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30 and poured its fury on their heads; but a neighbouring wood at length afforded them shelter under its spreading branches.

At length the heavens, freed from the raging elements, began to re-ssume their blue serenity. —While Ferdinando and his troops beheld with joy the increasing splendour of the scene, they observed, at a small distance from them, a prostrate fcmale, who had fallen at the foot of a scorched elm. They hastened to the spot, and raising her from the earth, saw a pale and emaciated visage, unblasted by the fire of heaven, but which had become the prey of famine. With refreshments, which they brought with them, they strove to recall her nearly departed life. In vain they strove to cheer her, as returning thought poured the stream of sorrow down her wan and hollow cheek; yet she suffered them at length to bear her from the spot, and place her on one of their steeds; where, secured by the protection of its rider, they conveyed her to the castle.

They no sooner arrived, than Don Manuel hastened to welcome his son's return; but he no sooner beheld the distressed female than he started back. While his eyes were fixed on her in amazement, the violent agitation of his mind shook his whole frame, and he stood rivetted to the spot. But the object of his wonder no sooner beheld him, than summoning all her remaining strength, she rushed forward, and throwing her arms around his neck, sunk motionless upon his bosom.

On her recovery, and after their mutual endearments on so blessed and unexpected a meeting had ceased, "Behold, my son!" said Don Manuel, "that parent who yielded thee to the light of heaven, and whom, while to thee a stranger, thy tender