The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-06-22
THE LADIES' FRIEND.

An ingenious writer says, If painter
wishes to draw the very finest object in the
world, it would be the picture OF a wife,
with eyes expressing the serenity of her
mind, and countenancc beaming with be-
nevolence one hand lulling to rest on her
bosom lovely infant, the other employed in
presenting a,moral page to a second sweet
babe, who stands at her knee, listening to
the words of truth and wisdom from its in
comparable mether.'
am peculiar friend to cheerfulncss.-
Not that kind of fchcerfulness which the wise
man calls the mi'1h Of fools-always laugh
ing and talking, eXhausting itself in tests and
puns, and then sinking into silence and gloom
when the object that inspired it has disap-
peared. Mono The cheerfnlness
would recommend must belong to the heart,
and be connected with the temper, and even
principles. Addison says. !" | cannot look
on cheerful state of mind as constant, ha-
bitual gratitude to the Great Author of Ma
ture. An inward chccrfulness is an implicit
praise and thanksgiving to Providence under
all Its dispensations it is kind of acqulesS
cencc in the state wherein we are placed, and
a secret approval of the divine will in his
conduct towards u.s."
think there is something very lovely in
seeing woman overcome those little domes-
tic disquiets which every mistress of fami-
ly has to contend with sitting down to her
break tast.table in the morning with a cheer
full countenance, ,and cndeavouring to promote
innocent and pleasant conversation amongher
little circle. But vain will be her efforts at
cheerfulness, if she be not assisted by her
husband and other members around; and
truly it is an unpleasant sight to see fami-
y when collected together. instead of en-
livening the quiet scene with little good
humoured chat, sitting like so many statues,
as it each was unworthy the attention of
the other--And then when a stranger comes
i'll, o dear, such smiles, and animation, and
loquacity "Let my lot be to please at
home," says the poet and truly | cannot
help feeling contemplate opinion of those
persons, young or old, male or female, who
lavish their good humour and pleasantly in
company, and hoard up sullenness and ST.
lence for the sincere and loving group which
compose their FIRE side. They do not be-
hold home with the same eye as did the
writer Of the following lines:--
"Homcs the resort of love, of JOY, Of peacc;'
So says the bard, and so say truth and grace;
Home is the scene where truth and candour
move,
| The only scene of true and genuine love.
10 balls and routes iOr fame let others roam,
BE mine the happier lot to please at home"
Clear then the stage: no scenery we require,
Save the snug circle round the parlour fire;
And enter, marsllall'd in procession fair,
Each happier influence that governs thcrc
First, Love by friendship mcllowed into bliss,
Lights the warm glow and sanctifes the kiss;
When fondly wecom'd to the accustomed seat,
In sweet compacence wife and husband meet;
Look mutual pleasure, mutual purpose share,
Repose from labors to unite in care!
Ambition! does Ambition there reside'
Yes: when the boy in manly mood astridc,
With ruby lip and eyes Of sweetest blue,
And Haxen locks, and cheeks of rosy hue,
lOf headstrong prowess innocently vain,)
Canters-the jockey of his fathers cane
While Emulation iii the daughters heart
Bear more mild though NOT less powerful part;
With zeal to shine her little bosom warns,
And in the romp the future housewife joins.
Think how joy animates, intense though meek,
The fading rosics on their grandame's cheek,
When proud the frolic children to survey,
She feels and owns an interest in their play;
Tells, at each call, the story ten times told,
And forwards every wish their whius unfold.