Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1861-05-17

z1szH fs-E1 THE ANGEL Of I1mE.
sF'he angel Of time, being commissioned by
the Supreme Governor of the world, made
preclamation that he had hundred thousand
wears Of additional lie to bestow on the in
ahhbitants Of the earth. His trumpet echoed,
far and wide, penetrating the cities, the val=
sIevs. the mountains, and reaching the utter
most extremes Of the universe. The people
Hooked eagerIy from all points of the compass,
to prefer their claims to portion of the ber-
efficient gift; but it was surprising to see the
crowd consisted of the aged alone. The chill
drcn were enjoying their youthful sports; and
paid no attention to the proclamation; the
youths and maidens were wandering in the
labyrinfhs of love; and the men and women of
"a middle age were too much engaged in the
pursuits of life TO think on DEATH
The first who preferred his petition for a
few additional Years was an old man of four
score and upward, bent almost double with
-pgc.
@Thou doubtless wishest to live little Ion
ger for the sake of thy children. and the COM
panions of thy Youth" said the angel.
AIas!n cried the old maIA "they are all
dead"
a 4'fhou ort in possession of wealth and hon
.orsfo
) Alas. no! have lost my good name and
am Hiserablv poor. Yet I wish TO live till l
am hundred, and enjoy life yet a little long
er-"
The angel bestowed upon him the priyil ge
or living hundred years, and he went on i
way rejoicing and trembling
The next applicant for heightened years,
was a feeble old man who was carried IN
litter. Whcr he had preferred his reqtttst
the angel replied:
al understand. Thou art enamcred Of the
charms of woman, Of TIE beauties Of the GARTH
the waters, and the skies, and wshcst to be
hold them yet a few years more.
Il am blind these ten years. said the Old
man.
.'Thou ar delighted with the mrsie OF the
bir,l,. the murmuring Of the waters the echoes
Of The mou:aius, and all til" tarmones Of the
universe, f;1.d w:sliest 10 Lcar them little
lougrr?"
II am deaf. anj scarcely hear the sound OF
tle trumpet
"Thou art fond OF the dy'icacics of Iood.'
"Alas my lrcbc heath will cot permit of
such intlnlgepccs. 1 have lived on milk a d
crus,s of bread these seven years past aid
more. am miserable, sick old man."
"And still thou wishest to lengthen out thy
miseries. What pleasure dost thou enjoy in
this Iiic?"
~The pleasure Of living" said the old man;
and the angel granted him few years more.
The third who approached the lootstool OF
the angel was a decrepit female, almost bent
to the earth, and trembling with palsy. Her
teeth were gone-her eyes buried deep in their
dark blue sockets-ber cheek hollow and flesh
Iess-and she eonld hardly prefer her request,
for IN incessant cough, which drowned her
voice, and almost choked her.
r3"I am come,' said she, "to beg score OF
years, that I may enjoy the pleasure of seeing
the cypress trees | have planted over the
graves Of my husband, my children, my grand
children, and the rest oEmy dear relatives
spring up and flourish before | die. l am
bereft of all that were near and dear TO me;
stand alone in the world, with no one to speak
to me; l beseech thee, oh! benefcent angel, to
grant my request"
Though grant thee lengtheued days, ]
cannot remove thy infrmities and suffering
They will increase upon thee, answered the an
gel.
Il care moi, since shall know they cannot
kill me before my time"
''Take thy wish" said the angel, smiling
"gO and be happy"
"Strangew cried a learned man who hat
comesto petition for a few years to complete
an explanation Of the Apocalypse, and had wit
messed the scene. "Strange," cried he, curling
his lip in scorn. "that the most helpless ant
miserable of human beings should still covet I
life diyested of all its enjoyments!"
"Silence, fool, replied the angel ia yoict
ofinefEable contempt; at rather becomes thee
ignorant mortal, TO adore the goodness o
Providence, which having ordained that mel
should live to be old, mercirully decrced at tn
same time that the love of life should suppl.
the absence of all its sources Of enjoyment
Go! take thy wish, and finish thy commcntar.
on the apocalypse. ~ K. Pauldng.