Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1858-01-05
Annie laurie.

II you want TO hear Annie Laurie sung
come 10 my house, said man to his friend-
'We have love-lorn fellow in the village, who
was sadly wrecked by the refusal of girl
whom he had been paying attention to for a
year or more. 1t is seldom he will attempt
the song, but when he does, tell you, it draws
tears from eyes unused TO weeping
A small selected company had assembled in
a small pleasant parlor, and were gaily chat
ting and laughing when a tall young man en-
tered, whose peculiar face and air instantly ar
rested the attention. He was very pale, with
that clear vivid complication, which dark hair
ed consumptives so often have. His locks
were as black asjet, and hung profusely upon
a square white collar. His eyes were very
large and spiritual, and his brow such an one
as q poet should have. But for a certain wan
dering look, a casual observer would have
pronounced him man of uncommon intel
lectnal 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 love-
cracked but the rest treated him with q
respectful Difference.
1t was late in the evening when singing was
proposed and to ask him to 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
turned deadly pale, but did not speak; he
seemed instantly TO be lost in reverie. The
name of the girl who treated him so badly
was Annie said lady, whispering TO the
new guest-but oh | wish he would sing il :;
nobody else do it Justice
No one dares sing Annie Lsnrie before you,
Charles, said an elderly lady; would il be too
much to ask you to favor the company with
it2' she added timidly.
He did not reply for moment-his lips
-. Al h.,
saw spiritual presence, he began. Every
sound was hushed-tt seemed as il his voice
were the voice of an angel. The tones vibra-
ted through nerve, and pulse, aud heart, and
made one SILVER with the pathos of lis feel
ings; never was heard melody in human
voice like that-so plaintive, so soulfnll-so
tender and earnest
He sat with his head thrown back, his eyes
half closed-the locks of hair glistening against
his pale temples, his fine throat swelling with
the lich tones, his hands lightly folded before
him; aud as he sung
"Aud twas there that Annie L urie
Gave me her promise true,
II seemed as if he SHOOK from head TO foot with
emotion. Many lip trembied-and there
was no testing, no laughing; but instead, tears
In more than one eye.
And on he sang, aud on, holding every one
in rapt attention, till he came 10 the last
verse;
Like dew on the gowan lying
L. the IA Of her isiry feet
And like winds in summer signing,
Her voice is low aud sweet
Her voice is low and sweet
And she's a the world 10 me-"
He paused before he added
"And for bonnie Annie Laurie,
I'd lay me down and die"
There was a long solemn pause. The black
locks seemed to grow blacker-the VI bite tenn
pies whiter-alInost imperceptibly the head
falling back-the eyes were close shut. One
glanced at another--aii seemed awe-struck-
till the same person who urged him TO sing.
laid her hand gently on his shoulder saying
Charles, CharlesH
Then came a huslI-a thrill of horror crept
through every frame-the poor tried heart
had ceased to beat-Charles, the love betrayed
was dead.