Middletown transcript., 1868-05-23
For he 1Mddyetorn Transcript.
"Reminiscences.

of youth, liquid light beaming from dark
lustrous eyes hiding half their splendid
power of love and beauty by the fringing
sweep of their lashes. She moved the
central star of bright constellation, the
focus of radiant throng, the child of af-
hucnce, the pctted idol Of domestic
hearth, bright sun about whose orb les
ser lights revolvcd, gathering beams with
out detracting from its radiance. She was
a woman born to rule, and sway imperious-
ly by mind, and the power of affection,
but yet magnanimous with her might.
One felt ennobled by her notice, elevated
by her conversation, and knowing her
worth and intrinsic merits hoped by closer
companionship to initiate her virtues, if
not emulate her many excellencies.
AS child, she gave great promise of a
brilliant future, as maiden in the morn
of life, she disappointed the seers of earlier
days by richer sympathy, larger gen
erosity, and more splendid scope of intel
lcct, their most sanguine and partial antic-
ipations. She excelled in conversation,
but no envy marked her career amid the
beautiful throng of her own sex who clus-
tered about her, for she stood prominent
in Godlike gifts and mortal endowments.
Jewelled danes and proud men named
her but to praise, while stately matrons
and grave men bowed courtly as talent
grasped her hand, while it eyed curiously
her wonderful attainments where wisdom
refused to act as umpire.
There came from afar one Of lordly car
riage and kingly port; sympathetic tastes
drew them together; love basked in the
sunlight of the two seemingly created for
each other; and, for once, society endors-
cd the alliance.
Orange blossoms wreathed brow Of
Madonna-like purity, and costly robes i'm
ported from the most fashionable city Of
the world, clad form exquisite in it's
perfection. ..i.....-..,.
1t twas mid-winter, but rare exotics blazed
in vernal splendor, snd summer plants
overpowered by heavy fragrance the draw
ing rooms wherein guests moved to grace
the bridal fcte of one universally beloved.
The sweet rose of Sharon bloomed be-
side the water-lilly of the Nile. and gSudy
plumaged birds fitted smid artificial
groves, a. unseen hands trolled forth low,
sweet music. transporting one to imaginary
lands and magnetizing the senses in be-
wildering maze of scenery and sound.
Light blazed from hidden quarters,
painting the peIlucid waters of irnsged
fountains with rainbow hues, glinting mo-
sale payes. and the. god Of day IN mocking
splendor completed the dsxEkng deception.
No festive board spread with costly Vi
ands tempted the palase,' but the towering
shrubbery hung heavily pendant with trop-
ical fruits festooned in fresh clusters TO
tempt the appetite. Mirth held high carni-
val as wealth spread her, wings joyously,
tclipsing herself by cultivated taste and ar
tistic all. Wine, rich and luscious, bub-
bled and sank from tiny fountains, aslove-
ly girls dressed as naiads profered nectar
from chased goblets, Beautiful women
pledged brave men in overhowing bumpers,
unconscious Of the aspen bite Of the still,
and youth wed with maturity in homage
paid to conventional usage and the shrine
of loveliness. q; . ef--, 80 no. --..4
A lapse of time drew another and more
glowing picture-painted glittering hues
of maturity, cnnobled and elevated, the
countcnance of a young mother in the full
fruition of maternal solieitude, woman
bent caressingly over babe fallowed by
the richest love that ever welled out to
mortal beck, saintcd and godlike, because
born Of Heaven. Dark tresses shaded the
brow of Parian whitencss, and eyes that
emanated world of tender endearment
scanned infant lineaments with proud, kind
solicitude. A rich glow of modest affec-
tion brushed the soft cheek Of beauty with
deeper dye as she paused to harken to the
echoing steps Of an approaching loved one.
The dimpled smile and browning laugh
Of cherub crowned the scene with ra-
dance, as she bounded forth to meet the
lord of her hearts domain. Snow-white
arms entwined form, that woman well
might view with pride, while sonorous ac-
cents fell tremendously on the ears of her,
who looked to him as the High Priest Of
her faiths alteration. The bewitching au-
ditor exhilarated like wine the noble speak
er, and while his eye noted the infant
hearer, whose mind still rested under the
infinite seal, or dwelt in chaos, he clasped
his arms as cover and shield about them,
while his full soul. sincere and silent,
thanked God for a blessed bene6cence.
Five years afterward, looking through
the lorgnette of time, we saw another
change in hfe's dream haggafd cheeks,
and woe-marked hneaments, lips emitting
iaournful sounds and sad words dwelling
where musical laughter was wont 70 newell.
Cnlumny had ,breathed his internal breath
and poisoned the sweet ehalice Of life he
rode in the gilded car Of fashion, and sat
at the festive board of the carnival, grasped
at the cup of 1nirth, and entered the soul
Of the drainer as the blood Of grapes passed
his lips. Pride exulted in the conquest Of
his mistress, and hot with fumes Of old;
wine listened to the foul aspersions of en-
w, when his blood was warm and spirit
high! The builded beauty of God andfan4
icy crumbled in his sight, and passion
Blaekened by resistlcss sway form fair
and divine. He turned with loathing frcn
a - i, A..