Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-08-07

tASI SS6dIQt
Your obedient segv't,
j. E. NJ.
FOR THE SPIRIT OF rus AGE.
Observation-Disclosures is such sweet sorrow
III say goodnight till 1t be
This true and beautiful couplet was put
by the immortal bard OF Avon into the mouth
of Romeo on separating from Juliet after his
first interview with her at the princely resi-
denee of her father, between whom and has
father there existed that deadly hatred so
common between families of rank in olden
times. 1t is well known that that tragedy
| Of worldwide renown-"Romeo and Juliet"
contains some of the widest and most
passionate protestations of love to be found
in any language. Every scene depicted in
the whole drama has generally been conSid-
cred as overwrought-such only as can exist
in the most sprightly and vivid imagination.
But we believe the recent great changes in
our country have called into exercise feel
ings as intense as were ever manifested on
any occasion, or among any people. Part
ing from loved ones under any circumstances
is indeed Sweet Sorrow but parting from
them under such as thousands upon thous-
ands are now called upon to do, renders sep
aration peculiarly affecting. Husbands and
wives; brothers and sisters parents, and
children, and lovers, and friends are daily ta-
king an affectionate leave of each other. while
a veil of uncertainty overhangs all the fu-
ture. The keenest eye cannot penetrate the
gloomy mist which ~conceals from mortal ken
the scenes which the hand of advancing
Time will soon unfold to the world. When
loved ones now bid each other adleu, they
do it, hoping that they will be permitted to
see them return again in safety, with smiles
of love upon their faces; bat with many
doubts aud presentimentS that they will not.
Separations so deeply affecting as those now
daily occurring in our Southern Confedera-
cy, so lately radiant with beams of peace
and prosperity, we know were never before
witnessed in the world. When the barbarianS
of yore were called on to go to war, they
hailed it with joy, because it was their de-
light to drench their hands in the blood o
enemies but civilization and refinement
have made such progress that the though
Of war or of taking the life of a fellow-beine
even on the field of battle in defence OF sa
cred rights, is revolving to the sensibilities 0
many now bearing arms. But while mos
people hope and pray that He who ina
keith wars to cease unto the end of the earth,
will speedily cause the dark raven of war t
plume her dnsky wings, and take her figh
to the regions Of terror from whence sh
came, yet they bid their friends and rela
tives farewell with the irrevocable determi
nation that the invaders of their soil sha
be driven back, or that they themselves wi
sleep their last sleep in patriot graves. Th
resolution with which the sons of the Soutl
and the daughters too, have made up thei
2 minds to suffer every extremity, even deatl
I or maintain their rights, is truly sublim
The past annals of the world affords no err
:, u-hIah ~ farnJch n -nr,llol 70 4hir Ny
a have often thought that if the ~impiouS an
unfeeling tyrants, whose will now is to ru
US a with a rod of iron, or sweep US fro
the earth as with a Bosom of destructio
: could listen to the words of earneStness cor
= ing from the lips Of every Southern ma
e and see the calm and unflinching frmne
depicted in every countenance, they woul
become ashamed of themselves and desi
. from their wicked purposes. But perhal
r the truth of a remark made by the Poet Ho
ace is about to be illustrated once NOR
Whom the gods intend to destroy they ma
: den." The infatuation of the Jews VIII
l. their capital was besieged by the Roman
IS and when their magnificent temple was
flames, was not greater than that nov hr
rving the Northern government and peol
r. on to ruin. Every painful scene of separ
3, ton and every particle of misery they q
i? adding to what they have already dol
~ only tends to widen the already impassal
:, gulf between themselves and those from VIII,
~ Golden Fleeces and Hesperian gardens tn
to have been hitherto enabled to live in {
gance and luxury, and increase the hat
10 now almost deadly to a degree of intens
unknown amongst any people.
>. we witnessed the parting of some, VIII
I'd affections, we know, are so firmly interw
ven that neither principaIities, nor powe
nor height, nor depth, nor things prese
nor things to come, can sever them, and do
plte every effort to refrain, the big unb
le we heard the cries anu' suus OF rrr1TTy451
er tlves and lovers taking leave Of each 9th
l. and Invoking on each others heads
- choicest blessings of Heaven, and comm
DC ting each other to the keeping of Him WIZ
N eye never sleeps nor slumbers, we coulI
err avoid propoundlng to ourself these ;nterr
%atorles, Will that God who metes out to
al justice with impartial hand, look unzloyed
such scenes as this? Will He noC hear
answer the simple, earnest, heartfelt pray
OF thousands Of His people, who as they
bidding loved ones adieu are calling ul
Him to be a shield and buckler for them
as every hour of danger, and : shelter for I'll
u detenceless heads in the day of battle?
e. many lately babe friends flreweli with
&c strongest hope that they would again ret
-, 70 thelr embrace, who are now sleeping Il
Is last sleep, and who have fought their
d battle. They are now sleeping in death
from their homes and friends, and will ne
hear of wars again. But many of them
lai soon again meet the dear ones from whor
ny few days ago they took an a~fectionate le:
ne on Canaan's Happy Shore, where they
IL forever dwell together, where sickness
ie' sorrow, pain and death, are felt and fea
no no more, and where the shock of battle
the conflict of contending armies will nc
d, again disturb their peaceful rest.
y. FLORUS