his feet, acted like electricity upon Rinaldo's faculties; and, half suspending the breath which threatened to interrupt this gratification that stole upon his enraptured feelings, our adventurer stood the image of Attention personified; for added to the refined tones of an excellent lute, was a voice which sung the sweetest notes, and produced a melody so touching, so mournfnl, so enchantingly_expressive, as put to flight every lively emotion. From whence arose the mysterious harmony Rinaldo could not ascertain, although the following stanza were easily understood. Sober Eve, whose softened shades, With grateful change the air invades ; Here Sadness wounds, and Sorrow wears! The distance from Schabraco's dwelling prevented all suspicion of its originating from any subterranean apartment; and the ground beneath him was of a texture totally unfavourable to the supposition of any rocky caverns, as it was soft and rich; too remote from the shore for any communication with its indented cliffs. While perplexed to a degree superior even to the terrors of the past night, Rinaldo again heard music; it passed on the air; and to his situation, when the first strains caught his ear, he attributed the notion of its being beneath him. However, to wait for any further elucidation was useless,, and he slowly pursued a path which brought him to a part of the shore much nearer Messina. The straights opened in front, but no boats came within call; and Rinaldo rested upon a stone patiently, hoping the arrival of several which he beheld advancing. While thus employed, he was alarmed by the paddling of oars, to the left of a projection that concealed whatever might be the cause; and in a few minutes he was gratified by the sight of his boatmen, who, on being hailed, directly made for the shore. From them he learnt that, after waiting two hours beyond the time prescribed, they rowed to a sheltered cave, fastened their small vessel, and slept till the sun awakened them. It was lucky for Rinaldo that the land tended so as to make that part of the shore convenient for crossing, and he stepped on board with a grateful heart, while new surmises, respecting the invisible music, occupied his mind. To account for an absence, so unexpected, with Rinaldo's business, Count Piozzi had that morning arrived at a villa, where his son was received. More vexed than alarmed at an incident not uncommon, he received the confused enterpriser with a countenance of severity. Rinaldo's sentiments, unfortu nately, were reflected in his features; they spoke a mystery, which his words denied. The Count saw their confutation in an ingenious blush, and the alarm became serious: his eyes were rivetted on the poor youth, who could scarcely bear a scrutiny so terrible. It was evening, and in a public promenade, when Rinaldo was thus situated. He would have drawn from his father's arm the hand he had just passed through it; and, starting suddenly back, fixed a wild and horrific look upon a figure who glided by them. The Count's astonishment encreased; there was something so strange in this perplexity, so suspicious in the fearful attention of Rinaldo to the stranger's steps, that his father determined, if possible, to force an explanation of this extraordinary business. You know something of that person, I presume, Rinaldo?" cried he. "That person!" "Yes, him, who is just now leaving the place. "The place!" "Amazing! What means this absence? Do you recollect with whom you are trifling, "Pardon me, my lord; my ideas are so confused!" Schabraco (for it was him) again returned; and, passing at that moment, glanced a look of such stern import at the youth, as once more deranged even his speech. 66 The Count was almost tempted to seize the cause of his son's incoherence, but Schabraco was gone; and Rinaldo, gazing after him, exclaimed-"I am bound, fatally bound, by a promise, which even now is, in some measure, violated. Pity my agitation, and let it suffice, that curiosity has led me into a dangerous, and awful dilemma. My lord, I can say no more.. "I understand you, Rinaldo; the Signor, who has occasioned your confusion by some unknown art, obtained an undue power over you." So saying, he rushed towards the spot from whence Schabraco retreated, but in vain, and he returned to his trembling son, with a countenance exhibiting marks of half-concealed agony. He saw the struggle of Rinaldo's soul; and while he could not condemn the dictates of that integrity he had ever encouraged, felt determined to watch his steps, hoping to gain by that means the intelligence which seemed essential to his peace. As several days were now elapsed, during which Rinaldo had not exhibited the smallest inclination to quit his usual pursuit, the desire of Count Piozzi to develope this mystery gradually declined. He saw the youth apparently free from any anxiety, but that originating in his regret to quit Messi na, and Sicilian honour would not permit him to tamper with Rinaldo's Matters were thus situated, when the Count's wishes were again inflamed, and every painful suspicion revived, by the appearance of two obscure looking men in con. versation with his son. They were on the quay, and, by their motions, appeared to be making some arrangements for a voyage; now looking down the straits, and now pointing to a boat which was fastened near them. Eager to understand the subject of their discourse, though unwilling to be observed, he resolved to watch the men, he now began to imagine were, in some degree, connected with the object of his uneasiness, and waited with considerable impatience for their separation, which was no sooner effected, than he cautiously followed one, who seemed to be dispatched as if with a message. From him the Count, by proper management, obtained a full explanation of Rinaldo's conduct; as much of it as belonged to his visit to the Calabrian coast, his discovery of Schabraco's residence, and his return with them on the following morning; confessing himself, also, to be one of the men who had conveyed him thither. (To be Continued.) Extracts from a Poetio Epistle to Lord Byron, just published by Miller Bow-street. It is so like the Noble Lord's Poetry, that but for the law proceedings of Mr. Murray of Albemarle-street, against Mr. Johnstone of Cheapside, we should consider it a twig from the original branch. But thou hast yielded up thy youth, and peace, C One pray'r for patience under ills decreed, 66 Mysterious Power! what tho' to human gaze, While oft, too oft, in sorrow and despair, If from these eyes but selfish tears have flowed, Cleans'd from this mean self-love, renew'd, and purified, Lights of the world! the unbeliever's stay- Are these thy Gods? meet idols to adore? Hopeless of peace below, and, shuddering thought! COVENT GARDEN THEATRE.-MR. BOOTH. The public are aware, that the newspapers as well as the bills of the Theatre announced Mr. Booth for a third performance of the part of Richard the Third, for Monday. The play of Pizarro, however, was announced in the bills of Monday, without accounting for the alteration, or in any way introducing the name of Mr. Booth. The unexpected alteration, as might be expected, drew together an audience determined upon having an explanation of the matter, and upon the rising of the curtain last night, the cry of "Richard," and "Booth," was loudly vociferated from all parts of the house. In vain did Mrs. Egerton attempt to proceed in the part of Elvira, the noise became still louder, and the Theatre rung with hisses and cries of "Off! Off!" The performance, notwithstanding, was attempted to be persevered in, but the tumult was obstinately maintained. After a lapse of ten minutes, Mr. Fawcett made his appearance, the performance ceased, and silence being obtained, the Manager spoke to the following effect: "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.-It would be to dissemble with you if I affected not to know the cause of your complaint, and I now appear before you to state such facts as have come to my knowledge, with regard to Mr. Booth and your disap pointment. In doing this, Ladies and Gentlemen, I shall be extremely cautious, lest at such a moment, I might inadvertently drop a word that would reflect upon the character of Mr. Booth [hisses and hear!]. It was the anxious wish of the Proprietors of this Theatre that Mr. Booth should continue his performances, and why he has not appeared before you this evening, may best be explained, by stating to you in truth and candour all I know of the matter, and when you hear this, you will then be enabled to draw your own inferences. |