Virginia advocate. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1827-1860, 1830-01-15

ers will remember him young man. as
rosy and blithesome as themselves, thew
will, perhaps, feel interested in hearing
some of his dying expressions taken down
as they fell from his lips -" am" said
ne, I" the son Of old father Time. and the
last OF numerous progeny for he had no
less than five thousand eight hundred and
twenty-nine of us, but it has ever been his
late to see one child expire before another
was born. 1t is the opinion Of some, that
his own constitution Is beginning to break
up, and that when he has given birth to a
hundred or two more ofus, his family will
be complete, and; then he himself will H.
nc MORE"
Here the old year called for his account
book, and turned sover the pages with a
sorrowlul eye. He has kept, it appears,
an accurate account of the moments, min
| utes, hours, and months which he has is
sued, and subjOined in some places mem
oranda Of the uses to which they have been
applied aud OF the losses he has sustain
ed. These particulars, it would be too
tedious to detail, and perhaps the recollec-
ton ofthe reader may furnish them as well
or better; but we must notice one circum-
stance upon turning to a certain page
IN his accounts, the old man was affected
and the tears streamed down his iurrow-
ed :cheeks as he examined it, This was
the register oil vows and resolutions bro
ken. With great emotion of grief and
anger, he tore it into hundred pieces,
and threw them on the embers by which
he was endeavoring to warm his shivercd
limbs. Il feel, however, said he, more
pity Than Indignation towards these offend
ers, since they were far greater enemies to
themselves than to me. But there are a
few outrageous ones, by whom | have
been defrauded Of SO much of my sub
stance, that it is difficult TO think of them
with patience, particularly that notorious
thief, characterization, of whom every bo-
dy has heard, and who is so well known
to have wronged my father ;of much of his
properly. There are also three notcdruf-
fans, Sleep, Sloth, and Pleasure, from
whom | have suffered much; besides il
certain busy -bodyFcalled Dress, who un-
der the pretence of making most of me,
steals away more Of my gifts than any two
of them.
As for me all must acknowledge that |
have performed my part towards my friends
and foes. have fulfilled my utmost pro-
mise, and been more beautiful than any of
my predecessors. My twelve fair children,
have, each in theiraturn, aided my exer-
tons and their various tastes and dispo-
si,ions have all conducej to the general
good. Mild February, who sprinkled the
naked boughs with delicate buds, and
brought her wont offering of early flow.
ers, was not gilmore essential service than
that rude clustering boy, March, who
though violent in his temper, was well in
tentioned and useful. 1prI, a gentle
tender-hearted girl, wept for his loss, vet
cheered me with many smile. June,
came crowned with roses, and sparkling
in sun beams, and turned up store of
costly ornaments for her luxurious sue
cessors: But cannot stop to ennmerate
the qualities and graces of all my chill
dren. You, my poor December, dark in
your complexion, and cold in your tenn
per, greatly resemble my first born, Janu-
airy, with this difference, that he was
most prone TO anticipation, and you TO re-
Election.
1t is very likely that at least after my
decease, many may reflect upon themselves
for their past conduct towards me to such
| would leave it as my last injunction, not
to waste time in uDavaliDg regret-all
their wishes ard repentance will not call
me to life again. shall never, never re-
turn | would rather earnestly recon-
mend to their regard my youthful success
or. l cannot hope to survive long enough
to introduce him but | would fan hope,
that he will meet with favorable recep.
ton, and that in addition to the hattering
honors which greeted my birth, and the
fair promises which deceived nv hopes,
more diigent exertions, and more perse-
vering efforts may be expected. Let it be
remembered, that one honest endeavour is
worth ten fair promises"
Having thus spoken, the Old Year fell
back on his couch nearly exhausted, and
trembling so violently as to shake the last
shower OF leaves from his canopy.
Extract from Henderson.
LOST IN TIE MUD.
SCENE-oNE OF THE PRINCIPAL STREETS