Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-11-21
From the New England CALAIS.
Human Life, or the First and Last
Minute.


(; MINUTES rAss. The anxious husband PAGES
slowly across his study He is a father; man.
child is born unto him. Minutes pass-the child
has been blessed by parent, whom it cannot
recognize, and pressed to that bosom to which
instinct alone guides it for sustenance-the
young wife, too, has family answered to hus-
bands questions, and felt his warm kiss on her
forehead.
Hours pass. The low meanings from the close
ly covered cradle, tell of the first want of its in
fant occupant. The quiet tread of the nurse
speaks of saffering around her while her glad
countenance says that the very suffering which
she is trying aTrcyIute source OF joy. and
the namelsss articles which, from time to time
she arranges on the hearth, tell of a new claim
ant for the ceurteses and attentions Of those who
have progressed further on the pathway of ex-
istence.
Days pass. Visitors are throngng the cham
Der, and the mother, pale and interesting after
her Illness, is receiving their congratulations
and listening proudly to their praises Of the lit
tie treasure, which lies asleep in its rocking
bed at her feet. The scene shifts, and the faith
er is there with her alone, as the twilight deep
ems about them, while planning the future desti-
ny of their child.
WeekS pass. The eyes of the young mother
are sparkling with health, and the rose blooms
again on her cheek, and the cares and pleasures
. of home engage her attention, and the father is
y once more mingling with the world; yet they
= find many opportunities each day to visit the
young inheritor of life; to trace each others
n looks in his countenance, and to ponder up
l. on the felicity of which he is the bearer to
them.
Months pass. The cradle is deserted. But
the chamber floor is strewed with paythngs
and there is little one lettering among them
3 whose halflisped words, and hearty laugh, and
sunny countenance, tell you that the entrance
of life is over pathway of flowers. The era
die is empty, but the last prayers of the parents
re are uttered over the small crib, which stands b.
their own bedside, and their latest attention
Il is given to the peaceful breathings of it's occu
pant.
lr Years pass. Childhood has strengthened in
to boyhcod, and boyhood has gamboled int
le manhood Old connections are broken-par
ents are sleeping in their graves-new intima
10 cies are formed-a new home is abont him, ne,
Id cares distract him. He is abroad struggling O
mid the business Of life, or resting from it wit
70 those whom he has chosen from his own genel
alton. Time is beginning to wrinkle his fore
head, and thought has robbed his locks of the
gaiety, and study has dimmed his eyes. Thos
~ who began life after he had grown up, are fas
crowding him out Of it, and there are man,
lo claimants Upon his industry and love- for proteC
70 ton and support.
II, Years pass. His own children have becom
men, and are quitting him, as he also quilted tn
nd home of his father. His steps have lost their {
lasticity-his hand has become familiar with th
cane, to which he is obliged to trust in his walk
re He has left the hustle which fatigued him. H
a looks anxiously in each days paper among Il,
deaths--and then ponders over the name of a
no old friend, and tries to pursuade himself that h
is younger and stronger, and has better hol
- on life than any of his cotemporaries
Months pass lie gradually diminishes tn
nc circle of his activity. He dislikes to 90 abroa
where he finds so many new faces. And b
is. grieves to meet his former companions, after
short absence, they seem to have grown SO o.
m n, and infrm. Quiet enjoyments only are realis,
!. ed-a little conversation about old times-a 81
Der game at whist-a religious treatise and hi
"u early bed form for him the sum total ofhis plea
ures.
ed, Weeks pass. Infrmity keeps him in his char
et- ber His walks are limited to the small spa,
between his easy-chair and bed. His swollt
limbs are wrapped in fannels. His sight is faj
ing ing--his ears refuse their duty and his cup
but half filled, since, otherwise his shaking ha,
at cannot carry it to his shsunken lips, "l"'o
spilling its contents. His powers are weake
ed--hs faculties are blunted-his strength
lost