Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-08-12

but the last prayer Of the parent is uttered
over the small crib, which stands by their
bedside, and their latest attention is given
to the peaceful breathings Of its occupant
Years paSs.-Childhood has strengthened
into boyhood, and gambolled along into
manhood. Old connections are broken
parents are sleeping in their gravos--new
intimacies are formed--a new homo is
about him, new cares distract. IIo is
abroad, struggling amid the business Of
life, or resting from it with those whom he
has chosen from his generation. Time is
beginning to wrinkle his forehead, and
thought has robbed his looks of their gaiety,
and study has dimmed his eyes. Those
who began life, after he had grown up, are
fast crowding him out Of it, and there are
many claimants upon his industry and love
for protection and support.
Years pass.--Ilis own children have be-
come men, and are quitting him, as he also
quilted the home Of his father. His steps
have lost thsir eIasticty-his hand has be-
come familiar with the cane, to which he is
obliged to trust in bis walks lie has left
the hustle which fatigued him lie looks
anxiously in each days paper among the
deaths--and then pondcrs over the name
of an old friend and tries to persuade him
self that he is younger, aud stronger and
has better hold upon life than any Of his
contemporaries.
Months pass.--llo gradually diminishes
the circle OF his activity. He dislikes to
60 abroad where he nnis so many new
faces, aud he grioyes TO meet biz former
companions after short absence, thcy
seem to have grown 30 old and infrm.
Quiet enjoymonts only are reiished, a little
conversation about old times-a religious
treatise, and bis early bed, form for him
tho sum total Of bis pleasures.
Weeks Inirmity keeps him ia his
chamber. His walks arc limited to a small
space between bis easy chair aud bis bed.
His swollen limbs are wrapped in lannels.
His sight is lailing-his ears refuse their
duty, and his cup is but half filed, since
otherwise his shaking hand cannot carry it
to his shrunk lips without spilling its con.
tents. His powers are weakened--his fac
ulties blunted--his strength is lost.
Days ass-Tho old man does not
leave his bel-his memory is failing-he
talks but cannot be understood-he asks
questions, but they relate to the transac-
tions Of former generation--he speaks of
occurrences, but the recollection Of no one
around him can 20 back to their scenes
be seems to commune with comrades, but
when he names them, it is found that the
waters Of time and oblivion have long COW
cred their tombs.
Hours pass.-The taper grows DINNER
and dimmer-the machinery moves yet
more and more slowly-the sands are fewer
os they measure the allotted span. The
motion Of those about him is unheeded, or
becomes vexation. Each fresh inquiry
after his health is a knell The springs Of
Of life can no longer force on its wheels
the "silver chord" is fast uutwisting-the
pitcher is broken at the fountain, and time
"is a burden" His children are about
him, but he heeds them not-his friends
are near, but he does not recognize them.
The circle is completed. The course is
run-and utter weakness brings the damp
which ushers in the night Of death.
Minutes pass.--lIis breathing grows
softer and lower-his pulse beats fainter
and feebler. Those around him are listen
ing, but cannot tell when they cease. The
embers are burned out, and the blaze
flashes not before it expires. His "three
score years and ten are numbered. Iu.
man life sis finished"