The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-11-26
Money.

4 -
Money.
The pleasures of poverty and the evils of lux
ury have always been favorite themes of the
poets and philosophers. While basking in the
| sunshine OF royalty, the poets have drawn the
most enchanting pictures Of humble felicity. On
tables ofgold, and in gardens which moved the
envy of soyereigns, the philosophers have written
eloquent destinations against the love of money.
But the melodious verse of the poet, and the
eloquent language of the philosopher, have been
exhausted in vain; their arguments have not In
duced one man to relinquish the riches which hc
possessed and retire to voluntary poverty, or re-
fuse to accept wealth when offered to him, from
conviction of the greater happiness OF state OF
| indigence. 4-t.ts
| We have in history two celebrated examples
of poverty and riches. Diogenes dressed in rags,
lived in a tub and affected to despise riches but
| he had been banished from his country for coin
| ing false money. He was a man of the most
corrupt morals, and yielded himself without res
traint to the indulgence of his vicious passions
Cresus lived in splendid palace, and was the
possessor of untold wealth. His chief delight
was in literature. and he loved to surround him.
self with men of learning and genius, whom he
attracted to his court by munifcent presents.
Esop, Anacharsis, and the Seven Wise Men Of
Greece, found safe asylum at the court of this
generous prince There are few persons who
will not consider that Croesus, the rich and viz
| tuous prince, was more admirable character
than Diogenes, the poor and corrupt philosopher.
Lucullus is generally cited as an example Of
the enervating influence OF the possession of ex-
traordinary wealth. This distinguished Roman
was the rival of Pompey and Caesar in military
glory. After conquering the greater part Of
Asia in few brilliant campaigns, and enjoying
4 sxnl
from the cares and dangers of public life. The
rest of his days was passed in the enjoyment of
all the elegant pleasures that wealth and taste
could procure. His palaces, villas, gardens, and
baths, were the talk and wonder of Rome. His
banquets were celebrated for their lavish profu-
sion, and FIVE thousand dollars were often expen-
ded on a single supper. But Lucullus was not
contsnt to be mere man of pleasure. He had
assiduously cultivated his taste for the liberal
studies, and was distinguished for his proficiency
in poetry, eloquence, and philosophy. His spa
cious libraries and galleries were the favourite
retreats of all the learned men Of Rome. Here,
surrounded by the literary treasures and master
pieces of art, which the wealth and taste of Lu-
cullus had collected from every part of the world
they spent whole days in literary studies and tho
sweet interchange of thought. Lucullus him.
self oftened mingled with them, to enjoy their
conversation, to assist them with his advice, and
to relieve their necessities. Truly noble and
generous use of riches, and more worthy of adj
miration than all the bloody conquests of Alex
ander and Caesar.
The aqueducts, porticoes, baths, Libraries, gal
eries ofart, palaces, and other magnificent works
which astonish and enchant the traveller in Eu-
rope, were erected with the wealth of generous
kings and princes. Money in the hands of such
men is like seed planted in rich soil-it brings
forth fruit abundantly.
Bulwer, in one of his late writings says Money
is power" 1t is a tremendous power. 1t is the
lever of Archimedes which moves the world.
He who wants money, wants everything. A
man may have the learning of Plato, the beauty
of Apollo, and the genius of Shakespeare, but if
he has not money, all else is counted nothing.
Young ladies are taught by their prudent man.
mas not to show too much interest for the hand
some and agreeable, but poor, Mr. Lakeland, but
to lavish all their sweetest smiles upon the ins-
pid and awkward, but arcathy, Mr. Alcash. In
neglecting the poor, but talented and aspiring,
youth, they are perhaps, neglecting one whose
brow will be encircled with wreaths Of undying
glory. Perhaps Goldsmith was less thought of
in his day than some rich nobody, who lived and
died, and was soon forgotten, while the author
of the Vicar of Wakefield" lives among the i'm
mortal spirits that were not born to die.
When the present Emperor of France was
living in poverty in London, he fell in love with
lady of rank and beauty, and solicited her hand
The lady, who looked upon him a mere ad-
venturer, rejected his suit; when he uttered this
prophetic remark: Madam, you have refused
crown"