Smyrna times., 1858-09-30
O II IG IN AL.
Written for The Smyrna Tim,
JOurneyings of a Moonbeam.

JOuIneYIUSS O1 d UlOU4DSdluI
The moon was just rising few stars gilt
tered here and there in the soft gray light OF
evening, bat their faint radiance only increased
the surrounding gloom a bright mOonbeam
darted into this sea of darkness, bound upon its
mission of love- 1t rested lovingly for mo-
ment in a halfopen rose heavy with the tears
of night, and played with the dew-drops ON the
bank, then hastened onward to a stately build
ing whose giant proportions were distinctly
outlined upon the clear sky. Close 10 an open
window couch was drawn, upon which re-
cllned the form of young girl her face was
turned toward the scene, aud the moonbeam
kissed the brow and cheek of the lair dreamer
until the face was bathed in soft halo of light;
but the blue eye was sunken, the face was pale
and ghastly. and the form painfully emaciated.
Consumption had seized her as his victim, and
she was dying-alone, at eventide, for she was
the last of her race, and had dismissed her at
tendants for time not knowing the end was so
near. The moOnbeam, touched with holy
compassion, yet fingered, as the eye opened,
opened, once more; the shadows of death were
Close dTOUDU HeEs duu AldL llltlC roy VI llShL
seemed TO her dim vision like the opening gates
of Paradise-her soul was strengthened and
prepared for the final conflict, and smile rest
ed upon the countenance after it had left the
clay tenement for its home above. The attend
ants came in to renew their watching and min
istrations, but that smile, almost heavenly in
its expression, checked them, and they gazed
silently upon the face now rigid in the embrace
of death and wondered what pleasant memories
had occupied her last thoughts; for the moon
beam was now far on its journey. 1t danced
onward through the winds, played hide and seek
with the stars through the luxuriant foliage,
darted into hooks and corners, kissed the rippes
of the clear little stream that wound its way
through the hills and touched the eye Of the
maiden with a softer lustre she returned the
animated glances of her hearts chosen one.-
Then little cottage, almost lost IN the trees
that surrounded it, interrupted the course of our
bright messenger,-it peeped through the open
window, and fairly danced with delight at the
burst of merrment issuing from thence, and
advanced unnoticed until it tipped the raven
curls of little Imogen; several pairs OF chubby
hands stretched forth to catch the bright stran-
ger, but it darted hither and thither, and passed
hastily onward amid shout of laughter.
A cry of distress was borne upon the even
ing 6reeze-a mother weeping for the infant
consigned to the carly grave. The moonbean
darted through the branches that overshadowet
lis last resting place, and rested first upon tho
tny mound then the mother, and fitted up
ward. The mothers tears ceased that ray
light led her thoughts to Jesus in whose bosom
the child slept, and she returned to her hom
that was made desolate by It's loss, comforte'
and cheered. The moon had now risen, star
innumerable greeted her, and messengers O
light fitted in every direction. A soft and ra
diant glow overspread the face of Nature Gu
moonbeam having fulfilled its mission, rejoine
It's companions, and with them looked once NOR
upon The pale sleeper, danced again throng
the woods, looked with pleasure upon the bean
ing eye of the lovely maiden, joined IN tn
mir,h of the happy group at the cottage an
LIST of all rested upon the tiny grave wher
slept-Our Annie
Let US take this journey of the moonbeam
heart and learn well the lesson it teaches u.s.
Let us all be messengers of light to our friend
with buoyant spirit that will emit rays
ehesrfulness and content This mission, hol