The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1859-01-19
THE AGE OF ROMANCE.

The age Of Romance is past |! So think
thousands who plod their way through the
dull routine Of toll and never see the interior
life, or dream OF the many incidents in the
history OF even the most humble individuals.
Like objects seen through mist. the scenes
and events OF past age acquire magnitude
and exert an influence over the Imagination
which invest them with unreal attributes or,
as distance softens the rugged sides ofa noun
tain that looms up into the heavens, hiding
it, jntting crags. its awful precipices, lis ma
ked barrenness, 50 tAse conceals the discom-
iorts. the rouyhness, the unrest Of an age that
is past. presenting only few Of its attractive
features. Illuminated by the Imagination aud
surrounded by thousand illusions of the
fancy.
This is as much the age of romance as any
that has passed since Adam was driven out
of the garden. The elements that constitute
heroism are as deeply seated in the human
soul as when wandering knights put lance ia
rest for woman wr0nged and fair and while
the capacity for generous devotion, for man
y courage. Tor steadfast faith, exists, there
can be no lack Of their exhibition. Indeed,
it is not difficult to believe that the struggle
to perform manfully the labor of life aud TO
carry the promises of love and duty, involve
as many trials and secure as noble trumphs
as those tabled Of Northern heroes who en-.
gagged with dragons, and giants, and other
monsters IN the traditional age.
! Could we read the secret history Of men
around US, romance would be found in that
OF every one we meet, not, we trust, OF the
character presented in the present blood lit
crature, that cannot develop an incident
without slaughter, or the sickiy sentiment
alisms of modern affectation, that perpetu.
ally utters satlres upon the noblest passions.
or that which would satisfy the prurient de-
sire, so common, for scenes OF sensuality.
Has the merchant. who has struggled up from
penury and 0bscurity to commanding posi-
ton. in charge no history more thickly sown
with incident, more full 0i successes as the
result 81 his own energies, his steady perse-
verance. his mental courage under discour-
agaments, his steadfast honor, even when
temptation was strong. than the fctiens which
strangely pass for reyiews
AL human faces tell of a secret history.
We cannot pass along the crowded thorough
fare without finding evidence in the looks.
the gait. the dress. the manner Of those we
meet, OF struggle and triumph, or defeat; OF
temptation resisted. or that has ,leluded of
hopes gratfed or blasted. There is an inner
life that, to the obsersant eye, betrays itself.
though no window be placed in the breast.
Practical as the age is called, il is preg,
nant with events which exhibit the highest
qualities Of the human soul, and for their
marveiousness go far beyond the widest
wonders Of ancient poetry and fable. What
the gods Of old only could achieve, men do.
Our telegraph outstrips Apollo for feetness |;
our rustics guide the lightning as well as Jove !;
our engineers navigate the sea with agencies
IS those which drew the car Of Neptune.
n We of this country are not only with more
than the wonders of romance building up
great nation, conquering the savage wilder
ness, and sowing the sprouting gain. but
we are writing song Of joy to humanity.
and nations are taking up the chorus. Tha
age Of romance is not past.
i ~ o. Pieswns.