Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-05-30
For The Spirit of the AZ.

=" wy NH
How truthful, and how affectingly beauti-
ful is the following Waif. 1t is not a mere
fancy sketch, but is a leaf from the book of
lifc-an ertract. from reality! Our fair friend
cannot better employ her talents than thus
to portray the evils of Intemperance. God
speed her liz her message of love, say we.
A Waif.-Respectfuuy inscribed to r. G. s.
BY MARTHA HAINEs BUTT.
An infant sweetly slumbered calm and
peaceful was that sleep as tranquil as the
soft moonlight eve without. The faithful old
time piece had long since told the hour of
twelve-sad and mournful was that sound
upon the midnight air, as it loudly pealed
forth like a sombre voice from the grave
Now and then might be heard the OWLS shrill
notes, seemingly portentous Of evil.
The infant slept! All, yes, for why might
not innocency and purity ever be unmolested
whilst wrapped in the balmy net of sleep
The seraphs were dallying with its golden
curls, which fell like a halo Of sunlight upon
its parian-like neck; soft and fragrant, too,
were the kisses which they imprinted upon
its brow. Ever sand anon might its silvery
laugh be heard, as if sleep fingered not round
its eye-lids. A lovely, serene picture was
that to gaze upon the picture of happiness
and innocency.
; The mother sat gazing upon her only child.
= Weary and fatigued was she, yet sleep came
: not to soothe, for her deep, deep agony of
i heart had driven the gentle spirit away. Oh,
long and tedious was that night of anxious
J Watching. Naught had she to cheer her
! gloom, save the sight of her gentle babe, who
even then was roaming in dreams through
the spirit world. Why comes be not muir.
murs she. Now walking to the window she
= looks upon the night without-all appears
: so calm and lovely. At every sound she
starts as though some unbidden messenger
was on his way with sad tidinss.
!, IT'S two o'clock, and still he comes not
~ Weary and exhausted with long watchin;
~ her eyes involuntarily close-but she enjoy
" not that calm, sweet sleep of her infant-oh
= no, many a night has passed since she enjoye
~ that delightful repose which those know VIII
~ are not pressed down by the heavy weight {
20 care.
=: But hark! footsteps and voices are heart
- Cora starts from her unquiet slumber. Sh
I 10 listens, but hears not tho voice which she
rs ' much desires. To the window she hasten!
and 10! what is presented to her view /? II
= long, lone night hath passed away, and no
III by the first rays of morning she beholds tt
lP- ~lifeless body of her husband. He is bon
ny to the house by some of his profigate cor
panions. Oh, the agony of that hour t
I ~: sad, sadreality before her. Her husbandh
IN been stricken down by the hand of one W
so oft had participated d in his revelries. T
. " wine cup had done it all, and his affections
lm though injured wife knew it full well.
had not fulfilled the VOW which he made
the bridal altar, yet still did Cora love hi
yes loved him with such deep devotion
only woman can feel. And as she gazed up
auu the mangled remains, what agony thrill
Joi through her very heart.
ICh- Not one moment did he have to resign
loV spirit into the hand Of that Almighty Pow
"a above. He had left her in the full vigor
that life and health. Then she endeavored
persuade him not to visit the accuston
SKY; place; but it was all to no avail her ger
'ood advice was not needed. lie preferred
ever halls which were dedicated to ,Bacchus
nor his quiet home, which he should have I
INK dered a paradise. Alas ! Alas! had he
ours tened to the gentle warning, not now wo
~ his faithful wife mourn DER his untin
end. All, exclaimed she, no kindly be
- was there to close his eyes in death n
rnr4 to stay the rude hand which extinguis
ItAl' the spark of life. Surely Heaven will WI
vengeance upon those who will thus rer
~ a ZONE desolate and its inmates orphans
GE. widows.
90 Norfolk, Va.