The Van Buren press., 1876-02-29
MISCELLANY.
pr the Ean Buren Press
For the Van Buren, Press.
The Lessons of the Beloved Swan
nena to her Lover Bernardo.
III.

| g III.
In the forenoon Of the fourth day after
I had last parted with Swannena, found
myself again at the threshold ofthe home
which is, moro than any other, my mos,
favorite resort rang the bell; Mrs
Lehman came, and welcomed me in
When inquired for her daughter, she
told me that l would find her in her Ii.
brary. She said that she was glad to sec
me for Swannena had confined herself
to her studies. every day since l saw hel
last, and that my presence would diver,
her mind from such sedulous application
l stealthily approached the door Of heI
study, which found opep. and large
window on the opposite side Of the room
raised, which caused current Of air to
pass through could see the side OF
the face of the student, as she sat still
with her head somewhat inclined to one
side and forward, as il under the domin-
ion of fixed attention. The moving air
played with the tresses of hair that hung
loosely from the temples. On lengthy
table that sat before her were several mi
croscopes Of different structure, adjusted
as for use, and many other instruments,
chemical and philosophical; and num-
ber of small glasses, some of which were
partially filled with different kinds of
liquids. l held quiet for fear might
break some chain of thought, that might
not well he united again; and, also, be-
cause such interruption might lessen
some of the pleasure she would expert.
ence on seeing me. Finally, she stirred,
and moved her head, catching a glimpse
Of me, she sprang up, and met me at the
door. 1t appeared to me that she called
my name with more intense affection, If
possible, than ever before She lead me
into her study, and explained how busy
she had been, ever since had last part
ed with her, in investigating the speci-
mems we had obtained when on the ex-
cursion that led US through the deep
gorge to the roaring fountain in the sol
itudes of the mountains.
She showed me, under the microscope,
the minute dissections OF several insects,
worms, and the cuttings of the stems OF
plants and different kinds of wood, and
the tissue of different kinds of leaves, AZ
they had been acted on by several kinds
of chemicals. She said her attention,
since had seen her, had been mostly de.
voted to the study of the tissues Of leaves.
of different plants. and trees. in order to
discover. if possible, something of the
means by which the suns rays. by their
delicate touch, work wonderful phenom
cna in storing "p emense energy in plants
She said, constant application to heI
thoughts, filled up the time most pleas
antly in my absence; that relaxation
would now be exhilerating, and, especial
ly so, when with me, as we could always
drd enough to keep US interested in con
| versaton."
We left the study, and took walk il
the garden. to observe all the plants il
was her delight to cultivate. They look
Ell as tho gladness had dwelt among
them. Swanntna had sent me note the
the day previous, that there was to be g
party. at one of the neighbours this even
ing, and that she would be glad to 20, il
could accompany her. To which re-
piled. that it would be my pleasure to
comply with her wishes. She spoke ol
the entertainment, and said, " she looked
with pleasure to it, as she thought il
would be beneficial to as, in relieving
our minds from the tolls of thought, and
aud the blended sorrows that had occu
pied US recently, even when we havo ev-
cry reason to believe that we cannot be
more happy in life. After we had me
andered among the many herbs and dow
ers that had been trained and nurturod
by her own hand; We retired to the
parlor, where we had the consolation ei
some fine pieces of music, performed by
her exquisite touch. ! was anxious to
PROFOUND some quest ions to her, but al
she was in need of relaxation. l had wait
ed some hours. l could restrain myself
no longer, when the music ceased, and |
was buoyant, with feeling, inspired by its
charms-for good music has the effect
Oh me to produce a thoughtful mood, so
much 80, that often entirely forge,
where am
Swannena, when left you, I felt tha,
l was stored to fullness, with the lessons
from your lips; and they occupied my
mind, unremittingly' for some time; as
weighed and treasured them as my own
-agnin, other questions have suggested
themselves, that arc impatient for solu
ton, 1t would be this faItherest from my
wishes to burden you, but..if it is your
pleasure, l will be pleased to present a
number OF questions, of which, if you can
renders solution.you will bestow wealth
on me that will be during benefit.
"In so far as it may be in my power,
Bernardo, will delightedly assist you
for if there is anything on earth that
would nerve me to more than ordinary
effort, it would be to feel that l was
pleasing you with many benefits"
You have told me so often, dearest one
that truth is ever in nature that to find
the nature of anything, is to find the test
Of truth that which does not hamor-
nize with the laws Of nature, does not
harmonic with truth; that there is no
truth under the sun, that does not har.
monize with all other truth. Now, is it
possible to explain how this nature has
relation to mans soul aud religion?
You said that, so far as Christianity
taught and practiced according to the
spirit of Christ, it is perfection. | wish
to know what is the spirit of Christ ?
Y on spoke of the being Of angels. wish
to know what is the angelic state9
"These questions. Bernardo, are ae deep