Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1840-01-23

SNNMCTND P0NWRIo .
| From the Boston Daily Advertiser and Palrlo.
LIFE Is BEFORE YE.


A lady, English by birth, but become American, an,
well known by her published works both In her nasv,
aud In her adopted country, being visit In BERKSHIRE
county Mass, last summer, happened to attend an Ex
hbition of Boys belonging Academy in the town
ofLsnox. The principal speaker, who delivered what
believe, 10 called the vALEDicToav" to those Of hi,
fellows who, ks himself about TO leave the scoo
and enter on the pursuits Of active m began his address
With these words; LIFE BEFORE w." They struck
the lady much at the time and affected her 50 deeply
Afterwards that under the influence of the thoughts ard
feelings they nwnkened she wrote, almost tey,
tho following lines, which I send you, because they
breathe, think the nohlesi spirit of the high order of
poeicsl composition To which they belong They were
believe printed in the Berkshire Eagle soon alter the
were written.
LIFE Is BEFORE yEj" and, as now We stand
Eager TO spring upon The promised land,
Fair smiles The way, where vet your feet have rnd
but few light steps, upon n howery sod
Round are YOUTHS green bowers-and to YOUR eN s,
Horizons line hut Joins the earth aud skies.
Daring and iriumphhni, plea ure, me, and Joy;
Friendship unwnyering love without alloy
Brave thoughts ofnobIe deeds, and glory won,
Like angels beckon te To venture on,
And IT, o'er the scene some shadows rise,
Far OF they seem i-at hand the sunshine lies.
The distant clouds, which of ye pause to fenr,
May rot brightness glld them, when more near,
Disnny or doubt ye know not; for the power
Ofyouth 10 strong within We, nj this hour;
And the great mortal warfare seems TO We
Not so much strife, rs certain victory
glory, ending In Eternity
"LrE Is BEFORE yE" on. If We could look
Into the secrets of that sealed book,
Strong as ye are with youth, and hore, aud faith
lie would sink down, and fulter give us death ~
" me dread sphinNs lips might once unclose,
Aud utter but whisper Of The
which must Oertnke ye in Your lifelong doom,
Wei might ye cry, " our cradle be cur tomb -
Could " foresce your spirits broken wings;
Fanss brightest triumphs, despisel things
Friendship how feeble. Love how fierce flame;
Your joy half sorrow, half your glory shame;
Oh, could ye see II all We might, ye might,
Cover In despair, unequal 10 tho strife
Aud die, but IN behoding what il life.
" LiFE is BEFoRE w =" from the fscd road,
lc cannot turns then take up the load,
Not yours to trend or leave the unknown Way, II
fe must go DER H. meet We what w NAV, II
Gtrd up your souls within YOU to the deed; n
Angels and fellow .pirits bid yOu speed II
Whni though the brightness wane the pleasure fhds II
The glory dim OIL not or these il made II
The awful life that 10 your trust IL given; II
Children oi God Inheriiors of Heaven II
" 1urn not tho perishng Of ench fair toys II
c were ordained Ia do, not to enjoy II
Ia sufErr, which is nobler than To dare, II
holy burthen is this life ye hear; II
Look on IT, In IL, bear IL solemnly; n
'tand up and walk beneath IL sieadfastlyj n
Fail not fr sorrow, frlter not for SIN, II
'nt onw ard, upward, till the goal We win
i"l guide ye and God guard ye, Your way, H.
iouns warrior pilgrims who set forth to-day II,