Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-12-05
From the Anderson Gazette.
THE MANIAC.
BY THE AUTHOR OF NINA MELVILLE.
Oh she was changed

BY THE AUIHOR VI Nina MELsiLLE.
Oh! she was changed
As " the sickness OF her soul her mind
Had wandered from its dwelling, and her eyes,
They had not their own uStre, but the look
Which is not of the earth; she was bccom.
The queen ola fantastic realm
And this the world calls frenzy.
Decked in her bridal robes, she stands before
her mirror The last gem has been clasped,
and the wreath olpale flowers are smiling amid
the dark ringets OF her hair. In her snowy
hand she holds miniature. How earnestly
she gazes upon but there is IN expression OF
scorI about those comprest lips; and those large
ewes have an unnatural lustrp. Ever aud anon,
with dark smile, and few multered words,
she presses that picture fondy to her lips, then,
as if actuated by an opposite feeling, she holds
it afar from her. But now her gaze wanders--
she is thinking of the past-ln fancy she clasps
again the hand OF her beloved, aud breathes the
sweet vows of her youth. Again her eager
thirsty ear drinks in the liquid cloquence of that
voice which has stolen away the best affections
of her nature. But, why that wild start-why
that fearful trown! In a deep low tone she
mutters, 81 will be there. aye, aye, William.
will be there!' Who is this strange, beautiful
being, and wherefore is she decked thus in bri-
dal robes! lis the gifted, the high souled Cla-
ra Grey Possessing but a slender fortune, yet
rich in the treasures Of mind and heart, t,-among
earth's morning jewellers she has been the gay
est of the gay, but now the cloud of sorrow is
dark upon her soul. 'I'is the miniature Of
William Ashton, her faithless lover-he who
has won her heart but to east it like withered
flower away,-that she holds in her hand.
This mornin !, as she gathered fresh roses to
deck her braided tresses. Ere the hour ap-
pointed for the coming of her lover, a strange
messenger came to her, in the form OF a beautl.
full child, and told her with tears and signs, the
story of his Ealsehood. Twere needless to at.
tempt to desc tue wild grief of the proud
beauty. This night he is to wed another, and
richer bride; and Clara has arrayed herself in
those robes, prepared for her own bridal, and
uttered those words, al will be there" How
beautiful she looks as she bends her last glance
upon the mirror-how beautiful. Oh how beau.
tilul!
In the mellow lamp light in the gorgeous halls,
OF the proud ana happy lather OF Annie Eiher'
son, hundreds of fair forms are floating; bright
eyes are catching new lustre from the Joyous
scene, and sweet voices are ringing merrily in
jest and laugh. "I'hey come, they come" is
whispered along that vast crowd, ard every
voice is hushed, and every eye turned to the
open door.-As they gaze upon the sweet beau.
ty Of the blushing bride, thrill of admiration
passes through every heart. Proudly does
William Ashton lead the fair and gentle Annie
to the bridal altar, where the robed priest is in
readiness awaiting But here is another form,
shadowy and light, with her long veil floating
round her; she follows in the footsteps of the
bride. They pause, and silence like that of
death reigns 'Tis only broken by the deep
and solemn voice of the man of God the
ceremony is commenced, the question has been
asked, and the lips of the bridegroom are part.
cd to speak the fitting vows, when 10 this form