Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-05-09
A MORAL SKETCH.
I ii L NJ L &c HANT'S DREAM,
BY L. s. ARTHUR.

Algeron was n merchant. All through n
long summer day he had been engaged AMONG
boxes, bales, and packages, or porting over ac-
counts current, or musing over new adven-
lures. When Might came, he retired to his
quiet chamber, and refreshed his wearied mind
with music and books. Poetry and the har-
mony OF sweet sounds, elevated his senti-
menis. and caused him to think, as he had Of
ten before thought, of the emptiness and vani-
ty of mere earthly pursuits.
sin what" he said, sam wasting my time !:
Is there any thing in the dull round of mer-
canule life, TO satisfy an immortal spirit ?
hat true congeniality is there between the
highly gifted SOUL and bales of cotton or
pieces of silk Between the human mind
and the dull insensible objects of trade ?
Nothing! Nothing! How sadly do we waste
our lives IN the mere pursuit Of gold! And
alter the glI;icrmg earth is gained. are we any
happier? ! think not. The lover of truth
The wise, contemplaiive hermit in his cell, is
more a man than Algeron! ~
Thus unused the merchant, and he gave ut
terance TO his houghts-sighing as he closed
each sentence. The book that he loved was
put asiGe-the instrument from which his
sklliul hand drew eloqueu; music Law hushed
upon table. lie was unhappy.-He had re-
manned thus for some time. when the door OF
ms room opened and beautiful being enter
ed and stood before him. Her countenance
was calm and elevated yet fall of sweet benev-
oience. For momen; she locked at the I'M
happy merchant, then, extending her hand
said:
"Aigeron, ] have heard your complaints
Come with me, and look around, with a broad
err 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 thew entered
1t was very humble abode but peace and
contentment were dwellers III the breasts o.
It's supplemented occupanls-an aged female
and lIttle glrl-Both were engaged with reels
oi curious and complicated construction
and both sung cheerily al their work A ba,
sin OF cocoons on The floor, by each of the
reels, told Algeron the true nature of their en-
ployment. small basket Of fine and smooth
ly reeled spools were upon table While
the merchant still looked on, a man entered
and alter bargaining for the reeed silk. paid
down the price and carried it away A few
minutes after the owner of the cottage came
tie ask for his rent and it was given TO him.
Then he retired. Shortly aftera dealer in pro-
Visions stopped at the humble dwelling and
Literally supplied the wants Of its occupants
lie received his pay and drove of, singing
gaily, while the old woman and the child
looked contented and happy.
"Come," said his conductor, and Ageron
lett the cottage. The scene had changed.
lie was no longer in the open country, but
surrounded by small houses. 1t was village.
AIongthe 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 cottager's
SILK. He had many parcels, which he had
corrected 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
another link in the great chain," remark
ee 'ne mysterious companions, significantly"
Gee now they depend the one upon the 9TH
e. Gan the hermit in his cell, idly musng