American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1827-08-31
From the american Farmer.
THE WIFE.

10 fond and confding girl few hours in life
are so full OF buoyancy and hope, of Kindness and
affection, as those of conrtshp; and few it may be
truly said, are so important to her future welfare
and happiness. In her lover she too often sees all
that is worthy and respectable in man the artour
OF her affection soitens the most offensive traits Of
character. and obiterates all minor failings What
ever she may have collected from poetry, is brought
IN aid ot her imagination. which pictures, in the
most glowing colours, the character of husband !:
and her affection persuades her that in her lover
she has found perfect representative of this de-
al picture.
In dreams Of confidence in the prudence of he r
choice, and delightful anticipations succeeding
years OF affection ant happiness. she is led to the
altar, and how often alas does one short year
bring home to her aching bosom the sad reality Of
the talsty and emptiness of her hopes Of all mutu
al love, tender assiduity and lasting Affection
Yesterday, the lover was all attention, and love
marked every action to day, the husband is cold,
distant, and negectfu, preterring the company Of
the worthless and dissipated to that Of her, who.
but few days since, he lattcred himself was dear
or to him than all the world beside.
| can hardly picture to myself situation more
truly heart 'ending and deplorabe, than that Of
female who has found every want anticipated,
and every reasonable wish gratified under the pa
rental roof, leaving her home with the warm conf
dence of youth, to repose on the bosom of affections
but finding her confidence betrayed, her affection
sighted, and herself with helpless offspring. left
to struggle with unkindness, poverty and want
Such, alas! is too often the in this world
of uncertainty, where we find, mixed with the
kindest blessings Of our Heavenly Father, evils
which almost stagger our strongest faith.
In my boyish days. when every thing was bright
and sunny, and pleasure sported in beautiful per-
spectiyc before me, | sometimes wandered to a
neighborng farm house, to pass an idle hour with
its lovely and innocent inmates, who were as
thoughtless and cheerful as myself. Among these
beautiful girls was one more advanced in age than
the rest, whose modesty and blooming beauty was
the admiration and envy of the village throng.-
Twenty winters have passed over my heal, since
saw her sporting on the green, and yet, at this
distant day, | cannot recollect her lphke form,
her sprightly manner, and her aIeGtlonate smile,
without thrill Of delight.
Elza's hand had been often solicited by her e.
cuals, and even BY those whose fortunes were much
superior to her own, but none were able to win
her heart About her twentieth year, she met at
friends, Young gentleman who hal recently
come to reside in the neghbslhood; his figure Was
elegant, his features regular, and his whole appear
ance SUCH as, at first sight. was calculated to ex
cite the affections Of young inexperienced and
susceptible girl. He was Hippant, bold, and even
buisterous which, to one little acquainted with
the world, might indicate great degree OF spiii,
bu, it was, in fact. nothing but the ehuition OF an
irritable and petuant temper. 10 this man Eli
ia became most passonately attached--hs offered
her his hand, and it was accepted, in opposition to
the advice and entreatles OF her parents.
1t was about this time ! left the patcrnal roof.
and new scenes aud increasing cares almost Oh.
liberated the beautiful El.s from my recollection.
During one Of the inclement nights 81 our New
Eng land winters, was called - an obscure part
of the city. to visit, professionally, poor and help
less wretch, who was pining with disease pr,iace
by intemperance. AS sat by the bei ci the sui
ferer, heard, in an adjoining rsan, tie voice OF q
female, pleading, with one who appeared 10 be lht
employer Of her husband. :" For heavens saie.1
she said s'do keep back every cent YOU can IT sis
earnings; nut shilling that enters lis pocket ev-
er finds its way mere. Tie tipping shop and tav-
ern take a!!--it, IS hard, ard, perhaps, wrong, ~