Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-04-27
Gbuttt Giterat0rG
THE CYPRESS CROWN.
BYNMoLINE FooUE.

The promes OF peace, which for many
months had been deepening, came at last
to be fulfiled. The army returned home
with seriousness and solemnity, they en-
tered once more the liberated and wonder.
fully rescued capital.
1t was a Sunday morning. Since day
break, young and old has been pressing
through the streets towards the gates. The
guards could with difficulty keep any de-
gree Of aut hority in the storm Of unrestrain-
eel and irresistible Joy.
Crowded, squeezed, and, as it were,
twined and twisted through each other,
stood this expectsnt assembly and as the
wished for moment approached, became
the more deeply and inwardly Affected
There was scarcely sound audible IN the
nutitpde, when at last the powerful, yet
iaelapeholy voice Of the trumpets, gave
their first greeting from afar. Then tears
fell from a thousand eyes, many break
ing heart was chilled and on the lips OF
all, low and anxious whispers trembled.-
Now shone the first CLEANS of armor
through the open gates. Scattered flow
ers and garlands flew to meet them for
every tree bad paid its tribute; every gar
den had granted share from its variega-
ted treasures A lovely child, stationed in
a high bow-window, raised its round white
arms on high, and receiving from its weep
ing, turned away mother, coronet of
leaves, threw it down among the passing
troops beneath. a lancer, who happened
to ba the first to notice this occurrence.
good humoredly took up the wreath on his
lance, while he playfully nodded to the
fair little angel above. He had his eyes
still directed in this manner, when his com
manding officer, riding on, exclaimed, ala
Wolfe a cypress wreath How came
you by such thing--it may be thought
an nnlucky omen !" Wolfe put the crown
on his right arm, however, and, not with
out some discomposure, rode on
After a long tedious delay, employed il
putting up the horses in the regimenta
stables, giving them water and provender
the quarter billets at last were distributed
Wolfe, on receiving his ticket, had tn
modification to perceive that 1t directe
him to the house Of well known ricl
butcher His comrade wished him joy
rallied him on the good eating which ava
ted him and proftcd by the opportunit
to invite themselves frequently to becom
his guests. He, meanwhile, took off h
schako or cap in silence, twisted the billie
among its gold tassels, and twice passin
his hand through his luxuriant locks, h
said, not without considerable vexatioT
"this, forsooth, is rare luck No doubt tn
rich miser is well enough known heal
tily wish, however, that | had been qua
tered anywhere else y
Ala, ha what silly fellow you mu:
be !" cried a bold, knowing comrade-
"what is il to you, pray, if your host is
miser or spendthritt! Only let him b
rich enough, then soldier is sure to b
well off. However, you must begin wit
politeness and address every thing dC
pends on good management"
"That is very true, grant you J" sal
Wolf, as he threw his knapsack over h
shoulder; "but there are u set of people
the world, on whom all politeness Is throw
away, and who have no heart or feeling ft
man nor beast. If ever | meet with
butchers wagon in the streets, full OF mi
cradle animals tied and bundled togeths
and see how the poor beasts lie there ov
and under one another, groaning som
times, so that it cuts one to the hea
and mark how the fellows plod on behir
the cart, in utter indifference-whistlir
perhaps all the time, have much ado
withhold myself from falling on, and be
ting the scoundrels heartily Besides,
say the truth, | have had enough Of bio
and slaughter, and begin to be disgust
with the whole trade y
"Ohr' cried his laughing companio
"Wolfe cannot bear the sight of blood
thou chicken-hearted fellow and VIII
did this terror come upon thee y
"Don't talk nonsense" replied Wolfe,
Crily; ain battle, when man stands agai
man, and besides, when there are differ
motives FOR action, laying his hand on
iron cross,) one looks neither to the ri
nor the left, but in soberer mood-v
then, shall not deny il, whenever ?
by butchers stall, and see the bloody
and hear Tor fancy that hear) the gro
Of agony, feel, inwardy, as if the fl
Of my heart were torn-and therefor
do wish that | had been quartered q
where else !"
His comrades hogan to laugh at
moro than ever, though they did not ,
ture it till he had gone a little way.
then looked round at them, and shook
lance, half jesting, half angry. They m
faces at him in return, but soon bcgal
disperse, and Wolfe proceeded on the 7
TO his quarters.
lie had not gone far when he found
street and the number. AL eady at
tanee he saw gigantic man in his 5