The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1827-04-24
THE FLOWER GIRL.

Let humble merit learn from this, that gold
Is much too poor thing To purchase worth,
Thai men ofmind rcRHrd with feelings cold,
Her who can boast than gildod earth.
" Pray buy nosegay Of poor orphan -
sad female voice, III plaintiyc and melodlous
tone, as was passing the corner of narrow
street. turned hastily, and bcheld girl OF
fourteen, whose dIapcry, though ragged, was
clean, and whose form was such MS a painter
might have chosen for a youthful Venus. Her
neck without covering, was white as snow -
aud her features though not regularly beautiful
were interesting and set of by a transparent
comple yon: hereYcs dark and intelligent, were
| shaded by loose lingict Ola raven black, and
poured their sweety duplicating beams through
the sllkcn shade OF very long lashes. On one
| arm hung basket full of roses, and the other
was stretched out towards me with one of the
rose.bnds. put my hand into my pocket, drew
out some silver" Take tbs my pretty airl. r"
sad /. putting IT into hers land may that God
who is the Father OF the iatherlcss be the pre-
server of your excellence aud your virtue! vir-
tuons poverty is no crime"
was turning from her, when she suddenly
caught my Withdrawn hand; and putting it to
her lips, burst into a food If tears. The action
and the look which accompanied II, touched my
soul; II melted to the attlesS gratitude of this
poor Flower girl, and drop of sympathy fell
from my cheeks. Forgive me- slr," said she
recovering from her transport, while sweet
blush diiused Itself over her lovely face, "my
heart was full OF what it could not express; ma
turc lmpcllCd me 10 SO free an action You will
pardon the effect II had on me- when tell YOU
they were the first kind words have heard since
lost all that was dear TO me Oh earth A sob
interrupted her discourse: she stopped, and
wept silently; then, raising up her face from
The hand on winch she had laid it, 20 sir
have no father no mother! no relation Alas
have no friend IN the world" Choked with
her emotions, she was silent for moment. be-
fore she could proceed. My only friend is
God on him rely | submit TO his will | on
ly pray that may support, with foriitude. the
mlSerIes am born TO experience! 10 him. kind
Sh, nv heart shall always pray for you. May
that God forever protecl you" added She
dropping courtesy, full of humility and native
grace, rs she retired. Ireturnrd her benedlc-
ton, aud went on.
And can thus leave this poor creature -
SAID |, as walked pensivcl, on. Can leave
hcf for ever, without emotion what have done
Tor her, that can entitle me 10 her PRAYERS 7
Preserved her few days rom death; but that
is all And snail | quit thee, fair flower to see
tnee no more to he blown down by the rude
"''S' " "u'Ci>iy W oe cropped by some cruel
Spoiler! to droop thy lovely head beneath the
blight of early sorrow Mo- thou hast been
reared on some happier bank thou hast been
umtnred by the sweet tears of maternal afIcc-
ton; thou hast once blushed beneath the cheer
ing sun Of domestic content and under il thou
shalt bloom again" / turned as spoke: nv
heart beat with its sweet purpose saw the
beautiful Flower girl before me, | approached {;
caught her hand; the words of triumphant viz
tue burst from my lips.
Come, thou lovely, deserted GIRL come, and
add one more TO the lovely group who call me
father! Their home shall be thine: thou shalt
share their comforts thou shalt be taught with
them, that virtue their father tries to practce"
She stopped me; her eyes flashed with frantic
joy; she flung herself he,selfon her knees before
me, and burst into food of rapturous tears. |
raised her in my arms | hushcd her eloquent
gratitude; led her to home of happiness and
pieiy. She loves my children; she loves their
father and the poor orphan Flower gir is now
the wife OF my son