Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-09-12
From the Ladies' Literary Gazette
SKETCH BOOKING. vi.

From the Ladies' Literary Gazette.
SKETCH BOOKING. vi.
We shall not attempt any thing like a
review of this most excellent work but
merely discharge duty by pronouncing
the sixth number to be even superior to
those which have preceded it. This
number comprises three sketches, viz
John BuIl--the Pride ofthe Village--aDd
e-Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In the
first we are presented with a faithful,
Though ludicrous portrait Of the English
national character, gersonified as stur-
dy, corpulent old fellow, with three
lcornered hat, red waistcoat, lealherbreecf-
les, and stout oaken cudgel.' These out
lines are filled up in such mastery style,
that the literary, civil, aud religious, ma.
val, and military features of this celebra-
ted parsonage, are all exhibited at one
view.-In8t the last article, entitled the
Legend Of Sleepy Hollow, KnickerbOcbes
is himself again i: aud 10 perusiOg it, we
are invoIuntarily compelled to hold our
sides. But the article which comes be-
tween these two, is the one to which we
would more particularly direct the rea-
der's attention.
The Pride Of the Village is sim
pie story, and such (says the author) as
has often been told But we will venture
TO say, that such story has never before
been told so well. An amiable village
lass dies with broken heart, on account
Of being deserted by her lover. She had
been the pupil of the village pastor-the
favorite lamb Of his little flock When
presiding as Queen of the sports of May,
she attracted the notice Of a. young off
Ger, whose regiment had recently been
quartered in the neighborhood.' They
loved imperceptibly, and though he had
made no formal declaration, perhaps
there could not have been a passion be-
tween the sexes more pure than this Juno
cent girls ArdentIy as this affection
was returned, however. her lover could
never bring himselfto think of marrying
female SO Far beneath him I; and remain.
ed in state of the most painful irresolu-
ton, until the regiment was ordered to
the Continent But the sequel must be
related in the authors own inimitable lam
guage:
g The idea Of parting had never before
occurred TO her. 1t broke in at once up
on her dream Of felicity she looked upon
it as sudden and insurmountable evil !;
and wept with the guileless simplicity of a
child. He drew her to his bosom, aud
Kissed the tears from her soft cheek, nor
did he meet with a repulse, for there are
moments of mingled sorrow and teuder-
ness, which hallow the caresses of affec-
ton. He was naturally impetuous and
the sight Of beauty apparently yielding in
his arms, the confidence Of his power
over her, and the dread Of losing her for
ever, all censpired to oyerwhelm his bet
ter feelings-he ventured to propose that
she should leave her home, and be the
companion of his fortunes.
6 He was quite novice 10 seduction,
and blushed aud faltered at his own base
ness but SO innocent of mind was his In
tended victim, that she at first was at a
loss TO comprehend his meaning ;-and
why she should leave her native village,
aud the humble roof Of her parents. When
at last the nature of his proposals flashed
upon her pure mind. the effect was With
ering. She did not weep--she did not
break forth into apprenticeship said not
word but she shrunk back aghast as
from a viper, and gave him look Of
anguish that pierced his very soul, aud
cIasping her hands 10 agony, fled, as il for
refuge, to her fathers cottage.
The officer retired. confounded, hl..
INFLATED aud repentant. 1t is uncertain
what might have been the result Of the
conflict of his feelings, had not his thoughts
been diverted by the hustle Of departure.
New scenes, new pleasures, aud new CON-
panions, soon dissipated his self-reproach,
aud stified his tenderness. Yet amidst
the stir Of camps, the revelries Of garri-
sons, the array Of armies, and even the
| din Of battles. his thoughts would some
times steal back to the scene ofrural quiet
and village simplicity-the white cottage
the footpath along the silver brook, apd
lup the hawthorn hedge, and the little vii.