The Washingtonian., 1845-09-20
Sci oTaD.
From the New York Organ,

w q M A N y # T. Y I1ON.
"And am indeed free? Was there suffi-
cient spark of the light of reason left, to ena-
bic me to form resolutions, which would for
ever loose the shackles which have held my
body in bondage and kept my soul in exile,
from her whose purity shrinks from the stains
of black intemperance; may again read ap-
proval in her mild blue eyes, and will she per-
nit me to lay before her the incense of a heart,
in whose struggles for freedom her image has
been the star which has led her on to victory!
May regain that rank in society, from which
l took such fearful plunge? Can once
more exert an influence over my fellow beings
for good? This is not the raving Of mad de-
lirium; feel it may be even SO. My brow is
COOL and the pulsations Of my heart even and
tranquil"
Thus soiloquised one whose education and
fortune had qualified him to act in sphere Of
usefulness-the privilege of few. Already had
his superior talents won for him wreath, and
public opinion, eager to do justice to the meri-
torious, had placed it on his brow. Enjoying
the confidence Of his friends, and living in the
heart Of one gentle being well fitted to be the
companion Of one thus gifted, none were hap
pier; Joy and gladness cleaned through the
future, as they in fancy realised the bliss Of
their anticipated union. But alas this was
only as vision of the night. W., through
mistaken idea of freedom, scorned to have his
name affixed to pledge, as though he had
not sufficient strength Of mind to abstain with
out thus binding himself "Never yet" said
he, "has reason been dethroned by inebrety,
and after having so long withstood the tempt
er, is there probability Of yielding now ?
No, never - and strong in his own resolutions,
he sailed forth to the hall where an entertain.
ment was given in honor Of one who had long
shone, star of the first magnitude, in the lit
erary world. Gladly was he welcomed, and
Immediately called upon for a toast, in honor
of him whose merits they were celebrating.
The deep crimson for moment sufused his
lofty brow, as hesitating what course to pur-
sue. He had ever been loud in this authors
praise, and could he now refuse him the ordi-
nary tribute customary on such occasions, could
he endure the censure, and misrepresentation
of motive which his refusal, as a matter of
course, would submit him to-! And besides,
there was no danger Of becoming habituated
to the wine-cup. Thus reasoned he-reasoned
and fell He gave brilliant toast, and being
unaccustomed to its effects, one glass only
served to produce sufficient excitement for the
delivery of an essay, which by its unriyalled
eloquence, together with the deep pathos Of
feeling he manifested, caused in a measure by
the stimulant he had taken, eaptivated the
ears and hearts of his auditory. The die was
now cast and though he had not yet imbibed
a taste for ardent spirits, yet they were fire.
quently resorted to as stimulus, which had
we'll nigh made wreck Of mind of the
highest order. His danger soon became ap-
parent to his friends, who exerted themselves
in recalling him TO the path of virtue, but in
vain; even she who had never plead without
success, was heard as though she spake not !;
but having taken bold stand in favor of tenn
perance, and having pledged herself not to
give her hand to one who was not decidedly
in its favor; she no longer considered herself
his affianced until reformation should take
place, and with calmness, but decision, in
formed him of the fact. Months rolled on,
and no change was visible in w. till the even
ing of the soliloquy above. Sober reason and
reflection had once more gained the ascend
ancy; and as the image Of her who still loved
him rose before him, thoughts of happier days,
remorse for his past conduct, and resolutions
of reformation, by turns soflened, harrassed,
and encouraged him. These were his feelings,
as his attention was arrested by crowd who
were forcing their way to the hall, to listen to
one Of the eloquent and powerful champions
of temperance. He followed the current, and
as he listened to the speaker, soon became
deeply interested; his prejudice vanished; and
at the close Of a touching appeal he affixed his
name to that pledge, which he ever after re-
garded as the instrument OF his freedom. The
joyful news spread with amazing rapidity, diff.
fusing happiness over large circle of friends,
to whose confidence he was Immediately re-
stored, they believing, from knowledge Of
his character, that he would not again fall
into temptation. Neither were they disap.