falling, he pushed down the lamp which shone above the window, and which now, rolling down with its faint light , lay before Conrad's brow. In the spilt fluid glimmered still the expiring flame, but it gradually lowered and darkened ; at last, as if to give a signal of death, it spread a last flash into a large circle, and exhibited the dim and lifeless eye of Alf; — then the light disappeared. In the same moment a sudden shriek pierced the walls of the tower; it was a strong, thrilling, prolonged, and broken cry. From whose breast did it pro ceed? You know well. But whoever heard it, would have easily perceived , that a breast which has produced such a groan, will nevermore utler voice. In that groan was comprised the whole life. Thus the strings of a lute resound and break under a violentstroke; theirming- led sounds seem to announce the pre lude of a melodious strain , but no one will hear the end of it. Such is my song on Ihe fate of Al- dona; — let the angel of harmony finish it inheaven,and the feelinghearer with in his own soul.
