Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-08-27
From The Christian Wreath.
SKETCHES OF CONTRAST.
"Look upon this picture, and on MS"

The lights and shadows of human life are cx.
hbed in every continuing contrast. The con-
stant succession Of day and night, summer and
winter, is not more faithfully experienced, than
the inceSsant alterations Of joys and sorrows,
hopes and fears, smiles and Tears, in the history
Of human life.
Wealth and poverty, health and sickness, lri-
umph and disappointment, life and death are ev.
cry where TO be seen. The monarch of en-
pres bends beneath the weight Of riches. His
brow is covered with an imperial crown of gold,
his soft white had holds the jeweIIed sceplre
Of an extensive domain; his form, rnbed in pur-
pie, sparkling with diamonds, reposes upon d
throne of ivory, inaid with pearl and precious
stones; around him, in coun or chamber, cour-
tiers attend to catch his lowest Whisper 10 wait
upon his slightest nod, and 10 bend in homage
before his tUotstooI, if he do but smile. Plea
sure seems 10 be seated upon his right hand. and
happiness upon his left hand 10 minister 10 him
their cups OF bliss. Power and authority encir-
Gle him round about, and attend upon the utter
ance Of his lip. Does he venture forth! Be-
hold the scene. His retnue are in waiting-he
swords, aud spears, and shields glitter in he de-
sceudng luStre Of the nooG!iay sun-princes,
couriers. nobes-lords and ladies', with all the
paraphernaha of empre-bunncrs, ensigns, en-
bIcms, chariotS and horses, and horSemen, with
their array Of spIendors, await the approach Of
The monarch. Thousands OF subjects are galher-
ed in dense masses in the court entrance and in
The streets, thousands are upon The ennences,
thousands crowd the towers, awaiting the signal
for the universal shouts and accIamalions Of
pruise. Hark! the herald sounds the clarion
blast, which rings lis notes through the upper air,
falling like unearthIy music upon the ears Of the
crowdiDg, raplured populace. The approach Of
the monarch is announced, the Numbering can
nonade pours fourth its volumes of smoke and
fire, as he appears and steps INTO his chariot,
amid showers of fragrant roses from tar hands,
aud amid the exulatons OF the multitude! On
he moves-his golden chariot, like radiant
centre, shooting forth dazzling corruScalions, is
drawn by horses spendidy caparisoned, pran
cling in pride, and tossing up their heads and
ninging back their names, as if their noble blood
tineled with The instincts Of monarchcharge.
On he moves-the glad crowd make way for his
approach, some clappng their hands and shout
ing with extatic JOY, Others throwing their hats
high in the air, Others divesting themselves of
parts Of their raiment, aud srewing them along
his palhway-oId men lean on their saffS and
murmur bessing-young men thrilling with
The impulses of new kindled loyalty, shout God
save The king" Mothers, with infants, Il Them
up above the crowd. aud they, stretching forth
their liule hands, are favored by glance of the
royal eye; children ring out their peas Of joy,
and being taught by parents. bless the imperial
one. On he moves-lhe gems in his crown
growing into stars, pnd The diamond on his breast
kindliug inro sun-bis progress is amid seas
of smiles, over artificial bridges-under triumph
al arches; his banners hang over him-hiS en-.
signs arc unfurlcd around him, and his mobiles