The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-17
BY JAMES Il. MORRIS.
T II E w F f
BY WASHINGTON IRVING.

lne UeaSures OF tue ueep are not so preetOu5N y
As are the concealed comforts Of man ,s
Locke up in woman's love. scent The air
OF blessings, when come but near The house.
What delicious breath marriage sends forth
The vioets not sweeter. ter."--MiDDLEToN.
lhave often had occasion to remark the fortitude
with which women sustain the most oveIwhelm-
ing reverses Of fortune. Tlio:e disasters which
break down the spirit of man. and PROSTATE him
i the DUST seem to call forth ait the energies of the
softer sex, and give such iatrepidity and elevation
TO their character, that at times 1t approaches to
sublimiiy. Nothing canbe more touching, than to
behold soft and tender female, whe hal bten all
weakness and depe dence, anj awe 10 every triv-
i'll roIghess, while treading the prosperous paths
oflife, suddenly rising in mental force to be the
fortunes, and abiding. with unshrinking frmness,
the biterest blasts Of adversely.
As the vine, which has long twined its graceful
foliage about the oak, aud been lifted by it into
shine, will, when the hardy giant is rifted by the
thunderbolt, cling round il with its caressing ten
drills, and bind its shattered boughs so is !, beau
tfuy ordered by Providence, that woman, who is
the mere dependent aud ornament of man ia his
happier hours. should be his stay and solace when
smitten with calamity: winding herself into
the rugged recesses of his nature. tendery support
ing the dropping head, and binding up the broken
heart. tF3
was once congratnlating friend, who had
around him blooming family, kuit together in the
strongest affection. Il wish you no better lot,
said he ssiih enlhusiam, than to have wife ard
children. Ifyou are prosperous, there they are to
share your prosperity; ifotherwse, they are there
to comfort you.'-And, indeed, | have observed
that amarried man falling into misfortune, is more
apt to retrieve his situation in the world than sin
gle one; partly, because he ismore stimulated to
exertion by the necessities of the helpless and be-
loved beings who depend upon him for substance;
but chiefly, because his spirits are soothed and re-
levcd by domestic endearmens, and his self-respect
kept alive by finding, that though all abroad is dark
ness and humiliaton, yetthere is still little world
of love at home, of which he is the monarch.--
Whereas. single man is apt TO run to waste and
sc-negIect; to fancy himself lonely and abandoned,
and his heart 10 fall to ruin, like some deserted
mansion, for want OF an inhabitant.
These observations call to mind domestic story,
of which was witness. My intimate friend,
Leslie, had married beautiful and accomplished
girl, who had been brought up in the midst of.fash-
ionable life. She had, it is true, no fortune, but
that OF my friend was ample; and he delighted in
the anticipation of indulgng her in every elegant
pursuit, and administering to those delicate tastes
and fancies that spread kind of witchery about
these "tler life, said he, shall be like fairy
tale.'
The very difference in their characters produced
harmonious combination; he was of romatic,
and somewhat serious cast; she was all life and
gladness. have often noticed the mute rapture
with which he would gaze upon her in company,
Of which her sprighty powers made her the delight;
and how, in the midst Of applause her eye would
still turn TO him, as il there alone she sought favor
and acceptance. When leaning IN his arm, her
slender form contrasted finely with his tall and
manly person The fond confidng all with which
she looked up to him seemed to call forth flush of
triumphant pride and cherishing tenderness, as if
he doated OIL his lovely burthen for its very help
lessness. Never did couple set forward oh the
fowery path of early and wesuited marriage with
fairer prospect offelieity
II was the misfortune ofmy friend. however, TO
have embarked his property in large specuatior,s;
and he had not been married many months when,
from him and he found himself reduced to almost
penury. For time he kept his situation to him
self, and went about with hagyard countenance
and breaking heart. His life was but protracted
agony; and what rendered it more insupportable
was the necessity Of keeping up smile in the pres
ence of his wife; for he could not bli'g himsefto
overwhelm her with the news. She saw, howev-
err with thequitk eyes Of affection, that oil was not
well with him. She marked his altered looks and
s.ifed sghs, and was not to be deceived! hissc
lyaDd vapid attempts at cheerlnlness. She tasked
ali her sprightly powers and tender Establishment
IL win him back to happiness: but she only drove
the arrow deeperint his soul. The more he saw
causeto love her the more torturng was the thought
that he was soon to make her wretched. A little
while, thought he, aud the smile will vanish from
those lps-tbe hstre Of those eyes will be quench-
ed with sorrow-and the happy heart which now
beats lightly in that bosom, will be weighed down,
like mine. by the cares and miserles Of the world.
3 Atlength he came TO me one day, and related his
whole situation In tone Of the deepest despair
When ! had heard him through. ! inquired, Does
your wife know all thisp the question he burst
into an agony oftears For Gods sake! criedhe,
you have any pity on me, don'tmention my wife;
it is the thought Of her that drives me almost to
Madness
And why notp said /; she must know Il sooner
or later: you cannot keep long from her, and the
intelligence may break upon her in more startling
mannerthan ifimparted by YOURSELF for the accents
Of those we love soften the harshest tidings Be-
sides, you are depriving yourself ofthe comforts
Of her sympathy; and not only that, but also en-
dangering the only bondthat can keep hearts To-
t 4. ~ ~.