Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-08-15

That leads to happiness and God,
While you the poison sell,
That fills the world with orphans tears,
And hardened conscience, harder fears,
Then fits the soul for hell :"
q Oh no! renounce king alcohol!
Renounee his emisaries all,
Their cruel power disown,
Come join the patriotic band,
That now are rising DER the land,
To put the tyrant down"
Thus in my dream, I warned in vain,
All were so eager after gain!
For getting gold some men would even,
Forfeit every hope of heaven.
+" Mysterious power, tell me why
Men live in sir-and in it die
And risk a world Of dark despair
For a few moments pleasure here p
Again l looked towards the Temples dome,
Where pleasure rcigns, and sorrow n'er comes
With longing heart ! wished myself were
there,
To be relieved Of vain anxiety and care
l turned my weary eyes, and saw again,
Unhappy mortals, wandering DER the plain.
Some were seeking devious winding ways,
Running round the craggy mountains base
Till finally, they almost lost the view
OF the fair goddess, and her temple too;
All were complaining, whether bond or free,
and often mourning their sad destiny.
King alcohol again appeared,
His voice and words | plainly heard
1 a q he o1A~nz--1
In tones most eloquent and loud
"Oh! wretched mortals tell me why
That inward grief-that bitter sigh!
Are you unhappy, now's the day
Arise my friends and come away,
And follow me without delay;
Here is my goddess you to bless;
You'll find IN sorrow and distress
A goddess of mans happiness,
Arse my friends, bid troubles flee.
Leave all behind, and follow mel"
She as a goddess young and fair,
A second time to them drew near,
She raised her Turing voice and said
"Oh sons of men be not afraid,
For in me you will find a friend
I'LL life and all its cares shall end"
Here is some liquid in a bowl,
Twill make the yeriest coward brave,
1t gladdens every weary soul,
And causes the untutored slave
To feel as fearless, bold and free.
As sons of glorious liberty"
Come drink il, oh We murmurine poor,
Who all the tolls Of life endure
Ye rich, who on soft beds ~recline.
With languid hearts, and weary mind;
Ye patriots, whose deeds of fame,
Distant ages shall proclaim!
Ye lawyers and " statesmen bold
Who long have worshipped shining gold;
Xe sons of Esculapius skilled
To cure, but thousands We have killed;
Ye ministers, with holy zeal,
The sin sick souls Of men to heal:
Come one, come all, who e'er YOU be
That wander Ger life's stormy sea:
Come every weary soul,
Oh come! without DELAY,
Qnaf off the flowing bowl.
And drive dulFcares away!!'
Then multitudes Of every land.
Obeyed the goddess dire command.
They drank and then began to SING.
P@ans Of praises to their king;
And rushed forth headlong at her call.
Like birds into the serpent's thrall.
but Its effects, what tongue can tell?
The goddess votaries babe farewell
To al the joys of home:
They drank this poison, night and av.
While travelling down despair's dark wnv.
To meet an early tomb.
| saw a man Of wealth untold.
With mines of silyer-urns of gold.
And future fields in store;
He drank this poison-lost them all
Became'a slave to alcohol,
And begged from door to door.
saw ayouth-lis parents care.
Set out in life, with prospects fair.
But, cruel destiny!
lie drank this Poison-had to die,
An awful death, suspended HIGH
Upon the galows tree!.
l saw a young man, lead a brid.
Hissearfy love-his hope and nrt4x
In Hymenis silken chains:
He drank this poison,-ruel fatel
Repentedi oh It was too late
His blooming bridewas slainl
l saw a man to truth inelfned.
Of fervent zeal, and holy mind
Devoted to his God;
he drank this ~poison-drank again.
I'M on ms hands, was seen the stain
OF his own brothers bloodl
saw q Minister (my friendD
Whose prayers ] often heard ascend
Up to Gods holy throne;