Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1850-04-26
A TALE OF THE TINES.
b Y T. $. AzTHU r.


years. laid her hand upon the arm of her
parent.
But Mr.. Edwards shook her off i1npa-
tlently muttering as he did So" Can't |
90 where [ please 2n "Oh. yes. father"
urged Mary drawing up to him again,
notwithstanding her repulse. But there
IS going to be storm, and | would not 90
out
Storm, nonsense ! That's only pre-
tence. But III be home soon-long be-
fore the rain, if it comes at all" And
saying this. Mr. Edwards turned from his
daughter and left the house As soon as
she was alone, Mary sat down and com
menced weeping There had been sad
changes since she was ten years old. In
that time her father had fallen into ha bits
lntemperaEce, and not only wasted his sub
stance, but abused his family; and sadder
still. her mother had died broken-hearted,
leaving her alone in the world with a
drunken father
The young girls trials, under these
painful circumstances, were great Night
after night her father would come home
intoxicated, and it was so rare 9 thing for
her to get a kind word from him. that
tone of affection from him would move
her instantly to tears Daily the work of
declension went on. Drunkenness led to
idleness. and gradually Mr.. Edwards and
his daughter sunk lower in the scale of
comfort. The pleasant home where they
had lived for years was given up. and IN
small poorly furnished room they hid
themselves from observation After this
change Nj Edwards moved along his
downward way more rapidly; earning less
and drinking more.
Mary grew old fast Under severe tri-
ais and Affections, her mind rapidly ma
turod; and her affection for her father
grew stronger and stronger. as sic realized
more and more fully the dreadful nature
and ultimate tendency Of the infatuation
by which he was led. At last, in the an
guish Of her concern she ventured upon
remonstrance This only brought angry
repulse, adding bitterness to her cup of
sorrow. TIE appearance Of storm on
the evening we have alluded to, gave Ma
ry an excuse for urging her father not to
20 out. How her remonstrance was re
ceived has been seen. Whilst the poor
girl sat weeping, the distant rolling Of
thunder indicated the speedy approach
If the storm to which she referred But
she cared not for It. Her father had gone
out She had spoken Of it only with the
hope that he might have been induced to
remain with her Now that he was away.
the storm within was too great to have any
concern for the turbulent elements with
out
On leaving his home, Mr. Edwards,
who had not taken any liquor for two or
three hours, and whose appetite vas sharp
ened for the accustomed stimulus, walked
quickly in the direction Of drinking shop
where he usually spent his evenings On
entering. he found that there was a little
in the bar-room. A certain
individual not over friendly to landlords,
had introduced himself: and his character
being known, the inmates were disposed
to have a little sport with him
Come, now, feIlown said one, just as
Edwards came in, 'mount this table, and
make a first rate temperance speech -
. Do, and / viii treat you to the stifest
glass Of whiskey toddy that the landlord
can mix" added another " Or perhaps
you would like a mint julep or gin cock
tail better Anything you please. Make
the speech and call for the liquor III
stand the treat"
what do you say, landlord2 Shall
he make the speechl" said another who
was eager for the sport. Please Your
selves. replied the landlord " and YOU
will please me" Very well Now for
the speech. old fellow; Here. mount this
table" And two or three Of the most for
ward took hold of his arm
I'm not just in the bumor for making
a speech" said the temperance man, but
if it will please you just as well, I'll sing
YOU song"
Give US song, then. Anything to
accommodate. But, come, let's liquor
first"
No said the other. firmly, " I must
sing the song first, if l sing at all"
Don't you think your pipes would be
clearer for drink Of some kind or 9th
erl"
Perhaps they would was replied -
5. So. provided YOU have no objection, I'll
take a glass Of cold vater-if such
thing is known in this place"
The glass Of water was presented, and
then the man. who was somewhat advanced
in years, prepared to give the promised
song. Al stood listening attentively
Edwards among the rest. The voice of
the old man was low and tremulous, yet
every word was uttered distinctly, and
with a pathos which showed that the mean
ing was felt The following we'll written
temperance song was the one he sung. AM
while his voice filed the room, every 9TH
or sound was hushed;
Where are the friends that TO me were 50 dear.
Long, long ago-long, long agot
Where are the hopes that nv heart used 70 cheer
Long, long ago-long agog
Friends that | loved IN the grave are laid low,
Hopes that I cherished are fed from me now
l am degraded, Tor rum was my foe
Long, long ago-long ago.
Sadly my wife bowed her beautiful head
Long, long ago-iong. long 1go.
Oh how I yyept when [ found sae was deadi
Long. long ago-long ago
She was an angel-rny love and my guide