The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-01-22
A LOOK IN THE WINDOW.
BY " 10 BOUGHS. -

1t occurs to me that something might be
written on the window, even if the writer
hadn't Il diamond to do it with.
The remains of ancient architecture that
have come down, or, more literally tum-
bed down to us, show us that windows
were almost unknown in that early and not
very clearly defined period when ancient
architecture was INDUCED in.
When first introduced, they were few,
small, and narrow-the result, seemingly,
of building material giving out at irregular
and uncertain intervals, or an eccentric
/ freak on the part of the builder.
Window glass being unknown, the win
dows were generally left open-an uncom-
Portable arrangement in cold weather, and
inviting to burglars, and aid to Opponents
at all times. Afterward, windows were
covered with some light stuff or fabric,
more Or less translucent: then mica and
horn were used; until, finally, some one
invented sx9 window glass, which has never
gone wholly ont of fashion since.
How much that is historic has come down
to us through a window, as it were. How
many famous men have escaped out of win
dows, or tumbled out of windows, or been
thrown-not to say kicked-out of win
dows!
Romeo might never have got glimpse
of his Juliet again, after that memorable
ball at the Capulet mansion, to which he
gained such questionable admission, had
at. And here let me say, window lights
must have been known at that early day
whatever that day was, for says Romeo:
Soft. what light through yonier window breaks"
His attention was, doubtless, attracted
to the window by the breaking of light;
though why he should inquire so particu-
larly "what light % is more than l can
understand.
He makes an extraordinary mistake in
the next line, however, when he says:
"It is the East and Juliet is the sun"
when he knew as well as anybody that
Juliet was the daughter. But l suppose
this is what is called poetic license.
There is much character and suggestion
in windows. They give expression to the
dwelling, as eyes do to the face, and not
unfrequently afford a criterion by which
| to judges the inmates. There are great,
stately windows you almost feel like TAX
ing your hat off to, and into whose grand
1,r ha
would hardly dare to peer.
There are windows that look down On
you contemptuously. as the people behind
them might do. and windows that bear no
expression whatever, staring, with frigid
| darkness, at similar windows across the
street.
There are bold faced windows, that osten-
| tatiously thrust themselves into notice, and
modest, retiring little windows, halfhid-
ing behind rose bushes and swaying vines;
windows that open to the sunlight and the
Spring zephyrs, and windows that appear
Theoretically sealed against all softening
and kindly influences; windows that show
to the passer by bright freight, warm pic
lures, and those pleasant groupings so sug-
gestive of home, and windows that throw
additional gloom upon the darkening streets;
windows that frown and windows that in
vite; windows blushing with roses, that
reflect their tint upon the cheek of the
passer-by, and windows so barren that a
look chills you.
| When lover passes the dwelling of his
adored, where does he look for herr At
the window. Leaving home in the morn
| ing, to resume his daily toll, where does the
| fond father catch the last glimpse of his
baby's face Flattening its baby nose
against the window-pa Returning at
nightfall, his days work over, what is the
beacon to which his weary footsteps turn
The home-light in the window.
How bright and joyous the window may
be made to look, and what suggestions of
gloomy wretchedness and decay may it not
present.
cE-A faithful old African gave good ad
vice to clergyman who, having received
calls to several parishes, did not know