Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-12-12


been money thrown away to buy liquor and
leave it undrunk, so he exertcd himself very
much to drain the goblet, or rather quart
pot, which ~praise-worthy feat he accomplish
ed in a very short lapse of time after which
he returned with his companions to the resi-
dence of his lady love. .
Now there was a superanuated old woman
there, who was as pure a specimen Of the
African race as ever was brought to this
country, who, in consideration of her age,
was allowed to do pretty much as she pleas
cd. At the present time, she was keeping
watch in the parlor, while Miss Alkaline,
with some female friends, were enjoying
themselves in the garden. The old negress
was seated on her chair, with a calico bonnet
on, which served to hide her face. The
gentlemen had just arrived at the door, and
the preacher was staggering in, as the ladies'
called them to the garden. Knowing that
George was too far gone to be acceptable
company to the ladies', the two walked to
the garden without inviting their friend,
hoping that he would lie down on the sofa
and sleep off his delirium.
George, during his visit to the store, had
more than once reproached himself for los
ing so favorable an opportunity for declar-
ing his love to the beautiful Alkaline, and
determined should another opportunity pre-
sent itself to make the most of it and there
by unburden his mind of a great weight.
After the party in the garden had enjoy
&c the fragrance Of the flowers to their sat
isfaction, they repaired to the house to see
how their guest Jared.
Upon arriving near the door, their ears
were salutcd by adue1of entreaties. George
with his arms clasped Nround tnefwaist of
her whom he supposed to be the object of
his affections, was pleading with all the elo-
quence Of an enthusiastic lover-imploring
her to take compassion on his bachelorship,
and speak peace to his soul by assuring him
that his love was reciprocated /; while the
old negro, who could not hear good enough
to know what he said, or what he meant,
was vainly struggling to get loose, and beg
ging in the most piteous accents for him to
spare her life. But the more she begged
the moro obdurate did he become, declaring,
al will never let thee 90,
Till a blessing thou bestow."
The party thought it time to conclude the
comedy, for fear its ultimate result might be
tragical they interfered and soon separa-
ted the levers. The matter was explained
to the preacher, and an old negress of the
most antiquated appearance, whose mouth
looked as if it had not contained a tooth for
a score Of years, was held before his eyes
The sight perfectly sobered him he called
for his horse directly, and no inducement
could prevail on him to stay all night. This
was his last visit to Miss Alkaline, who short
ley after married a young gentleman more
worthy of her.
But this adventure of Georges did not
cause him to leave off his cups. The hab.
it had become inveterate,- he had been uI
in the Church many times previous, he was
therefore brought before the church for thi,
offence, which he acknowledged, said he was
sorry for it, and would do so no more, &c
But all this would not satisfy his brethren
he had made such promises so frequently be
fore, that they could place but little conf
dence in them so they exacted a solemn
promise from him, that he would neve
drink anotiror drop of liquor so long as he
. lived. George agreed to this, with on,
promise, namely he expected to travel il
n short time, so he claimed the privileg,
Of drinking when he was on water, AM
the church allowed him this privilege
So, after this, whenever George wanted t
drink, he evaded his promise by going to
brook and getting on the water, when h
would drink to his hearts content.
He was again churched for his insobr
ety-and again and again. At last the
required Of him a solemn promise, that h
would never send another drop of liquor
down his throat. So after this. he stoo
on his head and sent it up his throat.
GAI nNNETT