The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1860-01-05

Fashions AGAINST THEY'VE are fond Of
exclaiming upon the variablsness of fashion,
its fekleness, and the changes in everything
that daily occurs around US. But the out
ward mutations Of objects are not so strik-
ing as the change that takes place in our
selves, our tempers, dispositions, passions
and feelingsj and while we notice the differ
snce between wide sleeves and narrow, be-
tween stub-teed boots aud long ones, be-
tween the devices OF the tailor and the mys-
teries of the toilette, we lose sight OF the i'm
portant "netempsychosis" which is con-
stantly taking pla 70 in ourselves.
Observation will teach the youngest of us
great many of the secrets of life, proving to
US that we may know and perceive changes
without the necessity of actual experience.
Let any one contrast the world of his
boyhood with that in which he now occu-
pies some certain position; the appearance
which things then presented, in their nov
city and freshness, with that which they
now bear, when hope has lost its original
brilliancy, and the sun scarcely shines as
warm and cheerful as in those happy times
when life was a promise and existence an
excitement.
Objects palp stahle to the touch vivid to
the taste, brilliant to the eye, and exquisite
in enjoyment, have suffered change to come
over them, and he must acknowledge with a
sigh that youth was fatterer, and that life
eau never realize the visionary prospects OF
those golden hours OF the past.
Che disproportionsd value we attach to
things in youth, and the cold Indifference
with which they are regarded in middle life,
is another incident in the changes to which
we are subjected. The objects we would
have braved FIRE and water to obtain at
eighteen and twenty, are regarded with
calm Indifference by men in the subdued
vale of forty and orty-hve-wonderfui dis
parity!
If we differ so much from ourselves, then,
need we be surprised that material features
assume diverse aspect, and the objects and
forms which depend upon mortal caprice
and vague fancy, whose flights are defined
by no limits, should constantly assume q
differeut shape and appearance.
A philosophie mind regards such matters
with profound Indifference, and while it con-
forms to the Hesting customs of the day, is
amused at the fluctuations OF taste and con-
| trasts with secret satire the various changes
in vesturs and manners which signaiae each
year, and characterize almost every genera
ton.
Silver forks may supersede steel ones, and
6sh may be eaten with the fingers all the
nicesies which prevail in society may by
turns be observed, and then fall into dsuse.
But he who looks with an equal mind upon
| the yieissitudes OF fashion and the revola-
tions of dress, fnds in them only subjects
which recall the fancies of youth, the assoc
Citations of early days, and the numberless
steps Ia the ladder of life which we have
| taken before reaching the quiet "table land
Of lifs," from which the only descent ia to
| the grave
The fashion of the world passes away, and
we pass with It; 1t is but as mirror il
which the ever varying features of the shad
Ows that pass over its surface are rehectsd
and which floats tor time ON the ocean O
eternity, and is dashed to pieces against ths
rocks OF siRS.