Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-12-15
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EUGENE CoLTON.

N~0~N~N~0~0~0O0~~~0~@o7~0
EUGENE COTTON.
Twas evening; nought distur bed the quiet
OF the hour, save the gentle rustling Of the
leaves, kissed by the passing zephyr. Pictu-
rescue and romantic scenery every where
greeted the delighted eye gently sloping
hills clad in natures most fascinating appar-
rel, seemed prepared to shield from tempests
yet unborn, the beautiful, and wild, and I'M
posing scene, which slept so TRANQUILITY at
their base. A meanderng and limpid stream
wended its way softly through this Paradise.
giving additional beauty to the landscape
Love, music and poetry here found loved
retreat, congenial home. Nature seemed
prodigal in showering her beauties in such
wild profusion Oh this fair-sited spot. The
heavens smiled -ufon such earthly beauty,
and Phoebus, though his seods were pant
ing for the goal, seemed lingering to admire
In the midstrose in solitary grandeur, astate-
ly hill, which seemed to rule the whole. At
It's apexstood an aged tree, with wide spread
ing and low bending boughs yielding a re-
freshing shade. Beneath stood two persons
Of modest mien, and neat appearance, ad-
miring the green and beautiful vale beneath
them. Miss Maynard was large majestic
woman, extremely beautiful when young, but
now old age had left It's traces on her once
cherub cheek, and dimmed the lustre Of her
once sparkling eye. She was highly educa-
ted, and manifestations Of superior intellect
could be seen in her every feature. Her con
I IL IL, -
pie, and beautiful, won for herself by this pleas
ing faculty the love Of all who knew her
She ssbf vas vas extremely cheerful and merry in
had affected her to wonderful degree, and
her deep-felt sorrow for her youthful indies
cretion engendered rather a mournful look
which bespoke repentance. She had, while
E in her sixteenth year, just upon the verge Q
womanhood, in the bloom Of herhappy life
left loving mother, and doting father WIZ
by the by were wealthy, and eloped witt
an highly intelligent and accomplished young
; gentleman, the abiect Of her early affection
who was constrained from his abject poyert,
: to toll for bis daily bread. He was gradu
ated at some far off college, where he wa
readily admitted as beneficiary, his shining
intellect then foreteling its since sun-Hk
: splendor. lie was however enabled by in
e defatigable exertion, and scrupulous diligenc
in some profession to accumulate sutficer
It money to purchase him medium size
,e farm in some beautiful and romantic po
G ton Of the country, where during his leisul
lc hours lie w7ss7rrrrsalaalsz = nnaagnd in Writin
romances. They were now a happy coup
W on this cheerful farm. There they lived
( rural retirement surrounded by everythir
ID necessary for the enjoyment Of life. Their
re was
le "a low-roofed cottage, white and neat,
!, Embosomed in the trees
~ Where bithely singing glides the rill,
e And sighs the balmiest breeze.
Everything seemed glad around then
Ok the lordly cock would crow, unmolesteo
ea the princely turkey strutted about IN !
60 {" feathered snagle5" seemingly proud Of
OK retired and quiet home. The queenly Pc
no cock would display her brilliant colors to
7fs sun, apparently absorbed in her own be-
le' tiful appearance. Birds Of divers kinds wot
repair to the rejoicing trees, and render "n
'on sical the foliage" whose songs seemed :
out syllable" the name of the happy master.
I'VE The partridge whistles its shrill note NJ
the very threshold the rabbit would k
ma about the calf in the farm yard, and
IS frolicksonle squirrels, sitting on the g
lor- post. would cut his diverting antics" VIII
: would we search for happiness, rural hal
iiul ness. but here Contentment met love
fond embrace, aud were glad. Strife
and contention fed even from the very .bea
who cherished fond feelings for each OF
aPs' After this very natural DEPRESSION we ret
the to our scene. The hill, upon which
5no- fond mother and her charming and bu1
Tour daughter we're standing, was about a l
de- from their home Lucinda in the tloor
tby youth was tripping lightly o'er the bill,
for some fairy DER FARMLAND. Little did
think her idols thoughts were directed
my some other cline as she thus addressed
at | Why, daughter, do you sport abou
es- wildly, and not come here with me, and
ioy the beauty and romance Of surroun
and scenery ? Yonder old desolate castle is
ID to ked with many an early and fond assocli
that and many dlVerting stores counu
ere late to YOU connected with it, from which
the might deduee instructive lessons ? Q
5 re- why act so foolish. Little was Lucind
anne clined to listen to any old legend her 4
! was er might relate, and Immediately rep
serve An ur9ae sadness amidst the stiffness {
,pelic scene. my dear mother, would quickly
tened possession Of my mind, did not dlspeil
. felt unwonted gaiety. Everything around