Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-10-19

| oonnds urew more and more seraphic, and b
imagined the performer must be angelic.
| "Jow fortunate" said he, "that did not re
trace nv steps, for here is, doubtless, Just tn
heart for me; at any rate, must try my chise
and hammer upon it." He crossed the street
and entering unoerceived, was for moment en-
tronced with the superior loveliness of his char
,nar He now took his hammer aud chisel, aD'
beyan upon her heart, but not tile least impres
sion could be made upon it. There It was, I'M
moved. in all its brilliancy. This must be 1
diamond heart" said he, land will possess il
| I will cut nv own image upon it, and it shal
| be mine forever" So he hammered and chisel
ed awsy. and his charmer sang on. The stroke
grew harder and harder; bis chsel became dull
the face of his hammer was broken; his arm
was tired and not even q faint outline Of hi
,wn image appeared. ''It will be labor lost at
ter alln said he. "This heart. though IL may b,
a diamond one. can never be asslntlsted witt
mine. and if did possess il, fear it would
not make me happy. 1t seems to be hear
more for ornament than use. i must have boil
qualities in one" He would have written upon
#. ssMene. meme, tekel, upharsia," but the TEN
ner Of his steel was to brittle. he now resolv
ed TO search no further, but in the retirement o.
his chamber to reflect calmly and dlspasslonafe
| " on the SUBJECT till he. coelJ come to some
definite conclusion respecting the kihd OF hear
! he most needed, and could the most devoledly
love. While he was walking along in this coh'
templatiye mood, he came to q neat farm house,
which wore such an air OF contentment throLgl
all its surroundings that he d.termined to 60 il
aud rest himself. Giving gentle tap at th'
door, it was opened by an artless damsel, wh'
gave him dcordial welcome, and perceiving thai
he was weary, brought him cup of cold water
| Her cheek was radiant with the hue OF health
and through her eyes shone ont the peace and
| light of the soul; her face was brimfu OF the
'rnilk of human Kindness"
The thought soon suggested itself to our trav
eler that he would try the heart of this simple
girl, so he raped lightly upon it. The response
was full and clear. "This is good metal" said
| he 81 know it by the ring" SO he continued t.
hammer it, In short time it grew warm.
"Ah,n said lie, 't!Iere is life here" Soon
sparks were elicited. There is an active, un-
diving principle here!"
He now tried his chisel upon il; the strokes
were bold and the impression full-no roughness,
no br,tleness-he could cut it where he pleased
write his own thoughts there; the impress was
warm, ductile. but firm. ~ am happy man
at last" said he; "thls heart Is aT0Hi " WIN en
dure all suffering, brave all danger, and bit my
self to any emergency; and though it is not
brilliant like the diamond, or fair to look upon
like the marble, It's susceptible of far higher
polish. 1t will receive any impress in short, J
can make it iuto the finest steel. when 1t VIII
be fit for the most ornamental and useful Purpo
ses. Yes, give me the iron heart, 50 flrm, yet
malleable 1t can warm and melt, and purer
grow till it reflects my own image, and yet be
iron still. will engrave my name upon it and
none shall dispute my claim" So saying he
drew magnet over it, aud the simple iron heart
came attracted to him with an unalterable be-
attachment.
MORAL.
Select heart of metal sure,
Then mould it to your will;
Worth, more than beauty, will endure,
And yet be beauty still.