The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-08-28
From the Philadelphia Gazette.
A LEAF FROM THE VOLUME OF LIFE.


few days since, on way up Chestnut street.
during one of those very stormy days which have of
late been so prevalent our attention strongly
tracted TO group on the side walk whose violent
gestures were also the admiration OF sundry little
boys, and oil such passers were braving ram
which poured in torrents. A man in ragged habili-
nents, having his hat souched over his ace, was
doggedy replying TO the approximations of an
aged dame, of very decayed exterior, whose
| bowed form shabby dress, and haggared wrin-
kled counteDance denoted who had long buf
leled WIN strong passions and many vcissudes.--
Inc mans counlenance bore marks Of high
| intellectual qualities The contour of the face
Classical, dark deep-set eyes, of much intensity
OF expression, overhung by thick black eyebrt VS.
mouth more voluptuous than energetic, and thick
dark hair-lndicated to our observation manysded
character, prone to much of good and evil and likely
TO continue IN either, as the bent was first formed
Three interesting looking children, two girls and a
boy completed the group. They bore such resem-
biancc to the man that the bystanders once pro-
nounced them his children. The two girls seemed
sensible OF the shame of this public exposure of the
quarres of their protectors and shrunk as much as
p ssible from observation The boy, being younger,
prayed about the pavement apparently Indifferent
10 inc result OF the alteration, being doubt well
accustomed to similar scenes. No umbrella pro-
teced these wanderers, and their thin garments were
saturated with rain. The aged was by no means
sparing in her yituperaton. She poured on, voley
OF words, to which the man, who, judged from his
manner, was inebriated, made little answer except
lew incohcrent mutterings She at last seized him
by the arm, and dragged him along the street fol-
lowed by the children he making but little resistance
Header, this sight affected US almost to tears. We
knew The persons OF the parties The was once
and is still noted as poet of mean abilities the
others were his mother and his children. OF excel
lent natural parts, fostered and improved by care
iu education, he had in himself the power of becom
ing an eminent and respected citizen. But he want
ed that strong moral sense, that determined principle
without which intellectual ability is of little avail in
preserving the best part of mans nature intact in all
the vicissltudes and temptations of life. fondness
Tor pleasure for constant and lively sensation, led
this man to seek the power of gratifying his tastes by
means less studied than the hoped for end. He lest
the respect of those with whom he associated, and
then descending from step Of degradation to
Their, he has become the creature he is nova COM
mon vagabond-a street drunkard
how potent warning to beware of the misuse of
ability! Genius or great talents dangerous pos
SEES ions, unless tempered with prudence and guided
by judgment. The Latin proyerb says truly
" Great wit to madness sure is near allied,
And thin partitions do their bounds dvide.''
man with his eyes open meets with many such
instructive lessons In his daily walks. From this book
of life he who reads with willing spirit and an
anxious desire to be taught will gather unfailing
dom. An incident, such this we have noted, is
pregnant with he-guding suggestions. How il
teaches caution, lest fall into error great
abilities will not always save the possessor! How it
enforces contentment in those who have but the
mon allotment of intellectual power, since ex,raord-
nary endowmens bring with them extraordinary
temptations
How it enjoins the proper and enjoyment of
what good lies within reach with cheerful and
contented spirit, without desiring this mans scope
or that mans power" for we know not what hid
den sorrows what seeds of horror may lie concealed
under these brilliant qua titles that excite envy
We might follow this poor creature to the misera-
BILE shelter from the elements which he calls his
home-mght depict the fortunes of disgrace and
guilt aggravated by the cutting reproaches of his
mother, whose temper is by means improved by a
long series of hardshps and prvations; but the sub
jec is one we feel no pleasure in dwelling upon
The imagination Of the reader supply the rest
If the lesson can be of any avail its simple incidents
are enough. They need no further enforcement from
US.