was blessed by the birth of a lovely girl; and in the third, their felicity was still increased by that of a boy. They now sometimes wished for fiches, on their children's account, but both sincerely felt that wealth could not add to their own happi ness. pay his respects to him, and the old man, who had no children, conceiv ed such an affection for himself and family, that after some months acquaintance, he declared his intene tion of leaving him his sole heir.→→→ This event appeared as if it would shortly take place, for the elder Mr. Lancaster's health had been for some time on the decline. As an earnest, however, of his future And if at any time Lancaster chanced to express regret at not be ing able to give his children as liberal an education as he could wish-liberal intentions towards his ne"At least," his Harriet would say, #6 we shall endeavour to etlacate them virtuously, and leave the rest to Providence. We will likewise endeavour to cultivate a taste for those simple pleasures and delights, which render their parents so aniformally happy, in spite, I may almost say, of fate. Though poor, we are respected; we have friends whom we love, and by whom we are. beloved: we experience vast delight, entertainment, and instruction, from reading of which we are particularly fond; we enjoy a never failing source of amusement, and knowledge, in the beauties and won ders of nature; and our souls feel such a dependence on the mercy, and goodness of nature's God, that we neither regret the past, nor fear for the future. What then do we stand in need of that riches can procure? Oh nothing! for the wealth of the Indies could not purchase such a child as this," she would playfully add, clasping one of her infants to her bosom. Five years had now rolled away, fraught, perhaps, with more happiness to Lancaster, than he could have enjoyed in any other situation; when, contrary to his expectation, fortune seemed inclined to be in a good humour with him. The regiment to which he belonged happening at this time to be quar tered in a town where an old uncle of tus resided, he went of course to His of phew, he at present got him advanced to the rank of captain. Some time now elapsed very agreeably to all parties. Mr. Lancaster, owing, as he believed, to the pleasure he experienced in the captain's society, began to improve in health; in consequence of which, he gave a splendid entertainment to his friends, and his nephew was introduced as his fature heir. It was well known that he was immensely rich, therefore the captain and his Harriet were the idols of the night. Harriet this evening, immerging as it were from obscurity, like the sun after a long bleak winter, delighted, animated, and attracted the gaze all. I need not here interrupt my narrative, to nrake a trite observation on the vanity and instability of all earthly pleasures. Alas! a blow awaited poor Lancaster, for which kingdoms bad they been showered on him, nor aught that this world contains, could in ΠΟ Wise make him a recompense. Mrs. Lancaster, who was in an early stage of pregnancy, after being over heated by dancing this night, caught a cold. For some time she thought slightly of it; but at length she became alarmed by its continuation ; no art could remove her cough; she lived just long enough to bring a delicate infant into the world, and three weeks after its birth expired! her child soon followed her to the grave. We shall not attempt to describe the widower's affliction.-What pen, what language, could paint that which had no words! no gestures! he was stunned, not maddened by the blow! had he possessed less religion, or less philosophy, he most probably had sunk under this silent despair of the heart! Alas! what does philosophy, unsupported by religion, avail us, in the trying hour of affliction? 'tis then indeed we forcibly feel our dependence on the Deity, and tremblingly cling to him for support! were unbounded. But his chief delight centered in his children, and their instruction occupied a large portion of his time. He led them through the paths of learning in the gentlest, and most amusing manner; by a happy art of simplifying his language, and using similies and comparisons adapted to their capacities, he rendered that which would appear dry and obscure to most young minds, plain and easy them. For the more superficial, (and in his estimation trivial), acconplishments of music, dancing, &c. they had masters from town. Indeed no labour or pains was spared in the cultivation of these two lovely blossoms; and early did they display tokens of that high degree of excellence which might be expected from them in a state of maturity. Their bodies and minds were formed in nature's most perfect mould. Harriet (the name of the girl) was beauty and grace person fied; nor was the boy less charming his mild large dark eyes, and high forehead, had somewhat sublime in their appearance; that ca pacious forehead bespoke judge ment, fancy, and genius; while those mild, yet penetrating eyes, Not long after the death of his niece, the elder Mr. Lancaster's health began again visibly to decline; since that event he had lost those pleasant conversations with his nephew, which had formerly contributed so much to raise his spirits, and keep him cheerful. Now when in company with the captain, he only felt for, and pitied him. Not long time therefore elapsed, before the captain saw his good uncle laid in his cold bed likewise. He left the balk of his fortune to his nephew ; who now found himself rich, without a relish for any of those pleasures that riches can purchase. Tired of the bustle of public life, he determined to seek contentihent, if she were ever to be found by him, in a retired situation: in consequence of this resolution, he sold his commission, and went to reside on an estate which he possessed some miles from town; resolving to occupy himself in the education of his chil-often has the fond father watched dren, and agricultural pursuits. Life to him had lost all charms, but by being a kind landlord, a humane master, and a generous friend to all, he hoped yet to prove the means of happiness to others. Nor was he mistaken, the blessings of the poor and afflicted followed his steps, whilst the respect, admiration, and love of all ranks for him, pressed benevolence and deep thought: his whole countenance and figure were equally prepossessing; and had Lavater beheld him, he must have exclaimed, "this boy is formed to act a distinguished part on the theatre of existence." How his children as they danced or ganboled before him, like cupid and a younger grace, till tears swelled in his eyes, and he has been forced 10 turn away to hide his emotion! how often has be apostrophised their sainted mother, on beholding any excellence which he thought would have delighted her in them? And, Oh, how often has agony darted through his brain, as he has thought, "She shall never, never, behold their virtues!" Six years passed away in this placid uniform manner; Captain Lancaster began to taste content, and cheerfulness again took up her abode in his mansion. He could now without agony look stedfastly back on the misery he had past. As one who in the fury of a tempest has been struggling for life, at last finds himself safe on shore; he trembles at the dangers he has past, and his joy for his present safety is tempered with awe-he nevertheless feels it, and casts a grateful look to heaven. ун Captain Lancaster was still in the full vigour and prime of manhood, being yet but thirty-three years of age. Those who have seen the famous Kemble play Hamlet, may form a tolerable good idea of his figure and face; indeed he was extremely like what Kemble looks in his best and most beautiful characters. But affliction had not yet emptied her quiver on him, nor had his countenance yet assumed that thoughtful air, which afterwards rendered him so like to the philosophizing Hamlet. He had now lived, as was mentioned before, six in tranquillity, when his son seized with an alarming illness, it was now feared that this boy, who greatly resembled his mother, inherited the delicacy of her constitution, yet the most vivid bloom of health had always flushed his cheeks, his father thought him a little Herculus; he therefore, from being entirely unprepared for it, felt the greater shock from his indisposition. Alas! who boasts of seeming health and strength? What is the most robust constitution? Has not the Almighty numbered the days of the children of men? This lovely, this enchanting beam, was quickly ex BELFAST MAG, NO. XXXIII. tinguished, leaving darkness impenetrable in the house of his father. Again we must beg to be allowed to draw the veil over affliction, too poignant not to touch the feelings of every sympathizing reader. All the wretched parent said, as he caught the last breath of his expiring son was, "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away, and blessed be the name of the Lord!" But did he feel less than those who rave, and rant, and tear the hair? Oh, no! The grief that does not speak, "Whispers the woe-fraught heart,and bids it break!" Too truly did poor Lancaster feel the truth of this, and to save himseif, he fled from himself; he fled not to dissipation, his mind was superior to all its allurements; it was to society, to friendship he resorted, to banish his own thoughts. This mournful event entirely changed the tenor of his life; formerly he had. delighted in solitude, delighted to muse alone; now madness lay that way-Behold him now therefore, that is some months after the death of his son, continually in company, and seldom at home. His daughter was therefore left entirely to herself. And did she now, 12 years old, not feel for the loss of her only brother, her companion, and play-mate? 0, yes, she did indeed feel! nor was it the first time sorrow had entered her heart-though young, she had mourned the death of her mother, and her mind had retained a sombre cast ever since. Now in silence and solitude she wept her brother; but when her father appeared, she dres sed her looks in cheerfulness, lest she should add to his affliction. About seven months after the death of his son, a friend of the captain's advised him seriously to think of marrying a second time. This thought N n was had never before suggested itself to him-Yet his friend's arguments to the following effect, had their weight: namely, that he wanted society, his daughter wanted somebody to direct and instruct her; he wished to relish life; nor should he wantonly despair, or neglect any expedient that might be found to render it agreeable to him. Before the death of his son, he had felt an utter abhorrence to a second anion, now his whole mind changed. Thought was such torture, he was so overwhelmed in misery, that like a drowning wretch, he was willing to snatch at any thing to bear him up for a little. Enter the state of matrimony without love! that he would never do; could he be brought again to love, he would then marry. Thus ended his cogitations on this important subject. In this disposition of mind he frequented the society of females more than he had ever done in his life. For a long time however all were alike indifferent to him, and only resorted to as the means of banishing his melancholy reflections. Captain Lancaster with an enthusiasm for ali that was beautiful, and a "quick disgust for what was disarranged or gross in species" did not, in his admiration for the beauties of nature, overlock the "human face divine" though purified by grief, he was still a man, with all the feelings and passions of one; it need not therefore be wondered at, that bis attention should be more bestowed upon the handsome than upon the ordinary part of the female sex. It was his fate about this time to be introduced to a young lady so super-eminently beautiful, that all others by comparison with her, seemed but as twinkling stars to night's refulgent queen. Maria God frey, the name of this lady, though possessed of but a small fortune was nevertheless of a very respectable family. She was extremely faci nating in her manners; in her dis position, she was gay and volatile; her conversation always abounding with vivacity and spirit. Crouds of admirers attended her steps; that many of them were real lovers, we cannot positively assert; this, however, is certain, as soon as Captain Lancaster appeared, she seemed to show him a decided preference. At first admiration alone attracted him to her; in her society, he found his time pass more agreeably than any where else, and at length she became in a manner necessary to him.He considered himself already suthciently rich; fortune therefore with a wife was no object to him. The lively disposition of Maria pleased him, it formed a contrast to his me lancholy, and might, in time, he thought, succeed in banishing it from his mind. In short he saw no reason why a beautiful woman should not make as good a wife as a plain one; all be wished for was an agreeable companion, and sensible friend, and such a one he believ ed he had found. His proposals of marriage after all due hesitation and demur on her side, were at length favourably received, and the nuptial day fixed. Before the ceremony took place, Harriet was brought from the country to see her mamma elect: she was kissed and caressed, and called the sweetest, loveliest, most interesting girl in the world. Behold Captain Lancaster again embarked on the ocean of matrimony! that wonderful ocean which is either tranquil and delicious, or tempestuous and dreadful according to the dispositions and tempers of the mariners it is universally allowed to be squally, however, and those who meet with favourable gales are bies sed indeed. Werks and months now glided away imperceptibly, Cupid scattered pleasure and joy through the mansion which Hymen had blessed, and tranquillity again took up her abode in the breast of the bridegroom. her life except the cut of a new robe or cap. Never before had he so forcibly felt the disadvantages of beauty to its possessor! a handsome woman without vanity, and possessed of mental endowments must be an angel! thought he! All attempts to convert his wife into a rational friend proved abortive; when he strove to converse with her on the subjects mest dear to his heart, she either unrstood him not, or showed an uneasy impatience that quite disconcerted him. Upon nearer acquaintance, Captain Lancaster found that he had somewhat mistaken the character of Maria; her smiles proceeded less from good nature than the love of pleasing; and her consciousness of the superiority of her personal charms, made her haughty, and at times overbearing in her manners; in short he found that vanity was her ruling passion. This discovery gave him at first, but slight uneasiness for what woman is not vain, thought he? besides her beauty might almost plead her excuse, could any thing excuse vanity. Her love of admiration was indeed unbounded, for now, though a wife, she still expected the men to do homage to her charms. Long habituated to large he attributed this partly to the state draughts of flattery, that delicious of her health, which was not very poison so palatable to mortals, had corrupted her mind. The calm and peace-nefit of her health, he proposed a good. For amusement and the beful delights of the country possessed no charms for her. Admiration, dress, and splendour, were the idols of her devotion. Soon the husband's idolatry of those charms that were every day familiar to him, declined; he began to think of her mind; for he wanted a friend to whom to unbosom himself. But where was this friend to be found? can friendship exist without some similarity in the sentiments of the parties? as well might he expect a reciprocity of sentiment in the most illiterate savage, as in a being whose whole time since she had arrived years of discretion had been entirely occupied with balls, assemblies, and dress. Many laborious hours had he spent in hard study; his partner had never studied five minutes in at Finding the mind of his wife so dissimilar to his own, Captain Lanassiduity to enlighten and expand caster, applied himself with double which had formerly been his darthat of his daughter: But even this, ling employment now brought something unpleasant with it; for he soon perceived that on those days which he devoted most time to his daughter, Mrs. Lancaster appeared in a sullen, disagreeable humour. At first little excursion into Wales to Har riet and her, which was agreed to with alacrity by both. Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster and the delighted Harriet set out soon after on their little tour, which they intended should last a fortnight. But before the half of that time was expired, Mrs. Lancaster complained of fatigue and wished for home; every art to amuse her failed, and this unpleasant humour threw a gloom on the whole party. This change, however, was rather brought about by some little chagrin she had experienced in thecourse of their journey, rather than by fatigue, as she alledged. At their first setting out, the Captain had pointed out to her every |
