The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-08-25
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 prevalent our attention was strongly at
tracted 10 group on the side walk, whose violent
gestures also the admiration OF sundry little
boys, and of such passers as were Drawing a rain
which poured IN torrents A man IN ragged hatlll-
mens, having his hat slouehed over hs ace, was
doggedy replying TO the exposluiatons Of an
aged dame, of very decayed exterior, whose
bowed form, shabby dress, and hsggared wru-
Killed. couDteDance denoted one who had long buff
feted with strong passions aud many 'lcssitudes-
The mans counlenance bore marks OF high
intellectual qualities. The contour Of the face
classical, dark deep-set eyes, Of much intensity
of expression, overhuDg by tnick black eyebr' vs.
mouth more yoluptuous than energetic, and thick
dark bar--iDdicated 10 our observation manysded
character, prone TO much Of good and evil and likely
10 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-
blance to the man that the bystanders al once pro-
nounced them his children The two girls seemed
sensible Of the shame Of this public exposure Of the
quarrels of their protectors and shrunk much os
p jssble from observation. The boy, being younger,
played about the pavement apparently indifferent as
10 the result OF the alteration, being doubt well
accustomed 10 similar scenes. No umbrella pro.
ected these wanderers, and their thin garments were
saturated with rain. The aged crone was by
sparing in her yituperaon. She poured out yolley
of words, to which the man, who, Judged from his
manner, was inebrated, made little answer except
few ncoherent muterngs. She at last seized him
by the arm, and dragged him along the street fol-
lowed by the children he making but little resistance
Reader this sight affected US almost TO tears. We
knew the persons OF the parties. The man was once
and IS still noted as poet OF no mean abilities the
Others his mother and his children. OF excel
lent natural parts fotered and improved by care
full education, he had in himself the power Of becom-
ing an eminent and respected citizen. But he want
ed that strong moral that determined principle
without which intellectual ability is of little avail IN
preserving the best part of mans nature intact in all
The scisstudes and temptations Of life, A fondnes,
Tor pleasure, Tor constant and lively sensation, led
this man to seek the power Of gratifying his by
means less studied than the hoped for end He lcst
the respect Of those with whom he associated, aud
then descending ON one step of degradation 10
ther, 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 po,
ses ions, unless tempered with prudence aud guido,
by Judgment. The Latin proverb says truly,
Great wit to madness is allied,
And thin partitions do their bounds divide"
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 pnaing
DOM An incident, such as this we have noted, is
pregnant with lIfe-guidins suggestions How II
teaches Caution lest fall into error since great
abilities will not always save the possessor! How it
enforces conentmeht In those who have but the com
nary endowments bring with them extraordinary
temptations
How il enjoins the proper and enjoyment Of
what good lies within our reach with a 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 qualities that excite our envy.
We might follow this poor creature TO the miscra-
BILE shelter from the elements which he calls his
home-might depict the tortures of disgrace and
guilt, aggravated by the cutting reproaches of ms
mother, whose temper is by no means improved by
long series of hardsbips and privatons but the sub
Ject !. one we feel no pleasure in dwelling upon.
The mag nation of the reader can supply the rest
If the lesson can be of any avail its simple incidents
are enough They need no further enforcement from