Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-12
LOVES MIRACLE.
Or the charms Of Music.
BY J. w. Bruce.


BY =. w. Bruce.
The man that hath NO music in himself,
Nor is moved py concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, strategems, and spoils
The motions of his spirit are as dull as night,
And his affections dark as Erebus,
Let no such man be trusted.
Merchant Of Yenics.
Are the blessings of music, in its influence
upon or social comfort and our happiness, sufs
6eiently understooda | have thought not, al
belt q most unmusical person myself, at least so
far as talent and cultivation in the science are
ooncerned. Who, that has felt its charms when
doubts perplexed, and cares gathered thick a.
round him. but must acknowledge his gratitude
TO the Soother and the Oomfortera Who that
has known its inspiration at some moment
when the latent fire slumbered, waiting only q
magical breath to wake it into fame, but must
own himself tributary to its powera Yet how
few of us cultivate closer intimacy with the
angel who so often visits ust know there are
q thousand reasons for the neglect of music, and
vet not one of them which is valid. 1t is no ex>
cuse to say that we lack capacity, opportunity,
means. or that sorand-so plays or sings better,
or that we have not the time to spare. Its all
wilful closing of the eyes and hardening of
the heart. No house should be w5thout music.
The simplest strain has its mission and its indu>
ence; the humblest song awakens emotion in
some heart and tends to good.
| That music excites true and honest enthu-
siasn, quels the darker passions, and exerts a
purifying influence over the human mind, there
can be no doubt All that is heroic in the soul,
all that is soft and yielding in the heart, all
fhat is generous and noble in human nature
Yields It's treasure to lnusio's magic touch, as
freely az the rock of Horeb did its refreshing
waters to the prophets wand. A bad man may
love music. but no man is bad while under its
influence. 1t may be sid that music has lent
it's charms to immortality ana vice, that ribaid
glees and Bacchanalian songs have TOO cften
contributed to the downfall of youth; but the
fault was only that the bad ministers at her
shrine perverted her ravished beauties to unho>
ly purposes. 1t chastens the impulses in the
hearts of thousand where it degrades them in
one. 1t is the universal language of emotion,
which needs no translation, since it is every
where understood and appreciated. Its elo-
quence surpasses all other modes of express
sion, and draws the most certain tribute to its
appeals; and while prosperity revels in its un"
rivaled but innocent enjoyments, poverty may
draw not only comfort but sustenance from its
treasures4 Oliver Goldsmith, the most charm
ing of English poets, travelled through Europe
with his flute for letter of credit, and the lit
tie foreigners who almost desecrate the art by
their rude efforts in our streets gather pennies
even where avarice regns. Let me give on in
teresting reminiscenoe of my student life, while
talking Of music.
When was at B College, Kentucky,
j had a friend who drew as largely on my love
and esteem as ever did mortal man, and well
was he worthy of my confidence, for a nobler
youth than Albert Kline / never knew. He
was of German extraction, and there was Dig
nifty and reserve in his manner, but depth of
feeling and enthusiasm in his nature character
istic of his origin. He was as true and deyo-
ted as q knight of the olden chivalry, and as
generous as q prince; and be was q prince, q
M march, for in one fair bosom he reigned eur
prelue.
How shall describe Hetty Buford, with her
blue laughing eyes and the shower of golden
curls that fell aroGnd her proud little head, the
sylph-like form that Aoated in graceful undula.
tions through the dance, and her bewitching
smile, that beamed with delight A bright
and joyous creature was Hetty,e if she loved
Albert Kline,with his manly beaut5 and his nor
BILE disposition, in the depths of his great heart
was her image shrined and worshipped. Hetty
Buford was being of exquisite sensbilities r.
her soul was attuned to poetry and music
How often have seen her hang on his arm, in
some evening walk, listen with rapt attention
to the eloquent words that fell from his lips,and
drink IN the thoughts Of his inspired genius
Strange to say, however, there was one subject
on which perfect sympathy did not seem to
exist between them, and that was music. AL
bert was fond enough of song, and when Het.
ty warbled and trilled forth her sweet. and
bird-lke notes, he found it very pleasant to lis.
ten, but he had no talent that way himself -
He was never known to sing song or touch
musical instrument. In speaking, the modu>
lations OF his voice were exquisite and bis ear
was sensitive to the euphoDy of language but
bis thoughts and feelings had never found ex-
preston in music. He had borne the Jokes of
his fellow collegians on this subject with seem.
ing Indifference; but when rallied by Hetty,
whose wit was piquant as well as playful. q
shade would sometimes cross his brow. What
malign influence is it that loves to pick a flaw
| in the most perfect human blissg Whence
that little subtle spirit of mischief that finds its
way into the hearts of the truest aud fondest.
and sows dissention therea Alas. no human
was ever in perfect tune; there are strings that
viii jar at the slightest touch, and send wild
diseord through the soul. Hetty Buford piqued
| by some allnsion among her companions to this
defect in the model of her faultess hero, rallied
Albert little sharply, and then, in conclusion,
bade him playfully become a minstrel, or forfeit
OF her nlgn olspleasore. What his reply was
do not know, but from that hour cloud seemed
to have settled between them, and their hearts
was estranged. | saw that my friend suffered,
and to my inquiries as to the cause, be retnrn-
ed frank reply. He was wounded not only in
his love, but his vanity.
But, my dear Albert, said l. suppose you
were really to learn music. / know that You
have it 10 you.
No, no, Jack, have not the slightest talent
that way and if / had, do you suppose would
acknowledge myself the slave of a girls whima
Must | crouch and play the fool for her idle
jestsf