Johann August Apel

“ Viola continued to ask all sorts of questions respecting this “cunning woman,” and at length ended by entreating her nurse to take her there, just for a joke, and let her see some of these strange mysteries. “Only just for fun; it must be so delightful to hear all about the future, and know what one has to look forward to.”
But vain were all Viola’s coaxings and entreaties; Gertrude was immoveable. “No,” she said gravely; “we have no right to jest with such matters. Good spirits are too holy to be profaned by them, and it is dangerous to hold converse with the powers of evil. ”

“ Viola, pallid and fainting, stretched out her arms imploringly towards him, and would have thrown herself on his bosom, but he repulsed her; and as he did so the point of the bodkin pierced her heart. “Ah, that pain!” she murmured; all is now accomplished. Forgive me, my lord, my husband! I am no sorceress; I am weak, but not wicked. Gertrude can tell you all. Forgive—forgive!” Her spirit fled with the last accents.
Nadasti shortly fell in battle, and Serini is supposed to have died in the Holy Land, whither he went as a pilgrim. ”

“ It was not Serini, and yet Viola gazed on him with admiration, with feelings such as her heart had never known before; it was as if his eyes were sunbeams which warmed and irradiated her whole being with a new and rapturous sensation. He knelt and lifted his hands towards her, and she saw that the one which held the picture was wounded and bleeding. The voice of Walfrida startled her from her rapt gaze—“’Tis your future bridegroom, maiden; and methinks you seem not ill pleased with him; but now dismiss him. Quick, touch the form. Dost hear me, girl? Life and death hangs on the moment. ”

“ Smile at my wild imaginings if you will, but it is delightful to think that we have long known and loved each other—that some mystic bond unites our souls. Can you sympathize with this feeling, Viola—my sweet Viola?”
Viola was almost sinking with anguish and fear; but she rallied her spirits, and endeavoured to turn the conversation by proposing a walk. Nadasti was instantly ready to attend her, and Maria threw a veil over her sister’s head, saying—“It will blow off unless we fasten it; so take this bodkin, my lord, and play tire-woman for once.” ”

“ But Viola could not smile, Gertrude’s words—“If ever a man discovers that he has been spiritually summoned by a female, he hates her with the deadliest hatred,” were ringing in her ears; she hastily quitted the room, and, flying to her own chamber, burst into tears. Presently she opened her casket, and drew forth the fatal diamond bodkin; it was stained in different parts with deep patches of dull red, and Viola trembled as she regarded it. “He will hate me,” she murmured. “Oh, Gertrude! ”

“ The woman took her hand, and led her through a long range of chambers hewn from the solid rock, against which the house was built; and the affrighted girl almost closed her eyes to shut out the view of the skeletons, monsters, and strange forms which seemed to gibber and grin at her as she passed along. They reached a spacious chamber, and she was left alone in utter darkness for some moments. A silence like that of death prevailed; she dared not move, for fancy pictured a deep abyss at her feet, down which one step, nay a single breath, might plunge her. ”

“ The youth sought distraction in foreign wars, and at length returning, saw Lucia, who somewhat resembled her youngest sister. That likeness moved him to woo her and wed her, but the union was not productive of happiness; he felt she was not Agnes, and the knowledge that he had loved her sister lighted the flame of jealousy in Lucia’s bosom. For many years they dragged on a weary existence, and at length she fell ill, and on her death-bed longed to see Agnes once more. Messengers were sent to the convent where this once lovely girl had sequestered herself ”

“ Indeed I only wish to know if Serini loves me truly; if our affection shall triumph over all the obstacles which now oppose it. Do, do let me go, dear Gertrude. What harm can come of it? My father will never know of the visit. You said the prophetess could show a girl the form of her future bridegroom, did you not? I should so like to see if Sarini will be mine. You will take me, good nurse ”

“ Why did she not watch the vision to see where her kerchief fell?”
“How inconsistent you are, my child,” replied Gertrude; “last night the bare recital of the forest vision terrified you, and now you blame Agnes for not braving the reality. Is it the bracing morning air makes you so courageous?”
“Partly, dear nurse; but the end of your tale has been so satisfactory. I trembled at the vision, and yet methinks had it appeared to me, I could have read it aright.”
“Be not so confident, my Viola! The evil one is too crafty even for the wisest and best. Shun the snares he spreads ”