grave appearance of the astrologer, and the singular apparatus which lay scattered about the place, gave it that air of solemnity which the professors of the art well knew contributed so essentially to their success.

The demeanour of the astrologer indicated an enthusiastic temperament. His reception of his patron was both dignified and respectful: after carefully closing the door, he placed a seat for him, and stood awaiting his commands in silence.

"Velasco," at length said his visitor, "I regret to be compelled to interrupt your meditations at so late an hour; but I have a question to put to you. I have to undertake an enterprize of much importance, and of some danger ; will to-morrow be an auspicious day for attempting it?"

My lord," replied the astrologer, "I have just finished my observations for the night: the aspect of the heavens is favourable. Venus, the star of your nativity, rose bright and spotless as the Sun; and Jupiter, the planet of Fortune, wore a most benign aspect."

"All favourable ?"

"Not all!-Saturn is half obscured, and the face of Mars is threatening; betokening danger, though not to you."

"Then you think I may undertake my journey?"

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"I do, my lord."

"Velasco," said his patron, after a short pause, tell me how long I have to live?"

can you

"You will be conqueror of Italy before you die."

"Then I have still a good lease of life, for that must be the work of years."

"You will find fewer obstacles in the path. of glory than you imagine.”

"So that is good news. Answer me another question; are there any traitors about me?"

"One traitor there is, whom I have already warned you of."

"You mean my secretary; yet I think Antonio is honest."

"The seeming honest is often the deepest villain."

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Right, Velasco; but Antonio and you are no friends-a man's villainy should be proved before he is condemned."

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Aye, my lord; but the proof may cost too dear."

"You speak parables, Velasco," said Visconti, advancing towards the window, and stepping out on the balcony, which commanded a magnificent prospect of the broad valley of the Po and the distant Alps; while the city lay beneath, buried in the profoundest silence. "A lovely night, by heavens !" he continued; "I can distinguish the peaks of the mountains as clear as it were midday. Look, Velasco, is not this an augury of future fortune?"

"Fortune is a woman, my lord," replied the astrologer.

"And therefore the boldest wooer wins her," rejoined Visconti, as, stepping back from the balcony, he hastily withdrew from the observatory, and left the star-gazer alone in the silent. moonlight.

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Singular compound!" said the latter to himself, when his patron had left the room; " with

all his talents, knowledge of mankind, and skill in practising on their weaknesses, he is the veriest slave of his own. I wonder why he consulted me to-night-his activity bodes no good; for with him perfidy supplies the place of courage. But he is cautious, and secret as the grave; proud, vindictive, and generous from policy alone; loving none and fearing all; a doubtful friend, but most dangerous enemy. Bah! what to me are all the paltry intrigues of courts?-or the rise and fall of a thousand such despicable tyrants? - me, who have profited alike by the experience of the past, and unrolled the vast scroll of the future?-I must to work, for much remains to be done before the day breaks."

And the astrologer again sat down to his study, and was soon once more absorbed amid the daring speculations of the science he professed.

CHAPTER II.

And seem a saint, when most I play the devil.

RICHARD III.

IT was on the afternoon of the following day, that a company of lances approached within a few miles of the walls of Milan. In front of them there rode two figures, who formed a strange contrast with their martial followers. The dress of him who appeared to be the chief of the party, consisted of a flowing white robe, which reached to his stirrups: he was uncovered; and he rode a Spanish mule of the purest breed, remarkable for the gracefulness of its carriage and symmetry.