Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-04-19

the soft low voice of a willow tree, singing an
old ditty, one with which my mother long, long
ago, often lulled me 70 sleep. BY the music OF
the requiem, and the pity which was IN that
melody, know when next shall fall asleep, !
am never to awaken again.
"With these words he left me, and in the
morning he was found dead of apoplexy. Who
therefore, shall venture 10 say, that what the
German enthusiast called his gift, his instinct,
or his genius, was not some incommunicable
faculty which made his spirit as different from
that Of any other mans, as he was in his per-
son distinguished from every individual Of the
universal race? He had faith, however, in the
warning of his fate have had but feeling
of the import that was ever in the bodements OF
mind; and by working against it with the tradi-
tionary fallacies of reason, have become-let
my story tell what"
The following story is told in late English
publication entitled "Naval Sketches %
"a noble officer, who had rendered himself,
By his pee,ish and oppressive spirit, deserved
ly unpopular in the navy, experienced, upon one
OCCASION, the modification OF receiving from
his lieutenanta refusal TO be present at the usual
rou!ine-dinner given TO officers by their noble
saptain.
"His ordship being highly ncensed, called
upon the lieutenant for an explanation OF the
answer to the stewards invitation; who as is u
suaI, had presented the captains compliments,
stating his Lordship would be glad Of his COM
pany to dinner: to which the lieutenant had re-
plied-"My compliments TO the captain, | shall
be glad Of no such thing
"To personal intimation from his lordship,
that he should consider it contempt, the lieu
tenant blunlly replied, Docs your lordship in
tend to make it point ofservice?-'l do, Sir.
"Well then, before comply must have writ
ten orde"'-'That you shall, SIR said his lord
shp;and descending into his cabin, s ascending Tor
his clerk, the order, after mature dellberation
as to its official form and tenor, was at length
concocled by their joint labours.
"The Lieutenant, Of course, appeared in his
place at dnner-tme; and contrary to the ex-
peclation of all, not only concealed his NORTH
cation; but assumed more than ordinary
proportion Of complaisance and cordially to
his interiors! studiously avoiding, as far as in
him lay, all greeting or communication with
his commander, who now began TO experience
the pains Of the fend IN Eden, in Witnessing a
scene Of hilarity, which was not only unwonted
at his table, but from which, it was obvious, he
was intended to be excluded. The evening,
however, stole apace; the customary point had
been swallowed, despite Of the captains disSa-
tisfaction, who, notwithstanding the decanters
were empty, gave no intimaton TO the attendant
to replenish them. This never-failing signal
for parting company (though perfectly under
stood) was not repeated, as was expected, by
the lieutenant; who according to custom, should
have intimated it was time to retire. A short
interval suficed with this spirited officer to
form his determination. He rose-rang the
bell-the steward appeared, and looked to the
captain for his commands the lieutenant inter-
posed, reiteratng, More wine! more wine!'-
Such an assumption of authority in his own ca
bin was not to be borne. The indignant captain
rose to put an end al once to this state of anar-
chy, and unequivocally signified it was his will
and pleasure to be alone The lieutenant, with
out rising from his seat, addressed him with
perfect sang froid-'My lord, am here on this
service in consequence of a written order, and
am resolved (though came here against the
grain) not TO leave it without another This re-
quest was also acceded to; but will any one
imagine the invitation was ever again repeated"
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