To Erilda he now
looked forward for future happiness. She
was beautiful as the morn roseate health-
sat upon her smiling cheek meekness
and charity in her lustre-beaming eye.:
Her teeth were as so many snow-drops, re-
gularly even her breath, like the dewed
rose-bud, of glowing fragrance A dimple
revelled playfully near her mouth and
the rich ringlets of her yellow hair floated
carelessly on her fine curved shoulders. i
Between her lily breasts she wore a ruby
cross, suspended by a golden chain and

down her taper limbs the dazzling folds of
her white garments flowed. Erilda was
not more beautiful in person than in min;
for, as lovely a bosom as ever nature form*
ed encased a heart enriched with every
virtue. She was the subject of universal
admiration all tongues were lavish in her
praise, and many suitors came to ask her
hand ; but, though extremely sensitive, no
one, as yet, claimed an interest in her
heart : the warm shaft of love had not
pierced her glowing veins ; and gay
and affable to all reserved to few she
preserved that freedom which the lover"
cannot retain. The loss of her mother
imparted a melancholy to her cheek, that
rendered her far more lovely. Sir Rhyswick
indulged in grief, and the castle was one
scene of mourning. On the brow of this
rock, that o'erlooks the angry Clwyd,
which rolls beneath, the poorer vassals
and dependents of Rhuddlan, every evening
came to receive the bounty of their young
mistress. It was these excavations in the

rock that echoed the soft plaintive notes of
her melodious harp. On this rock she
sung, and the spirits of the murmuring
river were charmed, as they lay in their oozy
bed, with the soft pleasing strains the
billows ceased to roll in admiration, and
Zephyrus drew back his head, in mute at-
tention to the rapturous lay.

Once, when the return of twilight was
announced in the heavens, by the rich
crimson streaks and blushing gold that
occupied the vast expanse of sky, and
Erilda accompanied with her voice the
trembling harp, near the wilds, a warrior
Knight, mounted on a barbed steed, in
sable armour clad, and with a Blood-red
Plume waving on his brow, approached
the spot from whence the sounds proceeded.
Erilda, on hearing the advance of horses'
feet, turned hastily around ; and, with
modest courtesy, welcomed the Knight,
who had thus obtruded on her privacy.
There was a something in his gait and
appearanee that struck her with awe j and

the unknown, dismounting from his steedj
occupied a seat beside her. Again she
struck upon the trembling chords, with
fearful hand. The stranger sighed, as
he gazed upon her ; and, when her eye
met his, she withdrew it, blushing, to the
ground. The shade of night approached,
and misty fogs obscured the starry sky :

" Sir Knight," she cried, with courteous
smile, while an unusual palpitation thrilled,
through her heart, of admiration mingled
with fear : " Rhuddlan's hospitable walls
are ready to receive you ; and no warrior
passes her warlike towers, without par-
taking and acknowledging the munifi-
cence of Rhyswick the Hardy."
. "Fair lady I" replied the unknown,
*f the hospitality of the gallant chieftain,
so famed, is not unknown tome; but I
must onward on my journey, nor taste the
bounty which all admire."

" Sir Knight ! this is not courteous."
" Lady, adieu ! it must not be: I live
in hopes that we shall meet again,"

Saying this, he pressed her hand to his
lips, and mounting his steed, flew with the
rapidity of the winds, along the shadowed
plain that stood before her. His horse, so
fleet, seemed to skim along the ground;
and in an instant he was borne from her
sight.

Erilda was astonished ; there was a wild-
ness in the jet black eye of the unknown,
that, while it fascinated, alarmed her a
beautiful colour tinged his cheek ; but not
of that nature to which she was accus-
tomed. His locks were black and sleek
his figure was noble and commanding
his voice, though harmony itself, still con-
veyed a hollow sound that was not pleas-
ing. In short, his whole appearance, while
it charmed her to admiration, filled her
with a kind of tremor ; and she returned
to the palace of Rhuddlan, charmed, and at
the same time awed, with the martial ap-
pearance of the warlike stranger.

" What majesty in his countenance!"
exclaimed she to herself. " What noble-
C

ness. in hist demeanor ! And, ah t what a
melancholy seems to occupy his soul, that
dims the sparkling lustre of his jet black
eye, and clouds those animating feature?,
otherwise beaming with cheerfulness..
Surely such dejection is not natural in him ?
No, no; some hidden secret preys upon
his heart : perhaps, love, which, as I have
heard bards relate, feeds upon the roseate
hue of health gives langour to the eye
paleness to the cheek and despoils the
heart of its manhood tha* reduces firm..
pests, to trepidity and poisons the. noble
mind with weaknesses that are engendered.
by timidity."

Erilda sighed. Sir Rhyswick met her,
as she was seeking her chamber ; the good
old man bore the resemblance of his grief
upon his fretted cheek ; but he endea-
voured to be cheerful ; and, with an as-
sumed smile, he conducted her to the sup-
per-hall.

Erilda vainly attempted to be gay, but
variety of thought occupied her brain

the soul-inspiring song of the family bard
now charmed not her ear, who, at the
board, when the gay goblet circulated the
tables, raised high his tuneful voice to
the sublimest pitch, in commemoration
of deeds of other days, and sung of tri-
umphs, and of glorious war.

Erilda, whose heart was affected by
another subject, was not moved with the
sweet sounds of the trembling harp, nor
participated of that emotion which the
song of patriotism inspired in the breast of
its auditors. Had the theme been love",
the air been plaintive as the ring-dove's
tender tale, Erilda' s soul had wasted in
the strain, and owned the power of music*
when in melody with her feelings. Af-
fectionately imprinting a kiss upon the
bearded cheek of Sir Rhyswick, attended
by her page, she bade adieu to the knight';
and, retiring to her couch, attempted to
lull those wild and troubled thoughts to
rest, that agitated and oppressed her ; but
the blood-plumed knight, in her slumbers,

stood before her ; his graceful form his
pensive, melancholy countenance, she pic-
tured to herself: and sighs of regret, when
she awoke, and found the unreal image
vanished, stole from her heaving breast.

With the first'dawn of morning, Erilda
arose, and flew to the monastery of Rhudd-
lan, to offer up her daily prayers. The
holy father confessor gave her absolution,
on a declaration of her errors ; and again
she sought the much-loved spot, where
she had met the unknown. She looked
towards the path he had taken the pre-
ceding evening, but he no longer occu-
pied it ; and, seating herself upon the rock,
she played an air, soft, and melodious as
the strains of Philomel ; but, dissatisfied
with her execution, she turned the instru-
ment aside ; her voice, she conceived,
wanted its usual sweetness the harp was
out of tune and her fingers, lingering
upon the strings, damped the swelling
note.

Erilda sighed, and sighed so deep, that

echo, from the excavated rocks, returned
them to her ear. At length, the tear glis-
tened in her eye.

" Why, why am I thus concerned for a
wandering unknown, whom chance, per-
haps, conducted to this spot, for a first,
and only time ? who, ere now, is leagues
distant from my sighs, and who not en-
tertains one thought of me? Away, hope,
thou delusive image, from my bosom I
never shall behold him more my heart
must harbour no such wish."

Saying this, with the firmness of reso-
lution, she turned her step toward the cas-
tle. Sir Rhyswick was preparing for the
chase ; the hounds and hawks were abroad
all was noise and confusion and Erilda
consented to make one of the sportive
throng. Buckling on her breast the man-
tle of green, and slinging across her shoul-
ders the bow and arrow quiver, mounted
on a cream-backed palfrey, she joined them.

The adjacent forest echoed back the
huntsmen's loud horns, and the affri^htcr!-

deer pricked up his ears to the well-
known blast The yell of dogs sounded iri
the deep glens the loud halloo succeeded
and nimbly o'er the bogs and marshes
bounded the fleet object of their sport. It
was noon when Sir Rhyswick ordered his
vassals to strike their tents upon the plain ;
and, after refreshing themselves with a rich
repast, again they prepared to renew the
chase ; the ripe mead, in a golden goblet,
was presented to the fair Erilda, who, in
the midst of her damsels, looked like the
goddess of the wood and Sir Rhyswick
drank from the hirlas horn the soul-re-
viving cwrrw. Soon again was the pant-
ing deer pursued up craggy cliffs through
streams and vallies o'er the heath cross
the moor and through the mazy forest.
Erilda started a speckled doe from the bo-
som of a glen ; and, drawing her arrow to
the head, in the silver bow, pierced her
in the breast. Though wounded, the ani-
mal made good her flight, and darted
through the forest with the rapidity of
lightning.

The heroic huntress fleetly pursued;
while the horns and hounds were echoed
from another part of the plain. Long did
the doe maintain her speed, and kept in
sight, with the arrow in her breast, until
the pale-faced moon appeared, emerging
from a cloud, and silvering the glassy lake.
At length, the wounded animal dropped,
and instantly expired.

Erilda dismounted her steed ; and now,
she first discovered herself to be absent
from the train, and at an hour when an-
gry demons ride upon the air, and mutter
mischief. Cold winds wafted her brown
hair aside; and fast descended the grey mist
of evening. In vain En-Ida listened to
catch the halloo of the huntsmen. No
longer the horn sounded m the vale rail
was drear and silent, saving the hollow
nm rmu rings of the wind, forcing its pas-
sage, sighing through the trees. Almost
fainting with fear, she leaned upon iter
bow : she endeavoured to blow the hom
that was suspended at ber breast, but it

fell from her feeble grasp, and the bow
shrunk from her hand. At length, sum-
moning more fortitude, she remounted her
steed; and not knowing what road to take,
gave her horse the reins, trusting herself
to the protection of her household spirit.
Away flew the impatient steed through the
forest o'er hill and dale : the turf trem-
bled beneath his hoofs, and the white
foam frothed at his distended nostrils.
On a sudden, the bell of a neighbouring
monastery sounded in the gale, and blazing
torches were seen waving through diffe-
rent parts of a wood tba.t lay before her.
(i Hilli oh ho!" cried the huntress, with
hope animating her bosom ; f* Hilli oh
ho !" but her voice returned responsive to
her ear, and the flaming brands disappear-
ed. Still she pursued the path, and fleetly
flew the cream-backed palfrey on which
she rode -now again the huntsman's horn
was heard winding at a great distance, and
now the approaching clank of horses' hoofs,
convinced her the attendants of the chief*

tain, her father, were in pursuit of her.
Erilda, checking her steed, awaited their
coming up with her j but those in pursuit
took a different route j and the sounds
dying away, as the attendants receded, all
was again hushed. At length, weary of
this suspense, she proceeded j and, turn-
ing the angle of a jutting rock that bulged
in the fertile Clwyd, she observed a horse-
man slowly parading its banks. Pensive
was his face his right hand rested on a
battle-axe his left held the reins of a nut-,
brown "courser -his soul seemed occupied
by melancholy his brain to be distracted
by tormenting thoughts. Erilda advanced
towards him, and fixing her blue eyes upon
his cheek, to her astonishment recognized
the stranger Knight of the Blood red Plume!
His vizor was up, and melancholy tinged
his whole countenance a sigh, half sup-
pressed, trembled on his lips despondency
seemed to depress his heart, that shed a
transitory gloom over every feature, and
preyed upon that energy of mind, which

his interesting eye betrayed as certainly
possessing. Erilda, uhable to Curb her
impetuous steed, who reared upon his hin-
der legs, and snorted in rage, called to the
Knight, who, wrapped in thought, ob-
served her not.

" Good stranger," cried the lovely
daughter of haughty Rhuddlan's chieftain,
" I throw myself under your protection ;
conduct the strayed Erilda to Rhuddlan's
hall, and the blessings of a distracted parent
6hall be your's."

" Divine daughter of the first of chief-
tains," replied the Knight, eagerly grasp-
ing his horse's reins; " I am subject to
your commands my life shall be devoted
to your service."

Erilda, smiling, gave him her hand,
which he pressed respectfullv to his lips ;
and, proceeding, the lofty turrets of Rhudd-
Jan soon appeared in view. The pale moon,
shedding her rays on its dark battlements,
reflected them to the Ghvyd, which in soft
billows rippled beneath the mount on Which

it stood. Numberless torches were seen
glaring in the hands of the disconsolate
attendants of the chieftain, who, in the
agony of grief, dispersed them round the
country in search of her. All was bustle ;
and, no sooner did she appear among them,
than loud shouts rent the air, and they
flew to bear the welcome tidings to Sir
Rhyswick. The stranger Knight conduct-
ed her across the courts ; and the fond fa-
ther, impatient to clasp his daughter in
his arms, hastened towards her. Erilda
fell upon his bosom ; and the tear of joy
dropped from the old man's beard upon
her shoulder. The Knight, in his turn,
received the caresses of the venerable chief-
tain, who, boundless in his joy, would have
lavished on him empires, had he had them
at command.

"Tell me, Sir Knight," cried Rhys-
wick, " to whom am I indebted for the
restoration of Erilda to my aged arms ? Let
me fall upon my knees at his feet, and
bless him."

H Hospitable chieftain,my name is Wert-*
wrold, a forlorn and suffering wanderer ;
the world contains' no home to shelter me
no friend to welcome me. But, though
sorrows oppress my heart, I am ever ready
to give joy to others -Erilda is once more
yours," he added with a sigh, and, bowing
his head, was about to depart.

" Nay, stranger, this night you must
share that joy which you have imparted to
our breasts, and make Rhuddlan your resi-
dence."

ff Your pardon," cried the Knight; <c my
envious fortune denies that I should taste
of pleasure-: I must away, ere the stars fade
on the horizon."

" Wertwrold," returned Erilda, " the
maid whom you have protected entreats
your stay upon her knee entreats it : da
not dispirit our festivity by your departure.
Come, let me conduct you to the marble-
hall."

The Knight, overpowered by their en-
treaties, at length yielded ; and Erilda, by

the hand, introduced him to the festive
board, where sat the harpers, tuning their
strings, awaiting the approach of the chief-
tain and his guests. Wertwrold appeared
struck with the dazzling splendour of the
hall that had regaled princes : rich crim-
son tapestry hung down the walls in fes-
toons fringed with gold, between pillars
of the fairest marble, disposed at equal
distances, supporting cornices of polished
silver ; the carved ceiling displayed emble-
matical devices of war and of the chase :
in one part, Diana was painted with her
bow; in another, Caractacus engaging the
Romans.

Erilda conducted the Knight to a cedar
stool, covered with crimson, and edged
with gold, at the table, on which were pro-
fusely scattered carved goblets, sumptuous-
ly embossed, and flowing with ripe mead.
The harpers, during the repast, raised their
voices in praise of the ancestors of Rhys-
wick, and regularly traced his descent, in
bardic song; describing each great feat his

fathers had atchieved. And now, the
midnight bell sounding, dissipated their
mirth the bards were dismissed and
Wertwrold was led to a couch by one of
the attendants, after saluting the fair hand
of Erilda, which she offered to him in token
of her favour. The morning dawned un-
usually splendid the early dew sparkled
on the grass blade and the effulgent sun
rising, tinted the horizon with his gay
beams. Gentle was the air that played
around the mountains sweet and odorife-
rous was the scented gale the river Clwyd
timidly flowing, fearful lest it should in-
terrupt the calmness that prevailed, was
scarcely seen to move and Erilda, whose
troubled thoughts, the preceding night, had
denied her rest, hastened to the delightful
rock where she first beheld the stranger,
Wertwrold ; there to indulge in sighs, and
those thoughts that, while they pained,
pleased. This solitary spot afforded her
an opportunity to indulge the melan
choly of her mind; here she could sit and

gaze with pensive eye upon the calm wa-
ters, as they laved against the shore, and
involve, her brain in a chaos of bewilder-
ing reflection, unobserved by any one.
Krilda never knew till now what it was to
love never knew till now what sighs the
absence of him or her we love creates
and now she first felt the pains, was unable
t<? sustain them. The Red-plumed Knight
was master of her heart and of her fate ;
violent was the passion that raged in her
bosom, threatening to consume her by a
k*vv lingering fire : for it appeared impos-
sible the passion ever could be gratified.
Seated upon an arm of the rock that over-
hangs the Clwyd, tears flowing down her
lovely cheeks, agitated by similar thoughts,
and overcome by the weight of her emo-
tions, weary, not having tasted of repose
the preceding night, she sunk into a gentle
slumber, her head reclined upon her lily
arm.

Wertwrold left the castle to taste of the
refreshing air, ere the Baron descended

from his chamber, or the loud bell sum-
moned them to breakfast. His feet, as if
by instinct, led him to the spot, where first
Erilda had attracted his notice. How
much was he astonished to behold the
lovely maiden in a sweet sleep ! He stood
awhile to observe her, and the tenderest
sensation thrilled through his whole soul ;
her auburn locks played carelessly upon
her temples, and her blue eyes were shroud-
ed with her long, dark lashes ; the tint of
the carnation was displayed upon her
cheek a perfect ruby colour were her
lips the white rose leaf, through which
runs the blue enamelled vein, was not
more fair than her forehead, or more sweet
than her breath soft air that played
around her, wafted the thin gauze aside
that shadowed her snowy bosom, and re-
vealed beauties, which monarchs, on be-
holding, would have languished to enjoy.
Wertwrold, transported in the ecstacy
of passion, dropped upon his knee, and
imprinted a kiss upon her cheek.

Erilda, at this moment, awoke ; and the
Knight, conscious of the crime he had
committed, drew back, abashed and trem-
bling. Erilda was alike confused, and
Wertwrold, seizing this opportunity, clasp-
ed hold of her hand with fervour, and, pres-
sing it between his, exclaimed, " Lovely
Erilda, pardon the presumption which
your beauty has inspired if 'tis a crime to
adore you, then am I most criminal ; but
I bow to my fate doomed to be unhappy,
I willingly resign myself the victim of
cruel fortune."

" Say, Sir Knight," cried the embar-
rassed Erilda, lending her hand to raise
him from the ground, " why are you
thus persecuted ? Repose your sorrows in
my bosom ; indeed, you will find in me
one much interested for you. Erilda,
from her heart, pities you."

" And does Erilda pity me?" he re-
turned, rising, and assuming a seat by her
side. " Oh, welcome, ye sorrows ! for,
henceforward, mingled with your bitter

tears, ye convey a pleasure in the thought,
that she whom all the world adores, feels
for my sufferings; the scalding tear shall
no longer flow without its balm the ar-
row of anguish, while it wounds, shall, on
its poison-tipt point, convey a healing bal-
sam to my soul."

" But say, Sir Knight why is your fate
involved in mystery ? Lend me your con-
fidence make me the mistress of your
secret my bosom shall be its prison-
house ; and so tenacious will I be in re-
taining it, that even to myself I will not
dare to whisper it."

" Oh, lady, could T burst the fetters
that chain my tongue to secrecy, I should
enjoy a luxury in my grief; but, no, it is
forbid you behold in me a houseless wan-
derer, against whom the vengeance of Hea-
ven is imprecated, doomed, for a term, to
be a solitary inhabitant of the earth with
no settled home to shelter me no friend
to console me no one in whom I can
confide my sorrows."

' Well 1" cried Erilda, in impatience.

u Lady, I dare reveal no more the
cause must remain unknown."

Erilda could scarce conceal her agita-
tion. iC And when," with a tremulous
voice, she added, " will the term expire,
that frees you of your misery ?"

f( Then when a virgin shall be found,
of noble birth, and honour speckless as the
mountain's dazzling snow, whose beauty
shall be the theme of courts whose virtue
shall be the admiration of those, whom,
with parent bounty, she has fostered
whose hand shall be urged by knights of
rank and enterprize who shall withstand
the temptation of wealth and power, equi -
page and title- who shall sincerely love
me for myself alone, and brave all dangers,
to arrive at the haven in my arms."

Erilda turned pale ; the colour on her
cheek flew, and her whole frame became
agitated. At this moment, the loud bell
of the castle tolled the breakfast hour, and
endeavouring to re-assume her wonted spi-

rits, " Come," she cried gayly, " we have
wasted much time in idle talk."

Wertwrold lent her his arm, and they
proceeded to Rhuddlan. The young Knight,
at their earnest solicitation, consented to
remain at the castle a few days, and vari-
ous sports were devised for his amusement :
nothing was spared to make him forget' his
griefs. But, in the midst of splendid gaiety,
Wertwrold was still himself melancholy
still clouded his brow, and stole the roseate
of his cheek.

On the second evening, as the last rays
of the sun were reflected upon the lakes,
and the misty crown of twilight circled
the mountain's peak, Erilda, whose bosom
.was tortured by the love she bore the un-
happy Wertwrold, strayed in the garden
adjoining the castle. The day had been ra-
ther sultry, and, attended by her little foot
page, she made towards the fountain, with
an intent to bathe. She had already un-
loosed her hair, when she observed, ex-
tended upon the yellow sands, Wertwrold !

He was in a sound sleep and, approaching
with tremulous step, she hung over him
with an eye brimful of tears.

" Unhappy Knight \" she cried." Where
shall be found the maid who can assuage
the anguish of thy bosom, and restore it
to its former peace? Where shall that maid
be found, speckless as thou hast described,
who will renounce every pretension for
thee ? Alas ! alas ! let me not buoy myself,
with faint hopes Wertwrold shall yet be
happy, but Erilda will be for ever mise-
rable. Yes, yes, some more happy maid
than thou, Erilda^ will gain the heart of
Wertwrold, and tear the bond asunder,
that dates his misery."

Faster flowed her tears her agony be-
came more acute and, clasping her hands
together, she sunk down by his side her
eyes were pensive, fixed on his, that were
shrouded in sleep ; and, wrapped in ecstacy,
she watched every breath that swelled his
bosom, and escaped his lips. How
beautiful did he appear, as he lay recline^.

upon the ground ! what a colour revelled
upon his cheeks ! what a dew sparkled
on his lips ! His jet black hair, on which
the water-drop, from bathing, glistened,
clustered in silky curls around his head.
He had laid aside his armour, and the true
shape and mouldings of his manly limbs
were visible ; his neck and bosom were
bare they were of the most masculine
beauty.

fe Ah, Erilda !" exclaimed he in his
slumbers, " you alone can liberate my
anguished heart you alone can restore the
smile to my fretted cheek but you do not
love me."

" Hear it, Heavens!" cried the enrap-
tured maid ; 4f Oh, Wertwrold !" and
fainted upon his bosom.

The Knight awoke with the violence of
her fall, and he gazed upon her in asto-
nishment. u Erilda !" he exclaimed, and
bathing her temples with the cool water,
she soon revived ; her wild eyes were timidly
revealed to the light and, soon as she dis-

covered herself in the arms of Wertwrold,
she gave a faint scream, and broke from
his embrace. " Erilda !" cried the Knight
with fervour, " my fate is in your hands
do with me as you please you alone can
avert my cruel destiny. From this moment,
I cease to hope or to despair."

Erilda was in an agony insupportable
tears choaked her utterance, and pressing
his hand between hers, she flew, to conceal
her anguish in another part of the garden.
They met at the supper board, but she,
feigning indisposition, begged leave to re-
tire ; and full early did the Baron and his
guests press the downy pillow.

In her chamber, Erilda indulged her
sighs : Sir Rhyswick had chosen the heir
apparent of Wales for her future lord, and
she well knew it was vain to contest his
choice. The chieftain loved the happiness,
of his child, but the love of aggrandise-
ment he cherished in his bosom j and he
looked forward with fond delight to the
time when Erilda might, with the partner

of her pleasures, share the thrones of Gwy-
fiedd and Powys. A few days were to see
the young Prince at Rhuddlan prepara-
tions were making for his reception Sir
Rhyswick with pleasure beheld the nuptial
day advancing but Erilda viewed its ap-
proach with agony. The night was far
involved, ere her troubled thoughts were in-
vaded by sleep; yet, still maintaining their
empire, they conjured up visions' to her
closed eyes. Erilda dreamed that her father,
overpowered by his affection for her, and
her entreaties, yielded his consent to her
union with Wertwrold, and placed her
hand in his. Transported with joy, she
threw her arms around her lover's neck ;
and at this juncture awaking, she found
the Knight clasped in her embrace. Re-
coiling with terror from his arms, and re-
covering her senses, that were at first be-
wildered, " Away," she cried, in a tone
of terror ; li perfidious Knight, leave me;
your conduct calls for my indignation.
Oh, Wertwrold ! was it possible for me to

imagine you would thus repay the hospi *
tality you have here experienced, by in-
vading, in the midnight hour, the chamber
of the defenceless ? Begone," she added,
with a contemptuous frown, (f ere I call
my attendants, and expose the serpent who
repays the favour of Rhuddlan's lord with
abusing his confidence."

" Yet hear me, Erilda," returned the
Knight, ~ fi ere I am gone for ever ; I came
but to gaze my last farewell on that lovely
countenance that dooms me to everlasting
misery : my neighing steed now waits at
the castle gate, and I must bid these much
loved haunts adieu for ever. Farewell,
Erilda irresistible fate leads me hence
.and, oh ! sometimes give a thought on him
who, added to his agonies, harbours for
you a fruitless passion !"

Wertwrold paused.

" For ever !" exclaimed Erilda; " Oh,
Wertwrold !"

u Could my absence," continued the
Knight, (< create one pang, in your breast,

though grateful would the knowledge be
to my heart, still it would inflict a wound,
Erilda, urging my brain to distraction,
when I paused on your unhappiness.
Whichever way I turn, misery attends
me endless sorrow is my bitter portion :
that I am indifferent to Erilda creates ano-
ther pang."

" Oh, Wertwrold !" cried the maid ;
and, sinking upon his bosom, u I am
your's, and yours alone."

<f Do not my ears deceive me?" cried
the enraptured Knight ; " does Erilda
really love me will she renounce the world
for me?"

" The world !"

(f Yes," returned Wertwrold, " and
then shall my felicity dawn. Erilda must
renounce every thing to be mine to share
wjth me those transports which her virtu-
ous love creates."

" You speak in mystery."

u Erilda must, with heroic fortitude,
overcome every obstacle to our union

must place implicit confidence in my faith
and sacrifice every thing for me. The
firm mind can stand, unshaken, on the stu-
pendous rock, and smile upon the gulf be-
neath that threatens to devour so must
the woman who would gain my arms."

" Wertwrold !" ;

l( Take this ring, Erilda; it is a charmed
one, which, when breathed upon, brings
me to your presence : use it as you need
me, and I fly, in obeisance to your com-
mand, though at the extremity of the
world."

iS Yet stay ; you leave me in doubt."

i( Erilda must use her own discretion,
I have not power to direct her. Farewell,"
he cried; and, pressing her to his bosom,
instantly retired, leaving her lost in won-
der and amazement.

For a time, she could scarcely believe her
senses every thing appeared as a dream
before her eyes but she possessed the
charmed ring and the deluding thought
vanished, that told her the preceding scene

was the mere fabrication of her exalted
fancy.

At breakfast time, she met Sir Rhys-
wick, who was not a little surprized and
angered with the abrupt departure of his
guest.

Erilda endeavoured to plead his cause
urging that business of the utmost import
demanded his immediate attendance, and
that to her he had apologized.

The generous chieftain was well satis-
fied with the excuse, although he had
hoped Wertwrold, in whose favour he was
much interested, should have been present
at the solemnization of Erilda's nuptials,
which the fourth day was to see performed,
according to a message which he had re-
ceived from the young Prince, who, im-
patient to call Erilda his bride, thus early
appointed the day.

Sir Rhyswick, with joy expressed in his
countenance, imparted the news to his
daughter, who, falling upon her knees
her cheeks bathed with tears and grasp-

ing his hand, entreated him, as he con-
sidered her happiness, to forego his in-
tentions.

" How ?" cried the astonished Baron.

f( I shall never know happiness with a
man whom my heart will not acknowledge
for its lord," returned the afflicted Erilda $
* l Oh ! as you love my peace of mind,
send back the suit Erilda cannot be the
bride of Morven another object has en-
chained her heart."

" How?" exclaimed the indignant Ba-
ron ; " Does Erilda reject the heir to the
throne of Wales ?"

" It would be criminal to bestow my
hand, when another possesses my heart.
Oh, my father ! the happy Morven will
find one more worthy of being his bride
one more closely in conjunction with his
soul who will return his fond affection
with affection."

(( Erilda," cried the venerable chieftain
with firmness, " I seek not to know him
whom your heart has chosen. If you value

my affection, Morven must be your
future lord ; if not, your father is lost to
you for ever." Thus saying, he retired,
leaving the distracted maid overwhelmed
with grief.

Sir Rhyswick would not see her the rest
of the day, and a messenger, in the even-
ing, coming to her chamber, bid her pre-
pare on the morrow to receive Morven,
who was expected at the castle, attended
by a numerous retinue.

Erilda, in an agony of distraction, threw
herself upon the couch ; her tears more
plenteously flowed to her relief, and eased
those labouring sighs that swelled her agi-
tated bosom. She, casting her eyes upon
the magic ring that encircled her finger,
pressed it to her lips, and her warm breath
sullying the ruby that sparkled upon it,
instantly the Knight of the Blood-red
Plume stood before her.

" I come," he cried, " at your com-
mand, from the bosom of the vasty deep,
to serve the mistress of my heart,"

Wertwrold took a seat by her side-
Erilda hung her head upon his shoulder ;
her cheek was pale with weeping her
eyes were languid and heavy.

" Oh, Wertwrold !" she exclaimed,
<c this must be our last meeting; the son
of Cynvyn claims Erilda's hand, and even
now is on the road to Rhuddlan, to lead
her to the bridal altar."

"And will Erilda yield her honour, then,
at the sordid entreaties of avarice and pride?
Will she prostitute herself, embittering
the remainder of her days, to gratify ano-
ther's passion?"

" Wertwrold ! you "

<( Oh, lady ! the fond affection glowing
in my bosom has heaped a world of ruin
on my heart I see the gulf yawning at
my feet I see what tortures are preparing
for me, and fly to meet my doom. It is
Erilda who hurls me to destruction it is
Erilda who mocks my sighs, and points
me to the spot where angry daemons wait,
to glut them on my blood. But these in-

flictions I can brave for, she I love proves
false she who deceitful sighed f I'm your's^
and your's alone/

" You amaze and terrify me : wha^- tor-
tures, what inflictions are those you dread?
Oh, Wertwrold I do not keep me in lin-
gering suspense tell me who, or what are
you?"

" Who I am, lady, must remain a se-
cret what I am, my warm sighs, my great
affliction have revealed your lover. Oh,
Erilda ! I am man, with less than half his
fortitude man, with all his weaknesses :
love animates and distracts my bosom;
and she whom I wed, must wed me for
-myself alone. "

tf Fond Wertwrold! I question you no
more and oh ! how shall I convince you
that my heart, is your's doomed as I am
to misery and Morven."

She fixed her languishing eyes upon his
countenance Wertwrold paused.

Erilda's chamber looked into the castle
garden ; the woodbine and honeysuckle

49
climbed above her window, and a rose-
tree entwining itself with the odorous
branches of the suckle some sprigs hung
pendant near the sashes of the casement,
where the flower blowed and scented the
air with its refreshing sweets.

Wertwrold eagerly slipped a spray that
boasted a full blown flower and a ripening
bud, which he presented to Erilda.

M Look you," he cried ; " look on these
flowers the beauty of the one wither'?^
while the other ripens. Here we see a rich
bloom upon the cheek of youth ; what a
glowing fragrance does its 'breath impart!
how sweet is the dew that hangs upon the
expanding leaf! how rich ! how luxuriant!
how captivating to the senses ! Would it
not be cruel to pluck this early bud, ere it
hath received the parent care of the ripe-
ning sun ere it hath tasted of that dew
which now sparkles on its lip and, at the
moment when it is about to enjoy those
sweets which are prepared for early life?
Lady, this new plucked bud, in an hour
s

shall perish life shall fly its newly created
bosom the hand of man hath deprived it
of its succours, and, ere it hath ceased to
charm, it dies, unpitied, unrespected."
Then, turning to the other " This full
blown rose, whose shrivelled leaf betrays
a speedy dissolution, having tasted of all
the pleasures life affords, and enjoyed them
in their full sense, prepares to die. The
morning sun, instead of cheering, shall
wither his juiceless fibres the flavour of
his breath is fled and the falling dew
animates him not the airs are cold and
freezing that play around him and pluck-
ed, he would not perish sooner than were
he left to wither upon the spray."

" I do not understand you."

" Lady, if one of these flowers must be
torn from the branch of life, which would
you sacrifice?"

" The full blown."

" Then, live, Erilda live, to enjoy the
tide of pleasure and of happiness."

" Wertwrold, your words convey a

horrible meaning; my soul shudders at
the thought."

" What thought, Erilda ? I ask you
but to live is the thought mercenary ? I
ask you but to taste of those pleasures,
which he for whom you would sacrifice
your happiness and person, cannot enjoy*
Sir Rhyswick has nearly numbered his
years and dissolution betrays its approach
upon his cheek: his infirm limbs his
shrivelled form his silvery beard and
aged eye, like the full-blown rose, con-
firms a speedy termination of life.'*

Erilda fainted upon his bosom his
arms encircled her waist hers were en-
twined around his neck : the colour of re-
turning life soon crimsoned her cheek
her lips were pressed to his : the kiss was
exchanged that imparted a mutual glow to
the heart, and filled it with voluptuou3
thoughts.

" Erilda is mine, eternally," cried the
Knight.

" I am your's, for ever," sighed the maid,
with half-fainting voice.

" To-morrow she will leave Rhuddlan
for my arms }"

ii To-morrow, I am your's."

They parted each transported with the
warmth of passion; and the ensuing eve;
was to see Erilda preparing her flight from
her paternal home.

The next morning, Morven and his nu-
merous retinue were heard upon their
march across the mountain. The martial,
clang of their warlike instruments were
heard at a great distance ; and some mes-
sengers preceding, brought the early news
of his approach, and presents for the bride.
The castle gates were thrown open for
their reception white flags waved upon the
walls, that were thronged with armed sol-
diers, who owned Rhuddlan's powerful lord
for their chieftain ; and bards and harpers
raised high their voices^ in praise of the
fair Erilda.

Morven entered the castle, amidst the ac-
clamations of the generous people, who
loudly testified their joy at his approach, and
whose loud shouts rent the air. Sir Rhys-
wick received him with every demonstra-
tion of pleasure, and instantly conducted
him to the presence of his fair daughter.

Erilda, habited in robes of virgin white,
that flowed adown her taper limbs, in the
midst of her maidens, welcomed him with
a smile. She looked beautiful her cheeks
were flushed with the ripe tincture of the
rose her blue eyes beamed with expres-
sion her hair was tastefully disposed upon
her forehead and silver beads flowed
down her fine-shaped bosom.

Morven saluted her with affability. For
a while, the young Prince was transfixed
with wonder and admiration; her beauty
far exceeded, in his estimation, the report
that had reached his earj and he looked
with impatience for the moment that was
to make her his bride

The day fras spent in merry pastimes ;
but Erilda was depressed with fears ; she
trembled at the promise she had made to
Wertwrold, and more than once resolved
to break it. The evening fast approached,
and she grew more and more alarmed ; at
length, the last rays of the declining sun
were reflected upon the lake the tinkling
bell of the goat-herds caught her ear the
much dreaded time was arrived her heart
fluttered in her bosom and wild and un-
knowing what she did, she sought the ar-
bour where she had promised to meet the
unknown.

Wertwrold was already there ; with ea-
gerness he clasped her to his bosom with
unallayed passion pressed his lips to hers.

" Oh, Erilda !" he sighed, " do I hold
you in my arms, and shall my present
bliss be equalled by the future? Come,"
he continued, " let us hasten our depar-
ture ; a coracle waits on the Clwyd, to
waft us to the opposite shore."

t< Wertwrold !" exclaimed the affright
ed maid ; (( I dare not do not tempt me
I must remain and be the bride of
Morven."

" Perjured Erilda ! false fleeting woman
is this your truth ? is this your con-
stancy ? Then, farewell for ever/'

" Yet stay," she cried, <e one moment :
st Oh, Wertwrold ! do not leave nae a prey
to my own thoughts/'

"Will Erilda be mine?"

" Yes, yes."

" a Voluntarily mine ?"

" Oh, yes!" exclaimed the maid j un-
conscious of what she said, observing
lights at the further end of the walk, and
fearful lest they should discover her with
the unknown.

" Erilda will fly her paternal roof for
Wertwrold ?"

" Yes, yes."

t( Regardless of a father's tears and re-
monstrances ? "

** I am Wertwrold's, and Wertwrold's

alone !" she exclaimed, more alarmed by
the nearer approach of the lights; u and
no power on earth shall separate me from
his arms."

The Knight of the Blood-red Plume
smiled it was the smile of satisfaction ;
and he placed into her hand a dagger.

(f Use it," he cried, (t in self-defence
alone. Where is Sir Rhyswick ?"

At this moment, a number of torches
were seen flaming down the walks Rhys-
wick was at the head of a party of ser-
vants, whose countenances were expressive
of fear.

t( See !" cried Erilda, "they bend their
steps this way ; we shall be discovered."

" Take this dagger," returned the
Knight, thrusting it into her hand.

" How am I to use it ?" exclaimed the
maid in terror.

" Sir Rhyswick advances; 'tis him alone
we have to fear. Plunge it in his bosom."

" In the bosom of my father ?" cried
*he, with horror. " Wertwrold Mer-

ciful heavens ! do not my ears deceive
me ? Horror ! horror ! In the bosom of
my father! Away, monster."

i( Come to my arms, Erilda," exclaim-
ed the Knight, " I have proved your vir-
tue, and you are doubly dear to me." He
pressed the trembling maid to his bosom.

At this moment, Sir Rhyswick entered
the arbour.

i( This way this way I" cried Wert-
wrold, and hurrying through a small out-
let, that led to the river; footsteps pursued
them. Still Erilda held the dagger in her
hand, and the pale moon-beams silvering
the path, betrayed the shadow of a person
in pursuit, wrapped in a long cloak.

" We are betrayed," cried Wertwrold ;
t( our pursuer must die."

"I see the coracle ; it is at shore,"
said Erilda. And, at this moment, some
one seized her white robe behind.

(C Plunge your dagger into his heart j"
cried Wertwrold.

ec Hold your impious hand !" relumed
a hollow voice.

" Strike !" demanded the. Knight.

" Stay, murderess !" uttered the voice.

" Our safety pleads for his death ;" re-
joined Wertwrold.

The hand of the pursuer now clasped
Erilda's shoulder, who, disentangling her-
self, and rendered frantic, turned hastily
around, and plunged the dagger into her
assailant's heart.

The wounded man dropped upon the
ground. " Cruel Erilda !" escaped hi9
lips, and he instantly expired.

(( Hence, God-abandoned murderess;"
muttered the voice that had before arrested
the arm of Erilda. <( Fly to meet thy
doom."

(C Hark !" cried the maid ; " heard you
nothing ? What voice was that ?"

Terror sat upon her brow her lips were
paled with fear her eyes looked wild and
fiery.

n I heard nothing but the winds, sigh-
ing along the strand."

" Did you hear nothing \" exclaimed
she. Merciful God ! What have I
done ? c Murderess 1' Oh, let me look
on him I have slain."

She approached the corse, spite of the
entreaties of Wertwrold j and discovered,
wrapped up in a long cloak, the bleeding
body of Sir Rhyswick ! ! ! A crimson stream
flowed from the fresh-made wound his
eyes were filmed and closed in death his
cheek was wan his mouth wide and dis-
tended.

"Oh, God! my father!" exclaimed
Erilda. " Murdered by my hands !" And
fell fainting upon his bleeding breast.

Wertwrold endeavoured to recal her to
recollection ; but, for a long time, vain
were his attempts. At length, recovering,
t( Leave me," she cried ; {i leave me to
die with my murdered father. Away !
Anguish gnaws my breast. Abandoned by

Heaven, leave me to die, and receive the
punishment of my guilt."

" You rave, Erilda ! See, see, the vas-
sals of the Baron draw near ! Hark !
now their voices are heard their torches
gleam in the walks ; we shall be discovered.
Erilda, Erilda, let me arouze you from
this torpor let us fly, Erilda, and save
ourselves from an ignominious death. '

" Away !" cried the distracted maid ;
li I am a wretch unfit to live more unfit
to die ; yet T will expiate my foul offence
by submitting to those tortures that await
me which exceed not the agonies of my
own bosom. Oh ! my much loved father!"
she exclaimed, turning to the still bleeding
corse ; " your daughter your own daugh*
ter, is your murderess."

She fell upon his bosom ; and still the
Blood-plumed Knight urged her to fly.

(( Erilda," he returned, t( what false
notions occupy your breast! Rather by
penitence expiate the crime; the foul.

offence is not to be atoned by death.
Heaven in his wrath has doomed your
soul to everlasting torments ; live then,
and, by penitence, seek to appease his ven-
geance. "

' What mercy can the wretched mur-
derer of her parent hope for ? Leave me,
Wertwrold ; distraction rages through my
train. I am lost for ever lost God*
abandoned doomed to everlasting tor-
ment."

" Oh, Erilda ! think on your spotless
fame to be blasted by ihe scandalizing
tongue of futurity think on the curses each
peasant slave will mutter on her who was
once her country's boast. The name of
Erilda shall be shuddered at by those who
judge not of the motive, but the act >
Children shall be rocked to their slumbers
with the frightful relation of her guilt, and-
she shall live for ever in the detestation and
abhorrence even of the criminal. The
pilgrim shall hear and tremble at her tale
the monk shall cross himself, and tell hi*

beads, when he passes Rhuddlan's blood-
stained towers all nature shall be shocked
with her enormities, and not a pitying
sigh shall be heaved to her memory. Come,
Erilda, let us fly ; penitence shall soon re-
store peace to your bosom, and your crime
shall be forgotten."

" Oh, no ! I will remain and sigh out
my last breath on the cold bosom of my
father."

" See, Erilda, the torches advance, and
Prince Morven is at their head ; this way
he bends his steps he has his eye upon
us Distraction ! we are lost."

(t Ah ! Morven ! comes he hither to
witness my shame ?" exclaimed the maid.
" I cannot stand the inquiring glance of his
penetrating eye."

" Then, hasten to the coracle, Erilda,
which now awaits us at the shore. Haste,
Erilda ! hear you not their voices ? They
approach they are at our heels."

At this moment, a number of voices ex-
claimed, "This way!"

" Oh ! hide me hide me from them J
they come they cOme ;" cried Erilda.
And clasping the hand of Wertwrold, she
flew to the strand where the coracle was
anchored.

The footsteps approached ; and number-
less torches lined the strand. Sir Rhys-
wick was discovered by the vassals of
Rhuddlan, wrapped up in his cloak, and
bathed in his blood. His heart wa$
cold in his bosom no signs of life ani*
mated his cheek, that was pale and death-
like. His silvery beard was distained and
clotted with his gore; the last breath had
issued from his mouth.

Morven had the corse borne to the castle,
where it lay in state for three days ; when
it was deposited in the earth, and five hun-
dred masses were sung for his eternal repose.

In the mean time, the despairing Erilda
having set her foot on board the vessel,
was borne over the thin wave with the ra-
pidity of lightning. Torches still lined
the strand ; and their glaring light was re-

fleeted to the opposite shore, breaking
through the horrible darkness that clouded
the earth.

" Vain is your flight, murderess !" whis*
pered a voice in the breeze. " Mountains
cannot conceal your guilt, nor cover you
from the wrath of the great avenger. To
the furthermost corner of the world, the
retributive sword of justice shall pursue
you."

" Hark !" cried Erilda, clinging to the
bosom of her seducer, while horror dis
torted her countenance. " Hark ! heard
you not a voice ? Oh) Wertwrold ! hide
me hide me."

She buried her face in her cloak, while
the Warrior Knight maintained a con-
temptuous silence ; at length, gazing upon
her with satisfaction, he exclaimed :

" And is Erilda mine do I now press
her in my arms do I now hold her to my
heart, beyond the power of man to tear her
from me? Why, this, indeed, is triumph
she is mine, voluntarily mine she has

fled her paternal roof for me, an unknown
she has rejected Morven, the heir appa-
rent to the crown of Wales, who came to
her with heart full of love, and proffered
the wealth of his country at her feet, to
share her smiles, for me, an unknown
she has renounced her claim to virtue,
embraced infamy for a spotless name, has
preferred the blast of scandal to the mild
breath of praise, and all this for me, an
unknown 1 1 V

A horrible smile, as he concluded,
played upon his cheek. Erilda started
from his bosom.

" Wertwrold ?" she exclaimed; "Do
you upbraid me?" '

<c Eaamoured beauty, no ! To me, this
guilt is pleasure: had you deluged the
world in a sea of blood, or brought ano-
ther chaos on the earth Wertwrold would
have smiled."

" For Heaven's sake," cried the almost
expiring criminal ; " tell me, who are
you?"

" The Warrior Knight of the Blood-
red Plume : but," he continued, " Erilda
is beyond the reach of mercy is inevitably
mine and I will reveal myself in all my
glowing colours. I am an agent of the
great infernal my residence is in the bo-
som of the Clwyd my occupation is to
aggregate the crimes on earth, and be the
great instigator of war and rapine. In my
bosom spring these seeds of faction, which
I scatter in the breasts of princes, urging
them to raise the sword against each
other's life, and plunge each other's nation
in a torrent of destructive war : but this
had ceased Morven's father had restored
Wales to prosperity and peace and I, in
the bosom of my native stream, was doom-
ed to sleep and brood new broils, in pain-
ful inactivity. While thus my mind was
occupied with thought, an incubus ap-
proached my oozy bed, and breathed Eril-
da's fame into my ear. I was arpuzed with
the sweet image 'my fancy drew ; and, on
beholding the enchanting object, found

her sweeter even than my imagination had
painted her and, from that moment, I re-
solved to make her mine. I heard of her
many virtues of her piety and what a
feeling heart she boasted. This news in-
structed me what shape to assume ; and
the Warrior Knight of the Blood-red
Plume answered every purpose. Erilda
was easily ensnared : she pitied me, be-
cause she thought me unfortunate pity
instantly begat love love the glowing fire
of all-consuming passion. I had no
power to deceive, but speciously ."

*' Monster !" exclaimed the frantic
wretch, " you were all deception."

" There Erilda wrongs me," cried the
fiend ; " she deceived herself she thought
me what her heart hoped I was T did not
need much art to gain her she readily en-
tered into all my views embraced my
projects fast as they were uttered."

Erilda threw herself upon her knees.

" Nay, prayer is vain," continued the
fiend 3 " you are lost to Heaven you

scrupled to commit an immediate murder,
yet planned a lingering death for the parent
who had nurtured you you would not
stab, but preferred planting daggers in
your father's bosom. Murderess! you bade
hiin who gave you life, live for a time
in agony, to reflect on his daughter's
infamy."

Erilda shrunk with terror and affright
from the hideous monster, who now re-
sumed his original shape, amidst the yell
of daemons, who rose from the sandy deep,
upon the curling w 7 ave, to greet their chief.
The eyes of the sanguinary fiend emitting
a sulphureous flame, were fixed upon the
pale countenance of the guilty maid, whom
he grasped around the* waist in malignant
triumph. Green scales covered his body ;
from his mouth and nostrils he breathed
the white frothen waters and various ani-
mals, fostered by the liquid element, trailed
their pestiferous slime across his carcass.
In his right hand he held a trident, which
he raised on high, to plunge into the bosom

df his victim, who, screaming, burst from
his embrace, and falling upon her knees,
implored of Heaven protection. Loud
thunders shook the earth terrific light-
nings flashed in her eyes and the furious
winds, bursting through the mountains,
swelled the agitated river beyond its bounds.
The fiend, with malignant yell, pursued
Erilda the trident entered her bosom
and crimson torrents of her virgin blood
gushed from the yawning wound in agony
she fell the dcemon, twining his hand in
her fair locks, hurled her to the deep, and
sated with triumph, vanished with his
coracle.

Long time did the white-browed waves
bear up Erilda : in her last moments, she
beheld the pale spectre of Sir Rhyswiek,
who advanced upon the rolling waters, that
seemed to shrink from his feet, placing
his fore finger to the deep wound in his
breast. More dreadful were her screams
and billow succeeding billow, bore her
near the shore. Struggling for life, she

clung to a loose rock to save herself, which
yielding to her grasp, came rolling down
and crashed her to pieces.

The hrmit paused.

Since then has Rhuddlan's castle been
the seat of anarchy Monarchs, indeed,
have made it their residence; but, each
night, Erilda's screams are heard, and the
Warrior of the Blood-red Plume pursuing
her through the ruined courts.

Pilgrim, go thy way,' nor stop atRhudd-
lan Press in haste the turf that's pregnant
with her groans, nor stop till the angry
Glwyd, at midnight, rising above its banks,
wafts her fragile form upon its curling wave,
and the cold winds bowl forth her sighs.

Pilgrim, go thy way foul daemons ride
upon the foggy air, curses muttering their
breath is noisome dew, that falling on the
fertile field, blasts its wholesome produce,
and makes it barren. Nothing teems near
Rhuddlan the productive hand of nature
is withdrawn, scorched with the blight-
ing breath of the dread infernal.

Red are the towers of Rhuddlan red is
the rock on which it stands and spirits
of the Clwyd claim it as their right.

Lady, have you heard Erilda's groans ?
Pity her sufferings, and regret her errors.
She made it no crime to fly her paternal
roof, to press in her arms her lover but
shuddered at the idea of ending her father's
miseries!

Oh, Lady ! trust. not a lover's guileful
tongue there is deceit in it : never rashly
do an act. First maturely weigh the con-
sequence. We should not think less of an
evil, because it has turned out to our ad-
vantage.

C6e mtixb Wlittb of t&e 23ood.

l)rtmimond Delin, .

Clktj>mtin -K-i///>

'/,//'.) /

/.,;,,/,;,. /ril!i.,/,r,/ .t t/ir . 1,-/ Ju-r.-t-. /. iti'l iK>i .In- Knrlt Mlrinet^tivmalieSt

C&e S&cirti Wittb of t&e aftfooti*

This Legend is very popular with the lower class of Welsh, both in
North and South Wales. There is scarce a mountaineer but re-
ports it scarce a mother but lulls her restless infant to its slum-
bers with the frightful relation of the Weird Witch of the Wood.

PART THE FIRST.

Sir Eldred he vaulted his courser's broad back,
His mane was full Ion;*, and his coat shiny black,

His trappings were bright to behold ;
And gay was the mantle of Eldred the brave,
And sharp was his dagger, and broad was his glave,
, Bestudded with silver and gold.

The full-blooded steed prane'd the court-yard around,
He paw'd, and he ambled, and spurn'd the pav'd ground,

And then through the gate hied his way ;
The Warden he bow'd, but the Knight hung his head.
From Eldred the sunshine of gladness was fled,

And sorrow his mien did array.

The sun was declining, and Heav'n's bright blue
Now wore the grey tinge, and the night's sable hue,

For, just had the ev'ning bell toll'd ;
The peasant, content, plodded home to his cot,
He envy'd no great man, but bless'd his own lot,

Content is far sweeter than gold.

O'er heath, and o'er glen, sped Sir Eldred the Knight,
The warblers had ceas'd their sweet strains of delight ;

He enter'd the forest's drear shade.
The wood it was gloomy, and sad sigh'd the blast,
And night 'gan the last gleam of day to o'ercast,

But virtue is never dismay'd.

All sad was Sir Eldred, and woe-worn his heart,

* ' Ah ! wherefore," quoth he, "did my love thus depart ?

u Why rends she my bosom in twain ?
" Three days would have made fair Elfrida my bride;
** Three days, and the maid would have sat by my side;

" I dreamt not of sorrow and pain.

" But grief is man's portion, so wills mighty Fate ;
" Misfortune awaits both the churl and the great ;

** Content, then, Fll bear my sad doom."
Thus spake good Sir Eldred, then, heaving a sigh,
The tear gently stole from his downward-cast eye,

His hope was now fix'd in the tomb.

Dun darkness and horror stole o'er the lone wood,
And spirits of evil 'gan torture the good ;

Aloud scream'd the bat and the owl ;
The Cloud King, and Fire King, bestrode the bleak blast,
The thunders roar'd hideous, the torrents fell fast,

The ravenous wolf 'gan his prowl.

Still, fearless, Sir Eldred spurr'd onward his steed,
Religion his safeguard, and Jesu his creed.

At length, mid the gloom, he espy'd
A light gliding swift thro' the forest's drear maze,
Someymes gleaming bluely, sometimes with red blaze,

Dispersing the darkness full wide.

The Knight stay'd his courser, the gleam disappear'd ;
Awhile he was pensive, yet nothing he fear'd,

And thither directed his way.
** Perchance," quoth Sir Eldred, " some forester kind,
** May yield me a shelter from torrent and wind,

" Until the first dawning of day."

Swift gallopp'd the steed, while Sir Eldred the Bold,
Drew forth from his girdle, the chain of link'd gold,

Whereto hung his bugle so round ;
He blew forth a blast, that was loud and full clear ;
Such a blast as the huntsman, when chacing the deer,

Is often accustom'd to sound.

Sir Eldred, he listen'd, but listen'd in vain ;
He heard but the thunder, the pattering rain,

And wind, sadly moan through the trees.
Again, and again, he repeated the blast :
Again spoke the thunder the rain it fell fast,

And dolefully roar'd the night breeze.

And now again beam'd forth, the pale flitting light,
Dispersing awhile the dun horrors of night.

The Knight spurr'd his steed's panting side,
And as by the gleam of the flame, burning blue,
He sees ruin'd turrets a clock tolls forth two,

He enters the portal so wide.

Sir Eldred dismounted, and fast to the chain,
"Which erst, did the ponderous draw-bridge sustain,

His courser's rich bridle he ty'd.
But straight from his sight disappear'd the pale gleam ;
His ears were assail'd with a loud piercing scream,

Whilst near him a form seem'd to glide.

Quoth Eldred, ** the trampling of footsteps pass'd near,
44 The shriek of some sufPrer, but now, caught mine ear,

" 'Twas surely the cry of despair.
*' Perhaps 'tis some wanderer, like me, left forlorn ;
" Whose bosom with keen cutting anguish is torn ;
*' Whose soul is the mansion of care.

** The suffering are form'd to givesufTrers relief;
u Be mine, then, the task, to assuage this keen grief,

" To heal the dire pangs of the heart."
Thus spake the kind youth from his breast burst a sigh,
"When straight was re-echoed the sad-piercing cry,

He flew to enact pity's part.

O'er turf, and o'er moss-cover'd stones, he proceeds
O'er fragments of turrets, and rank growing weeds,

That cover'd the court-yard so wide.
At length a huge gateway, Sir Eldred beholds ;
He boldly advances, the portal unfolds ;

All danger the Knight now dene? .

Within, all was darkness within, all was drear,

Save the sound of his footsteps, nought else could he hear,

They echo'dfar through the damp cell,
And fast down the walls pour'd the night's baleful dew,
The lizard here erawl'd, and the toad speck'd with blue,

And sometimes the bat scream'd its knell.

* Whoever thou art," quoth Sir Eldred, aloud,
" To yield thee assistance, 'fore Heaven I've vdw'd,

" So all thy intents be but good.
" I'm friend to the wretched I'm friend to the brave,
** To none, save my God and Redeemer, I'm slave:

"My trust is in Christ's blessed blood."

But scarce had Sir Eldred these holy words spoke,
When screams and loud yells.thro' the distant vaults broke r

And with a dread slam clos'd the door.
The rain and the thunder, conjoin'd, made a crash
Blue lightning illumin'd the cell with its flash,

And hideous the night blast did roar.

END OF THE FIRST PART

PART THE SECOND.

No fear felt the Knight, for in God was his trusty
The guardian of virtue, the shield of the just,

The Christian's defender and stay;
Sir Eldred, then pac'd to the portal so wide,
He strove to re-ope it, his strength it defy'd ;

The Knight felt no dread or dismay.

The youth, lion-hearted, then march'd from the gate,'
Regardless of danger, defying ill-fate,

Determin'd the cell to explore ;
lie grasp'd his strong glave, and his dagger he drew,
And then thro' the drear vault his course 'gan pursue,

His soul did his Maker adore.

Sir Eldred, undaunted, thus pass'd on his way,
IHumin'd full oft by the lightning's blue ray,

And then by a flame, gleaming red ;
And sometimes most fearful the shrieks did resound,
And imperfect shadows oft skimm'd o'er the ground,

Pale forms, that resembled

The cells having travers'd, he gain'd a deep vault,
"Fore the steps of the portal the Knight made a halt,

For, 'midst the drear dungeon was seen,
A form that was haggard, and loathsome to sight,
A form, that resembled some fiend of ihe night,

So terribly grim was her mien.

Long hair, raven-black, hung her shoulders adown,
Her skin was deep-furrow'd, her front wore a frown,

Her eyes in their sunk sockets glar'd ;
They shed forth a gleam, fraught with malice and ire,
A gleam, fraught with horror, and cruelty dire,

Like mortals, whose senses are scar'd.

Sharp-pointed and long was her prominent nose,
And when she her pale skinny lips did unclose,

Display'd were two fangs black and keen ;
Thick cover'd with hair was her outstretching chin,
All wither'd and swarthy appear'd her foul skin,

Her rags were the filthiest e'er seen.

Her seat it was made of the bones of dead men,
From charnel-house stolen, death's hideous den,

A skull at her back it was rear'd ;
And all round her chair was a ring, red as blood;
Twas the cruel old hag, the Weird Witch ofihe Wood,

By living and dead alike fear'd.

Before her a cauldron burnt dimly and blue,
Whose faint light discover'd a pall of black hue,

Whereon sat a meagre white cat:
Its eyes on the hag were unceasingly bent,
And oft times, a mew, to the night-gale it sent:

'Twas sprinkled with blood of a rat.

Sir Eldred, he ey'd her again and again,
Then gaz'd on the walls of the hideous den,

Where skeletons lanky appear'd ;
And there, too, were rang'd rotting ravens, and rats,
Toads, owls, lizards, scorpions, and web-footed bats.

And hemlock, and rue that was sear'd,

The hag then uprose, malice shot from her eyes,
** I sniff it, Grimalkin, I sniff it!" she cries ;

The cat, mewing, scratch'd the black pall.
" I feel it ; I know that the moon turns blood-red;
" To-morrow the sun shall conceal its bright head;

On trees blighting mildew shall fall.

" Hist ! hist! my Grimalkin, I sniff the cold rain,
** On the heath, where the murderer rots in his chain,

" His ghost, yelling, tears up the sod.
" The sinful old abbot, by all thought so chaste,
" Now drinks, as he presses a wench round the waist,

" Thus making the devil his God."

And then the witch thrice wav'd her wand in the air,
And mutter'd to Satan, a magical pray'r ;

" To work, my Grimalkin," she cry'd.
Anon the cat mew'd, and the black pall withdrew;
The knight started back, for beneath it, he knew.

The form of his fair betroth'd bride.

Elfrida, so lovely, now struck EUred's sight ;
The damsel so peerless, of beauty so bright,

Was motionless stretch'd to the view.
** Now come, my Grimalkin, her skin quickly jag,
",I thirst for her Heart's blood ;" exclaimed the foul hag,

** Tear open those veins of light blue."

'*< Hold, beldam, accurs'd" cried the bold frantic youth,
As forward he rush'd, nerv'd with virtue and truth,

And rais'd high the death dooming clave.
" Give back to these arms, fair Elfrida, my wife,
" Nor dare, with your magic, attaint her sweet life,

" Or sopn shall you sink to the grave."

** Now, welcome, Sir Eldred," the beldam replied,
As grinning with malice, her lips open'd wide,

" Thou'rt welcome, young stripling, to me :
''" Blade, shiver ! and instant be nerveless his hand !"
The Knight straight was powerless at her dire command j

u My spell shall be two-fold," quod she.

And now peals of terrible laughter resound.

And shouts and loud yells thro' the drear vault rebound ;

The Weird Witch oft paces the ring.
" You're welcome, Sir Eldred," the hag once more cries,
As fast to his visage she rivets her eyes ;

" Good luck to my charm dost thou bring.

" Nowspeed thee,Grimalkin; nowspeed thee!" quoth she.
* Go, summon my spirits by one, two, and three :

" My Grizzle, Black Sack, and Red Gill ;
" And when they surround thee, mark well what I say,.
" For, shouldst thou in aught my eorrfmands disobey,-

" Five drops of thy blood will I spill.

" Bid the first tear a shroud from some festering dead,
" And one of the green eyes tear out of the head ;

" The second of bones may bring four ;
" The third must the yew-tree stalk nine times and five,
" And catch me a toad and three lizards alive,

" That now crawl beneath the church door."

Grimalkin straight sprang from Elfrida the fair,
And swift as keen lightning;, that darts thro' the air,

1 !e v anish'd from out the drear cell.
The Weird Witch, with eyes on the hapless youth bent,
Seem'd wickedly planning her hell-fraught intent,

But strange is the truth I shall tell.

PART THE THIRD.

As she gaz'd on Sir Eldred, her look became kind,
For love, the most lustful, took plare in her mind,

She look'd, and the more she admir'd.
" Elfrida, my rival, shall die," mutter'd she ;
** And Eldred, the Knight, soon my husband shall be ;

" Or tortur'd I'll see him expire."

The Weird Witch then hobbled the blood-ring without,
And prais'd the sad youth, as she pac'd him about,

Admiring from top to the toe ;
At length, cry'd the hag, " I will save thee, Sir Knight,
'* For, lo, thou hast much favour found in my sight,

" I'll free thee from pain and from woe.

" But ere I such bounty to thee do award,

** First swear by thy soul to become my true lord,

" Then mark ye the dowry I'll bring :
" The earth, seas, all nature, thou then mayst explore ;
With wings thro' the regions of air'shalt thou soar}
** Of spirits I'll make thee the king.

" The riches of East and of West shall be thiiie;
** I ask in return that thy love may be mine ?

" Nought else at thy hand I require.
" The wealth of the North and the South I'll impart,
" I ask in return but to govern your heart,

" I'll love with as ardent afire.

" But more than all this I have left in reserve,

" 'Gainst age and grim death I thy life can preserve,

** No evil shall thee e'er befall ;
" I'll make thee immortal and blooming to view,
" So thou'lt only swear to be loving and true,

" All things shall obey at thy call."

These words heard Sir Eldred, with rage and disdain,
Like bolt of dread thunder they struck to his brain,

And then, again chill'd was his blood.
At length he exclaim'd, " Fiend of hell, I defy
" Thy love, as thy hate, for my trust is on high,

" I loath thee, Weird Hag of the Wood."

*' Rash youth !" cry'd the witch,her head palsy'd with rage,
" Wou'd you thus gain my love, and my hatred assuage,

** Tis sworn, and in tortures you die.
" And first, that your pangs may be doubled, I swear*
* Piecemeal shall be torn, your Elfrida the fair,

" Her torments shall soon meet your eye.

*' Though dead to the sight, she will living be found,
*' She now lies entrancd, by a mighty spell bound,

" My touch shall the damsel restore."
The hag hobbled on to the lovely pale maid,
And thrice on her bosom, her wither'd hand laid,

A deep oath to Hecate she swore.

Now slowly the eyes of Elfrida unclose,

And slowly her cheeks wear the tint of the rose,

Her bosom now heaves and recedes.
Sir Eldred, transported, forgets all his pain,
He rushes to clasp her, but all is in vain,

His efforts the charm'd ring impedes.

*' My life, my Elfrida, my true betroth'd bride,
My life, my belov'd !" Then the fiantic youth cry'd,

" Look, look, on your own loving Knight."
Elfrida, enraptur'd, bends on him her eyes,
She views him, and fainting with joy, straight replies, .

' 'Tis Eldred, my soul s dear delight."

Now stole o'er the pavement, Grimalkin, the cat,
Her jaws held the limbs of a new mangled bat ;

Behind her came grim spirits three.
The first was Grey Grizzle, all meagre to view,
The second was Sack, of the raven's dark hue,

But Re 1 Gill was usliest to see.

And five times they ran round the ring red as blood ;
A nd five times they bow'd to the Witch of the Wood.

Cry'd Grizzle, " I've brought eye and shroud."
"Andhere,"quothBlackSack,"aretherottingbonesfour."
M A toad, and three lizards, from under the door,
" I've caught," quoth Red Gill, *j as I vow'd."

u And wilt thou my proffer'd love instantly share ?
" And wilt thou, for me, thy Elfrida forswear?

" Resolve !" cried the hag, big with ire.
" No ; rather than shun fair Elfrida for thee,
u My pangs will 1 bear, and her tortures will see."

" Tis said, and ye both shall expire."

And now 'gan the Witch rend the shroud with her hand,
And then to her spirits she gave the command ;

They sprang tow'rd the maiden so bright.
The Knight was enhorror'd the hag ghastly smil'd ;
Elfrida was frantic Elfrida scream'd wild,

" Oh ! save me, my Lord, my lov'd Knight."

Her shrieks rouz'd Sir Eldred ; he flew tow'rd the ring;
Then cry'd, " My Elfrida, some comfort I bring,

" God ne'er will the faithful neglect."
The Knight from his bosom a crucifix drew ;
He rais'd it ; the hag and her fiends the cross knew,

Nought else could Elfrida protect.
H

For lo, k was carvd from the true Holy Rootf j
Whereon the Redeemer had spilt his life's blood ;

'Twas gain'd by Sir Eldrcd the Knight
'Twas gain'd when wide Palestine's plains he had sought,
And mighty achievements for Christians had wrought.

Jn many a bold bloody fight.

The Weird Witch shrunk back, as the sign she beheld :
While loudly the sprites, and Grimalkin, then yell'd,

And strait from the vault disappear'd ;
The hag, mutt'ring blasphemy, faded in air ;
The charm was dissolt'd, and Elfrida the fair,

Was soon by the gentle youth cheer'd.

Now back to the castle they bent their glad way,
Increas'd was their love by the third dawning day.

Which made fair Elfrida a bride ;
And loud in the hall sang the minstrels their joy,
Each vassal was welcom'd, no soul felt annoy,

The bride sat the bridegroom beside.

And now let this Legend instruct all the good,
To bend low the knee at the Lord's Holy Rood,

Before it fades ev'ry dire spell;
May the tale of Elfrida and Eldred the brave,
Teach men to remember that God still can save,

And frustrate the purpose of hell.

C6ci0fajofailfa

&e %i$t of Oila,

About seven miles from Machynleth (Mahunkleth) in
the road to Cader Idris, in Merionethshire, surrounded
by most romantic scenery, the silvery torrent of Dy-
flas, broken into numberless cascades, is seen throw-
ing itself down the rocky chasms in the mountains
that are hollowed out by the ceaseless action of the
overwhelming flood. Precipitating itself into a deep
valley, divided into many streams, it pursues different
courses; here, struggling through a bed of mingled
weeds and stones, it gayly flows by verdant meads
and flowery banks ; there, foaming through a stony
channel, it urges its flight, and wave rolling on the
back of wave, goads it on through the sloping valley ;
the surrounding rocks re-echo with the loud splashing
noise of the Dyflas fall, and mingling with it is heard
a melodious whispering, resembling the tones of the
^Eolian harp, which the credulous inhabitants of the
almost untenantable hamlets adjacent, entitle, The
Sight of UlU. There is nothing improbable in the
Legend which they relate ; it is, doubtless, one of
those traditionary tales that originated in facts, and
which the teller of every century, even to the present

(fay, has taken care to embellish with a number of ex-
traordinaries which never will, nor ever could exist.
"We think the tale too interesting to be jumbled with
their absurd superstitious notions ; and shall relate it
in its nearest approach to fact. Ulla is said to be the
daughter of Alan, King of Bretagne, the kinsman of
Cadwallader, King of Britain ; who, in the weakness
of superstition, abdicated his throne, and left his only
son, Edwal, yet in his minority, under the protection
of the former Prince : which circumstance gives rise
to the tradition. A. D. 689, a famine, attended by a
pestilential disease, raged in Britain, and Cadwallader,
to avoid the threatened destruction, retired with most
of the nobility of his court, and other subjects, to,
Bretagne, where he was hospitably received by his
kinsman Alan. After residing with him some time,
hearing that the famine had ceased, and that the
Saxons, with increasing power, were extending their
conquests, Cadwallader determined to return home
and crush their rising strength. For this purpose, he
collected together a large army, composed of his own
subjects, and his allies -the Bretons, Alan furnishing
him with a suitable fleet to transport them across the
channel ; but, at the moment when this weak Prince
was about to embark when he should have gone to.
save his country, or perish in its ruins, a vision, which
he fancied, warned him to renounce the cares of state,
and go immediately to Rome and take holy orders
from the Pope. This design he imparted to Alan,

who, from base motives, advised him to act up to
the pious intent. The books of the two Merlins were
consulted on this occasion ; they confirmed him in
his delusion, and he proceeded to Rome, where he
submitted to have his head shaven, and be initiated
into the order of White Monks. This King lived
eight years as a religious recluse ; with him died the
imperial dignity of the British government. No
sooner was the throne abdicated by Cadwallader, than
Alan, under colour of acting for the common cause,
attached to his service the Welsh followers of the late
Prince, and these, with a body of his own troops,
made a descent on the western coast of Britain, under
the command of his son Ivor, who, successful in
arms, usurped the throne of Wales, and added Corn-
wall, Devon, and Somerset to his dominion. Edwal
was a mild and amiable Prince, remarkable for his
beauty. Residing at the court of Bretagne, Ulla, the
sister of Ivor, grew enamoured of him 5 they were
married, and it is related of this Princess, that she
struggled to place him upon the throne of his ances-
tors, of which her own brother had deprived him.

-Why dost thou weep, thou wintry-

bearded sage, and o'er the cold turf
breathe thy unavailing sighs? Thinkst thou
to rouzc the clay cold corpse that lies be-

ncath, or move to compassion the earth
that cloth embody it ? Alas ! how little
dost thou know of death, that nips the
fairest blossom, and oft untimely crops the
budding flower : but, see, thy tears rolling
down thy shrivelled cheeks, fall and sink
into the damp sod, ashamed of thy puerile-
weakness. Is it a daughter or a son you
mourn) or the mistress of your heart's
heart ? No common calamity could depress
you thus. It must be the death of one
whom you prized above existence, who
sat enthroned in your bosom, and whose
breath of life was mingled with your own.
Thou liftest thine eye to mine ! Why
shakest thou thine head ? I prithee speak !
Let fortitude congeal the tear- that thy
affection softens, and when composure re-
assumes her empire, I prithee then unfold
thyself to me.

Fair stranger, go, go thy path,

nor interrupt an old man's grief ; the road
before thee is even. Thy cup of life is
not yet half exhausted, and sweet are the

remains ; for thou dost seem of cheerful
disposition of mind, unsuited to the turn
of sadness; yet there is much tenderness
in thine eye, much feeling in thy expres-
sion, and Heaven has gifted thee with
every innate virtue, and fortitude to cherish
them, in a world where temptation in
every corner, lurks like a snake in a bed
of flowers, to allure and to destroy.

Now peace be with you, reve~

rend father, but you have arouzed my cu-
riosity ; I do long to know why upon the
turf you fix your reddened eye, and weep,
and droop, and sigh, and sigh again, as
though you held deep converse with the
winds, that answer in timid response each
feeble plaint. Speak, good father, and
you shall find a heart eager to cheer you
in your affliction,

Pass on, lovely stranger, for my

grief is infectious ; participate not in it,
but go, go thy way. Yet, think not the
tears I shed are of selfish origin they fall
not for a son lost, or a daughter torn from

981

me, but for crimes of man. Each morn*
ing dawn beholds me prostrate on this
turf, while the surrounding rocks echo my
broken sobs ! But read these annals, and
if thou canst, pity and forgive those whose
errors are the subject of reproach.

Ulla was a Princess of Britanny her
hair was white as the mountain snow, and
she was called the Maid with Silver Locks.
Like the bright evening star that darts
its radiance through the twilight mist, she
^hone in her father's court : all hearts did
her homage. But Ulla loved young Ed-
wal, the heir to the throne of Wales.

Why sings the bard in the hall of
Alan ? Why does he raise his voice and,
trill the jocund song, when Ulla, the
peerless maiden of the court, is sad?
Alas ! dejection, like the summer wind,
thwarting the new plucked rose, feeds
upon the bloom of her cheek; and melan-
choly sheds her saffron tinge upon her
brow. See where she sits, smiling in hef
fears, like an April sun darting his eO'uU

gent rays through gloomy showers !
Weep not, fair Ulla, for him you love
feels your pangs j and one fire mutual
glows in each bosom,

Sigh not, Ulla," cried the King of Bre-
tagne j i( -for Edwal, the emperor of your
heart, shall be your lord the sharer of
your downy couch ; and loud shall the
bard sing in the hall the song of joy, and
swift shall the mirthful goblet circulate the
board the heady cwrrw shall be exhaust-
ed in drinking your happiness and twice
twelve rounds shall the sun perform, ere
our festivity decrease."

" And docs the lord of thousands then
approve my choice; the sovereign of his
subjects' hearts? Mightiest of chiefs, I
pray you, let the day draw near; give or-r
ders that the humblest of your train 6hall
share the pleasures that animate our bo-
soms."

" There shall be no heart but shall feel
the glow of our munificence, which shall
be administered like the gentle dew that

100

falls and nurtures the basest plant. The
day of Ulla's nuptials shall be a day of
universal joy- sweet shall be the numbers
of the rustic song, exciting the village
maids to trip along the green more sweet
shall be the lay breathed from the pastoral
pipe beneath the hawthorn tree."

A new created colour tinged the cheek
of Ulla pleasure sparkled in her eye, her
bosom heaved in transport.

" Oh, Edwal !" she cried, advancing
to the youth who lay prostrate beneath a
bending willow that shed its drooping
boughs over the rippling brook; and twin-
ing her lily arms around his neck " Sav,
will you love the fond Ulla less when she's
your bride, or with unabated passion will
you still caress her? Say, shall not Ulla
be dearer to you than ever, when she has
resigned herself to your arms?"

" Alas!" sighed the red-haired youth,
<( such bliss is not reserved for me; end-
less regret must be my bitter portion, un-
ceasing sorrow be my hapless lot.,"

101

" Oh, my heart's lord!" cried the en*
raptured maid; " Arise to joy and happi-
ness, for the monarch of Bretagne sanc-
tions our loves, and bids us look forward
to the mighty day."

" How !" returned the astounded youth,
" shall Ulla then be the bride of Edwal?
Does king Alan so decree ?"

" Yes, yes!" sighed the maid, and
sunk upon his bosom. Edwal returned
her caresses he twined his arms around
her neck, and pressed his lips to her's.

Never were two hearts more firm in
unison ; tney beat for each other ; one fire
unceasing burnt in each bosom ; mutual
were the sighs that swelled each breast.

Uprose the ruddy-cheeked god in his
chariot of burnished gold, and swiftly the
white-maned steeds urged their asthereal
flight across the horizon. The harp and
timbrel sounded in the court of Bretagne,
where festivity began her reign as the
morning dawned upon the nuptials of the
silver-haired Ulla. White flags waved

102

on the turrets of the palace, and throngs
of rentrous knights, equipped in warlike
steel, came to be entertained at the mar-
riage feast. A tournament was held in
honour of the day, and Ulla decided the
prize to the bold youth, whose skill and
ingenuity in the contest proclaimed him
the victor. Edwal received the scarf from
her fair hand, amidst the applauses and
acclamations of the whole court. It was
noon when the rites were performed ; and
Ulla appeared before the priest habited in
virgin white; her silver locks hung in
ringlets on her snowy bosom, and down
her taper limbs flowed the loose robes.
Two maidens bore her train ; and when
the vow was exchanged that made her
the bride of Edwal, the happy youth
pressed her to his heart with increased
ardour, and lisped in her ear a vow of eter-
nal love.

All was festivity in the palace of Bre-
tagne : the king, with hospitality, wel-
comed each comer the tables groaned be-

103

heath the weight of the feast and the
song of the bard echoed in the halls. Ed-
wal, with the virgin Ulla, pressed the
downy couch; connubial bliss was theirs,
and all the transports of a fond attachment;
each hour brought with it new enjoyments.
There was no heart in Bretaghe but was
glad ; for the festivity was extended to the
meanest of the kingdom: Thus passed
the first nine davs in transports une-
qualled, until interrupted by the presence
of Cadvan, a mighty British chief, by
whose powerful arm, many lances had
been shivered. His bosom teemed with
sparks of patriotic fire he was of Cam-
brian birth, and a follower of the late prince
Cadwallader, who abdicated his throne.
Anger sparkled in his jet-black eye; as he
approached, rage flushed his dark cheek ;
and generous choler strangled his rising
voice. ,

" I bring news from Britain," cried the
haughty chieftain, advancing with firm-
ness to the royal presence. <c Ivor, the

104

son of Alan, and brother of the Princess
Ulla, has conquered Cornwall, Devon,
and Somerset has made peace with the
Saxons and usurped the throne of Wales."

The chieftain paused all eyes were
bent upon him an universal silence
reigned throughout the hall. Pale was the
cheek of Alan.

" Why dost thou not speak, thou King
of Bretagne )" cried the chief. " Why
dost thou not rise in arms, and crush the
rebel of thy loins? Or, art thou, too,
leagued against the rightful heir to the
throne of his country ?"

Edwat sat in silence j but the King re-
gained composure.

" Let not the ill deeds of an ungracious
son dissipate our mirth," exclaimed the
monarch ; u I banish him from my heart.
Ivor may reign upon the throne of Wales,
but Edwal shall be the son of Alan."

" And be more blessed in that title,
than were he emperor of the world j" re-
turned the Prince.

105

w Degenerate issue of the most noble
race!" cried the offended Cadvan, " No
longer worthy of the name of Briton, I
will no longer acknowledge thee the son
of Cadwalladcr thou art unworthy the
throne of thy ancestors thy country dis-
claims thee, thou impotent Prince, that
art made the footstool of an ambitious mo-
narch."

The blue-eyed Ulla, with affection, em-
braced her Lord; and Edwal disregarded
the anger of the impetuous chieftain. The
golden- haired god, mounted in his chariot
of beams, daily arose from the green wave;
and seven moons were wasted since Ulla
became the bride of the banished Prince.

li Let us return unto the shores of Cam-
bria," cried Cadvan. " Oh ! Edwal, of
the race of heroes, let us Once more hail
our native land. Return, thou son of
kings, to the palace of thy fathers, and
rule thy warlike people. The child of thy
loins now lives in the womb of Ulla j let
I

106

it not see the light of Bretagne let us
hasten to the white cliffs of our country."

Ulla hung xipon the bosom of her Lord
her blue eyes were filled with tears.

" Prove thyself worthy the name of fa-
ther," continued the chief; li and give thy
son the crown which thou shouldst wear.
No longer wander in a foreign court, but,
with thy Ulla of silver locks, seek the
country of which she's rightful Queen."

Ulla arose from the bosom of her Lord ;
a newly-created fire seemed to illuminate
the whole of her countenance.

et Yes," she cried, " Edwal must reign
the Lord of Britain . Let hosts of warriors
be gathered on the strands. Ulla will,
herself, be forward in the fight." -

Cadvan fell prostrate at her feet ; she
raised him with her lily hand from the
ground, and the warrior pressed it to his
lips.

. " Who rides upon the vvhite-brow'd
wave?" cried Ivor, the usurper, to his fol-

107

lowers. ec Come they with their spears fore-
most, threatening war, or are they pointed
to the ground ?"

tl In peace they come not," was replied.
" I saw the spears of the mighty at the
vessel's helm, and Edwal comes in terrible
array, aided by Cadvan and his thousands.
The sword of the warrior is yet moist with
the blood of heroes. Green as the sedgy
wave that's near the shore, is his croslet ;
and blood-red is the cross upon his shield.
Strong and athletic is Cadvan, the grey-
headed warrior of the tribe of Britons : his
brow is as the brow of the mountain that
scowls upon the vale; his anger, as the fu-
rious storm, tearing from his root the lofty
oak. Often has he plunged in the thickest
of the fight, and drove whole hosts before
him: his voice is strong as the furious
blast, and terrible is the look of the slayer
of the brave."

" Slave!" cried the dauntless Ivor;
i: Comes he vauntingly on the wave ?
Have I not seen the grey-headed warrior,

108

Cadvan, the mighty in war, call np the
valiant from their rocky beds, and let us
bend forward to the fight. My spear is
yet unbroken my shield is covered with
the blood of the valiant."

" Mighty warrior!" cried the bard of
Ivor; " Cadvan standeth like the oozy
rock, whose sides are covered with the
whitened foam; his shield is battered with
the strokes of the fight, and his red eye
scowls on danger ; but Ivor, in the san-
guinary fight, shall overcome the warrior,
at whose dread name even heroes tremble
for Ivor is the mightiest of the mighty."

The vessels of the much-dreaded Cad-
van now approached the shore, and num-
berless warriors lined the strand; their ban-
ners waved high upon the white cliffs of
Albion, and the reflecting sun shone upon
their polished shields. Now they rush for-
ward as a thick-gathered cloud ; for Ivor's
strong host appears in view : and see, where
Cadvan directs the storm, death follows
every blow, and the vaunting Saxon is laiu

109

prostrate on the ground. Edvval hurls the
gigantic spear a thousand swords are un-
sheathed and streams of blood float along
the coast. The blue-eyed daughter of Alan
pressed forward in the fight ; she held a
blood- besmeared sword in her hand war
and death sat upon her cheek and over
her shoulders flowed her silver locks. She
seemed the angry goddess of the fight; de-
struction marked her steps ; where the
battle raged most was she seen ; and Ed-
wal by her side, warded the arrows that
were aimed at her breast. Her vigorous
example gave animation to the soldiers,
who fought like tigers in the throat of
-death; shield clashed against shield sword
met sword and the stout javelin pierced
the heart of the bold.

Ivor and all his host -flew; and Cadvan
and his clan followed them beyond the
mountains, but Edwal was faint : his
shield was covered with glory, and he leaned
upon the shoulder of the heroic Ulla.

110

" Thou king of heroes," cried the fe-
male warrior, " thy sword is not broken
in the fight, but thou hast pierced the
bosoms of many. Does fever parch thy
lips? Recline upon my shoulder, and I will
lead thee to the cooling spring; and see
where Cadvan comes, to hail thee Lord of
Britain."

Edwal drank of the mountain-spring,
and colour once more flushed his livid
cheek : upon the green turf he laid his
weary head, and Ulla watched over him,
while a gentle sleep shrouded his haggard
eyes. Black and deadly grew the features
of Edwal; parched were his lips, and a
white foam frothed at the corners of his
mouth. Ulla gazed upon him with terror
she screamed more deadly grew the
visage of the unhappy youth ; his body
swelled, and the greenness of death encir-
cled his eyes. Ulla laid her cheek to his,
but it was cold; she pressed her hand to his
heart, but its pulsation was for ever gone.

Ill

" He's poisoned !" exclaimed the frantic
widow; " Edwal has breathed his last,"
she faintly uttered, and fell upon the sense-
less body.

Weep, weep, ye sons of men! The
lily of the field is cropped ! Weep, for ye
shall not look upon his like ! Mourn,
hapless country, that ye have lost a prince,
mild as the morn, in virtue unexampled.
Weep, thou silver-haired Princess of Bre-
tagne! Bedew his grave with your tears
scatter your white locks upon the turf, and
rend the air with your sighs, for Edwal is
no more! The sun withdraws his beams
clouds usurp the heavens, and torrents of
rain give tokens of the Prince's death.
Why are ye silent, ye bards of Cambria ?
Why strike ye 1 not upon your mournful
harps, and tune your wild grief, for the
Prince's death? Alas! alas! sorrow, like
the storm that o'er the mountains lower,
has overwhelmed your bursting hearts.
Hide you, ye men of Cambria, in your
graves, for your liberties are become a mist

112

Edual, the enlightened Edwal, is no more,
and anarchy shall scatter her flaming
brands upon your mountains and in your
vallies.

The grey-headed Cadvan, dissolved in
tears, wept over the ill-fated youth; and
Ulla was inconsolable. The tyrannic Ivor
in his flight, had poisoned the mountain-
spring, and given death to the most virtu-
ous of princes. The daughter of Alan was
brought to a premature delivery ; she ush-
ered into the world a smiling infant, who,
unconscious of his miserable condition,
pressed to his mother's bosom.

" Joy animates my heart," cried Cad-
van of the Mighty; " for this young
Prince shall ,my sword be still unsheathed,
and I will hurl war's flaming brand into
the camp of Ivor. The usurper shall be
tossed from the height to which his am-
bition has raised him, and this young
Prince be seated in the regal chair of his
fathers."

" Let us," cried the silver-haired Ulla,

113

her blue eves suffused in tears, " Let us,
with our own hands, deposit in the earth
all that remains of Edwal; and do you,
Cadvan, over his cold tomb, swear to see
this infant righted."

" I swear," cried the venerable war-
rior.

Wild was the grief of Ulla ; upon the
threatening rock she sat and sung, and
o'er the grave of Edwal tuned the harp of
Caradoc the Grey, the bard of Cyfeilog.
" Fallen, fallen, is the hero; fallen, the
hope of his country! His angry spirit
wanders on the shore ; his soul is flown to
lands where his fathers dwell. Fallen,
fallen, is the red-haired Edwal, of the
race of Princes !

ft Cold as the hoary frost of winter is the
* blood in his icy veins cold, cold is his
heart But his name is warm in the re-
membrance of the good, for virtuous was
Edwal of the race of Princes.

" O'er his clayey grave the daisy droops
his head, and dies and withers the leaf of

114

the tulip. Fairer than the lily was the
bosom of the youth his cheek more
lovely than the blushing rose his breath
more fragrant than the violet his lips
more sweet than the carnation his teeth
more white than the summit of Idris,
when crowned with the dazzling; snow.
Tall as the poplar tree was Edwal, of the
race of Princes.

" His spirit rides upon the winds of Hea-
ven; his red hair is seen waving in the
clouds ; his voice is as the ring-dove's,
sweet ; and in the timid breeze he sighs,
Edwal of the race of Princes.

* f Why are my eyes clouded in mist ?
Heaven, let me behold his beekoning form,
that calls me to other regions ; let me not
touch the trembling harp in vain ; let my
voice ascend to the curved cloud, on which
sits the murdered hero, Edwal of the race
of Princes.

" High above the mountains rise the
mists of night, and fiery meteors from the
earth ascend. Cold is the air that wafts rav

115

jocks aside ; keen and penetrating the
winds that howl through the rocks, from
which the rilling waters fall.

" Lie still, my child ; cling to thy mo-
ther's breast; her breath shall keep thee
warm, although her heart is chill. The
night-blast will have pity on thy weak-
ness, for thou art the orphan of Edvvah,
of the race of Princes.

" The pitiless mountain-hollows echo
back my groans, and fast falls the hoary
frost upon my cheek. Alas! alas! why are
not Ulla's sighs heard by thee, thou lord of
her heart ? For thee she raises the mourn-
ful song for thee she plaints unceasing,
thou slaughtered King of Britain; whom
bards revere; whose virtues are chronicled
in the book of the Most High whose
acts shall live in the remembrance of the
aged, thou Prince of the race of Princes."

Thus sung the distracted Ulla to the
wide waste before her ; but Cadvan pre-
pared her a residence in the rock, to shel-
ter her from the inclemencies of the vvea-

116

ther. He disbanded his troop, and await-
ed the growth of the young Prince, ere he
struggled for the crown.

Roderig was the son of Eclwal called,
Roderig Molvvynog. He was strong m his
youth, and hunted the fox upon the moun-
tains the stout javelin he hurled with
force : he was habited in the skin of the
beast his courage had brought down the
horn of the untamed goat was suspended
at his breast his hair was black, and in
curls ; and on his head he wore a cap,
made from the fox's hide his legs and
feet were bare, and so his arms light
and agile was the Prince o'er rocks and
crags he'd bound swift as the bleating
kid up steep and o'er the yawning gulph
he tat of the rabbit of the warren, or of
the nut-cracking squirrel his beverage .
was the glutinous cwrr.v his restirar-
place the hollow of a glen.

With transport did the silver-locked
Ulla behold the courage of his heart ; and
Gadvan instructed him in the art of war.

117

But pale grew the eheek of the Princess of
Bretngnc; her eyes no longer beamed their
lustre death laid his cold hand upon her
bosom the hour of her dissolution ap-
proached. Long had she wept the death
of Edwal long had her warm sighs been
exhaled from the inmost recesses of her
heart.

Ulla was anxious to learn what would
be the fate of Roderig; and, with the
hoary-headed Cadvan, she sought the re-
sidence of the Bard of the Mountain 5
who, with direful tongue, foretold the hap-
piness or misery of mankind. In the
bosom of a rock he dwelt; where beasts of
rapine creep from the howling storm, and
the bird of night builds her mossy nest
toads spat their venom at his foot, and vi-
perous lizards crawled np his grey sleeve.
He sat upon a rude-formed stool : deep
was he in thought ; his dark eve was fixed
upon a heavy volume, whose pages were
extended before him upon a slaty stone,
that served him for a table. Ulla, with

118

profound reverence, advanced towards him,
and the old man arose from his chair.

11 What would my daughter," cried
the venerable sage, " these volumes
should unfold?"

" I would know," returned Ulla, the
silver-locked beauty of Bretagne, et if Ro-
derig, the son of Edwal Iwirch, shall
wear the diadem that has bound, succes-
sively, the brows of his warlike ances-
tors?"

" Daughter of Alan," replied he,
tc hear and regard in silence ; the book
of the sage prophet Merlin, shall reveal
the decree of fate."

Ulla bowed her head, and the bard pro-
ceeded to investigate the pages of the
deeply-skilled Merlin, who warned King
Vortigern of the disasters that did after-
wards befal him. The bard muttered the
sacred oracle to himself; convulsed grew
his frame as he continued; his lips trem-
bled his eves were fiery, wild, and ter-
rific- he twined in his shrivelled fingers his

119

grey locks, which he tore in anguish, and
exclaiming, (t Rotlerig shall wear the
crown I dare reveal no more." He threw
himself upon the earth ; still was the bard
convulsed; his cheek was blaek, and Ulla
bent over him with her hands clasped to-
gether. At length the sage recovered ; he
knew not what he had uttered in his fit.
Heaven, he averred, had spoken through
his organs, and she must question no fur-
ther.

With joy the mother issued from the
cave, and Cadvan was transported with
the welcome tidings.

Who blows the blast that shrilly echoes
through the mountains? Who winds the
loud horn that startles the speckled doe
from her covert, and rouzes the wily fox
from her rocky den ? The rabbit burrows
still deeper in the earth the timid deer
resumes her legs the squirrel bounds from
branch to branch and the wild wood-fowl
soars aloft, extending hvr downy pinion J
in her flight. The breath of the hunte.

120

fills the , sonorous horn, and mantles of
green are seen - floating in the wind; spor-
tive .murder is abroad, and the harmless
object of the chaee shall bleed the victim
of its lust. Sweet as the. voice of the
syren is the mellow horn of the bold
humer. It rings in the vallies, the dells
echo it, and crossing the marshy it dies
away in soft and pleasing strains.

Ivor, the usurper, mounted on a fleet
steed, fleet as the wind, presses the turf.
He is attended by a gay throng, eager for
the sport of the chaee ; and in the hand
of the Saxon Princes, the javelin trembles.
The hound yelps by the pranking courser's
side, his chops are lined with the blood
of the timid hare. And, see where the
majestic stag, upon yon mountain peak,
pricks up his ears to the well-known blast,
and flies o'er the barren waste, scorning
the earth ^iat shrinks from his nimble
hoofs.

Ulla leaned upon the arm of Cadvan,
and the usurping King r of Britain advanced

121

towards her. Her silver locks were bound,
and concealed beneath a long-cared cap.
Much was she altered since she had first
trod upon the shores of Albion, and the
monarch knew her not.

u Say, peerless maid/' inquired Ivor,
<c Can you inform me where your King
and his retinue may find refreshment? If
you reside in these mountains, conduct
me, I beseech you, to where I may find a
moment's balmy repose."

Ulla knew her brother, and her soul re-
volted from him : she gave a moment's
thought to the horrid murder of her heart's
lord, and the rightful King of Wales.
Overcome by her emotions, she clasped
the hand of Cadvan, and endeavoured to
hurry him away.

" Why do you seek to avoid me ?''
cried Ivor, observing her with dissatisfied
eve : M Know you not, that the King ad-
dresses you ?"

'' Yes," returned the Princess, height-
ening iier voice; " Yes 5 I know it is the
K

1 0<?

King who addresses me ; the son of Alan>
of Brctagne the usurper of the throne of
Wales, who poisoned the rightful heir,
Edwal. J. know the crime by means of
which he gained the throne; I know,
despise, and hate him."

f * How?" exclaimed the infuriated
Prince, half unsheathing his sword.

" Strike !" interrupted the heroic wo-
man; u Bury your savage sword in the
bosom of her, who espouses the cause ot
the son of the King Cadwallader. I bare
my bosom, that you may reek your ven-
geance on her who dares to tell you of
your usurpation; who dares, in your pre-
sence, imprecate the vengeance of offend-
ed Heaven upon your head. Strike, thou
misguided Prince, I do not fear thy dag-
ger, which, drinking my heart's-blood,
will not inflict so deep a wound as that
which pierced my brain."

" Who is this distracted woman?" in*
quired the Kifig.
(( 1hy cuSsi 'twould be to know 1 er,

123

replied Cadvan, while Ulla leaned upon his
bosom : M thy greatest curse; for if thou-
ever felt for crimes which thou hast com-
mitted, the knowledge that thou hast
wronged her would be thy torment."

" Grey-headed villain, thou jugglest with
me ; I do not know this woman. How
then have I wronged her?"

" By wronging Heaven by the mur-
der of a virtuous unoffending Prince, who
lived in the hearts of his people. Thus,
savage chieftain, have you wronged both
her and me; but think not long to tri-
umph, for Heaven will revenge. And the
day, though to your eyes is slow in its ap-
proach, comes on rapid pinions borne ;
when thou shalt find that repentance for
thy crimes is too late."

a I'll hear no more," cried the an-
gered monarch ; u Thou, grey-headed ruf-
fian, shalt perish for thy boldness."

The dreadful sword was raised Cad van
with firmness beheld it, and Ulla, with a
scream ; rushed upon its point. The hun-

124

ters now approached with their dogs ;
Cadvan was distracted.

t( Murderer," lie exclaimed, " Thy
sister! thy sister!"

He fell upon the bleeding body of the'
dying Uila. Her silver locks now burst
their silken chains, and flowed upon her
bosom her mild blue eyes beamed for-
giveness of her murderer a smile was
upon her cheek \ and pressing the hand of
her venerable protector to her lips, she ex-
pired,

Ivor dismounted his steed ; pale was his
guilty cheek ; remorse touched his heart.
In vain he called on Ulla ; she was flown
for ever ; and Cadvan, devoid of anima-
tion, lay upon her corpse. The blood
flowed from the wound in her bosom, and
trickled in streams by her side; while
Ivor, despairing, stood over her with
clasped hands. Horrible were his looks
compunction livid made his cheeks his
eyes glared horribly, and, without mean-
ing his hair was wild and discomposed

125

a. cold sweat chafed his terror-stricken
brow. Some of his attendants endeavoured
to arouze him from the death-like torpor ;
but he was insensible.

At length Cadvan arose from the ground;
he was more composed, but the tear of
anguish rested upon his beard ; and en-
deavouring firmness, he ordered the troop
of hunters to bear the remains of the de-
ceased Princess to his cell in the moun-
tain : whither it was followed by the dis-
tracted repentant Ivor,

Roderig was out upon the hills., scout-
ing the fearful kid, when they entered the
cave; and he returned not until his qui-
ver, full of arrows, was exhausted.

Who weeps and rends his hair, and
sighs in broken sobs ? Who bewails the
fate of the silver-locked beauty of Bre-
tagne ? Alas! who does not mourn for
the fallen heroic Ulla? Is she not in
IIkavf.n ? Why then is that counte-
nance distracted that pale check soddened
w ith the mournful tear ? ~ Is she not with

126

the blessed ? Is she not crowned en
high with a diadem immortal ? Why
then do you bewail ? Why shed a tear
upon her clay ? Does she not repose, en-
folded in the arms of Angels ? Fond
youth, her fate will be vour's. No flower
that blows but ripens to perish ; it buds,
it blows, it fades ; its falling leaf betrays
its dissolution ; it expires, and returns to
the earth from whence it sprung, and
leaves no vestige of its former excellence.

Alas ! who can be a philosopher over
the grave of his mother ?

Roderig was inconsolable: the grief of
Ivor was madness. His multifarious crimes
crowded upon his brain, and disordered it;
he ran wild among the mountains, and made
his couch in the most unwholesome glens.
Heeatofthe weeds that grew uponthe point-
ed rock, and drank of the mountain- stream.

<e Who rides upon the storm," cried
the witless monarch, " and mocks the
grief of Ivor ? Rack me the traitor that
insults his King, and points his scornful

127

finger at me. I will have vengeance on
the wretch I'll feast upon his dying
groan9 in laughter, then give his carcass
to the winds of Heaven."

" Alas ! whose angry spirit's that that
glides before me? Comes it to accuse?
Hide me, hide me ! Horribly its
eye-balls glare : it frdwns upon me. It
comes, it comes ! Flames devour my heart
my veins are scorched my brain is on
fire I am lost : abandoned by Heaven."

Thus exclaimed the guilty Ivor, and
threw himself into the lake, to cool the
raging heat that parched his flesh.

In the mean time Cadvan prepared the
earth for the reception of what once was
Ulla. The body was wrapped in a long,
sheet, and borne to the grave by four vir-
gins ; flowers were strewed along the path,
and the flavour of the violet scented the
air they inhaled. Slow and solemn was
the procession. First Cadvan occupied the
path : the tear upon his check his white
beard dishevelled his hands crossed upon

J28

his bosom, and his eyes uplifted to Heaven.
Next, two maidens, with flower-baskets,
whose contents they scattered around
them : and next, the Mountain Bard ; his
harp was unstrung wild was hi3 appear-
ance his vest was variously torn upon his
body, and blood streamed down his vene-
rable limbs, wounded by the thorn. Fol-
lowed him the corps, decked with flowers,
and borne by the village maidens ; whose
countenances expressed regret and sorrow
for the loss of her, who lived in all men's
estimation. A sigh swelled each bosom;
and at their back, Rodv;rig, with streaming
eyes, advanced. The youth knew no con-
solation : Ulla was his only parent, and
reflection increased his agony. Ulla was
a fond mother, tender, and afTeetionate ;
suffice it, Ulla was a mother and unna-
tural must be the child who loves not her
who gave him being.

Arriving at the grave, Oadvan kissed
the earth with fervour. When the body
was deposited, the old man's grief was

129

unfeigned, for he loved her with the affec-
tion of a father, and knew no happiness
but what he enjoyed with her. The mai-
dens chaunted a praise to the Lord : and
the funeral rites concluded, they paced
their way back with solemn step to the
adjoining village.

In a hollow, at the foot of four moun-
tains, whose white brows soar high above
the vale, and near to an unfathomable lake,
stands the grave of Ulla, watered plente-
ously by the tears of those whose affection
lor her was unbounded. At her foot, the
tender myrtle shoots its slender branches ;
at her head, the mournful willow droops
and bends over her, as agitated by the blast
often upon the turf has the fresh pluck-
ed violet faded spear-grass, alone, is nur-
tured by the sod, and unmixed with any
of the flowers of the field.

But hark ! Hear you not the harp of
the mountain bard ? Doleful is the strain
he sings : he sits upon the cold turf.

130

Listen ! for thus he bewails the death of
Ulla:

(C Sound, sound my harp, upon the
mountain ; and, in the vallies, mingle thy
voice with the hollow winds that spread
o'er the world, and tell the heroes of other
lands that darkness clouds the eyes of Ulla.

u She sleeps : the daughter of Alan
sleeps in death her silver locks are in the
grave her blue soul mounts on high,
soaring aloft to the world immortal.

" Sound, sound my harp, and fill the
mountain's hollows, that they may rever-
berate the name of Ulla. Be still, ye fall-
ing waters pause awhile, and stagnate
Stand upont he rocky brink be hushed, ye
winds, or mourn with me pass gently
o'er her grave pass, and be silent.

u Sweet was Ulla, of silver locks
sweeter than the violet her breath mild
was her voice, and her blue eyes beamed
with humility and goodness.

" Strew, ye damsels of health, strew.

131

strew upon her grave, flowers lovely M
herself; but place not the tulip there, for
Ulla was sweet both to the sense and to
the eye open and generous as the May-
morn was her countenance her heart, as
pure as the flake of snow wafted upon
the winds, ere it falls upon the rock.
Doth not the sons of Cambria mourn ?
Yes, yes, their sighs are warm their an-
guish most acute their hearts are burst-
ing : Ulla was beloved anions; men.

(i Sound, sound my harp, upon the
mountains ; and, in the vallies, mingle
thy voice with the hollow winds that
spread o'er the world, and tell the heroes
of other lands that darkness clouds the eyes
of the peerless Ulla ; never more shall
they be revealed unto the light they are
shrouded in death. Weep, weep, ye sons
of men, for Ulla, your Queen, is removed
to the plain of heroes."

The voice of the bard was plaintive
wild and melodious the surrounding hills
echoed back his lay, and the wild goat,

132

browzing, lifted up his head as the sounds
passed him.

Ivor, the merciless, but repentant Ivor,
heard his lamentations as he pressed his
rocky pillow, and starting; upward leaned
his ear to tlie plain. He threw his red eye
over the waste in vacant stare his matted
locks hung upon his disordered brow his
garments were torn and bloody the dis-
tracted wretch was not awake to anguish,
though his lacerated body was covered
with wounds : he beheld them with an
inanity of expression, and doffed with his
Bleeve the filth that clogged them. He
paused awhile, in the act of listening to the
6ong of the bard, on being arouzed ; and
then, with the speed of lightning, he flew
up the precipitous mountain, and again
.surveyed the waste. His eye glanced upon
the grave of Ulla; and he beheld, beneath
the weeping branches of the willow, the
prostrate bard clasping the cold sod, and
moistening it with floods of tears that paced
his disordered cheek

133

Ivor approached the turf, with his arms-
folded ; again he paused, and leaning over
the venerable sage, he cried : {t Why weep-
cst thou, grey-bearded son of man ?
What cause hast thou to mourn ? Why
should thy sighs be drawn ; or, did Ulla
live in the hearts of all mankind, and not
in the bo9om of her own brother? Arise,
from the dewed sod ; arise, good mourner,
'tis I must press the earth that's conse-
crated by being the burying-place of the
deceased. Ulla, 'tis I must mourn, and
in the face of Heaven supplicate for par-
don, for I am a wretched murderer the-
ambitious Ivor."

The bard lifted his head from the turf.
" Are you that Ivor?" he exclaimed:
u Are vou the usurping King of Britain ?
-Th2 brother and murderer of the saint-
ed Ulla. Alas! ill-fated man, what could
prompt your hand to perpetrate the cruel
deed?"

"Pardon, pardon," cried the wretch t
" I appeal to Heaven for pardon,"

134

' Unhappy raan ! by sad experience
you have learnt that crime carries with it
its own sting," returned the prophet.
" Let after-ages be warned by your ex-
ample how they submit themselves to be
governed by their own passions. Ambi-
tion is the worst and most destructive :
the innocent arc the victims of its lust for
power ; and in its extensive stride, whole
cities are destroyed, nations ruined, and
fertility blasted. How many thousands have
cause to curse the monarch who wages
war to add to his territory ? How many
wives are widowed children orphaned ?
and this for a single individual's thirst for
wide dominion. Say, ambitious Ivor,
ran thy single life atone for the blood of
the thousands that have been thy victims ?
Can thy life satisfy offended Heaven, for
the deeds, that for thy gratification have
been committed? Say, vain man, thinkest
thou the rendering up of thy single breath
can expiate the multifarious crimes witix
which thy soul is clogged ?"

135

<e No more! No more !'' cried Ivor,
enhorrored as he paused to dwell on the
old man's words. M It is madness to
know my crimes cannot be forgiven. Oh,
God ! I despair of thy mercy : it cannot,
cannot, be extended towards one so crimi-
nal."

He threw himself in agony upon the
turf; and the old man, pitying, endeavour-
ed to console him.

" Depairnot, repentant Ivor," returned
he, raising him from the ground : " Rail
not at the Lord God Omnipotent ; for he
is merciful. Put. thy trust in his benefi-
cence, and thou shalt find it extended to-
wards thee. Hope, in repentance, is a
faithful balm it is no delusive shadow
which you cling to : hope is a shadow to
the vain, but to the remorseful it shall be
realized."

Thus spoke the mountain bard j but
Ivor raved in the wildness of delirium.

"There is no mercy:" he exclaimed.
" There cannot be any shewn to a sister'e

135

murderer. Let me not clasp a vision to
my bosom : I cannot hope for pardon.
And see where Ulla comes : Ah ! she
threatens me she holds the sword of re-
tributive vengeance in her hand. She
comes she comes ! on a blue cloud borne *
Oh, hide me ! hide me, from her sight :
I dare not look upon her mountains,
cover me from her I have injured."

Big drops of sweat rolled down his
agonized brow his whole frame became
convulsed, and he fell back upon the sod,
fainting overcome with anguish that tor-
tured his bosom. The old man endeavoured
to arouze him, but in vain and some of
his troop, at this moment appearing, ap-
proached and bore him in their arms to
the cavern in the rock. Frothed was his
mouth with foam, and tears issued from
his half closed eyes his handswere clench*
ed his limbs trembled with the strength
of the fit that tortured his frame, and the
last breath of life seemed to have already
issued from his swollen bosom.

137

At length he recovered, but quite ex*
hausted ; and they bore him to a mat,
where a refreshing sleep for a time shrouded
his eyes, and he awoke much composed.

" Let the son of Edvval approach my
pillow," cried Ivor; " I would, ere I
forsake the world, make what little repa-
ration is in my power."

Faint was his voice. Roderig drew near,
and the dying man, clasping hold of his
hand, bent his sunken eye upon his check.
" Roderig," he exclaimed, " Can vou
pardon me the murderer of your unhappy
parents ?"

(i Be sincere in your repentance," cried
the youth ;, ie and Heaven's pardon and
mine are both your own."

" Just God knows the sincerity of mv
heart," returned Ivor ; at the same time
pressing to his lips the hand of Roderio-,
he called his followers, who thronged
around his couch.

" You behold your King," cried he ;
presenting the son of Ulla to them. M Swear

188

to acknowledge him for your liege Lord >
Swear to see htm seated upon the throne of
liis ancestors upon the throne of Britain,
which I have so long usurped ; and which
I now renounce for the rightful heir.
"Followers of my fortunes, I release you
from your oath of allegiance to me, which
must be transferred to Roderig Mohvynog.
He is the son of Edwal Iwirch ap Cad-
wallade'r, and your lawful King."

<e We swear," cried the hunters, un-
sheathing their swords. " Long live Ro-
derig Molwynog, the King of Britain/'

Cadvan, transported with joy, flew into
the arms of the young Prince; and, w Long-
live King Roderig," the hills and dale?
reverberated.

" I am satisfied," faintly articulated
Ivor; (t I have now made my peace with
Heaven I feel that the Omnipotent i-;
merciful."

The news was soon spread over the
'kingdom, and Roderig was crowned amidst
the loudest testimonials of jov. TheSa>:-

139

ons trembled on his ascension to the
throne, for he lived in the hearts of his
people.

The sword was once more sheathed in
the scabbard, aud the dreadful spear was
changed for the shepherd's crook. Sol-
diers changed their warlike habits for a
rustic coat j and the wide-mouthed trum-
pet, for the oaten pipe. The flaming brand
expired, and the ear of corn flourished ;
for Roderig was of the mild, and pre-
ferred his people's happiness to extensive
dominion.

In the mean time, Ivor, who from the
time he resigned his imperial dignity, tasted
the bliss of a peaceful mind, retired to a
convent : where, by unceasing prayer, he
gained the heart of the Lord.

Happy, happy country ! Happy, in
boasting a Prince mild and virtuous, who
will heal the wounds that successive ty-
rants have inflicted on you, and restore
fertility to your blood-stained fieldi.

140

Sing, sing, ye bards, your brightest day
now shines ! It is the day of your glory !
It is the day of your triumph! and
the song of joy shall echo in the palace of
the Prince, and in the cottage of the pea-
sant. There is no heart in Britain but is
attuned to mirth ! There is no widow,
hut her tears shall be dried no orphan,
but shall find a father in her monarch.
Great are the virtues of Roderig. Sing,
sing, ye bards, in praise of Roderig, King
of Britain !

What airy form is that which sits

upon -yon rock ? White are her flowing
robes her locks are streaming in the wind
between her knees she holds the golden
harp ; and see how her fingers glide o'er
the trembling wires. See, her mild eyes
are fixed on heaven. What beauty in her
countenance dwells ! What grace in her
demeanour !

Traveller, it is the spirit of Ulla,

the silver-locked beauty of Brctagne.

141

What music is that which mingles

with the terrific noise of the Dyflas fall :
nothing can be more sweet more wild,
and plaintive ?

It is the Sighs of Ulla.

?**

london.PiLbfishai Febfudoz. ^yS<aietBrruC4]i-dUnmarU Strutjirm/tilfy

&fc JnfiM.

REMARKABLE INSCRIPTION,

Carved in rude characters upon a monu-
mental stone, a few years since disco-
vered buried in tlie ruins of Llanliedder
castle, in Radnorshire:

C&eire i$ turn oune 6otme,
anU &c W unfoersaile, aotme is
<onue, fcotoeticrre pou toorabippe
{jirnrne; anti 6c is a true foor*
afnpperre to&o auctet&e Rinniie in
t&e eie of t&e iLottme, to&o reign-
et&e toue tfie s&ie*

apology

It has been suggested to me, that an
apology was necessary for the following
tale, to those who might take umbrage in
the cause of religion, at some remarks
which will be made in the course of this
Legend.

It is as far from my wish, as from my
interest, to offend my subscribers, or to
enter into any religious controversy. This
I mean to avoid oy coinciding with the
poor Jew, who, being asked vauntingly
by a son of the Romish church, which
was the best of the three religions, the
Catholic, Jewish, or Mahomeddan ? an-
swered : There was a certain rich man,
possessed of much monies, who had se-
veral children, and being possessed of a
very valuable ring, which had been in the
family for many generations, he deter-
mined by will, to leave the bulk of his
property to him who by his virtues should
deserve the ring. Accordingly, he had
one son of the most unexampled virtue,
a youth universally beloved. This son
succeeded him, and possessed the ring,
who left it to his son, and to his son's son,

148

until in regular descent it came to a man
who had three sons, all equally good, all
equally beloved. Now, this father was at
a loss how to act by his children ; for, great
were the merits of all, and in justice, he
could not present the ring to any parti-
cular one. Thus he got a curious artificer
to make him two rings, so much like the
former one, that they could not be distin-
guished. This was done ; and the father,
upon his death-bed, called his sons sepa-
rately into his chamber, and gave each a
ring, which every son looked upon as the
real one, that had so long remained in the
family. Accordingly, they all claimed the.
right of inheritance : the rings were pro-
duced, but they were all so much alike,
no difference could be seen. However,
by mutual consent, the property was equally
divided, and each son enjoyed his pro-
portion with the ring, which he believed
to be the true one, and brought up his
children in the same belief.

C6e 3InfitieI.

This Lejend is related of the time when the lion-hearted
Richard engaged in the eminent crusade, and the war
of religion was countenanced by every European court.
Many Welsh barons aided the cause, and transported
their vassals to Palestine, for the establishment of the
Christian cross. Among the rest, Caradoc the Brave,
a powerful chieftain of Radnor, the Lord of Llan-
bedder castle, was not the least forward ; but his
beard was grey in the service of his country ; himself
was too old for the war, and the command of his vas-
sals devolved to his only son, Adelfred, whom he had
by a Saxon princess; a youth of noble virtues, uni-
versally esteemed by the troops for his valour and
accomplishments. Thus runs the Legend :

Slowly were the last rays of the
burning sun withdrawn from the trans-
parent lakes cool were the zephyrs that
played around the mountain's light and
salubrious were the airs, which the herds-
man inhaled, which made the waters ripple,

150

and which revived the drooping flower,
parched with the boisterous heat of the
parent of fecundity. Sweet were the
breathings of the shepherd's pipe to him
who had not pressed the turf of Albion
for seven long weary years. Sweet was
the jocund whistle of the labourer re-
turning to his home, who, with pikle
cross his shoulder, trilled the merry song;
and sweet the recollection of the day of
infancy to him, who, after an absence of
seven years, returned to press with transport
his parent soil.

It was evening, and upon the river Wye,
which, with bold grace, branches from the
mouth of the Severn, was seen a double
coracle, bearing a pilgrim, as he should
seem by his garb, from the holy land, at-
tended by one, whose golden complexion
declared him to be a worshipper of the
sun, or of the faith of Alia. Joy was
visible upon the pilgrim's cheek, mingled
with a kind of anxiety ; he threw back the
thin wave briskly with his paddles j the

151

coracle in haste skimmed o'er the yielding
billow's brow, and fleet flew the objects on
either shore from their sight, as with the
rapid tide the slender vessel sailed. An-
choring in a small inland creek, the stran-
gers leaped upon the shore ; and the pil-
grim, falling prostrate upon the ground,
kissed the turf with transport.

" Forgive me, thou God of my coun-
try," cried the infidel, upon his knees,
with clasped hands, and bowing with wor-
ship to the sun, half hidden in the ocean,
<c thou Great Adorable; who livest in the
hearts of thy children, illumined by thy
mild influence, forgive thy votary. Thou,
who dost extend, in thy charity, thy muni-
ficence to the misguided worshippers of
another God, forgive thy servant, who has
sought their lands, but who owns in his
heart no other God but thee."

" Welcome, welcome, happy Albion!"
cried the other, ft thrice welcome, thou
dear place of my nativity ! With what
transport did I behold thy white cliffs in-

152

creasing in size as I approached thy
coasts, borne upon the circling wave.
And do I once more breathe thy healthful
air? Do I once more behold thy fertile
fields clothed in luxuriant plenty? And
shall I once more press to my arms a fa-
ther ? Oh, Ali Sheing," he added, turn-
ing to the infidel, " how do the incidents
of my youth recur to my imagination, on
returning to my native country ! After a
tedious absence of a long seven years, what
pleasures do my brain anticipate, in once
more mingling with the dear partners of
my heart, whose love for me is equal to
my own. But, come, come," he conti-
nued, with a voice expressive of much
impatience, w let us away ; for, high above
yon threatening mountain appears the tur-
rets of Llanbedder, in whose bosom dwells
every thing on earth I hold most dear; a
father, whose tears for me, during my cap-
tivity, hath been doubtless often shed : a
cousin, too, in bonds of love and friend-
ship never to expire : and still one other

153

object, Ali, for whom alone I live, a fe-
male of the most bewitching excellence,
with heart most firmly in the cause of vir-
tue; and, oh! that heart is mine \"

Ali smiled.

Hugged and uneven was the path which
they pursued 5 and fast the sun sought his
oozy bed in the bosom of the distant
ocean. The first thin gauze of twilight
was thrown across the earth, which swal-
lowed each object that had so late been
decked with the glory of the resplendent
monarch of the eastern sky. The rose
drew together its blushing head ; and the
violet waved lightly to and fro, wafted by
the timid breeze. The pilgrim often
Stopped to gaze upon some well-known
object, delighted with thoughts that
crowded upon his brain ; and frequently
pointing to what reminded him of former
days, would recount to his companion ad-
ventures and anecdotes that had filled his
youth.

At length, they approached a tall stately

154

elm, whose spreading branches extended
across the narrow valley they had entered,
situate between two hills ; around the
trunk of the tree, beneath its shady fo-
liage, a small bench was reared; at its foot,
a thin transparent rivulet ran purling along,
through a clean bed, that wound round the
mountain's base.

The pilgrim, ravished with pleasing re-
collection, threw himself upon the beach,
and clasping his hands together, sighed in
ecstacy. Ali, endeavouring to awake him
from his transports, affectionately bade
him ariwe, and continue his route.

" Oh, Ali !" returned the youth, iC most
dear to nr 1 is this spot ; it reminds me of
those days when I so often exchanged vows
of eternal love with the peerless Helen,
Here, at eve, would we sit, and here im-
print upon each other's burning lip, the
glowing kiss. It was here I swore to
Helena, I was her's, and her's alone. And
here was it, while I lay reclined upon her
spotless bosom, that she sighed, ' Oh,

155

Adelfred, I am your'sj I live but for you.'
God of Heaven ! was not Helena like to
those superior beings that surround thy
regal seat ? Did she not diffuse the rays of
prosperity that smiled on her, to those who
then groaned under a malignant fate?
Was it not here her charity was extended
towards a poor peasant, who was like to
become a victim of disease of want
who, but for her, would have angered un-
pardonably his Creator ? Was it not her
charitable hand that rescued him from de-
spair ? Oh, yes; she preserved a father,
and a helpless family, from a lingering
death, who, in the fulness of their hearts,
manifested a gratitude that time never
could obliterate. Old Ruth wold *

fi Who calls on Ruthwold," cried a
voice from behind the elm, <( on the un-
happy Ruthwold ?"

The pilgrim started up in surprise, and,
looking round, beheld an aged man, ex-
tended upon the earth. Grey were his
venerable locks, and thiirly were they scat-

156

tered upon his wrinkled brow ; he lifted
up his head the white tear oozed at his
eyes, and pale was his furrowed cheek.

" Who art thou, venerable mourner?"
cried the pilgrim; (s Speak, I conjure you !
Why is that eye filled with the scalding
tear ? Pause awhile thy grief, and speak
to me."

The sufferer brushed with his hand
aside the trembling drop, and, with a voice
of mingled doubt and surprise, exclaimed :
" Merciful God ! it cannot be. Yet, sure
no, no, my eyes deceive me Lord Adel-
fred !"

The pilgrim drew nearer.

" Ruthwold !" he involuntarily uttered,
and flew into his embrace.

The heart of Ali Sheing melted into a
flood of tears tears of pleasure : he beheld
the transports of their meeting with delight
participating in their emotions.

After a few moments consigned to con-
gratulations, questions multiplying upon
the tongue of Adelfred, he eagerly in-

157

quired after the maid he so much adored,
when, turning round, he beheld a rough-
hewn stone, raised above the sod, bearing
the inscription, " A tribute of gratitude
to the memory of Helena."

Adelfred gazed upon it with delirious
eye. " Merciful God !" he exclaimed ;
and uttering a faint scream, sunk breath-
less upon the turf.

The old man was distracted : he put his
hand upon his heart to see if it beat, and
perceiving some signs of life, entreated the
assistance of Ali Sheing, to bear the faint-
ing Adelfred to his cottage, which stood
at the extremity of the valley, upon the
borders of a stream. The unhappy youth
was borne, in a state of insensibility, to the
habitation of Ruthwold, and every means
used to restore him to life. He soon re-
vived : and the venerable cottager, when
his guest was able to hear what had tran-
spired at the castle of Llanbedder, in his
absence, related to him the unhappy
change which time had made.

158

Caradoc the Brave, as he was called,
was in his time a powerful chieftain, the
Lord of Llanbedder castle, the friend and
favourite of his prince j he wived with a
Saxon princess of extraordinary beauty,
who died in giving birth to her first and
only child, who surviving, was christened
Adelfred. For a long time was the wretch-
ed father inconsolable for the loss of his
beloved Ethela, until time, which dissi-
pates grief, and the infantine prattle of his
darling son, who now began to lisp, re-
moved theweight of anguish from his heart.
At this time, too, his country was engaged
in a fresh war, after a short slumber of
two years, and the assistance of Caradoc
was required by the reigning prince, to
expel the turbulent enemy, who were
marching with rapid strides to the center
of his kingdom. The gallant chieftain
collected together his vassals, and proceeded
at their head, in conjunction with other
patriotic lords, to the expulsion of the foe.
Many battles were fought many victories

obtained and Saxon blood clogged the
soil of Wales. At length, the day arrived
that was to, either see crushed the aspiring
foe, or the native liberty of Cambria ex-
pire. The morning sun smiled upon the
plain devoted to the sanguinary contest j
and both armies, with floating banners,
came marching to the field. Caradoc, in
a bold and energetic speech, urged his
men to act like lions in the broil.

w Be not daunted," he cried, a by the
glittering of their shields ; remember, you
fight for your native country, your native
liberty they for extended glory. What
are our motives, but to defend our rights ?
What theirs, but to subjugate and op-
press? They fight for rapine we for
our homes, our native land, and liberty.
My brave companions, do not shrmk from
the sanguinary sword of the foe, but boldly
front it 3 and those whose fate it is to fall,
let their example inspire the survivors with
the rage and fury of lions, to destroy j

l6o

but, when mercy is demanded, be merci-
ful, for the Lord God is so."

The voice of Caradoc called slumbering
valour to the bosoms of the daunted ; and
now the loud-mouthed trumpet proclaimed
to arms the steady-rolling drum filled the
echoes^ and soon the martial clash of
swords battering shields was heard. ,The
Britons pressed hard upon the foe : Cara-
doc was seen in the throat of war ; blood
crowned his sabre's point and the groans
of the dying issued at his feet.

Leofred, a valiant Saxon leader, per-
formed prodigies with his single sword;
the Britons were forced to give back where-
ever he appeared; and him the furious
Caradoc was in search of. He cut his
way through a defile of soldiery, and
snatching a banner from the grasp of a
young ensign, defied the haughty chief;
who now, disengaging himself from ano-
ther part of the field, came, bursting with
anger and revenge, to the defiance of Ca-

101

radoc. The Saxon banner was to be the
victor's prize ; and the strife commenced.
The well-tempered steel of Leofred crushed
the helm of Caradoc, and mingled blood
and sweat trickled from the seams of the
armour of either : now they roll, entwined
in each other's grasp, upon the ground
and now, disengaged, they are up again
and steel clashes against steel each sword
emits angry sparks of fire ; but Leofred
was weak, and his enemy taking this ad-
vantage, thrust his well-aimed sabre in
the breast of the reeling chief, who drop-
ped his weapon, and fell exhausted and
j bleeding beneath the arm of his adversary :
the last breath issued from his lips a
frown of disappointed vengeance distorted
his agonized brow, while he rendered up
his soul, that flew in a groan from his
gaping bosom.

The Saxons were now put to the routj

no longer able to maintain the field, they

fled, in wild disorder, with precipitancy,

and great loss : many a valiant heart lay

162

bleeding upon the field of slaughter many
a noble soul fled its clayey mansion : the
shafts of death were hurled at random,
without respect to age or dignity.

The noble Caradoc was severely wound-
ed : faint with loss of blood, he rested
upon his sword, and a deadly paleness sat
upon his cheek. An arrow, shot from the
bow of the flying enemy, pierced his
manly breast ; the cruel weapon, with for-
titude, he plucked aside, and endeavoured
to stop the effusion of blood that followed,
by applying a bandage to the wound ; but
still he became more faint: his feeble
limbs refused to bear him to the Saxon
camp, that was now occupied by his brave
countrymen ; and, no longer able to sus-
tain him, he sunk upon a pale, mangled
corse, that had long since parted with its
soul, while a deadly drowsiness over-
powered his eyes. The fogs of evening
now began gradually to descend upon the
earth, and enlivening dews occupied the
bosom of the plant, where late the warm

163

rays of the fecundating sun had rested ; the
combatants were all retired from the field
the loud-mouthed trumpet, sounding
the glad tidings of victory, had ceased
and each retired army were counting o'er
its loss, when, disturbing the stillness that
surrounded, the screams of an infant child
were heard by Caradoc, who arouzed by
the cries of distress, and animated with a
new life, by the humanity which warmed
every vein in his bosom, he arose upon
his weak limbs, and flew to relieve the
suffering object, exposed to a miserable,
relentless death. He soon reached the
spot from whence the shrieks proceeded,
and discovered an infant crying with ter-
ror, clasped in the arms of its deceased
mother. Caradoc was petrified at the
sight. A dead soldier lay extended upon
the plain ; dry were all his veins the pul-
sation of his heart was long since gone :
upon hjs bosom rested a woman, his wife,
as it should seem, who, wild with grief,
had shared his fate, regardless of her duty

104

to her tender offspring, whose cries were
heart-piercing, and whose little hands
were stained with its parents' blood.

Caradoc, unmanned by the sight, and
yet invigorated with the hope of giving re-
lief, eagerly seized the defenceless object,
and flew with it in his arms, in hopes of
gaining the camp, but each step he be-
came more faint : still he pressed forward,
till at length, with a groan, he relinquished
the path, and, unable to proceed, awaited
with resignation the interposition of Hea-
ven in his favour. A short interim had
elapsed, during which the child's cries con-
tinued, when footsteps were heard at some
distance, and a number of torches were seen
flaring in the hands of a small group.
Caradoc, now summoning all his voice,
hallooed loudly for assistance. The halloo
was instantly returned Caradoc joyfully
repeated the cry and the footsteps were
heard approaching nearer. Their voices
were now distinguished : again Caradoc
repeated the cry and instantly the men
surrounded him.

165

The Cambrian chiefs, sat in council,
on missing the brave Lord of Llanbedder
instantly dispatched scouts over the field
to bring news of him ; these were a party
whom Caradoc hailed, and he was imme-
diately borne to the tent of the assembled
chieftains. The surgeons declared his
wounds not dangerous that he was only
faint for loss of blood. Healing ointments
were instantly applied, and he was con-
veyed to a couch, where sleep refreshed
him, and recruited strength to his enfee-
bled body. Equal care was taken of the
helpless infant, committed to the protec-
tion of a humane villager, the mother of
a newly-born babe. Each day brought
with it strength to Caradoc; and, in a short
time, he was thoroughly recovered.

The Saxons, disgraced by this recent
defeat, and feeling the severity of their
loss in the. death of their leader, the in-
trepid Leofred ; evacuated Wales, and left
it to enjoy a temporary peace. The Bri-
tish chieftains now retired with their vas-

166

sals to their castles again, to indulge in
hospitality, and add a lustre to their names,
by extending their munificence, undimi-
nished, to their dependents, and the de-
fenceless. Never was pilgrim known to
depart dissatisfied from the castle of Llan-
bedder nor ever did tongue reproach the
bounteous Caradoc ; his return from the
war, was hailed with unfeigned transports,
and the praises due to him were lavished
with truth and freedom. The good Lord
sheltered in the castle the orphan whom
he had rescued from a pitiless fate that
awaited it, and brought it up as his own ;
the child was christened Helena, and, soon,
as she could speak, equally profited with
the young Adelfred, by the paternal in-
struction of the virtuous chieftain. The
children grew beneath his eye, lovely and
amiable they regarded each other as bro-
ther and sister, and both called Caradoc
father.: their minds were formed by the
most virtuous of men; and, with the shoots
of reason, ever)- virtue dawned \ the im-

167

pression was made upon their hearts it
was the love of doing good, which carries
with itself so grateful a pleasure, that the
mind never ceases its labour, to crown the
heart with bliss.

Adelfred was now ten years old, and
Helena just entered her ninth, when a
brother of the amiable chieftain dying, be-
queathed to his care his only son, Owain,
a youth just then in his fifteenth year j he
had no estates to leave him, being de-
prived of them in the Saxon wars, but re-
commended him to the protection of the
virtuous Caradoc, who received him at
Llanbedder, and treated him as his own
son. Owain was several years their elder,
and the children looked upon him as their
superior in knowledge, and in every thing,
saving their father's love, which they both
felt they enjoyed in its fullest proportion.

One day, when their studies were over,
Adelfred tempted Helena to take a walk in
the garden of the castle, where they were
accustomed to spend a leisure hour or two,

108

in some childish amusements. The day
was rather sultry, and the venerable Ca-
radoc had sought a shady recess there,
where, free from observation, he might
enjoy a tranquil moment in reflection, and
out of the heat of the sun. He had not
lain long in an obscure corner of the gar-
den, when the following conversation
caught his ear. He listened with atten-
tion, that he might catch the sounds more
perfect. It began with Adelfred.

11 Look, sister Helena," he cried, <( this
violet will look most beautiful in the nose-
gay ; and the smell is so sweet, you will
be charmed with it."

" Is it for me, Adelfred ?" asked the
little maid.

<c Most assuredly," returned he; t: to
place in your bosom."

" But will they not very soon fade?"

te Not if you breathe upon them, pretty
Helena; your breath will revive them, when
they droop."

u But is it not a pity, brother," rejoined

160

she, u to rob ourselves of the pleasure of
beholding those flowers daily, for the gra-
tification of possessing them?"

" Then I have offended you," added
Adelfred mournfully, dropping the nose-
gay from his hand, and running towards
her.

At this moment, Owain approached
them ; he was thoughtful and gloomy. In
short, he disliked the love which Adelfred
and Helena felt for each other. He
viewed them as objects thwarting the am-
bitious hope he entertained of being one
day the undisputed Lord of Llanbedder,
and a deadly hatred of them rankled in his
bosom, which he dared not avow.

" No, indeed, indeed, brother, I am
not offended," replied Helena, not noticing
the approach of Owain, " but rather
pleased with you." Adelfred kissed her;
and Owain broke in upon their discourse.

" You are mistaken, Helena," he cried,
with a malicious smile, seating himself
beside her. " My cousin Adelfred is not

170

your brother ; you are not the daughter of
Caradoc, but an orphan protected by his
bounty. No one knows who or what you
are."

fi I have been told as much," rejoined
she, her eyes half filled with tears ; " but
he has taught me to call him father, and
Adelfred brother, and my own heart
prompts me to it."

" Then he has taught you presumption;
and it is requisite the seed should expire,
ere it bear you beyond yourself. You arc
the orphan of a common soldier, who
died in the field of battle."

" But that soldier was a man," cried
Adelfred, his eyes sparkling with fire ;
" for my father has often told me, that
virtue makes the man, and not rank or
quality."

" He died fighting, but honour was
never attached to his name ; he was one
of those who, dying, is not missed, or
ever heard of more," added Owain, with a
sarcastic grin.

t( He died for his king and country,"
returned Adelfred, nettled ; " he died in
honour the death of a brave man is ever
to be lamented and he is a despicable
wretch, who will not shed a tear for the
brave warrior who fell in the discharge of
his duty."

" Cousin, you espouse the cause of the
orphan too warmly. Recollect "

Helena burst into tears.

" Sir," cried Caradoc, much angered,
and bursting from his concealment, " the
cause of the distressed orphan cannot be
espoused with too much warmth. Hu-
manity should teach us to feel for their
sufferings, and not to aggravate them.
Recollect yourself, Sir ; what are you, but
a dependant on my bounty ? You have
forced me to remind you, that you are
equally a dependant ; and, for the future,
take care I do not withdraw my counte-
nance from you."

Owain fell upon his knees ; and Helena,
drying her eyes, flew to obtain for him a

172

pardon j that was long ere pronounced.
The good old chieftain pressed the angelic
maid to his bosom, and added, " In fu-
ture, take example by this peerless girl, so
very far above you. Model your heart
from her's, and then will you be as dear
to me." Owain promised, and the offence
was forgotten.

Envy, and the bitterest hatred, from this
moment, occupied his breast. Ambition
began her spreading circle in his bosom,
that now only brooded mischief, subtlety,
and cunning. He concealed, with a good
face, his views and sentiments from the
chieftain; and by fallacious smiles, regained
the favour of his unsuspecting friends.

Adelfred now attained his eighteenth
year, and a mutual passion glowed in the
bosom of him and Helena. With trans-
port Caradoc witnessed their love, and
firmly resolved upon their union.

At this time, Richard Cceur de Lion
ascended the throne of England, and in-
vited the Welsh barons to join with him

173

in the crusade. The vassals of Llanbedder^
fired with a religious enthusiasm, eagerly
embraced the cause, and their proferred
services were accepted by the gallant Ri-
chard. Years had turned to grey the locks
of Caradoc ; feeble were his limbs : the
sword he once had wielded with gigantic
strength, was now too heavy for his grasp,
and he was compelled to decline the com-
mand of his brave clan. Adelfred was
elected their chief, and the young hero
prepared for the expedition to Palestine,
under the command of the English king.
The day was appointed for their de-
parture, which arriving, brought with it
the tears and groans of the wretched
mother, and the despairing wife. The
morning dawned, and the brave troops
were assembled in the valley ; their banners
floated in the galej and the rising sun
shone resplendent upon their polished
helms. Mingled in the ranks were women
and children, taking their last farewell.
Here the lover gave a token to his mis-

174

tress there the half-distracted wife and
mother presented her infant to its father's
embrace.

Adelfred, armed cap-a-pee, now ap-
proached them from the castle : Caradoc,
with eyes streaming with tears, grasped his
right hand ; and Helena, little less dis-
tracted, pressed with her snowy fingers his
left. Owain followed, apparently much
affected, with his handkerchief to his eyes.
Tfje clan hailed their leader with a loud
huzza, on his arrival, and the hills re-
echoed with their testimonies of joy.

At length, the signal was given for de-
parture : Adelfred bade adieu to Owain ;
and Caradoc, calling down Heaven's bles-
sings upon his son, pressed him to hi 3
heart, and flew away from the interesting
scene, lest his affection should get the
better of his manhood.

But now, the last sad duty was to be per-
formed : Helena still rested upon his bo-
som. " Oh, Adelfred," she cried, in de-
spair, " my foreboding heart informs me
that we part for ever."

175

" Be calm, my gentle Helena," he re-
turned. " Let not such idle fancies make
our parting bitter : repose your confidence
in the wisdom of the Lord, whose mer-
ciful arm is stretched out to save the
meanest of his creatures, if worthy. Come,
come, compose your troubled thoughts. "

The troops, who marched immediately
on the signal given, now turned the brow
of the hill, and were almost instantly out
of sight. Helena seeing this, screamed in
all the wildness of delirium. Adelfred,
agonized, pressed her to his distracted bo*
som, and knowing not what he did, whis-
pered an adieu in her ear.

t{ Stay," she cried; and throwing a
scarf around his neck, <c Remember He-
lena," she added ; and sunk back in the
arms of Owain.

Adclfred now, equally affected, mounted
his steed, and flew away; the maid, with
a groan quivering on her lips, followed
him with her eyes. At length, he reached
the hill that was about to withhold him

from her sight he stays his steed -she
sees him wave his hand she waves her's
in return he's lost to her eyes, and over-
come with the insupportable anguish of
her heart, she falls lifeless upon the plain.
Owain bore her back to the castle, and had
her conveyed to her apartment.

The venerable Ruthwold commenced his
narrative at this period, and related what
follows, to the attentive Adelfred, while his
hospitable dame replenished the pitcher
with cwrrw, and filled the horn upon the
oaken board.

u Alas ! my Lord, that day will never
be effaced from my memory, that saw you
depart from Llanbedder : all hearts grieved :
and the widow and the orphan's prayer
were for your safety. For several weeks,
the noble Caradoc would admit no stranger
to his presence, but he who brought tidings
of the brave Adelfred. Helena confined
herself to her apartment, to conceal those
tears she fain must shed, and the first six
months passed away in grief and mourn-

177

ing. The only news in that interim that
arrived was, that the armament had sailed
for Palestine, with floating banners, bear-
ing the insignia of the Christian cross ;
that they were joined in their route by the
French monarch, and the chief of the no-
bility of several nations, who brought
their followers to aid the cause.

" The enterprize now seemed certain of
being crowned with the most brilliant suc-
cess ; the troops were animated with the
most lively hopes, and despised every danger
that presented itself in a country, whose
climate differed so materially from that
which they inhaled at their birth ; teeming
with fevers and illnesses so fatal to Euro-
peans.

" This grateful news was welcomely re-
ceived by the Lord Caradoc, which alle-
viated his fears, and gave some comfort to
the bosom of Helena. Owain daily in-
gratiated himself in the favour of them
both. He endeavoured to console them
for the loss, which he declared he himself
o

178

sustained, and twelve months passed with-
out any thing material happening at the
castle. But the good Baron's health was
seen to decline daily.

" My good dame once having some bu-
siness at Llanbedder, called, and, to her
great surprise, found all noise and con-
fusion. Alarmed, she made several inqui-
ries, and from one of the servants' learned
that Owain had declared a partiality for
Helena, to the Baron, who spurned the
offer with indignity; alledging, to the know-
ledge of Owain, the maid was betrothed to
his son. The villain did not end here, but,
with threats and entreaties,urged Helena her-
self, who treated them with the like disdain.

<( Owain bit his nether lip in anger;
and darting from the room, in half whis-
per exclaimed, ( This pride, I doubt, will
soon be humbled.'

" Helena, alarmed, flew to the Baron,
to whom she unfolded the dark insinuation
that had been thrown out by the subtle vil-
kin,who>at this moment, entered the apart-

ment, holding in his hand a paper much
rumpled : his eyes were brim full of
tears his agitation excessive. He threw
himself upon a sopha, at the end of the
room his bosom heaved with repeated
sobs and the paper dropped from his
feeble grasp. The Baron was half dis-
tracted ; he dared not question, but many
fears occupied his bosom ; and, snatching
up the letter from the ground, he read its
contents. Sadly his countenance changed
as he perused it ; then, turning his tearful
eyes to the pale cheek of Helena, he cried,
* Alas ! my fears are too true. My son,
my Adelfred, is slain !'

" Like an arrow, the dreadful tidings
pierced her brain : she burst not into tears,
but wildly exclaimed, ' The will of God
be done !'

" Owain, at these words, affecting com-
posure, arose from the couch. ' He died
the death of a hero,' he cried. ' He died
fighting for the establishment of the chris-
tian cross, and eternal shall be his memory/

180

' He died the death of a hero,' repeated
Helena, crossing her hands upon her
bosom, and sinking upon the floor.

" My son, my son is dead !' added Ca-
radoc, in despair ; and fainted away in the
arms of his attendants.

(( The death of our dear young Lord
was afflicting news : there was not a dry
eye, at Llanbedder, for many months not
a heart but dissolved in tears. Sorrow,
like a cankering worm, preyed upon the
roseate cheek, and every bosom yielded to
her powerful sway.

t( Caradoc was borne to his couch, from
which he never more arose. The news of
his son's death struck deep to his heart,
and long did his soul struggle in its sepa-
ration from the body, which, at length,
tamely yielded its last breath, and instantly
became inanimate."

Ruthwold paused, to wipe the tear from
his cheek Adelfred was almost lifeless
but the old man regaining composure, re-
sumed :

181

m My Lord, I shall not hold you long ;
what I have to add, though pregnant with
mystery, will occupy but a little portion of
your time. After the death of the noble
chieftain, your father, Owain, as next of
kin, succeeded to his wealth and honours :
the vassals of Llanbedder swore to main-
tain his lawful rights with their lives, and
be subservient on every occasion.

" The time of mourning for the late
Lord being expired, the castle gates were
thrown open, to admit the welcome stran-
ger : festivity began her reign ; and amidst
the loud tumult of joy, which each day
witnessed, Helena alone was sad. Owain,
haughty, proud, and severe, soon gained
the dislike of his people, whom he now
began to tyrannize over without fear.
Groans and murmurs were whispered be-
neath his castle walls ; factions upon fac-
tions opposed his power; and rebellion,
with blood-stained front, stared him in the
face. And now, the news was circulated
abroad, that he was about to lead the

182

beauteous Helena to the bridal altar. The
report was founded upon truth; the day
was appointed for the consummation of
their nuptials, and the bride and bride-
groom appeared before the holy father, that
the ceremony might be ratified. There
was no animation in the countenance of
the devoted maid no lustre beamed from
her once sparkling eye and when she
stood before the priest, her tottering limbs
could scarce support her. The rites were
now more than half performed the nup-
tial kiss about to be exchanged, when she
burst from the embrace of Owain, and ex-
claimed, < Monster, take my life ; I never
will repose in a murderer's arms !'
Adelfred groaned.

Ruthwold continued : "This unexpected
reply threw all into confusion. Owain,
boiling with rage, retired; and the rites
were unperformed. The next day, it was
reported that Helena lay dangerously ill ;
no one was permitted to go nigh her, ex-
cepting the physicians who were employed

183

byOwain. My good dame went to the
castle, but was roughly denied admit-
tance ; and the day following, her death
was published j and the black flag was
hoisted on the tower.

u This was so sudden, so abrupt, that
all wondered, and few credited the report;
but her burial succeeded, to affirm the
truth of what was circulated; and, with a
breaking heart, I went to see her cold re-
mains deposited in the chapel of Llan-
bedder. Her coffin was bathed with the
tears of those supported by her bounty.
I owed to her my life my every thing ;
it was her charitable hand that raised me
from despair and ruin. Oh, God! what
a load of anguish was upon my heart, and
still, it cracked not, standing the severest
trial of affliction. From this time, Owain
became gloomy and morose : no longer
was the pilgrim entertained at his gate
no longer was the guest received with wel-
come at Llanbedder sad, sad was the
change! fled was sportive pleasure the

184

song the moments of "mirth, which the
pained heart could no longer enjoy ralas !
Llanbedder never before knew of such a
change as a few days had made in her once
hospitable walls.

" Time now glided heavily along : Owain
received no company visions troubled his
soul, and for ever wounded his peace of
mind. Some said that Helena still lived
others said he had poisoned the Baron,
whose spectre haunted him. But to these
tales I gave no credit, though it struck me
all was not right.'*

Adelfred was all impatience. " I pray
you, proceed, good Ruth wold," he cried,
tortured by suspense. " What have you
heard with regard to myself?"

" That the report of your death was
false," exclaimed the old man, his eyes
sparkling with pleasure. " I heard that
you still lived that you had been taken
a prisoner in a battle with the infidels
that you had made your escape, after six
years captivity, and were on the seas, bound

185

for your native country. Oh! this wa
welcome news to my aged heart. But I
sadly feared the truth, until my eyes con-
vinced me how much I was mistaken in
putting no confidence in what I heard."

Adelfred's arms were extended to receive
the honest Ruthwold, who rushed into his
embrace, " To-morrow," cried the young
warrior, " I will claim my paternal inhe-
ritance ; and "

" Not so hasty, my good Lord," inter-
rupted the cotter. " Claim not your in-
heritance, until your vassals own you for
their true Lord; and, ready to support vour
cause, arm in your defence; for Owain
will, doubtless, dispute your person, and
seize upon you as an impostor. Be warv,
and baffle the machinations of your de-
signing cousin; he has laid down a plan,
sure to succeed, unless equalled by you in
cunning: for, hearing that you lived, and
fearing the truth, he has bribed, by his
arts, two villains lately returned from Pa-
lestine, to swear, they themselves saw you

186

fall in the action, and did the honours of
your funeral."

" Perfidious monster !" exclaimed Adel-
fred, rising from the couch. " But you
shall soon feel my vengeance."

The supper was now spread upon the
board the pitcher of cwrrw was proffered
unsparingly to the guests, whose platters
were heaped by the overjoyed hostess, with
a cold kid pie, and homely brown bread.

Adelfred, at an early hour, with lace-
rated heart, retired to a couch ; and Ali
Sheing was, by the fearful provider of
the feast, conducted to the chamber ad-
joining the room where Adelfred slept.
w Oh, holy prophet Alia," cried the in-
fidel, sinking upon the pallet, " I com-
mend me to thy mercy." Sleep closed
his eyes ; but restless was the couch of the
rightful Lord of Llanbcdder. Vainly he
courted the soporific god to his weary-
eyelids ; but troubled thoughts, that, after
each other, rapidly occupied his brain, chid
it thence, on its approach j and in the;

187

morning he arose, flagged and unrefreshed,
Ruthwqld met him, N as he descended from
hi humble apartment, and embraced him,

Adelfred now determined to go in dis-
guise to Llanbedder, attended by the in-
fidel, as a pilgrim? from the holy land,
who could give some information respect-
ing the fate of the unhappy son of Cara-
doc ; by this means, he would learn the
disposition of his cousin, and know how
to proceed in procuring his estates.

Ruth wold readily assented to the scheme,
which was immediately put in execution.
A silvery-haired beard was fastened to the
chin of Adelfred his grey vest was torn,
and girded round his waist and in his
hands he held the tuneful harp a broken
sword was suspended at his side a bat-
tered helmet, bearing no crest, was fixed
upon his head and in his right harid he
held a headless spear, which served him
for a staff. Thus accoutred, accompanied
by AH Sheing, after taking leave of the
honest cottager and his wife, he proceeded

188

to Llanbeddcr. High upon a mount stood
the noble building, whose dark towers had
withstood the ravages of time the cling-
ing ivy crept around its casements, where
the web-winged bat built her clayey nest,
and dug her talons in the crumbling walls
the screech-owl brooded on the tower's
summit, in a cavity where a stone had
dropped, forced from its seat by the rum-
bling storm, that had often shaken the
stately edifice to its foundation rust had
eat away the polish of the iron gates of the
castle, that creeked upon their hinges to
admit the stranger, who seldom knocked
at the portal since the days of Caradoc the
Brave the scene around was wild, and,
here and there, was seen scattered a hamlet,
whose rustic owners were too infirm to
move to the spot where the more youthful
had retired, or were the creatures of Owain;
for no one, who could avoid it, would draw
a breath beneath the towers of their chief,
who ruled them with a rod of iron.
Adelfred, with a sigh, passed on j and ap^

189

proaching the heavy northern gate, struck
a few trembling wild notes upon the harp,
which he accompanied with his voice.
After some time, Owain appeared at a
easement above, and the eyes of the cou-
sins involuntarily met each other. Alas !
how changed was the countenance of the
reigning Lord of Llanbedder, to what it
was in the recollection of the rightful heir !
Sallow was his sunken cheek, that once
had boasted the fresh colour of the rose
his dark eye was overhung by a thick,
scowling brow and the whole of his per-
son was emaciated. Adelfred gazed upon
him in surprise and pity, until the other,
conscious that on him the pilgrim's search-
ing eye was fixed, with a frown, drew to-
gether the casement, and disappeared.

The youth, venerable in appearance,
again struck upon the harp, and sung of
battles fought, and of victories over the
infidels obtained. He had not resumed
long, when a servant of the castle un-
barred the gate, and beckoned him to ap-

190

proach. Adelfred slung the harp upon
his shoulder, and obeyed ; Ali Sheing fol-
lowed. The servant conducted him through
a long marble hall, to a stone apartment,
where the various domestics were assem-
bled over a large fire. The guests were
invited to a seat upon a long oaken bench,
on which the servants crowded, and bread
and cheese and cwrrw, was to reward them
for an air or two upon the harp. All
wondered at the dark complexion of Ali,
who attracted the eyes of the whole group.
Adelfred played, and often varied the
strain, which sometimes enlivened, and
as often depressed, their spirits, by the
feeling with which the solemn air was exe-
cuted. At length, he ceased; and the song
gave way to entertaining chat.

" I have fought by the side of the gal-
lant Richard," cried Adelfred, introducing
the subject : u full many a time have seen
Ihe plains, near Lebanon, stained with
the gore of infidels have seen the Moorish
crescent fall, and the Christian cross

191

proudly waving o'er the blood-stained
ground."

" Heard you," asked a domestic, " in
the wars, of Adelfred of Llanbedder ?"

l( I fought under him," returned he.

" You, doubtless, can inform us of the
certainty of his death," added Iserlt, the
favourite attendant of Owain the agent
of his villanies and whose dark lowering
brow betrayed the depravity of his heart.

" I was by his side, when he fell," an-
swered Adelfred, emphatically.

" Indeed !" was returned for answer j
and Iserlt rose from his seat.

Adelfred, without seeming to observe
this action, continued :

" Fatal was that day to many avaliantBri-
fon : much noble blood was spilt upon the
plains of Salem, where the Christians gave
way to the powerful advances of the Moor-
ish crescent; there it wai that Adelfred
fell, in the struggle with a young banneret,
for a trophy he had just earned from an
expiring soldier : dreadful was the conflict,

1Q2

which would have decided in favour of the
son ofCaradoc, but that an arrow, fiercely
whizzing from a Pahnim's bow, pierced
his stout breast, even in the moment when
his conquering arm had purchased him the
victory."

Iserlt, overjoyed, flew to unfold the piU
grim's tidings to the ear of Owain.

ii He is an impostor," cried the half-
convinced chief, hope and fear visible
upon his cheek.

" He is no impostor," returned Iserlt,
angered.

" Have 1 not letters, certifying that he
lives, and is now on his return to Britain ?"
said Owain.

" Most true ; and true it may be, that
he lives ; but, if you wish to disprove the
tale, a noble opportunity offers itself to
check the belief that runs among your
vassals, of his existence; and, declaring
him, who will offer himself as the son of
Caradoc, to be a subtle villain, who, by
imposture, would deprive you of your law-

193

ful inheritance, and usurp authority over
the vassals of Llanbedder."

ft Iserlt, do I understand you aright?"
eagerly enquired he.

" Call up this grey-bearded bard," re-
turned the other, " and summon your do-
mestics ; then, in their presence, let him
affirm the death of Adelfred be you af-
fected when he narrates the talc and,
with well-feigned tears, deplore the loss of
a cousin, whom, beyond your existence,
you must avow you prized."

Owain eagerly embraced the design, and
ths strangers were ushered to his presence:
throngs of domestics, by the order of
Owain, filled the apartment, and several
questions were put to the pretended pil-
grim, who answered them with boldness.
Owain was apparently much affected.

" On the plains of Salem," cried the
pilgrim, " both armies met ; the Chris-,
tian, composed of the flower of many
countries, but in number far inferior to
their adversaries. The signal was given.

1Q-1

and the bloody strife commenced. King
Richard, with a chosen band, flew to the
Soldan's camp, who was surrounded by
the wise men and officers of his court.
The rage of the lion was depicted in his
countenance like a madman, he fought
in the throat of war shields and lances,
with his single arm, he battered down
and the force of overwhelming thousands
could alone driye him back. And now the
clamour of war arose from different parts
of the field."

"But what of Adelfred?"

" Oh, in the thickest of the fight he
stood, with stout arm, throwing aside the
arrows aimed at his bosom : many infi-
dels gasped at his feet ; but King Richard
gave back his intrepid soldiers fell breath-
less by his side ; and still the monarch
fought, enacting wonders with his single
arm, cutting his path through the enemy,
until he was severed from his troops, and
surrounded by a heathen multitude, with
each a sabre levelled at his breast. At "

195

" Well; and Adclfred!" hastily inter-
rupted Owain.

<r Saw the danger of his monarch, while
engaged in another part of the field like
lightning, followed by a bold troop, he flew
to his rescue, and saved the life of En-
land's King, the renowned Richard."

" Heroic cousin ! This deed shall im-
mortalize thee. I will raise a monument
to thy fame ; and this act shall be recorded
of tliee in every future age."

" The King had but time to thank his
deliverer, whom he pressed to his bosom,
and flew to another part of the field, where
the bloody crescent was seen waving, above
the cross."

" But what of Adelfred ? Say, of Adcl-
fred? What of my gallant cousin?"

" Oh, he was still where most of the
battle raged. Two wounds he had already
received upon his breast ; but he felt no
wound, saving that given by the discom-
fiture of the side he fought for. I saw his
helmet clove in twain the sword dropped

IQ6

from his grasp and, stunned with the

blow, he fell "

<e O h !" exclaimed Owain, clasp-
ing his. hands together, in well feigned
agony.

" But up again he arose, swift as

an arrow,, and renewed the fight. In the

mean time, the King ''

" Tell me not of the King, but of Adel-
fred. You torture me, by keeping me in
this suspense. Say, how fought Adelfred ?
He is the only one who can claim an
interest in my breast the warlike Adel-
fred ! the partner of my youthful plea-
sures 1"

The pilgrim paused in astonishment.
u Why do you not proceed ?" cried
Owain. < f Oh ! tell me all ! But say
not that he died."

" The King, in the mean time, had
collected together his flying people, and
once more made a stand. A shower of
arrows from Christians bows, now in their
flight, obscured the sun ; and in their turn,

197

the Heathens gave ground. Adelfred saw
the advantage obtained, and inspiring with
his voice a brave troop to follow him, he
sought out the Soldan of Persia and his
retinue, whom the King had before at-
tacked. The conflict was now bloody,
warm, and obstinate; upon the life of the
Soldan depended the triumph of the day, and
many gallant arms defended him. But
the brave troop made good their way, and
Adelfred engaged with Persia's monarch,
sword to sword ; bloody and wounded as he
was, still, in defiance of death, he fought.
Showers of arrows whizzed, as they flew
over the heads of the two combatants."

" Well, and "

iC Aldelfrcd in twain severed the heart
of the proud Soldan of Persia; he fell,
without a groan, and died."

i( But, Adelfred," cried Owain, with a
voice expressive of much impatience and
hope, " he lived."

cf Alas ! deep were the wounds in his
bosom, from which his heart's blood flowed

108

copiously. He was feeble; the breath of
life fast wasted from his lips; and, as he
lay thus in the agony of death, a well
aimed arrow eased his labouring heart, and
robbed him of the few moments he might
have pined away in misery "

" God ! God !" exclaimed Owain, " this
is too much !" and fainted away upon a
couch.

The pilgrim flew towards him, and
pressed his hand upon his heart. It, did
not seem to beat his cheek was wan and
pale and the starting tear stood at the
corners of his closed eyes.

The pilgrim, with a sudden frenzy, ex-
claimed, " Oh ! Ruthwold, thou hast
deceived me !" and throwing off the torn
vest, and tearing from his chin the deceitful
beard, added, with a voice of triumph
and pleasure, " Owain, awake ! Thy
cousin lives! Behold, in me, Adelfred,
eager to press you to his heart !"

The domestics instantly recognized their
young Lord ; and loud shouts of joy rent

199

the apartment. Instantly an universal
clamour prevailed ; and, in a short time,
the news of the return of Adelfred was
spread over the whole domain. In
the confusion, the sudden surprise and
chagrin of Owain went unobserved ; he
was compelled to return cordially the em-
brace of his cousin ; he dared not deny
him, for he was universally acknowledged
in a short time, by the whole of the te-
nantry. Adelfred was invested with the
power his father had enjoyed the peasants
joyfully took the oath of vassallage, and
pnce more were the castle gates thrown
open, for the reception of the weary pil-
grim, or the passing stranger. AH Shcing
was regarded by all, as the friend and fa-
vourite of their chief. But, in the midst
of the gaiety of the castle, when all was
revelry and confusion, a melancholy would
ovcrshade his brow, and he would wander
by himself, disconsolate and forlorn. Mirth
had not the power to cheer him.

In the mean time, Owain, whose bosom

200

was the seat of tumultuous passions, where
hatred and the most determined malice
reigned, was planning schemes how to
destroy his cousin, without being thought
guilty of his death. To stab him pri-
vately to poison him to employ an armed
band to assassinate him these were ex-
pedients his troubled brain resorted to, and
as instantly abolished j knowing that, how-
ever cautiously executed, suspicion would
fall upon him.

Iserlt, his faithful adviser, studied deeply,
and suggested many plans; but the fol-
lowing operated most powerfully upon the
mind of Owain, and they thus determined :
that Owain should retire to a neighbouring
convent, avowing it his intention to dedi-
cate the remainder of his life to penitence
and prayer, while Iserlt should remain at
the castle, strongly recommended to Adel-
frcd, for the purpose of playing upon the
passions of the friendly Moor, and rouz-
ing him to revenge, having previously
learned, that he had been much injured by

201

the Lord of Llanbedder, during his cap-
tivity j thus making the virtuous, unsus-
pecting Ali, the footstool of their ambi-
tion. The next day, Owain, with much
seeming piety, made his intentions known
to Adelfred, who, in the most affectionate
manner, urged him to renounce them.

" Every thing which is mine, is equally
your's," he cried. " Remain with me,
and I will share with you every thing I
possess."

" Noble Adelfred," returned the de-
signing hypocrite, (f I am not formed for
the world j my heart is but little attuned
to mirth ; and loathsome to me are plea-
sures which I cannot enjoy. No; in a
convent's dreary walls, I shall find repose
solemnity is congenial with my soul the
gloomy cloister in concord with my brain.
Fare you well; and sometimes think on
Owain you will be ever in his prayers."

Adelfred was somewhat affected: but
Owain had resolved upon the prosecution
of his plan ; and, in a few days, he look

202

up his residence at a religious house, a few
miles from Llanbedder.

Adelfred had now no friend in whose
bosom he could confide his secret thoughts,
but Ali Sheing. He often heaved a sigh
to the memory of Helena, and a tear
would follow : " Oh, Helena," he ex-
claimed, ft I thought thee so closely wound
around my heart, that, in the separation, it
needs must break. But, no; this flinty
bosom sustains thy loss, permitting me to
think on thee to madness to dwell on thy
name ^to remember our former loves,
sanctioned by a father, whom we both
acknowledged."

Still was Ali Sheing devoured by me-
lancholy. Still would he wander discon-
solate, amid the castle's ruined courts.
No one heeded his sorrows ; but every
one, on account of his complexion, fled
from him. He was a fit object for Tserlt
to work upon ; as the most brooding mind
is the easiest to arouze to an act of vio-
lence. He felt himself deserted, and wa?

203

disgusted with all but Adelfred, whose
friendship for him was unbounded, and
who, every opportunity, sought his com-
pany, and poured the kindest consolation
in his ear. But Iserlt was now studious
of attracting his notice, and constantly
threw himself in his path ; but Ali was
little disposed for conversation, and a slight
inclination of the head was, for some time,
the only advance thai could be obtained.

Iserlt, ever on the watch for an oppor-
tunity, observed him, one day, enter a
small arbour, at the bottom of the castle
garden, but little frequented, shady and
retired. Thither he followed him; and
heard him distinctly utter the words, f< Oh,
Zulema I" Tears followed the exclama-
tion, accompanied by a sigh, proceeding
from the bottom of an agonized heart.
He threw himself upon a seat, and reclined
his head against the branch of a spreading
elder, rich in luxuriant clusters of its
wholesome produce.

Iserlt advanced, with a timid step the

204

eye of AH caught his and he was about
to retire.

" Pardon me," he cried ; " I would
not willingly obtrude upon your privacy j
I feel too much for man's sorrows, not to
respect them. I pray you, excuse my pre-
sence the mere effect of chance which
conducted me here. Farewell."

" Nay, stay," replied ^\\, rising, " you
have sought this retired seat, and I drive
you from it I will leave you."

" Not for worlds. -^-Oh, no, thou noble-
minded man ; let me begone. Your sor-
rows have obtained an interest in my
heart. I do not seek to be your confi-
dant yet I feel severely for your stay here.
Indulge your griefs in solitude I will not
again interrupt you T "

Ali was sensibly affected. " Generous
man!" he exclaimed, and drew him to a
seat beside him. His eyes were filled with
tears his bosom heaved with repeated sobs
and he sunk upon the bosom of the de-
signing Iserlt, repeating, " Oh, Zulema,"

205

" Why do you so often breathe that
interesting name?" cried Iserlt, in an af-
fectionate tone. Then checking himself,
" but pardon me ; the interest I take in
your griefs will, I fear, hurry me beyond
discretion. Come, come, now, do not
despond, but let the smile animate that
cheek. Think not, a Christian cannot feel :
I do, with all my heart ; and will press you
as close there, as though we adored one
and the same God."

" Oh ! thou immortal Alia," exclaimed
Ali Sheing, suddenly arising from the bo-
som of Iserlt, and prostrating himself on
the ground ; iC adored by me, thy devoted
slave, teach mine ignorance, if I do err,
in confiding in the misguided worshipper
of another God. It is the creed of his fa-
thers he observes, and he sins not by being
of the Christian faith, being born in error.
Thou great Omnipotent, I do know the
good heart is welcomed by thee, however
misguided in its worship of thee, immor-
tal prophet !"

2oG

These words were uttered in trie most
solemn tone : thrice he kissed the earthy
with profound reverence ; and rising, re-
sumed his seat by the side of Iserlt.

" Christian," he cried, (i I would with
freedom pour into thy bosom all the
wrongs I have sustained \ nay, lay before
thee all my heart, but that the soul of
Ali raises him above such mean avowal
such purchased pity for his sufferings."

(i Nay, Ali, think not that Iserlt will
with tears condole with you, and bid you
make your mind to sorrow : no ; if you are
injured, he will bid you seek revenge, and fan
it to a flame in your bosom. Nay, by my
life, were my own brother the author of your
wrongs, I have that within me, which,
casting off all ties of consanguinity, would
urge you to spare him not, but take an
ample and firm revenge/'

" Christian, thou dost warm my very
heart. Our prophet, Alia, doth inspire us
with an ardour for revenge, and gives his
followers souls of fire to accomplish it,

207

Thou canst not judge of men, born beneath
a torrid zone, whose hearts are warmed by
its genial influence whose passions are
like burning fevers in their veins fervid
in their love, as destructive in their hate.
Thou canst not judge of men, so far supe-
rior to the pallid white of men, whose ge-
nerous nature can only be equalled by the
fire that animates them whose souls are
alike susceptible of love and hatred."

" Noble Ali, I can judge by thee ; and
grieve, to see a spirit, great as thine,
doomed to be broken by an abject slavery."

"Slavery! Ah!"

" But, come, no more of this ; tell me
of Zulema. By Heavens, your imagined
wrongs bear me beyond myself."

" Imagined wrongs ?"

il To me, imagined ; since I know them
only by the effect they have upon your
dauntless spirit."

" Oh ! Iserlt."

" Away with this, Ali Sheing ; you do
forget yourself."

208

" By the immortal Alia, I do. Oh f
Zulema, the sighs and groans which thou
hast cost me !" Then, after a pause, " I
am the only son of the warlike Zuntma,
the father of his people j who, when the
robber Christians sought our shores, and
with fire and sword endeavoured to make
us, the true worshippers of Alia, renounce
our faith, for one abhorred, collected to-
gether his thousands, the warlike cham-
pions of religion, and encamped them on
the banks of the swift-rolling Doora, a
rapid tide, near to the plains of Bedamoora,
where the Soldan dwelt. I followed my
father to the war, and was elected to the
command of a brave and warlike band,
whose religion and patriotism were so
closely wound around their hearts, that vain
was the attempt of the Christian sword to
sever them. The Soldan himself reviewed
the discipline of his troops, and we stood
prepared, a firm and loyal band, to protect
our country, our religion, and our mo-
narch, from the destructive arms of the

200,

ruthless robbers, who invaded our shores.
J t was now I first beheld the lovely Zulema,
and, beholding, became her adorer. One
sultry day, when the moist winds blew,
and the sands of the desert were whirled
round in eddies, so fatal to the Arab bands,
who perish in their march, and men and
laden camels are overwhelmed with the
burning grains, in whirlwinds tossed, and
o'er the trackless desert billowing, when
the sun raises the flesh in blisters, I strayed
from the camp, and, lost in contempla-
tion, followed a beaten track, unconscious
whither it would lead me. The air was
thick and heavy, on which the nettling
insects rode, that dart their poisonous
stings into your flesh the blood swelled
in my bursting veins my eyes were sunk
with the inclement heat and my tongue
was parched with drought : born to the
clime, and to sustain its warmth, still this
day overpowered me heat such as this, I
never before experienced. I had not
strayed far, when, beneath a mountain,

210

whose barren sides were parched and near
a brook, whose tardy waters, so gently-
gliding along, were nearly wasted, I ob-
served a neat hut, that reared its humble
head in solitude, and thither did I speed
my step, to waste away an hour in re-
freshing ease. Within a few paces of the
door, I stopped ; for, reclined upon a
mossy pillow, by the stream, lay a beauty,
rich in loveliness, sumptuously attired,
and attended by two female slaves, who
were employed in fanning from her swel-
ling bosom the stinging insects that fretted
her slumbers. For a while, I stood over
her, and the most pleasing sensation thril-
led through my whole soul : her teeth
were like so many drops - of European
snow, regularly even her breath, more
sweet than the perfumes of Arabia her
lips would vie, for luxuriance, with the
richest coral her timid breath, in passing
and repassing, swelled her speckless bo-
som, on which I could have fallen, trans-
ported as I was, and, with a dying mur-

211

mur, sighed out my heart. She awoke :
Heavens! how intelligent were her eyes J
What volumes to the soul they spoke !

<f Oh ! Iserlt, on me were their mild
lustre shed on me they paused. I ap-
proached her with a respectful bow ; she
arose from the turf, and returned me the
salutation. Alia ! Alia ! immortal Alia !
What a form ! What a dignity of shape !
How graceful ! how elegant ! Ecstacy,
for a time, deprived me of the power of
speech : both were embarrassed. At
length, with a modest courtesy, leaning
upon the arms of her slaves, she withdrew.
I dared not scarcely breathe words were
upon my tongue, but my heart throbbed
sighs burst from my lips, and I could
only follow her with my eyes. I saw her
enter the cottage, that stood but a few
paces from the margin of the stream. As
the door was about to close, she looked
back^-her eyes met mine I bowed she
was gone and I threw myself upon I he
spot that her limbs had pressed. Long

212

time I lay, and could only think of her.
Still in imagination she stood before me
still did my eyes feast upon her beauties
the more I thought, the more I grew ena-
moured.

** The shade of evening now approached,
bringing with it those enlivening airs that
make Asia tolerable. Once more the
tanned bough waved the waters rip-
pled and the feathery choristers, refreshed
by the gale, began their evening chant.
My eyes were constantly fixed upon the
cottage, which held my heart. Joy, joy
to my soul ! the door opened she appeared,
the lovely daughter of the sun appeared
the angel-form I worshipped the goddess
of my dreams appeared, between the same
slaves who before attended her. I arose
from the ground j my tottering limbs could
scarce support me I was faint with hun-
ger and fatigue, and still more so with the
love I cherished in my bosom, which nur-
tured the flame that now glowed in all my
veins, and stole the native freshness pf my

213

cheek. As she approached, her light gar-
ments winnowed in the air, and displayed
all the luxury, all the sweetness of her
shape ; the thin muslin was wafted from
her voluptuous breasts, between which
hung, flowing down her neck, a string of
pearls her heaving bosom was bared
and, on observing my eyes fixed upon her,
with a blush, she drew together the wan-r
ton robe, and concealed them from my
ardent gaze.

t( Overcome by my emotion, I has-
tened to throw myself at her feet, and
kicked something before me ; it jingled,
and I stopped. It was a bracelet, which
I eagerly seized ; and, knowing the owner,
as eagerly pressed to my lips. I was now
undetermined how to act ; whether to
wear it as an eternal remembrance, or to
present it to her. At length, J formed the
pleasing resolution of making it the in-
strument of my introduction, and I flew
to place it in her hand. My voice failed
me. When I approached her, I fell upon

214

my knees. She received the bracelet, and
with a winning smile, raised me from the
ground. Alia ! Alia ! her touch thrilled
through my veins.

" I pressed her fingers to my lips :
e Pardon me, Lady,' I cried, * pardon my
presumption. Inspired by your beauty,
cold must be that heart that will not adore
you senseless the bosom that is not fired
on beholding you. Oh ! let me throw
myself at your feet, and vow to eternally
love you. Nay, Lady, do not frown upon
me pity, if you cannot cherish, the flame
which devours unceasingly this faithful
breast.'

il Her hand I clasped between my own ;
a smile was upon her cheek. Again I
pressed it to my eager lips. She was about
to speak benignity beamed through her
radiant eyes ; but, at this moment, a voice
from the cottage cried, ( Zulema !'

ff Hastily withdrawing her hand,
( Stranger, adieu!' she sighed, ( I am
called.'

215

* Zulema !' the voice repeated. She
struggled to depart.

Enjoy my favour/ she cried; { we
may meet, perchance, again.'

c Alia shower his choicest blessings
on thee, for the thought,' I exclaimed,
* adored daughter of the faithful !'

({ I arose from the ground a new ec-
stacy animated my heart and, with the
sweet emotion, I dared to join my lips
with her's.

6 Zulema!' was again the cry.

' Adieu !' she uttered.

s Oh ! Zulema,' I faintly articulated,
and sunk upon the ground.

{< Again, were my eyes fastened upon
the cottage door. The twilight still con-
tinued. Hunger oppressed me ; but it
was worse than death to depart the spot,
that might again present to my ardent gaze
the lovely Zulema. I waited in the most
dreadful suspense. Each moment seemed
an age, that passed in her absence. At
length, a small lattice, above the door,

21(5

opened, and Zulema, brighter than the
sun, appeared. I flew towards tte cot*
tage she waved her hand the lattice
closed, and left me, tortured by cruel dis-
appointment.

" It grew late ; I had been many hours
from the camp, and I knew my return
must have been looked for. With heavy
heart, and Zulema upon my tongue, I
began to retrace my steps, often looking
back upon the hut that possessed the only
gem which on earth I prized.

" I had proceeded to some distance.
The path I was to pursue now branched
into another direction, and the cottage was
about to be concealed from me by the in-
tervention of a rude rock, whose craggy
head," soaring high above, threatened on
the valley. I paused a moment, to take
a farewell look, ere I proceeded, and ob-
served some one in haste, approaching
towards me. Her finger was often raised
above her head, beckoning to me; and one
of the slaves of Zulema, invited me to
return.

217

" Enraptured, I hurried her along,
burning with love. I soon reached the
cottage the door was open to receive me
Zulema awaited me : and, in a moment,
I held her in my arms. Immortal Alia !
thou great adorable, who to the faithful art
beneficent, then thou didst witness the
raptures that crowned our meeting : thou
in thy ethereal seat didst hear the lips of the
divine Zulema confess she loved me thou
didst hear our pure vows didst know our
hearts. The bounteous maid invited me
to a collation her own hands had provided,
of which I eat : rich wines were presented
to me in a cup from which she had sipped,
and in the sweet libation which I took, I
drank down heart-consuming draughts of
enthralling love.

" Oh ! AH Sheing,' sighed the fond
Zulema, ( will you ever love me? Will
you ever press me to your bosom with the
same affection as now ? Will you give
the foolish Zulema your heart?'

" I have it not to give,' I returned,

218

transported : ' it was your's the first mo-
ment I beheld you. Oh ! Zulema/ T
added, f may the immortal Alia reject my
prayers, and may I fall dishonoured beneath
the christian sword, if ever I love ycu less
than at this moment.'

** Christian, despise not Zulema for
the forward avowal of her passion to one
unknown to her before this day. I see
upon thy cheek the crimson blush thy
turned-up lip thy eyes disdainful, and
contemptuous glance ; but learn, ere you
judge of the Asiatic world, it widely differs
from that of Europe, whose pallid sons
are cold, phlegmatic, and, like the air they
breathe, dull in their very natures. With
them, coyness results from the cold habit
of their blood ; and suspicion, the foul
offspring of guilt, checks the forward pas-
sion while it dawns; and reason, cold in
her very birth, the enemy of love, makes
the dull heart her empire ; but we, who
are by nature warm, who, above dishonour,
need no laws to curb our wild desires we,

2ig

ourselves guiltless, are unable to suspect
we, our hearts so liable to impression,
when we feel the soft emotion and the
kindling flame expand through all the
veins, make a merit of confession, know-
ing how valuable are the hours of love,
and eager for enjoyment.

u A tear gemmed the eye of Zulema
her head hung upon my breast her arms
were thrown around my neck, and num-
berless sighs struggled in her bosom.
f Tell me, Zulema/ I cried, pressing her
to my eager heart, ' tell me, tell me, thou
peerless maid, wilt thou be mine ?'

" AH Sheing must deserve me,' she
replied.

" What shall I do to gain favour in the
eyes of Zulema ? Tell me of dangers that
I may brave them By the faith of Alia,
I swear '

" Swear not, Ali/ returned the blush-
ing maid ; then raising her interesting
eyes to mine, she added, in a dignified
feeling voice, ( If you love me, Ali, snatch

220

me from the arms of one great in power,
who persecutes, by avowing an odious
passion for me. Oh ! Ali, my father de-
votes me to his loathsome embrace. Vain
are my entreaties he flies from my pray-
ers, and dooms me to endless misery.'

"Zulema!' involuntarily escaped my
lips. She continued :

" I am the daughter of Mahommedd
Bensadi, the chief of the monarch's coun-
cils, his only child, Ali Sheing; and me he
devotes the victim of his ambition. I am
to be the sacrifice to that baneful passion
which engrosses his whole soul, and stifles
paternal feeling : I am to be the chief in-
strument in the establishment of his future
glory. Scarce six moons are wasted since
our Soldan was advised by his viziers,
fakirs, and nobles, of his court at Jaza,
to select three of the choicest beauties our
country boasted, of distinguished birth,
and take them to his arms, subservient to
his pleasures. f Commander of the faith-
ful !' cried Bensadi, ' at whose fool the

221

worshippers of Alia bend, listen to the
entreaties of thy people, and choose among
the fairest of the daughters of thy nobles,
three of surpassing beauty, and let her who
bears of thy loins a son, be thy favourite
Sultana, and be that son thy heir; so shall
the wish of thy people be accomplished,
and the glory of thy name.be transmitted
to succeeding generations.' With smiles
our Soldan nodded his assent, and the
blushing daughters of the nobles were
presented to the youthful monarch, who
made his choice of three. Oh ! AH
Sheinjr, I am one of the elected I am
devoted to his arms to receive embraces
that to me are loathsome : vain, vain, are
my tears ! Bensadi, my father, is deaf to
my prayers and entreaties.'

" This news overpowered me despair
was depicted upon my cheek my knees
tottered beneath me agony pierced my
heart, and convulsed my bosom. Vain
was it, to contend with the powerful com-
mander of the faithful the descendant of

222

the prophet Mahommedd : tremblingly I
let go her hand, that was clasped between
mine, and fell back, almost fainting upon
my seat.

<c Zulema arose : what a dignity shone
in her whole deportment, as she frowned
xipon me ! Her eye, contemptuously
turned upon me, spoke volumes to my
soul. I arose from the sopha.

" How have I been deceived ?' she
cried : f Ali Sheing, who dares to love,
shrinks from the glance of a powerful
rival, whom he dares not contend with/
Then, after a pause : l Zulema is lost to
him for ever !'

11 Saying this, she immediately burst
from the room. I followed her vainly
she endeavoured to put me back I was
determined to be heard I kissed the hem
of her garment, which she endeavoured to
tear from my burning lips. ' Oh, Zule-
ma!' I cried, c I will perish, or you
shall be my mistress.'

il At this moment, the venerable Bensadi

223

entered the apartment : frowning, he
seized his daughter's hand, who fainted
upon his bosom, and myself was seized
by several mutes, who bound and bore me
to the camp, where I was left in my tent a
prey to anguish. The next morning, my
father, Zantma, entered, and pressed me
to his bosom : to him I related my fore-
going adventure, who almost crushed my
hopes by the cruel information that our
Soldan loved Zulema, and would spare no
cost or pains to win her, by gentle means,
to his arms. Like a thunderbolt through
the brain, this dreadful relation acted ; but
I resolved to gain an audience of the
Soldan, and lay before him the whole of
my heart. For a long time my endea-
vours were vain : surrounded by his viziers,
fakirs, and officers of state, it was long
before I could make my petition ; but
each day I saw Zulema each clay, by some
stratagem, she eluded the vigilance of
Bensadi, who, acquainted with our mu-
tual passion, was ever on the watch to

221

keep us asunder ; but each day I pressed
the lovely maid with fond rapture to my
bosom; which embrace was as eagerly re-
turned by the blushing Zulema; and we
mingled together our breath, our sighs,
and our foreboding tears.

" At length, I obtained an audience of
the Soldan the long-wished for moment
arrived; and he being informed that my
business required a private interview, I
was ushered to his closet. Gracious Alia !
I never feared to address my sovereign till
now my heart died in my bosom my
tongue feared to utter what my soul was
desirous of, and I retreated a few paces
from the Sultan, who sat in an attentive
posture opposite to me.

u Speak, Ali,' he cried, after a pause,
with a voice expressive of much benignity ;
1 Why this tremor in the presence of a
sovereign, who honours you for your va-
lour, and loves you for the affection you
shew to ourself?'

f( His tenderness inspired me, and I

225

threw myself at his knee ; but oh ! agony,
how dared I address myself to a monarch,
youthful, vigorous, and full of blood, who
loved the object of my affection ? Would
he tear out his own heart that mine might
triumph ? The thought was madness.
After a pause, during which my emotions
were most painful, I thus addressed him :
' Oh, gracious Sultan, pardon the pre-
sumption of thy slave, who has dared to
fix his eyes upon the object of thy love
who has dared to sigh for the enjoyment
of her on whom thou lavishest thy affec-
tion. 5

" At this moment, I fixed my eye upon
his cheek, and beheld it pale I grasped
his hand with fervor, while anger knitted
his brow. ( Proceed,' he cried, ' and
name '

u Never, never ?' I interrupted, ' until
you pronounce both our pardons.'

" He smiled, and bit his nether lip, c I
promise,' at length he uttered, with a half
bow, and laying his hand upon his heart.

226

"A pause ensued a pause of agony.
I almost feared to rely upon the honour of
my sovereign, whose word 'twas death to
dispute, knowing that jealousy exists,
while a rival breathes, and that man is
most to be distrusted in cases of ignorance :
love, whose influence over the human
breast is such, as to turn the richest virtue
to the rankest weed. Christian, knowest
thou the power of heart-consuming love ?
Hast thou- felt its fire in thy veins ? Hast
thou harboured the passion in thy breast ?
Sayest thou not ? Then thou canst not
judge the pangs it creates the fears the
jealousies the racking thoughts all the
tormenting doubts it brings with it and
all the distracting tumults of the soul.

" Oh ! Alia, Alia, what is man who is
in love? How lost ! For a time, how
mad how raving ! while he still hugs the
fond passion closer to his bosom : rioting
in despair and hope ; and yet, who would
be he that cannot love, since he must be
made of cold blood of a savage disposi*

227

tion of ferocity of manners, and turn of
mind to anarchy and blood ?

" At length, summoning more confi-
dence, and looking the Soldan sternly in
the face, I exclaimed, ' Zulema has ex-
changed the vow with me : Zulema, the
daughter of Bensadi.'

tf He started back on hearing her name.
f Zulema !' his lips quivered.

Mercy ! mercy ! ' I cried ; c look
around thy mighty empire, and see beauties^
lovely as Zulema.'

(( Thinkst thou so ? ' he eagerly inter-
rupted.

<{ I was staggered with the question ;
and after another pause, continued, 'Many
there are that excel, though not in my
eyes.'

" And why should they in mine ?' again
interrupted the angry monarch. ' Thinkst
thou thy Soldan is less susceptible than
thou art ? Presumptuous wretch ! Hence,
and learn that I love Zulema.'

" Saying this, he left the closet, and

228

despair occupied my whole soul. After
this time, I no longer saw Zulema : she
was shielded from me. In vain I endea-
voured to learn tidings of her : she and
Bensadi were removed from the cottage
near where I first beheld her barren was
the spot, and the tenantless hut left to
ruin. Oh ! with what sweet delight
would I wander over those apartments
where once had dwelt the lovely Zulema,
until the recollection that she was lost to
me for ever, urged my brain to madness
my thoughts were entirely on her cease-
less were my lamentations endless my
heart-broken sighs the air and mountain-
hollows mocked my griefs, by echoing my
groans. The daughter of Bensadi was
torn from me, and, perhaps, wantoning in
the Soldan's arms. Distraction ! how
often was I impiously on the point of
raising my arm against my life : the world
had no charms for me, and I resolved to
die. At this time the Christians advanced
to Salem : our men were drawn out to

229

receive them : the red cross waved on high,
and the golden crescent as proudly over-
topped the plain, while the faithful fol-
lowers of Alia breathed out a prayer, and
prepared to die in the cause of their reli-
gion.

" A glorious opportunity presented it-
self to me, which I determined to take
advantage of. The fight commenced, and
the martial clangour of destructive arms was
heard at the same moment from all parts
of the field. Despairing, I rushed for-
ward into the thickest of the fight, opposing
my breast to the arrows of the enemy.
On every side of me I saw my country-
men wallowing in gore. Many Chris-
tians fell by my arm, but in vain I sought
to die : the arrows of the enemy, as if
by fate's decree, sunk exhausted ere they
reached my bosom, or clove the air be-
side me in angry whistle, leaving me alone
unhurt, standing in the storm in pursuit
of danger.

" For a long time, the sanguinary con-

230

test lasted: often was seen the bloody
cross displaced by the golden crescent,
and then again the Christian banners
scattered o'er the field, and the proud
crescent dragged upon the ground be-
smeared with gore. The Soldan issued
like a tiger to destroy in vain he col-
lected together his scattered ranks the
Christians were too powerful, and with
their broad falchions mowed down our
men by ranks. From a distant part of
the field, I saw the Soldan engaged in
combat with the leader of a Christian
troop : fire flashed from their warm
glaves dreadful was the fight furiously
were the strokes dealt, which falling on
the opponent's shield, threatened annihi-
lation. Blood poured from the crevices
in the armour of both the Soldan was
faint, and more feeble grew each stroke he
dealt. I saw his danger, and, swift as an
arrow, flying to his relief, arrived at the
very moment when, by repeated blows,
his powerful antagonist had brought him

231

to the ground. The falchion was already
reared to be plunged in his breast, but I
parried the blow with my sabre, and struck
a mortal wound in the heart of my adver-
sary. He fell : the blood rushed in tor-
rents from his bosom, and he instantly
expired.

<( The Soldan, in gratitude, pressed me
to his bosom. * Ali Sheing/ he cried,
* I owe my life to you/ Saying this, he
seized his sabre, and binding up hisr
wounds, again rushed forward to the fight.

" The trumpet of the enemy now
sounded a recal ; both armies were much
enfeebled day was on the close, and they
retired from the field both unmastered.
The next morning, the Christians had re-
treated to some hills about three miles from
Salem : our Soldan thought it imprudent
to attack them in his present disabled
state, but waited till fresh succours were
obtained. In the mean time, a council
was called, and Zantma, Bensadi, and all
the officers of court attended. The Sol-

232

dan, surrounded by his viziers and wise
men, thus addressed the whole assembly,
who listened with the eagerest attention
to what he was about to say :

" Beloved subjects, and faithful fol-
lowers of the powerful Alia, who in his
glory seat of Heaven presides, and in mercy
judges, I have assembled you here to learn
from you how to bestow my favours upon
the worthy, and to know how I shall re-
ward him, who, at the risk of his own,
saved my life.'

a . He paused. All tongues were for a
time mute. I was astonished.

(( At length, my father, Zantma, broke
the silence. ' Monarch of the earth,'
cried he, c the preserver of thy life de-
serves at thy hands nothing, doing but
his duty ; but from the people whom you
rule, every thing : having performed his
duty so well. Shew us the man, that we
may fall at his feet, and bless him.'

iC My father concluded, and the Soldan
smiling, raised him from the prostrate

233

posture which in his reverence he had
thrown himself into. ' Approach, Ben-
sadi,' cried the virtuous descendant of our
country's god, the noble defender of the
faithful ; ' what sayest thou the man de-
serves who so nobly discharged his duty
to his country, by saving the life of his
sovereign, the destroyer of his happiness,
when he might so easily have gloried in
his death?'

" Your love,' cried the old man, en-
thusiastically, * your friendship your gra-
titude : for noble is the man.'

" Thou sayest aright,' returned Persia's
Soldan ; { the saviour of our life deserves,
and shall enjoy our love.'

" In the greatest agitation, I threw my-
self at his feet. The whole assembly were
surprised, and the Soldan enfolded me in
his embrace.

" Ali Sheing,' he cried, addressing me,

c thou hast heard pronounced what thy

virtues demand of us, and thou shalt enjoy

bliss in its fullest sense.' Then stamping

234

his foot upon the ground, four female
slaves approached, bringing with them a
female veiled, whose trembling step pro-
nounced her to my heart, to be Zulema.
I could but gaze upon the gauze that con-
cealed the lovely countenance of her I
eagerly hoped was the daughter of Ben-
sadi. The colour often came and fled
from my cheek, as hope and fear, alter-
nate, animated and depressed my bosom.
This torturing suspense was madness
through the whole divan reigned the
strictest silence no one dared whisper
so eager was every one for the sequel of
what at this moment was inexplicable to
them.

" And how, to relieve my heart, by
virtue of a nod from the Soldan, the gauze
was removed by the officiating slaves. An-
gels of Heaven ! hope did not fail me !
It was Zulema, lovely as I first beheld her.
The Soldan led her to my arms. I pressed
her to my bosom ; and the fond girl, with
artless blandishment, returned my ca-
resses.

235

tc Take her, Ali Sheing,' cried the King
of the greater part of the Asiatic world,
{ thou hast deserved her. I give her spot-
less to thy arms : receive and cherish her.
The lustre in my crown is not more pure,
or the saints ethereal, that crowd around
the regal seat of Heaven, more fair, than is
the honour of Zulema. I can bestow
upon thee no more worthy gift -the world
contains it not. Take her: she is thine.'

" Overcome by his generosity, we threw
ourselves before him, and called on Alia
to bless him. With mild benignity he
raised us up, and resumed : { Noble Ali,
I am still your debtor: for, in bestowing
upon you the hand of Zulema, I give you
nothing. I am but just, as a monarch
should be ; and more just I should have
been, had I, in love of justice, given her,
when you demanded her of my hand.
Oh, Ali ! in virtue and magnanimity thou
dost rise above thy Soldan, who, when he
had the power to save, in love with his
own passion, devoted two hearts to misery.

236

Thou, All, in thy turn, hadst power j
didst use it, nobly use it : didst save, and
triumph, in nobleness of soul, o'er thy
prostrate monarch.'

" Gracious sovereign,' I returned, my
heart overwhelmed with anguish, c make
not a merit of my duty: you over- rate the
act j for who, in my situation, would not
have saved his Soldan ? Who of your
divan would not die for you ? And, oh !
how nobly do you reward me ! You give
me that '

" Which is your own,' interrupted he,
* The love that raged in my breast for the
virtuous Zulema, was but a lascivious weed,
that crossed the ripening of two fair flow-
ers. It was but justice to pluck it thence,
that they might flourish and entwine.
Oh, thou munificent Alia ! who in thy
mercy canst heal the bosom's wounds,
look down in thy clemency upon thy de-
voted slave; give him another Zulema,
that the bride of Ali Sheing may be for-
gotten by his heart. Thou, omnipotent

237

Alia, knowst how sincere I love: heal,
then, those poignant wounds that goad my
breast. Thou, in thy wisdom, didst inflict
this trial upon me, to know thy slave.
I bend subservient to thy will I embrace
thy pleasure Zulema loves, and is be-
loved by Ali Sheing Alia, crown their
loves with a diadem immortal.'

" Murmurs of applause ran through
the whole divan Bensadi placed his
daughter's hand in mine and Zantma
dropped a tear of illumined joy upon his
breast a tear of piety and of gratitude.

" The nuptial rites were soon per-
formed : the Soldan was present, and
assisted in the rites : the whole country
spoke of his unparalleled generosity, and
our marriage-day was a day of joy to the
inhabitants of Bedamoora, for the Soldan
extended his munificence to the most
humble and lowly of his people. AH was
mirth and festivity. What heart but re-
joiced ? One and twenty days of feasting
was given to me by the Soldan, as a mar-

238

riage dower with Zulema, which was dif-
fused around, without distinction, to the
rich and poor. Oh, what a Heaven of
pleasure did I enjoy ! What raptures
were mine ! What transporting moments
were mine, while I revelled in the arms of
Zulema ! Together did we press the nup-
tial bed Zulema was my wife my bride !
No longer did I sigh for the maid I so
much adored; she was, mine and we
mingled our hearts together.

" Not long did the sun of our joy shine
in an unclouded sky. Envious fortune
stole upon our happy moments, threaten-
ing with horrid front, as she approached.
But we put our faith in Alia, and prepared
for the conflict with evil destiny,

t( The Christians, with an increase of
force from all the nations of Europe,
came against us, firing towns and villages
in their progress, and putting every living
thing to the sword. Inhuman wretches !
ye came to our shores to enlighten was
it not rather to destroy to satisfy your
accursed thirst for blood ?

239

<( All Asia was in arms to repel their
force. I followed to the war; and Zu-
lema, with warlike ardour, determined to
accompany me. Alas ! what perils did
she sustain for me how endure the moist
and burning heat traversing vast and
trackless deserts for me ! Alia gave her
fortitude for the undertaking, and she
overcame all the terrors, all the inconve-
niencies and difficulties attending such a
march, that she might be by my side.

t( We now arrived at Gudingooma,
where the Christians were encamped ; and
instantly prepared to give them battle.
Our force amounted to fourteen hundred
thousand men : that of the enemy was
not above half the number ; but we were
not skilled in their mode of fighting, and
the advantage was nearly equal, excepting
that we fought for our God, our country,
and our king : our cause gave vigour to
the heart. They fought for the extension
of their power, and to establish a religion
of which we knew nothing, How then

240

was it possible for us to make a change ?
We, who bowed to the mild laws of Alia,
submitted to the wise decrees of a sovereign
whom we loved and feared inspired by
our faith in our religion, our country,
and our king, we defied their hostile arms,
and stood embodied, the bold and daring
defenders of our rights and lawful inhe-
ritances.

" A new-created vigour animated my
bosom, added to the martial fire that
before had nerved me in the fight for a
beloved wife. I fought: and when the
action commenced, and the air-cleaving
arrow whistled 'cross the field, I sighed
the name of Zulema, and drawing my
sharp-edged sabre, rushed with the hissing
serpent's venom, to the conflict : breathing,
as I aimed each destructive blow/ ' for
Zulema, my country, and my king !*
Christians gasped beneath my blood- be-
smeared glave their eye-balls rolled in
the agony of death, and still I pursued
my mad career, delighting in the havoc

241

that I made, and followed by a band of
steady patriots, who bore destruction in
their powerful hand.

" At length, I was severed from them
by a christian troop, which hemmed me
in on every side. I now saw certain death
before me ; and I resolved to fall worthy
the son of Zantma, worthy of such a father
the father of his people. There was no
hope. Fierce and thickly I dealt my
blows ; but, overpowered by numbers, I
sunk upon the ground, bloody, and se-
verely wounded.

f( Zulema,' still my trembling lips re-
peated. And now the pointed sword was
reared against my breast. In this mo-
ment of life and death, a female's screams
were heard her locks hung dishevelled on
her shoulders she burst through the
crowd. All-powerful Alia ! it was Zu-
lema. She flung herself upon my bosom,
and exclaimed, ' Now, barbarians, strike !
strike through the hearts of both! O,
AH Sheing, my husband, we will die to-
gether.*

242

c< Stab the pagan wretches,' cried a sol-
dier, rearing his weapon. ' Let them not
live to breathe their impious prayers.
Stab them, I say.'

(i Who dares to lift an arm against the
defenceless?' cried a young officer, inter-
fering. e Coward, learn, that he who
seeks for triumph, triumphs most in being
merciful to a fallen foe. Begone/ he ex-
claimed, with much energy ; * and for the
future, shew valour in temperance.'

* c The soldier drew back, abashed : with
a murmur they retired, and Zulema flew,
wild with joy, into the arms of our deli-
verer. She embraced him, flung herself
at his feet, and bathed them with her tears.
The generous christian raised her from the
ground : in the warmth of his heart, united
our hands, and immediately hurried away,
bidding us instantly quit the fatal field,
where the christian cross waved in the
pride of victory, and the crescent, the
banner of the faithful, yielded. Our
troops were put to the route ; and it is

243

needless to repeat to you, the successful
advances of the Christians, who, in each
ensuing engagement, slaughtered our peo-
ple, and committed great havoc.

" At length, they drove us back to
Bedamoora, where they still prevailed ;
and our Soldan perished in the conflict.
His death was a grievous blow, that struck
deep to the hearts of his subjects. They
loved him, and with the firm resolution to
die or conquer, determined to revenge his
death: a speedy-raised army now opposed the
Christians, not so numerous as the former
ones, but with the fire of desperation in their
bosoms, that threatened to consume em-
pires for its darling gratification. In this
action Zantma and Bensadi perished ; but
the Christians gave way, and at length were
defeated. With immense loss, they flew
in every direction : Richard the Lion was
wounded; and shortly after, they evacu-
ated our shores.

" Now then peace, and her thousand
blessings, smiled upon us ; we poured forth

244

our hearts to the high and mighty Alia, in
gratitude, and devoted two moons to prayer
and rejoicing. The brother of the late
Soldan was proclaimed throughout the.
empire. Six moons more were now de-
voted to festive mirth. Oh, what a heart
of joy was mine ! Zulema loved me
mutual were the endearments we lavished
upon each other; and Alia crowned our
transports with a lovely boy. Nine moons
were wasted since we first tasted of con-
nubial bliss, and Zulema gave to my arms
a boy, fresh as the morn, lovely in com-
plexion, like the golden sun.

" But to be less prolix in my narration,
which I shall now hastily draw to a con-
clusion ; I shall but inform you, that
Zulema and myself awoke to new felicity.

u At this time, the Soldan declared it
his pleasure, that the christian prisoners
taken in the newly-closed war, should
make a forfeit of their lives. I pitied the
fate of the poor misguided wretches.
Zulema wept when the dreadful news

245

reached her ear, but it was not in our
power to award the impending blow; and
then, again, did they not come unto our
shores to subjugate and oppress?

" The day was appointed, which soon
arrived, and hundreds of poor souls ma-
nacled, were led forth to perish in con-
suming flames. They passed beneath
the window of our dwelling : agony was
in their countenances : their hands were
crossed upon their breasts. They passed
us with slow and disordered step, with the
broad scimitar of our countrymen opposed
to their necks. Many there were that
preferred that death to the one prepared
for them, and rushed upon the cruel wea-
pon raised against their lives. Zulema,
almost fainting, hung upon my bosom 5
and one brought up the rear of the so-
lemn procession, who smiled on death,
but it was no smile of insensibility he did
not go vaunting to his fate. There was
in the midst of all, a majesty and solem-
nity in his demeanour, a noble spirit in his

246

countenance, which defied all torture;
Gracious Heaven ! I looked upon him.
Zulema burst from my arm, and we both
involuntarily exclaimed, f All - powerful
Alia, our deliverer !'

" For a time I was paralized: the pul-
sation of my heart was thick : recollection
flashed across my brain. I could not see
my preserver perish, and I flew to save
him. The Soldan heard my prayers, and
the prisoner was remanded back to prison.
This prisoner was no other than Lord
Adelfred '. the preserver of my life your
Lord, and the rightful Baron of Llan-
bedder. Gracious Alia, thou didst give
me the power to save him, who in my
distress, saved me. Upon my knees I
thanked thee for it, thou great adorable :
thou heardst me.

4f A few days after this event, Zulema
and myself, with the Soldan's permission,
visited Lord Adelfred in his confinement :
he recognized us with brim-full heart he
flew towards me, while mine overflowed

247

with tears. Zulema held him in hef
arms. Painful was this interview. Our
hearts were variously overwhelmed tears
of mingled joy and anguish, flowed at the
same instant down our cheeks, engendered
by the same emotions of love and grati-
tude : needless would it be to recount the
many stratagems I formed for his emanci-
pation . I sought the Soldan, but he turned
a deaf ear to my entreaties.

u The lift; of the abandoned christian
I have spared,' he cried, f at your solici-
tation : he lives ! but never shall he taste
of liberty until he embraces our faith.'

" Impossible !' I cried. ' Surely you
cannot so determine. Oh ! mighty Soldan,
give this christian liberty : shew how
merciful you are inclined to be, and teach
the frigid nations of Europe, by your ex-
ample, honour, generosity, and nobleness
of conduct. Oh ! most wise Soldan, set
your prisoner at large : free to depart, to
tell his pallid countrymen how widely differ
the sons of Asia, from the cold-blooded

248

children of the north : to tell them that
Alia will protect our faith that the mo-
narch, whom we love, mild in his justice,
resigns the power to destroy, for the nobler
means of conquering by mercy.'

" I have declared my will,' he criedj
* dare not to dispute it.'

" Again I urged, but in vain. Zulema
sought the palace : the Soldan saw her
her prayers and entreaties almost sub-
dued his breast j but firm in his deter-
mination, he left her j and a second
time, she was denied admittance to his
presence. Now then, no resource was
left we flew to the dungeon where he
was confined, and mingled our tears
with his. Five years intercourse ripened
our friendship. Vain was it to per-
suade Adelfred to embrace our faith he
was inflexible ; and my heart owned his
rectitude, fully persuaded, that that is the
true religion which a man is born in.

" In this interval of time, Zulema
blessed -me with four children ; lovelv in

249

innocence : the first that could lisp I
taught to bless the name of Adelfred. And
now an opportunity presented itself for us
to favour his escape ; but, ah ! how could
we part ? Five years intercourse had so
closely wound him round our hearts, that
to separate would be to deprive us of one
of our strongest holds to life. To me,
Adelfred was a second Zulema : to Zulcma,
a second Ali Sheing.

" Wonder not, that we who differed so
widely in our faith, could be in friendship
so firm : our hearts were good, and the
same sun shone upon us : we loved each
other, and religion never made a part of
our conversation : we prayed in secret,
and the God of either sanctioned our ori-
sons, and blessed us.

iS Adelfred discovered a small aperture
in his cell, which led to some courts in the
palace : he had explored them, but it was
impossible to escape by their means, they
being always locked and guarded. He in-
formed me of this : his wasted form made

250

an impression upon my heart : I deter-
mined to assist him in his emancipation,
and acquainted Zulema with my resolu-
tion. Zulema shed tears of regret, but
acquiesced, and the night was fixed upon
for his departure. I got the keys of the
palace gates from the keeper, who did not
fear to trust me with them, and procuring
a disguise for Adelfred, at midnight, when
stars innumerable laced the heavens, de-
scended to his dungeon.

"All was profound silence : we embraced
each other, as we thought, for the last
time. Adelfred hurried on the disguise,
and we reached the gates unmolested.

(t Noble and generous Ali,' he cried,
grasping my hand : Alia ! Alia ! it was cold
as death : his voice faltered, and he hung
upon my shoulder, statue-like, and mo-
tionless. In this attitude, a sentinel dis-
covered us, who presented his sabre to m.y
breast. ' Stand,' he cried, ' and declare
yourself.'

" Ali Sheing,' I returned ; ( the Sol-

251

clan's friend the friend of my country.'
' Pass on,' was returned for answer;
and we escaped without discovery.

" Adelfred parted with tearful eyes,
from Zulema, who was alike overwhelmed
with grief; and bidding adieu to Beda-
moora he retired to a cavern in a rock,
which I discovered to him, at two miles
distance, waiting the ensuing night to aid
his escape to the sea-shore. I pressed him
to my heart Zulema bedewed his cheek
with her tears but we were forced to
separate, and he flew from us in an agony
of mind almost insupportable.

" The next day, the prisoner was dis-
covered to have fled, and instantly sus-
picion fell on me. Bound in chains, I
was dragged lo the Soldan's presence.
Above dissimulation, I scorned to deny
facts urged against me. I confessed the
whole of my contrivance in the plot, but
scorned to betray my friend. I defied tor-
ture. I would not give up the place of
his concealment; and the Soldari, en-

252

raged, gave me liberty on this condition :
that if I did not surrender the prisoner
the ensuing day, I should lose my head.
I left his presence with the firmest de-
termination to act with honour toward
my friend; and rather sacrifice my life
than him.

(t Instantly I flew to the cavern where I
had directed him, and informed him of the
whole. He urged me to fly to leave my
nation, my country, and Zulema. In my
despair, I half consented. Again he urged,
'pictured tome the possibility of meeting
Zulema in a christian land- laid down a
plan so plausible, that I consented to his
views, and hurried with him to the near-
est shore, where, instantly getting on
board a small boat, we set sail for other
lands : the one overjoyed, when morning
dawned, to find himself so far out at sea
the other, with aching heart, on beholding
his country's shore decrease in size, as the
swift vessel mounted o'er the wave.

u We had provided ourselves with pro-

253

vision were prepared for a long voyage.
Adelfred was light and gay ; but the more
I thought, the more I became dejected.
Melancholy now occupied my bosom : I
thought on Zulema on my orphaned
children, orphaned by the flight of a fu-
gitive father, until, distracted by my feel-
ings, my brain was almost turned, and
I was more an inanimate corpse than a
being of the earth,

" In this situation, we arrived at an Eu-
ropean port, where a seafaring man un-
dertook our safe conduct to Britain. We
arrived in Wales ; you know the rest."

The infidel ceased. He had often wept
during his interesting narrative; and Iserlt
hastened to dry his tears.

" Great, indeed, have been your suf-
ferings, Ali," cried the designing wretch ;
fC sufferings which the warmth of your
own heart have led you to."

" Oh, could I once more press the fond
Zulema to my breast !"

(t Think on it no more, Ali : she is lost

254

to you for ever," interrupted Iserlt. Then
after a pause. {e But I will not aggravate
your misery, by opening your eyes to the
treachery of Adelfred."

" Treachery ! *'

(t Pardon, pardon. I have said too
much. Dwell not upon my words : they
were uttered in haste ; and "

" Treachery !" repeated Ali.

" Answer me but this question," re-
joined Iserlt : " Does Adelfred favour you
now, as when he was dependant upon your
mercy ? Seeks he now to repose his griefs
in your bosom, as when imprisoned at
Bedamoora ? There was he not all love?
Does he avoid you now ? See you no
change : or is he still the same ?"

A new light beamed through the brain
of Ali. He paused his eye sparkled
with angry fire then, checking the sus-
picious thoughts, he cried, " No no, it
cannot be : Adelfred is still the same."

" Say you so ? Oh, blessed Ali, blessed
in thy ignorance ! Live, live, and love !

255

Cherish in thy bosom friendship for the
deceitful Adelfred : friendship to be scorn-
ed. But, in thy blindness, thou shalt feel
no pang of rejected love thy sensibility
shall not be wounded by the keen dagger
of favours ill returned."

" Adelfred saved my life."

" And so didst thou his."

<c He had no incitement but his own
heart I was prompted by gratitude and
affection."

Ci Oh, noble Ali, what a soul hast
thou ! By Heaven, thy wrongs bear me
beyond myself. My veins swell with my
boiling blood. Rancour and hate cn-
nerve my arm to vengeance. Thou, Ali,
art all truth Adelfred all deception. He
keeps thee, like a slave, in his train re-
wards thy virtue with a yoke of bondage.
Thou art his friend no longer, but his me-
nial the slave whom he values, not for
services done, but as a part of his pomp,
his equipage."

(f Iserlt, thou drivest me mad. rhcam-

256

not be it is impossible. Adelfred

yet arouze thee, Ali Sheing "

Passion choaked his speech wildly his
eye-balls glared.

" Revenge !" cried Iserlt.

Insulted honour swelled the chest of
Ali Sheing. " Thou god of Asia," he
exclaimed, " if Adelfred be true, to my
heart I'll clasp him with sincerity if
false, I'll compass the earth for a deep
and firm revenge."

Iserlt daily worked upon the passions of
the poor Moor, who, half-inclined to think
the noble Adelfred false, misconstrued every
act ; and from the rooted sorrow that
preyed upon his mind, drew out a conclu-
sion of services at an end, and cold dis-
like.

Great was the soul of Ali Sheing j he
scorned an explanation with him whom
he thought his foe. Often would his roll-
ing eye-balls declare his anger in the pre-
sence of the dejected Adelfred. And now
the designing Iserlt prepared for the final

25f .

blow. Owain constantly corresponded
with him from the monkish convent, whi-
ther he had taken sanctuary, and gained
every intelligence from the castle neces-
sary to his views. It was rumoured abroad,
that Helena still lived. Many affirmed,
that she was confined in one of the dun-
geons of the castle, by Owain. These re-
ports met the ear of Adelfred, who totally
discredited them. The conduct of Owain,
spite of the malignant reports that met his
ear, appeared to him untainted ; and upon
this ground Iserlt raised his structure.

The time drew near to accomplish his
death : the wavering Moor must be sur-
prised into the act. Iserlt had sounded
him to the bottom of his heart; and found,
that giving him time to reflect, was only
losing what, by his inflated conversation,
he had gained. Iserlt dared not prevail
upon the Moor to stab Adelfred in the
castle, fearful lest his schemes should fail,
and the whole mischief be turned upon
himself. Ali Sheing was only to .be

258

rouzed to commit the act by a sense of his
wrongs. Deliberation blunted his dag-
ger's point ; and Iserlt determined to draw,
by some design, Lord Adelfred to the vaults
of the castle, where he might be instantly
dispatched without the hopes of rescue,
and Owain, becoming the judge of the
murderer, should doom him to instant
death : thus discovery would be frustrated,
and he become the rightful Baron of Llan-
bedder.

For this purpose, Iserlt addressed an
anonymous letter to Adelfred, running to
the following effect, which he took care
to drop in his path.

" MY GRACIOUS LORD,

" Place not too great a reliance in the
u virtues of Owain, who has deceived you.
ee Be assured the report of Helena's being
" alive is not without foundation. She
l< lives ; and, by your traitorous cousin, is
fe confined in one of the vaults beneath
" the castle. Be secret and when the

259

<c mid bell tolls, descend to the caverns,
" where you shall find a friend ready to
" conduct you to the arms of her you
ff love. A friend, ever anxious to assist
" distressed virtue."

At first, Adelfred could not believe what
his eyes beheld. Again he read it a
third a fourth time. " Can it be pos-
sible?" he exclaimed. "No! no! it is
a treacherous artifice of some designing
villain, disgraced by my cousin, for his
want of honour I will not believe it."

Then, after a few moments deliberation:
f* But I will unravel ihis mystery. Yes :
I will go at the hour appointed by this
traitor, and drag him to instant justice."

With this resolve, he folded the paper,
and put it in his pocket, awaiting the
coming night, to descend to the vaults.
The bell tolled eleven : all the castle was
still: Ali Sheino; alone was restless and
disturbed : sleep could not close his eyes
gloomy thoughts devoured him.

260

Iserlt flew to his chamber, as the half
hour bell sounded through the courts, and
engaging him in conversation, drew him
toward the vaults. Crossing a long cor-
ridor, they descended a marble stairs to-
gether, and the door was open before
them that led to the caverns. Adelfred
was seen at a distance, bearing a torch in
his hand: he seemed much disturbed, and
often paced the narrow passage, as wounded
by suspense. At length, he stopped, and
and raising the torch above his head,
looked toward Ali Sheing, and Iserlt.

ie We are discovered," cried the latter,
<l do not avoid, but speak to him, I can-
not, so much I hate him for the injuries
he has done thee."

He instantly retired ; and by this time
Adelfred came up with the Moor.

" Ah !" he exclaimed, " you here,
Ali Sheing ? But say, quick, quick, what
impelled you hither?"

" Curiosity," returned the other, with
a coldness of manner.

261

" Had you no motive?"

" None. Why does Adelfred question
me?"

t( Pardon me, AH Sheing, but
Leave me leave me. I-"

At this moment, the bell tolled twelve.
Adelfred expressed greater impatience-.
" Away, away," he cried.

" Nay, you shall hear me," cried, the
indignant Moor. (i I "

" To-morrow, to-morrow," interrupted
Adelfred; and pushing him from him,
hurried down the vault.

Iserlt now appeared, with a torch fn his
hand. " Do you still doubt ?" he en-
quired. " Oh, Ali Sheing, where is the
fervid fire of Asia, the soul of the follow-
ers of Alia? Where that nobleness of
spirit, which thou hast boasted of? Will
Ali Sheing stoop to slavery ? Oh ! thou
God of Heaven ! ennerve my arm to stab
the wretch who has subjugated the soul
of Ali."

202

tc Iserlt, he shall die/' exclaimed the
frantic Moor.

t( He slew great Persia's Soldan i him
who gave to your arms the lovely Zulema.
Adelfred, whose life you saved, stabbed
him who plucked his heart out, that you
might enjoy eternity of bliss."

With rage trembled the Moor, while
he grasped his dagger.

u He slew the Soldan, yet spared you.
Ah ! Zulema was present what a hor-
rible thought ! Did he not lust for her ?
By Heaven "

(( No ! no ! no !" cried the heart-torn Ali.

" You, in return, saved his life; and
when he was in your power, was he not
all affection ? "Would Adelfred then have
thrown Ali Sheing from him ? He tore
you from the arms of a wife you loved
from children your own children the
children of Zulema ! Just God ! to save
him, you sacrificed your own peace: and
what is his return? You are made his

263

slave. Already he hates and lothes you.
Oh ! it is certain that power is wrested
from the hands of the generous Ali he
can no longer save : his services are at an
end."

" No more, no more he dies I"

ts For your wife and children, strike the
blow."

" He dies !"

" For the Soldan."

<f No more."

t( For the loss of your liberty."

Adelfred appeared, wrapped in a cloak,
at the farther end of the vault j and Alt
Sheing rushed forward, with drawn dag-
ger. He stabbed: bathed in his blood,
the victim fell, and with a groan, expired.

Iserlt now alarmed the castle. The
Moor stood over the bleeding corpse in an
attitude of horror : the most dreadful
thoughts crowded upon his brain. All
the various passions were at work in his
bosom, and holding conflict with nature.
No cry escaped his lips : his heart was

264

rent asunder: and retreating a few steps
from the body, he fell, heartbroken, and
gave up life without a groan.

Now various torches were seen in the
different vaults, and numbers of vassals,
directed by Iserlt, approached the spot.
All the caverns seemed in a blaze of light.
The vassals knelt over the bleeding body,
and with one accord, exclaimed, " Owain !"
Iserlt himself, drew near : it was Owain,
who, instead of Adelfred, was slain. The
villain trembled on beholding the accom-
plice in his guilt become the victim of
their united artifice. His cheek became
livid and pale with fear : a cold sweat
hung upon his contracted brow.

In this moment: of confusion, Adelfred
himself was seen leading from an inner
vault, a female, faint and languid, who
hung upon his arm, while her tottering
limbs dragged upon the ground, unable to
sustain her feeble frame.

The vassals now, with united voice, ex-
claimed, " Long live Lord Adelfred !"

265

Iserlt, with conscious guilt in his face,
threw himself at his knee, and confessed
the whole.

The Baron of Llanbedder, awaiting the
promised coming of the author of the
billet he had received, after he had broke
from Ali Sheing, and while traversing the
vaults in impatience, heard some faint
murmurs from an inner cave, and the
voice that made these lamentations men-
tioned his name. Astonished, he paused
awhile to listen : the voice broke forth
again in the same plaints : and, eager to
relieve distress, he burst into the vault
from whence the sounds proceeded, where
he beheld a female whom he instantly re-
cognized to be Helena, stretched upon a
bed of straw. A solitary lamp hung sus-
pended from the concaved roof, which
shed a dim light upon the dilapidated walls.
Adelfred could scarce believe his eyes.
(i Perfidious cousin !" after an interval of
horror, he exclaimed. Helena raised up
her head, on hearing his voice, and uttering
u

260

a wild scream of joy, fainted upon his
bosom. She soon recovered, and con-
firmed the words of Ruthvvold.

Adelfred instantly conveyed her from
the vault; and, directed by the torches of
the vassals, came to the spot where the
bleeding Owain lay.

During the confusion of Iserlt, Helena
was borne to a chamber in the castle, and
every means used to recover her. While
Adelfred execrated his perfidious cousin,
Iserlt confessed how he had worked up
the passions of the generous, unsuspecting
Ali; who, in an agony of thought, con-
templating on the crime he had com-
mitted, instantly expired.

It appeared, that Iserlt had 'made Owain
acquainted with his scheme; who, fearing
the failure, had come to the vaults, .which
had a communication with the convent, to
which he had gained access, habited for
immediate flight with Helena. The vil-
lain was tortured by doubt, lest his victim
should be discovered in her confinement ;

267

and, seeking to avoid this, found a deserved
death.

Iserlt was ordered for immediate exe-
cution : the body of Ovvain was privately
buried : while that of Ali Slicing was com-
mitted to the earth with all funeral pomp.
A rich urn was erected over his tomb:
on it was engraven his many virtues ; and
no breath of reproach ever sullied the
marble remembrance.

Helena soon recovered j and her former
beauty once more revelled on her cheek.
The nuptial rites were soon performed,
that made her the bride of the Baron of
Llanbcdder; and thousands blessed the
united names of Adelfred and Helena, for
their nuptial-day was the first of true
happiness to the vassals of Llanbedder,
since the death of the brave Caradoc,

C6e fountain Wax*.

.\f.Mf/ Ddk

Mac/eerier. JZuM

i^^yyuv6ff/tf/^/__y()a/7

fiiblished March i.jSbz.h' War/e.1lt>crriarieStri>tt:&:J.Iiadax-/c. P&gnrwttrA

Cfjc fountain 'BatD,

Jolo Golch, the Mountain Bard, as he is called, is
the author of several worthy Welsh airs, which are
much admired by his countrymen. The following
is his Legend, which is pretty generally credited, how-
ever improbable it may appear to the unbiassed reader.

Who, upon yon threatening rock's
brow sits ; striking, with enthusiastic fire,
the quivering strings of the vibrating harp?
" Who is he, that to the woods and waters
sings his patriotic lay: while his loose gar-
ments o'er his shoulders flying, filled, like
a sail by the wind, gives his cold body to
the cutting blast ? lied is his hard cheek
white as the snow his beard and locks,
that winnow in the wind. Athletic are
his limbs he's like to the sturdy oak, in
the winter of his age, slow in his decay,
and still retaining some of the former fire
of his youth.

272

Oh ! know you not the Bard of the
Mountain ? Have you not heard his soft
melodious lays his rustic song, or invi-
gorating invocation to his countrymen ?
It is the patriotic Jolo* Golch, whom you
observe; who, in the fierce slaughter of
his countrymen, alone surviving, did defy
the foe, and singly faced them. But lis-
ten: More pangs a mother never knew,
than did the mother who gave him birth.
In yon dismantled hut was he born, the
only offspring of a humble, but contented
sire. His mother, whose occupation was
to till the fertile field, was used to girth
young Jolo to her back, and so pursue her
avocation. The child seldom cried ; and,
in the leasing-time, she laid him on a rick
of corn, while she would form her wheat-
en-sheaf with heart of merry glee.

One sultry day, young Jolo being dis-
posed of, as just before observed, and the
mother at some distance off", collecting to-
gether the scattered ears that from the
learn had fell, or by the pikle had been

273

neglected, while the busy countrymen
were gathered round the costrill of cooling
ale, a monstrous eagle espying the in-
fant, alighted, and bore him away.

Distracted, the wretched mother viewed
her infant, and Heaven implored ! Higher
the eagle soared, until it disappeared, and
young Jolo's screams were heard no more.
To the battlements of yon Roman tower
the eagle flew there she had built her
nest and there her unfledged young croap-
ed for the welcome food. But that all-
powerful cause who presides over human
actions, came to the assistance of this in-
fant, and placed a mother's feelings in the
eagle's breast: she sheltered it with her
young stilled its feeble cries and roamed
for food to nurture it.

Five years on yonder tower's top the in-
fant drew its breath, beneath the maternal
eagle's wing : the young were fledged and
fled, and Jolo alone, was now her only
care. O'er him she'd sit, and brood, and
watch his little limbs expand, with the ten-

tlerest affection: and now the boy would
creep from out the nest, and o'er the
mossy stones trail his tender limbs. It
was in- the September month, when the
sultry xlay is closed with the angry storm,
the Roman tower on which the eagle's
nest was built, toppled; and part of it, cleft
by the storm, fell with horrible noise!
Wildly the infant screamed, and closer to
her breast the maternal eagle drew him ;
but the fierce tempest still continuing,
threatened the total annihilation of the
tower, and once more soaring to the Hea-
vens, with young Jolo in her embrace, she
flapped her wings, and cut through the
foggy air. Long time she flew, fearful of
her care, until the storm had entirely sub-
sided. Some fishermen observed her, as
she flew with her burthen, almost exhaust-
ed; and seeing her in their power, shot her
in the breast : she dropped, and expired in
the lake. She was taken up by them,
who were much astonished to find in- her
embrace, a child unhurt. One, more hu-

2?5

-mane than the rest, felt desirous to pre-
serve the life of the child, and took it
home to his wife, who was not a little
surprised to find it could not put its feet
to the ground. All possible care was taken
of it : it was taught to speak, to walk, to
read, &c. The mother of Jolo discovered
her infant about two years after, \yy passing
the cottage where it was reared, and ob-
serving the model of a harp on his breast.
Conceive a mother's joy a mother's rap-
ture in once more clasping to her bosom
her long lost child ! with what fond af-
fection she pressed him to her heart ! In
the Snowdon mountains dwelt a bardic
band, whose customs nearly approached
the druidic order; but divested of their
barbarisms and . gothic idolatries : with
these, young Jolo would associate, and join
in their patriotic song. Lively was his ima-
gination strong and bold his thought
-smooth and flowing was his verse, extem-
pore corn posed and soon was he elected
the chief of the Snowdon bards. But

276

when rude war reared high her blood-
stained crest, an inactive life suited not
with Jolo's fire: aside he laid the harp,
and sought the noisy field. In bloody
strife, he yielded not superiority to the
stoutest of the foe j but at last, a prisoner
he was taken, and to London sent. Not
long did a prison captive keep the chief;
his active mind found means to elude the
vigilance of the guard, and he escaped.
To Snowdon he shaped his flight, and
gained subsistence by singing ballads to the
village maid at the cottage door love was
his theme of virtuous maids and faith-
less men. Melancholy was his tale pleas-
ing was the plaintive air he sung : melting
hearts, and drawing sighs from the bosom
of the love-sick virgin. The Snowdon
bards welcomed his return, with unfeigned
joy, and once more nominated him their
chief. Never again, he swore, to engage
in broils, but with his voice vowed to rouze
the warlike fire in the hearts of his coun-
trymen to inspire them, with descanting

277

on the blessings of liberty and to tell
them what they had to fear if ever they
became the slaves of the foe of Wales.

Fifty years of age had he attained when
the English monarch, the beardless Edward,
whose great object was to subjugate and
oppress the sister kingdom, advanced his
thousand warriors to our native moun-
tains, and with fire and sword prepared to
desolate our land. In the deep recesses
of Snowdon lay the Britons, armed for
the conflict, and resolved to perish or con-,
quer in the defence of their native rights.
Jolo exhorted them to the fight : his in*,
spiring voice arouzed the rage of lions in
their breasts ; and proudly waved the British
banners on the top of every mountain,
threatening and defying the English to the
combat.

<( Countrymen and soldiers l M cried the
chief Bard of the Mountains, " boldly de-
termine to renounce your lives with your
liberties protect those rights and privileges
which your forefathers have enjoyed, and

278

which from you your children should in-'
herit. When the brazen trumpet of the
enemy sounds through the vallies, rush
not, as you were wont to do, like a wild
band, upon their swords, but collected re-
ceive them. Break not your ranks, but
firmly cemented together, oppose their
shield-piercing arrows. Forget not, that
for your homes, your wives, your children,
and your liberty, the sword is raised."

A thousand huzzas echoed among the,
hills women and children mingled in the
ranks, and upon the plains beneath the
mountain was spread a rich repast, at.
which the leader of the British troops pre-.
ided, with the bards, drinking healths,
and success to their arms. Smiling, the
next morn appeared : at a distance sounded,
the trumpet of the enemy : and the stout-
hearted Britons took the field. Around
the mountain's brow the bards were scat-
tered, invoking Heaven for the success of
their arms. The English were at first
staggered with so novel and strange a

279

sight; and they gave ground upon the first
attack of the Britons, who drove them, in
wild disorder, until their monarch appeared
among them, and by an animated example,
invited them to renew the contest. All
was confusion and despair. The Britons,
half mad with success, forgot the instruc-
tion of the intrepid Jolo, and were routed,
in their turn, by the English, who, ashamed
of their conduct, united again, and with
fresh vigour assailed the enemy. Alas !
alas ! dreadful was the carnage of that
day, lost by the great confidence of our
countrymen, who, assured of victory, re-
garded not those opportunities which
would inevitably have crowned their most
sanguine hopes. Not even the bards were
spared, whose venerable appearance might-
have inclined them to mercy, being un-
armed, and for that reason not to be
feared. The signal was given for the
slaughter of the bards ; and up each craggy
cliff the eager soldier flew, to complete an
act designed by this barbarous monarch,

280

High upon the Wyddfa's lofty summit
sat Jolo Golch, the Mountain Bard, the
survivor of the bardic throng: the bit-
terest execrations burst from his quivering
lips. Thrice had the enemy attempted to
tear him from his seat, but as often met
with a repulse.-*-He feared not death.

Jolo Golch mixes not with the world ;
in the lofty mountains of Snowdon he
dwells : sweet is his song. Often have the
village damsels tripped along the green to
his merry dance and the love-lorn maid,
listened with tearful eye to his plaintive
ditty. The young soldier, inspired with
his songs of war, has, in imagination,
fought those very battles which the faithful
tongue of Jolo has so glowingly described.
Jolo Golch will ever live in the hearts of
and memories of his countrymen his song
will ever please his patriotic spirit ever
be admired.

THE end.

Frinted by J. D. DEWICK,
Aldersgate Street.

:!.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY

Los Angeles
This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.

n m

RECD

LI-ORB M

1 %m

1976

RENEWAL
LB-URL

: :

r\ <5

Mhn-7,'88(J1896t4)- d-120

ir>->0

5 1g R - 519

SEP 1 1 1982
fBi?3

C'DJ-B-lffi

2* MAR 2 3 1983

*JL '"-33

ROTH! ID- 1

Mto|983

3 1158 00296 4574

UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY

A A 000 109 575