TALE II. THE STORY OF ADELAIDE. "No longer mourn for me, when I am dead, From this vile world, with vilest worms to dwell; The hand that writ it; for I love you so, SHAKESPEAR. IN in Lower Hungary, are still remaining the ruins of a baronial castle, whose lords were distinguised for their valour in battle and for their zeal and liberality to the church. Julian, the 5th baron of that name, joined the Christian standard on the plains of Palestine, and like his ancestors was distinguished by his Christian hatred of the Saracens, and the zeal with which he pursued the good work of Pagan destruction. Masses and Te Deums were sung in the monastery near his castle, on every fresh account of his valiant deeds, and Pope Gregory sent over a consecrated banner and a special indulgence to Julian and his followers; exhorting them in the meek name of Jesus not to cease the hallowed work of extirpation, but to carry fire and sword to the eternal desolation of the infidels, who had dared to keep possession of the Holy Sepulchre. Alas! that such holy aids should be ineffectual, or rather that they should have tended to his ruin; for the pious baron, willing to prove his sense of the Holy Pontiff's notice, wrought such furious and bloody acts among the infidels, as caused him to be way-laid and taken prisoner, when being bound hand and foot, he was cast into a deep dungeon, lone and dark. When the dreadful news arrived at his castle, Adelaide his wife offered rewards and ransoms; but in vain: the "Paynim king" refused every offer, and swore by his Prophet's beard he would keep the relentless blasphemer of his God as a sacrifice and atonement for the many faithful he had slain in combát. Enthusiasm in love and religion was the prevailing characteristic of that age; and Adelaide, with every grace of mind and person, was highly gifted with that quality. She took the habit of a Pilgrim, joined a band of Devotees (who were seeking the Sepulchre of Christ) and arrived at the holy city. She was lodged in the convent of Mount Carmichael, and in less than a month had acquired the rudiments of the Saracenic tongue. At the end of which time, arrayed in the magnificent costume of her country, resplendent with gems, she threw herself at the fect of Adalem (the Syrian Monarch) and besought her husband's liberty. Her youth and beauty, the fervency of her manner, joined with the touching inaccuracy of her newly acquired dialect, moved the Sultan. One by one she unclasped the jewels from her neck, arms, and waist, and laid them at his feet, as tempting earnest of her Lord's ransom. Their costliness and workmanship made them worthy an Eastern bride; yet well might the form of Adelaide spare those lesser aids, more especially, when unwinding the long string of pearls from amidst her hair, its clustering profusion gathered round her pale face, in which anxiety strove with despair, and lent to her bending and imploring attitude a desolate yet touching aspect. The heart of Adalem was generous; nor had he ever shown a dislike to diamonds or golden crowns. Julian's pardon was pronounced; and the delightful task of unclosing his prison gates was Adelaide's. They lost no time in departing from Syria, fearing the Sultan's opinion might alter as to the propriety of yielding to his compassionate feelings. Now, who so grateful as Julian, or who so blest as Adelaide? Each look, each word of his, how fondly dwelt upon! her eye rapturously following him, or tearful with much joy, for did she not watch by the side of her rescued husband? Arrived at their castle, mirth and largess were liberally bestowed on the peasantry and retainers of their domains; while unvarying delights dwelt with the princely owners. Time however, which seemed to increase the affection of Adelaide, acted counterwise upon the baron. Whe ther the heart of man disdains an obligation from its weaker partner, or whether Julian's mind, unused to the refinements of books, or the "lascivious pleasing of a lute," sympathised not with his wife in those tastes, but yearned for bustle and variety-true it is, his esteem and gratitude were hers, but not his love. About this period, Clarice the sister of Adelaide became their guest and ward; her beauty was dazling, her spirits of the gayest; health and joy laughed from her clear eyes and dimpled her full lips. Her presence gave a new enjoyment to the occupations. of the castle; she was an expert horsewoman, and, ac-. cording to the usuages of those times, took an active share in the chace; not only in pursuit of the "dappled burghers of the forest," but of the ferocious bear and snarling wolf. In all these the baron could join, could approve or direct; much of their time was consequently passed together, until choice, not chance, made them seek each others society. Adelaide saw with delight the renovated cheerfulness of her lord, and her grateful heart overflowed with tenderness to the sister who thus made her husband happy. Hers was not that selfish love which pines when the beloved object is pleased with ought save itself-had she thought, before the arrival of Clarice, that her own presence would have given additional zest to Julian's sylvan pastimes, she would have become his pupil; but now she was contented to see him happy and joyous with her sister; and in the evenings with her music and her sweet voice sought to charm them into social tranquillity. he had reason to expect. Alvarez now pursued his favorite propensity for study, and read the various poets who have delighted the several European nations, with most of whose languages he was conversant. This gave to his feelings a romantic and ardent cast; which, joined to his naturally kind and unsuspecting nature, but ill qualified him for an intercourse with the selfish and artful, who compose the generality of mankind. His house became the resort of youth and gaiety, who fascinated him by their talents and accomplishments, and well knew how to disguise their worthlessness and want of morality under the assumption of frankness and the nicest honour. Women were beings whom he rather idolized than loved : how therefore was he disappointed, when he found them mercenary, fickle, and ill-judging! From the absorbing occupation of books, strong excitement was most welcome; and when he found disappointment in love, no wonder if the pleasures of wine or gaming had their allurements. The trial however was but short; the native good taste of Alvarez kept him from the disgusting indulgence of intemperance, and his good sense and honor soon showed him the folly and meanness of a gamester's life. With a feeling of disappointment too common to an ingenuous and bookish man, disgust and misanthropy succeeded to his first trustingness: he believed that virtue had fled society, or was to be found only among the rustic and laborious. He gave out therefore that he was going to travel, and collecting a large sum of money in case of |