Democratic banner., 1849-04-16


among the leaves of the night ~jessstnins
which shaded Lsurs's window, andscon.
tinual singing of the wind through thsfdarl
branches Of the distant pines.
tWould that some kind Fairy werelere.:
said the unhappy girl, shat mighshaye
one wish and have it grantedr A branch
Of the jessamine, all laden with blossoms,
touched her cheek as she spoke ana from
the tiny flowers came a low sweet voice;
'What wouldst thou, sorrowing dauglter d
earth =, Laura started. and .gazaSe&iill
a%mazemsnt upon the, jessamins bough as
the playful zephyr swayed to and fro, and
as she gazed it seemed gradually to be
transformed into g, light 1eecy cloud, upon
which aoated a fairy form, whose azure
robe was sprinkled with stars. Golden
curls fell upon her neck and bosom, and q
circle of stars shown around with all the
lambient purity of planetary light upon her
fair placid brow. How calm, yet how
fathomless seemed those deep blue eyes
which beamed on her with so much love
and pity! ~... ..t -. t.:l,t
Speak, said she, Il came. at your sum-
mons from the spirit land.' q would
said Laura. emboldened by her kind voice;
l would that you give me . fairy talismsn
to preserve me from my besetting sin. Save
me! Oh save from the fate of those who
in their mad quest of admiration, find but
contempt of the wise and good.' 81 know
what you desire,' said the Fairy, 'and your
wish is granted. sSee;' and she displayed
a Golden Harp Of exquisite workmanship.
This delicate instrument is strung with
fbres Of the human heart. As you touch
the hearts of mankind, it will thrill respon-
sively. When your intercourse with them
is naturally productive Of benefit and hap
Piness, its melody will be light and joyous:
but when the reverse is the case, its joy
Gus tones will be changed to a melancholy
vail mingled with rlaintive signs and bro
ken sobs. 1t will chant a solemn requiem
over every momcnt thus misspent, which
will linger in your ears long after they have
taken their sin-buIthened fight to an eteI-
nifty from which they. never can be re-
Called ....-. e..t.-.
A melody sweet, though sad, trembled in
the air as she handed the harp to thu de-
lighted girl. 'Whsn you no longer need
this Instrument said she, Il will appear and
claim it, for there are many of your sex
who need tohear the wailing Of the Hearts
HarP.'-Laura extended her hand in an
extasy of delight to grasp tie fairy gift.
'My child! my childp ss d Mrs. NJ,
as she entered the room in search of Laura.
'Asles~ in the cold night air, with the
bright rays of the moon shining full in your
face! Are thy wits strong enough to re-
sist her potent influence, sleep onP' 'My
harp! my harpr cried Laura, as with a be-
wildered air she gazed upon her fond
Oh! dear mother, l have had such
a beautiful vision. Would that it had been
and Laura told her dream.
my daughter said Mrs. NJ, weep.
not that you cannot possess the fairy gift of
which you have been dreaming. In your
own bosom is strung a harp which rejoices
or sorrows for your conduct ven as would
your fairy instrument. Listen With atten-
tive ear to its tones, and they will guide
you Alright. God placed it there 'tis for
you to cherish and follow its teachings. I'll
is the Harp of COnsciencsP
80. 4rtr e.. .rs.r -- E.pi..- Il
The citizens Of Charleston. laid them
selves out to give Mr.. Polk a handsome re-
When he left, he passed under al
canopy on Central wharf formed Of two