The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1843-04-14
NjtsrelIaMen US.
THE BE @ EST.

How easily are the weakly viriuons mis'od from
oood vc"-s Dc eye had once been The gayes'
Of the gay; he had quadcd Misunderstanding cup Of
enjoyment so often, that the pure and SIMPLE de-
tights Of a good life had lost their relish; and
though mind not naturally vicious would have
started at the idea of again plunsing into the debhs
ofdisipalion from which he had been recalled, and
q return 10 which by him would he deepest infamy,
yet the prospect ofndu'girg in his fayore gaiey.
without breaking his proposed amendment, was too
dazzling n temptation for n character whose good
resolves were not the effect Of conviction, but of
feeling; besides, he had so long been in the habit Of
looking to the prospect Of his inheritance as means
Of new and unattainable pleasures, that even had
his virtue been Of sterner cast it would have en-
dured many trials, ere such cherished :nclinalions
could have been sacrificed TO it. With such fee
lings and such state Of mind, the conversation
and company of the most veteran and designing
rake Of his time could not but produce an adequate
effect. After the departure of Richter, young De
Veze might have heen seen thoughlfully pacing
with folded arms, along the walk where they had
been standing. In his conversation with his dy-
ing father, he had been insnccrc but there was
kindling fash in his eye, and high excitement, on
his cheek, with wreath Of triumph on his lip.
which told that his thoughts and his determinations
were far different from those wa,erod by his re-
penant tears.
The last lingering objection Of vrtuou, ;nclina-
ton answered or overcome, how very soon the
passions and the disposition become scared the
warning voice that ever rises in the breast. De
Veze removed to town; the commodious residence
Of his father suited not the elegance Of his taste
nor the ambition of his heart; the most splendid
mansion in the city accommodated his magnificent
fees, and echoed night after night with the most
brilliant revelry of the season; the useful equip
ages Of his parent gave way TO every variety of
luxurious vehicle, aud the most hgl-bred Of the
turf In every refinement Of an expensive era he
INDUCED. and in every fastidious taste he was n
model. George De Ycze was admired by all, and
talked ofby all; he saw himself at the head Of
fashions throng and he was content, nor cast a
single thought in the fullness pr his enjoyment,
towcrds the deep memories Of the past, or the
dark probabilities of the future Not so, however,
was the bosom friend, who l. was observed, was
never absent from the side or house ofthe prodsal.
Ofall the lavish expenditure Of his dupe, he found
that bnt a small portion reached himself, and he
dreaded the time when such unexumpled profcien-
ey OF an uneubarrassed heir in the arts of profu-
sion would reduce his abundant means to penury.
und leave him no better than he was The GAM
bling table hitherto had DE we've avoided; bu,
time when habits that would have shocked the
nicer morality ola later period were customary
even with the sober and respectable, could not fail
in ways by which one disposed 10 sqoander could
scatter amazing wealth. Thi. two season, of con.
'inual dissipation had already crippled the grea, re.