Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-01-17
JANUARY 27.
gaSits, department.
y" TIE "t4NIA VI IHE Al
Evening Amusements.

ular routine OF studies could not be kept
up, while all thoughts were engaged in an
ticipations Of the holidays. Groups of
girls might be seen, deeply discussing the
various modes Of spending their time, so as
TO obtain the most amusement.
We live in a remote part Of the State,
far away from its centre of gayety and
fashion yet VIZ are not wholly plebian in
our tastes. The Homo Journal finds its
way IN our midst, ~ duf cultivated our
manuers somewhat has given us teaches
SsttaI4asaAaaATAss is ! THAT tho s;s
CHRISTMAS dinners, {nd - leeg froIvs, Or
a portion Of our comhuui<g aid not satisfy
our more refined appctitcs; We wanted
something more attractive an6 after va
rious suggestions, we decided on a series Of
tabloaux. Two or'thrce evenings previous
to Christmas, were gaily spent in rum
maging old chests aud closets, for the most
antique, as we'll as rich costumes that could
be found. Old bonncts, silk dresses, feath-
crs and jcwelry. that bad graced the forms
Of our grandmothers, aud 'that had long
laid hid, were brought from their secret
places to be ~remodelled, and to perform
Offices Of which these same grand-mammas
would never have dreamed. The children's
tippets were pinned together around the
border ola cashmere shawl, to form a man
tie Of state for the 'Sultana.' A crown,
studded with b~rilliants, reposed on her fair
brow. A sceptre was gracefully held in
her hand, and raised to give audience to a
Turkish petitioner at her feet. Her atten-
dants were orientalized by turbans and
slshcs. But imposing as was the scene,
yet like Cinderilla's unaccustomed gran.
deur, it soon resolved itselfinto ~pastebOard,
glass beads and Turkey red.
From the naughty Roxalana, let US turn
to a more peaceful view among the High
lands Of Scotland. a young mountaineer,
clothed in his bright tartan, bonneted and
plumed, with bow and arrow in hand, seems
to linger near his pleasant cousin, unwil-
ling to leave the charms of her society, for
the greater enthusiasm and excitement of
the chase. He watches the upraising of
those downcast eyes, and the gracefulmove-
ment Of those delicate fingers, as she grad
ually draws out the slender thread from
her distaff. Leaning on his bow, he seems
wholly absorbed by the attraction before
him. We would look longer, but the door
closes, and music alte.nates with the pic
lures.
A study, with table, books, papers and
writing apparatus partially disarranged,
next presents itself. A young student, in
dressing gown and tasselled cap, is porting
deep sanEca eye, d%iscl0sos the al faci iP It'd
his books will soon be his executioners.-
Ou%rsympathies are excited, and we long tc
draw him away from an employment, tina
IS destined to bring him to a premature
grave.
Next comes the parting between Conrad
aud Medora which Byron has immortalizeG
in song.
Gle, robust, but not Herculean-to the SIGHT.
no giant iramo sets forth his common height.
Yet IN the whole, who paused to look again.
Saw more than marks the crowd of other men. y
Equipped for anew expedition, with pis.
tolls, dirks, swords and other weapons of his
warlike avocation, he supports the fair
form OF Medora, who is looking up in un-
utterable anguish. Vainly has she persua-
ded him to stay and partake of the delicate
repast prepared. He endeavors to convince
her that the farewell is not final, but a Sc
oret presentiment assures her that this is
her last embrace. The bugle blast sum-
mons him to the rendezvous.
But we have scarcely recovered from
this touching scene, when we are TRANSPORT.
cd to the village school, (the idea not
borrowed from Harper, either Little
urchins Of all sizes, clad in rustic simplici-
ty, with books and states, are watch;nr the
mistress, about to iufict corporeal punish
ment on one unlucky little girl, caught in
the act OF eating. The appraised whip
shows that they did not govern by moral
suaslon 10 those times. A part of the
school have their attention diverted bv one
OF their classmates, mimicking the old LADY
from behind.
From the discipline of the school room
we are next introduced into that of a prison
The convict, with his matted lair and ne
elected dress, sits moodily on his iron bed.
stead. The massive chains around his
wrists and ankles are conspicuous. His
yonng vile, who has Just entered his cell
-feela poiglaptly his disgrace. and her ex'
pressive features look the anxious ;nop;rv
Are you guilty2 ~
But we leave the momentous Question
unanswered. The unhappy pair are soon
forgotten. Our sympathies are next exc;-
ted by the conflicting passions, striving for
mastery, IN the countenance of the Swiss
hero, William Tell. His bow is stretched
to its utmost tension, and he is taking nm.
erring aim at the precious target before
him. The lad with folded arms. and head
erect, looks calmly confident of his parents
skill. A close observer, notices, also. a
second arrow, intended for the Tyrant,
Gesler.
The Gipsey Fortune Teller next calls
our attention. Her tangled locks and sun
Drowned complexion tell Of trials and rough
experience, since she left her sunny Egyp-
tIan home, and form a striking contrast to
the young and blooming Miss, whose deli
cateiy veined palm, her old eyes are endeay-
oring to d~ecipher. But such is life. Sor-
T 1Tw 1reaus quickly on the heels of mirth.
line grave and the gay, age and youth are
thrown IN singular juxtaposition. How
s9d the retrospect of the one, how brilliant
the antieipations of the other ?
pat While we are moralizing, the SCENE
is again changed. Occupying , commo~J
ing position in the picture. Is the tan "n5
majestic warrior, Powhattan be iooIo1
Ike one of natures noblemen Init .ho IN
cry passions disclosed in his countonoanc
oetray the whole Indian. With uplifteJ
eiuo he Is about to bring a fatal blow ~
1:eIn' VINO hes at his feet; but his bean