The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1888-03-08
Beyond the Alps Lies italy.

For THE CITIZEN.
At the foot of the rugged Alps,
the Hottest mountains in Europe.
Up those craggy sleeps, through
.ong, dark ravines, over the nu-
merous narrow and fearful precl-
pices, where dwells the lonely ibex,
is perilous and toilsome journey.
The already wearied traveller gaz-
ing upon those glacier-c covered
peaks that seem to pierce the very
sky above them, wonders at the in,
imi able grandeur of the scene yet
dares not brave the ascent. He
turns to retrace his steps but as if
in a dream be hears again those
oft repeated words, Beyond the
Alps lies Italy" Over, just over
those towering heights is said to be
the most beautiful land in all the
world. No other climate SO oeli-
cious, no breezes more gentle ever
famed the fevered cheek, and it
claims the loveliest and bluest of
natures skies. Here is the home
of the fne arts, and all lovers OF
3eauty from every cline and nation
seek this portion of the world in
which. to crafty their desires.
Beautiful Italy, the land OF poetry
and song. Scarcely a spot is there
that is not famous for the birth
place of some illustrious hero, or
las not been the scene of some
very remarkable event. Here also
lies entombed many men of immor-
tai genius. To visit this much
owed country is to read at one
glance its entire earlier history in
condensed form. The ruins Of
these grand old cities, and the re-
mains of splendid buildings speak
only too plainly of what has been
When the traveller has at last
completed the weary ascent and his
eye hath gazed upon all the beau
liful and romantic scenery of Italy,
and his mind hath comprehended
all there is to learn of this interest
ing country, he feels himself more
than compensated for his per-
severing setiort. Though the Alps
are steep, rugged, and snow clad,
Italy is beyond.
There lies an obstruction in the
pathway of every traveller whose
coarse is tending upward. Wheth
er this doom was written upon a
"changeless tablet and hung around
tue eternal throne before earth's
atoms we're collected from
haos, or that fire and torture were
needed TO melt away the dross from
Inc gold of mortality" is more than
we can say. Enough that it is
liue. In life's fair drama, on the
worlds broad stage, there is an
Alps which every successful actor
must cross. Nothing truly great
was ever achieved without much
time and labor. What a bright era
is browning the history of oul
world to day! How christianity
science and art have enlightened
and ennobled our race! Could this
have been the result of mere
chance? No.
Not truth has to art or to science been
given,
But brows have ached for it and souls
toiled and striven."
In all the annals of literature
not one instance can be found
where a single hero sprang from
bscurity and became noted ano
illustrious without an effort. Nc
Kingdom, empire or nation was eVel
rendered powerful without cost
The Roman empire with all its
grandeur and worldwide fame be
came not 80 in day. Although
the richest and most extensive EN-
pire ever established, still it was
only after dreadful commissions thai
1t was erected on the mighty
ruins of the republic. America, the
gladdest, freest, happiest nation II
ali the world to-day, has not always
been so. Its liberty was bough
with the lives of our noble ances
tors. The student whose ambition
|
fame, realizes full well that "Of
the brow doth ache, whereon thu
crown is placed" IT'S only thu
exercise of untiring zeal, of never.
ceasing energy that brings at las
success.
Life's SORROWS and cares are givei
only to purify the soul and capaci
tate it for higher joy than tina
which sense alone bestows. W.
better appreciate the harvest whicl
we ourselves have sown and reaped
Away then with faint-heartedness
Scale the lofty Alps and be reward
ed with glance at the unmatched
loneliness of Italy.
The hill of Zion, up which ever.
christian must climb, lie more diff
cult to ascend than the Alps. Their
are more dangerous and fearful
precipices, and more rugged an
steep is the pathway. Often tn
traveller grows weary and sinks b
the wsyside. How log seems tn
road! How fierce the winds blow
How dark the night of affection
Life is so dreary, the summit of til
mountain so far away. The tear
tsl thick and fast and prayers ris
from a heart deeply burdened wit
woe. Onward still onward throug
difficulties that can scarcely b
magnified, but courage!-the goal
almost won. Strains of music to
sweet for mortal ears ring out
glad welcome to the poor earth
tired pilgrims. One glance upwar
-c,ne glance is sufficient. 1t re
vcals what? Italyp Alb! no.
country Observation-Disclosures befor
hich the beauty and glory of Ital
would pale. Happy wanderin
traveller! thou hast found a home {
rest. No more will the thorn