Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-10-01
A Patch or both Knees and Gloves OH

The following, from the Boston Courier, is one of
the ceverest essays have met with for many day.
Similar in style, IT is not inferior IN point TO Frank
Inns best:
When | was a boy, it was my fortune TO breathe,
for long time, what some writers term 80 the brac-
ing air of poverIv'' NV moiher-light lie the turf
upon the form which enclosed her strong and
gentle splrit-was what is commonly called am
bilious woman, for that quality, which oVetturns
thrones and supplants dynasties, finds legitimate
sphere in the humblest abode that the shadow of pow
erty darkened. The struggle between the wish
to keep up appearances and the pinching gripe of
cessity produced endless shifts and contrrances at
which, we told; some would smile, and some, TO
whom they would recall their own experiences, would
sigh. But let me not disturb that vale of oblivion,
which siirUuds from profane eyes the halowcd mys-
teries of poverty.
On one occasion it was necessary to send me on an
errand to neighbor in better Circumstances than
selves, and before whom it was necessary that 1
should be presented in the best possible aspect Great
pains accordingly taken to give smart appear
ance TO my patched and dapidaied wardrobe, and TO
conceal the rents and chasms which the envous tooth
of time had made in themj and by way of throwing
over my equipment certain and sprinkling Of
gentity, my red and toll hardened hands were en-
closed IN the unfamiliar casing of pair of gloves.
which had belonged to my mother III days when her
years fewer and her heart lighter.
| sailed forth my errand, and my way er-
countered much older and bigger boy, who evidently
belonged to family which had all our own dragging
poverty and none of our uprising wealth of spirit.
His rags fairly futtered in the breeze; his hat was
constructed the most approved principle of venti-
laion, and his Shoes from their venerable antiquity,
might have been deemed pair of fossil shoes-the
very which Shem shuffled into the ark. He
was an mpudent varle, with dare devil swagger In
his gait of 8. I'm as good you " leer in has eye
the very wbelp throw stone well-dressed
horseman, because he was well-dressed; TO tear a
boys rufics because he clean. As soon as he
me, his eye detected the practical inconsistencies
which characterized my costume, and taking me by
the shoulders; turning round with gentle hand,
and surveying from head to foot, exclaimed with
scornfu laugh of derision, "A pdtch on both knees
and gloUes on!
| still recall the sting of wounded feeling which
shot through me at these words To parody cele-
brated line of the immortal Tuscan
Z" That day wore my gloves no MORE"
But the lesson thus rudely enforced sunk deep into
my mind and in after life, have had frequent occa-
sion to make practical application of the words of
my ragged friend when have observed the practical
Inconsistencies which often mark the conduct of
mankind.
When, for instance, sec parents carefully provid-
ing for the ornamental education of their children,
furnishing them with teachers in music, dancing, and
drawing, but giving thought TO that moral and re-
lgois training, from which the true dignity and per-
manent happiness of life alone come teach
ing them habits of self-sacri6ce and self-dIscipne
in evil speaking, in uncharitabeness in envy, and in
fasehood, | think, with sigh, Of the patch on both
Knees and glOpeS
When see a family in a cold and selfish solitude,
not habitually warming their houses with the glow
of happy faces but lavishng that which should fur
nsh tire hospitality of whole year upon the profu-
sion Of single night, think of the patch on both
knees and gloreS
Wien ! see house profusely furnished with sump-
tuous furniture rich curtains, and luxurious carpets,
but with books, none but few tawdry ANNALS,
am reminded of the patch both knees and gl0ues
When see the public men cutivating exclusively
those qualities which win way to Office, and neg
lecting those which Will qualify them to fill honoraby
the posts to which they aspire, recall The patch on
both knees and gtores
! When | see men sacrificing peace Of mind and
health of body tn the Insane pursuit. of wealth. living
in ignorance of the character of the children who
growing up around them cutting themselves off from
the highest and purest pleasures of their natures, and
SD perverting their humanity, that that which was
sought a means nsensbly comes 10 be followed as
an end say TO myself, "a patch on both knees and
glOres on"
When see thousands squandered for sel6shness
and osentation, and nothing bestowed Tor charity,
when | fine ladies be-satined and be-lcweiled.
cbeapeninp the tolls Of dress-makers, and with harsh
words embtering the bitter bread of dependence,
when the poor turned away from proud houses,
where the crumbs of tables would be to them feast,
L think of the patch on both knees and gtores on.
The Washington Union says that Mr. Bancroft will
probably leave the United States in the steamship OF
the Sth of October.
Redeem time for study The busiest workman can