The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-09-09

Of the heart. Pcrhaps--indecd am sure
that I shall be looked on as a hereto in the
musical creed of the day, if find the hard-
ness to affirm, that the compass and modula-
tion and volume of Catalani would not have
produced such an effect on me; but save
myself yet, by acknowledging that this was
in great measure the result Of the attending
circumstances. At the east side of the TO
mantle littlevillagc of Adareis an old church,
which has been for some time prohibited
spot to the sexton's spade; and number OF
mouldering and grass covered tombs are seen
around it's walls i'll what was once a church
yard, but is now almost field. remember
a few years since, waking from Limerick
to this village i'll al, evening. 1t was a
Christmas Eve. Every cottage and cabin
on the road side presented a picture OF at
least temporary cheerfuness. The elder
folks were employed in festive preparations,
such as they were, for the following day and
the little urchins gazing with wonder on the
great mould candle which, for one night only
throughout the year, nsurped the place OF
the little slender rushlight, or still fcebler
slip of bog deal,-a simple and frugal substl-
tute, which contents them well for their own
convenience, but is not d;cmcd worthy to
honour this season of universal joyance. 1t
was a fine winter night-calm, clear and
cold. had fully entered into the pleasant
spirit which breathed all around, when
sudden turn in the road brought me almost
close to the church | speak of. stopped to
hook at the ruin, anda peasant who accom-
panied me, pointed out, under an elder tree,
woman sitting on one of the tomos, her
gown over her head, which was bent forward
on her knees. Twas surprised and Affect
cd by the singular contrast which the scene
presented. Her story may be said il ten
words She was widow, who depended tor
ill upon the excrtions of an only son. lie
loved and honoured her; but he was miscd
--he was RockHe. The policy III these
cases recommends the execution Of the cul-
prit who falls into the hands Of justice, rs
near as possible to his home; SO that TINS
unfortunate youth had suffered almost oppo.
site his mothers door. 1t was from her
heard the cailach in its perfection. Every
Christmas Eve since his death, while other
parents laughed at their fresides, she had
spent at her boys tomb, and sung it to his
bones. 1t was loud and thrilling CRY, fol-
lowed by a modulated descent, and ending
in broken sobs and half muttered sentences
These last my companion, in his own rude
way, rendered into English for me: but the
matter of each thought strongly eHpresslFt
ofthe utter solitude Of soul, the mourntul and
desolate feeling, which is occasoned By the
reflection that we stand alone i'll crowd,--
things of the world, yet having no tic OF in
terest or affection with it. The circumstance
altogether struck me as being peculiarly
characteristic of the almost romantic deptl
Of feeling which stamps the mind of acoun-
try where the ties of relationship are drawn
rinco1,- t1,aY, n lf.pi n
civilized world, where, to use phrase cur
rent among themselves, .a mans child j!
always his child p for the interests Ola fami
ly are seldom divided. speak now only Q
the peasantry.
The following arc the ideas Of the Lament
but will mot say that the poetical dress ha
improved them, though have cndcavourc'
10 retain their simplicity
., when shall be my Christmast joy
When the pleasant day is come.
To think upon my murdered Boy,
And weep upon his tomb =
Mothers of children should you plain
Oh you are stricken light BY fate
\ home and love to YOU remain,
But am desoate -
Eleu! Eltu!
And is he dead and is he gones-
My life my child my only one
saw my fathers eyes grow dim,
And clasped my mothers knee;
| saw my mother follow him,
And my husband wept with nc
My husband did not long remain,
But his child was left me yet;
Oh!my child my hearts last love is sai
And am tlesolate -
Eleu Eleu
And is he dead and is he gonca
Ny all in all my only one