Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1852-02-21
COMMUNICATED.
A TRUE SKETCH.

MS Childhood from WHcice all HIS cur
licst recollcctions spring, and around
whose iro-sidc so many hallowcd as
sUciations cluster.
"1Ic ia leaving the home Of his ch;ldhaod's
mirth; i.u
lie is bidding farewell to his falhcr's hearth ~
His home is henceforth to be in Il
stranger land. [fhc is sick no tender
mother will watch over his pillow, ad-
ministcring to his every want as only
mother can do; if his spirit is sad
and his heart desola.e, where will he
find one who can so readily sympa.
thize with him in these feelings as a
sister. When in trouble either bodi-
ly or mental to whom can he 60 with
so sure an expectation Of relief as to
fond father? But the last farewell
must be spoken, SO with an oppressed
heart he speaks the parting word, and
receives the last embrace Of fond
mother, and then takes his place in
the stage which is to convey him to
his destined hoise. How mingled are
the emotions which now crowd upon
his mind! Hope, ever bright, buoys
him up with prospect of much sue
cess,-and then a feeling Of loneliness
steals over his soul; but with mas
terly spirit he strives to conquer it by
picturing to himself vivid dreams Of
happiness, which are, alas never to
be realized. FIe arrives at the place
which he is ishenccforward to call home
His fine, open, intelligent features,
noble bearing and warm heart, soon
win the attention and esteem Of all
Though difficulties often surround his
path, and sadness perchance weighs
down his spirits, yet through all he
maintains his way, ever repeating tc
himself as watchword to urge him
forward "onward, right oaward."
But such dndisturbed peace and
pleasure is not long his happy lot
Just whom every prospect of future
success seemed bright, and every cloud
seemingly dispersed from his sky
suddenly every hope is blighted, and
his cup Of happiness which hitherto
seemed full, is dashed to the ground
in few short weeks. The death ofa
much loved friend fills his soul with
anguish and bitterness; but SO sue
cessfnl are his cndeavors to hide his
grief that those who daily associate
with him think him only low spirited
After an absence oftwo long years
from his fathers roof, he anticipates,
with pleasurable emotions, the delight
he will experience in returning to his
childhood's home. Already is the
time set for his departure, but he IS
taken sick. All that can be done for
the loved one is done-no mother or
sister is there to administer to his
wants, or in his hours Of dependency
and gloom to cheer him by their sweet
converse--but strangers comparative
ly-true they are Kind ones-watch
over his pillow. He grows worse,
and then, though all means are used
to prevent, ifpossible, the sad event,
death comes und laying its icy hand on
that form once full oflite and health,
leaves its deep impress there. o that
it had been his to say 40 death, where
is thy sting!" But such was not the
case. r. .4a.I a.... 't
The hour, SO much dreaded, ut last
comes, when he is to be committed to
the dark narrow chamber prepared
for all. Many attend him to his last
long home, and slowly and sadly they
lay him down, and in those beautiful,
touching words, say, i" FaresecH bro
tier, kindred and strangers are N oara-
ers to day."
The last sad offices have been per-
formed. They leave him alone in
that solemn place where he has so Of
ten sat musing in sadness and desola.
ton. No more will hc mingle in the
busy lhrong. No more will words OF
quietness and intelligence flow from
Ills lips, nor joy and pleasure sparkle
in those features now forever settled
in death. The place that has known
him will know him NJ more. His
friends will remember his kindness
and goodness long, and though do
prived of his society, still will his mem.
ory dwell in their hearts. Ponce be
To his memory. "..
Reader, this is no fancy sketch, but
is fill oftruth. 0, that all who under.
stand its mcuaing who are acquainted
witt. the incidents here related, may
tlcarnu lesson Of the irailty of human
lie, aud in so doing, prepare tor that
schema even, which all must meet
''suonrr later. Truly, i'll the midst
Of lie arc We in death. FIRM.
A man whose mind is trained to
,Gul hnrpiurss in doing good, utmost