Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-06-24
PROM THE EMPORIUM.
THE WREATH OF ROSES.

THE WREATH OF ROSES.
Jane, said Matilda, see here, have
woven this beautiful wreath of Roses
for you, and you shall be our queen to-
day. 1t was lovely May day morning,
and the young ladies of the village had
holiday, which they were going to
improve in a small romantic bower,
formed of two branching willows, and
several rare and elegant grape vines
And it was thus that Matilda M -
proposed the honors of the day to
sweet modest looking girl, who was ra-
ther more meanly dressed than the rest
of the children, and who blushed and
hung her head at the proposal, as if
anxious lest some one should whisper a
word of disapprobation. The juvenile
company were all around Matilda, while
she held the wreath in her h nd, waiting
for a reply. Her little sisters cIamor-
ously seconded her, but one young lady
called her aside, and made some obiec-
lions, l suppose, for only heard this
answer, "Oh Maria, she is poor and an
orphan! how can we be too kind to herm
When they turned again to the company
tears were in both their eyes, and the
wreath was awarded by acclamation, to
Jane, the pretty orphan.
Surrounded by her young companions,
in the fulness Of youth, and the honors
OF the budding spring blooming in beau
tiGul variety around her snowy forehead,
l gazed on her in delight, which increa-
sed with the recollection that the child
thus universally beloved was the poorest
in the village, and without parents to
instruct, OF relatives to pity her, and the
remembrance that those around her
were children of far higher birth, and
prouder expectations.
The spirit of kindness and condescen-
zion o our interiors in rank and fortune;
the train of feelings which leads US to
esteem and love goodness and amiability
wherever we find it, forms the brightest
gem in the sparkling diadem OF virtue,
and is one of the loveliest traits in the
human character. When it is found
on youthful heart, and shedding its
Influence over youthful character, it
speaks volumes in praise, not only of
, the disposition of the possessor, but of
those kind and good parents whose ex-
ertions have had principal agency in
planting it in the bosom of their off
spring. | was Interested so much in
the conduct of that group, and more
especially in that of Matilda, that re-
solved, ifpermitted, 70 mark their future
course in general, and hers in particular
with view TO notice how heaven re-
W Yards the good, and what are the out
haes of character which originate the
VILE distinctions made among us by the
hand of Providence
II was twelve years before my pur-
pose was accomplished in the develope-
ment of fortune. At the expiration of
that period, the little company had grown
to womanhood, and all but two were
scattered beyond the limit of my obser-
walton; those two were Matt da and
Jane. Matilda was now the tenant of
cottage by the river side. | marked the
gradual transition of her family from
wealth to mediocrity; it was slow. not
the effect of sudden misfortune. or ba-
bitual acknowledgement, but the conse-
quence of a steady decline in her fa-
theirs business, which left him al last
barely able. in his latter years, to meet
the demands of his creditors, and buy
that humble dwelling. They went cheer
fully down into the vale of life; not a
regret seemed 10 accompany them not
tear was shed over vanished splendor
and faded anticipation. could not dis
cover that in all The changes they expe-
rienced one siltstantial comfort was
torn FROM this lovely family. Matilda
was now wrapped UP in the cares atten-
daus on her situation as the principa
dependence of her parents. She was
engaged to be married to a youth o.
noble family and promise, who had love,
her from hsE infancy, but VINO was yei