Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-02-11

what higher, aud marked out broader crcum-
ference Of shade. The brook stiil told an un6n-
ished tale to listening summer, aud in winter in
crusied with frost-work and diamonds its root
wreathed basin. On the roof Of the farmhouse
more moss had gathered, and its rough brown fence
was replaced by white paling.
Within, was the same cheerful FIRE that bazed
when we last visited il. BY its hearhstone stood
the same arm chairs. but its former occupants had
become tenants Of that lowly bed, which no rising
sun awakens In their place sat the eldest son,
and by his side woman Of mature age and pleas
ing countenanee, on whose knee rested fair in-
FAINT. On pallet, in a shaded nook Of the apart.
ment, two little ones quietly breaihcd in the sleep
Of innocence, and at small table, two boys with
thoughtful brows pondercd their lessons. A winter
storm was raging, and the blast shook the case
ments, the farmer said 10 his wife.
"In such cold nights cannot help thinking OF
my poor brother. But so many years have passed
since we heard aught OF him, and his way Of life
was so full Of danger, that II is most-probabe he
no longer needs our sympathy"
Husband, just asyou began to speak, | thought
heard some one knock, OF was il the wind strik-
ing the old elm tree r.
On opening the door, molonless form was
found extended near the threshhold. A staff was
still feebly grasped in his hand, aud crutch that
supplied the place OF lost limb had fallen Of his
side with difficulty he was borne in, and plIowed
near the FIRE. After the application OF restoratves,
he opened his eyes, and seemed TO gaze on every
surrounding object-cock and oaken table, and
large old BibIe-as on some recoIected friend
Then there was some faint sound Of Brother
That tone touched the tender memories Of ear
lier years. Their welcome 10 the poor wanderer.
with the broken frame. the tattered garments. was
heartfelt Yet their tears flowed freshly al his
palhetic tones.
"See, have come home to die !"
They fastened 10 spread the refreshing repast,
and to press him to partake. Afterwards they in.
duced him to retire 10 rest without taxing his ex.
hausted strength BY conversation. The next morn.
ing he was unable to rise They sat by his couch.
soacing his worn spirit with narratives Of the
changes that had befajIen them and other friends
in the peaceful SPOT Of his birth. AT intervals he
mingled his own sad recital.
al have had nv troubles. But that which hath
most bowed me down inwsrdly. was nv disobedi-
ence in leaving home against the wishes and with.
out the knowledge of nv parents. 10 be a soldier
have fell the pain Of nv wounds, but the sting of
conscience is keener Hunger and thirst have
known, and the prisons Of foreign land When
lay sick and neglected, it would sometimes seem,in
the fever-dream, that my mother bent kindly over
me, as she would IL had only head ache-or that
my father with the great Bible in his hand, to
read he used 10 do. before prayers, morning aud
evening Then cried out in agony, :" am no
more worthy to be called thy son.
lie paused, overcome with emotion, and his
brother FASTENED 10 him Of their perfect for
giyeness aud or the fervor with which he was
brought ever before the family altar the son err
ring yet beloved.
"Ah, those prayersl They followed me like
| angels-wings. But for them, might have been a
reprobate both TO God and men,"
BY little and little, as his feebeness admitted he
told the story Of his wanderings. He had been in
warfare both by sea and land. He had heard the
deep ocean resound to battle thunders, and seen
earth saturated with the red shower from the bosom
of her sons He had served in the armies Of Eu.
rope, aud pursued the hunted Indian in his own ma
tive cline He had plunged recklessly amid the
thickest dangers, seeking every where the glory
that dazzied his boy-hood, but in vain, He found
| tile soldiers lot was hardship, pryation and death
that o,nefs m'gn, WIN 'ne lame ne saw VIVA
Wosnus anu hu.ia'ions, wna' ansulsn, mourning
ana uea'n, were in'Pnea'eu III as'hg'e 'icto'y' h'
ie, now Lar me Ieho"n o. 'hs g'ea'es. eoeque5o
'as 'noe' u ,ne eoou 'na. nc nv" t" 'aus
away oe'o'e tue misery '.s' NC iih's's'
! "For a lew moments, SAID he, " on The verg'
oil battle, iet a shuddering, lnexPressiole hofro
al the thought oil destroying my fellow creatures
but IN The heart oil conflict all human symPathie
vanished. Desperate madness took possession
me,and cared neither Tor this world nor the next
have been leit helpless on the field beneath tram
ping horses my open gashes siiiening IN the chill
night AIR, while no man cared Tor my soul. fe
why should pam you oy such descr'puons' fo
nave eve, u"ei' "tnih Tue Sweet "nuenSe y. nie'
y, ana s"'ahA 10 u'suess even souhsss ah'mai
{ You can moi reall1e Inc hardness o, near Una
comes WIN suc'i me as nave 'eu; me s1'ue
) is enforced TO be familiar with suffering and VIC
lence ms mora, ana rehs'oSs sens'Dll,'es are y