Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1851-04-19
The Courtship and HeEey- Moon.

To love in NintTy age d1S sdiHs
AS first in youth we loved;
Tits il love--iaihful love
Such as saints might feel above"
five were constantly to bear in mind, in our
passage through life, that It's 'tri1es makes the
sum Of human things" how much of the misery
into which many of us now heedlessly plunge migh
be entirely avoided. Unhappiy, there are but few
in the married state who, in their "reminiscences,
are enabled to look back upon the unbroken cham
of bliss so beautifully depicted in the lines above
Quoted; and the only reason that we can imagine
whv it is not oftener realized s-next to the natu
raj perversity of our race-the want OF proper at
tention to the thousand little occurrences and I'M
pleasant passages confessedly tritilng IN them
selves but which, in the aggregate make up IN
number what they want in weight
1t is not, however, our intention, even were we
equal to the task to digress into dissertation up
on the various ills which affect humanity, or the
probable causes which produce them; but merely
to present the reader with brief sketch, which
will perhaps serve respect, to Illustrate as
well the ease with which the seeds of unhapplness
NAV be incautiously strewn in the hearts of those
who love us, as also what may be considered the
infant or incipient state of that bright existence,
warmed by that 'sacrcd flame" which can alone
qualify
ITO love in wintry age the same
AS first in youth we loved"
A festival was given by young married lady
one of numerous circle of acquaintances-on the
return of her birthday, which was likewise the
first anniversary of her marriage. large party
of her young friends the greater part OF whom had
kneeled at the hymenial altar at about the same
time with herself, were present to enlVen the occa
sion. Mr. and Madam Maryland (for such shall
be the name of the hostess) presented most 1e-
licious union and were noted for their tender re-
gard for each other, which partook more OF the ro-
mantle fondness which characterizes the young and
the hopeful lover, than of what Is usually obserV-
able in the staid realities of married life, OF even
less than years standing Happy within them
selves, they neglected opportunity to administer
TO the 10Y and comfort of their friends whom they
gathered about them, and possessing the most
agreeable and winning manners 1t was rarely that
their efforts to please were unsuccessful
With such beings to entertain, 1t Is easily I'M
agned that their visiters at such times would De
under very little restraint in pursuing the pleasure
the hour and restraint in such cases, as all know,
is great bar to enjoyment. The conversations
were animated, and for time were participated
in by all Glowing with warmth and animation,
after a number of other topics had been exhausted,
the ever prolific theme of matrlmony was brought
upon the taps This, in some respects, was per
haps peculiarly appropriate to the eXlgency OF the
occasion; but unfortunately 1t was suffered to take
a turn the only result of which, if left unchecked
would be likely in time, to grow into an unconquer-
able evil
This untimely interruption of the general har-
monv which marked their intercourse for a few mo-
ments previous, was caused by some of the young
husbands present. who were disposed to treat the
subject in a dsagreeable light by nveighing against
matrimony, and by ridicung that condition and It's
Wanted pleasures, when compared with their for
mer "single blessedness." Some of the coarser
minded among them went SO far-and this in the
presence of their wives-as to discourse eoquently
upon the grght fields for various achievements
which would be open to them, and upon which they
might enter, If they acere unmarried.
Il would travel" said one.
81 too, said another. 81 would explore the
old world and feast upon its curoslties and Its Won
ders, ere became a settled man"
would enter the lists of Fame at home" said
a third 81 would not yield to the blind impulse
of Cupid until had reached the highest seat in the
Councils of State"
recommence my career should be the navy instead
of wife
And mine the army
Thus they proceeded through their heightened
category; but, alas none said they would endeav-
or to make themselves and their wives contented
and happy in their then present condition All
that they did say though without apparently any
evil malicious intent, broadly enough implied
that their wives were burdens to which they were
chained and which kept them from rising.
But there are some things too exalted to be as
sailed with the trifing JEST and there are hearts
whose chords too exquistely sensitive to resist
the whitening influence of the impious sneer, when
coming from those they love, be the motive what it
will. TWAS evident that the words which fell from
the lips of some of the party, descended like drops
of molten lava upon the hearts of their unsuspec-
ting wives, rendering them incapable of continuing
their partcipations in the evenings enioyments.-
This, though readily noticed by others, and par
ticularly by Mr.. and Mrs. Maryland, was entirely
overlooked or UNDECIDED by those who were the
cause of it.
Painful indeed was the result to all but such az
its activ promoters. Mr.. Maryland, who hac
withdrawn his voice and was sitting silent specta
tor of what was going forward during this part o
the conversation, was justly indignant at the ex
cesses of his guests and onged for an opportunity
not only to change the tenor of their unbecomins
observations, but to minister, at the same time
without involving any breach of hospitality, SOM
suitable and efectual rebuke They, however
continued their bitter remarks; and at length, no
ticing Mr.. Mayland's silence, one of them ap
preached, ndtapping him upon the shoulder, said
"Well, Maryland here you sit as quieta as mouse
What do you think of the matter-the advantage
and disadvantages? We should like to have you
opinion! What would you do if you were not mar
ried?
His (Mayland's) sweetheart wife sitting
little distance from him when this question was pro
pounded. She had been highly delighted that he
husband had abstained from the reckless flow
words which had been passing; but now seeing tina
he was directly appealed to, her heart leaped, an
she riyeted her ewes upon him with MINGLED ono