The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1877-08-18
GEmGntelhqsnrer
now sac DIDIT.
That Wonderful young Lady on
the Railr0nd.Frain.

hal no other ai4 in view than that Of
spending few weeks in a mountainous
district Of Pennsylvania. Al Altoona n
young lady entered the car and took a sest
in front OF me. Being an individual whose
social instincts have been developed, by
education and favorable circumstances, TO
very high degree, | room succeeded in
engaging my fair companion in CONVEX.
sa,ion, and observed that she was just az
Intelligent as beautiful. Exhibited my
collOquial powers in their most brilliant
light, and was, by turns, sentimental
witty, reflective, sarcastic, and, in an un.
guarded moment Of enthusiasm, even quo
ted some lines Of poetry. II my memory
does not deceive me, they we're; "The
melancholy days have GOMEZ upon which
the lady exclaimed: Bryant-do you
like Bryant?' 81 admire him, madam, !"
replied !, with an air Of sincerest convic.
ton. ale is deserving your admiration,
and your liking him is bond OF sympa.
thy between U.s." said she, imprsssively.
"WhO would not like Bryant? His poems
convey to an extraordinary degree the
actualimpression which is awakened by
our lakes, mountains, aud forests. He
has not only faithfully pictured the beau.
tles, but caught the very spirit OF our
scenery. His best powers have Nh an.
them.like cadence, which aCcords with
the vast scenes they celebrate. Ills harp
il strung in harmony with the wild moan
Of the ancient boughs. Every mo,s.wood
trunk bFeatheS to him the mysteries OF
time, and each wild flower wills pers some
thought Of gentIeness. Bryant Is the
priest Of universal religion, and clothes
IN appropriate and harmonious language
continents warmly felt and cherished.
The same difference that exists between
true hearted natural affection and the
metaphysical love of the PlatOnista may
be traced between the manly and sincere
ilys OF Bryant and the vague and artif.
cIal illusions Of transcendental bards.
With his inimitable pictures there il
ever blended high speculation or relec-
tive strain OF moral command"
This ard more said the lady, with the
iIlcncy and volubility Of an Italian bar
Der, You have expressed my views
more correctly and beautifully than
could have DONE" | ventured TO remark,
after short pause; "and what is your
opinion Of Whittier?'
"WhitIier-Whittier, who is Whittier?
DO not know himp
81 mean John G. Whittier, the true
son Of New England, who uniles the en-.
thusiasm Of the reformer with the syn
pathieS Of the patriot"
Il never heard OF that man; lie il Ger
iainIy poet without much merit, or per-
itap4 rising star"
al am sorry, madam, that | must con
traiict you: Whittier has been writing
Tor the last twenty years, and ia un-
donhtedly one oil our best poets.
Very strange, air, that | should not
have heard Of that gentleman; very
strange indeed"
lbegan to eye my companion with an
air Vi surprise, and was exceedingly puz'
lied at her wonderful knowledge in the
one case and absolute ignorance in the
other. Finally l thought, with Hdmlei!
There are more things in heaven and
earth, HoratiO, than are dreamt Of in
your philosophy and in order TO restore
myself Tor my inadeQuacy TO explain this
psychological miracle, commenced to
whistle-at first without definite melo.
dy or marked rhythm, but afterwards l
-trucS npon the first theme Of the "Moon-
light Sonata"
The young lady started from her seat
and gaScd At me with such perfect deligh,
that topped instantaneolsly.
"Ah, beethoven exclaimed she, "Aaye
you heard any OF his symphonies ~ aud,
without waiting for any answer, she con
tuned in the tone OF an inspired prophet,
r"; Never has earthly art created any.
lhIogso serene as the symphonies in 4,
and + major. The r,thetic idea OF the
'lbItme IL alone applicable here; for the
effect vi the serene here rises above all
con;entmenL with the beautiful. The
Child'hkG innocence Of the theme in the
LYNN Of JOY ill us with holy thrill,
aud nothing equals the sweet iervor to
Which this prototype Of purest piety is
minated by each newly added voice, I'm.
III every glory OF elevated feeling unites
around ii like the breathing world around
a finally revealed dogma Of purest love. y
After this eloquent discourse ! stared
1.-THE lady with speechless amazement
aud the feeling Of my own inSiguiicanct
ani lamentable ignorance by the side o.
that prodigy caused me to utter a heart
rcHdiug sigh. A person endowed will
such refined taste, and such critical iudg
mrnl, would naturally be a most coupe
tent authority in musical matters, anC
certainly be qualified to inform me con
crrnlng Wagner and the music OF The
future.
lMmmOned up my courage, and askc,
IN modest tone Of voice:
Would you be willing 10 expound L
ne The principles Of Wagner, and tel
me what your opinion Of that compose
Wagner she said, ,omcvha, sur
priSed; ii mutt confess that do no
know a gentleman Of that name
Richard Wagner | exclaimed. 9Th
composer Of 'Tannhau,Cr' aud 'Lohrn
grin, the musician, philosopher ard noe
IN one pcrson-lhe divine apostle OF In
new musical gospel
81 really do not know Your friend,
"as her quiet reply.
Al this moment | felt precisely lik
the young student in "Faust," alter NJ,
rli'lopheles has demonstrated to him III
merits Of course in metaphysics. Con
pIrIely exhausted from intense speculs
ton, | leaned molionless upon the bac
o' my seat. The awful silence WAS dl,
lnrbed only by the putting Of the engin,
he ra,tlipg Of the wheels, and the skat
'asOithe car.
Ny companion took ring from be
a0Srr, and began to play with L. There
HI, and with he dexterity Of a pan
,ayr bent, was fortunate enough 10 cate
=, and returned il to the fair propris
She thanked ne most warmly. aYol
nave conveyed great favor on me" al,
remarked in the sweetest tone other ricl
F0'Ss-"tOr love this ring; Just sec no,