Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-17
0BNDAg RgA88Ff&.
From the New England Galaxy.]
HUM AN LIFE.
OR THE FIRST AND LAST MIN
UTE.

I'm AAA1 4AAN0A NV 0@A0A 4NAAN
UTE.
Minutes Pass. The anxious husband
PAGES across his study. He is a iather;
a mar child is born unto him. Minutes
pass. The child has been blessed by a
parent. whom it cannot recognize, ard
pressed TO that bosom to which instinct
alone guides it for a ~sustenance; the
young wife, too. has family answered to
a husbands questions and felt his warm
kiss on her forehead.
Hours pass. The low meanings from
the closely covered cradle, tell Of the
first want Of its infant occupant. The
quiet tread Of the nurse speaks of suffer-
ings around her; while her glad counte-
nance saws that the very suffering which
she Is trying TO alleviate is a source of
Joy, and the nameles articles which from
time to time, she arranges on the hearth,
tell Of a new claimant Tor the courtesies
and attentions Of those who have pro-
crossed further on the pathway Of exis-
tcnce.
Days Pass. Visitors are thronging
the chamber and the mother pale and
interesting after her recent illness. is re-
ceiving their congratulations and listen
ing proudly to their praises Of the litde
treasure, which lies asleep in its rock
ing bed at her feet. The scene shifts
and the father is there with her alonei
as The twilight deepens about them while
they are planning the future destiny 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 Of pleasure and home Engage
her attention, aud the father is once
more mingIing with the world yet they
find many opportunities each day to Wis
il the young inheriter Of life, to watch
over his dreamless slumbers-to trace
each others looks in his ~countenance,
and to ponder upon the felicity, of which
he is the bearer TO them.
Months pass. The cradle is deserted.
But the chamber floor is strewed with
p'aythings, and there is q little one lott.
ering among them whose half lispec
words, and hearty laugh, and sunny
c~ountenance, tell you that the entrance
Of life is over a pathway OF aowers.-
The cradle is empty, but the last prayer
Of the parents are uttered over the small
crib. which stands by their own bedsid,
and their latest attention is given 10 th
peaceful breathing Of the occupant.
Years Pass. Childhood has strength
ened into boyhood; and boyhood ha
eamboled along into manhood. OIL
connections are broken-parents ar
sleeping in their graves, new intimacie
are formed-a new home is about him
new cares distract him. He is abroa
struggling amid the business Of lie, {
resrng from it with those whom he
chosen from his own generation. Tin
is beginning to wrinkle his forehea
and thought has robbed his looks Of the
gaieiy and study has dimmed his eyes,
Those who had began life after he hs
grown up, are fast crowding him out Of
and there are many claimants upon b
industry and love. for protection al
support.
= Years Pass. His own children ha,
become men, and are quitting him, as
also quilted the home Of his fathers
HIS steps nave lOsl lHelE cldStClty-u
hand has become familiar with his can
10 which he is-obliged 10 trust in h
walks. He has left the battle which {
tigucd him He looks ~anxiously in ca,
days papers among the deaths-al
then ponders over the name Of an Q
friend, and tries TO pursuade himse
that be is younger. and stronger, al
has a better hold upon life than any
his contemporaries.
Months Pass. He gradually diminis
es the circle Of his activity. He disIik
10 &c abroad, where he finds so ma
new faces, and he grieves to meet
former companions, after a short absen
they seem TO have grown old and mfr
Quiet enioyments only are relished-
little conversation about old times-a
Der game at whist-a religious treat
and his early bed. form for him the ST
total Of his pleasures.