The ladies' garland. [volume] (Harpers-Ferry, Va. [W. Va.]) 1824-1828, 1826-01-21


do not presume, for my words are uttered to
none but yourself, and it is but tearing sheet
ofpaper, and the record Of them will have passed
for ever ;---but--Eliza Bellarmne----such
rangement could lead but to one termination.
Now YOU merit better than to become the
wife-the unhappy, perhaps the neglected, wife
OF pennyless, restless, disconnected, spend
thrift OF all the women | have known,
the fancy Cor the frenzy Of a moment past, you
are one whom would select to pass calm,
tired life oflove and safety with; but such life
is not the life that |, at least with my present
feelings, should ever be able to endure. have
figured such life to myself thousand
times in all its bearings; of all my day-dreams,
its quietness has been the most delicious; but
never could make even myself believe-th that it
would be lasting. There was always some after
arrangement: some episode, for which hated,
and almost despsed myself, but which was Just
certain, nevertheless, all the falrerteatures
of the picture. There are hearts to which pre-
sent excitation although it be that of tor
ture---s the only vital principle. The day dream
of the opium-chewer is death but it would be
worse than death to him to live without it.
Then, if have not strength enough to act no
nestly in the face of temptation, will at least
have sufficient virtue to shun temptation. be-
lieve in my SOUL that if had my fathers estate,
his death, should have it! | believe, if had
even prospect, no power on earth could keep
me twenty four hours from your presence; but,
standing as do---with nothing but suffering be
fore me, asking you to partake of it'll WILL
find self denial enough to avoid it.
so now--blessings, ten thousand times re
doubled. fall upon you Take his thanks, who
has nothing else but thanks, and your own
bounty back again, to give; and keep for my
sake the little remembrance that enclose.
give it to you as it was given two years since
to me. 1t was the last possession of poor Po-
fish officer perhaps the precious token of some
beauteous mistress. He gave it me in the hour
| when he was dyingt is now my last posses
| sion, Eliza and, in my turn give it now to you.
For what shall be my fate, dearest, be under
no alarm. In my existence, | never felt more
| confidence than feel at this moment. Helpless,
| is it said am ?---Never--I have health, youth,
! strength; | have the possession even now that
has turned peasants INTO kings. elpless ! am
| glad there be some that think me SOL would
not change estates even now with half the peer
age--looking at your letter, not with the whole.
For does not that show that l am not elpless !?
Trust me- never in my life knew man com
plain who did not richly deserve all that he com
planned Of Fortune---you shall see it---has not
disinherited me; she has but cast my patrlmony
forth among strangers, that may show my cou-
rage and activity in redeemng it.
And So once more, FAREWELL will not tell
YOU of my purpose---not even AS far as can
guess at it, the deed, whatever it is, shall pros
per! and YOU, Eliza, afterwards, shall applaud
it. In the first hour that thrive look to be