The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-12-08
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA, THURSDAY. DECEMBER 8, 1870.

Her father answered. "Beauty is a rare
gift, but a richer one is virtue. Did we not
think our daughter possessed tho latter, her
beauty would but mock us"
The conversation changed; glowinglS did
Marcus Thermus describe the battles roar,
the rushing of steeds, the sounding Of the
armor, and softly did he tell the tale of wo.
mans love how she came to the wild battle
field, and smoothed the brow of her dying
husband or washed the blood stains from his
hair, and whispered in his ear the last word
Of hope, and the last promise Of eternal fdel,
ity. Quietly did Julia listen and drink in
every word of enthusiasm that fell from his
lips.
Thus passed the day and the next found
Marcus Thermus and Julia Cecinna strolling
by the brooks; and not many days passed
ere they we're not only weaving wreaths of
flowers, but dreams of love; and it was not
long ere they thought separate existence
would be intolerable.
Marcus loved Julia for her beauty, inno-
cence and purity and he read in the bright
glances of her eye that deep thoughts, "might
people the inner chambers Of her BRAIN
She loved him for the beauty and nobility of
his bearing, his mind and cl aracter. Day by
day passed on and the lovers were still happy !;
no storm arose in their sky, and no thought
of separation panied the heart of the unsus-
pectipg Julia. Nevertheless it must come.
Marcus Thermus is again called to the de-
fence Of his own country, and when she call
ed he never cared to linger He must 90
and win greater honor and glory and distinc-
ton; then prouder and nobler still would he
return to claim his bride, and lay rich trophies
of his victories at the feet of her he loved a
fitting bridal gift They parted, and Julia
shed her FIRST tear Of real sorrow. But che
would soon return, and then she would be his
forever"
Well did the hero fight, and nobly did he
conquer. And now hereturns only tomor
row eve and he Will meet his Julia lAy !!
does he not now behold the distant fires of
Mount Vesuvius?
And Julia awaits him. Eagerly she
watches and strains her eyes to catch a
glimpse of his returning form at the head
of his little army. Higher CLEANS the light
of the burning mountain, and playfully She
said, ssSee how old Mount Suvius prepares
to welcome him." 1927
Down streams the lava from its sides and
hot, sulphurous smoke envelops the city :;
broader grows the streams of red hot liquid
and denser grows the smoke. Loud rise
the screams of the populace, as one and
anotheris buried among the burning stones.
There goes the cottage of Lucius Cecinna
it has disappeared, while from tia despair
ing shrek arose, as Julia named the name
of Marcus. And she was buried out of her
sight, and when he with his men drew near
to the stricken city, they saw it not, neither
it's inhabitants all we're buried in one
grave. And when he who had gained so
many victories, faced so many dangers, and
battled so fercely with the enemy !; when
he realized that all he loved was buried in
the ruins of that fated city, then to die was
sweet; this was his greatest suffering and
throwing himself on his spear, his spirit
passed to Julia
The murmurs die away the tale Of love
is ended. Still muse! Light hearts beat
on the dawning of that day. Youthful
aspirations rose high; and strong as ever
was the thirst for glory, honor, and fame
They walked about the streets, they laugh
cd and chatted and sung. They were
marrying and given in marriages. They
bestowed aims and relieved the poor; or
some perhaps there were who denied CUP
of cold water to suffering saint. AS a
tree falleth SO it lieth So shall it be with
thee Pompeii, even as with thy noble but
unfortunate founder. Thou shalt lie for
ages, but, by the God that dwells above
thee, from thy deep grave, 0 Pompeii thou
shalt arise again.
Silent art thou, 0 Herculaneum, but the
sound of joy aud gladncss and praise shall be
heard in your streets, and the name of God
be spoken among your children.
Again look upon the cities of the plain.
| witness their destruction. They grow up
and flourish like a tree planted in a friendly
soil they gained power and dominion, but
| they held it not, for it is written, GIN the
midst o. life ye are in DEATH" They became
pulled up in arrogancy and pride, aud in the
height Of their prosperity they fell. flushed
and silent are they now; but a still small
voice comes waited on the breeze sealing in
struction Does it not tell Of the fall Of man
| the destruction Of empires, and the indffcr
ence of the living v
We may gain power and fame and glory on
the battlefield; in government we may be
stars of the first magnitude; in the literary
or historic world We may gain riches, we may
gain honor, we may gain admiration or love,
which none can live without; all this may be
ours, but how short its duration. Soon will
we be like the silent cities which shall sleep
| for ages. Soon will our voices be heard no
more, and our memory be drowned in the sue
cesscs Of those that follow us to the same
destination. MINERVA.
A CAPITAL JoKE-And all the more pal
| atabe because it is true, and can be vouched
| for, took place few Sundays since, at one
of the prominent Fourth street churches. 1t
| seems that a worthy deacon had heen varv