Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-04-27

The Four Piles of Gold Rings; or, The
voice of Old Tfmes

voice of Old Time:
It was with mingled feelings that Marion
Ellesmere retired to her room the night before
her wedding. a light cloud of self-reproach
rested on her mind; cloud so light that she
scarcely knew whence it arose. or would have
been aware of its presence, but for the shadow
which it cast over her spirits.-Her sisters
smile, as she babe her good night, had been all
brightness-why should there be less joy in
the heart of the bride of Atherton? With her
long fair hair over her shoulders. and her
eyes shaded by her hand. Marion safe in her
own armchair, and gave herselfup to thought
ITO morrow day long hoped for, and yet
half dreaded! am at last indeed on the eve
of that great change which must alter the
whole current of my lifel What new duties;
what responsibilities But he will ever be
near to, guide. to encourage, to make the
path of duty delightful to me. i shall lean
on him and trust him. / am indeed the most
blest of women in his love. l would not
change my lot nc, no not to be empress OF the
world. And yet" Marion heaved deep
sigh, them almost started at the sound of that
sigh, alone as she was, with the still night
around her: the color rose to her check, as If
in indignation at herself-'and yet am not
worthy to be his wife! He. whose spirit is so
pure, so lofty. so far above the world and its
vanitics. could titles, or riches, or any thing
raise him? When | am beside him, how
deeply feel this; | seem to breathe a purer
atmosphere, to see things as they really are;
but when am surrounded by others, then-I
know not how it is-but there is an influence
which they exercise, an almost insensible
power-trifes move me; | know them to be
folly and vanity, yet cannot despise them as
| ought to do. Oh! how weak | am, how
worldly; how unworthy of himF' Marion sank
back on her chair, and her long lashes were
moist with her tears
Sba t.,1o barI Ub hurn cd
in the house was stilled. Presently the walls
of her apartment seemed to recede around
her. with the strange indistinctness of dis
solving view; marble pillars arose on either
side. gradually assuming form and size, while
the carpet upon which MariOD's feet had res
ted, spread into a wide pavement of mosaic.
And Marion was no longer alone; strange
form was beside her, of more than human
statue and men unlike that of mortal man.
His long silver hair gave to him the appear
ance of age, but an unearthly fire glOwed in
his deep-set eyes, from beneath the white eye
brows which overhung them. His dress was
dim and indistinct ever changing in form
and hue; now dark as the lowering thunder
cloud now like the white mist which curls
round the mountain, anon tinged as with the
dying tnts of the rainbow. In his hand the
old man grasped scythe, sharp anu glitter
ing: Marion felt that she was in the presence
of old Time.
Look there," he exclaimed; and the
strange tones of his voice sounded like the
wind through the arches of a ruin Marion
bcheld before her what appeared white al
ter of marble. sculptured and testOoned with
many cOlorcd flowers, of fragrance not like
those of earth
What see you before you?" said Time.
''what glitters on yonder marble?"
Il see nothing but piles of bright golden
rings. like that which shall wear tomorrow"
replied Marion. 1t was strange that in the
presence OF such a companion, she felt neither
wonder nor fear.
and are they all alike?" said old Time
"All are alike save that they are divided
into four different heaps"
The old man laughed; how wild and I'M
earthly sounded that laugh! ''They have been
framed by different makers" said he; Il
carry the touch-stOne to prove them. See the
first heap-a goodly array, trow: they are
Folly's workmanship; while passionate lovers
choose from thence, who would barter life for
a flower or Il smile? Flattcrers and the flat
tered draw from that pile. Folly gives, and
Vanity receives. Poets string their flancles
on rings such as these, and lay them at the
feet of rOmance-lOving damsels, who look upon
life as drama. of which they themselves are
the heroin' s. Stand back-Althea approaches
she must have ring from that pile"
Then Marion bcheld advancing towards
lneln Il youthful couple, TduldHt Win Hdppl-
ness and love. The maiden was surprising
fair; her white vail half concealed her blushing
countenance, but her soft eyes were fixed upon
her companion, whose every look and tone
expressed love the most ardent and devoted
He kissed the white trembling hand upon
which he placed the ring. and Marion watch
ed the wedding pair as they slowly retired to
remote part of the temple. ''Surely they
are happy" thought She She was reused by
the voice of old Time.
Mark you the second heap?" said he, point
ing with his scvthe. Those rings have been
fashioned by Worldliness, ever since my com
Tade, the Earth wps young Those who seek
money, those who seekTank, who sell them
selves for title or an estate, maidens who
dread to become old maids, the fortune-hunter,
the ambitious, the prOud-these choose from
the second heap. OF such is Julia, whose
bridal procession is drawing near. Jewels
upon her brow, no love within her heart, she
gives herself away to a carriage and a mansion,
and strives, to forget that fool is their mas
terri
Marion sighed as the procession passed; it
is a sickening sight to behold beauty sacrif-
cling to mammon.
"And who formed the rings that shine in
the third heap" said Marion to her mysteri-
Gus companion.
'They are framed by Selfwill, and the
Evil One has breathed a spell over them.
When the fifth commandment is broken. when
parents will is dcspised, when there is clan
destine woOing, and the welded ones dare not
ask Gods blessing upon them-then those rings
are worn"
Even as he spoke, with fearful, besitating
step, maiden approached the pile, led, half
reluctant, by one of graceful form. who was
whispering soft words ia her ear oh! could
it he love that led him to act the part Of temp
ter To the woman who trusted him, or did he
fondly hope to find the faithful wife in the
undutiful daughter?
And what is the neglected cluster of rings
which no finger yet has touched?' said Ma
rion.
The voice of Time sank to the soft whisper
Of the western breeze, and mildeT 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 Is
tcem When two devoted to one service
meet heirs of one hope, followers of one Lord;
when loving and beloved, they would share
each others joy, nor shrink from each Others
sorrows; when, helping each other on a
heavenward road, they wouldipress on in the
same strength, To the same bright goal above
then those rings unite them here. embl"ms OF
that eternity which will unite them in bliss
never ending'
\ voice behind Marion seemed to echo the
last words; she knew that voice, il thrilled to
her heart; and she knew the hand that pres
sed upon hers the pledge of connubial love.
Could all the diamonds OF Golconda have
made il more precious TO the heart of the
youthful bride!
Then, again, the voice of old Time rose, as
the rushing sound of the angry blast. Il
COME comet he cried. Thrones melt as
snow before me; the peopled city, the obscure
village, the home of the peasant, the palace
q. the monarch. bear the marks of the deep
footprints Of Timcl Aud mine is the touch
stone that tries the gold; il is my hand that
draws hack the vail of Truth; touch the
bubbles OF Folly. and they break, and leave