Price Two-Pence

THE SHEIK'S REVENGE..

AN EASTERN TALE.

(For the Parterre).

ON that eventful night, the fair girl had strolled into the gardens, and sat in the Abode of Dreams: as she lay reclined on a bed of amarynths, and her beautiful head resting on pillows of rose leaves, her lovely figure was reflected on the water, which like a pellucid mirror, lay stretched at her feet; here absorbed in reverie, she was picturing to herself the danger her brother must be in, from those horrid Giours, when to her utmost astonishment she saw reflected in the water, a tall young man, with fair flowing locks, attired in rich military uniform, apparently in the attitude of leaning over her; and his bright blue eyes riveted with a gaze of delight on her countenance. Her first impulse was to fly-her second to scream aloud, and her third to remain quietly where she was; the handsome phantom, after remaining motionless a few seconds departed, and when Leila again raised her

eyes she was alone. Hastily she arose, and was traversing her steps towards the Palace, in order to tell her father what she had seen, when to her great consternation she beheld every avenue to the house blocked up by men in the same garb, though less rich than that worn by the stranger she had seen; hoping to escape unnoticed, she hastily turned into one of the most thickly planted paths, but was soon overtaken and seized; she cried aloud for help, but was only laughed at; and on her making resistance, they began to bind her roughly, when the figure she had first seen, and who, from the deference paid him, appeared to be the commander, came up, and after sharply rebuking the soldiers for treating their fair captive so violently, committed her to the care of some who accompanied him, at the same time saying he was under the disagreeable necessity of taking her from her native place, for some time, but that as her father would be with her, he hoped the privation would not be very great, and assured her that at all times she could command his services.-We now return to the son.

Having signalized himself in every action he had fought, and won the esteem and confidence of his superior officers, as a reward he obtained the command of the detachment near his native place, and in his eagerness to behold once more the scenes amid which he had spent the unclouded morning of boyhood, set forward on his march on the very day he was presented with the order.

The sun set in beauty ere he had accomplished his journey, but the brilliant moon that arose made ample recompense; swiftly he passed over the lofty hills, which wound round his home, encircling it like a girdle, with the tread of one who was intimately acquainted with their most devious path. He now arrived at a turn of the road from whence he could behold the fair lake, and in the midst, rising like a sea-fowl, the fairy home of his fathers. Oh! none that have not felt the same sensation, can conceive the emotion which agitated the heart of Hassan, after beholding again the place of his nativity. The hours of trial and of danger vanished from his mind, and he again beheld his distant home, tinged purple by the moon's pale beam;-a cry of joy burst from him, and darting his armed heels into his eager horse, he was about to pursue his rapid way, when in the distance his practised eye beheld a body of men arrayed in military costume; in the midst the Russian banner flaunted in the breeze, and in the rear were captives.

"God of my fathers! whom have we got here?"-burst from the lips of the impetuous youth; and checking the perilous descent of his steed, with a tug that almost threw him on his haunches, leisurely scanned with eager eyes the scene stretched like a map beneath.

dragoman, who uttering "Bismillah !” fell back to obey his orders.

We left the Sheik, having recovered from his swoon, disconsolate at the absence of his daughter, whence he was roused by the men putting themselves in line of march; and one of them approaching Kishen Kower said—

"The sun is already sunk in gloom, 't is time we were away."

"Dogs, midnight robbers," shouted the Sheik, "would you tear me from the palace of my sires-where is my daughter ?"

"Peace, foolish old man, and do not draw down the wrath of those in whose power you are," retorted the Russian.

"May your bones wither, and your bodies be a prey to dogs and vultures. You have bereaved me of my child-do your worst now."

"Come! come! this bravade won't do-you must move on ;" and a stout man on either side, soon caused the old chief to prefer his own feet, to be dragged by them.

After walking for some time, the whole party stopped at a small grove of cedar, in the midst of which murmured a clear fountain, where having reposed themselves, and mounted horses which there awaited them, resumed their order.

"Come, palakir," said one of them, addressing the Sheik, "the carriage is ready, and the lady waits."

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Lady!" said the Sheik; "what lady?"

"Your daughter."

"Gracious Allah," said he, raising his hands to heaven, "is it possible! haste, good youth, lead on, and bless mine eyes with the sight of my child."

In the centre of a group of soldiery was a small covered litter, drawn by two small Arab horses, and inside reposed a face, that once seen, could never be forgotten; it was Leila. The bloom of her cheek had departed, but at the sight of her father her eye lit up with pleasure, and the flush that o'erspread her countenance seemed as 't were the meeting of the red and white rose; she

Back, and bid thy comrades await me at this spot-take thou my steed." "The words of my lord shall be obeyed."

With agile motions, Hassan Khan threw himself from his high Tartar saddle, and suddenly darting down a steep ravine, disappeared amid the brakes and bushes, from the sight of the wondering

homet's paradise, as she flung herself into her father's arms; and she murmured, "Father, my dear-dear father

who, happy in meeting each other, desired only that they might not again be separated.

The night was far advanced, and as its shadows gloomily fell from the precipitous cliff on either side of the road, and the moon sinking by degrees, was casting a light lingering beam through the azure sky, so very pale that it could no longer compete with the brilliancy of the myriads of twinkling stars, which had till then been obscured in its mild radiance, ere they were at length awakened to a sense that they were leaving behind, the country in which they had so long and happily dwelt-the Sheik first broke silence.

"Strange," he said, "the route these dogs are taking us."

Do you know, then, where we are going?"

"In the direction of Astarbad, where our army is encamped."

"Then may we not see Hassan ?" The Sheik shook his head : I fear if we do, it will be in the midst of tumult." "Ah! true," said Leila, "I forgot, we are with the enemy."

At this moment the leader came up, and Leila recognized in the proud bearing and deep blue eye of the commandant, him who had taken such care of her. "Beautiful daughter of Kishen Kow er," he said, "imagine yourself with friends, not enemies; -we are your captives, not you ours.

"What says he ?" interrupted the Sheik.

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She repeated the stranger's words. "The dog Giour! how can he presume to think any of my race would keep peace with him."

Leila then related, with modest blushes, her first interview, and told how the handsome leader of the Russians had provided for her accommodation the vehicle in which they travelled.

"Hah!" said the Sheik, "he'll make us pay well for it though."

"Indeed you wrong him," said Leila, and blushing that she should be taking such an interest in one so peculiarly circumstanced, drew aside the blind next her, and directed her gaze on the open country, scanning with watchful eye every rock and bush, in hopes of meeting some incident to break up the monotony of the scene: almost from the very commencement, she had an indistinct idea flitting across her mind, that her brother would arrive; is it not strange that she should expect him, stationed with the head quarters of the

army engaged in active warfare, to march to the most remote fastness of the country? Not wishing to disturb the train of thoughts into which she had fallen, she rarely joined in any of her parent's anathemas against the destroyers of their family quiet; and if at any time nature sunk into a feverish slumber, she would rouse unrefreshed, as if in reproach for her inattention.

As her eyes were raised in the direc tion of Astarbad, she detected an antelope bounding across the hills with a certain peculiarity in its motions that led her to suspect it had seen a human form in its track, for after advancing a dozen yards, it would turn round as if snuffing the gale, then tossing up its slender head, would bound on its path with inconceivable rapidity: she continued to watch the gap whence the animal issued, and at length had her hopes confirmed by the appearance of a figure, very indistinct in the distance; in a short time, it turned back, and disap. peared. The heart of Leila sank within her; a long dreary length of road was now traversed in moody silence,-where the stubborn rock is cut through, and the thickets on each side afford ample covert for wild animals, she fancied she heard breaking the tender boughs, a man's footsteps cautiously stealing through the crackling palm trees, and as she watched with ear and eye, suddenly stood up as if to adjust her dress. At this instant, the moon emerged from the clouds, and lighted up the spot brilliant as day; a man was beneath, screened under the rocks, with upturned face, and hand ready placed on the stock of a pistol, which was stuck in his girdle. knew the jewelled turban which glittered on his brow; it was Hassan! thrill of instinctive delight, which pervades our breast when we recognise those we have loved in our youth, rushed on the heart of Leila; she raised her finger to her lip to enjoin silence. "We are prisoners," was all she ventured to whisper; and ignorant whether her words were heard, resumed her place by her parent. Yet she sat down not with feelings of composure, from the prospect of being delivered from present bondage, for the fear that her brother might be overcome oppressed her; she reflected how much he had grown since he left; how soldier-like and noble-looking he had become; tears of pride stood in her eyes.

She

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This first recognition had an effect upon Hassan that may well be conceived.

In the first impulse, his feelings prompted him to rush on the Giours, and single handed achieve his friends' release, but on reflection, that though in bondage they were not treated with ignomy, he decided it would be the better plan to join his companions, and then to arrange matters on a plan less fraught with danger, particularly as by their straggling array, the guard appeared to suspect anything else than an attack-so in the same manner that marked his approach, he rejoined his trusty band, who with impatience awaited the coming of their young commander, at the appointed spot.

"All is well, my friends," he said, arm, and in silence follow me-we have no time for debate-none for council-the yellow haired Giours are at hand, nearer than you imagine they have broken into the mansion of peace, and dragged from the nest, the timorous dove-they have sounded their saukh in the halls of the Sheik, and in the garden of the bulbul have they sounded the hakerra,*—the tender maiden they have not spared, nor the old man with grey locks-my father and sister are in the power of those dogs, who shall rue the day they entered this world."

"Hassan with difficulty prevented his troops from breaking into a loud shout at this spirited address of their leader, but he joyed to see deep defiance gleam from each fiery eye, and stern resolution in the wave of each nervous arm,"

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Listen," he added, "to what I say," -all crowded round-"I send a Spakit with fifty men, to attack the party in the van, while I will rescue my friends and secure the rear with as many more. Courage my brave soldiers, we will fall on them like the swoop of a falcon from the height of our own mountains."

Hassan Khan then called the Spaki, to whom he entrusted the command, and taking him a short distance from where the main body stood, shewed him on the distant side of a hill, the Giours marching along the road, which was streaked with flashes of light, as the trembling moonbeams shone brightly on the shifting spears and helmets.

"See you," he said, "yon line of soldiery ?"

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Plainly, my lord."

first volley, rush forth, and for Allah smite the foe-let not the sons of dogs bear off the daughters of men.'

"The words of my lord are the will of his servant," said the Spaki, bowing slowly.

Hassan steadily ranged his band, and called aloud, "Forward in Allah's name! the bright eyes of houris are watching the tackdur of him who falls in the good fight, and, prepare for him the abode of bliss-Allah Achbar!"

In a short time, Hassan posted his men in a defile to await the approach of the enemy, and never was an ambuscade better or more aptly chosen : it was a long narrow ravine, about ten yards wide; on one side was a thick underwood of briars and bushes, while that next to the road, rose bare and steep; a high ridge along the road completely screened the party from observation, and from this the whole line of the enemy were exposed to the murderous fire of Hassan's band.

Having thus securely posted his men, Hassan lay down at their head, to await the approach of the foe; the moon was now overspread by thick clouds, which almost obscured the light, save when having drifted across, they left her exposed, and thus a flash, bright yet momentary, lighted the scene. Never before did our young warrior experience such indescribable sensations-all of warfare that he had hitherto seen, was in the open field, in the fair face of day; now was the dead hour of midnight, and the fear that some random ball might reach those whose welfare lay nearest his heart, oppressed him with a kind of sickness and anxiety. Every ear was on the alert, every eye strained, to catch the slightest noise or the least glimpse, and oft a beating heart felt the sickness of disappointment, when the answer cheezi nist was returned to the eager question. At length borne on the night breeze, as it came in sad and wailing gusts through the interstices of the hills, is heard the tramp of steeds.

"Be patient," cried Hassan, "they come! they come!"

He was at this time able to watch their advance by the light of the now brightening moon-they approached without interruption. Keen determination shone in the eyes of the astonished party—the van are in the act of pressing the entrenchment.

* Destiny There is nothing.

LAST MOMENTS OF LUTHER, LUTHER reached Eisleben on the 28th, of January, and, though in bad health, he assisted at the conferences up to February 17th. During that time he preached four times, and revised the ecclesiastical regulations for the principality of Mansfield. On the 17th (February) he was so unwell that the Counts besought him not to venture out. At supper he dwelt on his approaching death some one asked him if in a future state we should recognize one another; he replied, that he thought so. Having entered his chamber with Martin Cælius and his two sons, he approached the window, and remained a considerable time in prayer. He said to Aurifaber, who had just arrived, "I am very feeble, and my pains increase!" Medicine was given to him, and attempts were made to warm him by the friction of the hands. As he laid himself down on the bed, he spoke a few words to Count Albrecht, who had also arrived, and added, "If I could doze half an hour, I think it would relieve me." He did sleep, and awoke in about an hour and a half, near eleven o'clock. Seeing that all present still remained by his side, he said, "What! are you here yet? Why do ye not retire to rest?" He resumed his prayer, crying with fervour, In manus tuas commendo spiritum meum! redemisti me, Domine, Deus veritatis! Afterwards, turning to all present, he said—" pray, my friends, for the Gospel of our Lord,—that his kingdom may be enlarged! Verily the Council of Trent and the Pope threaten to injure it!" Having slept another hour, Dr. Jonas asked him how he felt. My God," was the reply, "I am very ill! I think, my dear Jonas, I must remain at Eisleben, where I was born!" However, he walked a little about the chamber, laid down on the bed, and was covered with cushions. Two physicians, with Count Albrecht and his wife, next entered, and Luther said to them, "I am dying! I remain here at Eisleben!" Dr. Jonas having expressed a hope that perspiration would relieve him, he replied, "No, dear Jonas; it is a cold, dry sweat, and my pain increases." He then betook himself to prayer-" O my Father! God of our Lord Jesus Christ, and source of all consolation! I thank thee for that thou hast revealed to me thy wellbeloved Son, in whom I believe, whom I have acknowledged and preached, whom I have loved and celebrated, whom

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the Pope and the wicked persecute! To thee, Lord Jesus Christ, I commend my soul! I leave this earthly body; I am borne away from this life; but I know that I shall live eternally with thee!" He repeated three times-In manus tuas commendo spiritum meum: redemisti me, Domine veritatis! Suddenly he shut his eyes, and became insensible: Count Elbrecht and his lady assisted the physicians; all laboured to restore him, and, with great difficulty, they succeeded for a moment. "Reverend Father," said Dr. Jonas, "do you stedfastly die in the faith which you have taught?" "YES!" was the distinct reply, and he fell asleep. Immediately afterwards he grew pale, became cold, breathed deeply, and expired.

LUTHER AND THE DEVIL.

The reformer believed in the actual presence of his satanic majesty, as is shewn by M. Michelet in his memoirs of that celebrated man.

"Once," said Luther, "while in the cloister at Wittemberg, I distinctly heard the noise made by the devil. I had just chanted the matin service, and was beginning to read the Psalter, which I was studying for my sermon, when the devil came behind me, and thrice made a fracas, as if he had been dragging a hogshead after him. When I found he was not disposed to be quiet, I put up my books, and went to bed. Another night, I heard him above my room in the cloister; but knowing that it was he, I paid no attention to him, and fell asleep.

"Let not the clergyman who buried the woman accused of killing herself, feel any compunction for the act, I have known many such examples of suicide, as it is called; but, in general, I conclude that the victims have been actually killed by the devil, just as a traveller is killed by a robber."

Luther thought also that suicide seldom happens, and that the act is the devil's.

Again,

"The lame, the halt, the blind, the deaf, the dumb, and natural fools, are generally possessed by devils. Physicians who pretend to treat these infirmities as resulting from natural causes, are mere quacks, and totally ignorant of the devil's power.

"The devil walks people about in their sleep, from place to place, and makes them act as if they were awake (!)" Hear him again,

"In many countries there are places