The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1842-10-05
For the Camden Journal.
EFFECTS OF MUSIC.
RAMSAY.

of MANY influences which prompt human
actions both laudatory and deprecatory, none can
possibly WELD so irresistible power as the
charm of music. 1t operates upon the senses
with such heavcn.y-like, persuasive, snbdulng
force, that resistance is futile, and the most oo-
durate have at last to yield. ltsoothes ai!l:;Gn,
prompts chvalrous acts; and modlhes tile iier-
cest conflicts of passion; moves tender sen!-
ments to yield to loves solicitation, and calms
malignant envy into charity; breathes balmy
zephyrs fraught with loves soft spells; its lncan-
tatlons call forth courage to its noblest ends
while savage breasts that know no other king,
in subiugaton kneel to its tender guidance; and
savage beasts that roam in painless glens, to its
enchantment bend their willing steps, uncon-
scious of the power which they obey, but feel
some supernatural prompting they dare not to
disdain Among the other effects of muslc Is
its connective power-which blends feciings with
incidents, and couples pleasant or dsagrccable
recollections with its offspring, as we often con-
meet particular air with some circumstances
in so ndelble manner, that the one is never
recalled unaccompanied by the other. The low
ers' pulse beat quick response to familiar favo-
rite air, and soldiers fire with new ambition when
the remembered battle-note is sounded. 1t 60
yerns the intellect, and commands the physical
powers as under its influence, amorous tales
are wc.en, and in unison with its cadence the
blithesome dance responds: Thus all pay hom-
are to its shrine. Devotion calls in its aid TO
glory and honor holy things, and pleasure courts
It as an indispensable auxiliary. TO this pre-
face we have 10 add an experienced proof of this
induction. A year or SO ago we received and
accepted an invitation to while away week
from the turmoil and unceasng hustle of the
city, at Oyster Bay, Long Island. An invitation
we accepted with two-fold view, the one high
anticipation OF delightful recreation, coupled
with the society of some three or four valued
friends, in whose society pleasure and delight
unite their entertainments TO wing times flight in
in needless measure, and to view spot made
doubly historical by The nmtabe Irving, in his
history Of New Amsterdam. Here we passed
some days in even unanticipated enjoyment with
our friend from whom we received the invita-
tion. and near connection of his, who had late
w become an envabe disciple of Hymen, in
whose devotions with such priestess as his
spouse, Cupid himself might be induced tc
throw off his bachelors habits, cast away his ar
rows, and henceforth be content to WELD alone
the torch.
1t was our wontcd custom after paying ou
deyors to their bountifully supplied tables, t(
seat ourselves on the plaza and relax from al
further exertion for an hour or two, smoking
: fragrant Havannah, watching the contendine
craft cleaving the waves with rivaling force, th'
strained canvass swelling to the winds, and thei
tutelar spirits bending forward with anxious
emulation, striving seemingly to inspire their lit
tie vessel with speed equal to their ambition
One afternoon, while thus seated, contempla
ting the beautiful bay which spreads itself ou
in such unequalled beauty, its graceful curve