Their good resolutions are assaulted; the counsels of a
pious mother--the precepts of a kind father, and the determinations
which a son may have formed in view of those counsels and those
precepts, may be easily undermined and destroyed by the flattery or the
ridicule, the reproach or the banter of some subtle or even of some
thoughtless companion. To those who may read these pages, and who may at
any time be tempted to seduce others from paths of virtue, or to break
over solemn resolutions which they may have formed as to an upright and
commendable course of life, let the injunction of old Zachary, the
Mohegan sachem, not come in vain. "Never tempt any one to break a good
resolution."
G.
* * * * *
Original.
DESPONDENCY AND HOPE.
AN ALLEGORY.
BY MRS. J. NORTON.
In a lone forest, dark and drear,
Stood wrapt in grief a maiden fair;
Her flowing locks were wet with dew,
Her life was sad, her friends were few.
A sparkling light gleam'd distant far,
Like twinkling faint of evening star;
Quickly it spread its brilliant ray,
Till forest drear looked bright and gay.
And on the wings of love and light,
A radiant figure, pure and white,
Approached and spake with accents mild:
"Why so despondent, sorrow's child?
"When thy lone feet the violet press,
Its perfume rises still to bless;
While groves and lawns, with landscape fair,
Are bathed in healthful mountain air.
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