The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-08-26
FfoM We DOLLAR MASAAiAe.
Odds and krnds by an Obsolete Writer.

Odds and Ends, ny AN Obsoicts Wrasss
There probably never an age OF the world in
which so uch pains taken To make mankind bet
Ter and happier and yet, from the experience OF long
life, we'll pretty extensive acquaintance with past
generations derived from history, doubt whether the
has much boast OF 10 comparison with the past
In morals we certainly have not improved upon the
paiIiarchs of the Scriptures and regards happiness
the outward condition Of laf1e portion Of the human
ilization and refinement will derive no trumphs from
comparison with those periods OF pastoral simplicity
which, however embellished by poetry, certainly
existed in the world
Alter all, however. happiness, although the universal
pursuit of mankind is not Identified with any condition
Of life, any mode OF enjoyment or any advances in mere
human know ledge. II is creature OF the mind more
than of the body; and the most common com.
nit is that OF estimating the happiness OF men by their
possession OF what suppose the means OF being hap
py II il possible for us TO be content with
condition in life, without sinking into utter stessness
and apathy, that would probably come nearly any
thing 10 the summum bonum which 80 puzzled the an
One day. as the Dervsh Almoran. the wses of all the
followers of the Prophet and the oracle OF the chief
Multi OF Sambou was sitting in shady grove by the
side OF a bubbng fountain, on the shores OF the Bos
phofus trying TO lind out the true road to happiness,
order that he might benefit his fellow creatures by
municating the discovery, his speculatons inter-
Iupted by richly clothed who, approaching, sat
down and sighed heavily crying out at the tme
"Oh Allah, beseech thee to relieve me of life, the
burdens with which ii is laden"
Amoran, who was sort OF amateur OF misery, be-
cause it afforded him the pleasure OF administering
ISOLATION, approached the man OF sorrow, and kindly in
CURED the cause of his griefs "AIt thou in want OF
food, OF friends, OF health OF those comforts OF life
that necessary to human happiness or dos thou lack
the advice OF experience, the consultations Of sympa
thy' Speak for il is the business OF my life TO bsstow
them my fellow creatures"
"Aas" said the stranger, " require none OF these
have all and more than want Of everything | have
all the means Of happiness but one and the want OF that
"And what is that !? asked the Dervsh
adore the beautiful Zuema but she loves another
most miserable Of men; my life is burden, and my
death would be the greatest of blessings"
Before Almoran could reply, there approached poor
creature clothed in rags and leaning on his staff bowed
down 10 the earth with load Of misery He sal down
moaning, as IL in great pain, and, casting his eyes up
wards. exclaimed "Allah! be my star; for have none
other !"
The Dervish went to him and kindly said, "Wha
aeth thee poor man Perhaps it may be in my power
TO relieve thy dlstresses. What wantest thou ~
Everything" replied the beggar health, food, kin.
ded. friends. home-every,hing am an outcast and
wandeer destitute of every comfort of life am the
most miserable of mankind; for in addition to my
snferings, | others around me revealing in those
Injuries for lack Of small portion of which am per
ishing."
All This moment third approached, with weary
steps and anguid look and casting himself down by the
side of the fountain, stretched out his limbs free
LENGTH and, yawning desperately, cried out, "Allah
what shall dol what will become OF me am tired
OF life, which is nothing but purgatory of that,
when supplied, only produce disappointment or dis
gust"
Almoran approached and asked, "What is the cause
OF thy misery' What wantest lhou9"
q want want" answered the other. | am cursed
with the misery OF fruton | have wasted my life in
acquiring riches that brought nothing but disappoint
ment and honors that longer crafty my pride.
pay me Tor the labor of sustaining them. | have been
cheated into the pursuit Of pleasures that turned to pain
in the enjoyment; and my only is that have moth
ing 10 desire. have everything WISH and yet enjoy
nothing"
Amoran paused few moments, utterly at loss to
md remedy tor this strange maady then said TO him
sell, "Allah preserve me; | see it is all the
whether men want one thing every thing, nothing. 1t
is impossible to make such beings happy, and may
dirt II trouble myself any more in vain pursuit"
Then, taking up his staff, he went on his way.