The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1841-10-30


woman who dwelt in portion of the
garden called the Bower OF Hymen. She
there cultivated many flowers, but among
all those entrusted to her keeping, none
claimed SO much Of her lntiriug care and
devote love, as little pl mt called In
fancy. 1t was fair but fragile blossom,
rcquir ng the utmost tenderness, and the
Iondrst nurture to bring it to perfection.
One breath of neglec,-one shadow of the
C oud of unkindness-one moment s
Withdrawal of the sunlight of affection
might have blighled its beauty, or endan-
gered its existence for ever. But she
who gu rded it was faithful to her trust,
aud never, for an instant, did she neglect
her duty to her precious charge. For
many springlimes she had strlven to
rear lanls similar to this; but ever some
cru'l bligh had fallen upon, and destroy
ed her cherished iavorles Each time
her heart was touched with ndescrlbable
sorrow, as she was called upon to resign
her treasures, and To each succeeding one,
her spirit chung with al affection deeper
and innder than that she had bestowed
upon its pre- eccssor. Many had perish
ed; and now she hung over this last, love-
liesi, and only one, with love which
passelh the power # words to describe.
She watched it nigh and day with the
deepest devotion, she guard d it from all
hurlIul influences with the most unwta arr
ed care. Iler,mile ui love was the first
sunlight that broke over II AT morning, and
her words Of cnGearmemi the last music
HAT float d aruunt it at eve. Even in
the still watches of the midnight hour,
when others were sleeping around, she
would bend over her budding treasure,
and bedew it with the tea Of irrepressi-
bic joy. Often oultl she raise her stream
ing eyes To the blue sky and beaming
Stars above, where she had been taught
To believe the Lori of the garden held his
abode, and breathe lervent petition tina
he would Ill mercy spare the treasure lie
had so graciousl bestowed
For Il season t! c gentle W on,an's prav-
er was granted, and all her devoted care
rewarded. She saw her tender ilowret
growing in beauty, Gay by day. and Civ
ing promise Of perfection. Then her
bower V as illumned by the presence OF "A
radiant being, called The spirit of Hope.
whose smile was like the sunlight of hca-
ven, and W hose voice had tie ravlshing
sweetness Of a"gel minstrelsy. Ever
this begullng Split pointed to the open.
| ing heauti ollhe cherished flower, and
whispered such sweet tales OF It's future
loneliness. that she who claimed it Tor
her own, felt her heart tApand to more
llian mortal ha riness. But, alas! til
happiness might not continue. The Lord
of the garden was displcased with the
| deep ldolalry, the almost frantic worship
bestowed upon The perishing flower OF
earth and he resolved to take il home to
hinls' II. lie sent to the bower pale vi
sianl, call, d Sickness, who touched the
delicate blossom with ii bllghllng hand
Then there was sudden and sorrowful
change lis freshness and bloom faded
away its fragile leaves dro ped, and it,
slender stem bent under the power CT dis
ease. She who nururcd the plant, mark
ed the change with all aching heart and
redou led her vigilance and her care She
hung over the fading flower with looks Of
The deepest love-she raised its droop-
head, and Maered its parchci lips with
her tears. She sent the mo eloquent
petitions, the mos, impassioned peadings
to The Lord of the garden, eEtreaing him
TO spare her cherished treasure She did
all that mortal power could do, to save it.
but ii was of no avail. There came a
solemn and shadowy being, called the
"Reapel," and with scy'he which he
carried in his skeleton hand, he cut down
he tend plant, and bore it trilm lan,-
ly away! And when the poor desola,e
mourner Jaw that the flower OF her love
had indeed 7erishrd, and assed away Ior
ever, she resigned her soul to The burden
OF H. utleIahe Voc. She wept nc' ssanl-
| ~ for her lost treasure; she neglected all
her duties in The gaiden Of life; she would
III" he comlorled, but refused TO listen To
The voice of consolation, and she mourn
ed wl;h bitterness that was endangerirg
her existence.
When the Lord of the garden saw that
the wonian's reason was sinking beneath
the stroke of aflliclion, he sent to her
bower, ministering angel who had pow
erto comfort. This was being of pune
and perfect loveliness, clad in snowy and
spotless raiIhent, and wearing III every
feature looks of holy love and kindness
This beautiful being was ca led the 81 iri,
OF Religion, and with g,nlle wolds and
winning accent, she soolhed the ,rou led
hea' "i the mourner. She directed her
attention to the lar-off sky, where count
less stars appeared in their never-fo ding
splendor, and pointing TO one pure and
placid, which shone with peculiar brill,
ancy, she said:
i 3I.nok mnnrner. thy tender nnwer is