Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1842-11-18
From the Democratic Review.
EFEE ,g.N'D LOVE:
A LEGENn.

A very cherries and fallacious doctrine
is that which teaches us 10 deny the viel-
ding to natural feelings righteosly drecte.
because the consequences may be troubled
and grief, as we'll as give satisfaction and
Measure. The man who lives on from
year to year. Jealous of ever placing HIM
self in a situation where The chances can
possibly tuyn against him-ice. as II were.
Surrounding his heart, and his mind too
scrupulously weighing in balance the
results of giving away to any OF those pro-
pcnsilies his Creator has planted in his
hear,-may be philosopher, but can
never be a happy man.
Upon the banks Of 4 pleasant river
stood cottage, HE residence OF an aged
man whose limbs were feeble with the
weight of years and Of former sorrow-
In his appetites, easily graiiied. like the
simple race of people among whom he
lived. every wan, Of existence was sup
piled by few fertile acres. Those a.
cres were ulled and tended by two broth
ers, grandsons of the old man. and dwell,
lers also in the cottage. The parents of
Inc boys lay DNiitu iCtt y.
Nathan. the elder, had hardly seen his
twentieth summer. lie was beautiful
youth Glossy hair clustered upon his
head. and his cheeks were very brown
from sunshine aud open air. Though the
ewes of Nathan were soft and liquid, like
Il girls, and his cheeks curled with a vo
lup,uous swell, exercise and labor had de-
yeIoped lis limbs into noble and manly
proportions. The bands of hunters as
thew met some times 10 start off together
for the game upon the neigboring hills,
could hardly show one among their mum
Der who in comeliness strength or activity,
might compete with the youthful Nathan.
Mark was but year Younger than his
brother. lie. too. had gre i beauty.
In the course of time The ancient sick
ened, and knew that he was to die. Be.
fore the approach of that fatal hour he
called before him The two youths, and adj
dressed them thus:
1.-The world. my children, is full of de-
ceit. Evil men swarm in every place !;
and sorrow and disappointment are the
fruits of intercourse with men. So wis
dom is wary.
"And as the things life arc only shad-
ows, passing like the darkness OLA cloud,
Irvine no bands of love abou, your hearts.
For love is the ticklest thing Of life. / he
object of our affection dies. and we thence.
forth anguish i'll agony ; or perhaps the
love we cove. dies, and tina. is more pain
full yet.
at is well never to eonfde in any man.
II i, well TO keep alooff from the folies and
impurities of earth Let lhere be no links
between you and others. Let no, any be-
ing control you through your dependence
upon him for a portion of your happiness.
This, my sons. | have learned by bitter
experience, is the teaching of truth !"
Within a few days afterwards. the old
man was placed away in the marble tomb
of his kindred, which was built on :, mill
by the shore.
Now The injunction given to Nathan
and his brother -inlnncions frequently
impressed upon them before by the same
monilorial voice--were pondered over by
each youth in his Utmost heart. They
had always habi,ually respected their
grandsire; whatever came from his lips
therefore, seemed as the words of am ora
Gle. not to be gainsayed.
Soon the path of Nathan CHANGED 10 be
undered from that Mark