The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-08-07

IT
mercy's sake sit down, Sarah! and tell
M what evil has befallen you; for you
are as white as a ghost. Fear not 10
conlile any thing to my bosom; we
have herded sheep together on the
loathsome braes-we have stripped the
bark together in the more lonesome
woods we have played, laughed, sung,
danced together;-we have talked mer-
rily and gaily, but innocently enough,
surely, of sweethearts together; and,
Sarah, graver thoughts too, have we
shared, for when your poor brother
| died away like frosted flower, wept
as if had been his sister; nor can ev-
er be so happy in this world as to forget
him. Tell me, my friend, why are you
here? and why is your sweet face so
CHASTITY +?
The heart of this unexpected visiter
died within her at these kind and affec-
tiouate inquiries. For she had come on
an errand that was likely to dash the
Joy from that happy countenance. Her
heart upbraided her with the meanness
of the purpose for which she had paid
this visit; but that was only a passing
thought; for was she, innocent and free
from sin, TO submit, not only to deser-
ton, but 10 disgrace, and not trust her
self and her wrongs, and her hopes of
redress, 10 her whom she loved as sis
ter, and whose generous nature she we'll
knew, not even love, the changer of so
many things, could change utterly;
though, indeed, it might render it colder
than of old to the anguish of female
friend!
90! Mary, must speak,-yet mist
my words make you grieve, far less for
me than for yourself. Wretch, that |
AMI bring evil tidings into the dwell
ling of my dearest friend These rib
ands-they are worn for his sake-they
become well, as he thinks, the auburn
OF your bonny hair,-that blue gown is
worn TO night, because he likes it but
Mary, will you curse me 10 my face,
when declare before the God that
made US, that the man is pledged unto
me by all that is sacred between morta!
creatures; and that | have here in nv
bosom written promises and oaths of
love from him who, was this morning
told, is, in few days to be thy husband.
" Turn me out of the hut now if YOU
choose, and let me, if you choose die of
hunger and fatigue, in the woods where
we have so often walked together; for
such death would be mercy to me, in
comparison with your marriage with
him who is mine forever, if there be
God who needs the oath of the crea-
lures he has male''
Mary Robinson had led happy life,
but life of quiet thought, tranquil
hopes, and meek desires. Tenderly
and truly did she love the man to whom
she was now betrothed but it was be-
cause she had thought him gentle, man.
ly, upright, sincere, and one that feared
God. HIs/charact6r was unimpeached
Ito her his behaviour had always been
fond, aitectionate, and respectful; that
he was a fine looking man, and could
show himself among the best of the
country round, at church, and market.
and fair-day, she saw and felt with pleas
ure and with pride. Bat in the heart of
this poor, humble, contented, and pious
girl, love was not violent passion, but
an affection, sweet and profound. She
looked forwards to her marriage with
a joyful sedateness, knowing that she
would have TO toll for her family if blest
with children; but happy in the thought
OF keeping her husbands house clean
---of preparing his frugal meals, and
welcoming him, when wearied at night.
to her faithful, and affectionate, and
| grateful bosom.
AT first, perhaps, slight flush of an
ger towards Sarah tinged her cheek
then followed, in quick succession, or
all blended together in one sickening
pang, fear, disappointment, the sense of
wrong, and the cruel pain Of dis-esteem-
ing and despising one on whom her
heart had rested with all its best and
purest affections. But though there
was Il keen struggle between many feel
ings in her heart, her resolution was
formed during that very conflict; and
she said within herself, (" If it be even
so, neither will be SO unjust as 10 de-
prlve poor Sarah of the man WIN ougbt
to marry her, nor will be so mean and
low-sPirited, poor as am, and dear as
he has been unto me, as 10 become his
| wife"
While these thoughts were calmly
| passing in the soul of this maonanimons