Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-06-28

II seemed The b.. .Auiy Of spelb
And she the srait ian
I never loved the est we'll,
Or biesthed such bsIDy arj
And Maron--but must not tell
The things tina, happened there. -
AT twenty five Paul had mingled with
the world. He had been caressed more
than was good Tor his character, and had
dipped deeper into pleasure than his
better angel whispered him was inno-
cent. He had learned to wear armour
upon his feelings, and could 60 free
among companions whose want OF deli
cacy and consideration would have
wounded him once like arrows. He
had become what is called man Of the
world, of the better order; such an one
as woman select for defender, and
men for an umpire in the nice distlnc.
tions Of honour. lie was, to certain
degree master Of himself, and always a
ruling spirit with others; a noble nature,
that had suffered plausible, but false
principles to graft themselves upon 1t.
His worldly accomplishments, however
were as yet but the dress OF the mas
querader, and his heart was beating still
beneath it, with the fine impulses that
wrought upon his boyhood. He had
kept the poetry Of his feelings apart
from their proianation; and in the midst
Of gayety, it would visit him like pal
pable touch, and lead him away in a
rich dream to the beautiful treasures OF
his fancy. A reach of moonlight on a
wall, a glimpse Of a bright star through
the windows Of ball room, was tails
man enough; and the contemplation OF
his early years would come at bidding,
to refresh him in depth Of iorgettu-
ness that would seem to be total. How
often have followed him from crowd
cd room, to see him lean over the ba-
lustrade, and with the merry laugh of
"fair women and brave men" ringing
in his ear, look up to the clear heavens
with the enthusiastic and simple feryor
Of child!
To Marion he was true. She had
grown up, as he knew she must, with
heart too deep and a mind too ardent
for the light frame which imprisoned
them. She was as delicate as Il flow
err; but oh! her love was the breafh of
her being, that would one day exhaust it
She had the quick perceptions of her
sex, united to the strong intuitive capac-
tiles of genius. Her requirements had
elevated and expanded them; and, with
Out knowledge OF the world or the
trick of fashion, she stood alone among
women like "par!cular star" and won
from all the unqualified admiration she
did not value.
The love that Paul had begun with
boys rash VOW, was matured into strong
affection. 1t was the whole tide Of his
aim in life to be worthy Of Marion.
There were obstacles in the way of his
happiness, however, which, in the opin-
ion of his friends, made the attainment
difficult, if not improbable. He was not
rich, and had no apparent preference
for any profession or business. While
this was the case, connexon was OF
course, by the principles ofthis working
day world, not to be thought Of; and the
fear on this subject, by those who knew
the temper Of his mind was formidable.
1t had been, however, theme OF much
reflection TO him, and the subject, in his
own feelings wore brighter aspect.
His views it is certain, were yet roman
tic, and he did not quite realize the dull
servitude of business; but he had natu-
rally a penetration and common sense,
which were singular in mind so grace
fully gifted, and the sweet vision Of ma
ron Graham was, in his own view
sufficient stimulus to all necessary sacri-
fee.
Society, however, had many claims
upon, and with the irresistible iascina-
tion of his manner, it was not strange
that he became favorite. II is a
trying relation to hold to the world, and
true as it certainly was that he was not
as deIiriously devoted to its pleasures.
as those with whom he mingled, appear
ances often warranted remarks which
heavily clouded the hopes Of Marion.
If his character had been better under
stood, she would haye been spared the
trial; but the air which he put on like
a mantle, was to ordinary men the ac-
QUESTION of half a life; and the hours
he gave to society, and, which were
to him, relief from books, were, to
ordinary men, dissipation, uniting them
for all serious employment. Who should
know that the overflow Of his spirit was
more than their whole capacity' Who
should. know that the rich beauty Of his
language, and the authentic elegance
Of his address, were the original Of
their studied imitation? 1t was here
that the candid and the lenient misun-
dcrstood, and misrepresented him. They
believed upon common principles, and
spoke with the persuasion Of truth; and
IL reu,Iired all the philosophy of Mari