Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-05-26

Then do not point the finger of scorn at
her, even though the silver threads begin
to show amid the curls that once were as
dark and beautiful as your own. You do
not know but that her faith in human love
was early shaken you know not how truly
she may once have loved, or how that love
was trampled upon. You have never wit
messed the tears of agony that she bas shed
over the destruction of her one golden
dream of bliss. No, you only see the out
side. You have never looked upon one
whom you worshipped and knew that an
other claimed your idol. You have never
felt the bitter pain. Of being forgotten, else
you could never laugh in seprn st thegis-
ion of poor old maj 4
lazy oft ~ Jo.srer-e..Seh rssspk. ss,,rrv1-
weary way through this cold unfeeling
world, without one kindly word OF tear Of
sympathy to tighten ber heavy load of woe.
Perhaps she too, in the spring time of life,
had loved Think of her as she then was;
gay, beautiful and happy! No fears of
unfaithfulness awakened terrors in her fond
and trusting heart. She knows that her
loved one is true. But alas surer de-
stroyer of her peace is at hand. Pale con-
sumption claims him as her victim She
beholds the hectic flush deepening on his
cheek; and the brilliant light of disease
brightenhis eye. But soon the destroyer's
work is ended, and she hears her loved
ones last blessing and receives his dying
sigh. She sees the beautiful eyes that once
beamed only with love for her, closed in
the cold sleep of death. And soon they
put him deep in the damp ground, and she
knows that he is lost to her until the resur-
rection morn. Then her cheeks grow pale
and her eyes grow dim; life has no charms
for her, for her heart in the "grave of her
hero lies buried" Thus time flies swiftly
on, and soon the rising generation throws
her back and classes her an "old maid."-
Hhey do not know her sorrows, it is too sa-
cred to her to be lightly spoken and so
she goes on her weary, weary way, alone
and unloved, with but one bright star in
the horizon of her life That star is the
memory of her early love, which beckons
her onward, and points to a reunion in q
world where sorrow and care is unknown
Then do not speak lightly or carlessly o.
the "old maid," but remember that she toe
has a heart Though she may seem cole
to you, yet her heart is as warm as wher
the first blush of youth tinged her cheeks
Though time and trouble have silverec
over the hair that once was black as a ra
ven's wing, and deep wrinkles furrow he
once fair and lovely cheeks, yet her hear
has -aot gro'Cn old. And though she may
be cold and icy towards those whom sh
knows ridicule her; yet when trouble an
sorrow weighs you down and, drives tn
= roses from your cheeks, then with he
. soothing voice and gentle hand she vii
, minister unto you and cause you, in you
I heart, to bless the poor, despised col
maid"
8 Then do not by your thoughtless rid
+ cule, add one iota more, to the burde
I she already has to bear; but rather lool
q up with respect and admiration at her sci
4 sacrificing devotion and unchanging con
: stancy. In fact, there is no class of peopl
9 more worthy of respect than they are
. then let us all in future, join with ne az
I cord in the sentiment, God bless them, 60
n bless them forever!
% % MINNIE E. RAY.
rs Near Wilmington, N. G..