Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1843-12-05
The Married Life.

The Married Life.
There is a kind OF bachelor sncerng at the
married man, extant, which has IN many in
stances affected weak minds. and too often
caused arrangement from domestic enjoy
mcnts. Some men have a singular pride OF
isolated indcpcndcucc-a scli,hncss that
scorns TO share with any one the cares, the
doubts, the fears, or the pleasures OF the
hcart-who almost invariably meet with
laughing contempt, any aliuslon to what
they seem TO consider the very cquvoCdJoys
of a married life. With many, tins Is TO-
thing bu. ancCtatioa--akindo .carclcSs expires
sion of an opinion not well settled IN the
mind; but such an expression :as rs lnilu-
cncc, and Is calculated to affect the actions
and feelings of too many whose conduct l.
governed. not BY their own innate sense OF
right and wrong. but by the limitations OF
certain persons whose sncers they are not
willing 10 brave.
An illustrative instance of what mean,
and proud one for tirc-sidc quotation, Is to
be found in the case of Flaxmanth the Sculptor
flaxman, who from boy was devoted to
the study of the fine arts, and especially to
sculpture, and WHO in later years acquired
lasting and enviablc reputation for his success
in chastc and severe antique compositions
was, like most men OF genius, In INDECENT
circumstances; though by frugahty and IN
dustry he placed himself above actual want.
| He had long been attached TO one Ann Da-
mcr, who loved him with that pure aud con-
fding affection which looks patiently for
ward to the accomplishment OF the heart
fondcst wishes. rs soon a Flaxman, by con-
4 slant labor in modelling designs foraporOclaln
manufacturer, had acquired suhciency OF
means to warrant the act, he was married.
In every respect Ann Damcr was a suita-
bic companion for the young artist. She
was an enthusiastic admircr OF his genius
wa. amiablc and accomplished-had a taste
for litcratGrc-was familiar with the French
and Italian. and had some considerable
knowledge of Greek. FlaXman believed
that in marrying her, and enjoying that que-
tudc of mind which springs from peaceful do
nestle associations, and permanent companion
ship of an object of warm and tender alice
ton. he should be enabled TO prosecute with
far greater chance OF success his endcavors
| to ccomc eminent In the art he was Oil
gently engaged in studying. And he was
nc mistaken. She soothcd and chccred INN
in his moments of despondency-encouragcd
him in cases of disappointment, and was IN
every respect an angel of comfort.
Some DAYS after his marriage, he met with
Sir Joshua Reynolds, president of the acad'
cmy, a wealthy. pcevish old bachelor, VINO
had no faith in genius, ana DcilcNcu 'n''
patient industry atone wouldmake almost any
man finished and successful artist.
80 Flaxman." said he. Il am told You
arc marricd; if 30. -r, | tell YOU YOU are ru-
incd for an artist.
This snccr did not play upon a mind like
flaxman's n a breeze. scarce felt; 1t was =
startling shock-but hc had too much good
sense TO let it affect his domestic peace for
a moment. H. went Immediately home. sat
down beside his wife. and taking her hand
kindly in his. said, with pleasant smile,
inn. am ruined for an artist.
John said she, how has til, happened,
and who ha, done il!
1T happcncd, said he, in the church,
and Ann Damcr has done it; | met Sir Josh
IN Just now. and he >ny~ that m1rrlase has
ruined me in my prol~sion-that | cannot
study now.
Though neither Flaxnaa nor his wife for,
rot til, imputation. they did not suffer It to AZ
feet their happ.nc,, in Die least. and they d.
tcrmincd to lal,i.y H. They were both OF a
proud. independent Misunderstanding win
nom their domestic secrets. and living con
stand, in quiet and sccilsion.
Ann" said the sculptor one day.. have
long Tia ought that | could rise to distinction IN
art without studying in Italy. but these words
of REYNOLDS have determined me. snail
90 to Rome n soon as my affair, are TIT to DC
left: and TO show him that wcdlock i Tor a
mans good rather than for his harm. You
shall accompany me. If | remain here
shall be accused of Ignorance concerning
those noble works of art which are TO the
& sight of a sculptor what learning i to man
of genius, and YOU will lie under the charge
of OBTAINING me.
In this resolution his wife fully concurrcd
and Immediately set about reducing to the
the lowest grade of economy every nccessl-
nv expenditure. In five years. by patient IN
dustry. he had acquired sufficient 30 bear his
, expenses TO Italy. In silence and secret they
. made their arrangements. and when these
were completed. removed 10 Rome. where the
artist studied with renewed energy. and llna-
, " returned to England with an improved
, taste and a chastencd Imagination. " beth
CT he was ruined as an artist or not. hi- noble
works and the popular acknowledgment
+ must decide.
lie never had cause TO repent OF the ac
I which made Ann Damer the comPlnion o
; his secusion. For many years they had
lived in the enjoyment OF mutual Nndnes;
and affection. comfortable in their clrcumstan
ces. and contented in their feelings. But thC
, hour of separation came at laSt--the shaft
h. death sunk deep into the heart OF bis best be
| loved. and she passed away from existence
, After this affecting event, Flaxman was f;
. changed man. lie grew melancholy il
2 mind. and seemed pining for the companion
LIZ loreror u.nrl. ed nj NJ