LETTERS ON MYTHOLOGY. TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF C. A. DEMOUSTIER. LETTER XX. (Continued from Page 187.) · LET me resume the narrative of the God of wine."Well, well," observed Venus, biting her lips, with vexation," and pray what did the amiable unknown?" Bacchus resumed as follows:-"We sat upon the strand; her declined head leaned upon my breast, and her languishing eyes only raised themselves by in. tervals to mine. After a long but sweet silence, I sighing said to her, your heart is indeed wounded, but can it not be cured? Try the effect of time; let me persuade you to it, and I will consent to let you die, if I fail of making you love life.O thou!' she replied, thou who takest so tender an interest in my fate, what wouldst thou say of a man saved by the woman who loved him from a frightful and inevitable death, then led by her into a desart island, seeing that she had sacrificed to him fame, fortune, and rank; what wouldst thou think of him were he to seize that moment in which she reposed by his side, and flying with that vessel which she had prepared for his safety, should abandon her to that desart and despair? The perfidious! I should cry, the unfortunate!'-Alas!' replied she, 'that perfidious is Theseus; that unfortunate is Ariadne. You see before you the daughter of the wise King Minos, who dictates laws to Crete. Androgens, my brother, having won the prize of wrestling against the people of Athens and Migara, the wretches assassinated him, to satisfy their revenge. At this news, Minos in despair rushes at the head of an army over the country that contains his son's assassins, and hastens to lay siege to Megara. You well know that in building the walls of that city, Apollo had frequently rested his lyre upon them, and from this circumstance the stones had contracted such a spirit of harmony, that whenever they were touched they rendered a melodious sound. Scylla, daughter of Nisus, King of Megara, took pleasure to hear these divine accords, and even during the siege of the city, she frequently visited the walls. One day she perceived from the ramparts, the King No. XXXII. Vol.V.-N. S. Minos in the plain encircled by his warriors. My father is known to have a God's wisdom, he had then the shape and features of an immortal. At sight of him Scylla felt a passion take birth to which she afterwards sacrificed every sentiment of duty and of nature. The fate of the attacked city depended upon a single lock of hair of a purple colour which grew on the crown of Nisus's head; Scylla cut it off during his sleep, and triumphantly carried it to Minos as a testimony of her tenderness. But indignant at this treason, my father abandoned the daughter of Nisus to her shame and her remorse. After the fall of Megara, she was changed into a lark, and Nisus into a sparrow hawk; so that under a different form he pursues still the perfidious creature who betrayed him. Meanwhile, Athens fearing the fate of Megara, demanded peace: but it was on so cruel a condition, that the Gods seem this day to punish Ariadne for her father's severity. He decreed that for the course of nine successive years the Athenians should annually send to him seven youths and as many virgins to be devoured by the Mino taur. The labyrinths in which this creature dwelt, was a master-piece of the ingenious Dædalus; it was an immense edifice, containing an infinity of perplexing windings. Alas! nothing resembles it but the heart of the deceitful! At the bottom of this fatal retreat lived the Minotaur. That monster, half man and half bull, devoured the miserable persons whom Minos enclosed within his abode. Already had the Athenians for the third time sent us their sad tribute. Seated near the port, I watched in silence their vessel all cover. ed with black, as it slowly approached the land. It cast anchor, and I beheld the crew disembark. Amongst the wretched victims, the young girls walked first, their cheeks pale, their eyes cast down. After them followed the captive youths, their hands loaded with chains, and their heads resting on their breasts. Que alone dared to lift his eyes, and his noble and proud look seemed to defy forHh hear his footsteps, I catch a glimpse of his figure: the next instant he flies, he extends bis arms, he rushes into mine. Theseus with looks of tenderness, and surrounded by the victims whom he had delivered from the fury of the Minotaur, seemed to pay me the mingled homage of gratitude and love. The enormous head of the monster lay extended at our feet, vomiting out floods of sable blood, which the companions of Theseus yet beheld with terror. Dissimulating my intentions, aud feigning only the desire of removing their champion from the importunate acknowledgements of these liberated captives, I conducted him by secret ways to the sea-shore. A vessel was there waiting for us: we embarked, and the winds conducted us to this fatal isle. I's solitude, the streams with which it is watered, the verdure and the flowers which adorn it, all presented to us a retreat worthy of lovers. Upon the moss which tapestries this grotto, I slept with Theseus. In abandoning myself to sleep, I hoped that Love who closed my eyelids, would come the next morning with the God of day, and smile on my waking. Vain hope! I awoke; my eyes yet weighed down with poppies, languid'y turn to the side of my husband; my arms extend to him; my hand seeks him. Alas, he is not there! I call upon him; he answers not. Alarmed and trembling, tune. Does not the spirit of a hero communicate itself to all who surround him? On beholding this intrepid youth I felt elevated above myself, and I resolved to succour him. I stized a moment in which I could speak to him unperceived; and with surprize, mingled with other sentiments, I recognised in this unfortunate, the young and illustrious Theseus, son of Egeus, King of Athens. With admiration I learned that regardless of his high birth, he had enrolled himself with the victims destined to the Minot ur; resolving either to kill the monster, or to perish with his fellow citizens. His courage, his youth, his already celebrated exploits, the illustrious blood of Pelops from whom he was descended by his mother's side, all heightened the interest which his figure inspired. I promised to save him even at the risk of my life; and he swore if he should conquer, to unite his destiny with mine. From that moment, regarding Theseus as my husband, I gave him arms to combat the monster, aud to guide him through the intricacies of the labyrinth. I gave him the end of a thread which he unwound as he went on, from a clue which I held at the entrance. Thus provided, he entered the building at the head of his companions. These sad men seemed descending to their tomb; Theseus alone appeared marching to glory.Trembling at the gate of the labyrinth, II rush from the grotto, I run through the watched the distant sounds of his steps, and woods, I scale the rocks, I leap precipices, I dethe movement of the thread which guided him. maud my husband from every thing I see. At length I heard the roaring of the Minotaur: Echo alone replies to my sorrows. At length I shuddered! The thread, shaken in my band, overcome with grief and fatigue, I slowly drag indicated to me all the motions of Theseus. myself towards the sea, repeating the name of I felt him fight, recoil, turn round, pursue. Theseus; my eyes wildly wander over the All at once the noise ceases, and the thread watery expanse, when all at once I perceive in remains motionless. O fearful suspence! was the distance that vessel with which I had Theseus the conqueror or the conquered? At flown with him from death-The rest you length I believe that I feel an almost imper-know.' ceptible movement: I think that I hear shouts at a distance: if it should be an illusion! I hope, I fear, tremble, shudder, palpitate: alternately my blood burns and freezes. I listen again-I hear, yes I hear sounds; but are they the sounds of joy or of despair? Surely it is his voice! Ah! does not my heart deceive my ear? No! the voice approaches; it is the song of victory. The thread is rapidly shaken; I feel the return of my husband: I "At these words," continued Bacchus, "Ariadne wept afresh ;"-" And you dried her tears of course:" observed Venus.-"You have said it, Goddess."-" But in order to cure the wound in her heart, did not yours, my Lord, propose a remedy?"—" Hymen offered a legitimate one."-" Without doubt then, the sick lady accepted the prescription."—" She did: I married Ariadne, and in marrying her presented her with that immortal crown which 243 Gods and Goddesses, each took different sides; the former for Venus, the latter for Bacchus. was the master-piece of Vulcan's art, and shines now amongst the stars. Since that blissful hour, the Fates have deprived me of my spouse. Alas! she wanted only immortality to be perfect! Pardon me, if I sigh even in this company! We were married sixty years. We || right, and I offer myself to you to make trial were lovers all that time. You may suppose that I was faithful to her."—" Nothing so prebable, so common as constancy."—" Nay, then, if you are incredulous, I will speak no more." -"Confess, however, Bacchus, that love has its turn?"—" Yes, but friendship follows it."-" At a terrible distance; and friendships I grow old as well as loves."—"I tell you the heart never grows old." At these words the dispute grew warm. The Had I been there, my Emilia, you may suppose my voice would have been given in favour of Bacchus! for I believed him in the of the truth of his arguments.-Ah! surely, THE EMIGRANTS. (Concluded from Page 195.) DAY after day passed, and even months, but still they received no answer to their coutinual inquiries; the sum of money they had been in possession of from the death of Mr. Cleland hourly diminished, with but little hopes of its again being replaced; distressed and barrassed with continual fruitless inquiries, Mr. Beriton was almost sinking under the fear of his wife and child enduring the hardships of poverty, and the deprivation of every comfort, when one day he was pleasingly surprised by receiving a letter, informing him of a curacy within three miles of town. Upon inquiry, he found regular duty was required, with a salary of fifty pounds a year. This, though little better than poverty, he gladly accepted, and they removed immediately to a small cottage in the neighbourhood. A few weeks sufficed to convince Mrs. Beriton that something more must contribute to their maintainance than her husband's salary; and her mind was continually agitated with dif ferent ideas of what means she could follow for that purpose; friends to whom she could apply for advice she had none, as their manners were too refined to associate with the inferior inhabitants of the village they resided in; and those in a superior situation were ignorant even of their existence. Under these various disquietudes, she turned her thoughts to the instruction of children; but scarcely bad she collected a few and began to hope for better times, when the little Juliet imbibed from one of them the smallpox, which soon indicated itself to be of the most virulent kind; distracted with fears for the safety of her child, and alarmed for her husband, who likewise was a stranger to the d sorder, Mrs. Beriten immediately called in medical assistance, and the physican who attended gave little hope of the child's recovery. Equally alarmed for the life of Juliet, Mr. Beriton could not be persuaded to quit the apartment, and the effects of this inconsideration to his own safety, were visible to his wife long before he would even confess himself to be indisposed; and on the day his darling child was pronounced, out of danger the af fectionate father was insensible to the intel ligence! Mrs. Beriton's joy at the restoration of her child imparted new vigour to her almost exhausted frame, and with ceaseless prayers and attentions she soothed the pains and watched over the sick couch of her husband; for some time did he remain perfectly indifferent to her presence, and hourly called for her who was his sole nurse and attendant; but her prayers were at last answered, and her beloved busband once more pressed with affection the hand that smoothed his pillow.-But alas! the cruel disorder had settled in the deprivation of his sight, and the physician gave little hopes of its ever returning. This sad calamity considerably retarded Mr. Beriton's recovery, as his mind could not but be agitated with fears for the support of his family. To whom could they now look for assistance? and where could they find a friend to protect them? These mournful thoughts were sometimes dissipated by more pious reflections o the goodness of the Almighty, who never forsukes the distressed, and in placing a firm reliance on that support which alone can stand all trials, Mr. Beriton experienced that fortitude and composure under his trials he must otherwise for ever have beey deprived of. The little money they had been in possession of was by these unexpected misfortunes quite expended, and after defraying the physician's fees, Mrs. Beriton found herself in possession of little more than one guinea. She had since the convalescence of her husband, been able to procure some needle-work from a shop at the other end of the town, for which, on account of her performing in a very superior manner, she was tolerably well paid, and was always certain of a good supply; but this was very inadequate to their support, and she daily found her health and strength declining. Mr. Beriton, with the irritability incident to invalids, fancied a hundred different things might benefit him, and having been kept by the tenderness of his wife from a complete knowledge of their finances, he had so com pletely flattered himself with the idea of the sea breezes strengthening him, and by that means restoring his sight, that he was im patient to make the trial. Poor Mrs. Beriton, perfectly aware of the expences incident to such a journey, and feeling her total inability to defray them, had diverted her husband with continual excuses for delaying their departure, till at last (which was the day of the commencement of this narrative), finding he seemed vexed at what he imagined her want of interest for the restoration of his sight, she had paid a visit to her employer, requesting she would oblige her by permitting her to take a larger quantity of work with her, which she would punctually convey home; hoping by constant attendance to it night and day, she might the sooner be enabled to indulge he husband's wishes; but her employer, a stranger to the soft emotions of humanity, and regardless of the painful feelings that made her frame tremble, while, in a low voice she uttered her request, rudely repulsed her, with observing, "she could not want more work at a time than could employ her two or three days; and that, indeed, she could not think of trusting her without she left the value of the articles she took away."-The loud voice of the woman, and the interesting appearance of Mrs. Beriton, had attracted the attention of those standing in the shop; therefore, closely drawing her veil to hide tears she could not repress, and meekly tying up the small parcel thrown to her across the counter by the unfeeling woman, she mourn. fully retraced her steps to that home, once the scene of every happiness, now, alas! how changed! Her entrance into the cottage has been already described; and having retired for a few minutes to regain that fortitude which, onber first appearance had almost deserted her, after untying her work, entered once more the sitting-room, despairing for some time being able to accomplish her wishes respecting ber husband, as the walking backwards and forwards to town, at the same time that it decreas ed the little strength she was mistress of, occupied so much of her time as to make it a very trifle she could lay by, after supporting her husband and child: nor could the little she was able to earn have been more than sufficient for the latter, had not the clergyman who employed Mr. Beriton, sent word that ou account of his illness, he would continue without another curate for three months, and had regularly sent them the money once a month; but it was now upwards of a fortnight since the time mentioned had expired; and Mrs. Beriton with anxiety had expected intimation of its ceasing, when she was surprised by the appearance of a gentleman, who, after softly knocking at the door, lifted the latch and entered the room; Mrs. Beriton rising, re quested he would take a seat, at the same time expressing by her looks a desire to be acquainted with his name. "I beg pardon, madam, for thus intrud ing," said the stranger; "but I have called on Mr. Beriton to inquire whether he finds himself capable of again entering upon duty? My name is Powel." ultimately be blessed with the return of sight, The worthy clergyman would not again take his leave till he had gained Mrs. Beriton's consent to make the little Juliet his companion, whom he said he would keep as a hostage till her parents claimed her by making their ap| pearance at the parsonage; this visit they c uld not possibly feel the least disinclination to pay, and in the evening had the pleasure of being introduced to Mrs. Powel, who appeared as much charmed with her interesting visitors as her husband. Alas! Mrs. Beriton's heart had presaged the name before he uttered it, and glancing a tearful look at her husband, remained silent. Mr. Powel arose, and shaking Mr. Beriton by the hand, for the first time was acquainted with the serious misfortune that had followed his illness, and expressed his pity and surprise in terms of the greatest kindness. Mrs. Beriton who had dreaded this visit for some time, as she expected it would end all hope of support, now that she found he was in-dwelling. Pace and contentment once more be inclined to be their friend, could not conceal her emotion, but sobbed aloud. Mr. Powel felt her distress, yet kindly avoided noticing it, and hid his own emotion in carresses on the little Juliet, who, with childish innocence and familiarity had climbed on his knee. Mrs. Beriton soon recovered herself, and was beginning to express her thanks, when the worthy man stopped her, by saying-" Not word, my dear madam, I feel I have been shamefully negligent in not paying you a visit before; I will now try to make amends for my past neglect, and shall begin by stealing away your husband to-morrow morning; nay, do not look so astonished; I have a friend who is a very famous oculist, and has performed many wonderful cures: I shall therefore call for your husband to morrow, and I sincerely hope a short time will restore to him the inestimable blessing he is now deprived of." Mr. Powel then took his leave, perfectly satisfied with the thanks of the grateful young couple, which were chiefly expressed in their countenances, their hearts feeling more than their voices could articulate. Mr. Powel kept his promise in calling the next morning; and on their return Mrs. Beritou received the joyful in elligence that her beloved husband, if he attended with the greatest circumspection to the rules prescrib ed by the skilful friend of Mr. Powel, would Mr. and Mrs. Beriton returned home with happier hearts than they had experienced for many months, and there offered fervant thanks to the Supreme Disposer of all good, whose su. perior wisdom could alone have directed the steps of the benevolent Mr. Powel to their came inhabitants of the cottage, and Mr. Beriton found their return contribute much to the restoration of his strength, which aided in a great measure the effor's of the skilful oculist; and three months of constant attendance rewarded him with perfect return of vision, and he again experienced the blessing of beholding the affectionate glances of his delighted wife and child. One day on their visiting the rectory, they were introduced to an elderly gentleman, of the name of Valmont. Mis. Beriton, on the name being announced, trembled so violen ly she could scarcely return the customary salutations: the nam name was the same as her own, and many years had passed since it had met her ear; the sudden repetition of it painfully introduced the memory of her unhappy parents, and her husband observing the pallid hue of her countenance, hastily advanced and opening a window near which she stood, led her to it, and by that means did not observe the astonished gaze of the stranger, who followed her with looks expressive of the most sorrowful recollection. Mrs. Beriton shortly after recovered, and making some slight apology, again took her seat; but casting a look of inquiry across the room, was surprised to meet the eyes of Monsieur Valmont earnestly fixed upon her, her agitation began to returu, but it was trifling in comparison to the stranger's, which seemed to increase every |