OR, WEEKLY THE VISITOR. ALBERT AND LAURA. A Swiss Tale. THE inhabitants of Uri, one of the Cantons of Switzerland, harmless and inoffensive, sought no other means of enriching themselves than by the advantages accruing from agriculture and other quiet pursuits; they seemed to live only for their wives and children; and it has been long the prevailing character of that particular canton, that few were rich, because they looked upon excessive wealth to be what it is always found, an effectual bar to happiness. were almost all husbandmen they rose early to their task, and, after toiling in the fields till the setting sun denoted the hour of repose to be near, returned to their cottages with the pleasing reflection of having passed a day of virtue, and finding their innocent babes, supported by the fond mother, They and caresses the fatigues of labour. In the society of each other they gaily conversed; and when the cool breezes of evening succeeded to the heats of noon day, the elders, seated at the door of their habitations, or under the shade of a lofty tree, amused themselves with seeing their young offspring dance to the sweet notes of the flagelet or the lute. Thus passed the lives of these brave and contented people, when the trumpet of France resounded on their frontiers, and awkened them to anxiety and dismay. Albert and Laura resided in one of the most pleasant villages of the canton; they had been brought up at school together, and as they had increased in years their mutual partiality gained new strength. The former was nineteen; his countenance was the seat of health, good-nature, and sweetness, and his actions proclaim · ed him the simple child of innocence. Laura possessed every virtue that can be expected from mortals in this world; she was about seventeen ; her father, who was the only relation Providence had pleased to leave her from early infancy, had been dead about three years before the time when this tale commences. In his last moments he sent for Basil, the father of Albert, and taking him by the hand, spoke thus: My friend, we have been faithful companions almost from the period that we could lisp each other's names; I have always cherished the firmest sentiments of regard for you, and I know you have felt the same for me; I did a little lament my fate in being just at present compelled to leave this world, but I am now resigned, because it is the will of that allpowerful Creator, who sees every thing, and directs for the best. I should have wished to live a short time longer, that I might have secured the happiness of my daughter she is lovely girl, and is now at that age when she most requires advice and protection. Ishall not offend with ex you til she arrives at years of ma turity: for I know your generous heart will not hesitate to adopt the orphan of a man who has ever been united to you with a brotherly affection. Basil could not speak for tears, whilst Laura's father paused for breath, and then continued: 'You must not weep,' said he, because you see me depart at these years: I am only as a weary traveller, who, having long buffeted the tempest, feels his anxiety decrease at the prospect of an approaching calm; I shall exchange a precarious existence for a more lasting and happy one in worlds of bliss. I only lament the dangers to which my child may be exposed, unless a friend shields her from the temptations of infamy. Promise me that you will do this ; it is my dying wish; your own conscience will applaud you for it in this world; and heaven, that beholds the exertions of the virtuous with pleasure, will reward you for it in the next.' Basil with difficulty sobbed out, I will:' and in the same moment his friend expired.Here let me pause a moment, cuses for the trouble I give in confiding her to your care un-" and request my readers to im itate the examples of the good, who, by walking in the paths pointed out by our great Creator, are always enabled to meet death without fear; whilst the wicked, in such moments, besides the torment of present pains, are suffering under the expectation of future ones far more dreadful. we have endeavoured to fulfil it. You have constantly told us our happiness is the most important consideration that occupies your mind; give then your consent to our union, and heaven will surely bless a marriage which is founded in love, and sanctioned by the consent of a good parent.' 'My dear children,' replied Basil, 'I can now lay my hands upon this sacred book,and say, that I have done my best for your welfare and comfort: God forbid that I should be the means of making you uneasy in such a request as this when there seems a prospect of so much happiness in store for both. Go, sweetest joys of my heart; be married when you will, and my blessings attend you.' A mutual friendship commenced between Albert and Laura, which was carefully encouraged by Basil; and as they grew up they doted more and more upon each other.The early part of their lives was spent amidst the greatest joys. Laura was famed for all the accomplishments that so eminently distinguish her sex, and Albert imbibed from his countrymen all those sentiments of liberty and true benevolence which are the leading characteristics of a freeborn people. When he was in his nineteenth year, he, one afternoon, led the blushing Laura into a parlour where the venerable Basil was sitting with the holy bible before him, commenting on the wisdom of his Maker, and adoring his works. His two children felling, when the ceremony was "Father,' upon their knees: said Albert, we hope that we have always done our duty to you; at least we can say that Albert and Laura retired to felicitate each other on their good fortune. The neighbours assembled, and decorated their cottage with garlands and other fantastic inventions; nothing was seen on the plain but dancing, festivity, and preparations for the following morn to take place. Congratulations were whispered in their ears from every one, and the time passed on jovially, till evening began to approach; they per- || exclaimed unanimously, ' We ceived at a distance one of their friends descend with swiftness the mountain, at the foot of which they was sporting; terror was in his countenance— 'Cease, young men,' cried he, cease your pleasures, and prepare for war. Your country is threatened by an ambitious foe, and it is only by the courage of its inhabitants that it can be preserved.' The hearts of the women sunk within them at this intelligence, whilst the eyes of the men sparkled with anger; all crowded round, and demanded to know the particulars: 'France,' replied the messenger, in order to insure herself the conquest of the Austrians, wishes to enslave our country, by which she would have better means of irruption into the lands of her brave opponent; and for this purpose does not scruple to attack us, who for two centuries have lived in peace and injured no one. The only alternative left us is to defy her power. There was but one sensation agitate the assembly during this recital. The youths fondly embraced each other, and will conquer, or die.' They immediately resolved to offer their services in defence of the state. Albert was among the foremost of these heroes.— Whilst reflecting on the dangers that were likely to eusue, he forgot for a moment his be loved Laura; and, when he recovered his serenity, found her in tears. He immediately consoled her in the best manner he was able, and, after begging pardon for his inattention, led her towards home. Basil was confounded at the alarming news they brought him, and, addressing himself to Albert, said, A hard trial now awaits you; may honour direct your choice. Do you attend our young warriors to the camp, or will you be united to Laura, and remain behind in safety? "I will face death in defence of my native land,' replied the youth. Let me join my brethren in resisting the common foe, and I shall enjoy the society of my dear Laura with tenfold pleasure, by the consciousness that I merit her esteem as a reward for my hardships." (To be Continued.) |