The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-03-31
FOR THE MADIsoNihk

JESSIE, THE FLOWER OF DUMBLANE."
j. b. JOKES, Esq.--A few evenings since, over
heard young ladies extolling the beauty of the
lines composed and the music fitted, in honor Of the
Flower of Dumblane." ! observed, at the same
time that there was touching history connected
with that poetic GEM and, by your permission sir,
will in very few words, give it, as some OF your
readers, perhaps, have not heard it.
Jessie, in the language Of the Scotch, was bon
ny assie revealing IN natures freedom and about
sixteen years of age when Tannyhill the poet, first
became acquainted with her Her father was one
of the honest poor Of " old Scotia" and obtained
livelihood by the noble pursuit Of husbandry. The
GLOVER is represented as having been very lovely
al this time, in feature, in form, and in disposition
but her intellect had been much neglected. Indeed
it would be more correct should we define Jessie as
wild flower grown up free from influences that
were ever embarrassing. She stood protected by a
generous soil, and waved in the breezes of virtu-
Gus cline, eliciting more than ordinary attention
from the casual passer by. Reader, have you ever
read Tannyhilli He possessed the true genius of
poetry, and has left many illusions record as ex-
qusitey beautiful that which constitutes Abe cap
ton of this article. Beirg possessed, them of such
a high order Of imagination, much refinement of
taste, so much soul, and being young bachelor, it
cannot be thought strange that in becoming acquant-
ed with the Glover" he should almost simultaneous
with the introduction, admire and love with an ar
dent passion. Tannyhll's was an honest, noble pas
son and in his eff IT'S to reciprocity, he did
not cease dlgent attempt to cultivate the mind of
the object of his love- In this he was successful in
to gain the tender affections of Jessie, Tannyh was
doomed to disappointment.
Long and faithfully did the poet "woo his lady
love-" He wrote her poetry he sung her charms ;
he administered to her trfng wants visited her at
home, and gaanted her when abroad. But the heart
that beat and the eye that sparkled he could not
captvate, and finally poor Tannyhill gave up the
suit wondering that flower very lovely should
be wanting in sensbility and passion. And writing
the lines speak Of he left the endeared spot the
theatre of lruitless conflict of heart The poet,
however, did the Flower injustice when deciding
it wanting in the tender tnts and shades. The Flow
Of Dumblane not the unimaginative thing he
pronounced it neither it wanting in feeling in
grace in passion as the sequel will show
Tannyhill did not understand the philosophy of
love, or he would not have passed so judg-
ment In his person, the poet uDgraceful, if not
ungenteel. He was, too, the older person by some
ten years and then he practiced the suicidal policy
of prosecuting his purpose too arden,ly With all
these disadvantages it is not strange that did
not attend his suit
But the time soon came when the Z" Flower"
TO wake up and live in atmosphere was to
T..I ~, n g.,
troed love. The poetic eDcomiums bestowed upon
the object Of Tannyhills affections, brought many
young gaants from neigboring parts to see her. and
satisfy their curiosity make their love. Among
these a wild spark from the Midlothens lie
was heir to riches, but not virtues He was Of
graceful person, and well skilled in hattery and de-
ception. lie easily captvated the affections Of the
aress Jessie and he pressed the Flower TO his bosom
his own treasure lie persuaded her TO flee her
fathers house and accompany him 10 Edinburgh on
Pretence of there marrying and supper ing her in
style. The first promise he intended to per-
form, but he made her mistress Of a splendid man
sion, and for some two years she lived alone, upon
that first young love, which was being met less ar
IDENTITY each day, until the guilty betrayer Of her
con6dng trust left her, and then tie Flower" lost
its remaining freshness; its leaves wtbered; its
stem bent at the force Of the bghtng rayaging tenn
pest
Speaking without figure, Jessie at the desertion
Of her lover, woke up TO clear consciousness Of her
vretched condtiun. Her sensitive mind and her
agonzed heart proved an oyermatch to her rtuous
resolutions Of atoning for her faults by well-spent
life and gathering ew jewels and memcntos to-
gether, she left the rich dwelling yet provided her
and bent her steps towards her native place and
when she came TO the placid stream which washes
the banks Of her forfeited home, she walked
down TO its edge, and lifting her eyes TO Heaven
breathed prayer for her aged, sorrowing father.
another for her guilty but forgiven betrayer and.
after kissing ring upon a singer, made the fatal
plunge-and now the 4" Flower" was lost to human
view. The proud waters closed upon the loved one
and then flowed on lis course as if no unwonted
sacrifice had been offered. Frrz