Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-12-09
BY w M. +. RYT ii + II.
THE HASTY WORD.

son, fine manly boy Of eight years OF age,
who had never had days Illness until
that which took him hence to be here no
more. His death occurred under circum-
stances particularly painful to me- A young
er brother, the next in age to him, delicate
sickly child from baby, had been down for
nearly fortnight, with an epidemic fever.
In consequence of the nature Of the disease,
used every precaution that prudence sug-
gested, to guard the other members of the
family against it. But of this one, my cid
est, had but little fear, he was so rugged
and so generally healthy. Still, however, l
kept vigilant eye upon him, and especially
forbade his going into pools and docks near
his school, which he was prone to visit.
One evening came home wearied with
long days hard labor, and vexed at some lit
tie disappointments, and found that he had
also Just come into the house, and that he
was wet, and covered with dock mud.
taxed him with disobediencc, and scolded him
severely-more so than had ever done be-
fore and then harshy ordered him to bed
He opened his lips, for an exculpatory reply,
as l supposed, but / sternly checked him;
when with a mute, sorrowful countenance,
and swelling breast, he turned away and
went slowly to his chamber. My heart smote
me even at the moment, though felt con-
scious Of doing but fathers duty. But
how much keener did feel the pang when
/ was informed in the course Of the evening
by neighbor that my boy had gone to the
dock at the earnest solicitation of younger
and favorite playmate, and by the especial
permission Of his school-master, in order to
recover a cap belonging to the former which
had blown over the wharf Thus learned
that what had treated with unwonted sever
ity as a fault, was but the impulse Of gen.
erous nature, which, forgetful of SELF had
hazarded perhaps life for another. 1t was
but the quick prompting OF that manly spirit
which had always endeavoted to graft upon
his susceptible mind, and which, young as
he was, had already manifested itself on more
than one occasion.
How bitterly now did regret my harsh
ness, and resolve to make amends to his
grieved spirit in the morning! Alas! that
morning never came TO him in health. Be-
fore retiring for the night, however, crept
10 his low cot, and bent over him. A tear
had stolen down upon his cheek, and rested
there kissed it off, but he slept so sweet
ly and so calmly that did not venture to
disturb him. The next day he awoke with
raging fever on his brain, and in forty-eight
hours was no more! He did not know me
when was first called to his bedside, nor at
any moment afterwards, though in his silent
agony bent over him until death and dark
ness closed the scene. l would have given
worlds to have whispered one kind word in
his ear, and have been answered, but it was
not permitted. Once indeed smile, l tho't
Of recognition, lighted up his eye, and
leaned eagerly forward. But il passed quick
Nv away, and was succeeded BY the cold, un
meaning glare, and the wild tossing of the
fevered limbs, that lasted till death came tc
his relief
Everything now see that belonged to him
reminds me of the lost one. Yesterday
found some rude pencil sketches, which il
was his delight to make for the amusement
of his younger brother; to-day in rumagne
an old chest | came across his boots, still
covered with dock mud as when he last wore
them; and every morning and evening pass
the ground where once his voice rang the
merriest among his paymates. All these
things speak to me of his active life; but
cannot though often try, recall any othe
expression of his face, than that mute, sor
rowful one with which he turned from me OF
the night so harshly repulsed him. TheI
my heart bled afresh
Oh, how careful should we all be that il
our daily conduct towards those little being
sent us by a kind Providence, we are no
laying up for ourselves the sources of man,
future bitter tear How cautious, tina
neither by inconsiderate word or look w
tlniustlv Urieye their penerOus feplinOl An,
how guardedy ought we to weigh every &C
ton against its motive, lest in moment o
excitement we be led to mete out to the We
NAL errors of the heart, the punishment du
only to wilful crimes. Alas perhaps fe,
parents suspect how often the sudden blow
the fierce rebuke, is answered in their chill
dren by the tears, not of passion, not of phys
ical or mental pain, but of a loving bu
grieved or outward nature.-KnickerbOck
The Sunny ISide.-How much more pleas
ant is it to the pure heart to do good-t
kindle the more gentle and noble feelings @
our nature, than, by misrepresentation, hint
or dark inuendos, to break in upon long es
tabshed friendship, and disturb the goo
feelings of years Of intimacy In all on
associations, commend us to him who eve
presents the sunny side of life's picture to on
gaze; he who has always pheasant wor
to speak," and is ever disposed to throw tn
mantle of oblivion over the foibles of erin
man. Such man we could wear in on
"hearts core-ay, in our heart of hearts.
But from the mischief-maker, whose bosor
is filled wtha canker-worm which knows n
pleasure except in that which torments oil