The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-05-06
From the Ladies' Magazine.
THE MERCHANTS DREAM.
BY L. s. ARTHUR.


Algernon was merchant. All through long
summer day he had been engaged among boxes,
bales, and packages, or porting over accounts cur
rent or lnusing over new adventures. When
night came he retired to his quiet chamber, and
refreshed his wearied mind with music and books.
Poetry and the harmony Of sweet sounds elevated
his sentiments, and caused him to think, as he
had often before thought, of the emptiness and
vanity Of mere earthly pursuits.
"In what" he said, am wasting my time
Is there any thing in the dull round Of mercan-
tile life to satisfy an immortal spirit? What true
congenality is there between the highly gifted
soul and bales Of cotton or pieces Of silk? Be-
tween the human mind and the dull insensblc
objects Of trade? Nothing! Nothing! How
sadly do we waste our lives in the mere pursuit
Of gold! And after the glittering earth is gained
are we any happier! think not. The lover
Of truth-the wise, contemplative hermit in his
CELLS moro man than Aigernon -
Thus unused the merchant and thus he gave
utterance to his thoughts, signing as he closed
each sentence. The book that he loved was put
aside, the instrument from which his skilful hand
drew eloquent music lay hushed upon table
lie was unhappy. He had remained thus for
solne time, when the door of his room opened,
aud beautiful being entered and stood before
him. Her countenance was calm and elevated,
yet full of sweet benevolence For moment
she looked at the unhappy merchant, then eX-
tending her hand, she said
"Algernon, have heard your complaints
Come with me, and look around with broader
intelligence
AS she spoke, she laid her finger upon the eyes
of the young man. Arising he found himself in
the open air, walking by the side of his strange
conductor, along path that led to small cottage.
Into this they entered 1t was very humble
ok ht,fn md ptonf dune llor
in the breasts of its simple minded occupants--an
aged female and little girl. Both were engaged
with reels of a curious and somewhat complicated
construction; and both sung cheery at their work.
A basin of cocoons on the floor, by each of the
reels, told Ageron the true nature of their employ
ment. A small basket Of fine and smoothly reeed
spools were upon table. While the merchant
still looked on man entered and after bargaining
for the ree!ed silk, paid down the price, and carried
it away. A few minutes after, the owner of the
cottage came. He asked for his rent and it was
given to him. Then he retired. Shortly after
dealer in provisions stopped at the humble dwell
ing, and literally supplied the wants Of it's occu-
pants. He receWed his pay, and drove off, singing
galy, while the old woman and the child looked
conented and happy.
"Colne," said his conductor, and Algeron left
the cottage. The scene had changed. He was no
longer in the open country, but surrounded by
s,aall houses. 1t was village. Along the streets
Of this, they walked for some time, until they came
to store, which they entered Standing beside
the counter, was the same man who had bought
the coitager's silk. He had many parcels, which
he had collected from many cottages; and now
he was passing them over to the store keeper,
who was as ready to buy as he was to SELL
"Anothar link in The great chain,' remarked
the mysterious companion, Significantly. See
how they depend one upon the other. Can the
hermit in his cell, idly musng about truths that
will not abide-(or truth is active; is in fact, the
power by which good is done to our fellows, and
will not remain with any one who does not use it)
thus serve his fellows Is his life more excel
lent, more honorable, more in accordance with the
high endowments of the soul than the life of him
who engages in those employments by which all
are benefitted!"
Algeron felt that new light was breaking in
upon him. But, as yet, he saw dimly.
Look up" continued his companion, "and see
yet another link"
The merchant raised his eyes. The scene had
again changed. The village had become large
town, with ranges of tall buildings, in which busy
hands threw the shuttle, weaving into beautiful
fabrics of various patterns, the humble flbres gam
cred from hundreds of cottages, farm-houses lana
cocooneries, in all the region roundabout Through
these he wandered with his guide Here was