The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1825-05-12
SERIOUS nyrLEcTycIJS.
THE GRAVE YARD.

The dusky veil with which approaching
evening envelopes the face of nature, while
it suspends the operations of industry, and
intermits the pursuit of knowledge, infuses
into the mind a soft melancholy which is pc
culiarly favourable to serious reflection
This interval OF reposc from labour is rem
dered necessary, by the constitution of our
frame, an interval when the mind, fatigued
and disguised with the petty concerns fife,
is more disposed to soar to its native cline,
and after expatiating in unknown worlds,
returns with renewed visour to its present
allotted sphere of action.
| 1t is at thi. season that retirement possess
es most attractions, and solitude offers
the most refined intellectual Improvement.
Leaving the busy haunts of population,
the distant hum of bustling crowds is more
family waited to my ear. The sun, about to
ouench in the western wave his declining
beams, still irradates the strcaked clouds:
here they are tingcd with the varied hues OF
the rainbow; there furnished with sulled
splendor. The wide extended gate Of a
neighbouring cemetery invites my wander
ing footsteps; and the frequent epitaph III
an humble motto, or studied verse, offers
Improvement to the tavourite OF reflection.
At every step press sod, cnce "atered
by the tears Of affection; at every step the
mouldeiing, sunken grave. or the new-rais-
ed pile proclaim and enforce the truth of
mans mortality. Here tottering age, jaded
and harrassed by the ills of life, enjoys on
the bosom of its mother earth, welcome,
sweet repose: here vigorous manhood re-
laxed it's well-strung nerves, and infant beau
ty exchanged the arms OF maternal affection
for cold pillow of earth. Yonder splendid
urn which supports the gloomy cypress
perpetuates nations sorrow for the mag
unanimous patriot.-On an humble stone, sur
rounded by night shade, which escapes not
nor courts the observation OF its simple
grief, an aged mother weeps her only son
Here are forciby proclaimed, truths The
most noble in themselves, and the most i'm
: portant in their consequences. Noble, be
cause knowledge of them tends to elevate
the mind and its affections to pure and eXalt
ed objects; and important, because it is onl!
BY the practice of what they inculcate, tina
we can enjoy true felicity in our present O
future state of existence.
The mngling ashes of those who, from al
inequality Of temporal condition, we almos
= regarded as distinct class of beings, expos
the vanity and folly Of extreme concern TO
the distinctions of rank, and loudly declar
that "Pride was not made for man."
The peace in which they rcpose who Il
y high life were divided by distinction q
sccts renders absurd those animosities oc
casioned by party-spirit, and petulance
of disposition, which disturb the tranqailit
and diminish the general happiness Of socie
ty. "Each in his narrow bed forever laid,
forgetful of the broils and envyings of HI
st brother worm, TRANQUILITY slambers beneat
the sod which wraps their mingled dust.
Here we may also learn the folly of an al
dent pursuit of the pleasures OF the worlt
since we know that however great our eE
: ertions may be, and with whatever success
e- attended; though verdant laurels may decor
ate the brow, and delusive fancy gild tn
prospect Of futurity, we must, when summon
ed. 90 down into the tomb, and resign thos
objects on which we have conferred our
fcctions. Behold with how great ardou
ambition spreads the canvas of commerce
A sea of blood; and for the rod OF empir
wiclds an cnsanguincd pognard! behold tn
unremitting assiduity with which men see
to acquire the good things of this world, sa'
rifcing to the attainment oftheir object, the
peace of mind, and future welfare
"why all this toll for triumphs of an hour:
What though we wade in wealth or soar i'll fam
Ear.hs highest station ends in 'nEnE HE LIES!
And, sdusi to dust, concludes her noblest song
s-.-.z1rs--sg....a...--z
TO TEE LADIES.