neighborhood, particularly at Cumberland harbor, a | her pride and kindle her eye with its latent flashes. great many poor Africans are smuggled to the shore She was of a cheerful, and he of a saturnine temfrom the slave ships. We sailed for Havanna with ex-Governor Torres and his family on board, as passengers. At first, the wind was light and steady from North-East; but it gradually hauled to the Southward, and blew so heavily, that we were compelled to sail under close-reefed foresail. The days were gloomy-the nights exceedingly dark—the navigation intricate, and the weather oppressively sultry. The sea ran very high; and the wind in severe flurries, threw up the spray into a blinding spoon-drift. On the evening of the third day, the wind abated, and was succeeded by a violent thunderstorm. The lightning, forked and vivid, absolutely made our eyes ache, while our ears were deafened with the loud and incessant peals of thunder. We had afterwards a smooth sea; but the weather was heavy, damp, cloudy, and oppressive. We reached Havanna in eight days, after a passage, tedious to us, and most disagreeable to our passengers. Among a number of prisoners confined in the Moro castle under sentence of death, there is a young man, a native of Old Spain, born in the town of Adra, (the ancient Abdera, but not the birth-place of Democritus,) in the province of Grenada, on the Northern shore of the Mediterranean. His father was extensively engaged in the manufacture of barilla, an alkali, procured by incineration from a plant of the same name. Under the guidance of the clergyman of the parish, who was also its schoolmaster, Andres Gomara, with the rudiments of education, acquired some knowledge of the classics, and at the age of nineteen, was sent to Valencia to study law under Miguel Fonte, an advocate of distinction. perament. As we usually admire in others, the traits in which we are ourselves deficient, it is probable that the ardent passion engendered in the bosom of Gomara might have met with a requital, but for rivalry in an unexpected quarter. Lorenzo Obregon, the son of an officer of the customs, nearly of the same age, was in every other respect the reverse of Gomara. Taller and fairer, but less compactly built-he was versed in every graceful accomplishment, and had won the first honors in his collegiate course. Courteous in his manners, his unassuming deportment covered a spirit, which, like the beam of the ancient builders, fabled to spring upward against the increasing load, rose in proportion to the difficulties it encountered; and, unmoved in danger, could, unappalled, grapple with the terrors which beset it. It is well known that the Spaniards are an unsocial race, and that the intercourse between the sexes, which, with us, is almost unrestricted, is among them, confined within narrow limitations. If a young Spanish lady be not, like most of her sex, contracted in early life, she is permitted, with her duenna sitting near, to converse with her lover, who stands without the window. Not until the offer is made, accepted and approved, are those inhospitable doors unbarred. Esperanza was of the first class; and her uncle, who was also her guardian, had contracted with the father of Gomara for an alliance of their families, provided the parties should become attached to each other. Hence, their domiciliation under the same roof, but under circumstances of such precaution, that on the score of opportunity to press his suit unobserved, Gomara had as well taken his station beneath the balcony. Nevertheless, in the little attentions he was enabled to pay her at meal-times, and as her companion in occasional excursions, Esperanza, with the keen perception of her sex, had understood his feelings long before he was himself aware of their existence. It is the province of love to beget love; and the adage would Under the roof of this austere old gentleman, Gomara spent two happy years. Although the rude manners and abrupt speech of Señor Fonte, would at times mortify the pride, and excite the resentment of Gomara; yet the sight of the beautiful face, or the sound of the sweet voice of his niece, Esperanza, would convert his frown into a smile, and light his eye with joyousness. Accord-in all probability have been verified in the present ing to his statement, she must have been a noble instance, but for an unforeseen occurrence. creature. Tall and commanding, with hair of ra- On the eve of the feast of St. Jago, the patron ven blackness, her full, dark eye by turns melted saint of Spain, nearly the whole population of Vawith tenderness, or sparkled with enthusiasm. Her lencia was assembled in a large circular building, complexion was brilliant; and her glorious bust, to witness "las corridas de toros," the bull-fights, her arms symmetrically rounded, and a foot and which were exhibited on a magnificent scale. ankle that would have shamed Atalanta, completed From the low barrier which encircled the arena, to her majestic yet graceful figure. the top of the building, all that rendered youth atGomara was nearly three years her senior;-tractive, or was high in rank, or venerable in age, but his education was less complete-his manners were gathered in eager expectation. were less refined-and he was by nature irritable and impetuous. The disposition of the lady was as lovely as her person. Susceptible, but not easily swayed, gentle assiduity might win her regard, while rudeness or persecution would rouse VOL. VIII-98 Within the arena were three Piccadores, gaudily dressed and mounted on horses, well trained and richly caparisoned. They were armed with lances, and took their stations, two in advance, on each side one, and the other in the rear, imme diately fronting the gate by which the bull would in and hitched to the bull, which was dragged away enter. Hovering near each Piccadore were seve- at a rapid pace, amid shouts and sounds of music. ral chulos, some with crimson mantles thrown over the shoulder, and others with banners of the same color in their hands. The barrier was about five feet high, and the lowest tier of benches but a short distance from it. Directly before the door, with one knee to the ground, the butt end of a long spear resting against it, was a stalwart and swarthy man-a prisoner under sentence of death. Some circumstance, divulged to the authorities subsequent to his trial, and tending slightly to mitigate his offence, had induced the substitution of the present alternative, and for the impartial award of justice; or, where a doubt is presented, the merciful interposition of authority, the vindication of the injured rights of society were entrusted to the insensate fury of a beast. The restless fans had ceased to move; the rich mantillas were thrown back upon the heads they rather graced than protected, and every eye was directed to the Governor for the expected signal. It was given; and the buzz of conversation instantaneously hushed, as a bugle rang out a wild and startling note. Its last shrill blast was responded to by a deafening roar: the gate at the upper end was suddenly thrown open, and a ferocious bull bounded into the arena. An instant before, the poor man was seen to cross himself then crouching low, he desperately clutched his lance and endeavored to give it the right direction. The next moment they were seen rolling together in the dust-the bull bellowing in anguish, while the man clung to the horn which gored his vitals. The head of the spear, diverging a little to the right, had taken just within the shoulder joint, and passing through, had nearly severed the limb from the body. A few inches more to the left, it would have pierced the heart, and saved the man. But the wound, all severe and painful as it was, could not immediately check the headlong impetus of the bull. A long and pointed horn ripped open the abdomen, from which the entrails protruded, and the man expired in agony, while the bull furiously tossed his head and floundered about to sustain himself upon his feet. A murmur of disappointment escaped the multitude, not that the man was killed, but that the conflict was so uninteresting, and so soon decided. Again the gate was closed--the saw-dust which covered the arena was raked smooth, and the Piccadores and Chulos resumed their positions. Again the bugle sounded; again, and as suddenly as before, the gate was thrown open, and another bull, fiercer even than the first, sprung from his dark recess. Dazzled by the glare of light, and confounded by the noise, he stood for an instant gazing with a bewildered air. The Piccador on the left, caught his eye: he gave one roar, pawed the dust, bowed his head, and, with his horns in a horizontal line, his eyes closed, and his tail erect, rushed immediately upon him. The Piccador reined his horse a little back, and with the butt of his lance pressed against his side, awaited the charge. The shaggy front of the assailant received the point of the lance on the upper part, and glancing along the neck it inflicted a severe gash. The irresistible force of the charge, seemed, however, to be in no wise impeded, and horse and rider were whirled to the ground. The building now rang with the cry of Bravo!" "Bravo, Toro!" and handkerchiefs were waved, and jewelled hands were clapped in acclamation; while the bull, with his horns buried in the body of the horse, pressed harder and harder down, as if to pin to the earth, the poor animal which absolutely shrieked beneath him. The Piccador, with one leg crushed, in vain strove to free himself, until one of the Chulos sprung forward and waved his mantle. The bull immediately gave chase to him-others came to his assistance, and diverted the wrath of the animal from one to the other, until the wounded Piccador and his horse were borne from the arena. 66 The bull, whose loss of blood seemed not to have diminished his strength, or tamed his spirits, now made a charge upon another of the Piccadores. This Piccador was mounted on a horse unusually restive, and when his rider attempted to rein him back, he reared and plunged and threw himself upon his haunches. The bull, with his eyes closed, rushed by the spot where the horse had stood, and bringing up with dreadful force against the barrier, it gave way with a crash. It was at that part, where sat the lady Esperanza, her uncle, and her intended husband. There was instant clamor, and each one, wild with fright, sought for safety by springing up the ascending benches. Gomara had A Matador now advanced, dressed in black vel- immediately seized Esperanza, and was bearing vet, and armed only with a sword. Making his her on, but impeded by the throng above, his efobeisance to the Governor, he solicited and re-forts would have been unavailing-for the bull, received the desired permission. Seeking his oppor- covering from the shock, was about to rush upon tunity as the bull rushed past, he thrust his long them. While he stood breathless, agonized with Toleda blade through the heart of the bull up to fear, Lorenzo forced his way from above, and the hilt. The animal staggered, reeled, and fell. snatching from Esperanza's neck a crimson scarf The gate was again thrown open, and the body she wore, he threw himself in front of the bull, and of the unfortunate man carried off. Three mules, held it forth with one hand, while he presented his profusely decorated with ribbons, were then brought sword with the other. As soon as the bull beheld the color which enrages him, he dashed at the Cavalier, and the multitude betrayed its fear in a wild cry of horror. Esperanza, refusing to be borne further, seemed transfixed to the spot, as she gazed upon the man who appeared bent upon preserving her life by the sacrifice of his own. A quick eye and a steady hand served Lorenzo faithfully. The weapon passed directly through the heart; and with the blood gushing out, the bull floundered for an instant, and then fell heavily against the lowest tier of benches. When the lovers next met, Esperanza, in as indifferent a tone as she could command, inquired of Lorenzo if he knew the Señorita Noriega. "Yes," he replied, "she is the sister of a dear friend of mine." "No doubt, the sister is the dearest of the two," said Esperanza, and coolly bidding him good night, retired from the balcony. At the moment of the encounter, Esperanza had clasped her hands together in half-despairing, halfimploring attitude; but, when the bull turned aside by the desperate lounge, began to stagger about, she released herself from the grasp of Gomara, and advanced immediately towards the prostrate form of Lorenzo. But when, as he was raised by some of the bystanders, she perceived that he was unwounded, and so far sensible as to catch the anxious expression of her face, she hurried up, and taking her uncle by the arm, precipitately left the building. With many encomiums on the gallantry of Lorenzo, her uncle severely chid her for the unmaid-ently translated, it ran thus, enly interest she had evinced. She bore his reproof in silence; but when Gomara, in a complaining tone, asked why she had refused to let him bear her away in safety, she replied,-" You consulted my safety, and I thank you,—but he," (she did not name him,) "staked his life against the peril from which you would have fled." The words escaped her without reflection, and she did not dream of the invidious comparison she had drawn. They were long treasured in bitter remembrance, and led to the most lamentable result. Thus they separated. For the first time, he thought her capricious; and she, arguing from her fears, firmly believed him unfaithful. They never met again. Night after night, for near a week, Lorenzo wandered to and fro beneath the balcony, and with guitar and song, in vain called upon his mistress to appear. Invisible, but looking on, her obduracy was in proportion to her previous fondness. But, so plaintive were his notes, so deeply fond his words, that, but for wounded pride, she would have pushed aside the lattice and listened to his explanation. His last stanza, as for the last time he turned in melancholy mood away, breathed such sad, yet determined constancy, that throughout life, her memory vividly retained it. Indiffer Lady, Farewell! Henceforth my anguished breast, Advised by the duenna, that Esperanza's pride could not long withstand the importunities of her lover, and convinced that an explanation would be fatal to his hopes, Gomara determined on yet more energetic measures. The next evening, as Lorenzo slowly turned into the street wherein was situated the house of his mistress, he was jostled by a masked cavalier, who in an imperious tone demanded-" Do you take the wall of me, sir ?" "And who are you, that so rudely questions my right to do so, if I please?" Señor Fonte called the next day upon the parents of Lorenzo, and before them expressed his warm acknowledgments for the preservation of his niece. Thus commenced an intercourse between the families, and Lorenzo, who, unnoticed and unknown, had long hopelessly worshipped at a distance, was now favored with opportunity to declare his passion. The prepossession, which his gallantry had inspired, was confirmed by his graceful manners Ha!" exclaimed Lorenzo, as he drew his own, and interesting conversation. The smile with" and this shall avenge me." which Esperanza ever greeted him was soon ac "This shall answer you," and the cavalier, drawing his sword, struck Lorenzo a smart blow with the back of it. Their swords twinkled in the dim starlight, and companied with a blush, and she felt that she was clashed loudly in the still air of the deserted street, beloved; and he, that his love was requited. as, with justly aroused anger on one side, and vin Gomara-with jaundiced eye, watched their pro- | dictive jealousy on the other, each, reckless of his ceedings, and soon discovered by her averted look own, seemed bent only on taking the life of his and altered tone, that another engrossed her affec - | opponent. After several ineffectual passes, Lorenzo tions. In the bitterness of his heart, he swore to made a desperate lounge, which was parried with be revenged. With nearly the whole of his quar- such force, that his too highly tempered blade ter's allowance sent to him by his father, he pur- shivered at the hilt, and left him entirely defencechased a costly present with which he bribed the less. Gomara, with his heart steeled against every old duenna. Directed by him, she contrived to feeling but that of revenge, cowardly took the adplace in Esperanza's hands, a letter purporting to vantage, and running his adversary through, left be from Lorenzo to another lady, wherein the lat-him weltering in blood. The noise had attracted ter was extolled and herself grossly ridiculed and the attention of the neighbors, but none dared vendepreciated. ture out, until it had ceased. Embedded in gore, Lorenzo had breathed his last. In his bosom was and his affections, heart-broken, had resolved to found a piece of parchment neatly sewed, contain- abandon the world and bury herself and her soring a lock of hair, with the word-" Esparanza." rows within the walls of a cloister. But the unThe mask which Gomara wore, fell off in the happy are never unfeeling; and among the sweetrencounter, and was forgotten in his precipitate est uses of adversity, is the sympathy it awakens flight. It was recognized by the duenna as one, for the sufferings of others. which he had prevailed upon her to procure for Ostensibly, on a technical plea, in reality through him. Weak and sordid as she was, she shrunk the influence of the advocate, the sentence of death with horror from the thought of bloodshed. Pene- was commuted for banishment to the colonies. trated with remorse, she confessed that she had Some evenings after, as the turn-key was locking conveyed the letter and procured the mask, but, the prisoners up for the night, he pretended to exsolemnly protested that she knew not for what pur-amine whether the manacles on Gomara had not pose the latter was intended. become loosened. As he did so, he whispered, "do waiting a reply, the man turned away. But there was that in his eye, which enkindled hope. Long after the deep breathing of his companions apprised Gomara that they had found a temporary reprieve from their sorrows, he laid nervously awake, listening for the slightest sound of an approaching footstep. Overpowered at last by drowsiness, he fell asleep. He was awakened by some one pressing slightly on his chest and whispering, "arise, but speak not.” His irons were silently removed; and, with noiseless gait, he followed his deliverer. It was universally believed in Valencia, that Lo-you sleep sound?" and without saying more, or renzo had been assailed and overcome by ruffians in the employment of Gomara; and the latter was obliged to fly from the city. On reaching Adra. his father refused to see him. Rejected from the roof which should last have sheltered, and repulsed by the hand which should have been stretched forth to reclaim him-he turned in bitterness away; and, homeless and friendless, secreted himself in the mountains. Want drove him from his concealment, only to mingle with outcasts like himself—and the same stern necessity compelled him to become one of their illegal and degraded fraternity. He joined a well-organized and notorious band of smugglers. Unchallenged by the sentry, who evidently preGomara had pursued this hazardous life two or tended not to see them, they passed the outer gate, three months, when one evening, a brig laden with beside which stood his father. The afflicted pacontraband articles anchored near the shore. Short-rent threw himself upon his son and fairly sobbed ly after nightfall, with ten others, he was sent out aloud, then recovering himself, he took him by to her in a felucca. A little after midnight, they the hand and led him rapidly along. If the interhad procured a load and started again for the shore. view between the old men had been painful, the one Notwithstanding the caution of her crew, the move- between the father and the son was agonizing. ments of the brig had been observed from one of The one, in an evil hour, had yielded to the worst the Martello towers, which line the coast; and passions of his nature; and goaded by vindictive when the felucca touched the beach, a party of jealousy, had taken a cowardly advantage of a soldiers, concealed behind the projecting crags, disarmed adversary. The other, by hardening his rushed upon them. The smugglers were armed, heart against its best and most natural impulse, had and made resistance, but were overpowered and se-driven his child, young, unfriended, and with a mark cured. The survivors were taken to Valencia and upon his brow, to consort with reckless and unimprisoned. The trial was fixed for an early day, principled men. and as two of the soldiers had been killed in the affray, there was no doubt but that the prisoners would be condemned to death. Gomara wrote to his father. Like the prodigal son, he confessed himself unworthy, and pleaded guilty to the conflict he had provoked with, and the advantage he had taken of, his rival; but called upon his God to witness that he had not employed an assassin. The "Alas, my son! think not of her she is lost to father relented, and hastening to Valencia, be- you and to us all forever. She takes the veil tosought the influence of his friend in behalf of his morrow. unhappy son. Gomara drooped his head, and turning silently The meeting of those two old men was painful away, was rowed down the stream. His father, The father grieved for a son, by a mute gesture, bade him farewell; and when once his pride,-now manacled as a felon,-and if the boat was out of sight, threw himself upon the he escaped an ignominious death, doomed to a life ground and wept long and bitterly. of degradation. The uncle mourned the purpose The next day was the feast of the nativity of of his life frustrated. His niece, the heiress of the Blessed Virgin. Before the high altar of the his possessions,—in whom were centered his hopes cathedral stood the bishop in full pontificals, with in the extreme. They soon reached the banks of the Gaudalquavier, where a boat lay waiting to convey Gomara to a vessel at the river's mouth. At parting, his father gave him a purse, with a letter to a friend in Gibraltar. After they had separated, Gomara turned back and said, "Father! the Lady Esperanza, how is she?" many assistants around him. The richly chased | whom he worshipped with all the maddening fervor censer threw upward its aromatic cloud, which of his impetuous nature. dimmed the light of the numerous candles placed He was recognized, again committed, and evenamid vases of flowers, with images of cherubim tually transported to Cuba. The ministers of the and seraphim beside and above them. Over the law plundered him of all he possessed; and, pennitabernacle, a figure in female drapery, with her less and threadbare, he was thrown upon a strange hands clasped together and her countenance ex-land. Friendless, and without occupation, for he pressive of unutterable grief, represented the Vir- had the brand of a convict upon him, the ci-devant gin. Her gaze was fixed upon a crucifix above smuggler, reckless and desperate, became an active her, upon which was suspended an image of the and notorious pirate. He was taken, condemned, Savior; the last towering above all, as high, as and before we left, was ignominiously executed. reverence is inferior to devotion. In full and me- I have given the general outlines of his story, lodious volume, the peal of the organ burst upon as related to me by one, who had it from himself. the ear, as the celebrant chaunted the beautiful The details, if given in full, with the difficulties he anthem, “Gloria in excelsis Deo"-first heard by encountered, and the efforts he made to subdue the guardian shepherds of Bethlehem. The immense congregation rose from their knees, and standing, listened with feelings attuned to elevated piety, while the unrivalled choir took up, and in notes of exquisite melody, concluded the anthem. Presently it was hushed; the congregation resumed its attitude of prayer, and from the assembled hundreds, not the slightest sound was heard, as, in a subdued voice, the celebrant recited the office of the day. As he concluded, the organ again struck up, but no longer in a triumphant strain. Its tones, prolonged and sad, prepared the mind for medita tion. Before the close of the soothing, though melancholy hymn which succeeded, a wild and solemn chaunt was heard approaching, and from a door beside the altar, two and two, arrayed in snow white garments, a long line of nuns entered and took their places within the railing. Last came the lady Abbess, supporting a female exquisitely, nay, superbly attired. It was Esperanza. "A veil translucent o'er her brows displayed,Her beauty seemed, and only seemed to shade." More beautiful than ever, her beauty was of a different cast. Her cheeks had lost their tint, her lips their coral hue, and her complexion was pure and colorless as virgin wax. But her eye was kindled with devotion, and her features bore an expression so angelic, that it seemed as if some celestial being stood before them. Chastened by sorrow and purified by repentance, she appeared too good for earth and almost fit for Heaven. The solemn and impressive scene of renouncing the world, its vanities and its pomps, now followed. One by one, jewels and embroidery were thrown aside, and last of all, the great embellishment of nature, the peculiar pride and most becoming ornament of the sex, the luxuriant hair, was cut and laid upon the altar. As this was done, the deathlike stillness of the moment was broken by a deep groan, and a man fell heavily beside the column nearest to the sanctuary. Gomara, instead of remaining concealed in the vessel, had returned to the shore to witness the renunciation of the being, them, would, perhaps, present him in the light of one, as much to be pitied as condemned. High tempered, but not magnanimous, one rash and cowardly act blasted his hopes; and his rankling pride led him afterwards to prefer a war against his kind, rather than by amendment, atone for the injury he had inflicted. His first and greatest enemy was his own vindictive temper: the second, was the mistimed unkindness of his father. The first, drove him to a dreadful crime: the second, hardened the heart that might have been softened into repentance. The day after our arrival in Havanna, Midshipman Lindsay, the son of Colonel Lindsay of the army, was dispatched on duty in the 1st cutter, with the launch in tow, the latter containing the servants and nearly filled with the furniture of General Torres. They were destined for the Punta, a fort at the harbor's mouth, opposite to the Moro Castle. About two thirds of the distance from the Hornet, the Spanish guard ship was moored to enforce the regulations and to prevent smuggling. As our boats were pulling by this guard-ship, they were hailed. Mr. Lindsay immediately laid on his oars, and gave his character and destination. They appeared to be satisfied, and he again pulled for the fort, when to his surprise the boats of the guardship were dropped astern, a gun was cleared away and a soldier stood with a lighted match beside it, while the officer ordered him to come immediately along side, or he would fire into him. As soon as he could hush the outcries of the servants in the launch, Mr. Lindsay directed the young officer in charge of her, to get out as many oars as he could, and pull in shore, and ahead of the 1st cutter. In the mean time, Mr. Lindsay again laid upon his oars and again repeated what he had before said. The reply was a peremptory repetition of the order to come along side. Provoked beyond endurance, Mr. Lindsay slowly backed his oars until his boat covered the launch, when he stood up, and holding the boat's ensign in one hand, he shook his fist at the officer, and bade him fire, if he dared. The Spaniard made a great parade of carrying his threat into execution, but |