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forever; Oh, Mary, my poor wife; my poor dear babes." He raved and raved, but they hurried him away; and bound his manly arms with a thick cord, and led him between their horses from his beautiful cottage house.

They had not gone far before they heard a distracted voice behind them; De Lancy's wife was following; her hair hanging about her shoulders; her feet bare and her every feature betokening the very horror of anguish. "Stay a moment; oh stay? Speak to me, George; oh what will become of us; what will become of your poor wife and children?" The officers only increased their speed, and De Lancy went on with his hands folded, and his brow bent in desperate and silent despair. Poor Mary, after following them more than two miles, turned and went back, crying loudand bitterly all the way.

"In the name of Heaven," cried Mary, "what is this?" Only a trifle, woman---Bob threw me, and my nose bled a little. She feared to interrogate him further, for his ruffled and morose humor was forbidding; she pressed him to partake of the supper she had kept ready for him, and endeavored to soothe by kindness and attention the gloomy mood in which she found him. He refused to eat, however, and after sitting with his handy clenched some moments on his forehead, he rose, took a heavy draught of brandy and threw himself on the bed.

Mary laid down beside him, but not to sleep, or if a momentary doze came over her, her waking fancy pictured to her restless and anxious mind the feverish dreams of a disordered brain. She rose as the first glimmering of day broke upon the green valley, and walked out to the spring to bathe her burning brow in the cool clean waters of the flowing brook. She had been there but a few moments, before two men rode rapidly up the road, and entered the gate-way--she hastened to the house, and they entered with her, inquiring for Mr. De Lancy, and seeming in too much haste to wait even the common forms of civility.

De Lancy lay, still asleep, and when they rudely routed and laid their hands upon him, he sprang up in a kind of frenzy, “What so soon?" cried he-" Why, who told you I killed him?" "It is enough,' said one of them, 'who asked you to accuse yourself?-how came you to know he was killed? Come, we must search you?' De Lancy stood aghast; in the perturbation of a moment he had betrayed himself—he had been taken unprepared; and as they drew from his pockets the money and watch of the murdered man, he trembled excessively." Ah, the devil has done for me at last," said he, throwing a wistful glance at his two sweet infants as they lay smiling in their infant slumbers on the bed, locked in each others arms; and then towards his wife, who, in an agony of despair, at this sudden burst of overwhelming misfortune on herself and children, and of ignominy and shame on him who was as dear to her as her heart's blood, vile and dishonored as he stood

George's trial and condemnation followed speedily. He plead guilty. Mary went to see him in jail, but he told her at parting that it would break his heart to meet her again.— This proved to be an unnecessary admonition; she had been deserted by all her friends, amid the crush of her morning hopes; she pined away in her solitary home, day after day, and was at last found dead in the cottage, with a babe on each arm, early one morning, by a passer by, who was attracted to the house by the crying of the infants. De Lancy never knew her fate, though he was not executed for almost a month afterwards.

Thus ended the life of a gambler, in utter ruin to himself and family, in double, and doubly desolating crime.

HISTORICAL.

FROM IRVING'S LIFE OF COLUMBUS. SKETCHES OF ISABELLA OF SPAIN.

Cotemporary writers have been enthusiastic in their descriptions of Isabel-.. la, but time has sanctioned their eulogies; she is one of the purest and most beautiful characters on the page of history. She was well formed, of the middle size, with great dignity and gracefulness of deportment, and a mingled gravity and sweetness of demeanor. complexion was fair; her hair auburn, inclining to red, her eyes were of a clear blue, with a benign expression ; and there was a singular modesty in her before her on that fatal morning, stood pale countenance, graceing, as it did, a wonand fixed as a cold statue by the bedside.derful firmness of purpose, and earnest"I have ruined you all," said he, "but he whom I slew first ruined me; he won a thous

and dollars from me last night; I killed him; I got my money back, and now my life is forfeited. Oh, why was I linked with this infernal spirit. Gambling has ruined me, and those whose fortunes were bound up in mine

Her

ness of spirit. Though strongly attached to her husband, and studious of his fame, yet she always maintained her distinct rights as an allied prince. She exceeded him in beauty, in personal dignity, acuteness of genius, and in gran

deur of soul. Combining the active and resolute qualities of man, with the softer charities of woman. She mingled in the warlike councils of her husband; engaged personally in his enterprises, and in some instances surpassed him in firmness and intrepidity of her measures; while being inspired with a truer idea of glory, she infused a more lofty and generous temper into his subtle and calculating policy.

are told, were printed in Spain, at that early period of the art, than in the present literary age.

It is wonderful how much the destinies of countries depend at times upon the virtues of individuals, and how it is given to great spirits, by combining, exciting, and directing the latent powers of a nation, to stamp it, as it were, with their own greatness. Such beings realize the idea of guardian angels appointed by heaven to watch over the destinies of empires. Such had been Prince Henry for the kingdom of Portugal, and such was now for Spain the illustrious Isabella.

VARIETY.

JOSEPH BONAPARTE.-The citizens line of coaches through New-Jersey, pass the res

on the Delaware. His estate occupies a large territory. His house is in the French style, but not splendid. His lands, on which immense sums have been expended, are well cultivated. In all public improvements he contributes liberally; something like four thousand dollars, [I am told] he paid on one road. He is much beloved, and his memory will be

ever dear to the villagers.

There is scarcely now a poor family in the village, so many does he employ on his lands. He pays liberally; punctually fulfilling all his contracts; no law suits; no disputes, and the intemperate and immoral are at once discharg

It is in the civil history of their reign, however, that the character of Isabella shines most illustrious. Her fostering and maternal care was continually directed to reform the laws, and heal the ills engendered by a long course of internal wars. She loved her people, and while continually seeking their good, she mitigated, as much as possible, the harsh measures of her husband directed to the same end, but inflamed by a mis-idence of the late king of Spain, at Bordentown, taken zeal. Thus, though almost bigoted in his piety, and perhaps too much under the influence of ghostly advisers, still she was hostile to every measure calculated to advance religion at the expense of humanity. She strenuously opposed the expulsion of the Jews, and the establishmant of the Inquisition, though, unfortunately for Spain, her repugnance was slowly vanquished by her confessors. She was always an advocate of clemency to the Moors, although she was the soul of the war against Grenada. She considered that war essentially to protect the Christian faith, and to relieve her subjects from fierce and formidable enemies. While all her public thoughts and acts were princely and august, her private habits were simple, frugal and unostentatious. In the intervals of state business, she assembled around her the ablest men in literature and science, and directed herself by their counsels, in promoting letters and arts. Through her patronage Salamanca rose to that height which it assumed among the learned institutions of the age. She promoted the distribution of honors and rewards for the promulgation of knowledge, she fostered the art of printing, recently invented, and encouraged the establishment of presses in every part of the kingdom; hooks were admitted free of all duty, and more, we

ed. He is constantly, in the season of agriculture in the fields with his men, and is constant

with an elegant pruning hatchet in his hand. Strangers who are introduced, partake liberally of his hospitality. He has thus exchanged a coronet of thorns for that of a peaceful agriculturalist, and become a citizen of our happy republic.

IN WANT OF A HUSBAND.--A young lady was once told by a married lady, that she had better precipitate herself from off the rocks of the Passaic Falls, into the basin beneath, than marry. The young lady replied, "I would if I thought I could find a husband at the bottom."

EMPLOYMENT OF TIME.-The hours of a wise man are lengthened by his ideas, as those of a fool are by his passions. The time of the one is long, because he does not know what to do with it. So is that of the other, because he distinguishes every moment of it with useful or amusing thoughts--or, in other words, because the one is always wishing it away, and the other always enjoying it.--Addison.

THE TALISMAN.

WORCESTER, SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 1828. Perhaps there is no greater evidence of the improved taste of our countrymen (and we might add our country women also) in useful literature and a love of general reading, than the increased demand for periodical literary Publications. Scarcely a month elapses, without bringing to our table, some new work of this character. Nor are they confined to our cities and populous towns. There is scarcely a village in our country, capable of supporting a printing press, but sends out its sheet devoted to other subjects than politics or angry discussions in polemics. It is a characteristic of our citizens, always to glut the public taste with whatever is in any degree popular, and it is not improbable that some of these journals will prove short lived. Many of them, however, have given evidence, that they are destined to be something more than ephemeral. Among many others, we notice the "Rural Repository, or Bower of Literature," published in Hudson, N. Y. is about entering upon its fifth volume ;- The Philadelphia Album and Ladies Literary Gazette," a paper which has for a long time deservedly maintained an elevated standing has commenced its third volume.

The "Traveller and Monthly Gazetteer," a new periodical from Philadelphia is received. It promises to be a publication of great utility and convenience, and we doubt not will command an extensive patronage. The Catalogue of Newspapers and periodicals, perhaps, is as correct as the nature of the subject would permit. Many omissions are discovered. We mention two, both in this County, the "Massachusetts Yeoman," published at Worcester, every Saturday, by Austin Denny, Esq. and Spooner & Merriamand the Lancaster Gazette," published at Lancaster, every Tuesday, by F. & J. Andrews. Two Journals of extensive circulation, and as worthy of notice as any other publications in this vicinity. They are sent to Subscribers at the rate of two dollars each.

We have given to the Gazetteer but a hasty examination. Two towns in Me. to wit, Anson and Avon, and one in Mass. to wit Bolton, in this County, are not to be found in its col

umns.
The mode of publication being once a
month, furnishes a convenient facility for cor-
recting these deficiences.

Dr. Thacher's American Medical Biography.--This is a new and valuable work, just published in Boston, and is creditable to the industry and judgment of the worthy compil

er. It contains valuable information respecting many justly celebrated characters, who are not only iminent as Physicians, but as Patriots and Civilians. The work is for sale at Dorr & Howland's Bookstore.

Mr. S. S. Southworth, late Editor of the "Literary Cadet” in Providence, has left that cation, to be called "The North American paper, and proposes establishing a new publiand Literary Subaltern.”

The first number of the North American, is to contain a sketch of the "Life Editorale," in which sundry curious facts will be developed.

ERRATA.--In our last number, the following errors escaped notice till it was too late to correct them. Page 40, first line for "blasted health," read "bloated wealth." 34th line from top, for "here forsakes,” read "e'er forsakes,"--next line first word, for " Have," read "With,"--9th line below, for "invidious," read "insidious."

Married,

In this town, Mr. Arthur Adlington, Jr. to Miss Ann E. Gates.

In New Braintree, Mr. James H. Moore, of Worcester, to Miss Jane Delano, of New Braintree.

In Northborough, Mr. Joab Hapgood, of
Northborough.
Shrewsbury, to Miss Elizabeth Eager, of

In Athol, Mr. Benjamin Cook, Jr. to Miss
Betsey Stratton.

Died,

In this town, on the 4th instant, Mary,
Saturday last, an infant child of Mr. Jonathan
daughter of Capt. John Earle, aged 12. On
Gleason, Jr.

In Northboro' Miss Patty Babcock, aged 30.
In Leicester, Joseph Sylvester, aged 37.
In Shrewsbury, Adaline, daughter of Mr.
Elijah Harrington, aged 7.

In Westborough, John, son of Mr. Elijah
Gleason, aged 10.

In Athol, on the 31st ult. Capt. Adonijah Ball, Jr. aged 34.

POETRY.

FOR THE TALISMAN.

TO A FRIEND.

We met when our young hearts beat high,
And lite's young current bounded free,
When, calm beneath a cloudless sky,
Our barks were on a Summer sea.

We knelt together at the shrine

Where learning her rich treasures flung; And nought could cause us to repine,

Save woes which e'er await the young.

But boyhood's sorrows-what are they?
Dim clouds upon the trackless wind;
They hurry on,-they melt away,
And leave a brighter heaven behind.
We parted,-friends must ever part;
But when away from thee I'd gone,
The cherished tendrils of my heart

Were left still clasping round thine own.
And still, when 'neath the azure skies
Of other lands, I dwelt afar,
And saw, so beautiful, arise,

The calm and placid morning star.

When day's first yellow tinges broke,

Like a bright dream, upon the earth, And nature, from her silence, woke,

In sweet notes of melodious mirth.

My heart did turn, yes, turned away
From such a scene of life and light,
And, silent as the coming day,

To thee it winged its joyous flight.

I have been out at evening, when

The earth was sleeping, and the sky Looked glorious, and the voice of men, In business or in revelry,

Had died away; and as I've trod

In nature's wild uncultured bowers, The forests, or have pressed the sod, Clad brightly with its dewy flowers: I've thought upon those by-gone days,

Which yielded well-remembered bliss,
Those hours when we had been to gaze
On scenes as beautiful as this.

These boyhood pleasures-at their name,
How memory lingers o'er the past,
To catch the glimmerings of their flame,
While yet in rosy light they last.

And hoard them, as a treasure up,

The troubled hours of life to calm;

To mingle in affliction's cup,

A soothing age, a healing balm.

But still we cannot mourn, the woes
Which Man's most pleasing prospects sever,
We have not known; life's first young rose
Is blooming now as bright as ever.

Those wild imaginings, those dreams, Which cheered us in our earlier days, Are hovering still, like twilight gleams, Unwilling yet to flee away.

And Hope the charmer" spreads her bow, Still bright and broad, above life's ocean, Which sleeps in sunny light below,

Without one troubled wave in motion,

From Mrs. Colvin's Weekly Messenger. CONTENTMENT OUTWITTED.

There was a man (not o'er benign) The owner of a garden fine, Through deeds of mortals who did look Till he could read them like a book, 'Twas his caprice, outside a gate To fix these two lines on a slate :"Who proves to me that he's content, "For nought shall have this tenement." A common man of low degree, Perusing, cried," tis mine in fee !" Breathless he ran, with all his might, To claim at once so fine a site; "Sir, please to give me up the gate; "I'm quite contented with my fate." The owner shrewdly made reply,

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O, how this world is giv'n to lie! "If you're contented with your lot, "Why do you crave my garden-spot ?"

THE PROVINCE OF WOMEN. BY HANNAH MORE.

P.

As some fair violet, loveliest of the glade,
Sheds its mild fragrance on the lonely shade,
Withdraws its modest head from public sight,
Nor courts the sun, nor seeks the glare of light,
Should some rude hand profanely dare intrude,
And bear its beauties from its native wood,
Expos'd abroad, its languid colors fly,
Its form decays, and all its odours die.
So Woman, born to dignify retreat,
Unknown to flourish, and unseen be great;
To give domestic life its sweetest charm,
With softest polish, and with virtue warm,
Fearful of fame unwilling to be known,
Should seek but Heaven's applauses and her

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THE

Worcester Talisman.

NO. 7.

JUNE 28, 1828.

POPULAR TALES.

FOR THE TALISMAN.

THE HIGHLANDER. MORNING rose over the tall cliffs and shaggy craigs of the Highland Mountains, and the sun of summer tinged their cloudless peaks, with gleamings of its own unsullied beauty. Earth wakened, refreshed and invigorated beneath a sky so serene and translucent, so pure and beautiful, that it seemed as if the silent wings of some guardian Angel were hovering upon it, to shield the inhabitants of those ancient hills, and make their country the blissful abode of peace and happiness. "'Tis as luvely a mornin' as e'er rose o'er Givan Glen;" said Duncan to his fellow traveller, as they journeyed upon the rude road which leads o'er many a craig and cliff, and hill and dale, from the little Village and Kirk of Castle Brae, to the straggling cottages of Dinsmoor Heath."An' had sic a day been wi' us when we were crosin' the Lang Moor, durin' the winters storm, my puir bairns would na' ha' perished in the drivin' snaw." Mc'Cleylan answered not, save with an assenting nod; there was something working in his bosom, some load which weighed heavily upon his spirits and rendered him wholly averse to entering into conversation. "Ay, sure we could na' wish for a more delightfu' day;" continued Duncan, "but what ha' we here," said he, casting his eyes upon the ground, as they came to a more rugged and precipitous place in their road; sure these red streaks upon the rocks an' leaves, would fain tell us that this has been the scene o' bloody business."

"Pugh!" returned Mc'Cleylan, cam alang tis na mair than a fray o' the wolf wi' Jamie Donald's dog, or where the brawny eagle has kilt his prey."

VOL. I.

ower the craigs an' staines o' Kirkly Cliff afore we set foot in Castle Brae." Dinna ye be in sae big a hurry, mon, tis nae wolf as sure as ye are Rowley Mc'Cleylan, for dinna ye see yon wee bit o' hair, which maun ha' graced some human head." Rowley reluctantly stepped forward, and stooping, beheld upon the corner of a rock a small lock of hair smeared with blood. "Surely it maun ha' been a deed o' the murky night, for sic a sweet mornin' would ne'er ha' looked down upon it wi' sic cheerfu' smiles," said Duncan, still shuffling his staff among the leaves.— Rowley rose silently, retreated a few steps, and then turning said, "I tell ye once mair to cam along, tis na' human blood, an' were it, it has been lyin' there these mony days, an' is forgotten lang ago."

"But na, it is just steaming frae the heart, an' then the hair." "Tis but the wolf's lang locks," answered the impatient traveller," sae again will I tell ye to cam awa', ye ken we were to be in the clan o' the Brae afore this time." Duncan, recollecting his engagements, yielded to the warning solicitations of his companion, but with a cloud of uncertain suspicion resting in his bosom.-Duncan and McCleylan were fellow laborers, they dwelt in lowly cottages, situated near each other upon the borders of Dinsmoor Heath. Their families, dwelling almost as it were under the same roof, were firmly attached to one another in the bond of friendship and brotherly love. Honesty and uprightness had ever been the characteristics of the parents; they had each reared a family of" smiling cherubs," and had ever been doomed to earn their bread, and dearly too, by the sweat of the brow."Yet they seemed to be happy; their long winter evenings were whiled away cheerfully around the little fire, amid laughing faces and. sparkling eyes; and, if the saying proved correct, that "the harder earned the sweeter the bread," they surely must have fed upon delicious morsels. They had been called the morn

"Stay a bit, Macky," continued Duncan, as he removed a heap of gathered leaves with his staff, and found them saturated with gore. "Tis an unco' story,an this is ower mickle blooding of which we were speaking, by their ocwi' na bones for one puir wolf to lose; besides, Jamie has gone a lang way wi' his spaniel, to bring back his tiny chiel frae her gran sire,

sure some luckless laddie has fallen before the merciless freebooters. "Duncan," said his companion, "I tell ye tis nae sic a thing, sae cam alang, or the sun will be a grand sight

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cupation to Castle Brae. After leaving the scene above mentioned, they travelled with hasty steps towards their place of destina

tion.

"Twere hardly a creditable thing in us," said Duncan, after walking some distance in silence, "to leave the place sae quickly, wha

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