Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-05-02
GhnirR TitRratnrF.
SELF-DENIAL OR THE TWO
COUSINS,
az A lady or VIRGINIA.

fOkOpt uGdA COuSAhi HAoJ So ~ -
evening amusement and come with me !
to my room. I've young Hayden and
Sinclair with me, besides one or two
others, who would all. know, be glad Of
your company SO | excused myself and
came off to beg you TO be one OF our
number. This is our debating evening,
and Moral Philosophy is the subject we
are now investigating. Least, however,
that should be too dry for you, will
promise to show you some beautiful Lat
In verses, composed by Hayden in hon
or Of bis mistress, as he terms Science.
Come on, then, and let us hear your
criticism.
Thus spoke Charles Herbert 10 his
cousin, William Eldon, both students at
the same college, and brought up in the
closest intimacy yet differing entirely
in their tastes and habits. One was de-
voted 10 study, and his morals irreproach-
able the other was idle and extravagant
carried away by the caprice Of the mo-
ment-at the mercy Of every evil pas
sion.
Charles Herbert had lost his father
while vet an infant, and was consequent
ly thrown under the sole guardianship
and tuition Of his remaining parent-a
mother as competent to fulfil the aTdu-
Gus task Of moulding the young mind in
TO perfect moral beauty, as she was de-
voted in heart and soul TO her only chIld.
Her pecuniary resources were limited
barely sufficient 10 educate her son, and
supply her with those comforts, TO which
she had ever been accustomed but to
herself ana son, il seemed no hardship
that the golden gifts had been denied
He looked up with implicit and ardent
devotion to his mother; and she, like
the Roman CorneIia, could point TO hel
son and say, there is my jewel ard my
treasure.
From his earliest infancy, Mrs. Her.
bert had taught her son not only by pre-
cept, but by example, steady adherence
10 the right With unwcaried diligence
she impressed correct principles on hi
mind, and then her counsel, through al
difficulties, was to act them out. Hi
pure unsuHied brow never knew th,
stain Of falsehood. Early was he taugh
to control his passions ever to yield III
own pleasure TO those Of his playmates
Those alone, my son. would Mrs. Her
bert say, ARE truly polite, who wit
cheerfulness and pleasure give up thei
own enioyments TO secure that oe thei
friends and what is such trifling sci
denial when compared with the affection
of your companions 2 Charles brigh
face would still brighter as he replied
"A I.l-- .t.tl. e
cation is best securen by the good opir
ion of my friends and the appreciation
my mother
William Eldon was likewise an onl
son, Of wealthy parents but the instar
indulgence of every wish as soon ;
formed, had aided, or perhaps laid Il
foundation Of the character he now bo
while the moral faculties Of the Oh
had been diligently cultivated, every e
crescence pruned, and every beau
strengthened and developed-that me
important part Of education in the othe
had been wholly neglected--the MOI
feelings were suffered to lie waste, viii
the selfish propensities of his natu
were fostered and INDUCED.
Charles Herberts father was I
brother Of Mrs. Eldon, and the two cot
ins had been much together, and We
now sent to the same college 10 compile
their education. Charles was an ;
knowledged favorite with both studeI
aud preceptors. He was younger th
his cousin, yet notwithstanding his yol
many much older were forced to yield
his mental and moral superiority.
possessed gentle and modest digni
accompanied with unyielsing frmn
that repelled even The advances OF
vicious. William Eldon was a you
man Of great quickness and facilityof
curing knowledge, which, with sPrie
ly conversational talent, gave him
reputation Of wit /; but be was indol
and sell-conceited.
On the evening referred TO in the
ginning Of our little chronicle, he, an
few kindred spirits, were determined
what they called little fun, sucl
breaking out window glass and get
up row in the streets. Charles had ol
dissuaded his cousin from this cou
but the influence Of new set of frie
proved too powerful for his argume
win you not consent, William,
this once, pleaded Charles ; i am
you viii not regret il.
No, indeed said William, laugh