Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-10-11
MISCEL ANY.
YRoM THE BOWER or TASTE.
EDWIN AND OPHELIA,
A Naf,pe Tale.

1t was IN the year II, as l was
travelling through one of the southern
states, that | stopped at a small town
situated Oh the banks of u river. and
commanding one Of the finest prospects
in the country. On one side, the eye
could trace for several miles the silver
stream, winding among rocks and hills,
till it became lost among the thick foli-
age which bordered its banks. On the
other, the tall pines reared their majes-
tic forms, and seemed to touch the
clouds with their waving tops, through
which might be seen the lofty spires Of
churches, rising from thick y settled
town at the mouth Of the river. In this
village l resolved to take up my resi-
dence for the season, and partake Of the
enjoymenls of kind and benevolent
class Of beings, whom Nature seemed
to have knit together, for the purpose OF
improving their leisure hours in such a
manner as 10 render their little society
pleasant aud agreeable. At evening,
the ringing of the factory bell proclaim
cd the joyful tIdlngs of the end of that
days toll, when the street was immedi-
ately filled with labourers Of both sexes
some of whom would wander distance
from the village, or climb lofty hill
which overlooked the place, there to
enjoy the cool evening breeze, and a
muse themselves by relating some love-
wrought tale, or warbling over The notes
Of country song Never was harmony
so proluseI y spread among class OF
human creatures, as it was in this para
disc of love; no sad countenance or
discomiilted mind was there to mar the
social happiness of the rustic circle, or
disturb the quiet felicity of their evening
rambles.
In this place | became acquainted
with Edwin Clifford, youth of most
accomplished manners and manly ap-
pcarance; he was the son Of rich far
mer, who had bestowed upon him a
good education, and established him in
business. Nature had gifted him with
noble mind and on.erprising spirit,
which promised success IN future life.
Being inmates Of the same apartment
Edwin and myself became most in.
innate, aud never till this day have
| met with the person whose friendship
equalled his, or whose ardent affection
towards man would bear the least COM
parlson with that which extended tow
ards me; nor was his friendship unre-
Quilted; it was reciprocated by me, and
we became the most sincere friends
that fate ever chanced to bring togeth-
er. Fond Of each others company,
we lived for months, enjoying all the
pleasures which earth coulG afford, in
dulging ourselves with the idea that none
were so happy as ourselves. But dur
ing these days Of happiness, Cupid was
forging his silken chain, to wink it
round the heart of Edwin; and fate had
decreed that the cruel hand Of q father
should wrest it from the tender fasten-
ing, and crush both chain and heart.
After few months had expired, Ed
win began to grow careless and dilatory
with regard to his business, his hours
for retiring at night were ire egular, and
sudden change was visible, both in his
personal appearance, as well as that of
discharging the duties incumbent on him
as proprletor'of a large establishment.
| In vain did implorc Of him to cntrust
me with the secret Of his present ills,
which until now he had always done,
even were it the most trihing circum-
stance. But my entrea:ies we're of no
avail; there was something that seemed
to hang heavy upon his mind; and when
inquired into the cause, he would only
reply that hewas indisposed but should
soon get over it, Things remained in
this state for some time before | could
discover the real cause Of his my sterious
conduct.
1t was on the morning of a fine day
in August, as was walking careIessly
along the banks Of the river, listening 10
the early song Of the warbling birds,
and gazing upon the silver stream, as it
flowed between its luxurient banks, that
| saw seated in the shade Of spreading
oak, two persons, who seemed 10 be
busily engaged in conversation. On
approaching nearer, to my great aston
ishment, | perceived it was Edwin in
company with charming girl. On OBJ
serving me, he arose, and leading her
forward, introduced to me Ophelia Free
men. Here then was the mystery un-
withdrawing by accident discovered
the secret which he had so long concea-
led, he was induced to confess the
whole.
Ophelia was the daughter Of poor but
respectable parents, who resided few
miles from the village. At an early
age, she had left her fathers house, aud
engaged to work in the factory, where
she procured respectable maintenance
and also afforded occasional presents to
] her aged parents. During the time she