The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-07-02
VOL. X.-NO. $40.

| W men tne nltn cOuDhnumeht is orohens
when the parents will is despised, when
there is elandestined wooing, and the welded
one dare not ask Gods blessing upon them
then those rings are worn"
Even as he spoke, with fearful, hesitating
step, maiden approached the pile, led, half
reluctant, by one of graceful form, who was
whispering soft words in her ear. Oh! could
il be love that led him TO act the part Of the
tempter to the woman who trusted him, or
did he fondly hope to find the faithful wlfe
in the undutifnl daughterl
"And what is the neglected cluster Of
rings which no finger has yet :Ouehed?" ask.
cd Marion.
The voice of Time sank TO the soft whis-
per of the western breeze, and mider light
shone in his eyes as he replied; "They are
for those whose marriages have been made
in heaven; every circlet Of gold has been
formed by Esteem. When two devoted 20
one service meet, heirs Of one hope, follow
ers of one Lord; when loving and belovedI
they would share each others JOY, nor shrink
from each others sorrow; when, helping each
other on hevenward road they would press
on in the same strength, TO the same bright
goal above, then those rings unite them here,
embems of that eternity which will unite
them in bliss never endng"
voice behind Marion seemed to echo the
last words; she knew tina. voice, il thrilled
her TO the very heart; and she knew the hand
that pressed upon hers the pledge of connu-
bal love. Could all Che diamonds of Col
conda make II more precious to the heart Of
the youthful bride!
Then, again; the voice of old Time rose,
as the rushing sonnd of the angry blast. al
COME come!" he cried. "Thrones melt ns
snow before me; the peoped city, the OBJ
scurc village, the home of The peasant, tho
palace Of the monarch, bear the marks Of the
deep footprints of Time! And mine is the
touchstone that tries the gold; il is my hand
that draws back the veil of Truth; touch
the bubbles of folly and they break, and
leave but tear behind"
Marion watched, as with stealthy but rapid
step Time approached Althea and her hus-
band. Now lines sppenred on the fair smooth
brow; the CLASSY rnglots were streaked with
gray the fairy form had lost all its grace:
And the ardent lover, how cold was his look
how changed from the bridegroom was the
husband Time laid his heavy finger upon
the ring which still gttered on tho finger Of
Althea; at once the crclet lost III its bright
nesss, the gliding vanished; nought remained
but the dull, worthless metal beneath the
ring had never been gold
IIaughty Julia! amid thy wealth and thy
state, Time also is stealing on thee. Bars
of gold will not bolt him out-he tramples
earth's treasures beneath his feet. He touch
es the ring on the worldling's hand, and the
dull, heavy fall Sf iron is heard. Maj may
see naught but the loop Of gold, but the
wearer feels the CALLING chain. Hopeless and
unp:,ed must she drag its weight; she has
chosen her fate and she must bear it; her fling
has never been gold.
With mournful interest Marion watched
the steps of the welded pair, who had sacri-
feed duty to love. There were looks of
suspicion, ani words of reproach MS the
shadow of Time fell across their path; but
when his cold hand touched fatal ring, n
faint cry escaped the palid lips; viper was
coiling where the circet had rested; her ring
had never been gold.
And now Marion felt Time approaching
herself vet still she cung 10 The husband
beside her with deeper, more confding love.
! Time held ont his hand; she did not shrink;
she felt his touch. but she trembled not. Tho
ring which she wore grew brighter than ever;
it was formed of The gold which changes
not, in the furnace of trial, or beneath the
grasp of Time. And tho voice which she
loved was sounding confdingly in her
ears, like soft music from a sphere above:
"Fur richer for poorer, in sickness or in
health, to love and 10 cherish until death us
do part" "I'ill death us do part" repeated
the bride; "nnitcd in life, in death, and be-
yond it," Even as the words burst from her
lips, tie whole scene appeared to change be-
fore her, the image of Time had vanished,
she suddenly opened her eyes, and wonders
ed nt the dimness around. The light had
burned ont in her chamber, wasting itself
and dying, like The love which mere earthly
attractions inspire; but soft rosy CLEAN was
now tinging the East, bright harbinger Of n
brighter radiance; it was the dawn Of Mari
on's wedding day. ersrl
And so our little Wreath was finished, and
presented with suitable speech by the
brdesman and suitable smile by the bride.
And what shall add, but that on the follow
ing morn the sun sbone so gayly on the wed.
ding, that it seemed ms though November
was assuming the style Of May, in compli-
ment to the joyous occnsion. hlerrily rolled
the carriago-wheels, merrily played the brass
band. merrily 1utiered the white favors in the
breeze, and merrily beat the hearts beneath
them. Nothing occurred to cast the slight
est shadow npon the festivity Of all; the
cares, and vexations which had followed on
the fog, had now all vanished.
RAIN IN WEsTERN NEw YoRK-The rain
bns been so heavy in Cattaraugn county, that