Weary at length, serener scenes we hail More cultur'd groves o'ershade the grassy The neat, though wooden hamlets, deck the vale, But though no more amidst those scenes I roam, And the wild carol of the cow-herd's strain. Lucernia's lake its glassy surface shows, Whilst Nature's varied beauties deck its side; Then wing'd the arrow to the tyrant's heart. There liberty requir'd no rites uncouth, No blood demanded, and no slaves enchain'd; way; And well-earn'd wealth improves the ready soil, Proud Alps arise, and copious rivers flow; Thy vallies oft the raptur'd bosom seek- ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. VALERIA; OR THE GHOST ALIVE! not turn his eyes either towards the end of the spacious saloon where he fancied he heard the clanking of chains, or towards the lofty chimney whence he almost expected the ghost to stalk forth. who joined to the brilliancy of wit, a mildness and equanimity of temper which nothing could alter; her large black eyes were languid, and her beauty seemed to derive greater charms from the paleness which continually overspread her cheek and even invaded her lips, and when she spoke, it seemed as though a statue of alabaster was becom ing animated. I WAS quartered in a small town of Langue- [ doc, when I received an invitation from a friend to pass the Christmas holidays at an old castle built on the rocks of the Cevennes. Young ladies, officers, and amiable neighbours, composed our cheerful society, and good nature and confidence One of the most amiable members of our soenlivened our circle. What pleasures we en-ciety was a young Italian lady called Valeria, joyed! none sought to shine exclusively, and all were satisfied. Various amusements employed the whole of the day; in the evening we gathered around a blazing fire, each related a tale, and as our young ladies were very fond of the marvellous, ghosts and apparitions were the common topics of our conversation. The season, the place, the hour, augmented the terrific effect of those relations; the nights were long and dark; During our terrific relations Valeria shewed the country buried in snow, and the owls, ancient more courage than any of our ladies. She did inhabitants of the crumbling towers, answered not seem affected, but listened, smiled, and far each other from the old battlements with loud from doubting the facts, found them very simple and monotonous cries. As soon as the stories and natural. We were piqued at her indiffercommenced, the circle became by degrees narence, and once intimated our surprise; this was rower, the hearers drew close to each other and feigned to laugh, while in truth they trembled with fear and the speaker often seized with a sudden fit of quaking, remained silent and dared No. III. Vol. I. her answer: "I do not wonder, my friends, that such common stories should astonish you, as none of you, perhaps, have ever seen a ghost." "You have then seen one?" exclaimed I, I touched each other. My father's anger equalled hastily. "I have done better," answered she, laughing; "I have been one myself, I am still one, and it is a ghost that now addresses you.” At these words we all involuntarily shrunk back, but Valeria, with her soft and irresistible voice, recalled us, bade us resume our seats, and whilst holding each other by the hand we beheld her with terror, and fancied at every moment we discovered some signs of the other world in her face, she quietly continued her discourse. It is no fault of mine, my friends, to have died ten years ago; it is a misfortune to which we are all equally exposed: but what is more extraordinary, I have since that period found myself infinitely more happy. It is true that the troubles I experienced during my life, have repaid fully for the happiness I enjoy since my death. It is proper I should relate to you what happened to me until that fortunate instant, and you will then perceive that death alone could ensure me tranquillity in the world. I was born at Florence, of rich and noble parents, whose only child I was. Proud of his birth, my father lamented every day that he had no son to support his name, and soured by what he thought a disappointment, he thought himself without children because he had no son. Our palace was contiguous to the house of an old nobleman of small fortune, but much beloved and respected, the Marchese Orsini. He was a widower, and devoted his life to the education of his only son, Octavian. This young man was about my age, and as my father and the old Orsini had served in the same army, they visited each other very frequently, and Octavian was accustomed from his infancy to come familiarly to our house, where my mother loaded him with kindness. I had not attained the age of fourteen, and Octavian was the chosen friend of my heart; he was so mild, so handsome, and so amiable that I loved him more ardently than a sister loved her brother. To him I confided my pleasures and my pains, and in return was trusted with all his secrets. Before my father and mother we feigned indifference, seemed entirely occupied with play,|| and even sometimes quarrelled; but as soon as we entered the garden, or the small wood at its extremity, we ceased to quarrel and to play. Octavian spoke only of his love, pressed my hands, and often ventured to kiss my lips, swearing he never would have any other wife than Valeria. I made similar promises, and received without blushing his innocent caresses. One evening my father found us in a dark retired bower; Octavian was at my feet, holding my hands, and as the fear of being overheard made him speak in whispers, our faces almost our terror, he commanded me in a terrible voice to return to my mother; I obeyed trembling; and from a distance I heard him reproach Octavian, and forbid him to enter his house again, and I saw the beloved youth leave our palace in tears. The next day, as my mother sought to appease my father's anger, the old Marchese Orsini was announced. His noble and serious air, his silver locks and august features, inspired me with veneration; I was sent away, and all that came to my knowledge was, that after a long and violent conversation they parted in a passion, and hatred succeeded thirty years of friendship. My father surrounded me with spies to watch my conduct, and I was not even allowed to go to church. My health was soon impaired, and I should have yielded to the stings of affliction, had not my mother shewn me the most tender attentions and soothing pity. Time glided away without softening my sufferings, when one evening after supper I took advantage of the absence of my father, to go and pour forth my griefs in the little bower where all my misfortunes commenced. I placed myself on the same turf where I had been seated near Octavian, and bedewed it with my tears. His ardent protestations of love seemed to sound anew in my enchanted ears; I repeated all my former vows; when, on a sudden, a man rushed into the bower and threw himself at my feet. Terrified, I was attempting to fly, but the voice of Octavion made me return. "Listen to me," said he, "I have but an instant, and it is the last. This night I leave Florence; my father has obtained a company of horse for me in the Imperial army. War with Prussia has begun; I am going to die or deserve your hand. I will signalize myself in the first campaign; the Emperor will desire to see me; I will throw myself at his feet, and declare our love to him. Joseph is young, he surely has a feeling heart, he will speak in my favour to his brother, the Grand Duke; your father will not dare to disobey, and you will be the reward of valour and constancy: I ask no more than a year, Valeria; promise, swear that during that time you will resist the importunities of your father, and at the end of that period I shall be dead, or worthy to become your husband.' I listened, breathless and palpitating with love, hope, and fear. I swore eternal fidelity. We agreed to correspond through the means of a servant gained over by Octavian, the same who had given him access to our garden: a rustling noise among the bushes obliged us to separate. I tore myself from Octavian's arms, and returned to my chamber, where I spent the night in tears. During the first ten months which followed the departure of my Octavian, I remained in the same situation. My father treated me with the same severity, and my mother with her accustomed tenderness. The servant gave me punctually the letters he received, and each announced new successes. General Laudhon shewed great friendship for Octavian; he made him his aid-decamp, and promised to raise him to the first rank. At the end of ten months I ceased all at once to receive news from Octavian; trembling for his life, but secure as to his constancy, I wrote letter upon letter without any answer. I sent the servant to Marchese Orsini's house, to try adroitly to discover whether any news from him had been received by his father. The answer appeased my fears without lessening my grief. Octavian had written the day before that he enjoyed good health, had been promoted to the rank of colonel, and intended to spend the winter at Vienna with General Laudhon. At the same period, a cousin of my father's arrived from Germany, and settled himself in our house. He was tall and lean, about the age of forty-five or fifty; his complexion was dark, and his features expressed craft and malignity; his disposition was cold and gloomy; he spoke but of his nobility; he had spent his life, and the little good sense he had received from nature, in reading, studying, and learning by heart all the genealogies of Europe. This cousin, who was the Count Heraldi, on the first evening after his arrival, asked my father in a tone of indifference, whether he knew where Marchese Orsini lived at Florence. My father frowned, and answered, that he knew nothing of him. "Three weeks ago," rejoined Heraldi, "as I passed through Vienna I dined at the house of General Laudhon, on the day of his daughter's marriage with the son of that Marchese. The young man whom I found very amiable, understanding that I was going to Florence, gave me a letter for his father, and made me promise to describe to his family the pleasures of the marriage feast, and the bliss he enjoys with his bride. My father frowned again, without answering, and the cruel Heraldi continued to relate how the young lady had fallen in love with Octavian, that the Emperor had deigned to favour the union, and that a regiment had been the dowry of the bride. Notwithstanding my efforts to conceal my emotions, my strength forsook me, and I fell senseless into my mother's arms. A violent fever was the consequence of this unexpected blow. It was long, tedious, and painful, and endangered any life. My mother did not leave me an instant; my father shewed me the most tender attentions, he passed the night by my side, These words decided my fate. I had perceived for some time that my father intended to unite me with Heraldi, and he now declared his intention, without enforcing but imploring my obedience. Octavian was married and faithless, I was indignant against him ; I wished to avenge myself by loving another, I consented, and gave my word. The preparations for my marriage were made with a dreadful celerity. My father redoubled his caresses, Heraldi loaded me with presents. -The deed was signed, and I was led to the altar. With forced indifference I pronounced the painful vow, and after the service left the choir, followed by my family. Heraldi, who could not contain his joy, held my hand, and we slowly marched towards the church door, when, as I advanced to take holy water, I raised my eyes, and beheld a youth, pale and disordered, leaning against a pillar. His eyes were wildly fixed upon me, he approached, and cried, in a faultering voice, "I desired to see you accomplish your horrid crime, Valeria; I have seen it, and am resolved to die!" He said, and disappeared. I had fainted, I was unconscious of what became of me. Scarcely recovered from a long illness, I relapsed into the most dangerous state. I was continually delirious; the disease rapidly encreased, and after a paroxysm of sixty hours, I experienced a sudden weakness, and expired in my mother's arms. That affectionate parent nearly followed me into the grave; my father was in despair; Heraldi lamented the loss of my fortune, but all in vain. I was folded in a shroud, and carried with great pomp to the family vault in the aisle of the cathedral; my coffin was placed on long iron bars, the stone of the vault was replaced, and I remained in the abode of death. Wild with despair, and thinking himself my murderer, Octavian formed the project of descending into the vault and terminating his existence on my tomb. The evening of my burial he prevailed, through the power of money, over the sexton of the cahedral to accompany him to the church. Furnished with a dark lanthorn, they raised the stone and descended the steps. As soon as Octavian perceived my bier, he rushed towards it, burst it open, and tearing the veil that covered me, kissed my faded lips. O miracle of love! Octavian's soul recalled mine; my mouth, tenderly pressed by his, breathed a sigh; he felt it, clasped me in his arms, tore me from the coffin, pressed and warned me on his panting heart; mine awoke to life a second time; I made a slight motion; enraptured with joy, Octavian ascended the steps with his burthen, gained the church docs, which the sexton opened, and flew to the house of his father, where I was put to bed, and received every possible assistance. broken, and I have no doubt but it will be annulled. You are dead to Heraldi, you live for Octavian, and religion and justice will know how to defend you against your tyrants. I have one favour to ask of you, which is, that no one may see you, or know our secret, before the courier's return from Rome; your peace, your happiness depend on this precaution." Hope returned with these words; I promised what was required of me, and swore 1 would follow his advice. Octavian was with me. Hespoke of his love, of our marriage, and future happiness. My health was fast recovering, and in a few days all that remained of my past sufferings was a paleness which you now perceive-dreadful remains of the tomb, which nothing has been able to alter. At last the time drew near, and the courier was expected to return from Rome, when an extraordinary event nearly overthrew all our designs. We were in the holy week, and I grieved in secret, not to be able to go to church in those sacred days, when penitence appeases the wrath of a forgiving God. I dared not mention to Octavian the desire of my heart, but I resolved, notwithstanding the dangers that threatened me, to fulfil so sacred a duty. I took advantage of an instant when I had been left alone, wrapped myself in a large black cloak which concealed my face, and on the Holy Thursday stole out at nine o'clock in the evening. I bent my steps towards the Cathedral, which I found crowded with people; who in profound silence, their eyes bent to the ground, prayed before the altar where the consecrated wafer was deposited. The altar was When I opened my eyes, they met Octavian's fixed with anxious joy upon me; his father was at his side, accompanied by a physician, who answered for my life. I cannot describe what my sensations were: I seemed to awake from a long dream; I was not conscious of my existence, but I knew Octavian; I could not speak to him, but I found pleasure in beholding his features. Three days and three nights scarcely restored me to the use of my faculties; when at last the rest I tasted, and the food I took, made me slowly recover my senses. My recollection returned, I remembered my mother, my marriage, the place where I had seen my lover. I was soon able to listen to Octavian, and to hear from his mouth what had happened to me. The idea of his inconstancy and marriage rushed upon my weakened imagination, and I mentioned his nuptials with the daughter of Gen. Laudhon. Octavian thought I was delirious; the General had no daughter; Octavian had arrived from the army, he was not a Colonel, nor had he passed through Vienna: but having with difficulty obtained leavelighted with a prodigious number of wax candles, of absence, uneasy at receiving no letters from me, he had hastened to Florence, bearing a letter from his General which recommended him to the notice of the Grand Duke. He was alighting when he saw me going to church; he had followed me to the altar, and in his grief had resolved to reproach me with my perjury. I now understood that Heraldi, in concert with my father, had invented that horrid tale, and intercepted my lover's letters. No crime in my eyes equalled the shameful means which Heraldi had too successfully employed; and I was the wife of that monster? to him I was condemned to consecrate my days! That idea plunged me into despair, I regretted my tomb, and wished myself once more in its peaceful bosom. "Do not fear, my dear child," said the old Orsini; "I come from the Grand Duke; I gave him myself the letter of our brave Laudhon, and related your history. That generous Prince takes you under his protection: he has written to the Holy Father to have your marriage while the rest of the edifice was involved in darkness. Concealed behind a pillar I addressed my prayers to the Saviour of the world, and entreated him to watch over her whose only hope was placed in his power and mercy. Before I left the church, I felt a great desire of visiting the place where I had been buried; but what spectacle struck my sight! I perceived my father and my mother kneeling on my tomb; Heraldi in deep mourning stood by my father, who seemed wrapped up in meditation. My mother prayed and shed abundance of tears; I gazed on her for some time, when on a sudden I saw her lean towards me, lay her hand on the ground, and kiss the cold marble of my sepulchre at the same time she pronounced my name. I could no more restrain my emotions; I fixed my lips on her hand, and sobbed aloud. The veil that concealed my face was drawn aside by the motion, my mother raised her eyes and recognized her daughter; she uttered a loud scream, called upon me, and extended her arms. 66 My father and Heraldi knew me also; the last | advanced towards me, and was going to lay his hand upon me; I was lost when love inspired me. Stop," cried I, with a voice which I endeavoured to render terrible, "respect after her death the woman you deceived during her life. You alone were the cause of my death: fear the just anger of heaven, and repent!" I said; and while Heraldi, frozen with terror, listened without daring to move, I covered my head with my veil and walked slowly towards the church door. The crowd gave way before me, and I gained Orsini's house without having been discovered. The next day was publicly reported at Florence, that my ghost had appeared in the Cathedral, and had been seen by a thousand witnesses who knew me. It was added, that having pushed my husband with my hand, my fingers had left five fiery marks on his shoulder. Others declared, that I came to demand justice and accuse Heraldi of murder. The people murmured against him; he was followed and insulted, stones were thrown at him, and his life was in danger. The courier returned at last, and brought the brief from the Pope which annulled my marriage, as contracted by fraud. The Duke sent for the old Orsini, and agreed with him upon the measures to be adopted; and the next morning I went to the palace, accompanied by Octavian and his father. The Prince received us with great affability; and when it was announced that, according to his orders, my mother, father, and Heraldi were arrived, he concealed us in a closet, whence I heard him address my father in these words: 66 Strange means, Sir, have been used to marry your daughter to a man she could not love. Your repentance has avenged her wrongs, and the tears I perceive in your eyes satisfy me I have no need of reproaching you with your cruel behaviour towards her. Death has broken those fatal ties; and if by a miracle, which the people believe, your daughter enjoyed again the light of day, her marriage would be void. Here is the brief of his Holiness, which declares it so; chuse, then, Count Heraldi, either to begin a law suit against me, or to sign a renunciation of your fraudulent rights, and depart immediately for Vienna: my protection will follow you there; and you will restore tranquillity to my capital, where your presence excites disturbance." Heraldi made his renunciation in the terms dictated by the Grand Duke. Then taking leave of his Imperial Highness left Florence immediately. "This is not all," said the Grand Duke to my father, "your daughter lives;" a' scream from my mother interrupted him, " you will see her again," continued he, "but your daughter cannot live happy unless she becomes the wife of the young Orsini. It is he who tore her from the grave; it is in his house that she is: gratitude, paternal love, Valeria's fame, compels you to consent to that marriage. If my prayer adds weight to those powerful considerations, I ask Valeria for Octavian; he deserves her; he has obtained the esteem and friendship of General Laudhon. Consent to this happy union, and I promise a regiment to your son-in-law, and will obtain for you the order of Maria Theresa." My father did not hesitate an instant; and my mother, bathed in tears, asked to see her darling child. I could not wait any longer, but opened the door and rushed into my mother's arms.The joy of my parents was as violent as their sorrow had been; they pressed me to their hearts, and loaded with caresses Octavian and his father. We all threw ourselves at the feet of the Grand Duke, and were at a loss for words to express our gratitude. My nuptials were celebrated in his palace; and since that moment I have endeavoured to please my husband, and the venerable Orsini, who loves me as his own daughter. My father restored me to his love, and my days have glided away embellished by friendship, love, and gratitude; and I give thanks to Heaven for having withdrawn me for a short while from the world, that I might enjoy uninterrupted happiness. ON THE MEANS OF PROCURING PLEASING DREAMS. Ir the developement of the means of obtaining during sleep some of the pleasing enjoy ments of day, were a subject incapable of engaging the attention of the favourites of fortune, I would turn to the more numerous class of mankind, and would address myself to the unfortunate, convinced that in a circumstance so interesting to them, the organs of their senses would be, if I may use the expression, all ear. Every one knows that a great portion of life is occupied by sleep, but every one cannot inform us how we may procure sensations not merely pleasing, but so delicious that they frequently surpass those of our waking moments. In the outset of a subject which cannot fail to excite curiosity, I shall assert that exercise, tem |