The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-11-19
For the Spirit ofMe Age.
CONFESSIONS OF A BACHELOR.

IT is not as we advance in age that our hearts
grow colder and we love less sincerely, but that
our prudence controls the expression Of our attach
ments. The red current of life still courses with
as strong a pulsation of kindness as ever But
certainly, at the years of which write, and they
have long passed, was as susceptible to the blan-
dishments Of women, and my affections were as
warm and ardent US the most beautiful and devoted
could desire.
believe that from the very first had enter
tanned a lurking fondness for fair cousin of mine,
the pretty Miss II. NJ c., and the interest she was
creating in my bosom was fast expanding into the
full blown flower of love. All the graces of girl
hood clustered upon her. She had gaiey of
spirit and store of mirth and playful mischief tina,
could never be exhausted. Her days were n per-
petual song of gladness, and from each incident
did she extract sunbeam of light and cheer She
had a soul too, swelling with untold powers of love.
And think her heart beat quicker when her keen
eye perceived the influence she was gaining over
une and with grateful return; for from very graft
4ude would she have loved whoever had loved her.
He that hath painted his ladye love- has ever
made fool Of himself and been believed by no
.one, so ! forbear. But with an instictlve convc-
sion Of the truths of Phrenology, have ever been
an ia,empera,e admver of high loreheads. And
there, only, could have wished what she had not,
a towering development I" like the front of Jove."
Hers was not indeed Shakspeares scorn, most
villanousy low" and not long could you scruti-
nize it when that bright eye was on yours. Your
disparagement would have been disarmed as sud-
denly and eiiecutually as was ever electrical bat
tery by discharging rod.
To my great dsquet discovered at length that,
the fair Miss II. NJ. C. would submit TO none Of
that kind of effort we call study Life had too
many pleasures untased TO be renquished for
irksorne tasks. There were for her the mazes Of
tho dance, thro' which she glided with such grace
and beauty. the ceremonies of the drawing-room,
where she charmed all by her easy and winning
courtesy, and the thousand yanities that ensross
the gay.
But, for myself, scarcely did take pleasure in
these. had come TO cherish the pride of learn
ing. Ambition had been innamed, and asplred
to honors and high places. Bred among books and
scholars, violation of the proprieles of literature
always vexed and angered me- Even comma
misplaced, or word msspeed, had become a
sore annoyance. could pardon in my friends a
crime, as soon. And much had | been panied al
ready by the constantly recurring blunders of the
unschooled Miss II. NJ. c., when she sent me one
day, that symbol of lovers, keepsake. 1t was a
choice little present, selected with the most deli
cate poprety and taste, and transmitted with the
briet line:-" Except this from your friend, II. NJ
c." Horror of horrors! E-c-c-e-p-t e-c-c-e-p.t
repeated |, till the perspration stood on my fore
head.
Was the future Member of Congress, Senator
Governor, the associate of learned and emnen
men, to live his lite in fearful apprehension of thu
unlearned essays Of his wife, My pride wa
shocked, my ambition revolted. foreswore m,
lady love, and am nova bachelor.
But the wchery of her influence can neve
forget, softened, chastcned as it is by the lapse