The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-14
COURTsHIPs.
"MiIi,ia specie. amor ed" own


"Mitie species amor est "-OviD.
'Love is kind Of warfare" says Ovid; and
ne might have added, there are the same num-
Der OF ways 10 win the heart of lady, as TO take
walled town from the enemy viz, by storm,
by siege, and by blockade.
A gallant >allant, with an army in high
spirits, hats few hours for refreshments, and
gives orders for an assault. His forces advance
with alacrity to the charge place their ladders on
the walls, and In moment are in the heart OF
the city. The enemy, seized with consierna-
ton, make brief and animated, but Intellectual
resistance, and soon find their only resource in
the mercy ofihe conqueror. So gallant cava-
Her, armed in cupid's panoply, with manners
tempered in the school Of the world heart full of
confidence, and words full offiattery and fire, adj
yances 10 one of Loves soft encounters; he pene-
trates at once into the citadel Of the heart, and
has il already garrisoned with his forces, before
his opponent has fairly suspected his designs.
In three days he is engaged, in three weeks Is
married. He has carried heart by storm.
Another proceeds more regularly, according to
all recognized rules and well established usages
of ancient warfare. He makes love in form.
He asks the lady whe,her HE vista willh
agreeable, and begs to know, from the mother,
whether they will be permitted. He sits down
before the place, draws round his lines Of cir
cumvallatIon, and gradually narrows his APP
proaches, according TO all the slow and cautious
methods laid down by the most safe and expert
enced generals. This is much more sure than
the former method, in attempting which party
may be repulsed with severe loss butt takes
time and requires patience. The garrison at
first, alarmed by this hostile show, but disposed
10 make vigorous and gallant resistance
resolved, if possible not TO be conquered at all,
but if overcome by superior force, at least 10 Sc
cure all the honors of war, and not to surrender
at discretion; begins TO find its supplies falling
short. One or two occasional sallies are made,
but at great expense: the place must surren-
der, unless relieved: no relief comes from with
out, and il capitulates, after an honorable and
protracted resistance, but not without making
excellent terms. A lady so taken, is taken by
siege.
Another general, finding all these means fail,
| converts the siege into a blockade. The lady
laughs at his show offorce. Strong in her own
resources, she makes fun of every demonstra-
ton. But the assailant is animated by strong
principle of faith On his flag is written, ''Per-
sererentid omnid pincif; !" and If perseverance
or obstinacy can conquer, he is determined that
he will He is a veteran IN warfare; or, if
young, Nature had endowed him with nerves of
steel He makes light of obstacles. II the lady
laugh at his preparations he does not or will not
see the magnitude of his difficulties. Much
time consumed, at length the lady accepts him,
to get rid of his opportunities; as the desperate
suicide embraces death to get rid Of trouble.
The assailant triumphs The foe surrenders at
discretion. The place is starred into surren-
der.-Knickerbocker.