Southern shield., 1852-05-22
Interview with Mr. Clay.

Hon. James Brooks, of New York who has had an interview with Mr. Clay, thu. writes to the New York Express. under date of the 18th uIt.:
 The contrast of year to me was most painful, and MT. Clay looks, physically, only like the wreck of the man he was There is hardly strength enough in his bands 10 con. vey food 10 his mouth and he is helped 10 and from his bed ike feeble child. lie rises very late, and as he told me, has not known for a long time what t is 10 enjoy an hour of sweet, refreshing, natural sleep. But like an old forest oak, beautiful even in it's decay, Mir. Clay still survives and exhibits the marks of past strength, and present power. The lustre of his eve is undmmed He both sees and knows his friends. The grasp of his hand is as fer vent, earnest and kindly impressive as ever t was. His voice continues to be all sweet ness and melody, except when its tones are moved by that bodily weakness which makes it painful for him to speak, k,-and it is lways very painful for him 10 speak long. But the greatest blessing which God vcuch- safes to dying man is his. He has that peace Of mind which the world can neither give nor take away, and an intellect as un- cIouded as in the day of its greatest brill fancy. Most of his thoughts are devoted 10 that change of existence from which none of US are exempt, and that change may come in an hour or day. or it may be postponed till the spring or the sumner flowers fade and die. In the meantime, Mr. Clay is tranquilly prepared for the mes- senger whenever he comes, and he remarks of his death in confding christian spirit, that though ''t may be presumption in him 10 say so, he looks forward 10 the world be- yond the grave with faith in God, and trust in better life" He is a memder and con- municant of the Episcopal Church, and among the few books in his room, the word of God occupies the most conspicuous place.
 met MT. Ca; in his room with only two New York friends and with melancholy pleasure. It was sad sight 10 behold the ravages of time and of disease upon his tall and graceful person. It was melancholy to realize that his learning, wisdom, expert ence and all, would soon be buried with him in the cold earth. It was painful to feel that his melody of voice would soon be changed to the whispers of death, and fjn- ally die away in the pIainive breezes of his departing spirit But it was a privilege to hear what must be among the last words of such man,--to See his unfaling hope as the embers of life spark by spark are burning out. IL is not for Mr. Clay, but for his country, that regretted for a moment in his presence that he had not reached the meridian of place, as well as glory in his country's history. But reflection teaches me, that it is not always compatible with genius, greatness, truth, honesty, and ser vice, to secure public place. Genius and greatness often beget jealousies, s,-the truth plainly spoken, even though spoken in love. gives offence; honesty is misjudged, or out of fashion, and public services are often for gotten as soon they are performed. As Greece banished Arstides and Rome eXiIed Marcellus, so the countrymen of Henry Clay have at times preferred the least to the greatest of their benefactors. But posteri- ty will appreciate him and defend him. He has even now survived his calumniators and all calumny, and we feel already that a.
 "---Glory without end
 Scaters the clouds away and on this name attend