The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1861-02-28
The Little Flower.

LII grew oy the wayside. Pale and ira
grant was the little Flower. In its young
heart was the dew of happiness. The
sunbeams Of morning kissed it's delicate
petals ;-around it were clustered bright,
green leaves, and it loved their sweet
companionship. Overhead, amid the grace
full branches of a queenly magnolia tree,
birds of many-coloured plumage sported
and futtered and sang, as if their very
hearts were bursting with excess of bliss; /;
and the little Flower, thrilling with Joy of
a new life, lifted its modest head and with
fragrant breath joined in the universal
chorus Of gladness which from the Spring
awakened earth foated up and mingled
with the harmonics of heaven.
AS day advanced, it seemed as if music
hearted Spring had given place to languid
Summer. Not a zephyr stirred the sultry
air; the melody of each singing brook was
almost stilled, and the wild birds rested,
silent in the forest shade The little Flow
er grew sad and faint. Overhead, the
beautiful magnolia blossoms whispered
softly to each other, and one, looking
down upon the little Flower, said, "Is it
not strange that so miserable a creature
should spring up in so lovely a spot?"
And another answered, at does seem odd.
I wonder what such ugly things are made
for,-but, hush! we must not let it hear
us-that would be cruel"
Poor little Flower alas, every word
had foated down and fallen, with crushing
power, upon its gentle heart, wherein no
longer sparkled the dew Of happiness.
"Oh, if I could only die !" sighed the pale
sufferer, 81 am miserable and ugly
Nothing can love me. On, if I could
only die!"
Dusty and travel-stained was the garb
of the dark-browed man, who, turning
aside from the heated highway, sought
shelter in the refreshing shade of the
stately magnolia. Like one weary of life,
he flung himself at the foot Of the tree,
then clasping his hands over his eyes, lay
for while as if sleeping. Suddenly he
started up. "Why should ] go on?" he
ferccly muttered, "why should 1 go
on ?-nothing to live for! s 1t not best to
die 2" With frenzied hase he drew from
it's sheath a stiletto "fhis shall end the
strife !" But shuddr of horror con-
vulsed his fame, and tie weapon fell from
his trembling hand. Despair was at his
heart, but he dared lot die. The struggle
was fierce again, his eye cleaned with
the glare Of madnss, and his hand was,
once more, upondhe stiletto; but, lol he
pauses-his fnsrs haze clasped the little
Flo,uer. Aud he glittering steel is for
gotten; the bow of the stern man re-
lakes, tears ao gathering in those burn
ing eyes andhis lips quiver. Blessed lit
tie Flower never was mission more glori-
Gus than time. Holier far than the bright
est dews Of morning are the warm tears
which nowfall upon thee! Sweeter far
than the music Of singing brooks and
warbling bids are the tones which now
bless thee And the dark-browed wan
dcrcr forgts his despair; his thoughts
have flownoack to the sunny haunts of
childhood ;he is dreaming of the sweet
wild flowers springing mp around his far
off cot; he isthinking of theloving mother
who is the1e even now, praying for his
safe return. He is no longer mahac.
BLESSED, thrice blessed little Flowe.. !
tbv nobb mission is fully accomplished