Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1858-01-16

in the room, comprising all the chief am
ateurs from New York. Boston, Baltimore,
and PhiIadelphia.--P philadelphia Press.
The Beautiful Maniac.
"The fire that on my bosom preys,
Is lone as some volcanic isle,
No torch is kindled at lis blaze
A funeral pile !"
In the morning train from Petersburg
there was lady closely veiled, in the
same car with ourselves. She was dres-
sed in the purest white, wore gold brace
lets, and evidently belonged to the higher
cir1les of society. Her figure was deli
cate, though well developed, and exqui-
sitely symmetrical; and when she occa-
sionally drew aside her richly embroider-
ed veil, the glimpse of the features which
the behoIder obtained, satisfied him Of
her extreme loveliness. Beside her sal a
gentleman in deep mourning, who watch
ed over her with unusual solIciiude, and
several times when she attempted 10 rise
he excited the curiosity of the passengers
by detalning her in her seat.
Outside the cars all was confusion pas.
sengerS looking TO baggage, por'ers run
ming, cabmen cursing, and all ihe usual
hurry and hustle attending the departure
of railroad train. One shrill warning
whistle from the engine, and we moved
slowly away.
At the first motion Of the car, the lady
in white started 10 her feet with one heart
piercing scream, and her bonnet falling off
disclosed The most lovely features we ever
contemplated. Her raven uesses fell
over her shoulders in graceful disorder,
and clasping her hands in prayer, she
turned her dark eyes TO heaven What
agony was in that look What beauty,
TOO, wha! heavenly beauty, had not SO
much of misery been stamped upon ii !!
Alas one glance told a melancholy tale.
's-she was changed
AS by the sickness Of the sonl her mind
Had wandered from It's dwelling, and her
eyes,
They had not their own lusIre, but the
lock
" kich is not Of earth; she has become
The queen of a fantastic realm her
thoughts
Were combinations Of disjointed things,
Aad forms, impapabIe and unperceived
OF others eyes, familiar were 10 hers"
Her brother, the gentleman in black,
was unremitlng in his efforts TO soothe
her spirit. lie led her back 10 her seat
but her hair was still unbound and her
beauty unveiled. The cars rallIed on,
and the passengers in groups resumed
their conversation. Suddenly wild mel.
ody arose; it was the beautiful maniac's
voice, rich, full, and inimiable. Her
hands were crossed on her heaving bo-
som, and she waved her body as she sang
with touching pathos-
"She is fai from the land where her young
hero sleeps,
And lovers are aroond her signing,
But coldIy she turns from their gaze and
weeps,
For her heart in his grave is lying
'She sings the wild songs of her dear ma
tive plains,
Every note which he loved awaking-
All little they think, who delight in her
strains,
How the heart Of the minstrel is brea-
king !"
Her brother was unnamed, and he
wept as only man can weep. The air
changed, and she continued
'Ilas sorrow thy young heart shaded,
As clouds Ger the morning fleet
FOO fast have those young days faded,
That even in sorrow were sweet
f thus the unkind world wilher
Each feeling that once was dear ;
Come, child of misfortune come hi,her,
I'll weep with thee, tear for tear"
She then sung fragment Of the beaull-
uI hymn
Jesus, lover Of my soul,
Let me 10 thy bosom fly. {
Another attempt TO rise Up was Preven-
ed. and she threw herself on her knees
eslde her brother, ond gave him such a