The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-11-25
A WESTERN TALE.

Young gentleman from Philadelphia, VINO /
had visited Luzcrne to enjoy the pleasures OF
The chase, was standing with his rifle, Oh the !
verge of one of those high precipces which
bound the river Susquehanna, watching the
eagle as he sailed far below him along the
breast of the cliff, when he was suddenly a
wakened from his reverie by the shrek OF
female voice. Turning suddenly around, nc
saw a Young horse, which being frightened,
had run away with his rider and was rushing
impetuously towards the prccipice. Ec was
Zoo far off. even to attempt to throw himself
before the aftrightcd animal: One expo +
dicnt only presented itself. With uncrring
aim lie drew up his rife, and the horse fell
on the very brink Of the cliff.
The stranger ran to the assistance OF the
unfortunate female. Though pale as the
tenant of the grave, a lovclier object never
met his view. Her dark hair fell loosely on
her cold bosom-she was litcless. lie rais-
ed her in his arms and bore her to the ham
let at the foot Of the hill.
BY the assistances of the cottagcrs, Mary
was soon sufficiently restored TO be removed
10 the house Of her father, which was not tar
distant A fever ensued, and William whose
extensive studies had given him some knoWi-
edge in medicine, attracted by acharm Which
he could neither resist or define, resolved to
remain and prescribe for Mary, until her
fate should be determined.
Old Captain Freeman was soldier IN the
Revolution, and at the side OF W dshington
and Hamilton, gallanty devoted his early
DAYS to the service of his country. At the
close of the war, he retired with soldiers
fortune. his honor ard his scars, to i little
farm on the bank ofthe Susquehanna, accom-
panied by his beloved Lucy, the wife OF his
affections, and Alfred his old and faithful
servant.
In this sylvan retreat he had long-livcd,
respected and beloved by every one. His
hospitable mansion was always open to the
passing stranger his table was always
Spread for the poor. Sensible, and inIleX-
bly lust, the whole ncighbourhood referred
their disputes to his decision, which was ever
satisfactory and conclusive Cheerful as
youth, the old man mingled in the innocent
amusemcnts of the cottagers: Benevolent as
charity, he was the unfailing attendant at
the bed of sickness. And above all, picty
springing from the heart and flowing III su-
preme love TO his maker, and tbs knHcst az
lection to his fellow men, ennoblcd his soul--
exalted his virtues-and asslmllated uls
character TO that Of the patriarchs OF Old.
One daughter was the only fruit oI his
marriage, and Mary, whose life the stranger
had providcntially preserved, was cherished
by the fond parents with more care than
the apple of their eye. Q she was a
sweet blossom. The wild rose of the hill
was not so fragrant as her coral lips. The
dew drop sparkled not with halt the lustre
of her eye, and her bosom had stolen the
whitcncss OF the mountain snow. ! have
seen the old veterans eye ill with tears OF
lov aud pride, when Mary, light as vision
and bright as ana angel, came tripping through
the ROOM Her goodness was witnessed by
the poor and the sick, through all the neigh
bourhood. She would at any time leave the
dance or the play, to visit the couch OF sick
ness, or tho habitatiou OF distress. The poo
used to call her their guardian spirit, len
them from Heaven, to relieve the mscric
of this .orrowing world. Aud then she was q
sensible and accomplished, as She was beau
tiful and kind. Indeed, when have visitc'
my old friend, have often wished, with
sigh, that ! was young enough AND goo
enough for her: But, heigh no poor Rober
is an old Bachelor, and il is useless 70
"Mind me of departed joys,
departed, never to return"
Mary was Just eighteen when the accideT
happened which introduced the accomplis!
ed and fascinating stranger, to her knowedg
By his kindness, and that Of her parent 81
slowly recovered but the lively radiant
of her fine blue eyes was changed to mil
and pensiye sweetness, less dazzling, hl
oh to the heart Of scnsiblitY, how interes
ing-the lily stole the roses blossom--th
,hrobbing heart, and expressive flash, tn
rose, when William entered the room u
plainly told, that love, obstrusive urchin, ha
entered the cottage OF Mary with the stral
ger.
William was the most accomplished m;
Mary had ever seen. Pleasing i'll his ma
Notwithstanding his saddrcss-sensiblca
handsome; and the prcscrver too, of IL
life What female heart could he inscns,b
TO SO much excellence The at!ectiona
and assiduous attentions ofWillam, soon +
stored Mary in some degree, to her form
health and the chain that had so long d
tanned him, gathering new strength, he lou
it impossible to break connection that "
already SO dear to him.
All Franksburg talked Of the courtsh
and when | saw William and Mary k
down in the dance together, could not ht
thinking they were formed for each other.
went up to Frank sburg last fall tovisit 7
old friend, and to congratulate him on
proposed connection. 1t was ono Of th'
pleasant, moonlight evenings, in the moi
Of September, when l arrived at the 81
such as had always been enlivcncd by
song and the dance, under the old elm Of
door. But the sound of JOY was no m