might break the charm-and another thing, she'll | mild and lucid as the clear blue sky of eveningbe mad, and these witches have powerful ways: her hair became luxuriant and glossy

I would'nt offend her for the world-she might enchant the house and make you sleep a hundred years. I've hearn of such things-let me entreat you-there's no knowing what might turn up."

"Agatha, I always disliked that woman, and would rather have nothing to do with her or her glass."

"Dear me," said Agatha, impatiently; "who knows but she might bring you a coach with silver horses, or some other curiosity-do try it."

"I see plainly," said Aileen pettishly, "I'll not get dressed to day unless I humor you just hang it and then assist me in dressing."

"Merciful Goodness, Miss Aileen, I musn't hang it; why it must be yourself, or she won't do a thing;-like enough she may take us up to the sky and show us how they make rainbows and all the pretty bright clouds."

46

Pshaw!" ejaculated her mistress, "you're the biggest fool I ever saw. Hand me the mirror, as nothing else will do."

The glass was no sooner suspended to the wall, than it began to expand, and finally became so large that Aileen could view herself from head to foot on its bright surface. She uttered an exclamation of surprise, and lo! the fairy stood before her.

"'Tis well, Aileen," she said with a complacent smile, “that thou hast complied with my requestobedience rarely loses its reward; and I will at this time grant you another wish.

"Will you, or can you give what I so much need at this time?" asked Aileen, incredulously staring her in the face.

"Twere but an ill requital to doubt my power," replied the fairy; "it becometh not the Lady of the Crystal Spring to hold vain parlance with sinful mortals like thy self-thou mayest be quick, or I will leave thee."

A crimson flush of anger glowed for a moment on the face of Aileen; but for the first time in her life she controlled her passion, and very modestly requested Femaqua to make her so beautiful that none could be more so.

The fairy impressively waved her magical wand three times around the passive girl; and, as the cheering light of day gradually breaks through the shadows of night, dispelling in its course every vestige of darkness from the face of nature, so surely and perceptibly did the soft power of beauty steal over the person of Aileen, destroying in its progress each trace of ugliness and irregularity. Her form became symmetry itself. Her features settled into perfect regularity-her complexion assumed a transparent whiteness. A delicate tinge which might have graced the wild rose of sum mer, suffused her cheeks-the lustre of her eyes, soffened by the shade of long silken lashes, beamed

"Part, on her head, in shining ringlets roll'd,

Part, o'er her shoulders, waved like melted gold;"

and there she stood, the personification of loveliness, transfixed to the spot, triumphantly gazing on her own image in the broad face of the Magic Mirror."

She could scarcely believe her senses, when Femaqua gently tapping her on the arm, said, “Aileen, art thou satisfied?"

Perfectly," she answered; "nothing can be more beautiful. Oh! Femaqua, why did I doubt your power. Grant one more request-make me as rich as I am handsome."

"Thou art both foolish and unreasonable," replied the fairy: thou hast already enough of this ask for more! I cannot find in my heart to give it world's goods to satisfy a grateful mind and dost

thee: learn to be satisfied, and know that a contented mind is as the gold of Ophir; nevertheless, thy wish shall be gratified at a future day one of the richest monarch's of the East will hear of thy

resplendent beauty and solicit thy hand in marriage. Thou wilt roll in wealth-but mark me! Aileen-Happiness will be a stranger to thy bo

som."

Perhaps I may be diseased?"

"Not so," replied the fairy, "thou wilt enjoy the most perfect health."

"What in the name of wonder," cried Aileen, can disturb me, with all the blessings you promise ?"

It cometh of evil to enquire into futurity," answered the fairy; "but be assured I speak truthremember"-here the Lady of the Crystal Spring waved her wand emphatically-"no earthly blessing bringeth true pleasure if misused;-by an improper use, our dearest blessings may become curses-howbeit, when thou hast been a wife twelve months, if called for I will visit thee again."

Aileen turned to reply, but Femaqua was gone, and the Magic Mirror had resurned its former size.

PART SECOND.

The prediction of the fairy was verified. Atalbert, a rich and powerful prince, sought and won the fair prize for which brave knights and noble cavaliers had contended; and grand and imposing was the retinue which escorted Aileen to the far distant empire of her illustrious husband. His royal palace was magnificent beyond description, and

there its proud mistress enjoyed every delight which | and instead of loving my companionship, I see it wealth could purchase.

A year transpired in all the luxury of sensual gratification, and the young couple still basked in the sun-beams of earthly prosperity.

gives relief when he can with propriety leave me; and of late he pursues with eagerness those masculine amusements, of which he knows I cannot partake. Besides, Femaqua, when one is loved, one knows it ;-coldness too is felt-and there are those among the ladies of my court, who can draw forth a blander smile from the Prince than his own wedded wife. My courtiers and servants pay me the most profound attention and are obedient to my

The anniversary of their wedding was celebrated with feasting and merriment. Yet while the gay crowd still revelled in the stately halls, Aileen retired to her chamber, and dismissing her attendants with the order that she was not to be disturbed, threw herself on a superb couch weary commands: yet there is a sphere around them

and dispirited. The room in which she reclined which convinces me theirs is not a willing service. was furnished with all the ornamental taste and I know I am disliked, and my prond soul disdains true magnificence which belongs to oriental style, attentions which are not sincere-my lofty and ambut Aileen heeded not the grandeur by which she bitious heart revolts at service paid by those who was surrounded. The air was impregnated with a hate me. My father and my mother and good Agapleasant odor exhaled from the rare exotics and tha, they loved me-but now, alas! they are no aromatic shrubs which adorned the court yard-more; and could I have retained Atalbert's heart, but Aileen enjoyed it not. The sound of music it might have filled the void they left behind ;-fell indistinctly on her ear, but it only added to her thus, vain regrets, distrust, and jealousy engender inquietude. The rich attire and costly ornaments thoughts which rankle in my heart and still destroy which adorned her person, all sparkling in the lus-my peace. Oh! Femaqua, all I ask is that you tre lights, seemed but a mockery to the desolation will make those around me warm and affectionate. which reigned in her bosom. While absorbed in You do possess some charm to rule my husband's gloomy reflections, the words of Femaqua at their love." last interview rushed forcibly on her recollection, "Thou desirest more than I can bestow," calmly “Thou wilt roll in wealth-but Happiness will be a answered the fairy. stranger to thy bosom."

How truly," thought she, "has that prophecy"Nought but love can answer love and render bliss secure." been fulfilled." She remembered, too. the promise.

of the fairy to visit her, if required, twelve months "Thinkest thou canst retain the affection of othafter her marriage; and she trembled, she knew ers, whilst thou art governed by a principle of not why, when she suspended the Magic Mirror to the wall. The reflection of her own undiminished beauty in its enlarged face somewhat soothed the turbulence of her spirit, and for the first time she was pleased at beholding-the Lady of the Crys-ous growth of hearts sincere ;-with proper treattal Spring.

"Oh, my friend!" she exclaimed, bursting into tears, "your power is unlimited; make me happy, for I am miserable."

self-love? I could not, would not force thy husband's love--and were it done, 'twould make a mere machine of thy conjugal partner-for liberty is all that makes the man. Love is the spontane

ment and judicious care it may be trained to Heaven. But yet, alas! when rudely bended by the hand of scorn, or chafed by servitude, or forced to yield, it rarely keeps its verdure, but withers, droops and "My power is great, Aileen, but thine towards dies, so tender is its nature. Know, foolish wothyself is greater," said Femaqua; "if thou be- man, wouldst thou be beloved, thou must become lievest thou canst obtain true happiness by arbi-a form of love thyself."

proudly pointing to her own beautiful portrait in the Magic Mirror.”

trary means thou reasonest falsely; real delight "Is not that a form of love?" asked Aileen, exists only in freedom. Were I to force thee into a state, which I would deem the greatest bliss, 'twould prove thy veriest misery; but why should the wife of Atalbert be unhappy? she whose word is but the mandate of his kingdom."

"I grant," said the fairy that is a resemblance of love, but it is only an appearance which will quickly pass away: this fair outside, of which thou art so very vain," pressing the tip of her forefinger on the snow white brow of Aileen. “Yes, this fair outside of which thou art so vain, is natural,

He inconstant, Aileen-sayest thou that of and all natural bodies will be decomposed-even Atalbert, the noblest of Princes ?"

this fine form must fade and die by the hand of "Yes, even of Atalbert, and I speak the truth. Time, and become food for worms; but there is an When first we married, he seemed to live but in existence or form within, which will survive the my presence; but now, although he seeks to hide wreck of matter.' This beautiful external is but it, I know and feel he cherishes no longer that soft the covering of the mind, or soul, that dwells within and tender passion which once reigned in his bosom; it, which is thy real self, and which must live for

state.

"The mind, or soul," replied Aileen, "has not a form. I have been taught to believe it is a volatile substance which gives life to mortal bodies, and when they decay it becomes ethereal; how, Femaqua, would we apply shape or size to ether?"

ever-symmetrical, or deformed, according to your worshipped self. He infringed not on thy rights Aileen, couldst thou see thyself as thou and thou hast well repaid his liberality by the most really art, methinks it would convince thee that unreasonable requisitions; thou art ever on some thou art not a form of love, or a form to be be-scheme of self-love, regardless of his comfort or loved." convenience; thou hast treated his mild counsels with scorn and contempt-and so imperious is thy disposition, (to use a mortal phrase,) he “scarcely calls his soul his own" since thee he wedded; for, were it possible, thou wouldst command his very thoughts, and thus the soft connubial tie has been "Thy teaching is fallacious," returned Fema- converted to a knot of bondage. Wearied out qua," and flows from mundane light. We call the by thy continual chiding, Atalbert now seeks other soul immortal, and if it live, it would require a real means to divert his mind than thy companionship. form to make it a distinctive being; but I can con- Know, dear Aileen, thine own most vicious heart vince thee:—this mirror possesses a quality of which has been the barrier between Atalbert's love and thou hast been hitherto ignorant. The plate before thine. This barrier can be removed. I have been thee is viewed in natural light and shows the ex- thy guardian spirit from infancy until the present ternal only; but there is a plate behind which beams day. Closely did I watch the steps of thy childunearthly light, and in it one may behold one's in-hood, but thy mother's bad management produced terior or lasting character-il reflects the image around thee such a dense atmosphere of falsehood of the soul." and evil, that it was with difficulty I approached As she finished speaking, the fairy inverted the near enough to do thee good. I have borne with glass and there emanated from it a light both soft thy manners and indulged thy fancy to gain access and silvery, and yet, so clear and bright that it to thy heart: having succeeded thus far, I counsel seemed to eclipse the brilliant lamps which illumi- thee as thou wouldst be happy, to amend the evils nated the chamber of Aileen, and she started with of thy life. Yet I would not deceive thee-the dismay and horror at the very hideous form reflect-process of this change will be long and painful; it ed by that light in the Magic Mirror. cannot be performed in a few moments as an ex

“Look!" said Femaqua, "that is Aileen as she ternal change can be. No-it will require time, is. Dost call that a form of love?"

"Oh, you cruel woman!" cried Aileen, with the keenest anguish depicted in her countenance, "why, oh why did you reveal that secret? It has rendered me more wretched than ever."

patience and forbearance too. Let love of rule extend towards thyself, and learn to govern that impetuous temper of thine. To others exercise the golden rule of doing unto them as thou wouldst have them do to thee. Delay not this repentance. "It was revealed for thy benefit, my daughter: Oh, Beware! thy own volition is the pivot on evils cannot be removed unless seen, and it is that which turns thy fate. I leave thee free. Reflect the fiend-like spirit of thy mind may be reformed, deeply on what thou hast seen and heard this night, that this painful disclosure hath been made. The and profit by it. A year from this, if thou art wilLady of the Crystal Spring inflicts no wound that ling, I will be with thee again-then this Mirror cannot be healed. There is not a defect or defor-will show what change that time has effected. mity in that dreadful figure, but what corresponds Fare thee well."

to some interior evil by which thou hast been gov- Aileen attempted to detain her, but she vanisherned, and which cannot be changed by thine owned. She then turned to view herself once more exertions. That husband of thine is not an ordi- in the Magic Mirror, but it was safely concealed in nary man-Atalbert, the generous, the noble, and its gilded case. She fell, overpowered, on the the good, possesses a mind too profound to be long rich Mosaic floor, transfixed with grief;—there she allured by merely external show. When he mar- sat, in her grandeur, and pride, and misery. The ried thee, he vainly supposed that fascinating form poorest subject in her kingdom would not have enwhich attracted his attention was the prototype of the vied her at that time. She had seen herself for spirit within. The bland expression of thy face the first time, in the light of Truth, and she felt deceived him; and he attributed to thee qualities that she abhorred herself. It was a fearful sight: foreign to thy nature. Great, very great was his yet she did not entirely despair. Hope, that bright disappointment, when he found in thee no conge-beacon to the human soul, radiated her mind, and nial spirit to meet the glow of virtue which warmed she did not resist the appeal of the fairy. She did his heart. His generous nature hath been pained reflect and her reflections prompted her to action. and distressed at thy narrow-minded selfishness. She commenced a combat with her evils with Thou hast trampled on the sacred principle of con- all the ardor and sanguineness which marked her jugal love, by indulging in freaks and tempers which character, and oftentimes she became victori would have wearied an angelic spirit. Thou hast ous. Her husband roamed abroad no longer for counted him as nothing in comparison with thy amusement and often lingered near her to catch

the words of wisdom which flowed from her pleasant and instructive conversation. He wondered at the transformation, but knew not whence it came. She governed her household with justice and with love, and felt that true happiness which always flows from a consciousness of moral rectitude.

Anxiously did she await the day which was to test her improvement by the Magic Mirror. When the day arrived she retired to her chamber and drew it from her casket of jewels, esteeming it the richest and regardless of the external plate, hung the internal one to view.

She was so amazed at the change which had been effected, that she heeded not the light step of the Lady of the Crystal Spring, who, true to her word, stood beside her.

THE INFANTICIDE.

Translated from the German of Schiller.

BY J. G. HOLLAND.

Hark-the bells are tolling slow and solemn!
And Time's finger hath the hour proclaimed!
Be it so now let the funeral column,
In God's name, my gentle friends, be framed!
Take, oh world! these last, these parting kisses,
Oh accept these hot tears, falling fast;
Sweetly taste, oh world! thy poisoned blisses;
Heart-corrupter-we are quits at last!

Sunny joys farewell! exchanged in sadness
For dark mourning, fading ye depart!
Oh farewell, thou rosy time of gladness,
Which intoxicated girlhood's heart!
Fare ye well, ye dreams of tissue golden.
Born in Paradise, ye fantasies!
Ah, they vanished in the germ enfolden,
Ne'er to bloom upon my gladdened eyes.

"Be patient, Aileen," replied the fairy, "the
work thou wouldst perform cannot be done in a day.
nor a year, but rather is the work of a life time.
Yet persevere-I will be with thee from time to Once my form, the scarlet scarf entwining,
time and in the reformation of that once horrid fig-The pure dress of innocence enclosed;
ure, we will together watch the progression of wis-
dom and virtue in the human mind."

Femaqua saw Aileen once every year until the change was perfected. The last time she visited her, they were both highly delighted in finding that the interior plate of the Mirror portrayed an image

much more beautiful than the exterior--for that

had somewhat faded in the hand of Time; while the beautiful portrait on the interior plate was immortal the limbs were well proportioned and not a blemish marred its lovely face.

In the tresses of my blonde hair shining,
Sweet young roses lovingly reposed.
Woe! the wretched victim of damnation
Folds the white dress o'er her bosom still;
But alas! the scarf hath lost its station;
Death's black bandage doth its office fill!

Weep for me, ye who are still untainted;
Ye for whom the stainless lily blows:
Ye, whom God, with strength sublime, and sainted,
Hath endowed, to stay Love's tender throes!
Ah! this heart hath felt but human feeling,

"It is to your patience and forbearance, my And for human feeling I must die! friend," said Aileen, "that I owe my present un-Woe! the false man's arm around her stealing, disturbed felicity. Atalbert esteems and loves me; Lulled to sleep Louisa's chastity. and in my household all is peace and order."

The hate that Aileen had previously felt for the fairy was changed to intense love, and she felt sad when Femaqua told her it was unnecessary for her to visit her more.

The Lady of the Crystal Spring then bade Aileen a final adieu, taking with her the Magic Mirror, for the uses it might perform to others.

She left her, not as she first found her, petulant and discontented, but one of the BEST and happiest of women; and often in after life did Aileen bless the day she first saw the fairy and the Magic

Mirror.

Indiana.

R. R. W.

Ah! perhaps that reptile heart now flutters
Round another, with its fond caress.
While I seek the dismal grave, it utters
At her side its am'rous playfulness ;-
Toys forgetful with his maiden's tresses,
And devours the tender kiss she brings,
When my head upon the death-block presses,
And my life-blood from my bosom springs!

Joseph! Joseph! may my death-chant rolling,
Follow thee through many distant years!
May the church-bell with its gloomy tolling
Sound with fearful warning in thy ears!
When Love's whisper on thy ear is falling,
From some maiden's lip, with passion warm.
May that whisper strike a wound appalling,
Deeply in Delight's enchanting form!