Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-04-13
THE ROSE AND THE NETTLE.

In the country somewhere IN the world
no matter where-at the North Pole,
probably, or may be at the South--or per-
chance between the two-there rose a large
and fourishing city. It's manufactures
were noted for.their extent, and the mer-
chant-princes of that city revelled in the
wealth those manufactures produced. On
the outskirts of the town were built two
houses-alike in form, in extent, in value.
Two peas," or ''two nuts" or 'stwo pins"
had frequently described their similarity.
Now, IN these two houses lived two broth
ers-twlns-the only sons of the builder
OF these two houses. It had been fancy
! of the old man to have ''the boys" as he
called them, lodged alike; and his means
being ample, heshad the power Of indul-
Iging his fancy "The boys" married, and
ION the wedding day t. Z s.:sst ssst etone ofeithov
was laid.
"Time enough to get them finished"
said the old gentleman, as he rubbed his
hands in glee; "won't want nursery for
twelve month, at any rate Small house
do till then"
| The young brides were present when
that remark was made. One blushed-
and smiled; the other blushed-and frown-
ed. 1t was the nettle and the rose again
standing side by side.
Six months passed, and the houses were
half up-the old gentleman himself direct
ing all the arrangements of the building.
at is good indeed of your father, now
an old man, to take an interest in our
comfort" said one of the young wives to
her husband. "Ralph'-that was the hus-
bands name-"you can never repay him
for his kind feelings and his generosity to
u.s."
at is absurdity for your father to play
the architect and almost bricklayer," re-
marked the other wife to her spouse, "Boy-
delP'-his name-"you should tell him
that it is inconsistent with his calling and
his station"
at is consistent with his pleasure" re-
marked the husband, "and therefore | am
content"
Twelve months passed, and the houses
were finished
"Nursery ready in time" said the good
old man-'ready in time--ready in time"
The houses were occupied, and in course
of twelve months the nurseries were occu-
pied also.
"There are unceasing anxieties in a
mothers lot" said the wife of Ralph, "but
unceasing pleasures too" And she smiled
at the innocent face of her sleeping babe.
"How women can like the bore of chill
dren, | cannot imagine" remarked her sis
| L IL
| +n itsyElar1a-
and the young wives became middle-aged
women. Sons and daughters clustered
round them, and the grandfather, old and
feeble, now leant on these young things
for support.
Time had worked wondrous change II
the two brothers-Ralph's told home
stock of happiness, from which he drew
largely, while Boydell looked as if content
ment and happiness were not in the worl'
at all.
At this time, when the families of eacl
were springing up, and needed money t
be spent on them, in education, mainte
nance, and the different adjuncts of thei
station, one Of those panics ofthe CONNER
cial world, which ruined thousands, too
place. Unfortunately, Ralph and HI
brother had entered into large speculs
tions, which failing, they were involved
the prevailing ruin, and found themselvt
verging on bankruptcy.
"Be of good heart, Ralph" said his wifi
"there is bread in this great world for a
Our fine large house, our servants, and OF
carriages, are not absolutely necessary
our happiness, we can do as others do
live without them land the children, Ralpl
this lesson of adversely may be for the
welfare. Take comfort, Ralph! there
plenty Of that left for US in the world.
our wealth has flown away"
"Yes," answered her husband, as
clasped her hand and drew her to hi
eyes! there is never-failing comfort he
Lucy. God he praised for having Civ
, me one SO meet to help both in JOY
sorrow, wealth or poverty"
sYou should have foreseen this crisi
, remarked the wife of Boydell, "and not
: lowed your children to be brought to b.
gary at their age, when just entering
t life Expenses are unavoidable, unless,
: deed, they be educated as the labor
$ classes-which idea may be worth "
|. wise consideration"
i She ceased with a sneer on her face
q "Other men would not have been
It venturesome with their money" she
d marked. "The Brownings, for instar
and the Smiths, withdrew in time, and
n onel Blangdon told me that your child
is might thank You, and you only, if stal
e tion were their fate
to "In mercy cease" replied the hush;
e. cor you will drive me mad"
81 must put your conduct fairly be
sp your eyes-it it is my duty" she repl
d, Poor Duty how dreadfully is she
= handled by these ascetic danes. at
he duty!" and under that plea many b
ad truth is uttered. at is duty go
"a the ever strict disciplinarian, and cold S
ow words are driven forth to tremble OF
nd overworked and wearied brain. at
er. duty "-covcrs the cruel rebuke an
w we're rejoinder. 1t may be a duty to s
ay boldly and plainly sometimes-but ii
be duty to choose the opportunity when
'ay speech may be acceptable, and not
to- and chafe the wounded heart by a re
ton of the very trutha which, silentl
ry- cognized, are calling it already.
en- Boydell knew quite we'll that he n