American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-11-14
A PEA CE STORY
THE BROTHERS.
by MRS, L. II. sIGoUREY

In one of the quiet villages of New England,
was a pleasant farmhouse. 1t stood retired
from the public road, and was overshadowed
by an ancient Elm, with spreading branches
The barn and fences were neatly kept, and the
fields betokened good husbandry. The sound
of the matron's wheel, mingled with her song,
was heard from the open window in summer,
and the rich products of the cheese press, at
tested her skill in the dairy.
\ The farmer had two sons who took an active
part in his labors In spring, they held the
plough, and assisted in sowing the seeds, whose
harvest was to give them bread. In summer,
they toied among the hay, which was to feed
their domestic animals. In autumn they aided
to gather into the garner, the bounty that God
had given them. In winter they sought at the
district school, that knowledge which enrches
the whole Of life. They were both fond of
books, and dligent in their lessons, though their
turn and temper of mind differed.
One cold evening, they were sitting with
their books beside bright wood fire, while the
rays of their lamp streamed cheerfully over the
snow-nvested landscape. The younger, boy
of thirteen, casting aside his lesson, said to his
brother
John, | intend to be soldier. have been
reading of Alexander the Great, and of Bona
parte, and think there is nothing in this world
like the glory of the warrior"
The other fixed on him a steady glance, as
he raised his clear hazel eye and Thoughtful
brow.
1T seems to me, James, that to destroy
life, and bring mourning into families, and
misery into the world, is cruel rather than
glorious
%! but the honor and the praise. To have
hosts of soldiers under your command, and
tl,a Of lad with
how can you be blind to such greatness and
fame?'
DO you remember what our minister said
last Sunday, that the end of life is the true test
of its greatness. Now Alexander of Macedon
killed himself with drunkenness, and BOnapaTte
was shut up on desolate island, like a chained
wild beast, till he died
Il am sorry to see you so prejudiced, John
and with such narrow mind. doubt whether
you are capable of admjrng heroes. You had
bette, by all means, be farmer. | sup.
pose your highest ambition would be to break
pair of steers, or ride dull cart horse tc
market
The voice of the farmer was now heard from
an adjoining apartment. Boys go to bed
So ended that night their conversation or
martial glory. They seldom strongly disagreed
on any other subject.
L6L us HOW pass over HIleen years, ana re-
turn again to the season of winter. BY the same
hearth glowed cheerful fire; from the same
window, a lamp threw its far streaming rays
The farmhouse seemed scarcely altered, save
that little more moss had gathered upor
its roof. But among its inmates were proof
that the fashion Of this world passeth away.
The good farmer and his wife had taken uI
their abode in narrower house, and their long
sleep upon more lowly bed. They had finish
ed their course in peace, and were laid in ten
der remembrance among the neighboIlng villa
gers. In the arm chair which they used to oc
Gupy were seated another couple; the eldes
son and his wife. A babe lay in the cradle, anC
two little ones were heard berathing quietly il
the sw Get sleep Of childhood. A wintry storm
RACES without AS a strong blast shook the
easement, the former said,
u cannot help thinking of my poor brother
in such cold, bad night. Yet SO many year,
nave past since aHy udngs Of him have reach
cd US, and his way of life is so full of dangers
that perhaps, he may be numbered with thu
dead
Husband, thought Iheard some one knock
or was it the wind striking the old elm tree?
They opened the door, and admitted weary
traveller. His garments were tattered and ht
leaned heavily OH ctulch and staff. He spok
not, and sank family in chair that was place.
fol- him. Raising his eyes, he glanced hastil,
at every article of furniture, as at some recol
lected friend Then III a tone, scarcely audi
bic, no said, brother! brotherr
These sounds opened the tender memories o
early years. The welcome to the wandere
was heartfelt. But tears started at his pathe,
ic words:
'Sisier-.bro,her-I have come home to YOU
TO de-
They haslened 20 spread before him a re
freshng repost, and to press him to partake.-
Afterwards they induced him to retire to rest
without making demands on his exhauste