Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-05-12
.CIBnoN,s EAKLY LOVE.

Many Of readers have probably read Gibbons
memoirs of his c aud those who have might be less
sgreaby employed than reading the following extract again
hesitate, from the apprehension of ridicule when
lapproach the delicate subject OF my early love BY
this do not the polite attention. the gallantry
without hope or design, which has originated in the
spirit Of chivary and is interviewer with the texture
Of French manners. / understand by this passion
the union of friendship and tenderness, which is in
famed by single female, which prefers her to the
rest of her sex, aud which seeks her possession
the supreme or the sole happiness of our being.
need not blush at rccoecting the object of my choices
and though my love was disappointed of success, /
um rather proud that was capable of feeling
such n pure and exalted sentiment. The personal
attractions of hIademoiselle Susan Curchod
belished by the virtues and talents of the mind.
Her fortune was humble, but her family respCc-
table. Her mother, native of France, had prefer
ed her religion to her country.-The profession of
her father did not extnguish the moderation and
philosophy of his temper, and he lived content witt,
small salary and laborious duty, In the obscure lot
of minister of Grassy, in the mountains that sepa-
rate the Pays de Vaud from the county of Burgun-
dy. In the solitude of q seguestered village he
bestowed liberal and even learned education on
his Only daughter. She surpassed his hopes by her
proficiency IN science and languages; and in her short
visit to some relations at Lausanne, the wit, the
beauty, and erudition, of Mademoisellc Curchod
were the theme of universal applause. The report
OF such prodigy awakened my curiosity; saw,
and loved. found her learned without pcdantry.
lively IN conversation, pure i'll sentiment and Gle
giant i'll manners, and the first sudden emotion was
miar acquaintance She permitted me to make
her two three visits at her fathers house. pass
I'D some huppy days there, in the mountains of Bur
gnndy, and her parents honorably encouraged the
connexion.-In calm retirement, the gay vanity of
youth no longer iuttered in her bosom she listened
20 the voice Of truth and feeling; and migt presume
10 hope that had made some impression on virtu
GUS heart. At Grassy and Lausanne induleed NV
dream OF felicity: but my return TO England
SION discovered that my father would not hear of
this strange alliance and that without his consent
was myself destitute aud helpless After pain
tu struggle, yielded to my fate. sighed as
!over--f obcyed son. my wound was insensibly
healed by time, absence, and the habits of a new
life. My cure was accelerated by faithful report
Of the tranquility and cheerfulness of the lady herself
and my love subsiaed into friendship and esteem.
The minister of Grassy soon afterwards died. his
stipend died with him; his daughter retired to Gene
va, where, by teaching young ladies', she ca rucd
bard subsistence for herself and mother but in her
lowest distress she maintained spotless reputation
and dignifed behaviour. A rich banker of Paris
citizen Of Geneva, had the good fortune and good
sense to discover and possess this inesslabe trea-
sure; and in the capital of taste and luxury, she
RESISTED the temptations of wealth, as she had sls
taned the hardships of indigence The genius of
her husband has exalted him the most conspicu-
station in Europe. In every change of prosper
iFy and disgrace he has reciined on the bosom of
faithful friend; and Madenoiselle Churcod is now
the wife of hi. Necker, the minister and perhaps
the legislator of the French mon archy.
Autobiography.