Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1869-08-19
The Island Of the sirens.

The Sirens. as the old story ran. were
sea-nymphs of great power III music. who
lived on an island in the MediterlaLean
When voyagers sailed that way, aud heard
the Sirens. they would listen, and being
enchanted with the singing. they would
be attracted to the island, where caught
in the pleasing trap, they would have to
die for it,
When Ulysses sailed that way, kn,ws
ing the power of their songs over the wills
Of mortals. he ordered his men to. bud
him to the laast. and then stop their ears
with wax. so that they might not hear the
bewitching sounds. They could row
past needless Of the signs he might make
to shem. When they came near the is
land of the Sirens, Ulysses heard them and
was greatly pleased. Becoming yet more
clear and loud. their music entranced
him; and now, almost beside himself be
struggled to be free. He longed to stay
and hear and hear again he shouted. he
motioned but his soldiers were deaf alike
to the songs of delights and the pleadngs
Of their master. On they speed. till the
wondrons singing dies away in the dis
lance, and then ceases. Aud now Ulyss
es is thankful again.
But what 90 you think the Argenauts
did when they sailed that way, for they
too were in danger? Well. | will tell
you Before they set out on their voyage,
they took care to nave with them mighty
man Of song, whose name was Orpheus,
and whose notes, though very captivating
were not dangerous. The old poets tell
US that Orpheus. with his Tyre. moved
rocks from their beds, and trees from
their roots. and set them running after
him. Now, when the Argopauts, in their
mighty famous ship, came within hailing
distance OF the isles of the Sirens, tney
told Ospheus to play. AT the same time
was heard ravishing music Of the woman
ON shore but the Argonauts were wiser
than Ulysses, for they had contrived to
overcome the temptation with something
better. They loved the music of Orphe-
US, by which they were held captive with.
out losing their senses in tipsy JOY. And
so they were saved, for the favorin.
breezes. ana the oars of the strong men
soon brought them into less dangerous
seas.
And what does the story teach ?
First of all that the witchery of pleas
ure, deceiving and then killing must tt
Stunned at all hazards. To you who are
young the call OF forbidden pleasure i.
sweet, but away! away! There is more
IN life than its pleasures there is more
i'll death than pleasures loss.
And of what does the music Of Orpheus
remind US Of the charm of religion
which alone can hreals,.thez spell Of appe
lite aud vainglory. You ask how it vii
DO this. BY bringing before the MIND
something yet more pleasing. Il will not
do to say like Ulysses, Il will listen tc
the Sirens just this once. | would like t.
know what they can do, and I will fortify
myself against their arts and SO sail pas
them"
Then fight music with music oppose
to a love of sin stronger love tc
Thoughts of forbidden pleasures, thought.
of the pleasure Of an approving consci
encc. and of the higher bliss of heaven
Ii death be serenadlng you, listen to the
Serenade of life, and leaning towards the
divine song, let It's sweetness sustain you
till you are far on the way Of safety