Lines To [pp. 311-312]

SOUTHERN ItTERARY MESSENGER.
pleasure shown towards it. None, we presume, wvill
gainsay this point. As soon then as this intelligence
on the part of a child is discovered, so soon does a
parent's duties begin, and if faithfully discharged, the
task of rearing up a useful and ornamental member of
society, will be found coniparatively easy.
If taught then to yield its desires to parental wishes
and commands-taught that the path of duty is the
path of pleasure-convinced by every day's experience
that the object of all restraints is her good, and proving
continually that her happiness is her parent's great
delight, she soon becomes, both by habit and nature,
submissive,-and consequently is at peace wjith herself
and all around her. If a sister, early does she learn,
that affection and tenderness to those so closely united
to her, is a duty, the performance of which, brings a
sweet reward Gradually are her duties enlarging, and
gradually is she prepared by judicious government and
good habits, to fulfil them.
When the nursery is exchanged for the school room,
easy is the task to lead that child on from knowledge
to knowledge. The mind is not crowded with many
and incongruous studies-but gradually is it enlarged,
and its wants supplied by a well regulated course. If
in a situation to permit the acquirement of ornamental
branches, she is taught to regard them as the light
dressings of the mind, intended not to interfere with
what is useful and solid, but as a recreation and source
of future pleasure to herself and friends. When the
mental powers are sufficiently expanded, to digest what
is presented to them, books of general knowledge and
taste are allowed, while the manners have been formed
by good society, and the ideas arranged by conversation, &c. If intended to mingle in a gay circle for a
season, her character is so formed as to be able to resist,
in a great degree, the snares to which such scenes usually expose the young and thoughtless. Taught to
regard these things as trifles compared to the other
pursuits of life, she enjoys without abusing them, and
willingly returns to the sweet domestic fireside, and the
pleasures and amusements within her own bosom.
The feelings which will exist between that daughter
and her parents, deserve to be considered. The filial
care and tenderness which was exercised over her mind,
will not be forgotten or unrepaid. In all times of doubt
or difficulty, to a parent's bosom and counsel will she
fly, as her surest refuge. If about to settle in life, prudence and the heart directs her choice. To her parents
she confides the feelings and hopes that agitate her
bosom. On their judgment she relies, and knowing
their sentiments are governed by the desire to see her
happy, she is prepared to weigh all their reasons, and
to act with prudence. She was early taught to reflect,
and is now capable of acting, with dignity. Her heart
is capable of love-she has been taught the nature of
the flame, and the only solid grounds on which it could
be reared. She is capable of discriminating between a
man of ton and a man of worth. Most generally, such
a woman will marry well. The man of lightness, dissipation and folly, rarely seeks her hand. He may and
does admire her, but he feels his oxsn inferiority, and
rarely wishes to form such an alliance.
The man of sense, of virtue, and of solidity, would
seek such a companion to share his pleasure and sooth
his pain. Mutual sympathies would engender intitual
esteem, and on that foundation it is easy, very easy to
rear the altar of love. A union formed with such feelings would most generally prove a happy one. If prosperous, such a woman is qualified to use without abusing her blessings. The lessons learnt at her first home
would be practised in her second, and she would be
likely to discharge with credit the duties of a wife, a
mother, and a mistress. If misfortunes came, she would
be prepared to brave the storm. Her affections, never
set on earthly pleasures and splendid scenes, would relinquish them without grief. Her mind, stored with
useful and ornamental information, would furnish a
treasury from whence her family and herself could
draw with profit and delight. In the humblest vale of
poverty, such a woman would be a blessing to her
whole circle of associates, and in most cases preserve
the affection of her husband and raise a family, respectable and useful. This too is no ideal picture. Such
women have been found in all ages, and such women
may be raised up in almost every circle of society. If
denied thie extended advantage meant by a liberal or
elegant education, the principles here laid down may be
carried to the peasant's cottage, as well as to the splended domes of the rich and great. Among the biographies of women in all civilized nations, many beautiful
examples might be adduced.
Among the wives and mothers of our own land a rich
collection might be found. One thing is here worthy of
record. In tracing the history of nearly all the great
men, with whose history we are acquainted, whether
remarkable for valor, piety, or any other noble attribute, to a mother's influence is their eminence to be attributed, in a greater or less degree. But it is needless
to enumerate instances on this occasion, as our sketch
is already extended beyond the intended limits. Should
it give rise to inquiry and serious investigation on this
important subject, or furnish a hint worthy the attention of the serious and anxious parent, the utmost ambition of the author will be realized. PAULINA.
LINES TO
While yet the ling'ring blush of day
Hangs sweetly on the brow of even,
And birds and flowers their homage pay
In song and incense breathed to heaven,
Accept this tribute of a friend,
Whose heart of hearts for thee is glowing;
Who prays thy path of life may wend
Through light, and flowers forever blowing.
I've seen the midnight Cereus bloom;
Th' admiring throng around it gathered,
And ere they dreampt its rapid doom,
It breathed, it bloomed, collapsed and withered!
Thus youth and beauty fill the eye,
Dear lady! oft in bloomy weather,
And time scarce rolls the season by,
When with the leaf they fade together.
Though nature'wails the dying leaf,
And sorrows o'er her silent bowers,
She soon forgets her gloom and grief
When dew-eyed spring revives her flowers;
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