The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-12-11
From Badger's Jfesstrger.
The SIanderer.

Hell cannot boast of so foul a 6end, no.
man deplore 80 fell foe. II starts with
a word-wi,h no1-with a shrug-
with look--with smile. 1t is pesti-
Ience walking in darkness spreading
far and wide, which the most
wary traveller cannot avoid it 10 the
heart searching dagger Of the dark as
sassin. il is the poisoned arrow whose
wounds are incurable it is the mortal
sting Of the deadly adder; murder its
employment, innocence its prey, and ru-
in its sport" slsi s-l ~ hs.''. =.
The man who breaks into my dwell
ling or meets mo on the public road,
and robs me Of my property does me in
jury. He stops me ON the way to wealth
strips me Of my hard-earned savings, in
wolves me in difficulty, and brings my
family to penury and want. But he does
me an injury that can be repaired. In
dustry and economy may again bring
mo into circumstances Of ease and affiu-
encs and smiles of gratitude may yet
play upon the cheeks Of my offspring as
they recsive the small token Of parental
love. ,es.... et,.s
The man who comes at midnight hour
and fires my dwelling, dues me injury
he burns my roof. my pillow, my raiment
my very shelter from the storm and tenn
pest; but he does me an injury that can
be repaired. The storm may indeed
beat upon me, and chilling blasts assail
me. but charity viii receive me into her
dwelling, will give me food to eat, and
raimcnt to put on, will timely ossist me,
raising new roof over the ashes Of the
old, and shall agan sit by my own
freside, and taste the sweets Of friend.
ship and Of home. i#
But the man who circulates false re-
ports concerning my character; who ex-
poses every act Of my life which may be
represented to my disadvantage (; who
goes first to this, tiIen to that neighbor,
tells them heis very tender Of my repu-
tation enjoins upon them tho strictest Sc
crecy, aud then fills their ears with
hearsays and rumors and what is
worse, leaves them to dwell upon the
hints and suggestions Of his own busy i'm
agination. The man who in this way
stitches from me my good name," does
me ad injury which neither industry, nor
charity, nor time itsslf. can repair. lie
has told hia tale Of slander to an unchar
liable world. Some receive Il a. truth
others suspect that half is not told then
and others dress what they have hcart
In the highest coloring, add to II the fou
calamny of theirown inventions and pro
claim il at the cornes Of the street an,
spon the house tops. Should | prove
myself innocent aud attempt to meet tn,
scandal with contradiction the story o
my disgrace outstrips me and solicitude
to. contradict it excites suspicion Of guilt
Should the slanderer confess his crime
the blot is made aud his tears of repent
ance cannot wash il out. might a.
well recall the winds or quench the star,
as recall the infamy or wipe this fou
stain from my character. 2la4iifsN htaf
20 I attach a high value to nv fellow
men. cannot bat wish that while
live among them I may hold place il
their affections and be treated with tn,
respect which is due my station. :"
good name is rather to bo chosen thar
great riches" or than "precious oint
ment." iH1aa a3rf 81 1. tlt .ta
IT'S the immediate jewels Of the soul,
The purcst treasure mortal times afford" !"
Give me thisl and can face tn
frowns of fcrtune--can be pointed mt a
the child Of poverty and still know,
what il is to be happy. Take this ava
and you strike dagger into my soul
you render life itself burden. Tn
frowns Of a world. the finger Of scorr
and hiss Of contempt. are more than
man can endure. 5
Yet dear rs reputation 10 aud in m
souls just estimation priced above a
price, il is not too sacred for the slau
derer to sarnish and destroy. lie can tax