The Delaware herald., 1854-04-05
Sfllsteuanrous.
Human Life (; or, the First and the Last
Minute.

MINUTES PAss-The anxious husband PAGES
slowly across his study. He is father; man
child is born unto him. MINUTES PAss-the
child has been blessed by Il parent whom il
cannot recognise, and pressed to that bosom &c
which instinct alone guides it for sustenancc-
the young wife, too, has faintly answered to a
husbands questions, and felt his warm kiss on
her forehead. Hours PAss.-Tbe low moan
ings from the closely covered cradle, tell of the
! first wants Of its infant occupant. The quiet
tread Of the nurse speaks Of suffering around
her; while her glad countcnance says that the
very suffering which she is trying to alleviate,
is source of JOY, and the nameless articles,
which, from time to time, she arranges on the
hearth, tell Of new claimant for the courte-
sizes and attentions Of those who have progress
ed further on the pathway of existence.
| DAYS PAss.-Vistors are thronging the
chamber, and the mother, pale and interesting
after her recent sickness, is receiving their
congratulations, and listening proudly to their
praises of the little treasure which lies asleep in
its little rocking bed at her feet. The scene
shifts, and the father is there with her alone, as
the twilight deepens about them, while they
are planning the future destiny Of their child.
WEEKS PAss.-Thc eyes Of the young mother
are sparkling with health, and the rose blooms
again on her check, and the cares Of pleasure
and home engage her attention, and the tIthcr
is once more mingling with the T0r.'.: yct they
find many opportunities, each day, to visit the
young inheriror of life: 10 watch his draamless
sUmbers--to trace each others looks in his
countcnance, and TO ponder upon The felicity Of
which hc is the bearer to them.
MONTHS rAss.-Thc cradle is deserted. But
the chamber floor is strcWcd with playtIlings,
and there is Il little one lettering among them,
whose half-lisped words, and hearty laugh. and
sunny countenance, tell you that the entrance
to lite is over pathway of flowers. The cra-
die is empty, but the last prayers Of the parents
are uttered over the small crib which stands by
their bedside and their latest attention is given
to the peaceful breathngs Of its occupant.
! YEARS PAas.-Childhood has strengthened
into boyhood, and boyhood has gamboled along
into manhood. Old connections are broken
parents are sleeping in their Grayc-ncw init
macies are formcd--a new home is about him,
new cares distract him. Tie is abroad, strug-
/ Cling amid the business of life, or resting from
I 1t with those whom he has chosen from his own
generation. Time is beginning to wrinkle his
forehead, and Thought has robbed his looks OF
their gaiety, and study has dimmed his eyes,
Those who began life after he had grown up,
are fast crowGing him out of if, and there are
many claimants upon his industry and love, for
protection and support.
! YEARS PAss.-His own children nave become
men, and are quitting him, as he also quilted
the home of his fathers. His steps have lost
their clasticity-his hand has become familiar
with the cane, to which he is obliged to trust
in his walks He has left the hustle which
! fatigued him. lie looks anxiously in each day
| paper among the edeaths-anG then ponders over
ii = LII A., i II
himself that lac is younger and stronger, and
has better hold upon life than any of his CO.
| tcmporarics.
MONTHS PAss.--IIe gradually diminishes the
circle of his activity. He dislikcs to go abroad
where he finds so many new faces, and he
grieves to meet his former companions, after a
short absence, they seem TO have grown so old
and infirm Quiet enjoyments only are relish
ed-a little conversation about old timcs-a
sober game at whist-a religious treatsc-and
his carly bed, form for him the sum total of his
pleasures.
Wees PAss.-Inlrmity keeps hna in hi;
chamber. His walks are limited to the small
space between his easy chair and his bed. His
swollen limbs are wrapped in ilannels. Hi.
sight is ta1ng-hls ears refuse their duty, anC
his cup is but half filled, since, otherwise, hii
shaking hand cannot carry it to his shrunkcT
lips, WITHOUT Splllng lLS COnlCHISs AllS pow CIi
are weakened-his strength is lost.
/ DAYS PAss.-The old man does not leave hi
bed--his memory is failing-he talks, but can
not be understandable asks questions, but they
relate to the transaction Of former generation
--he speaks Of occurrences, but the recollection
Of no one around him can go back to thei
+ scenes--he seems to commune with comrades
but when he names them, it is found that tn,
waters of time and oblivion have long covere,
! their tombs.
Hours PASs-The taper grows DINNER an
dimmer-the machinery moves yet more an
more slowly--the sands arc fewer as they mea
f sure the allotted span. The motion of thos
about him is unheeded, or becomes vcxatior
Each fresh inquiry after his health is knell.-
= The springs Of life can no longer force on il
wheels-the " silver chord is fast untwistin
! --the pitcher is broken at the fountaiFl-an
5 time /" is birthen." His children arc abou
i him, but he lieeds them not-his friends ar
s near, but he does not recognize them. Th
circle is completed. The course is run-an
utter weakness brings the cold damp, whic
ushers in the night Of death.
MINUTES PAss.-IIis breathing grows softC
and lower-his pulse beats fainter and feeble
Those around him are listening, but cannot tie
when they cease. The embers are burnt out
!. and the blaze flashes not before it expires. ii
" three score years and ten are numbered
u Human life is finished"