The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-03-27
IoK THE STAR.
TEMPERANCE NO. s.

H..4 ION the STAR. T.
TEMPERANCENO. a
hgustus tasted ofthc cup at first, mere
ly az a compliment to his associates to a.
void singulasity. 1t gradually coilcd
round him and he was completely in its
power, before he or his friends were a.
ware oft. lie strove against it awhile,
but he had been awakened to his. danger
too late. The disease was more power
ful than his strength. 1t completely con-
quercd--and he finally gave himself up to
its influence, subduced and uaresisting
victim. He had many friends, who look
ed upon the first symptoms ofhis approach
ing ruin, with heavy hearts. But it was
in the bosom of his amiablc wife, that the
wound sunk deepest She watched; the
progress of his error with all the anxiety
oflove, which forgcts its own fortunes in
solicitude for those Of the beloved one who
she strove day by day to win back from
the paths offollyto herself All the al
lurements Of quiet home, the soft bland
ishments of affection were spread. before
him. He was warned with tenderness,
of the inevitable issue Of the course he
was persuing-but in vain.. The com ID an
ions ofhis virtuous days forsook him.
His friends while they mourned his degen
eracy, jeff him in the haunts Of dissipation.
One who might command the respect and
admiration of all. But Amelia, with won
ans constancy, was faithful. Many were
the efforts of her family to lead those al.
fections from an object no longer worthy
her regard. But Augustus, scorned and
forsaken, found ono at least, whose look
would not Representatives, tongue would
never censurc. Her eye, tho its slorics
were all his own, was fast sosing the lus-
ire its hue aud that cheek where the
rose once bloomed so brightly, had not
now one trace Of its crimson tinge. Poor
AugustussIhe seemed sensible Of all
He wcpt-he promised amendaent. But
to return to the social glass. He went
down the loathsome journey of degrade
ton and ruin, step by step. The loss OF
health was the first consequence imbccil-
ity of intellect followed the waste and mis-
management ofproperty ensued his tran
guilty ofmind was destroyed !; the native
kindness of his temper vanished and deep
despair and all the bitterness of temper
that springs from wreck of peace, filed
his mind. His house was turned into a
place ofmourning, and broken hearted
wife filled up the melancholy picture OF
the drunkard's home. His fine estate
fell into ruin like his mind. Heavy claims
we're raised against it in various quarters.
Many were supposed to be Of doubtful
character. But there are midday plum
derers always ready to take advantage OF
misfortune, as well as midnight robbers
who tresspass on the lonely traveller
Every day as it passed, brought deeper
melancholy to the heart of Augustus; and
fainter with every mornings dawn, beamed
the eye ofthe unfortunate Amelia, till at
last it was shrouded in death. She died
victim oflove and grief II was on beau
tiful day that the remains ofthe once loved
and beautiful Amelia, was laid in the cold
and sileni grave. Augustus stood almost
maniac by the grave of his wife yet
there was flash ofhis early power play
ing upon his brow and when the coffin was
lowered down, and he took last look nj
all--all that he had los,---He turned and
pointing to the spot exclsimcd, /" MY last
staff is broken-Amelia is gone-I am a
miserable man. Butthe glass was again
in his hand that very night, and deeper,
still deeper in the intoxicating bowl. Au-
gustus sought to steep his distracted SEN
ses--he flew to it now as antidote to men,
ory and conscience. He dare not think
upon the future. His constitution exhaus
ted by excess and wasted by the dispond-
ing melancholy, which he had so long cher
ished, warned him Of his approaching end.
He awaited it with impatient dispair, and
Augustus too, found an early grave, the
victim Of disappointed ambition and Of
blightcd affection. But Alas
The only hear, the only eye,
Had blsd or wept to SEQ him do,
.dnd mosrncd above his stoue,
That hca had burst
That eye was closed
Yea, closed b.fofs his own.