Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-11-11
From the .4lbany Dqily .4drertiser.

! fortuuatuS niiuium, sta 81 oons norint' IngtE
Thrice happy race, I'D ye but know your lot!
| This was the pathetic exclamation of Virgil
one of the sub'imest of the Heather poets, made
at period of the greatest grandeur of Rome, APP.
preaching fast to two thousand years ago. No
doubt he had seen the vanity, toll. misery. and
degradation, attending life passed in apopulous
city; was well acquainted with the knavery,
tricks, and chcanery, probably as much used
among the Romans, as well in regard to their
traffic, forensic disputes. and popular elections.
as is the practice now with US; and having calmly
considered and weighed both sides of the ques-
ton, wisely estimated those the favored children
of fortune who led an agricultural or pastoral
life, - if they only knew their happy state"
Hundreds of times has this passage occurred
to my mind, amidst the hustle. gaiety, and dissi-
patton of one of the most populous cities in the
world; and as often have l silently breathed a
preference for the poets choice. If we peruse
some of the subiimes weeks of antiquity, as well
sacred as proane, the picture of pastoral life is
placed before Us in such beauteOus colors, that it
appears to me matter of surprise, to find 50
| many spurn with contempt. almost the only Ger
tain situation in life, calculated FROM its nature
to render the most solid and substantial happiness
we can expect to enjoy in this unstable state OF
existence; but no sooner has farmer two or
his thoughts are too often engrOssed with the vain
and ridiculous notion OF grasping at wealth or
showing to the world the splendid abilities of his
children, by transferring them to a crowded city,
already Overrun with competitors for fame or for
| tune; and where great part OF the youthful pO-
pulatlOn, it is feared. become debased in mind
and conduct, spendthrifts of their parents hard
earned property. frequenters of the gambling
grog shops, and diseased in body. A few.
| a very few, short years are sufficient, with
many OF them, to terminate their earthly career:
and if some by industry. perseverance and hon
Orable conduct advance i'll society and become
credit to themselves and their parents. it is
question whether the greater number do not de-
plore having left the peaceful homes and fields
of their fathers" where health, peace and c0mpe-
tency (if not wealth. are. in this happy land with
in the reach of the bulk of mankind and rhere
by the extension of education, so many pleasant
homes may be employed in the highest of intellec-
tual enjoyments-If the attainment Of Vealh be
the object Of those who crowd into our cities. it is
great question if that point will not within 90
years from hence, be as well effected by improve
ments and cultivation of the soil, as by mercan-
tile or professional pursuits. For when we reflect
how many thousands of acres of excellent land
still lie NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. many agricultural
mansions may De raiseu. SURROUNDED (oy industry
with the fertile globe within go years from this
time, and even within 100 miles of our city, it
becomes matter of establishment that more of
our youth do not prefer rural business. even as a
source of profit than we find Is the case. But
professional and mercantile pursuits appear to
have waved magic wand over the eyes Of thou
sands Of men otherwise sharp sighted enough)
which totally blinds them from the prospect of
those substantial enjoyments, health. peace and
even wealth, which comparatively speaking can
be so safely, honorably and easily Obtained.
A FRIEND TO YOUTH.