The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-10-30

CALCULATIONS. Anon too, he beholds before him the
author of his ruin, and literally raves, as he curses
the hoary oppressor. OH horrible, horrible, are
the mprecacns of these dreadful moments. Ev-
cry nerve in my frame runs cold when listening to
them. pray God may never again see human
being rncked with such mental agony.
Friday, Feb Ell hastened to the prison at
early dawn, fearful lest all might be over. The
physician was just coming out of IIoward's room
as crossed the hail. seized his hand eagerly.
"IIow he, doctor--does he yet live'" was my
eager enquiry.
"IIe is failing fast--struck with DEATH" answer
ed the doctor, carlessly, as he twrled his watch
key with one hand, and drew on his glove with the
other,--so used do they become in such places to
human suffering. "lIe will get his discharge be-
fore highland that old ID of harpy that has
prosecuted him." added he with more warmth
than thought him capable of, "will be cheated
out of his prey after all, A fine bracng morning"
and he passed leisurely along, but after step or
two, he turned again, saying, "oh! forgot, he
has been asking for you several times during the
night Do see what the poor fellow wants"
And this was the way they spoke of the once
proud and wealthy Howard.
The faint light of early morning was streaming
through the narrow window, and playing uneasily
upon the wan worn face of the dying man when
entered his cell. lie was breathing heavily, and
as the sound ofmy footsteps struck upon his ear,
he turned painfully around, and with his dull gla-
zed eye looked upou the intruder. The noise at
tracted his attention; but the delirium of fever
did not suffer him to recognise me. His eye wan
dered over my face and form with vague unset
tied gaze, and an unquiet smile nckered an instant
on his cheek, and then died sadly away. Was
some wild vision sweeping through his mind lie
mutercd inaudibe. l bent down to catch his
falering tones. lie was dreaming-poor sufferer!
OF happy days long past.
"Mary," he murmurcd. "NIary-why don't
you come; II is calling you, lovc-hark is that
her footstep'-and pausinga moment he added
mournfully, "no--no, it is not her's--whcre can
she be-"
The plainiive tone of the sufferer touched me to
the heart, Whispered my name, hoping it would
recall his scattered faculties, A vague look again
fitted across his face, he muitered something in
audibly, and then with an expression of pain, sud-
denly lifting his hand to his brow, he looked wildly
around and said,
Where am I'-nnd Mary" but as one familiar
object after an other struck upon his sight, aud his
senses once more became collected, he continued
"But remember all. All! D--how kind in
you. Have n, been talking wildly recollcct
something confused and shadowy. Was it so'
"Yes-oh! but never mind now," said the nurse
and in kind tone added, edo you feel better
this morningI'
lie shook his head feebly, aud for moment was
silent Then with Il melancholy smile he said, al
feel am getting weaker iast-the drama will soon
be up."
"Road me n chapter from the Bible" he said
suddenly after momen'ary pause, in faint trcm-
ulous voice, "lct it be that sublime one in Job,
the fourteenth. 1t MAS Mary's fivoritc,"
! took the book, and with eyes dimmed with
tears, read as he directed. 1t was solemn mo-
mcnt. had scarcely finished the two first verses
before he said, "again read it once more"
oman that is born of wou,an," began, sis
Of few days and full of trouble, lie cometh
forth like flower and is cut down: he nceth also
as shadow and contnucih not"
And then again in the language of another verse
equally sublime,
"But his flesh upon him shall! have pain, and his
soul within him shall mourn"
As drew toward the close my voice falicrcd
with emotion; and when shut the book could
just catch faint "amcn." 1t was tho voice of
Howard. The nurse sobbcd aloud
"Draw nearer" said the dying man to me, "and
lay your hand in mine, for it makes me feel as
once did to clasp friends once more, | am fee
BILE and broken in spirit now, but God knows it is
since first entered these dreary walls. and in all
that time have never seen the sun rise or set,
felt the cool breath Of heaven, or heard so much
as the voice Of bird. The hot air grows closer
cNcIl udN spcHu hefc, uHu thc say luohs Hot us
fresh and blue as of old. oh my friend, this is
horrible place--but, "he continued, with startling
energy, III shall soon be free.''
What could answer! But | pressed his hand
in silence; while hot tear fell on bis wasted
fingers.
DID," said he, "you are now my only
friend. Rich and poor, alike, have stunned this
louthsome place; and since Mary's death, my very
heat has dried up within me. I have felt myself
dying day by day ever since. shall soon, trust"
and he raised his eyes on high "through the mer-
its Of my Saviour join her in tina, better world, 10
which she has gone beyond the blue sky. Let me
look at il once more. Open the easement
We did as he requested in silence. Our feeling
were TO solemn TO break in by words, upon his
thoughts.
aft is a beautiful morning." he said, fiternsly,
a, the warm breath of spring noacd bulmily
through the easement, 81 have not felt wind
like this far yp1rs And ohi bury me where su oh