Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-03-23

their steps. 'os9e4 sss.
When just opposite to large, fashion
able saloon, julius was invited by his
friend to- join in bottle of wine. No,
no, said ne; cannot Join you please
excuse me; never drink wine
Come, come said his companion; Il
Fintend to order bottle of champagne in
this saloon, and Jon must join me; throw
aside your foolish fancies-a glass of wine
will net hurt you.' -.
My father, said julius with tremulous
voice, commenced life with high hopes;
he secured the heart and hand of beauti-
ful and accomplished woman one every
way calculated to soothe the troubled cur
rent of life for time the stream of con-
Jugal bliss flowed smoothly on !; their hap
plness was complete; but soon their hap.
Ply bowers were invaded by the serpent
that changed them into arid wastes. At
a banquet my father was prevailed upon to
take glass Of wine; be soon became a
wine -bibber-wine soon ceased to offer the
required stimulation he sought strong
drink, and " strong drink is raging" in
plain terms, be became drunkard. NV
mother, exposed to all the indignities of
an lnebriate's wife, soon died of broken
heart; my father, covered with shame,
and stung with deep remorse, plunged
deeper and deeper into the sea of intoxi-
cation ne soon fell victim to intemper-
ance in truth, murdered by the FIRST glass
Of sOine. Often have listened, with tear
ful eyes, while the cause of their unhappy
end was related to me; and over their
graves have | vowed never to touch the
wine-glass.' Forgive me, julius said
f the young map, grasping his hand and in
e silence they pursued their way to the hotel.
: A few evenings after this, Julius and his
e companion were invited to party given
n by one Of the most wealthy and respec-
J. table citizens Of that city; the elite of the
city were there wealth, beauty and intel
d ligence had met together there to worship
d at the shrine of Pleasure Silver qoblets
n hilee with choice wine were handed round;
" Julius observed that no one refused; gen.
r tlemen drank to the health of the &c fair
j. beauties" that sat beside them this was
e truly an hour of trial with poor Julius ;
Of must he be the only one that refused f-
z He trembled as the waiter approached
i! him the lady next to him took the COB
let; refusal was upon the lips of Julius
IN but, no; what woald the company say -
ID Would it not be treating the young lady
1e with GOODNESS not to drink to her health
as He reached forth his hand, and took the
re proffered beaker; but it trembled, as If il
Lh held salamander, instead of the tank
cd ard twice he raised it to his lips, and
ct took it away again the young lady OBJ
lis serving this, with bcwitching smile, said
Ir You surely do not love wine; assure
wv you this is excellent; never did the god
nd qnaf sweeter nectar than this All eye
It's were instantly fixed upon him Julius Sal
rs trembling in his seat, covered with confu
ed sior his face crimsoned with bushes
but suddenly, with quick movement; b
e; raised the goblet to his lips, and quaffe,
"a its contents at draught. The gentlema
its of the house perceiving his confusion
he came forward to relieve him from embar
ad rassment, and said My young friend 70
- will soon get rid of these scruples; sue
ny wine as this will never injure you +; remen
Ids ber what Shakespeare says: Good wine
nat a good, familiar spirit, if it be we'll used
hat julius soon became calm and collecte
tn again, and the remainder of the eyenin
n (; passed off pleasantly.
ach julius yielded. Thefwily tempter CO,
nds quered; he who had mourned with dee
de- sorrow from his infancy the melancho
our and fatal effects of wine, had now bow,
to to the glittering goddess of Fashion, al
test sacrificed upon her altar the VOW he b,
EEK, made over his parents tomb. Truly,
roi-
Is oy a csn snd nef wild
/ in
,ryeI Julius was studying the legal professi
,ast in the city, and during the winter he v
us.n a guest at several parties, at all Of viii
,m he never failed to drink wine. The wi
ight ter passed away, and spring came; jul
an. had finished his studies and was admit
and to the bar. His heart throbbed rapture
ninp ly when he gained his first case, az
now thought of future fame; but alas ali
the it was but a dream ; his bright hopes "
eous destined to fade away, like the silv
ping. light of the stars before the rising gl
Y; + of the sun "a ,e.d
land With his brother members of the
sing. he was in the habit of drinking but,
er Of yet, he was by no means Il drunkard
llius, alas in the pathway to drnnkal
grave! His business prospered; case
Tered great Importance were entrusted to hi
, glo- soon his name went abroad as lawyer
,e of merit and man Of genius and had
d tie not been for the intoxicating cup, fe,