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was on the wing, and his projects could not stop its progress: she bade him look upon the dial: the hand pointed to the twelfth hour! He was arrived at the fatal moment of the ninth moon: he had seen it increase and decrease, since, pursued by the vengeful shade of the murdered Constable la Cerda, he came to implore her protection. Raising then the book she held in her hand, "You see," said she, "the book of truth! A hand, which no power can alter the sacred characters of, writes therein the virtuous and criminal actions of every human being, the balance of which decides the destiny of every one. All your crimes are here registered." The King of Navarre turned pale, and in a trembling voice, said—"I confess, madam, I had the Constable assassinated; and I also confess--"- "Those crimes are known," interrupted the lady; "you are to confess those which you intend to commit." The King of Navarre remained silent. "Ah! you do not answer me.—Infamous destroyer of all the sacred ties of society! Look at this altar—and tremble at the impotency of the wicked."
The King of Navarre cast a look of mingled terror and indignation upon the altar. The veil was lifted up, and through a glass was seen two celestial figures, resembling the shades of blessed spirits rather than living creatures, dressed in white, and holding eaeh other by the hand. Their slightest motion could be perceived, and yet it appeared like a beautiful picture. The charming vision continued but an instant, for a genius, cncompassed with dazzling rays of light, appeared in the glass, in one hand holding a vulture and a fox chained together—in the other a shield, with which it covered the two beauties; then suddenly all was obscured in darkness, which flashes of lightning at intervals rendered more striking and awful.
C
