Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1858-02-10
ANNIE LAURIE.

ANNIE LAURIE.
"If you want 10 hear Annie Laurie
sung. come to my house 10 night" said
a man 10 his friend. I'VE have a love
lorn fellow in the village, who was sadly
wrecked by the refusal of girl to whom
he had been paying attention for year
or more. 1t is seldow he viii attempt
the song. but when he does, l tell you,
it draws tears from the eyes unused TO
weeping"
A small. select company. had assem-
bled in a pleasant parlor, and were gay
ly chatting and laughing, when tall
young man entered. whose peculiar face
and air instantly arrested the attention.
He was very pale, with that clear, vivid
complexion which dark haired consum-
lives so often have. His locks we're as
black as jet. and hung profusely over a
square white collar. His eyes were veiy
large and spiritual, and his brow such
an one as poet should have. But for
a wandering look, casual observer
would have pronounced him man OF
uncommon intellectual powers. The
words, 'poor fellow" and show sad he
looks" went the rounds, as he came
forward, bowed to the company and took
his seat. One or two thoughtless girls
laughed as they whispered that he was
Glove cracked''-but The rest treated
him with respectful Difference
1t was late in the evening when sing
ing was proposed, and 10 ask him 10 sing
Annie Laurie was task of uncommon
delicacy. One song after another was
sung, and at last that one was named
At its mention the young man grew
deadly pale, but did not speak; he seem
ed Instantly to be lost in reverie.
"i'be name of the youag la1y who
treated himso badly, was ANNIE" said
a lady whispering to the new guest
"but OIL wish he would sing it, no one
else can do i; justice"
mo one dares sing Annie Laurie be-
fore you, Charles" said an elderly lady;
'would it be too mu,h to ask you to fa-
vor the company with it?' she added
timidly.
He did not reply for moment-his
lips quivered little. and then looking
up as if he saw a spiritual presence. he
began. Every sound was hushed-is
seemed as if his voice were the voice
of an angel. The tones vibrated through
nerve, and pulse, and heart, and made
one shiver with the pathos Of his feeling;
never was heard melody in human
voice like lhat-so plaintive, so soulful
so tender and earnest!
He sat with his head thrown back,
his eyes half closed-the locks of dark
hair glistening against his pale temples,
his fine throat swelling with the rich
tones. his hands lightly folded before
him; and as he sung
"And twas there that Annie Laurie.
Gi'ed me her promise true"
it seemed as if he shook from head to
foot with emotion. Many lips trembled
and there was no laughing; but instead
tears in more than one eye.
And on he sang, and on, holding
every one in wrapt attention, till he
came to the last verse
Like dew on the gowan lying
Is the IA on her fairy feet
And like winds in summer signing.
Her voice is low and sweet,
Her voice is low and sweet
And she's a. the world to me"
He paused before he added
.'And for bonnie Annie Laurie,
I'd lay me down an dee"
There was long and solemn pause.
The black locks seemed to grow blacker
the white temples whiter-almost i'm
precep,ably the head kept falling back
the eyes were close shut. One glanced
at another-all seemed awe-strucL-till
the same person who had urged him TO
sing, laid her hand gently on his should
er, saying:
"Charles. Charles!"
Then came hush-a thrill Of horror
crept through every frame-the poor
tired heart had ceased TO beat-Charles,
the love betrayed, was dead Olive
Branch.