Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-05-27
THE APPLES OF SODOM.
BY MRS. L. II. sIGoURNEY.

The heir OF q noble house grew up to
manhood. His form was lofty, and his step
commanding and proud. He had been nur-
tured in halls Of learning, and all that wealth
could lend to intellect was his. He dwelt
in stately mansion, and many waited for
his smile.
In his ample library were gathered the
wisdom of the most ancient sages, and the
varied knowledge of modern times. Tones,
enriched by the skill of the artist engraver,
and gay in silk and gold, strewed his tables.
There he sometimes fingered, till the lamp
grew pale, and the bright fire faded in his
FURNISHED CRATE.
But, as he sat in his deep chair of velvet,
with his feet upon an embroidered ottoman,
he sometimes dozed over the treasures of
the open page. For wine-cup was beside
him there.
Once, he read from classic book, of the
Apples of Sodom; but deep sleep came upon
him, and, falling, he lay upon the figures of
the rich carpet. His servants bore him to his
couch and when his head sank in the deep,
down-pillow, he murmured something like
"Apples of Sodom."
Afterward, when he slept long among the
books, or his foot failed in the hall, and they
laid him in his bed as one without strength,
they said to each other, "Our master hath
eaten the Apples of Sodom." But beyond
this, they spake not, for they loved the heir
of that honorable house, where they had so
long been fed.
A fair young creature was seen in the lofty
rooms of that princely abode. At her word
the marble vases glowed with fresh flowers,
and guests, robed in rich apparel, gathered
round the costly board. At her word, the
steeds moved gracefully in the proud chariot;
for she bore over that royal household the
authority of wife.
Yet there was something at her heart, that
gnawed like secret worm. Of this she spake
not. But the green leaves of hope and gar
lands of joy withered.
She lay upon silken couch. Perfumes
breathed around her. The light of the silver
lamp was shaded by the heavy folds of rich
curtains, and the steps Of attendants gliding
around her, upon the thick and radiant car
pet, gave no sound. Then the wall of weak
infant was heard; and the soul of the young
mother departed.
The master of the mansion wept. But with
his tears were drops of wine. The holy fruits
of sorrow he gathered not; for in his hand
were the Apples of Sodom. Yet the little
feet of the child, at his side, made music in
his heart; and he saw, with pride, that the
rich curls round the boys pure forehead, were
like his own.
The boy grew in strength, and in beauty.
His heart reached out its slight tendrils for
something to love, and took hold both of the
good and the evil. Ere the eyes of the mind
were fully open, the quick passions had put
forth broad and dark leaves, eager to drink
up the sunbeams.
When he erred and deserved reproof, or
when he did we'll and needed encouragement,
there was no father-save bloated form in
the wine trance. He became youth, and
fattery spake to him soft things.
At his nod servants went and came, and
when his splendid equipage rolled along the
pavement, the gazing crowd said that he was
happy. They knew not that for the undisci-
plined spirit, there as no happiness.
Years rolled on; and then in the house of
strangers-whence issued wild shrieks, and
laughter without cause, and the song of the
manac-there was the son of the drunkard.
Bolts and bars restrained him, and the glory
of his locks was shorn.
He raved wildly; calling his servants to
his aid, and uttering maledctions because
they came not. At intervals he was quiet,
and wrote upon the walls of his cell his inco-
herent thoughts: and amidst many broken
and blotted lines, might be traced out
"Apples of Sodom."
The father safe in his lonely halls. He
scarcely mourned for his lost son. An equal
madness was his, and greater sin-for il
was voluntary The habit which now, like a
tyrant ruled him, had been his own choice
He had himself forged the chains that were
drawing him to the lowest hell.
He safe in his lonely halls. Friends had
forsaken him-for he had shown kindness tc
none. The white hairs of age were on him
yet had he not become wise. Wealth was
still his, but he enjoyed it not. Neither gave
he to the poor; for a depraved appetite had
eaten up his sympathies.
The weakness Of age came upon him; he
was drivelcr, and full of disease His ole
servants were dead, and the new ones Knocked
him, and stole his substance. His dim eyes
discovered not their thefts-but he trusted
them not, and, jealous, dwelt with them as
man among enemies.