Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1851-04-10
THE TIMES
From Bentley's Magazine.
Sketch from "a Physician.

in the person ofyoung Edward N.
The name Of insanity, in the minds of
most people, is connected with ideas of
delerium and danger, of the barred cell,
or shaded apartment, nearly as awful
TO the chilled soul of the spectator as
the chamber of death itself. Those,
however, whose mental alterations
are Slaring at all, form but small part
of The many who, although mingling in
society, and conforming to its cere.
monies, are, nevertheless, haunted by
some dreadful thought, some aprara-
iion in the shape of fancy, which
they are unable 10 Danish, and which,
in reality, constitutes lunacy as dis
tinct, and perhaps as dangerous as
that Of the raving wretch whose peals
of hysteric laughter are heard mingling
with the clank Of his chains. Edward
was no, my intimate friend, but had
known and admired him. His health
was not apparently impaired, and he
had never dreamed of requiring my
professional aid, although he was natu.
rally of that nervous and irritable state
of body and mind which most easily
falls prey to hypochondriacal imagi
nations. His talents were dazzling--
indeed brilliantly SO; and after having
completed very finished course Of
classical education, he had entered upon
the study of the legal profession, with
the ardour of youth and conscious
genius. In person | never knew any
more perfectly noble; and his manners
exercised fascinating influence over
every circle. He was the ornament.
the charm, the life of every company.
| never saw in any one perceptions Of
the beautiful more continually awake.
| had gained some insight into his
character, however, which surprised
me, by some stanzas shown me, and as.
cribed TO him. They were totally ir-
reconcieablo with his general loveliness
ofdemeanour, and seemed poured forth
in an agoniziDg spirit of wretchedness,
which | could scarcely contemplate
with unmoistoncd eyes.
One evening accompanied him to a
rather brilliant Jete at BIS. Habitua
ted as was to his animated manner
in society, even was as,onished at the
perpetual sparkles of wit and merri.
ment, which drew upon him the eyes
Of all present. AS he stood by the
piano, in the act Of singing, / was
struck with his lofty and elegant form,
the expression which flashed from his
large black eyes, and the mellow rich
ness and perfect sweetness of his voice
A fair young girl, who had been gazing
with a dangerous earnestness, blushed
as she perceived | noticed her; and
yet, with look of fglowing admiration
J whispered me, while the lids Of hel
glistenng eyes dropped, as if she were
saying something which she felt to the
innermost core of her heart:
Edward N. ought to be the hap
piest man in the world"
The next morning was called in tc
sec him. absolutely started on be-
holding his fine countenunce, now un
lighted by any expression but that of
+, dim weariness, an apathy, as of ont
= sick of life. had never yet thus &C
companied him behind the scenes, and
- as took his dry, feverish hand, AM
\ felt his pulse. he read my astonshmen
in my looks, and said
t. you have certainly exposed yourscl
e since last night" said ].
:. "Oh, slight shower" he answered
h "But that was not till late; beside
'e you returned in carriage"
r. AYE, doctor, but walked out again
er walked out again" exclaimed l.
h. What! after two o'clock, and lhos
at heated rooms! Walk out again in
y, NJ showerl You deserve some pain fo
such caressness. What was The mat
&c &c ter? Any accident?
T. He raised his languid eyes.
el Doctor, | have often had mind I
: confess to you. but, some how or othe
es fear. silly fear, has prevented me,
:" Confess! WHAT.
III. co,, ass,,n,od m oxprocSion ,