PAITH UNTO DEATH. 16t 



had been seen or described j and he dilated upon cuotoms 

 and ceremonies and superstitions fearful and singular, with a 

 glowing intensity that captivated his auditor. In animated 

 discourse time flew by unnoticed ; the daylight waned away, and 

 the dusk shadows deepened j tapers were called for, and an atten- 

 dant having brought in a flute, carefully deposited in a case of 

 cedar-wood, the traveller added to his discourse the enchantments 

 of music. He played with indescribable feeling, and accompanied 

 the mellow voice of his companion with the taste and scientific 

 accomplishment of a master. The Bohemian was in ecstacies, 

 snatching up the goblet before him he rose and, extending his hand 

 to the unknown, drank to their " indissoluble friendship." The 

 stranger received his advances with courtesy, and the associates of 

 an hour bade fair to become the intimates of years. 



" Thou shalt be my guest, by St. Gorick !" cried the Bohemian, 

 " I will introduce thee to my wife j one fairer or more discreet 

 liveth not in Christendom. She will rejoice her to hear tidings of 

 the far lands thou hast seen ; for she is curious after intelligence, 

 and lacketh not knowledge j the distaff hath not occupied her hand 

 to the detriment of her mind : I promise thee a kindly reception, 

 and will make thee merry to thine heart's content." The traveller 

 was about to offer suitable acknowledgment, when the door 

 opened, and a most singular apparition, bearing beneath its left arm 

 a heavy volume of vellum, startled the Bohemian into a belief that 

 some goblin had suddenly emerged from the earth. The creature 

 was mis-shapen and diminutive in size, with a head covered with 

 crisp curls of jet, a dark olive complexion, features of extraordina- 

 ry flexibility, and an elfin expression for which it was partially 

 indebted to two round black and ever-rolling eyes, sunk deep in 

 their sockets and glittering with almost supernatural fire. A large 

 hoop of gold wire with a pendant pearl, was passed through each 

 ear, and a collar of the same metal enamelled with mystical 

 characters was worn round the throat. A short cloak of black 

 velvet thrown over the left shoulder, a close fitting doublet and 

 hose of fine scarlet, brocaded with gold, and embroidered pan- 

 touffles, having long pointed toes curled up at the ends, constituted 

 the attire of this most sinister-looking little imp. The Bohemian 

 crossing himself involuntarily, recoiled with abhorring astonish- 

 ment as the creature dofhng its conical cap, made up to its master 

 and addressing him in strange gibberish, placed the volume on the 

 table before him, then, bowing low, threw a glance indescribably 

 grotesque and enigmatical on the Bohemian, burst into a loud 

 chuckle, and glided from the room. The Bohemian shuddered, 

 and his manifest surprise was perceived by the traveller. '* The 

 creature is human and harmless though of uncouth aspect and 

 manner," remarked the latter with a smile, " he is of Moorish 

 origin, faithful and affectionate, and hath linked himself to my 

 fortunes by a chain stronger than that of capriciousness, gratitude 

 for some poor services hath bound him to me, and I verily believe 

 that he would rather die than depart from his vassalage :" as he 



