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mands, earnestly wishing I might like her; but determined to encounter his displeasure rather than impose upon either him or the lady for a moment, if I did not. Why I came here, you know. Why I have remained here so Jong, I scarcely know myself. I have been happy; and voluntarily to deprive myself of happiness demanded more resolution than possess. Indeed, I was not certain that a lady whom I had never seen had a right to require it of me."

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ditor, to bring it back again?-As it happens, however," added 1, "all will end as it should do. Miss Caradine will forgive you when she sees you; and to know her and to love her are the same thing."

Much as I pity Mr. Marriot, not a word did I say of him. I then proceeded to give Mr. Millichamp an account of my friend; such as I think her; such as she really is; one of the most beautiful and most amiable of her sex. I congratulated him that duty and inclinaHe might have talked till to-morrow, and I tion could not fail to point to the same ohshould not have interrupted him. Here, how-ject; that he run no risk of offending his ever, he paused, and I ventured to say "But, perhaps, your uncle has a right to require it."

"Never!" he replied with energy.—“ Never can one human being have a right to direct the actions of another!-Even a state of ser

uncle; and I assured him, on the contrary, his gratitude would know no bounds for the possession of such a treasure. But he has unaccountable fits of absence. He was seized with one just now. He sat silent and thoughtful; and I, perceiving he did not attend to

vitude does not confer it, farther than theme, rose up, and went into the house, whither

actions of the servants regards the master And as to slavery, it is a monster of man's own making."

“If the lady has expected you?” said I.

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"If the lady has expected me," he rejoined, "I am really to blame; but surely it was indelicate, if she were informed of my errand as well as my visit. Do not you think we ought || to have seen each other first, and I been spared the mortification of being known to reject her, if I could not love her?"

"Certainly," said I" But what delicacy could you expect from a man who has spent half his estate in horses and dogs, and gives up his only child to the nephew of his cre

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he followed me soon after.

It is now evening. The open sunshine of Mr. Millichamp's face is clouded; but I hear nothing of his going. Will he go to-morrow? He ought; but I think I cannot say any more. It would not be right to teize him. One would not absolutely drive him out of the house. If he does not come to you immediately, write me word what you would have me do. My head aches violently; I think I shall not go to the Hall to-night.— Adieu, my dear, my ever dear friend.→ May you be happy -Indeed, with Mr. Millichamp you must.

(To be continued.)

HISTORIC ROMANCE.

HISTORY OF DON ZAMBOGA AND SERAPHINA; WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.
(Concluded from Page 144.)

"HAVE you discovered," said she, "if we have any cause of apprehension from the person who overheard us?"-" Alas!” replied I, "too much!-Our ruin is, indeed, inevitable! Oh, Seraphina! have I known you but to loose you!"-"Have you discovered who it is?" said she, with an appearance of increased alarm."Yes," replied I; "it is no other than our bitterest enemy, the tyrant himself!-Yes, Seraphina, our ruin is thus effectual, our fate inevitable!"" Inevitable, indeed," rejoined || she. "Nothing, therefore, remains but to prepare ourselves to support it in a manner worthy of our love and our birth. Let not our tyrant triumph in seeing the desired effect of his cruelty-Let us defy him even in the moment of our punishment."-" Alas!" re

plied I," that punishment will be confined to me. For you, Seraphina, he intends a happier fate. He invites you with the voice of love.— The ball and not the prison, is prepared for you. And shall the tyrant thus reap the fruit of his crimes?-Ah! Seraphina, must charms like thine become the reward of a tyrant like this! I do not doubt thy love, my Seraphina; but thy courage to resist him. He will as sault thy virtue rather with menaces than prayers."

"Ah, cease!” said she, " these vain apprebensions? Our evils are already sufficiently numerous; let not our imagination second the efforts of our fate, and increase our real misery with what is only imaginary.—You may rest in the assurance, that the utmost

blush for you, nor let that shake the resolu tion of a man, which a woman can thus sup

triumph of our persecutor.-Let our pride, therefore, support our courage!"

We gained the door of the outer apartment as Seraphina concluded these last words; my mistress here took her leave of me; and as our situation was such as to lead us to a con

into my arms, and returned the embrace with which I received her. Her resolution now forsook her, and she burst into tears! She was soon surrounded by some ladies who yet remained, and as our love had hitherto been unknown, it is impossible to express the curiosity and astonishment with which they regarded her. Their efforts were in vain to separate us. They were equally fruitless to

tyranny of Philip,, though seconded by his royal power, shall never reach my honour; I can securely defy him there. But let us pre-port.-Our complaints will only add to the pare for the fate we have so just a reason to expect; we must both fall the sacrifice to the indignation of the offended and disappointed Prince. You will only be the first. He will no sooner see the folly of his hopes; he will no sooner discover my obstinacy of faith and fidelity even to your ashes, than he will attempt of all ceremony, she here threw herself length, with an intent of cruelty, do an act of mercy, and follow up your murder by that of myself. Yes, Zamboga, our separation shall be but short-The same tyranny which at present divides us, will, in a short interval, again unite us."-" Could I persuade myself of that," said 1, " my fate would be no longer a subject of regret. I could with transport meet the rage of our tyrant, and suffer the severest tortures fortune could in- || console Seraphina. For some moments we Aict, were I secure that it would be followed by an effect like this!-Yes, Seraphina, death or life is alike indifferent to me, if united to thee!"" Then he persuaded,” rejoined she, "that this will not fail.-Though I bear the form of a woman, I have a resolution as firm, a courage as undaunted as your own.-Do not think that I will survive you.—No, Zamboga, by our plighted vows, by my acknowledged love, by the life of my father, and the honour of my house, I swear to accompany you. Whatever may be thy fate, that also shall be mine.-Should any unusul remorse withhold the tyrant from a second murder, my own hand shall perform the deed.-Zamboga, I will never desert thee; I am the daughter of a noble house, and with the name I have their pride, their firmness of purpose, and || inflexibilty of honour!"

Seraphina and myself were thus engaged in discourse, when the masquerade broke up, and the company retired. The apartments were deserted, except by the servants, before we observed their departure, so wholly were we occupied with each other.

continued in this situation, unconscious of every thing but of the presence of each other. Seraphina, however, at length recovered her suspended recollection, and perceiving that we became the objects of curiosity, dropped her veil, and retired with her companions. I remained some time longer, but awaking at || length to a sense of my situation, retired. But I had no sooner descended into the courtyard, through which I was to pass into my own apartment, than I was arrested by order of the King.

I was dragged by the officers to the common prison, and confined in its lowest and most secure cell. The jailor was commanded to take every precaution against my escape. The door was then barred, and I was left to the company of my own thoughts.

Nothing could exceed the horror of a situation like this! But the apprehenison of my now certain, and already imminent fate, was not what constituted the greatest part of this horror. There is a generosity even in the meanest soul, when acting under the influence of love, which inspires it with a courage the "We must retire," said Seraphina," and most heroic, a contempt of its own danger or separate, and, perhaps, for ever; but remem- sufferings, and a readiness to undergo even ber what I have said, and let it console you torture itself to preserve the object of its ander whatever the King may inflict.-I again, passion. Like the fire of the alchymist, it exhowever, repeat that you have nothing to ex-pands and purifies even the grossest mind, pect from his mercy. His nature is incapable ⠀⠀ and communicates qualities of which its naof any feeling of generosity. His soul is composed of nothing but gloom-Prepare, therefore, for the worst, and learn from my present moderation, iu what manner to bear it. You cannot doubt my love, and must therefore be convinced, that I am no less involved in the present discovery and its consequences, than Jourself Give me, therefore, no cause to

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tural constitution appears incapable. Such at the present moment was its influence upon me. I thought nothing of myself, whilst I reflected upon Seraphina. My whole soul was wrapt in the consideration of her danger. I lamented indeed my own fate, but I lamented it rather for Seraphina than myself. My reflections upou this circumstance were

replete with horror. "The bosom of the after me. We then drove towards the palace, tyrant," said I to myself, "is the refuge of the guards riding in ranks, upon each side the the most furious passions. In the present movehicle. The officer addressed me-" Don' ment his love is predominant, if that indeed Zamboga," said he, "I have received many can be called love which thus seeks its foul favours from your father, which leads me to gratification at the expence of the happiness regret, though I cannot prevent, your present and honour of the beloved object. The imminent ruin. You are accused before the virtue of Seraphina will resist the utmost council of correspondence with the Flemish efforts of his passion; but, ah! what will this rebels. The King is present in person, and resistance avail but to hasten her ruin though he is unwilling to give any credit to The love of the tyrant will be converted to your accuser, the proofs are said to be too deadliest hatred, and be will destroy the clear to admit any doubt. The indignation object which he cannot obtain. This cell, per- of the King is thus rendered equal to his haps, may soon have another inhabitant, and || surprise, and he has sworn by his royal dignity, Seraphina may perish upon the grave of her || that your condemnation and immediate exelover!-Oh, Heaven! can thy thunder sleep,cution shall follow your conviction."—I had whilst Philip thus lives and reigns!Is there no hand which will rid the world of a monster who thus disgraces his name of man-Is there no sword which will relieve humanity of its direst oppressor?"

In these complaints, which the violence of my emotions rendered audible, did I consume the remainder of the night, and the morning surprised me, before I could obtain any relief of sleep, or interval of tranquillity.

It was now about mid-day when the door of my cell opened, and the jailor entered with my morning repast. As I knew not upon what pretence I had been arrested, I questioned the jailor upon this subject. I was not so ignorant of the Spanish court, or the character of Philip, as to believe that their malice and artifice could want any such pretence. The King, I knew, was resolved upon my death; he was arbitrary in his own dominions, and might command, without any further formalities, any act of his will. But this was not the usual method of his tyranny. He had ever maintained au appearance of decorum in every act of his oppression, whether that he really apprehended the fury of his injured subjects, or that this policy suited his natural talent of dissimulation. I had no doubt, therefore, that I had been arrested upon some specious charge. The jailor replied to my demand, that I was a state prisoner, and that he was to answer for my security with his life. He could inform me, however, of nothing further, and our conversation was here interrupted by the arrival of some persons at the gate of the prison. The jailor departed to receive them; but soon re-entered in their company. He commanded me to attend them, adding, that they were the guard of the palace, who were sent to bring me before the council.

I obeyed, and the commanding officer asisted me into his own coach, and ascended

no time to reply to this information, for the coach had now arrived at the gates of the palace.

As the captain of the guards was conducting me to the council chamber, I demanded of him, if my father were present at the council.→

No," replied he; "the King has too much bumanity to admit the father as a judge of the son. You were no sooner conducted to prison upon the preceding night, than your father; before he could have gained any knowledge of that event, was dispatched upon a distant journey. Your trial will be concluded before his return. The humanity of the King is only equalled by his justice."

"You are right," replied I; "his justice and humanity are indeed equal!-His justice is that of a tyrant; and his humanity the policy of a coward!-But he has reason to dread the discovery of his crimes!"

We were now at the doors of the council; the captain of the guards signified my attendance, and the King commanded my entrance. I will not delay the catastrophe of my narra. tive by a minute mention of this mock trial; it will be sufficient to say, that it was a solemn farce, in which the King, and a notorious informer, were the most conspicuous of the actors. The members of the council could not be blind to the wishes of their sovereign, and were too experienced in courts, to refuse their concurrence. The King himself displayed his talents of dissimulation, assumed an appearance of doubt and anger towards the informer, and examined him, as if suspicious of his testimony, with repeated interrogatories. After a decent interval, he pretended convic tion. There was not a member of the board who did not penetrate into this hypocrisy; they saw that the King had resolved upon iny condemnation, though they did not understand the motive of his enmity. They had too much experience, however, to discover

their secret reflectious, and when the King demanded their opinions, were unanimous iu my condemuation. The King declared him self to have remained in doubt, and commanded the president of the council, the most consummate courtier in Spain, to sum up what had appeared in evidence, and explain what had induced them to this unanimous sentence. The president discharged this office, according to his character, and agreeably to the wishes of the King in imposing it upon him. The King pretended that he was at length convinced, and nodded his assent to the de cision of the council. I need not inform you, that a Spanish council, when the King is present, is supreme and final. My sentence, therefore, was immediately signed, but the mercy of the King suspended its execution till the following day. He commanded, how. ever, that I should be treated in the interval according to my rank, from regard, as he said, to the better services and greater fidelity of my father. The care of my person was transferred to the captain of the guards, and an order given that I should be confined within the palace. I was accordingly led away to a place of security, within the precincts of the court, and the captain of the guards took his station at the door.

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In this manner passed my mock trial, in which the character of the King may be better read than in affairs of greater moment. In those greater transactions, which constitute || the subject matter of history, the actors are performing a more public part; they are exposed to the censure of more numerous spectators, and are therefore under greater re straints. The character of kings is bette learned by their actions within their courts. Philip was more hateful in his domestic life than in the exercise of his royal power. A betrayed friend and murdered son, are subjects of still greater horror than the execution of an Egmont or an Horn.

Philip had no sooner retired from the council, than he repaired to the apartments of the Infanta, and commanded Seraphina to be sum moned into his presence. The King, as I have before mentioned, never forgot the decorum, or in other words the hypocrisy of his character. The pretence, therefore, upon which he excused this summons of Seraphina, was that of a private examination, how far she might be acquainted with my guilt of treason." Don Zamboga," said he, “has been convicted of treason. He has long been the secret lover of Donna Seraphina."-The lady who had departed to summon Seraphina, entered the apartment with the Donua, as the

King concluded these words. Ete imin diately commanded the departure of the Infanta and her ladies. Seraphina regarded him with error, and though she knew nothing of what had passed, already suspected something of its general nature. The countenance of the King, impressed with the idea of his mind, had that gloomy malignity, that air of deliberate ferocity, which signified the act of revenge which he had just accomplished. It is the provident kindness of nature to imprint something of the features of the mind upon those of the face, and to put us upon our guard against malignity, by the impulse of a uatural instinct which revolts from the counteuance thus branded with its symptoms. No one was in this respect more stamped, as it were, for a tyrant than Philip. Seraphina, theretore, by the expression of his countenance, already suspected that my fate, perhaps her own, was determined. With a resolution becoming her virtue, but unusal to her sex, she had already resolved upon her own purpose, and only waited the assurance of my death, to execute her design. The nature of this resolution had aumated her mind with an unusual fortitude, and thongh her first introduction into the presence of Philip had excited an emotion of horros, the reflection of a moment restored her composure, and cou. firmed her purpose. She regarded the King with an air of dignity which could not escape his observation, though his sagacity could not penetrate its source; he did not, however, delay to address ber.

"Donna Seraphina," said he, "you are not ignorant of the love I hear you; to what purpose, then, this continued resistance?-My power may command what my love thus descends to solicit."

"Sire," replied Seraphma, "you are not ignorant of the love I bear to another; to what purpose, then, this continued solicitation.My virtue, my Lord, may resist, though your power may commani!"-" Your resistance, madam, is in vain, and will have no other effect than to destroy your lover and yourself-Your minion shall not enjoy what you refuse your King.-Consent, madam, to my wishes, or Don Zamboga's life is the forfeit! If you love Don Zamboga, preserve his life!"

"I do love Don Zamboga, Sire, and therefore will preserve my honour!-I know that you have already resolved the ruin both of Don Zamboga and myself; but Don Zamboga and myself, my Lord, will not purchase life by disgrace!"

"You defy me, then," repeated the King,

"My Lord," replied Seraphina," my resolution is fixed, I therefore do defy you!"

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"I know it to be so," replied Seraphina, For it would not auswer my purpose.-Its value alone renders it a sufficient security for your faith."

"And in confidence of what is it," exclaimed the astonished tyrant, proclaim this defiance." "In confidence of a purpose which you if you demand it." cannot prevent-Of death, Sire!"

"Nor will I prevent it," replied Philip; "" your lover shall die to-day, and yourself || to-morrow. And behold the fate of Zam- || boga already prepared.-Behold the sentence and subscription of the council to his condemnation.".

“Take it,” said Philip; "the crown itself,

"The ring will be sufficient," replied she ; "I have now, therefore," added she, 66 consented to your proposal.-An hour after midnight be at the door of my apartment, aud you shall be admitted."

"Shall I come alone, or may my confidant wait at your door?” “

"You may come as you please," replied

On saying this, he displayed their subscribed ignatures. The courage of Seraphina, how-she, "with your confidant, or your whole ever proof against the menace of death, was unable to support this sudden assurance of my fate, and her emotion broke forth in tears. The tyrant congratulated himself upon this approach to his purpose.

"There is yet one way," said he, "by which you may save the forfeited life of your loverConsent to admit me to your apartment when the household have retired to rest, and Don Zamboga's life shall be the reward of your concession.-His execution was suspended till to-morrow morning for this purpose. Speak, madam, is your lover to live or die?-But remember if you still persist in your peevish refusal-if you still prefer what you call your virtue to the life of your lover, it is not to Philip but to Seraphina that his death must be imputed!-His life is indeed a just forfeit for his presumption to rival his sovereign; the happiness of the King is the first duty of the subject, and he is worthy of death who intervenes as its obstacle. His invective, moreover, was treason; but I have consented to pardou him upon the conditions I have proposed, madain.-I wait your apswer."

The length of this address had given Seraphina time to collect her former fortitude, and with the return of her courage her purpose was formed. The proposal of the King presented her the desired opportunity of effecting it, and disguising her design, under the dissembled wish to save Zamboga, she replied:-"That if the King would confirm his promise with an oath, she would consent to his proposal."-Philip hesitated net to accept the proposed condition, and swore, perhaps, with his usual sincerity, that if Seraphina admitted him into her apartment, my life should be granted to her intercession.➡ "I have now, said Seraphina, “but one rerequest. Give me this ring upon your finger, as a pledge of your sincerity.""It is a jewel of the crown!" replied Philip.

court, if you wish it; but retire at present, or the Infanta may suspect the subject of our interview.".

"An hour after midnight" repeated Philip. -"Yes," replied she; "you shall be admitted."

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The King upon this retired, and Seraphina, having gained a part of her purpose, proceeded to execute what remained. You may con ceive my astonishment, when the door of my apartment opened, and Seraphina stood before me!" Seraphina, my Seraphina!" exclaimed 1; "by what means hast thou eluded the commands of the King, that no one should be admitted to me but from himself!"" Behold by what means," replied Seraphina; "behold the tyrant's ring, the instrument of my present visit, and still mo more certain means of escape!-Yes, my Zamboga, let us avail ourselves of the crdulity of our tyrant, and escape beyond his power; this seal shall open the doors of the palace.— The tyrant is so dreaded for his cruelty, and so well known for works of privacy and secret orders, that none will venture to dispute what bears the least shadow of being commanded. His ferocity defeats itself, and his guards are not faithful, through the excess of their fears, | Let us fly, therefore.-Let realms divide us from our hated enemy-Let the proud barriers of nature, the Pyrenees, interpose their walls between us!-But not a moment must be lost-Come, my Zamboga, our escape is no less easy than certain."

Seraphina here took my arm, and was hurrying me from the apartment.—“ Yet stay!" exclaimed I—“ My soul shudders, my Seraphina, whilst I make one demand!-By what means, Seraphina, hast thou obtained this seal? The tyrant is as cautious as cruel. Alas! thou hast not consented to re deem the unworthy life of Zamboga by the surrender of the honour of Seraphina!"..

"Unjust suspicion !" exclaimed she; "dos

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