Have no favorities, but treat your children alike, according as their circumstances re-needlessly into the law, and expending dollar quire, and their conduct deserves. If children are treated alike when all things are equal it enables the parents to make a difference with advantage when circumstances require.' Avarice of a Persian King. THE avarice of Aga Mohammed sometimes betrayed him into awkward and even ludicrous predicaments. While superintending certain punishments one day, he heard a man who had been sentenced to lose his ears, offering to the executioner a few pieces of silver, if he would not shave them very close.' He ordered the culprit instantly to be called, and told him that if he would double the sum, his ears should not be touched. The man, believing this to be only a facetious manner of announcing his pardon, prostrated himself, uttered his thanks, and was retiring, when he was recalled and given to understand, that payment was really expected as the condition of his safety. On another occasion, he himself disclosed a conspiracy to defraud his nobles. Riding out with some courtiers, a mendicant met the party, to whom the king apparently struck with his distress, ordered a large sum to be given. The example was, of course, followed by all, and the beggar obtained a very considerable sum. That night the sovereign's impatience betrayed his secret-'I have been cheated,' said he to his minister; that scoundrel of a mendicant, whom you saw this morning, not only promised to return my own money, but to give me half of what he should receive through its means from others!' Horseman were instantly ordered in pursuit; but the fellow took care not to be caught, and the courtiers laughed in their sleeve at his majesty's disappointment. 'It will Bite.' after dollar, to cheat a neighbor, instead of will bite before he thinks of it. If they see poor souls idling away their time in hopes of getting an office, or of being left a legacy, or of drawing a prize in a lottery, or of making money by speculation, or of times growing better, or in hopes of any such things, do tell them it's all nonsense, and that they'll find themselves caught in a trap ere they expect it. If they hear a man talk of going to the new countries, who is tolerably well fixed here, tell him to keep his fingers out of such a trap-For, there are a hundred kinds of traps that will bite, besides mouse-traps. I have seen a great many people shaking their fingers in late times, and dancing round to a sorry key, who had been caught in traps of one kind or another, and I just scratch off these hints for the benefit of those who most need them.-Trenton Emporium, The Kural Repository. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1834. WILL such of our subscribers as can make it convenient, and feel interested in the success of our periodical, so far lend us their aid in its circulation, as to use their endeavors in their respective vicinities, to add a few responsible names to our subscription list. Not that we would complain of the patronage already extended to our little work; but as we always calculate to keep extra numbers, from the commencement of the volume, on hand, to supply persons wishing to become subscribers at any time during its publication, any such exertions in our favor will always be thankfully received and gratefully acknowledged. PRIZE ESSAY.-The Editor of the Hartford Pearl offers and will pay a prize of TWENTY DOLLARS, for the best concise and spirited Essay on the annexed subject: The duties of a patron of American Periodical Literature, and the importance of paying subscription-monies.' Each Essay, written for the Prize, must be accompanied with a separate envelope, containing the name of the author, and must be sent, post paid, to the Editor of the Hartford Pearl, Hartford, Conn. on or before the first day of November next, when the judges will convene for the purpose of making a decision on the articles which may be offered. To Correspondents. HAVE our fair correspondents, Stella' and C. D.' forsaken us? We hope not; they write too well to 'hang Letters Containing Remittances, Received at this Office, ending Wednesday last, deducting the amount of Postage paid. ECONOMY. A dreadful little for a shilling,'| 6 6 G. C. V. Hillsdale, N. Y. $1,00; J. B. C. Austerlitz, N. Y. 80,75; W. A. New-London, Ct. $1,00. G. E. M. SUMMARY. A subscription has, it is stated, been set on foot among the wealthy Israelites, to present a piece of plate to Mr. Milman, as a tribute of their admiration for his History of the Jews. The charter oak, celebrated for the concealment in its hollow of the charter of Connecticut, when a surrender of the charter of the New England Colonies was required by the British Crown, yet flourishes in the green and vigorous old age, of two or three centuries. FEMALE MUNIFICENCE.-A most laudable instance of feminine generosity is recorded in the Baltimore Gazette. The late Mrs. Ann Nelson of that county, by her last will and testament, devised $10,000, to Trustees for the benevolent purpose of founding a Boarding School for the instruction of young ladies in all the branches of female education, to be called the Hannah More Academy. A handsome edifice has been erected, and Mrs. Gertrude MARRIED, In this city, on the 2d inst. by the Rev. A. Rumpf, Mr. John Henry Ostrander, of Claverack, to Miss Mariette Bliss, of this place. On the 18th ult. by the Rev. J. B. Waterbury, Mr. Henry SELFISHNESS OF PRAYER.-An old gentle- As a minister and lawyer were riding At Lebanon Springs, on the 13th ult. by the Rev. Edwin both of Austerlitz. Sanders, Mr. Sylvester Burrows, to Miss Sarah Braman, At Hillsdale, on the 30th ult. by the Rev. L. B. Van the above place. Dyck, Mr. Lewis Haywood, to Miss Polly Foster, all of At New York, on the 1st inst. by the Rev. Dr. Matthews, Mr. Henry H. Reynolds, to Mary Jane, daughter of Augustus Wynkoop, Esq. In Brattleboro' by the Rev. Mr. McGee, Mr. Isaac C. Pray, jr. Editor of the Hartford Pearl, to Miss Sarah Ann At Norwick, Ct on the 6th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Hall, DIED, In this city, on the 1st inst. Mrs. Sarah, wife of Mr. On the 5th inst. Mrs. Louisa, wife of Mr. Charles Penfield, aged 26 years. At Claverack, on the 29th ult. Stephen Miller, Esq. an old and respectable inhabitant of that place. On timid wings surveys the cot And pity's scattered crumbs receives; Or laugh of skaters soundeth there ;- The maiden's glee-whose laughing eyes Pass round, while up the bright flames shoot, That feels no warm and keen desire, Forsakes the genial rustic fire ?- And warms the hardened heart of Vice, Farewell the soil my steps that stayed, In tottering infancy; Where free my bounding footsteps strayed Link'd with each field and spring; And here in childhood's day I heard, My native home! farewell once more! I tempt the unknown world before, The Invalid Mother to her Child. It may be that no cloud will shade But when thy little dimpled cheek There is a wild, a selfish hope, "Twould grieve me to resign;That, when forgotten,-passed away, A thing of other years, Thou in thy manhood's strength mayst turn, There are who blame a mother's love, From the London Metropolitan. On haste, thee, fair sister,' the bride maidens cried, THE following lines are the production of John R.Oh! deign, peerless lady, our summons to hear; I PAUSED upon the mountain's brow, And dwelt, midst gathering tears, Through few,-but changing years, My early loves, and hopes, and fears, Through disappointment's shroud, Shone forth as when the sun appears One moment through a cloud. The bridegroom now came to the high castle walls; I have left my fair palace of marble and gold, I have brought the rich gems that she promised to wear, I once had a lover of humble degree, His vows were received, and were answered by me, LITERARY PREMIUMS. The publisher of the Rural Repository, desirous of presenting his readers with superior original matter, and of encouraging literary talent, offers the following premiums, which he flatters himself may be considered worthy of notice by some of the writers of the day. For the best ORIGINAL TALE (to occupy not less than three pages of the Repository) $20. For the best POEM (not less than forty lines) $5. Communications intended for the prizes must be directed to William B. Stoddard, Hudson, N. Y. and forwarded by the first of November next-each enclosing a sealed envelope of the name and residence of the writer. The merit of the pieces will be determined by a Committee of Literary Gentlemen selected for the purpose and will, after being decided upon, be considered the property of the publisher. N. B. In addition to what was formerly offered, the author of every piece that is published will be entitled to a copy of the present volume. In all cases the articles intended for the prizes must be POST PAID, or they will not be attended to. Mitchell's Travelers's Guide Through the United States. Also Maps of New York; New Jersey; Massachusetts, Connecticut & Rhode Island; Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont; Pennslyvania; Maryland; Virginia; N. & S. Carolina & Georgia; Louisania, Mississippi & Alabama; Indiana; Illinois & Arkansas; Ohio, Indiana, Illinois & Michigan, just received and for Sale, by ASHBEL STODDARD. Book & Job Printing, Of all descriptions, neatly executed, on new and handsome type, and on the most reasonable terms, at this office. THE RURAL REPOSITORY IS PUBLISHED EVERY OTHER SATURDAY, AT HUDSON, N. Y. BY Wm. B. Stoddard. It is printed in the Quarto form, and will contain twenty-six numbers of eight pages each, with a title page and index to the volume. TERMS.-One Dollar per annum in advance, or One Dollar und Fifty Cents, at the expiration of three monhts from the time of subscribing. Any person, who will remit us Five Dollars, free of postage, shall receive siz copies, and any person, who will remit us Ten Dollars, free of postage, shall receive twelve copies and one copy of the ninth or tenth volumes. No subscriptions received for less than one year. All Orders and Communications must be post paid to receive attention DEVOTED TO POLITE LITERATURE, SUCH AS MORAL AND SENTIMENTAL TALES, BIOGRAPHY, TRAVELING SKETCHES, POETRY, AMUSING MISCELLANY, ANECDOTES, &c. VOL. XI.-[II. NEW SERIES.] SELECT TALES. From the Hartford Pearl. HUDSON, N. Y. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1834. smile was seen in her fixed eye. Some She sits, perhaps, and thinks of him, NO. 11. short about, and went back to join the party. pathy to her unheard story, she passed on 'I wish every lady of that party could have her way. She now had occasion to cross heard those remarks,' said Catherine mentally, over to the opposite side-walk. In so doing, while a blush for her own sex, and a gush of the singular attitude of a young lady arrested THERE are times when the monotonous indignation for the other, reddened her pale her eye. She was sitting in a window, with din of a busy town is fatiguing; the dust cheek. A voice from a window above her, her work in her left hand, her right hand and smoke offensive; that intense application reached her ear, and interrupted her reflec- raised, with needle, thread and thimble, to selfish pursuits, of business, gratification, tions. I do not find such happy faces evidently in the act of taking another stitch, and pleasure, disgusting; one feels that he abroad,' said a gentleman in a tone of tender- when some absorbing thought so abstracted lives in a cold, selfish world, and with a ness, my wife, my children, are all the world her attention from outward objects that she melancholy misanthropy, grows restive and to me.'Your wife and children feel just remained motionless in that position. Cathdissatisfied, sighs for solitude, a purer atmos- like wearing happy faces, when you are witherine paused almost before her to watch her phere, and more congenial minds, with which them,' replied the wife; your late absence countenance for the cause of her absent mind. to exchange thoughts and affections, and seemed very, very long. Happy family,' It was evidently no problem in Euclid. No mingle sympathies. It was with such im- said Catherine, as their mingled voices died index of intense thought or mathematical pressions, and under the influence of such away on her ear. I think that lady is some-calculation was seen on her features. An feelings that Catherine rose hastily from her thing more than a parrot to that husband.' expression of tenderness played about her work, threw on her hat and shawl, and strol- Voices of a louder, harsher character now mouth and dimpled cheek. A half suppressed led away toward the country; but the Main claimed the attention of Catherine. Other street must first be patrolled before she could women can go and come when they please,' reach anything like rural scenery. Being in said a petulant female voice, I cannot, and a moralizing mood she walked slowly, and will not, always stay home with my children.' observed closely whatever of incident or I wish I had never got married.' 'I wish you interest fell in her way. The fi.st,ubject of had thought so some years ag' said the husattention was a fashionable party of gentlemen band, I should not have you to scold me.' and ladies, who filled to overflowing the parlor But I shall go where I please, and you may help of a rich merchant. While passing she heard yourself. A moment more, and the cross enough to convince her that their conversation husband was walking on before her; he was was of the most frivolous character. She instantly recognised, as he had been an had scarcely passed the last window, when elegant beau, flattering, and talking nonsense two young gentlemen, arm in arm, went past to the ladies, just as he would to parrots. and walked on just before her. I must take His wife had simpered, and smiled and flirted breath a moment' said one to his fellow with him, and finally married him, because before we go in. I really dread the evening, he was the best dancer, and the handsomest I know the company, and do not expect to fellow in town. Now, both were wretched. hear a syllable of common sense unless we A low voice from the next window made have the moral courage to talk it ourselves. Catherine look up, where sat a young girl Well, that we shall not do,' replied the other, with a plain intelligent face, solving a problem I never think of making any use of my intel- in Euclid. She was so deeply engaged as lect in the company of the ladies; I should not to notice a friend who had stepped to the as soon think of talking sense to parrots.' window, till he touched her cheek with his 'You remind me of an anecdote I once heard,' cane. Very intent Elizabeth,' said he, said the other. A gentleman once offered how do you like mathematics?" Well,' to send a young lady an interesting book, she replied, It is fine discipline for the saying it contained many new and valuable mind, and learns one to think.' There is a ideas. I do not want it, said the lady gravely. girl-said Catherine to herself, as she passed I never had an idea in my house, and never on her way, who knows she has a mind, mean to have. That's genuine exclaimed that it needs discipline, and she loves to his friend with a hearty Fugh." But hear think; I wonder if she will be called a parme out,' retorted the other; I am acquainted rot? The next object which arrested her with ladies, capable of thinking and convers- attention was a middle aged female, resting ing, whose cultivated minds are of the highest her head on her hand, a bursting sigh escap order. It is our own fault as a sex, that ed her, and tears chased each other down there are not many more such. Did we treat her furrowed cheek. What aileth thee ladies as rational, intellectual beings, and matron' thought Catherine, show our preference to common sense, we should find them emulous to please us.' may be so,' said the other, but I have not Catherine had now left the city of Hudson been so fortunate as to discover such an But she could not fathom the mystery of behind her. The air had become pure about order of things. So saying, they turned her untold sorrows, so giving a sigh of syn-her, though the day had been sultry for It 'What sorrow, what care, said Catherine, as she pursued her solitary way. She had now reached the suburbs of the city. A few splendid mansions, the abodes of the wealthy were scattered along the way; but most of the dwellings were those of the poor. Here, a washer-woman was toiling in the shade of her small house, while she contrived to rock the cradle of her restless infant with her foot. There, stood wretched hut, with a group of ragged children, and suffering mother, while the inebriated father and husband was cutting a few faggots at the door. In another, sat the industrious wife and mother, engaged in patching her children's clothes, or sewing to earn their bread. An infaut lay on her bosom, a little one sat on her extended feet, another yet older rested his head on her knee while he looked her in the face, in the attitude of deep attention, while she related to him some instructive story. All about her, bore the marks of industry and neatness, as well as poverty. She once made one in a happy domestic circle around her father's fire side. An idle, worthless husband had shorn the last shred of her little patrimony. Nothing was now left her but toil and want. But with a meek, uncomplaining spirit, she was struggling to sustain those helpless children, who will in after life rise up, and call her blessed.' Surely,' said Catherine, that woman is not a parrot.' October. Clouds which are sometimes vulgarly called thunder-heads, had been for hours hanging about the horizon, but they now seemed to cluster and condense in the south-west. . Will there be a shower madam?' asked Catherine, to a middle-aged woman, who stood watching the gathering clouds. I think not,' she replied, though there is something ominous of wind in those clouds, she continued, still looking at them with anxiety. My daughter,' said she is gone to Catskill in a boat, with a small wedding party, and I have been watching those clouds with some apprehensions of a squall, but I think it will go round us.' Thus, after having soothed a mother's fears, she returned to her house, and Catherine pursued her object. She then left the main road, and ascended what was at that early period called Windmill Hill.' Here she found the objects of her search, fresh air, and retirement. She seated herself on a pile of rocks, from which she could command an extensive prospect of the surrounding country. With the aid of an excellent spy-glass she had purposely brought with her, she could bring distant objects near, and enjoy the rich autumnal scenery. There was something in Nature. now drest in the variegated habiliments of age, that sorted with the softened and some what sombre feelings of her own bosom. To the east, she would look down on a rich level country, in a high state of cultivation. She could discover Claverack in the distance, with its country-seats, neat farm-houses, and the cottages of the industrious poor, its court house, and old ruinous prison. But an air of ease, affluence, and plenty was as extensive as the prospect. To the south, Livingston's Manor' stretched itself along the river, and for many miles to the east. This tract of country might have been luxuriantly productive under the hands of skilful agriculturists, but the fact that the inhabitants did not own 'the right of soil,' palsied the hand of industry and enterprise, and cast a mildew on their scanty produce. Catherine turned from the contemplation of such scenes, to others more congenial. Her prospect of the river to the north was fine, and the scenery along its banks luxuriant. To the west the prospect was still more magnificent, bounded by the blue summits of the Catskill mountain, whose lofty peaks seemed to mingle with the clouds. The dense forests which adorned its brow and base, seemed like wilds immeasurably spread' where beasts of prey securely prowl, and safely rest. Nature never tires the eye, or sickens the heart. Catherine had taken a peep with her glass into the dressing rooms of the votaries of fashion, had seen the laborions efforts at the toilet with disgust. She had looked in upon those indolent beings who seem to feel that time is one of their greatest trials, and to dispose of which they invent many painful methods. From these she turned with a sigh! She had for a moment looked in on a young lady of distinguished merit. She sat with her guitar, and her lover, alternately playing, singing and conversing. She saw the proud, happy lover with an air of triumph, his soul in his eye, gazing first at her fair form, her lovely features, and then at her instrument, touched with so much skill and harmony. But she felt it sacrilege thus to intrude on the privacy of a lover's tete-a-tete. But the Hudson with its floating habitations A beautiful boat, With its white sails afloat, Borne swift on the wings of the breeze. was public property, no one could accuse event, and rode up to the door agitated and her of sacrilege, or a breach of the golden|| pale, O mother,' said he, Mary, sister rule,' should she examine its glassy bosom, Mary, is-is,' is what, my son, dead?' 'O with all the variety of water craft, from the no, mother, is alive, well,' but, O, poor Jane majestic brig, to the pleasure boat and light and Henry are lost, lost.' An agonizing canoe. She soon discovered from the man- scream rent the air, Catherine turned and euvering of the sailors, that a wind was saw a female prostrate on the ground, her expected, and prepared for. She took anoth-husband stood over her crying, she is dead, er look at the clouds, and her own position, too, she is dead too.' Restoratives were to ascertain if she was herself both high and applied, and the lady revived only to renew dry,' if the storm should come in that direc- her heart piercing cries. She was the mother tion. She concluded that it could not reach of the bride, she lived near, and had come at so high, except a slight pattering, perhaps, that moment to learn the facts respecting her and recollecting the old adage, neither sugar daughter's fate. She was conveyed home, nor salt,' she determined to abide the conse- while apparently frantic with grief. From the quences. She was scarcely seated again, mother of Mary, Catherine learned that she when she discovered in the direction of was one of those misjudging mothers, who, Catskill, from false tenderness, had suffered this only daughter to grow up, a head strong, selfwilled girl, with her passions unsubdued, and That may be the wedding party, said Cath- self-gratification her ruling passion. Her erine, arising and minutely examining the mother had not won her confidence, or contents of the boat. It was a splendid sail secured her respect. She neither feared, boat, with two men to manage her, and six nor loved her parents. The young gentleman passengers. She could distinctly see their she had married paid her his addresses, her position, dress, and gestures; all seemed in parents opposed her, treated her severely, high spirit. She fancied she almost heard the consequence was, an elopement and their lively sallies and their boisterous mirth. clandestine marriage. The remainder of her one, however, who from her melancholy history has already been told. It attitude and looks, showed signs of care and was now growing late, and Catherine proanxiety, it was the bride; while the attentive, ceeded toward home, reflecting on the events assiduous bridegroom was making every she had witnessed. It was nearly dark when effort to dissipate that anxiety. Catherine she arrived at the city. As she passed the had very little time to puzzle herself with parlor of the merchant where she had seen peradventures as to the cause of her inquietude, the party assembling, she found they had for the clouds were fast gathering darkness, exchanged rooms and amusements, the hall and the storm approached rapidly. She had above was brilliantly lighted up, and idle only time to see that the boat steered for the conversation was exchanged for the dance. shore before a cloud of dust and falling foliage footstep had died away on her ear, she met Before the sound of the music and light interrupted her vision. the slowly moving hearse, which conveyed the lifeless bodies of the bride and bridegroom, to their distressed parents. They were found before the death grasp of the bride was loosened from her husband's arm-he had, it seemed, made an effort to save her, became entangled with her clothes, they had sunk together! Like a star in the mighty waters.' There was Near by, there stood the trunk of an old oak, Catherine fled thither for shelter, and fell prostrate on the ground. The angry gale swept past her with fury, tearing several trees from the verge of the hill, and hurling them to its base with a tremendous crash. The meaner plants that grew around The next day they were committed to one But the tempest was past in a moment, and grave, and were soon forgotten. The gay, the sun looked out upon the cloud now were gay as ever, the thoughtless and unreswiftly waving north, and bearing all before flecting, still unreflecting and thoughtless. it in one mingled ruin. Catherine regardless The unhappy mother and daughter were both of her own wet and dirty self, seized her objects of censure, but neither mothers nor spy glass and looked for the wedding party. daughters perceived in this example a lesson Boats of different orders were putting off for themselves, Thousands have been ruined from the shore and clustering around the by the same indulgence and mismanagement, spot where she last saw the sail boat. She but here and there a mother has felt her soon discovered that persons were taken from responsibility or obligation to train up their the water. That boat has upset,' exclaimed daughters to make rational, sensible, affecCatherine with indescribable emotion, who, tionate companions, discreet and prudent who of that party has been sent in this unex-mothers, useful members of society, and an pected manner into eternity.' She then ornament to their sex, while multitudes have hastened down the hill as fast as the obstruc-been literally made parrots. Such were the tion of fallen trees and mingled turf, stones, and under brush would admit. She at last reached the public road, and called on the anxious mother she had seen watching the clouds, to rest herself, and inquire after the wedding party. She was not mistaken in her conjectures, it had upset in the gale.' The boats which went to their assistance had saved all but the newly married pair-both of them were lost. Catherine found the mother calm and resigned, before she had ascertained that her daughter was safe, and thankful and solemn when she heard the joyful fact. Her son had gone to the river with all possible speed, on horseback, to learn the issue of the reflections of Catherine, as she shut the doors of her own room about her, and took her pen to record the history of her walk to Windmill Hill, October 1798. B. A TRADING LAWYER.-An eminent Lawyer went into a shop of a gentleman in Boston, who was in partnership with his brother-in-law, and inquired for some waistcoats. A number of elegant patterns were thrown on the counter. The lawyer pleasantly observed, he should like to take one of them if he would take his pay in law. You may take one if you please,' replied the gentleman, and pay my brother-in-law.' 6 6 The Close of a Fine Day.' TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH. THE morning dawned with such splendor that it seemed to announce a fete in Heaven Josephine, the beautiful Josephine, the empress of France (who was then residing at Petit-Trianon,) was awakened by the bright rays of the sun beaming upon her face| through the folds of the embroidered curtains. Half rising from her bed, she drew them aside, and gazed long and ardently upon the morning sun; it was one of those looks which she bestowed only on her son, her adored Eugene, or the emperor, her husband. She summoned none of her attendants; but wrapping herself in a white gown, she left her couch, and opened one of the windows of her bed-chamber. All nature seemed languid. The tops of the trees gently bowing to the morning gale, appeared to the fancy, as they touched each other, to breath kindness and love. The unfortunate Josephine involuntarily sighed forth, Oh! what a glorious day!-surely some happiness is this day in store for me! These words had hardly escaped her lips, when she heard music under the window of the chateau. The empress thought that she had been observed. She slowly retired from the casement, and again reclined upon her bed. believe that it was a god she had for a husband but slightly touched her forehead, and that Napoleon, for it was he, seemed moody and morose, as if he was on the eve of engaging in a battle which was to decide the fate of Europe. In vain did the multitude look for one of those gracious smiles, which he so well knew how to bestow. He saw it not; he heard it not. He could only listen to the thoughts that weighed on his mind; and the restless demeanor which he found it impossible to command, plainly showed that his reflections were of the most harassing description. He was accompanied in the carriage by the chamberlain of the palace, who, observing the agitation of his master, took care not to increase his ill-temper by any attempts at conversation. 6 The emperor alighted, and said to Duroc, I shall go to Trianon on foot, and attended by none but Roustan. Observe. I shall soon return.-I only wish to surprise the empress,' added he. His brow appeared to darken more and more. Accompanied by Roustan, he hastened through one of the cross-paths in the park. During the walk but few words escaped his lips. He still remained deeply buried in thought. 6 Josephine drew forth a casket, in which were preserved the letters of Napoleon, and opening it, placed it before him. Sire,' said she, with dignity, these were written by the first consul, the victor of Marengo.' Ah! love-letters! replied the emperor glancing at them carelessly; love-letters! true!--but does it become you, madame, to display them thus? This, for instance, would you that I should read it to you this, which I wrote to you on the field of battle, worn-out with fatigue, thinking only of you, telling all my glory to you alone, who would not return a single answer, indulging, as you did, in all the pleasures of Milan, and perhaps encouraging the attentions of some cavalier ?' Sire!' exclaimed the empress, have some 'Or shall I respect for me, for yourself!' read this continued Napoleon, becoming more heated, as he remembered the jealousy to which he had formerly been a victim; 6 Suddenly, without any announcement, without even tapping at the door of the chamber, some one entered, and hurried towards the couch of Josephine. Ah! exclaimed she, folding her gown around her, and stretching forth her arms, I was certain this would be a happy day for me. My son! my Eugene!' She wept with delight; and the first transports of meeting over, they gazed at each other in silence which was only interrupted by an embrace. Their was something almost divine in the affection of Eugene towards his mother. My good, my kind mother!' said the viceroy of Italy, when he recovered the power of utterance, 'I wished to surprise you, to visit you without announcing my arrival by your attendants. I only took care to awaken you Although Napoleon had not intended to by the music of the military band.' You give the empress any previous notice of his have done wrong perhaps, dear Eugene, in visit to Versailles, yet the report of his not previously sending to prepare me for the arrival reached Trianon before him. M. meeting,' replied Josephine, with a heavenly Frere, Josephine's valet-de-chambre, hurried smile, not in the least tinctured with reproach; to acquaint his mistress with the news, who for sudden joy, joy like mine, might occasion was still wandering in the shady walks of the death. I have always loved you.-The half garden with her dearly loved son. The of the love I bear the emperor is occasioned information cast a sudden gloom over her by the kindness with which he regards you. spirits, which was the more unaccountable, as The other half, and be not jealous of it, she had usually been transported with joy on belongs to him alone; I love him because he the arrival of her husband. Eugene likewise, is Napoleon.' And I, I love you with all who endeavored to preserve the gayness and my heart, because you are my mother, and joy he had hitherto displayed, found it imbecause you adore him,' continued Eugene.possible to conceal his uneasiness, though he You have doubtless seen him since you have could not account for it. As the empress returned, my son?' asked Josephine. My was passing the threshold of the chateau, she first visit, as well as my first thought, was for slipped and almost fell. So fine a day!' you, my mother.' You owe it to another, said she, sighing; should it end in sorrow!' my son,' immediately replied the empress, Josephine, however, still thought of her son Oh, the thought of this draws the blood gravely yet affectionately; I can only clain: Eugene, though she felt so uneasy for herself; to my cheek,' continued the emperor; rethe second. But the emperor, who loves his and fearing lest the emperor would testify move these scrawls; away with them, or I mother so dearly, well knows what it is to be surprise and displeasure at not receiving the will tear them to pieces. Do not remind me a son,' continued she; and he will forgive first visit, she prevailed upon him to retire to again, that I, the foremost man in all the your neglect, my dear Eugene.' But per- a room, adjoining that in which she intended world, could have a rival in the affections of ceiving that her reproach had hurt him, she to receive her husband. Eugene had hardly a woman whom I have raised to the dignity dried up his tears with a maternal embrace. retired, when the emperor entered hurriedly, of my wife. At this moment, the sounds of and tossed his hat upon the sofa, without footsteps was heard in an adjoining apartment, uttering a word. When the empress arose accompanied with a long-drawn and ill-supWho overhears us?' asked to receive the accustomed kiss, she shuddered, pressed sigh. and shrank back as if under the influence of the emperor, angrily; Who is there?'-and some supernatural power. His feverish lipshe advanced to the door of the chamber 6 The mother and son breakfasted together in private, that their intercourse might not be trammeled by the rules of etiquette. They talked of Italy, of the campaigns, and victories of the emperor; till Josephine felt inclined to would you wish me to do so? Hold I will.' And he read the following; I came to Milan; I hastened to your apartment; I quitted every thing to see you, to embrace you. You were not there.-You were at a fete, you were away when I arrived, you thought not of Napoleon. Caprice made you love him, and inconstancy renders you now indifferent to him. The pain I feel is as severe as it was unexpected. Continue in your career of pleasure; happiness was made for you; the whole world is too happy if it can but please you, and your husband is very, very miserable.' |