The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1851-05-10
lCoMMUNICATED.l
J. l. G..

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[CoMMUNIcATEp.l
"Oh! come, and while the rosy footed Nav
Steals blushingy on, together let us tread
Natures rich labyrinths."
Custom has marked, or at least set apart the first
of May as day of rural inirh and gaiety. Whe,h-
er it was observed in ancient times, and handed
down to US by regular dcscent-the same as some
memorable day, on which we commemorate the
brilliant achievements of our ancestry-or not, 1
am not well prepared to say but it certainly is to
me one bright spot In the circle of memory-that
is to say, happy memorial of the past.
On the day we mention, Nature seemed to dis
approve the measures taken to render all things
charming, but at last smiled on our rural feats and
festivities. We assembled in mass at the pleasant
country seat of -, known as Niagara, near the
falls of the " Minor Niagara" The stream which
gives rise to these falls, meanders along, gently
murmuring, until near its descent it's CLASSY bosom
sparkles white with foam. 1t is here nature has
thrown and wide spread her charms, beautiful to
see. The scene is, as it were, the Lost glance of
beauty emerging into sublimity. 1t was we'll cal
culated to produce lively emotions and to call forth
from the hee- :. pleasing sentiments. 1t was ro-
mantle in the extreme-the life of the lover, the
joy of the poet, and we'll calculated to throw over
all, the rich tints of pleasure, which it evidently
did-for all seemed wrapt in amusements exquisite.
Some were chipping as mcrrily az the responsive
bird does to its mate, ON an adjacent bower. These
no doubt were lovers merely throw out the
idea. 1t may have been in jest and here let me
as, how often ests, in such matters prove but the
forerunners of stern reality. Others may each have
found E mate. Others happy seemed, whilst ihey
in couples or in trio sat. The eyes glance was
sufficient to cause any one to conjecture this, and
yet perhaps the opposite is true. I think the for
mer hypothesis is just and most certainly the cor
rect view. If not, it was Irritation, loves adver-
would almost VOW one was flirting, whilst back
CANNON playing.
After few hours gaety, we partook of refresh.
ments, well deserving Of their name-especally one
delicacy to wit, Strawberries. A certain young
lady and gentleman seemed particularly fond of the
delicious fruit; and judging from the quantity con-
s::::;cd, should think they Uncommon ar
tice in their immediate vicinities
Then came the dull monotony of talking, which
continued 50 for some time, until musc's sweet
strains were heard echoing and re-echoing from and
through a thousand trees, till it's last notes glded
away with, and were only hushed by the evening
xephyrs
-" For music held the whole in perfect peace;
Soft sighed the flute; the tender voice was heard
Warbing the varied heart the woodlands round
Applied their choir, and winds and waters How'd
In consonance."
Mu6ic haa f,,l a{Ta
consequently few were tripping merrily On
the fantastic toe. Others were enjoying them
selves while viewing the joval dance, for it was but
recreation, innocent amusement, the drowning of
dull care, and most agreeable when loving partners
in ease and grace moved on. Fancy dances were
occasionally introduced, in close connection with
that of the inimtably sable one universally known
and appreciated as Juber.
From occasional bushes, slight dfidence, and
well marked timidity during the dance, one might
naturally suppose that propositions to this effect
were made by the gentlemen TO the "laughing fair :"
Let us be partners through lfe." will not as
sert it "a mere conjecture of my own. / imagine
the secret of such amusemcnts and entertainments
Gn order that time may pass agreeably) is variety
a continual change of things; hence the proposal
to promenade was generally received with JOY. A
wild romP in the woods is truly pleasant especially
at this season, when beauty beams from every hill
and dale. Nor were we, while they were enjoying
themselves, deprived of the soul-s,irring music.
"Every copse
Deep tangled, tree irregular and bush
Bending with dewy moisture DER the heads
Of the coy choirisiers that lodge within,
Were prodgal of harmony.
Innumcrable songsters in the freshning shade
OF new spring leaves, their modulations mixed
Mellihuous."
Clear Spring, MAY /, 1851. w.