Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-06-25

ed by the mere pattering sound Of the
dariings feet, as they hurry to receive
his kiss. and cures, by a noisy game al
rornps, the WEAKNESS and headache
which he gained in his intercourse
18th men.
But II is not only to their parents
and near connexions that children are
interesting and delightful; they are
general favorites, and their careSSes are
sighted by none but the strange, the
affected, or the morose. | have. in
deed, heard fine lady declare that she
preferred puppy or kitten to u
child; and | wondered she had not
sense enough TO conceal her want of
womanly feeling; and | know another
fair simpleton, who considers IL beneath
her TO notice those from whom no in
te!lectual improvement can be derived:
forgetting We have hearts To cultivate
Nv well as heads. But these arc extra
ordinary exceptions 10 general rules. as
uncommon and disgusting as beard on
iady's chin, or pipe in her mouth.
Even men may condescend To sport
with children without fear of contempt:
and for those who like to shelter them
selves under authority, and cannot VEN
ture to be wise and happy their own
way. We have plenty Of splendid cx-
amples, ancient and modern, living and
dead, To adduce which may sane .ias
love for these pigmy play,hings.-
Statesmen have rompcd with them,
orators told them stories, conquerors
submitted 10 their blows, Judges, d.
vines, and philosophers listened TO their
prattle. and joined in their sports.
Notwithstanding the infin..e pains
to spoil natures lovely works, there is
n principle of resistance, which allows
OF only partial success; and numbers
of sweet children exist, 10 delight, and
soo;he, and divert us, when we are
weary or frettcd by grown up people.
and TO justify all that has been said or
written of the charms Of childhood
Perhaps only women, their natural
nurses and faithful protectresses, can
thoroughly appreciate the attractions of
the first few months Of human exis-
tcnce. The recumbent position, the
fragile limbs, the lethargic tastes, and
indifference TO notice, of a very young
infant, render it unintcresting to most
gentlemen, except its father; and he is
generally afraid to touch il, for fear of
breaking its neck. But even in this
state. mothers, grandmothcrs, aunts,
and nurses, assure YOU that strong indi-
cations of sense and genius may he
discerned in the little animal: and |
have known q clatter of surprise and ioy
excited through whole family. and
matter afforded for twenty long letters
and innumerablc animated Converse
lions, by some marvellous demonstra-
ton OF intellect IN creature in long
clothes, who could not hold his head
straight.
Butas soon as the baby has acquired
iirmneSs; as soon as il smiles al tami-
liza. face, and Stares at a strange one: as
SOFA as il employs its hands and ewes in
constant expeditions Of discovery, and
crows and leaps from the excuses OF
animal CONFERENCE.-The becomes an
object of undefnabIc and powerful in
terest. TO which all the sympathies oil
our nature attach us-an object of Gu
mostly and tenderness, interc sting as il
Us in ITS helplessneSs and innocence.
Who has not occasionally, when fon.
ding an infant, felt oppressed by the
weight OF mystery which hangs Over
ITS iate' Perhaps we hold in our arms
on angel. kept but few months from
the heaven in which il is TO spend the
rest Of an immortal existence: perhaps
We see the germ of all that ia hideous
and hateiulin our nature. Thus looked.
and thus spoTtcd, thus calmly slumbcr.
cd and sweetly smiled, the monsters OF
cur race in their days Of infancy
Where are the marksto distinguish a
Nero from Trajan, an Abel from ain;
But II IS not in this spirit that II is either
wise or happy TO contemplate any
thing. Better is it--when we behold
the energy and animation OF Young
Children, their warm affection, their
ready, unsuspicious confidence, heir
Wild, unwearicd glee, their mirtb so ca
! silly excited. their love 80 easily won
10 enjoy unresirained the pleasantness
OF HES morning. that morning 50
bright and joyous. aud 10 teach US tina,
nature intended us 20 be happy. and
usually gains her end all we are old
enough 10 discover how We NAV defeat
Il.
I Little girls are my favoritcs. Boys.
though sufficiently interesting and
amusing. are apt q be infected. ~ soon
a. they assume the manly garb, With a
little of that masculine violence and
obstiHacy which, when they grow I'D.
they viii call spint and frmness. and
they lose, earlier IN iiic. that doc ility.
tenderness, and ignorance Of evil.
which are Their sisters peculiar charms.
In al the range OF visible creation
there IS ~ object 70 me 90 attractive
and delightful a. q lovely. intelligent.
gentle hiiie gid eight o. nine wears
old. This j. the poini At which may be-
witnessed the greatest Improvement "A