Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War. / Founded on Fact

by Amelia Stratton Comfield

Frontispiece Caption: “Optimum vitæ genus eligito nam consuetudo faciet jucundissimum.”	Attributed to Pythagoras in Diogenes Laertius viii; cited inSpectator 447.
Title Page: Incidents During the Late American War. Founded on Fact.	The phrase “founded on fact” appears in the title of several ofAlida’s sources, notably Alonzo and Melissa. Theopening words of Alonzo and Melissa are “During the late[American] Revolution...”
Dedication: His Excellency, Charles Collins, Governor of Rhode-Island	Charles Collins was never Governor of Rhode Island. He wasLieutenant Governor from 1824 to 1833.
[CHAPTER I.]
	La Rochefoucauld: Moral Maxims
“Rien n’est si contagieux quil’exemple; et nous ne faisons jamais de grand biens: ni de grand maux, qui n’en produisent desemblables.”	Rien n’est si contagieux que l’exemple, et nous ne faisons jamais degrands biens ni de grands maux qui n’en produisent de semblables.
The ancestry of Alida was of ancient date inEnglish heraldry, some of whom emigrated to America a short time beforethe revolution, and settled in the southern provinces, while her fatherfixed his abode in the state of New-York.
	NY Weekly: Essay No. I
In the calm retirement of the country, at aconsiderable distance from the bustle of the town, was situated hisbeautiful residence, which had every advantage in point of prospect thatluxuriant nature could give when it is most lavish of itsbounties.	.... Their eyes wander with languor andindifference, over those scenes in which nature has been most lavish of its beauties.
	Alida [page 207] (chapter XXIX)
The mind of its owner took particular delight inrural pleasures and amusements; in dissipating a part of his time in the innocentscenes of rustic life, and in attending tothe cultivation of his estate, which was large and extensive.	Like him he was fond of ruralpleasures and amusements, and todissipate care amid the diversified scenesof rustic life, afforded him satisfaction and pleasure.
	Alida [page 62] (chapter IX)
Here he would contemplate, in all their variety,the natural beauties of creation, whenarrayed in its richest attire; in the inimitable splendour of thesurrounding scenery;	It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow huewas spread over the natural beauties ofcreation.
	Lives of Signers: Thornton of New Hampshire
or amuse himself inattendance to diversified employments, someof which, as pastimes, served the two-fold purposes of recreation andamusement.	where, in anattendance on his diversified employments, some of which, as pastimes, served thetwofold purposes of recreation and amusement....
	A&M (describing Alonzo)
Thus his years glided on in the most harmonioustranquil­lity; where his cares weredissipated alternately in the bosom of his family, and the “tumults of life, real orimaginary, fleeted away in a mutual confidence and unreserved friendship.”	There his cares weredissipated, and the troubles of life, realor imaginary, on light pinions fleetedaway. How different would be the scene when debarred from theunreserved friendship and conversation ofMelissa!
	NY Weekly: On Landscape Painting
Here he would accustom himself to rise at earlydawn, and dwell withparticular pleasure on the morningscenery. The dappled, rosy-fingered, blushing morn, arrested hisattention; those mild tints that particularlyexpress the break of day, just awakening from repose; when the curtainof the night seems insensibly withdrawn, and the varied landscape exhibits itself by degrees, while the colours ofthe atmosphere yet seem doubtful, and the scene imperfectto the view; when the darkness is notentirely fled, nor the light of the new day is fully seen; when coolness sits upon the hills, and the dews hang tremblingupon every leaf; when the groves begin to resound with the murmursof warbling melody, and the valleys echowith reverberated sounds.	The poets, of all ages and all languages, have dwelt with particulardelight upon the morning scenery,and the epithets of the dappled, the rosy fingered, the saffron, and the blushing morn.... those chaste and reserved tints that particularly express the break of day, just awakeningfrom repose; when the curtain of the night seems to be insensiblywithdrawn, and the landscape appears to open by degrees, when the colours ofthe sky are yet doubtful, and thelandscape imperfect to the view; in short,when darkness is not entirely fled, norlight distinctly seen.... When coolness sits uponthe mountains, and freshness delights the plains, when the dews hang trembling upon every leaf, and the insectsflutter on every thorn; when the groves begin toresound with the murmurs of the dove, andthe vallies to echo with thetwitterings from the spray....
How pleasing at such a time to adore in his works the wonders of the Creator. That periodwhen the sun begins to diffuse his early rays, to tip the mountains withlight, and the breezes in the air mildlyprognosticate the soft blushes of themorning:	how pleasing at such a time are thefeelings of anticipation to those who adore in hisworks, the wonders of the Creator! Of that period, when the sun begins to diffuse hisearly rays, to tip the mountains with light, and.... those breezes in the air that mildly prognosticate, the blushes of the morning....
	Timothy Dwight: The Conquest of Canaan (1785), as quoted inA&M
“For far beyond the pageantry ofpower, He lov’d the realms of Nature to explore; With lingering gaze Edenian spring survey’d— Morn’s fairy splendours—Night’s gay curtain’d shade—	“For far beyond the pride or pomp ofpower, He lov’d the realms of nature to explore; With lingering gaze Edinian spring survey’d; Morn’s fairy splendors; night’s gay curtain’d shade, The high hoar cliff, the grove’s benightinggloom, The wild rose, widow’d o’er the moulderingtomb;
The heaven-embosom’d sun—the rainbow’s dye, Where lucid forms appear to Fancy’s eye; The vernal flower, mild Autumn’s purpling glow, The Summer’s thunder, and the winter’s snow.”	The heaven embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die Where lucid forms disport to fancy’s eye; The vernal flower, mild autumn’s purpling glow, The summer’s thunder and the winter’s snow.”
	The Conquest of Canaan, original text
	But far beyond the pride of pomp, and power, He lov’d the realms of nature to explore; With lingering gaze, Edenian spring survey’d; Morn’s fairy splendors, night’s gay curtain’d shade; The high hoar cliff; the grove’s benighting gloom; The wild rose, widow’d, o’er the mouldering tomb; The heaven-embosom’d sun; the rainbow’s die, Where lucid forms disport to fancy’s eye.
	The last two lines in the Alonzo and Melissa version (“vernalflower...” and “Summer’s thunder...”) do not appear to be in Dwight’spoem.
	NY Weekly: On Landscape Painting
Or, when the evening approached, he wouldobserve the twilight hour, which for a time hangsbalanced between darkness and the pale rays of the western sky,communicating asolemn pleasure to every thing around.	how extatic is thetwilight hour, which, for a time, hangs balanced between thedispersion of darkness, and the dapplingsof the east; and which gives a solemn pleasure to every thing around!
	A&M
When evening began tothrow her duskymantle over the face of nature, and the warm glow of the summersun had departed; when the stars were glistening in the heavens, and the moon had already risen, shedding itspale lustre over the opposite islands “that appeared to float dimlyamong the waves, the twinkling fire-flyarose from the surrounding verdure, and illuminedthe meadow below with a thousand transient gems.” The rustling breezes played among the trees of the wood, while the air wasfilled with the fragrance of various flowers, and the sound ofmelodious music was wafted from the neighbouringvillage, rendered apparently more soft and sweet by the distance.	Evening had now spread her dusky mantleover the face of nature. The stars glistened in the sky. The breeze’s rustlingwing was in the tree. The “stillysound” of the low murmuring brook, and the far off water fall, werefaintly heard. The twinkling fire fly arose fromthe surrounding verdure and illuminated theair with a thousand transient gleams. The minglingdiscordance of curs and watch-dogs echoed in the distant village, fromwhence the frequent lights darted their palelustre through the gloom. A&M (different passage) The moon shone in full lustre, her white beamstrembling upon the glassy main, where skiffs and sails of variousdescription were passing and repassing. The shores of Long-Island andthe other islands in the harbour, appeared dimly to float among the waves. The air was adorned withthe fragrance of surrounding flowers; the sound of instrumental music wafted from the town, rendered sweeter by distance....
The buildings on the estate consisted of a largemansion-house, farm-house, and an ancient stone cottage that stood onthe margin of the water, shaded by willow trees, and surrounded byromantic scenery.
	Mrs. Sherwood: The Broken Hyacinth:
The charmingappearance which nature threw around the place on which themansion-house was situated, was scarcelyless interesting in winter than in the more gay and verdantmonths of the summer season. The falling of the snow and hail, and the sparkling icicles hangingupon the woods and shrubbery, sometimes almost conveyed the idea of enchantment to theimagination of the spectator.	The charming countryin which our house was situated, was scarcelyless lovely when covered with snow than in the summer. The purityof the snow, and the sparkling icicles which hung on the woods, almost conveyed the idea ofenchantment....
The view on all sides was magnificent. The bay,gently winding, glided into the river beyond, where ships, steamboats,and craft of every description, floated upon the waters, and gaveinterest to the appearance of several beautiful villages that were seenat a little distance in the landscape.
This villa was separated about a mile from theflourishing village of ——, where the many white buildings,some of which might be called magnificent, had a remarkably pleasing andpicturesqueappearance, forming a lively contrast with the evergreen trees withwhich they were interspersed.
	Lives of Signers: Hart of New Jersey
The house of Alida’sfather was the seat ofhospitality;—scenes of festivity would sometimes have placewithin its walls;—“music and mirth would occasionally echo throughits apartments.” He was kind, generous, and benevolent; while hisindependence, assisted by a charitable disposition, enabled him tocontribute largely to the happiness of others. His manners were highlypleasing, his conversation was interesting, humorous, and instructive;and, although at this time he was rather advanced in years, yet the glowof health still shone upon his cheek and sparkled in his eye; and hisfine expressive countenance still gave lustre to a peculiar dignity andenergy in his personal appearance.	his house was theseat of hospitality, charity, and piety.
	A&M (describing Melissa)
It was now many years since he had made thisdelightful spot his residence. He had married early in life a lady ofengaging manners, and captivating beauty, who was amiable, sensible, andpious, and whose mind was a pattern of every female excellence, combined with a taste and judgment that had beenproperly directed by a suitable education; who had been taught toesteem no farther all the acquirements and qualities of which the humanmind is capable than as they might be conducive to enable us to excel inthe duties of the Christian religion,and cause us more fully to experience “the blessings of the truth.”	Her mind was adorned with those delicate graceswhich are the first ornaments of femaleexcellence. Her manners were graceful without affectation, andher taste had been properly directed by a suitableeducation.
These parents had reared up all their family exceptAlida, their youngest child, who at this time was placed at aboarding-school, at the village of ——, where she was taught,in addition to the different studies belonging to a Christian education,the French and Italian languages.
Their elder daughters had married, and were settledat some distance from them, and their two sons were engaged inmercantile business in New-York. It was their principal endeavour, astheir thoughts often revolved in anxious solicitude for the welfare andfuture happiness of their children, to unite their efforts to persuadethem, and inculcate in their minds all that was praiseworthy, by theimmediate influence of their own example, considering that the preceptswhich they taught them, however wise and good, would avail but littleunassisted by the aid of example.
	Etienne François De Vernage (1690)
“Le mauvais usage que nous faisons de la vie, la dérègle, et la rendmalheureuse.”	Le mauvais usage que nous faisons de la vie la dérègle et la rendmalheureuse.
It was their first care to exercise the minds oftheir children, in all the important moral and religious duties; to becareful in due time to regulate their natural propensities; to rendertheir dispositions mild and tractable; to inspire them with thelove, respect, and implicit obedience due to parents, blended with agenuine affection for relations and friends.
“To endeavour to form their first ideas onprinciples of rectitude, being conscious of the infinite importance offirst impressions, and beginning early to adhere to a proper system ofeducation, that was principally the result of their own reflections andparticular observations.”
	A&M (Melissa speaking)
Their children were assembled annually to celebrate the birthday of theirfather, together with other social friends and acquaintances,consisting chiefly of those whose beneficent feelings were in accordancewith their own, in testifying their gratitude to their Creator for dailybenefits, blended with a thankful cheerfulness, which is the offspringof moral excellence.	once a year my father celebrates his birth day....
In Alida, this is the first of three birthday celebrations heldby Alida’s father.
	Cunningham, “Ode to the New Year, 1769” (here from Poems on varioussubjects..., ed. Thomas Tomkins 1780), stz. 5–6
O, Thou enthroned where perfect day, In brightest beams of glory, play Around thy radiantthrone; Where angels strike celestial lyres, And seraphs glow withsacred fires, Address’d to thee alone.	O thou! alike where perfect day In bright refulgent glories play, Around thy awfulthrone! When seraphs glow withsacred fires, When angels tune celestial lyres, To hymn thy praise alone!
Still may thy providential care, With blessings crown the circling year, Each human ill restrain: O, may thy truth inspire my tongue, And flow through all my varying song, And shine in everystrain.	Still may thy providential care With blessings crown the rising year! Impending ills restrain! Thy wisdom guide my youthful muse! Thy sacred eloquence diffuse, And consecrate my strain!
	Cunningham, stz. 10–11
Give me the calm, the soft serene, Of summer, when it glads the scene, And scatters peacearound; Bless’d image of the happy soul. That does the heav’n-born mind control, While conscious joys abound.	Unlike its placid form, serene, When Zephyr breathing o’er thescene, Sheds balmy peacearound; Bless’d emblem of the conquering soul, Whose every passion knows controul, While conscious joys abound!
That this may be my bounteous share, Ascends my ever constant prayer To Thee, all-perfect Mind! O, aid me in the gen’rous strife, Through each inconstant scene oflife, To all thy ways resign’d.	That this may prove my bounteousshare, Ascends my ever constant prayer, To thee, all perfect mind; O aid me in the arduous strife, Through each perplexing maze oflife, To all thy ways resign’d!
[CHAPTER II.]
	“On the Death of a Friend and Schoolfellow” (here from “Poetical Essays”in Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. 32, 1762), opening lines
The scenes that once so brilliant shone are past,and can return no more to cheer the pensive heart; and memory recallsthem with a tear; some lowering cloudsucceeds, and all the gay delusive landscapefades.	Scarce rolls, alas! o’er mortal buds a year, But claims afresh the tributary tear: Soon each fair hope some lowering cloudinvades, And all the gay delusive landscapefades.
While Alida remained at the village school,surrounded by the festive scenes of childhood, and pursuing her studieswith assiduous emulation, with the hope of meriting, in future time, thepraises of her fond parents, an unforeseen misfortune awaited her thatno human foresight could have power to arrest.
The health of her mother had been long declining,and her illness at this time increased so far as to render medicalassistance useless, and baffled the skill of the ablest physicians.A trial so new, so afflicting, and so grievous to her youthfulmind, to lose one of her honoured parents, and to be unexpectedlysummoned to her parental home to receive the last benediction of abeloved mother, and at this early period of her life to be deprived ofher kind care and protection, was unfortunate in the extreme.	“Baffled the skill of the ablest physi­cians” was a stockphrase.
Every anxious solicitude and responsibility nowrested alone upon a widowed father, who mourned deeply their commonbereavement, while he felt conscious that all his fatherly care andcaresses could never supply to Alida all the necessary requisitionsthat she had unhappily lost in so dear and interested a friend. When heobserved her spirits languish, and the tear frequently starting in hereye, and her former sprightly countenance shaded with the deep tinges ofmelancholy, he saw that the cheerfulness and gaiety of her naturaldisposition had received a powerful check, which promised to belasting.	“Sprightly” is a favorite adjective in Alonzo and Melissa;by the time of Alida it was going out of fashion.
	NY Weekly: Mrs. Mordaunt
From this unhappy period she remained at home along time with her father. In kindred grief therewas derived a congenial sympathy, and her society contributed insome degree to allay his sorrow, as the deep concern he felt in herwelfare caused him sometimes to restrain the flow of it in herpresence.	... to me they were inexpressibly soothing, fromkindred grief there was derived a congenialsympathy. ...
Self-exertionroused him in a measure from hislethargy, and by thus assuming serenity, to become in realitysomething more composed. Nevertheless, he would often witness the excessof anguish which had taken place in the bosom of his child, and beholdher interesting face bathed in tears, and her youthful brow clouded witha sadness that nothing seemingly could dissipate.	Their happiness, the education of my child, andself-exertion, roused me from the lethargy of grief, and diffused a calm over mymind I never hoped to have experienced.
His situation now became more sequestered thanever; he roamed in solitude, or pleased himself in ranging throughsilent glens in loneliness. His thoughts were absorbed in the gloomyexperience of the misery of a painful separation from a dear and belovedobject; he wept for her whose mildand winning graces had power to soften and illuminate the darkest shadesof life, or alleviate the distressful scenes of adversity.	This unidentified paragraph about Alida’s widowed father reads like thedescription of a young romantic hero.
	A&M (Alonzo reads of Melissa’s death)
His mind was wholly absorbed in those gloomyreflections that scarcely admitted a ray of consolation, when the weekly newspaper arrived from theneighbouring village; he took it up, hoping to find something to amuse histhoughts; he opened it to read the news of theday; he ran his eye hastily over it, and was about to lay it aside,“when the death list arrested his attention by a display of broad blacklines,” and he, who had not yet become reconciled to his presentmisfortune, was now about to experience another equally severe.	He returned, and as he was entering the door he sawthe weekly newspaper of the town, which hadbeen published that morning, and which the carrier had just flung intothe hall. The family had not yet arisen. He tookup the paper, carried it to hischamber, and opened it to read the news of theday. He ran his eye hastily over it, and was about to lay it aside, whenthe death list arrested his attention, by a display of broad blacklines.
What could equal his bitterness, his surprise andgrief, when he read the disastrous news that his youngest son (who hadlately gone on a foreign expedition) had died of a fever in a distantland a few weeks previous!
	A&M
The paper fell from his palsied hand,—a sudden faintnesscame over him,—he fell back almost senseless in hischair,— exhausted by excess of grief, he remained a long time in a stupifying anguish.	The paper fell from his palsied hand—a sudden faintnesscame upon him— the room grew dark—he staggered, and fell senseless upon the floor. ... Exhausted by excess of grief, he nowlay in a stupifying anguish....
The tidings were so unlooked-for of the prematuredeath of his unfortunate son, who about this time was expected to arrivein New-York. Forhim an only brother was inconsolable; and Alida, who had long beenaccustomed to his kindness and caresses, was overcome with a dejectionthat time alone could alleviate.
Her father observed her affliction incommisseration with his own,—he was dejected and lonely, and theworld appeared like a wilderness; nothing could lessen his present evil,or soothe his afflicted mind.
	A&M (same scene, author’s own voice)
The former peaceful serenity of his life wasmaterially clouded; and in his turn calamitouswo had overtaken him—the inalienableportion of humanity,—and the variedand shifting scenery in the great drama of time had brought withit disaster.	mark well the variedand shifting scenery in the great drama of time ... then say, ifdisappointment, distress, misery and calamitouswoe, are not the inalienable portionof the susceptible bosom.
	A&M (later scene)
His spirit was sunk in despondency, andhis sensations became utterly absorbed inmelancholy; and all the pious and philosophical reflections that he exerted himself to bring to hisremembrance, could scarcely afford even a transitory consolation in thisafflicting dispensation.	Alonzo was too deeply absorptin melancholy reflection....
	Tighe, Verses Written at the Commence­ment of Spring, stz.12, 13 (mid-line ellipses in original)
From foreign lands the tidings borne, With pain to wake a parent’s anguish, O, brother dear, beloved of all, For thee a brother’s heart must languish.	Haste, sweetest Babe, beloved of all! Our cheerful hours without thee languish: Ah! hush!.... he hears no more thy call! Ah! hush!.... nor wake a parents anguish!
“That eye of brightness glows no more, That beaming glance in night is clouded;” On Maracaibo’s distant shore, “In death’s dark celluntimely shrouded.”	That lip of roses glows no more; That beaming glance in night is clouded; Those bland endearments all are o’er, In death’s dark pallfor ever shrouded.
	Tighe, Verses Written in Sickness, stanzas 3–12 (of 15).
Alas! for him no kindred near In hopes to minister relief; He sees no tear of pity shed, He sees no parents’ anxious grief.	Alas! for him whose youth has bowed Beneath the oppressive hand of pain; Whose claim to pity disallowed, Bids him the unheeded groan restrain. Alas! for him who droops like me, Who mourns life’s fueled vigour flown, But finds no soothing sympathy, No tender cares his loss atone.
And as still evening came on, In saddest solitude and tears, His thoughts would turn on distant home, On peaceful scenes and happier years. He thought, too, what a favour’d clime His gallant bark had left behind; He thought how science there, sublime, Beam’d her full radiance on the mind. Though destined in a stranger’s land, Detain’d from all he held most dear, Yet one kind hand, benevolent, Was found the gloomy hours to cheer. O, how consoling is the eye Of him who comes tosoothe our woes; O, what relief those cares supply Which a kind, watchful friend bestows. When from this hand full well he found How much can lenient kindness do The generous Briton strives with care His drooping spirits to renew. Yes, stranger, thou wast kind, humane, With quickassistance prompt to move; To ease the lingering hours of pain, In pity’s kind endeavour strove. When sickness o’er thy pallid cheek Had stole the lustre from thine eye, When near the doubtful crisis drew, And life approach’d its latest sigh,— He moved thee to his own retreat, In his own mansion watch’d thee there; Around thy couch he stillremained, Thy drooping heart with hopes to cheer.	For him no wakeful eye of love Resists the slumbers health would shed, With kind assistanceprompt to move, And gently prop the aching head: With delicate attention paid In hope to minister relief, He sees no sacrifices made; He sees no Mother’s anxious grief! But I, poor sufferer, doomed in vain To woo the health which Heaven denied, Though nights of horror, days of pain The baffled opiate’s force deride, Yet well I know, and grateful feel, How much can lenient kindness do, From anguish half its darts to steal, And faded Hope’s sick smile renew. That love which brightened gayer hours, When light youth danced to pleasure’s strain, Exerts even yet unwearied powers, The sweet support of nights of pain. Oh! how consoling is the eye Of the dear friend thatshares our woes! Oh! what relief those cares supply, Which watchful, activelove bestows! And these are mine! — Shall I then dare To murmur at so mild a lot? Nor dwell on comforts still my share With thankful and contented thought? Though destined to the couch of pain, Though torn from pleasures once too dear, Around that couch shall stillremain The love that every pain can cheer.
	John Bowring: Benevolence (hymn), stz. 2, lines 5–8
“Peace, wing’d in fairer worlds above,” Has ta’en thy form away from this; Has beckon’d thee to seats of glory, To realms of everlasting bliss.	Peace, winged in fairer worlds above, Shall bend her down to brighten this, When all man’s labour shall be love And all his thoughts—a brother’s bliss.
	James G. Brooks and Mary E. Brooks: To Cora (in The Rivals of Este,and Other Poems, 1829), stz. 3, lines 1–4
So rich in piety and worth, Too soon, alas! lamented one, Thou hast been call’d away from earth, And heaven has claim’d theefor its own.	Cora! thou wast not formed for earth: So bright thy angel beauty shone, So rich in innocence and worth, That heaven has claimed theefor its own.
[CHAPTERIII.]
	Thomson: Seasons: end of “Spring”
“’T is by degrees the youthful mindexpands; and every day, Soft as it rolls along, shows some new charm; Then infant reason grows apace, and calls For the kind hand of an assiduous care.”	By degrees, The human blossom blows; and everyday, Soft as it rolls along, shows some new charm, The father’s lustre, and the mother’s bloom. Then infant reason grows apace, and calls For the kind hand of an assiduous care.
“Delightful task, to rear the tender thought, To pour the new instruction o’er the mind, To breathe the enlivening spirit, and to fix The generous purpose in the glowing breast.”	Delightful task! to rear the tenderthought. To teach the young idea how to shoot, To pour the fresh instruction o’er the mind, To breathe th’ enlivening spirit, and to fix The generous purpose in the glowing breast.
The period at length arrived, when it becamenecessary that Alida should receive further instruction in the variousbranches of female literature. With this view, her father thought properto change the place of her studies from the village school to theNew-York Seminary. It was his idea that nothing afforded so pleasing aprospect as the graces of beauty, aided by wisdom and useful knowledge,and that care should be taken that the mind should first be initiated inthe solid acquirements, before the embellishments of education should beallowed to take up the attention or engross the thoughts; and that thefirst purposes of the teacher should be directed to endeavour to causethe mental powers of the scholar to be excited, in the first place, toattain to whatever is most useful and necessary, and that suitableapplication and industry was the only means wherebywe may gain celebrity in any art or science, or therein arrive at anydegree of perfection.
“His heart glowed with paternal fondness andinteresting solicitude, when he beheld the countenance of his childsparkling with intelligence, or traced the progress of reason in herawakened curiosity when any new object attracted her attention orexercised her imagi­nation.” Delightful indeed were the sensationsof a parent in the contem­plation of so fair a prospect, which insome degree recalled again to his bosom some transient gleams ofhappiness.	In spite of the quotation marks, this passage has not beenidentified.
The season was now far advanced in autumn, and thetrees were nearly stripped of their foliage; the radiant sun had in partwithdrawn his enlivening rays to give place to the approaching coldnessof winter, when Alida left her home, amid the innumerable regrets of herjuvenile companions, to accom­pany her father to the city to finishher education. They journeyed in a stage-coach from the village of——, which, in the course of a few hours, conveyed them amidthe tumultuous din of the busy metropolis. The female seminary to whichAlida repaired was pleasantly situated in the western part of the town,where the refreshing and salubriousbreezes of the Hudson rendered it a healthy and desirable situation atall seasons of the year. Although her father had only performed his duty inplacing his child once more at school, yet it was at a greater distancefrom the paternal roof than formerly, and when he returned again to hisresidence, he felt his situation more lonely than ever, and he couldscarcely reconcile himself to the loss of her society. All was novel-like in the city to Alida, where sheat once saw so many different objects to excite alternately hersurprise, curiosity, and risibility, and where she experienced so manydifferent sensations, arising from the sudden transition in beingremoved from scenes of uninterrupted tranquil­lity to those ofgaiety and pleasure, of crowded streets and riotous entertainments, ofobsequious beaux and dashing petits maîtres, and where all appeared toher one continued scene of business and confusion, scarcelyreconcileable. In the meantime her mind became engrossed byvarious new occupations. Among her favourite studies was the Frenchlanguage, which, at this period, was considered as one of the necessaryappendages to female education, when scarcely any new work could be readwithout a regret to those who did not understand it. Music, dancing, anddrawing occupied her time alternately, and while these differentamusements afforded a pleasing variety, they animated her mind anew withthe powers of exertion that had been excited by earlyimpressions—that whatever she attempted to learn, to be assiduousto learn it well, and that a mere superficial knowledge, in any scienceor accom­plishment, was by no means desirable. All her studies and amusements had their regulararrangements, and due application gave her many advantages over those ofher own age, while it expanded her mind in a greater degree, andfacilitated her progress in learning, and gave more ready improvement toher understanding and native capacities. Her only surviving brother, whose name was Albert,had been a merchant in the city a number of years, and he stillcontinued to live amid its perplexities, (although numbers had beenunfortunate around him,) with as good success as could be expected atthis time, on account of the restrictions on American commerce. Oneprobable reason may be assigned why he had been more successful in hisbusiness than many others: he was guided in the management of hisaffairs by vigilance and industrious perseverance, and he was not onlyendued with the best abilities to fulfil the dutiesincumbent on his station in life, but was not remiss in the exercise ofthem. His manners, generally, were reserved, though he could be humorousand gay whenever occasion required; and when in convivial society, hecould make one among the number of those who amused themselves insallies of wit and pleasantry. He had acquired much useful and generalinformation in his commerce with the world at large, which he employedat this time in various conversations on politics, as he could not beable to render himself serviceable to his country in any other way,being exempt from his childhood from performing military duty. Hispersonal advantages were only surpassed by the superior qualificationsof his mind, that had long been under religious influence andimpressions.
In his public and private life he fully answeredthe expectations of his numerous acquaintance and friends, as well asthe most sanguine wishes of an anxious and affectionate father, who yetseemed disposed to indulge in melancholy reflections, while his friendskindly endeavoured, by many pious and philosophical discourses, toawaken him to a consideration of his former piety, and humble trust inan all-wise Providence, reminding him that our greatest consolationconsists in resigned and devotional feelings of gratitude to our Maker,even in the severestafflictions; who, although he may have thought fit to deprive us ofsome, for the many remaining blessings we may still be in possession of;
	A&M, Preface
and that a firmreliance on Providence, however our affections may be at variance with its dispensations, is the onlyconsolatory source that we can haverecourse to in the gloomy hours of distress; and that suchdependance, though often crossed bytroubles and difficulties, may at length be crowned withsuccess in our most arduous undertakings,and we may again meet with unlooked-for and unexpected happiness.	One thing was aimed to be shown, that a firm reliance on providence, however the affections might be at war with its dispensations, is the only source of consolation in the gloomy hours ofaffliction; andthat generally such dependence, thoughcrossed by difficulties and perplexities, will be crowned with victory atlast.
	James Montgomery: The Grave. In The Wanderer of Switzerland(1806). Stz. 1
“Afflictions all his children feel, Affliction is the Father’s rod; He wounds them for his mercy sake, He wounds to heal.”	A bruised reed he will not break, Afflictions all his children feel; He wounds them for his mercy’s sake, He wounds to heal!
	NY Weekly: Chearfulness (first paragraph quoting Dr.Blair)
The clear, calm sunshine of amind illumined by piety, and a firm reliance upon Supreme wisdom,crowns all other divine blessings. It irradiates the progress of life, and dispels theevils attendant on our nature; itrenders the mind calm and pacific, and promotes that cheerfulness andresignation which has its foundation in a life of rectitude and charity;and in the full exercise of Christian principles we may find stillincreasing happiness.	“.... It is the clearand calm sunshine of a mind illuminated bypiety and virtue. It crowns allother good dispositions, and comprehends the general effect whichthey ought to produce on the heart.” ... A chearful temper irradiatesthe progress of life, and dispels the evils of sublunary nature.
[CHAPTER IV.]
	M. W. Beck: “The Ballot-Box” (song). Here quoted from The UnitedStates magazine and Democratic review, Volume 5, 1839. Lastverse
Still may the soaring eagle’s quenchlesseye, Watch o’er our favour’d country, brave and free, Where the bright stars and stripes inhonour wave, The sacred emblems ofour liberty.	Let your eagle’s quenchless eye, Fixed, unerring, sleepless, bright, Watch, when danger hovers nigh, From his lofty mountain height; While the stripes and stars shall wave O’er this treasure, pure and free, The land’s Palladium, it shall save The home and shrine of liberty.
	Interesting Events: Second War
Many disagreeable circumstances now combined todisturb the happy tranquil­lity of the American government. “A war had for some time existed between France andEngland. America had endeavoured to maintain a neutrality, and peacefully to continuea commerce with both nations. Jealousies,however, arose between the contending powers with respect to the conductof America, and events occurred calculated to injure her commerce anddisturb her peace.	The remote causes of the second War with GreatBritain appear to have arisen from the warexisting between that power and France. America endeavored to maintain a strict neutrality, and peaceably to continue a commerce withthem. Jealousies, however, arose between thecontending powers, with respect to the conduct of America, and eventsoccurred, calculated to injure her commerce, and to disturb herpeace.
“Decrees werefirst issued by the French government preventing the American flag from trading with theenemy; these were followed by the Britishorders in council, no less extensive than the former in design, andequally repugnant to the laws of nations. In addition to thesecircumstances, a cause of irritation existed sometime between theUnited States and Great Britain. This was the right of search claimed byGreat Britain as one of her prerogatives. To take her native subjects,wherever found, for her navy, and to search American vessels for thatpurpose. Notwith­standing the remonstrances of the Americangovernment, the officers of the British navy were not unfrequently seenseizing native British subjects who had voluntarily enlisted on boardour vessels, and had also impressed into the British service somethousands of American seamen.	The Berlin Decree of 1806, and that of Milan, inthe succeeding year, (both issuedby the French government, to prevent theAmerican flag from trading with their enemy,) were followed by theBritish Orders in Council; no less extensive than the former, in thedesign, and equally repugnant to, the law of nations. In addition tothese circumstances, a cause of irritation existed some timebetween the United States and Great Britain. This was the right ofsearch, claimed by Great Britain, as one of her prerogatives. This wasto take her native born subjects, wherever found, for her navy, and tosearch American vessels for that purpose. Notwith­standing theremonstrances of the American government, the officers of the Britishnavy, were not unfrequently seizing native born British subjects, whohad voluntarily enlisted on board of our vessels, and had also impressedinto the British service some thousands of American seamen.
“In consequence of the British and French decrees, a generalcapture of all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable.Congress, therefore, on the recommendation of the president, laid anembargo on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States.	In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general captureof all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable. Congress,therefore, on the recommendation of the President, on the 22d of December, 1807, laid an embargo on allvessels within the jurisdiction of the United States.
	Interesting Events: Second War (quoting “Grimshaw’s Hist. U.States”)
“In a moment, the commerce of the American republic, from being, inpoint of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coastingtrade between the individual states. The opposition to the act inseveral of the states was so great that they unanimously declared against it, and individualsthroughout the whole seized every opportunity of infringement; therefore Congress thought proper to repealthe embargo law, and substituted a non-intercourse with France andEngland.”	“In a moment, the commerce of the American Republic, from being, inpoint of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coastingtrade between the individual States.” The opposition to the act inseveral States was so great, that they declared against it, andindividuals throughout the whole, seized every opportunity ofinfringement. In 1809 Congress repealed the embargo law, and substituted anon-intercourse with France and England.
	A&M
It was now generally expected that the session inCongress, with the decision of the president, would eventually terminatein actual hostilities.	The troubles which gave rise to the disseverationof England from America had already commenced, which broke out theensuing spring into actual hostilities.
	Lives of Signers: Hancock of Massachusetts
The difficulties the chief executive had to encounter were many and perplexing,	The difficulties whichhe had to encounter were many andperplexing.
	Lives of Signers: John Adams of Massachusetts
being fully convinced, under existingcircumstances, that the Americans must engage in combat after all. He therefore knew it tobe necessary to rouse the feelings of the American people, to realize, more clearly than they did, the truesituation of their country, that they might be prepared for theapproaching crisis that he believed unavoidable.	Being fully convinced ...that “they must fight after all,” he felt it to benecessary to rouse the feelings of the delegates from othercolonies, to realize, more clearly and morecorrectly than they did, the true situation oftheir country. This he saw was indispensable, that they might be prepared for that distressing crisis of their political affairs, which it wasobvious was approaching; and which he even then, with a few others, believed was unavoidable.
	Lives of Signers: John Adams of Massachusetts
This period was full of anxiety anddanger.	The period was full of anxiety anddanger.
	Lives of Signers: Gerry of Massachusetts
A war was deprecatedby all the leading patriots of the day;they were fully persuaded that it musttake place; they therefore unitedlydetermined to prepare for the storm in the best manner they wereable.	A civil war was deprecated by all the leading patriots of that day. But the measures which the Britishgovernment had long pursued towards the colonies, had fully persuaded them that itmust take place.... and they unitedlydetermined to prepare for the storm in the best manner they wereable.
	Alida [page 143] (chapterXVIII)
All materialbusiness was in a manner suspended in New-York;the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part of thecommunity were in dismay. A heavy gloom hung over theinhabitants generally, while all their affairs appeared in a declining state, discouraging to the industry andbest prospects of the people. Alida’s father was no friend to political controversy, yet he passedmuch of his time in conversing with his friends on the present affairsof America. He knew that party spirit and animosity existed more or lessat this time, and that he must consequently often meet with those ofoppositeopinions; yet his honest and patriotic zeal for the good of his countrystill remained the same.	All business of importance, at this time,was in a manner suspended in New-York; the face ofthings wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part of the community werein dismay; occasioned by the continuance of hostilities withGreat Britain. All appeared in a declining state,discouraging to the industry and best prospects of theinhabitants.
	NY Weekly: “Champagneaux” in “Anecdotes and Remains of PersonsConnected with the French Revolution”.
He was attached to liberty from principle;he had talents to discriminate and see into the justice of the measuresof government; his retirement gave him full opportunity to reflect onthem seriously, and solve them in his own mind, and see their absolutenecessity, in order to maintain the honour, freedom, and independence ofthe American nation. Would the same wisdom in the government continuethat had so nobly preserved us since our independence? But he had noreason at present to suppose otherwise, and that he who now guided thehelm of affairs, was one of steady and uncorrupt principles, of stablecharacter, altogether uninfluenced by any sinister views, and waswilling to sacrifice his individual repose for the noble purpose, andwith the hope of settling it again on the nation, with a firmer basis,at some future period, when the expected contest should be decided. What feelings of commotion and deep anxiety mustagitate the bosom of the magnanimous hero who is labouring truly for theinterest of his country, and is actuated alternately by the claims ofjustice and humanity, and on whom a whole community must depend forcouncil in cases of severe emergency, when his chief satisfactionconsists inpromoting the interest and welfare of that community. When the hour ofexigency arrives, his mind, endued with the light of piety, feels itsown littleness, his weighty thoughts are big with the impending dangerthat no human arm may be able to arrest.	He is the father of a numerous family; aman of unimpeached morals, and was attached toliberty from principle, at a time, and in a country, when it wasnot unusual to be so, from mere speculation!
Impressed with religious awe, and feelingconscious of his dependence for aid on the all-wise Disposer of events,he bends in humble supplication to implore the favour of that great andbeneficent Being whose power alone can save, and in whose mighty armalone is victory.	“(All-wise) Disposer of events” was a stock phrase.
The father of Alida received regular intelligenceby the daily papers respecting the political excitement in New-York;besides, he made frequent visits to the city to see his severalchildren, as one of his daughters had resided there since her marriage.There was every kind of conveyance at the neighbouring village suited tothe accommodation of travellers, both summer and winter, and the rapidimprovement of the town had long been a current topic of the inhabitantsas well as visiters, while they praised the proprietor of the newpavilion, in his manner of conducting it, and his excellentaccommodations; and it was the general opinion that in the course of afew years this would become a place of no small consideration.
[CHAPTER V.]
	NY Weekly: Military Fame, stz. 1, 2
O, who that sighsto join the scenes of war? If heaven-born pity in thy bosom glow, Reject the impurpled wreath; the laurel crown Can flourish only in the scenes of wo.	O Thou thatsigh’st to join the scenes of war, And gain the glories of the martial train; Reflect what woes surround the trophied car, What crimson tints the wish’d-for circlet stain. If tender sympathy be not unknown, If heaven-born mercy in thy bosom glow, Reject the impurpl’d wreath, the laurel crown Can flourish only in the scenes of woe.
	Interesting Events: Second War (quoting “Grimshaw’s Hist. U.States”)
At length it became the unhappy fate ofAmerica to be a second time involved in a war with Great Britain.“In a manifesto of the president, thereasons of the war were stated to be the impressment of American seamen,by the British; the blockade of the enemy’sports, supported by no adequate force; in consequence of whichthe American commerce had been plundered in every sea; and the Britishorders in council.”	In the Manifesto of the President, thereasons of the war were stated to be “the impressment of American seamenby the British; the blockade of herenemies, supported by no adequate force, in consequence of whichthe American commerce had been plundered in every sea; and the Britishorders in council.”
	Lives of Signers: Morris of New York
The declaration of war was a source of unavoidableregret to the good and wise president,* [* James Madison.] whichaffected his mind with feelings approaching to melancholy. No onepossessed qualities more inclined to peace, and awish to settle all affairs of state in apacific manner, more than he did, if it were possible, and itcould have been done without sacrificing all the dearest rights andinterests of the people; and nothing but these repeated persuasions inhis mind, founded on the principles of justice andhonour, caused him at length to be willing to yield to the sternnecessity of deciding the existing differences by combat.	The object sought and desired from thedeliberations of that assembly, was asettlement in a pacific manner, ofall the existing difficulties....
	Lives of Signers: Floyd of New York
He possessed the qualities of a statesmanin an eminent degree; he had well reflected on what he considered asinevitable. He was well versed in political science, and now only sawthe realization of anticipated events, of which there had beensufficient warning. Although he had to contend with innumerabledifficulties, having once formed hisopinion of what was to be done, hispatriotism was undeviating, and his integrity inflexible. Since his country was again brought to a lamentabledestiny, he now became ardently active in its cause, and was prepared tocarry to the full extent such measures of defence and resistance asshould be necessary to repel every invasion of the just rights andprivileges of the Americans that they had long been in possession ofsince their dear-bought independence, and could not therefore be willingto submit to anything like oppression, even from the mother country.	Having once formed hisopinions, he set himself about accomplishing his purposes....His patriotism was undeviating; his integrityinflexible....
	NY Weekly: On War
This national calamity, that seemed to awaken feelings ofhilarity to some few among the multitude, but those of the deepestregret to so many others, where the partiesmust at length become personally engagedand animated against each other with anenthusiastic ardour, and with the hope tosignalize themselves by theirbravery—where the impetuosity ofyouth and the experience of age are calledforth in open field to execute thedecided discussions of government, and to engage with patriotic zeal in the common defence of their just rights andliberties; impelled with ambitious impulseto enlist themselves under the proud banners of their country, whilethe sound of martial music strikes afeeling of enthusiasm and enterprise to the bosom of the patriot.	On the first appearance of this dreadful and destructive calamity, the parties more particularly and personally engaged, are animatedwith an enthusiastic ardour, to have an opportunity of signalizing themselvesin it. It is then that the impetuosity ofyouth, the fervour, the experience,the sapience, of old age, are called forth in openfield, to put in force the discussionsof the cabinet, and to engage withreal zeal in the cause of their country; itis then that every manly breast feels a warlike impulse thrilling the whole frame! The sound of drums, the roaring of cannon, the clangor ofevery species of martial music, risefiguratively within us....
Thus, in the name and cause of honour, the youth,generous and brave, with all those who are compelled to take arms, sally forth with the ambitious hope to bear down at once all contending opposition,and give themselves no time to reflect on themany disconsolate ones they leave behind them, that, howeverdeeply concerned, can neither engage or assist inthe shocking contest; while they goforward hastily to meet the foe, and hostsare advancing to dispute with them thevictory, and they can indulge no thought concerning those who, when the battle isover, may have to lament the loss of a father,brother, or some other dear friend,	... we sally forth,and bear down all mortal opposition. We scarcely, in our thoughts, survey the disconsolate many we left behind; who,though concerned, are not engaged, in themurderous contest. Flushed with the hopesof suspended victory, the insignia of triumph hanging doubtful over ourheads, whole hosts advancing to disputewith us our martial prowess, we indulge nothoughts about those who lament the lossof a father, a child, a husband, a brother, or a friend.
and who mournfully await the decisive tidings, which perhaps is to render them for ever disconsolate; while they remain a prey to that incessant anguishwhichnaturally awaits those who have lost, in this manner, their dearest friends andrelations.	Stunned with the fatal tidings, which mournfullyannounce the death of an affectionate father, behold the wretchedfamily, the disconsolate.... A prey to thatincessant grief which naturallyaccom­panies those to whom the fatal loss happens, the worthy sire, and thetender matron, lament the eternal exit of their ill-fated son....
Thick clouds were darkly pending Above the battle fray, And foemen were contending For the fortune of the day. And high in air the banner bright, Waving o’er land and sea, The potent symbol of their might, The emblem of the free. Brave hearts that stood amid the storm That burst in fury round; With many a stern and manly form, Sunk powerless to the ground. Deep gloom had settled round them, And darkness veil’d the sky, When Freedom, with her starry train, Descended from on high. When, at her bidding, lo, a chief Amid the throng appear’d; When, the goddess halted by his side, And thus his spirits cheer’d: “Oh, let not care oppress thee, But banish far thy fears, For, in blessing, I will bless thee, And will wipe away thy tears; “And a banner thou shalt still retain, And a hand to lead the brave To glory and to victory, Or to the hero’s grave.” Then fear not, honoured chieftain, For yet again shall be, Your flag shall wave o’er every land, And float on every sea. What though in foreign clime it waves, Careering on the wind, Whatever shore the ocean laves, A due respect will find. And the thunders of your ships of war Along the deep shall roll, While the canvas of your merchantmen Shall sweep from pole to pole. “And now, oh gallant chief,” she cried, “Hold fast the glorious prize; The flag with blue and crimson dyed, And stars that gemmed the skies, “Have left their native spheres to shed Their radiance o’er the field; Then while it waves above your head, To the foeman never yield. “Bright forms shall hover o’er thee In the midst of war’s alarms; And in triumph shall restore thee To a nation’s waiting arms. “Then on to Freedom’s stormy height, Go forth in valour and in might, And bear aloft this emblem bright, Amid the battle fray.” Now around their chief they rally, And with zeal their bosoms glow; While the hoarse cannon bellows forth Defiance to the foe. The battle rages loudly, A dreadful carnage flows; When the messenger of victory The clarion trumpet blows. Now clap your wings, oh Liberty, And upward take your flight; And let the gladsome tidings ring Throughout the realms of light. And bid your eagle sound her cry, Wide o’er the land and sea; For patriot arms have triumphed, And the nation still is free. Once more the song of Victory Shall spread the earth around, And the freemen on a thousand hills Re-echo back the sound. And a banner long shall wave on high, And long your children stand, United, with a sacred tie, To guard their native land.	A song called “Thick Clouds Were Darkly Pending” was popular in theCivil War years, but has not been located.
[CHAPTER VI.]

The next several chapters—most of VII-XII, and much of VI and XIII—are taken from Alonzo and Melissa (see Sources section), often verbatim.

Substitutions:

Melissa = Alida; Alonzo = Theodore; Beauman = Bonville;

Vincent and Mrs. Vincent = Raymond and Mrs. Raymond;

Melissa’s brother Edgar = Alida’s brother Albert;

Melissa’s aunt has no equivalent, except as a walk-on. New London and New York are conflated into New York; the Revolutionary War is changed to the War of 1812.

In Alonzo and Melissa, the father is cruel and mercenary; the plot complications (all seen from Alonzo’s point of view) are, as the title has it, “caused by the barbarity of an unfeeling father”. Melissa’s mother is alive throughout the novel, but she is such a doormat that her existence makes no difference to the plot.

And may each day returning, with it bring That peace that o’er the weary senses fling A calm content; where no alloy attends The pleasing intercourse of happy friends.
	A&M (opening paragraph)
Albert, the brother of Alida, during his residencein New-York, had formed an indis­solublefriendship with a young gentleman who had lately graduated at Columbia College. His name was Theodore. He was about twenty years of age: hehad been esteemed an excellent student. His appear­ance was manly,open, and free. His eye indicated a nobleness of mind; he was naturally cheerful, although his aspect was tingedwith melan­choly, and hisdisposition was rather of the romanticcast. His father was an eminentmerchant in the city, and had long been engaged in the variousscenes of commerce. His son was designedfor the law;but as the students were allowed somevacant time after their graduation before they entered upon theirprofessional studies, he thought toimprove this interim in mutual friendly visits, minglingsometimes with select parties in the amusements of the day, and intravelling through some parts of the United States.	In the time of the late revolution, two younggentlemen of Connec­ticut, who had formed anindis­soluble friendship, graduated at Yale college in New Haven; their names were Edgar and Alonzo;Edgar was the son of a respectable farmer, Alonzo’s father was an eminent merchant—Edgar was designed for the desk, Alonzo for the bar; but as they were allowed some vacant time after their graduationbefore they entered upon their professional studies, they improved this interim in mutual, friendly visits,mingling with select parties in the amusement of the day, and intravelling through some parts of the United States. Alonzo was about twenty one years old; he had been esteemed an excellentstudent. His appear­ance was manly, open and free—His eyeindicated a nobleness of soul; although hisaspect was tinged with melan­choly, yet he was naturallycheerful. His disposition was of the romantic cast....
The spring was advancing, and already began to shedits cheering influences over the face of nature, when, after a longperiod of clouds and darkness, the sun, with his illuminating beams, waschasing away the gloomy remains of winter, and recalling again to lifeand animation the innumerable beauties of creation.
	A&M (second paragraph)
The day was fixed on whenAlida was to return to her native residence. Albert was to attend her home, and he invited his friend Theodore to accom­pany him. It was evening when they arrived at the house ofAlbert’s father, where they found considerable company collected, as wascustomary on the celebration of his birth-day.	Edgar had a sister who, forsome time had resided with her cousin at New-London. She was now aboutto return, and it was designed that Edgar should go and attend her home: previous to the day on which hewas to set out, he was unfortunately thrown from his horse, which somuch injured him as to prevent his prosecuting his intended journey; hetherefore invited Alonzo to supply hisplace.... ... It was evening when Alonzo arrived at the house of Edgar’s cousin.
	A&M
He received hischildren with gladness and joy, and Theodore with friendly politeness.	Her cousin waited on Alonzo to the ball, andintroduced him to Melissa, who received himwith politeness.
	A&M (different scene)
“This meeting must be highly pleasing to you,miss,” said Theodore to Alida, “after your long absence from home.” “Itis so, indeed,” replied she, “and highly gratifying to my father, tomeet here his children, and relations, on theannual occasion of celebrating his birth-day, when we are honoured with so numerous a company of uncles,aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces, that one would suppose we were connected with half the families inthe state. And sometimes they do not all leave us, in several weeksafterwards, and regale themselves inriding about the country and visiting the neighbours in thevicinity.”	“We have been thronged with company for severaldays, [said Melissa] once a year my fathercelebrates his birth day, when we arehonored with so numerous a company of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephewsand nieces, that were you present, youwould suppose we were connected with half the families inConnecticut.
In the course of the evening they were joined by anumber from the neighbouring villages, and among the rest was the son of a gentleman who had been longacquainted with the family. He was a gay youngman; his address was easy; his manners rather voluptuous than refined;confident, but not ungraceful.	Melissa’s partner at the ball was the son of a gentleman of independent fortune inNew-London. He was a gay young man, agedabout twenty five. His address was easy, hismanners rather voluptuous than refined; confident but notungraceful.
He led the ton in fashionable circles, and was quite a favourite withthe ladies generally. His name was Bonville. Hehad seen Alida long before, but her additional graces since that timeappeared far to exceed his expectations.	He led the ton in fashionable circles ; gavetaste its zest, and was quite a favorite with the ladiesgenerally. His name was Beauman.
Alida at sixteendisplayed many pleasing attractions. Her height rose to themajestic.	Melissa, the sister of Edgar, was about sixteen years of age. The phrase “her height rose to the majestic” is widely quoted fromRobertson’s History of Scotland, describing Mary Queen ofScots.
	Mrs. Sherwood: Lady of the Manor (describing two differentcharacters)
She was tall and graceful, and herexpressive features were adorned with hair oflight auburn, which hung about her neck innatural ringlets; while her darkblue eyes, mingled at once the rays of sprightly intelligence, and a pleasing affability.	her brown hair hanging in natural ringlets about her neck.... ... her eyes were darkblue, and sparkling with intelligence, and her head, before she was half a yearold, was adorned with the most abundant ringletsof the richest auburn hair.
	A&M
She was arrayed onthis occasion, in a dress of white muslin, richly inwrought withneedle-work. A silk embroidered sash surrounded her waist, and she wore on her head a wreath of artificial flowers. Her elder sistersmanifested their pleasure in beholding the artless, unadornedschool-girl, metamorphosedto the interesting young lady of fascinating manners and amiabledeportment.	She was dressed in whiteembroidered and spangled with rich silver lace; a silk girdle, enwrought and tasseled with gold, surrounded her waist; her hair was unadornedexcept by a wreath of artificial flowers,studded by a single diamond. A&M (different scene) She was dressed in aflowing robe of white muslin, embroidered with a deep fringe of lace.
Social converse and rural amusements took up thegreater part of the evening, when the general conversation of thegentlemen turned upon a topic in which they were all more or lessinterested, on what might be the unhappy result of the present contest,in which the American nation was engaged, which continued to engrosstheir thoughts, and it was a late hour when the company separated. Those who remained behind accom­panied Alida onthe next Sabbath to the village church, where they heard an able andsublime discourse delivered by the parish minister; highly edifying tothe understanding and improving to the minds of the hearers. This divine was fully competent in the possessionof Christian principles and knowledge for his arduous calling, and had ahappy talent of conveying them to others with effect, and communicatingthem in persuasive eloquence, for the benefit and reformation ofmankind.
	NY Weekly: Select Reflections On Education
His powers of intellect and sentiments were no less liberal and enlarged, than they wereingenious and elegant. His aspect wasserene, and his manners were cheerful, and the unruffled calmness of hismind bore the same character of exalted excellence,and gave testimony of a peaceful bosom, rich in good works. He manifested a lively interest in the welfare ofhis congregation, and by his genuine goodness and pious example mademany proselytes. It was his endeavour to unite the minds of thepeople in one interest, and excite them to be zealous in the commoncause of Christianity, where each individual, acting for the benefit ofthe whole, would find their own happiness blended with that of societyin general, and be blessed in the reciprocal communication of charityand benevolence.	.... He who is conversant with the best Greek andRoman writers, with a Plato, a Xenophon, and a Cicero, must imbibe,if he be not deficient in the powers of intellect, sentiments no less liberal and enlarged than ingenious andelegant.
[CHAPTERVII.]
“Come, Friendship, twine a wreath for me, And weave it with the choicest flowers, To cheat the ling’ring steps of time, And gladden all life’s passing hours.”
	A&M (beginning of continuous text)
The time now arrivedwhen Theodore was to enter upon hisprofessional studies, and he became engaged in the office of an eminent attorney in New-York. Hefrequently absented himself, however, toaccom­pany Albert to visit his father’s family, and since hisacquaintance with Alida, there was a charm that attracted him thither. If he had admiredthe manly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore thegentle graces of the sister? If all the sympathiesof the most ardent friendship had been drawn forth toward the former,must not all the softersensibilities of the heart be attracted by the milder and more refinedexcellencies of the other?	The time now arrivedwhen Edgar and Alonzo were to part. The former repaired toNew-York, where he was to enter upon hisprofessional studies. The latter entered inthe office of an eminent attorney in his native town, which wasabout twenty miles distant from the village in which lived the family ofEdgar and Melissa. Alonzo was the frequentguest of this family; for though Edgar was absent, there was still a charm which attracted him thither. If he had admired themanly virtues of the brother, could he fail to adore the sublimergraces of the sister. If all the sympathies of themost ardent friendship had been drawn forth towards the former, must notthe most tender passions of the soul be attracted by the milder and more refinedexcellencies of the other?
Bonville had become the admirer ofAlida; of course he and Theodore sometimes met. He had made no serious pretensions, but hisparticularity indicated something more than fashionable politeness. Hismanners, his independent situation, entitled him to respect. “It is notprobable, therefore, that he will be objectionable to her friends, or toAlida herself,” said Theodore, with an involuntary sigh, and as his visits becamemore frequent, an increasing anxiety took place in his bosom. He wishedher to remain single; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave himinexpressible regret. What substitute could supply to him the happyhours he had passed in her company? What charm could wing the lingeringmoments when she was gone?	Beauman had become the suitor of Melissa; but the distance ofresidence rendered it inconvenient to visit her often. He came regularlyonce in two or three months, of course Alonzo andhe sometimes met. Beauman had made noserious pretensions, but his particularity indicated something more thanfashionable politeness. His manners, his independent situation, hisfamily, entitled him to respect. “It is not probable therefore,that he will be objectionable to Melissa’sfriends, or to Melissa herself,” said Alonzo, with an involuntarysigh. But as Beauman’s visits to Melissa became more frequent, anincreasing anxiety took place in Alonzo’s bosom. He wished her to remainsingle; the idea of losing her by marriage, gave him inexpressibleregret. What substitute could supply the happy hours he had passed inher company? What charm could wing the lingering moments when she wasgone?
How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreservedfriendship and conversation of Alida. And unreserved it could not be,were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there notsomething of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilectionfor the company of Alida? If so, why not avow it? His prospects, hisfamily, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those ofBonville.	How different would be the scene when debarred from the unreservedfriendship and conversation of Melissa! And unreserved it could not be,were she not exclusively mistress of herself. But was there notsomething of a more refined texture than friendship in his predilectionfor the company of Melissa? If so, why not avow it? His prospects, hisfamily, and of course his pretensions might not be inferior to those ofBeauman.
But perhaps he was preferred. His opportunities: his prioracquaintance with the lady. Distance was no barrier to his addresses. His visits became moreand more frequent. Was it not then highly probable that he had gained her affections?	But perhaps Beauman was preferred—His opportunities hadbeen greater—He had formed an acquaintance with her. Distance proved no barrier to hisaddresses. His visits became more and more frequent. Was it not thenhighly probable that he had secured heraffections?
Thus reasoned Theodore, but the reasoning tended not to allay thetempest that was gathering in his bosom.He ordered his carriage, and was in ashort time at the seat of Alida’s father. It was summer, and towardsevening when he arrived.Alida was sitting by the window when he entered the hall. She arose andreceived him with a smile. I have just been thinking of anevening’s walk, said she, but had no one to attend me, and you have comejust in time to perform that office. I will order tea immediately,while you rest from the fatigues of your journey.	Thus reasoned Alonzo, but the reasoning tended not to allay the tempestwhich was gathering in his bosom. Heordered his horse, and was in a short timeat the seat of Melissa’s father. It was summer, and towards evening when he arrived, Melissa wassitting by the window when he entered the hall. She arose and receivedhim with a smile. “I have just been thinking of an evening’s walk,(said she) but had no one to attend me, and you have come just in timeto perform that office. I will order tea immediately, while yourest from the fatigues of your journey.”
When tea was served up, a servant entered the room with a letterwhich he had found in the yard. Alida received it. “’Tis a letter,” saidshe, which I sent by Bonville to a lady in thevillage, and the careless man has lost it. Turning to Theodore,I forgot to tell you, that your friend Bonville has been with us afew days; he left us this morning. “My friend,” replied Theodore,hastily. “Is he not your friend?” inquired Alida. “I beg pardon,madam,” said he “my mind was absent.” “Herequested us to present his respects to his friend Theodore,” said she.Theodore bowed and turned the conversation.	When tea was served up a servant entered the room with a letter which hehad found in the yard. Melissa received it.—“’Tis a letter (saidshe) which I sent by Beauman, to a lady in New-London, and the careless man has lost it.” Turningto Alonzo, “I forgot to tell you that your friend Beauman has beenwith us a few days; he left us this morning.” “My friend!” repliedAlonzo hastily. “Is he not your friend?” enquired Melissa. “I begpardon madam (answered he) my mind wasabsent.” “He requested us to present his respects to his friend Alonzo,”said she—Alonzo bowed and turned the conversation.
They now walked out, and took a winding path which led through pleasant fields until they reached thewater, and continued to pursue their way along the shore till they cameto a beautiful and shady grove, where thethick foliage afforded a delightful retreat from the warm rays of thesun, and at the extremity of which was a slopingeminence, whichcommanded an extensive prospect of the surroundingcountry, part of Long-Island soundand the junction of the bay with theeastern river.	They walked out and took awinding path which led along pleasantfields by a gliding stream through a little grove, and up a sloping eminence,which commanded an extensive prospect of the surrounding country,Long Island and the sound between that and themain land, and the opening there offto the distant ocean.
A soft and silent shower had descended. A thousand transitorygems trembled upon the leafy foliage,glittering in the western ray. A bright rainbow sat upon a southerncloud; the light gales whispered among the branches, agitated the youngharvest to billowy motion, and moved thetops of the deep green forest with majestic grandeur; while flocks, herds, and cottages were scattered overthe resplendent landscape.	A soft and silent shower had descended; a thousand transitorygems trembled upon the foliage glittering in the western ray.A bright rainbow sat upon a southern cloud; the light galeswhispered among the branches, agitated the young harvest to billowymotion, or waved the tops of the distant, deep green forest with majesticgrandeur. Flocks, herds and cottages were scattered over the variegated landscape.
“This is a most delightfulscene,” said Alida. “It is, truly,”replied Theodore, “do you think that New-York can boast of so charminga prospect?” “Yes, one,” answered she, it is the walk on thebattery, the water prospect is similar to this, but the landscape is notso variegated.	.... “This is a most delightful scene,” said Melissa. It is indeed (replied Alonzo,) can New London boast so charming a prospect?
See that ship, Theodore, coming down the sound, how she ploughsthrough the white foam, while the breezes flutter in the sails, varyingwith the vivid rays of the sun. “Yes,”said Theodore, it bounds with rapid motions over the waves, and ere the day has departed it will probably safely reachthe wharf of the city.	Mel. See that ship, Alonzo, coming up the sound; how she ploughsthrough the white foam, while the breezes flutter among the sails,varying with the beams of the sun. ... Al. O yes—the ship—it—it bounds with rapid motionover the waves.
They walked leisurely aroundthe hill, and then moved slowlytowards home. The sun was sinkinggradually behind the western horizon. Twilight arose dimly in theeast, and floated along the air. Darkness began to hover around thewoodlands and valleys. The beauties of the landscape slowlyreceded; the breezes had gone down with the sun, and a perfectcalm succeeded.	A pause ensued. They walkedleisurely around the hill, and moved toward home. The sun sunk behind the western hills. Twilight arose in the east, and floated along the air. Darknessbegan to hover around the woodlands and vallies. The beauties of thelandscape slowly receded.
	A&M (Melissa speaking)
“I shall never forgetthis charming promenade,” said Theodore, as he approached the thresholdof the door, with a deep drawn sigh, “andthe remembrance of the sweet pensive scenery of this delightful spot,will ever continue to haunt my memory.”	I shall never forgetthe sweet pensive scenery of my favorite rock. “Nor I neither,” saidAlonzo, with a deep drawn sigh.
[CHAPTERVIII.]
	NY Weekly: Stanzas Addressed to a Young Lady, stz. 4, lines1–4
To lull affection’s sigh, And dry the tear of sensibility; I’ll think ofthee, in all my lonely hours, Though thou, perhaps, may ne’er remember me.	To lull the heart-rent pang of Nature’ssigh, And dry the tear of sensibility, In these lone solitary wilds I’ll call on thee, Whilst thou, perhaps, wilt ne’er remember me.
	A&M
The next day Theodore returned to his studies; but different from hisformer visits to Alida, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this hadtended to depress them. He doubted whether she was not already engaged to Bonville. His hopes wouldpersuade him this was not the case; but his fears declaredotherwise.	The next day Alonzo returned to his studies; but different from hisformer visits to Melissa, instead of exhilarating his spirits, this hadtended to depress them. He doubted whether Melissa was not already engaged to Beauman. His hopeswould persuade him that this was not the case; but his fears declaredotherwise.
It was some time before he renewed hisvisits again. In the interim he received a letter from afriend in the neighbourhood of Alida’s father; an extract from whichfollows: “We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted withthe parties—Alida M. and Bonville. Such at least is our opinionfrom appearances, as this gentleman is nowthere more than half his time. You willundoubtedly be invited. We had expectedthat you would have put in your claims, from your particular attentionto the lady. She is a fine girl, Theodore.” I shall never be aguest at Alida’s wedding, said Theodore, as he hastily paced the room;but I must againsee her before that event takes place, when I shall lose herforever.	It was some time before Alonzo renewedhis visit. In the interim he received aletter from a friend in the neighbourhood of Melissa’s father; anextract from which, follows: “We are soon to have a wedding here; you are acquainted with theparties—Melissa D.—— and Beauman. Such at least is ouropinion from appearances, as Beauman isnow here more than half his time. You willundoubtedly be a guest. We had expectedthat you would have put in your claims, from your particular attentionto the lady. She is a fine girl, Alonzo.” “I shall never be a guest at Melissa’s wedding,” said Alonzo, as hehastily paced the room, “but I must onceagain see her before that event takes place, when I lose herforever.”
The ensuing day he repaired to herfather’s. He inquired for Alida; she was gone with a party to the shoresof the sound, attended by Bonville. At evening they returned. Bonvilleand Theodore addressed each other with much seeming cordiality. “Youhave deserted us, Theodore,” said Alida,“we concluded you had forgotten the road to this place.” “Was not that ahasty conclusion?” said Theodore. “I think not,” she answered, “ifyour long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hearyour excuse,” said she, smiling, “by and by, and perhaps pardonyou.”	The next day he repaired to her father’s.He enquired for Melissa, she was gone with a party to the shores of thesound, attended by Beauman. At evening they returned. Beauman and Alonzoaddressed each other with much seeming cordiality. “You have deceived us, Alonzo, (said Melissa)—Weconcluded you had forgotten the road to this place.” “Was not that ahasty conclusion?” replied Alonzo. “I think not, she answered, ifyour long absence should be construed into neglect. But we will hearyour excuse (said she smiling) by and by, and perhaps pardon you.”
He thanked her for her condescension.	He thanked her for her condescension.
The next morning Bonville set out to goto New-York. Theodore observed that he took particular leave of Alida, telling her, in a low voice,that he should have the happiness of seeing her again, within two orthree weeks certainly.	The next morning Beauman set out forNew-London; Alonzo observed that he took atender leave of Melissa, telling her in a low voice that heshould have the happiness of seeing her again within two or threeweeks.
After he was gone, as Alida and Theodore were sitting in the room alone, “Well,” said she, “am I to hear yourexcuses, Theodore?” “For what, madam?” “For neglecting your friends.”“I hope it is not so considered, madam.” “Seriously, then, why haveyou stayed away so long? Hasthis place no charms in the absence of my brother?”	After he was gone, as Melissa and Alonzo were sitting in a room alone, “well, (said she) am I to hear yourexcuses?” Alonzo. For what, madam? Melissa. For neglecting your friends. Al. I hope it is not so considered, madam. Mel. Seriously, then, why have you stayed away so long? Has thisplace no charms in the absence of my brother?
“Would my presence have added to your felicity, Alida?” “You nevercame an unwelcome visiter here.” “Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusivewhen Bonville is your guest.” “I have supposed you were on friendlyterms,” said she. “We are, but there areseasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to a superiorclaim.”	Al. Would my presence have added to your felicity, Melissa? Mel. You never came an unwelcome visitor here. Al. Perhaps I might be sometimes intrusive. Mel. What times? Al. When Beauman is your guest. Mel. I have supposed you were on friendly terms. Al. We are. Mel. Why then intrusive? Al. There are seasons when friendship must yield its pretensions to asuperior claim. ...
“Will you answer me one question, Alida, are you engaged toBonville?” “He has asked me the same question concerning you,” replied she, (blushing.)	Al. Will you, Melissa, answer me one question? ... Al. Are you engaged to Beauman? Mel. [blushing] He has asked me the same question concerning you.
“Do you,” continued Theodore, “preferhim to any other?” Alida, (blushingdeeply.) “He has made the same inquiries respecting you.”	Al. Do you prefer him to any other? Mel. [deeply blushing, her eyes cast upon the floor] He has made the sameenquiry respecting you.
“I beg, madam, you will deal with mecandidly,” said Theodore, (taking her hand withanxiety.) “I am entitled to no claims, but you know what myheart would ask. I will bow to your decision. Bonville or Theodoremust relinquish their pretensions. We cannot share the blessing.”	Al. [Taking her hand with anxiety] Melissa, I beg you will deal candidly.I am entitled to no claims, but you know what my heart would ask.I will bow to your decision. Beauman or Alonzo must relinquishtheir pretensions. We cannot share the blessing.
The cheeks of Alida were suffused with a varying glow, her lips were pale, her voice tremulous, and her eyes cast down. “My father hasinformed me,” she said, “that it is improper to receive the particularaddresses of more than one. I am consciousof my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. One, therefore, mustbe dismissed.” But, (she blushed deeper,) and a considerable pause ensued.	Mel. [Her cheeks suffused with a varying glow, her lips pale, her voicetremulous, her eyes still cast down.] Myparents have informed me that it isimproper to receive the particular addresses of more than one. I amconscious of my inadvertency, and that the reproof is just. Onetherefore must be dismissed. But—[she blushed.] A considerable pause ensued.
At length Theodore arose. “I will not press you further,” said he.“I know the delicacy of your feelings; I know your sincerity;I will not therefore insist on your performing the painful task ofdeciding against me. Your conduct in every point of view has beendiscreet. I would have no just claims, or if I had, your heart mustsanction them, or they would be unhallowed, and unjustifiable.I shall ever pray for your felicity. Our affections are not underour direction; our happiness depends on our obedience to their mandates.Whatever, then, may be my sufferings, you are unblameable, andirreproachable.”	At length Alonzo arose—“I will not press you farther, [said he]I know the delicacy of your feeling, I know your sincerity;I will not therefore insist on your performing the painful task ofdeciding against me. Your conduct, in every point of view, has beendiscreet. I could have no just claims, or if I had, your heart mustsanction them or they would be unhallowed andunjustifiable.—I shall ever pray for your felicity. Ouraffections are not under our direction; our happiness depends on ourobedience to their mandates. Whatever, then, may be my sufferings, youare unblamable and irreproachable.”
He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared himself to take leave. Alida had recovered in somedegree from her embarrassment, and collected her scattered spirits.	He took his hat in extreme agitation, and prepared to take his leave. Melissa had recovered in some degree from her embarrassment, andcollected her scattered spirits.
“Your conduct, Theodore,” said she, “is generous and noble. Will yougive yourself the trouble, and do me the honour to see me once more?”“I will,” said he, “at any time you shall appoint.”	“Your conduct, Alonzo, (said she) is generous and noble. Will you giveyourself the trouble, and do me the honor to see me once more?”“I will, [said he] at any time you shall appoint.”
“Four weeks, then,” said she, “from this day,honour me with a visit, and you shall have my decision, and receive myfinal answer.” “I will be punctual to the day,” he replied, andbade her adieu.	“Four weeks, then, [she said] from this day, honor me with a visit, andyou shall have my decision, and receive my final answer.” “I willbe punctual to the day,” he replied, and bade her adieu.
Theodore’s hours from this time wingedheavily away. His wonted cheerfulness fled; he wooed the silent andsolitary haunts of musing, moping melancholy. He loved to wander throughlonely fields, when dewy twilight robed the evening mild, or to tracethe forest glen, through which the moon darted her silvery interceptedrays. His agitated thoughts preyed uponhis peace incessantly, and deeplydisturbed his repose.	Alonzo’s hours now winged heavily away.His wonted cheerfulness fled; he wooed the silent and solitary haunts of“musing, moping melancholy.” He loved to wander through lonely fields,or along the verge of some lingeringstream, “when dewy twilight rob’d the evening mild,” or “to tracethe forest glen, thro’ which the moon darted her silvery interceptedray.” He was fondly indulging a tender passion,which preyed upon his peace, and deeply disturbed his repose.
He looked anxiously to the hour when Alida was to make the decision. He wished, yet dreaded the event. In thathe foresaw, or thought he foresaw, a withering blight to all hishopes, and a final consummation to his foreboding fears. He had pressedAlida, perhaps too urgently, to a declaration. Had her predilection beenin his favour, would she have hesitated to avow it? Her father had advised her to relinquish one, and to retain theother, nor had he attempted toinfluence or direct her choice. Was it not evident, then, from herconfused hesitation and embarrassment, when solicited to discriminateupon the subject, that her ultimate decision would be in favour ofBonville?	He looked anxiously to the hour when Melissa was to make her decision. He wished, yet dreaded the event. In thathe foresaw, or thought he foresaw, a withering blight to his budding hopes, and a final consummation to hisforeboding fears. He had pressed Melissa, perhaps too urgently, to adeclaration. Had her predilection been in his favor, would she havehesitated to avow it? Her parents hadadvised her to relinquish and had permittedher to retain one suitor, nor had theyattempted to influence or direct her choice. Was it not evident, then,from her confused hesitation and embarrassment, when solicited todiscriminate upon the subject, that her ultimate decision would be infavor of Beauman?
While Theodore’s mind was thus inagitation, he received a second letter from his friend in theneighbourhood of Alida. He read the following clause therein withemotions more easily to be conceived than expressed: “Alida’swedding-day is appointed. I need not tell you that Bonville is tobe the happy deity of the hymenial sacrifice. I had it from his owndeclaration. He did not name the positive day, but it is certainly to besoon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timely notice, and receive an invitation.”	While Alonzo’s mind was thus agitated,he received a second letter from his friend in the neighborhood ofMelissa. He read the following clause therein with emotion more easilyto be conceived than expressed:— “Melissa’s wedding day is appointed. I need not tell you thatBeauman is to be the happy deity of the Hymeneal sacrifice. I hadthis from his own declaration. He did not name the positive day, but itis certainly to be soon. You will undoubtedly, however, have timelynotice, as a guest.”
“We must pour out a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Theodore,and twine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Bonville should devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize.He has been here for a week, and departed for New-York yesterday, but isshortly to return.”	“We must pour a liberal libation upon the mystic altar, Alonzo, andtwine the nuptial garland with wreaths of joy. Beauman ought to devote a rich offering to so valuable a prize.He has been here for a week, and departed for New-London yesterday, butis shortly to return.”
And why have I ever doubted this event? said Theodore. Whatinfatuation hath then led me on in the pursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss?I have had, it is true, no positive assurances that Alida wouldbe disposed to favour my addresses. Butwhy did she ever receive them? Why did she enchantingly smile upon me?Why fascinate the soft powers of my heart by that winning mildness, and thefavourable display of those complicated and superior attractions whichshe must have knownwere irresistible? And now she would have me dance attendance to herdecision in favour of another—insulting; let Bonville and herself make it,as they have formed this farcical decision. I absolutely will neverattend it. Why did she not spurn me from herconfidence, and plainly tell me that my attentions were untimely andimproper?	“And why have I ever doubted this event? [said Alonzo.] Whatinfatuation hath thus led me on thepursuit of fantastic and unreal bliss? I have had, it is true, nopositive assurance that Melissa would favor my addresses. But why didshe ever receive them? Why did she enchantingly smile upon me? Whyfascinate the tender powers of my soul by that winning mildness, and the favorabledisplay of those complicated and superior attractions which she musthave known were irresistible? Why did she notspurn me from her confidence, and plainly tell me that my attentionswere untimely and improper?—And now she would have me danceattendance to her decision, in favor of Beauman—Insulting! LetBeauman and she make, as they have formed,this farcical decision; I absolutely will never attend it.
But, I have engaged to see her at an appointed time; my honour istherefore pledged for an interview; it must take place. I shallendeavour to support it with becoming dignity, and I will convince Alidaand Bonville, that I am not the dupe of their caprices. But, let meconsider—What has Alida done to deserve censure or reproach? Herbrother was my early friend; she has treated me as a friend to that brother. She was unconscious of the affection which her charms and mental graces had kindled in my bosom. Her evidentembarrassment, on receiving my declaration, witnessed her surprise andprior attachment. What could she do to save herself the pain of a directdenial? She has appointed a day when her refusal may come in a moredelicate and formal manner—and I must therefore meet it.	—But stop:—I haveengaged to see her at an appointed time; my honor is therefore pledgedfor an interview; it must take place. I shall support it withbecoming dignity, and I will convince Melissa and Beauman that I am notthe dupe of their caprices. But let me consider—What has Melissadone to deserve censure or reproach? Her brother was my earlyfriend—she has treated me as a friend to her brother. She was unconscious of the flame which her charms had kindled in my bosom. Herevident embarrassment and confusion on receiving my declaration,witnessed her surprise and prior attachment. What could she do? To saveherself the pain of a direct denial she has appointed a day when herrefusal may come in a more delicate and formal manner—and I mustmeet it.”
[CHAPTER IX.]
	Troilus and Cressida, II.ii
The time draws near when I shall meet those eyes,that may perchance look cold on me—“butdoubt is called the beacon of the wise, the test that reaches to the bottom of theworst.”	but modest doubt iscalled The beacon of the wise, the tent thatsearches To th’ bottom of the worst.
	A&M
On the appointed day, Theodoreproceeded to the house of Alida’s father, where he arrived late in theafternoon. Alida had retired to a little summer-house at the end of thegarden. A servant conducted him thither.	At the appointed day, Alonzo proceededto the house of Melissa’s father, where he arrived late in theafternoon. Melissa had retired to a little summer house at the end ofthe garden; a servant conducted Alonzo thither.
She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, richly embroidered. Her hair wasin dishevelled curls; she was contemplating a bouquet of flowerswhich she held in her hand. Theodore fancied she never appeared solovely. She arose to receive him.	She was dressed in a flowing robe of white muslin, embroidered with a deep fringe of lace. Her hair hung loosely upon her shoulders—she wascontemplating a bouquet of flowers which she held in her hand. Alonzofancied she never appeared so lovely. She arose to receive him.
We have been expecting you for sometime, said she; we were anxious to informyou that we have just received a letter from my brother, in which hedesires us to present you his most friendly respects, and complains ofyour not visiting him lately sofrequently as usual. Theodore thanked her for the information; said thatbusiness had prevented him; he esteemed him as his most valuable friend,and would be more particular in future.	“We have been expecting you some time, [said Melissa,] we were anxious to inform you, that we havejust received a letter from my brother, in which he desires us topresent you his most friendly respects, and complains of your not writing to him lately so frequently as usual.”Alonzo thanked her for the information—said that business hadprevented him—he esteemed him as his most valuable friend, andwould be more particular in future.
“We have been thronged withcompany severaldays,” said Alida. The last of them took their departure yesterday. And I have only toregret, that I have nearly a week been prevented from takingmy favourite walk to the grove, to which place you attended mewhen you were last here. “We will walk there, then, if you have no objections, as no doubt it is much improved since thattime,” said Theodore. Theyresorted thither towards evening, and seatedthemselves in the arbour where they sat some time contemplatingthe scenery.	“We have been thronged withcompany for several days, [said Melissa] once a year .... The last of this companytook their departure yesterday, and I have only to regret that Ihave for nearly a week, been preventedfrom visiting my favorite hill,to which you attended me when you was lasthere. It is much improved since then; I have had a little arbor builtunder the large tree on its summit: you willhave no objection to view it, Alonzo?” Heassured her he accepted the invitation with pleasure, and towards evening they resorted to the place and seated themselves in thearbor. The omitted text, referring to Melissa’s father’s birthday celebration,was used earlier in Alida.
It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread over thenatural beauties of creation.	It was the beginning of autumn, and a yellow hue was spread overthe fading charms of nature. Alida [page 13] (chapter I) Here he would contemplate, in all their variety,the natural beauties of creation, whenarrayed in its richest attire; in the inimitable splendour of thesurrounding scenery;
	A&M (continuing)
The withering forest began to shed its decaying foliage, which the lightgales pursued along the russet fields;—the low sun extended its lengthening shadows;—curling smokeascended from the neighbouring villageand the surrounding cottages;—a thick fog crept alongthe valleys;—a grey mist hovered over the tops of the distant hills;—the glassy surface of thewater glittering to the sun’s departing ray;—the solemnherds lowed in monotonous symphony;—the autumnal insects, insympathetic wafting, plaintively predicted their approaching fate.	The withering forest began to shed its decaying foliage, which the lightgales pursued along the russet fields. The low sun extended the lengthening shadows; curling smoke ascended fromthe surrounding cottages. A thick fog crept along the vallies,a grey mist hovered over the tops of the mountains. The glassy surface of the Sound glittered to thesun’s departing ray. The solemn herds lowed in monotonoussymphony.—The autumnal insects in sympathetic wafting, plaintivelypredicted their approaching fate.
The scene is changed since we last visited this place, said Alida;“the gay charms of summer arebeginning to decay, and must soon yield their splendours to the rudedespoiling hand of winter.”	“The scene is changed since we last visited this place, [said Melissa;]the gay charms of summer are beginning to decay, and must soon yieldtheir splendors to the rude despoiling hand of winter.”
“That will be the case,” said Theodore, “before I shall have thepleasure of your company here again.” “That may probably be, though itis nearly two months yet to winter,” said Alida.	“That will be the case, (said Alonzo) before I shall have the pleasureof your company here again.” Mel. That probably may be, though it is nearly two months yet towinter.
“Great changes may take place within that time,” said Theodore. Yes,changes must take place, she answered, but nothing, I hope toembitter present prospects.	Al. Great changes may take place within that time. Mel. Yes, changes must take place; but nothing, I hope, toembitter present prospects.
As it respects yourself, I trust not, madam. “And I sincerely hopenot, as it respects you, Theodore.” That wish, said he, I believeis vain.	Al. (Peevishly) As it respectsyourself, I trust not, madam. Mel. (Tenderly) And I sincerely hopenot, as it respects you, Alonzo. Al. That wish—I believe—is vain.
Your feelings accord with the season, Theodore; you are melancholy.Shall we return?	Mel. Your feelings accord with the season, Alonzo; you aremelancholy. Shall we return?
“I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speak ofreturning; you know the occasion of my being here. You cannot haveforgotten your own appointment and consequent engagement?” She made noanswer.	Al. I ask your pardon, madam; I know I am unsociable. You speakof returning—You know the occasion of my being here. ... (She made no reply.) Al. You cannot have forgotten your own appointment, and consequentengagement? ... (She made no answer.)
I know, Alida, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion.I have promised and now repeat the declaration, that I willsilently submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, andthis is the time you have appointed. The pain of present suspense canscarcely be surpassed by the pang of disappointment. On your part youhavenothing to fear. I trust you have candidly determined, and willdecide explicitly.	Al. I know, Melissa, that you are incapable of duplicity or evasion.I have promised and now repeat the declaration, that I willsilently submit to your decision. This you have engaged to make, andthis is the time you have appointed. The pains of present suspense canscarcely be surpassed by the pangs of disappointment. On your part youhave nothing to fear. I trust you have candidly determined, andwill decide explicitly.
“I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation,” answered Alida,(sighing.) “I know you are, madam,”said Theodore, “but your own honour, your own peace, require that youshould extricate yourself from the perplexing embarrassment.”	Mel. (sighing) I am placed in an exceedingly delicate situation. Al. I know you are,—but your own honor, your own peace, requirethat you should extricate yourself from the perplexingembarrassment.
“That I am convinced of,” replied she. “I know that I have beeninadvertently indiscreet. I have admitted the addresses of Bonvilleand yourself, without calculating or expecting the consequences. Youhave both treated me honourably and with respect. You are both on equalgrounds as to standing in life. With Bonville I became first acquainted.As it relates to him, some new arrangements have taken place since youcame here.”	Mel. That I am convinced of. I now know that I have been inadvertently indiscreet.I have admitted the addresses of Beauman and yourself, withoutcalculating or expecting the consequences. You have both treated mehonorably, and with respect. You are both on equal grounds as to your character and standing in life. WithBeauman I became first acquainted. As it relates to him, some newarrangements have taken place since you were here,which——
Theodore interrupted her with emotion. “Of those arrangements I amacquainted, I received theintelligence from a friend in your neighbourhood. I amprepared for the event.”	Al. (interrupting her, with emotion) Of those arrangements I amacquainted. ... Al. I received it from a friend in yourneighbourhood. ... Al. You see, Melissa, I am preparedfor the event.
Alida remained silent. “I havementioned before,” resumed Theodore, “that whatever may be yourdecision, no impropriety can attach to you. I might add, indeed, from various circumstances, and from theinformation I possess, I perhaps should not have given you furthertrouble on the occasion, had it not been from your own direction. And Iamnow willing to retire without further explanation, without giving youthe pain of an express decision, if you think the measure expedient.Your declaration can only be a matter of form, the consequence of whichI know, and my proposition may save your feelings.”	(She was silent.) Al. I have mentioned before, that, whatever be your decision, noimpropriety can attach to you. I might not, indeed, from various circumstances, and from theinformation I possess, I perhaps should not, have given you farthertrouble on the occasion, had it not been from your own direction and appointment. And I am now willing to retirewithout further explanation, without giving you the pain of an expressdecision, if you think the measure expedient. Your declaration can onlybe a matter of form, the consequence of which I know, and my propositionmay save your feelings.
“No, Theodore,” replied she, “my reputation depends on my adherenceto my first determination; justice to yourself and to Bonville alsodemand it. After what has passed, I should be considered as actingcapriciously, and inconsistently, should I depart from it. Bonville willbe here to-morrow, and you must consent to stay with us until that time;the matter shall then be decided.” “Yes,” said Theodore, “it shall be asyou say, madam. Make your arrangements as you please.”	Mel. No, Alonzo; my reputation depends on my adherence to my firstdetermination; justice to yourself and to Beauman, also demand it. Afterwhat has passed, I should be considered as acting capriciously andinconsistently should I depart from it. Beauman will be hereto-morrow, and—— Al. To-morrow, madam? Mel. He will be here to-morrow, andyou must consent to stay with us until that time; the matter shall thenbe decided. Al. I—yes—it shall be asyou say, madam. Make your arrangements as you please.
Evening came on, andspread around her sombreshades;—the breeze’s rustling wing was inthe tree:—the sound of the low, murmuring brooks, and the far-offwaterfall, were faintly heard;—thefrequent lights in the village darted theirpale lustre through the gloom:—the solitary whip-poor-willsstationed themselves along the woody glens, the groves and rockypastures, and sung a requiem to departed summer;—a dark cloudwas rising in the west, across whose gloomy front the vivid lightningbent its forky spires.	Evening had now spread her dusky mantle over the face of nature.The breeze’s rustling wing was in the tree.The “stilly sound” of the low murmuring brook, and the far off water fall, werefaintly heard. The twinkling fire fly arose from the surroundingverdure and illuminated the air with a thousand transient gleams. Themingling discordance of curs and watch-dogs echoed in the distant village, fromwhence the frequent lights darted their palelustre through the gloom.—The solitary whipperwills stationedthemselves along the woody glens, the groves and rocky pastures, andsung a requiem to departed summer. A dark cloud was rising in thewest, across whose gloomy front the vivid lightning bent its forkyspires. The middle of this paragraph was used earlier in Alida.
Theodore and Alida moved slowly towardshome; she appeared enraptured with the melancholy splendours ofthe evening, but another subject engagedthe mental attention of Theodore.	Alonzo and Melissa moved slowly to thevillage; she appeared enraptured with the melancholy splendors ofthe evening, but the other subject engagedthe mental attention of Alonzo.
Bonville arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Theodore withseeming warmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have beenaffected. There was no alteration in the manners and conversation ofAlida; her discourse, as usual, wassprightly and interesting. After dinner she retired, and her fatherrequested Theodore and Bonville to withdraw with him to a private room.After they were seated, the old gentleman thus addressed them:	Beauman arrived the next day. He gave his hand to Alonzo with seemingwarmth of friendship. If it was reciprocated, it must have beenaffected. There was no alteration in the manners and conversation ofMelissa; her conversation as usual, wassprightly and interesting. After dinner she retired, and her fatherrequested Alonzo and Beauman to withdraw with him to a private room.After they were seated the old gentleman thus addressed them:—
“I have called you here, gentlemen, to perform my duty as a parent tomy daughter, and as a friend to you. You haveboth addressed Alida; while your addresses were merely formal,they were innocent; but when they became serious, they were dangerous.Your pretensions I consider equal, and between honourable pretenders,who are worthy of my daughter, I shall not attempt to influence herchoice. That choice, however, can rest only on one; she has engaged todecide between you. I am come, to make in her name this decision.The following are my terms: no difficulty shall arise between you,gentlemen, in consequence of her determination; nothing shall go abroadrespecting theaffair; it shall be settled under myroof. As soon as I have pronounced Alida’sdeclaration, you shall both depart, and absent my house for at least twoweeks, as it would be improper for my daughter to see either of you atpresent; after that period I shall be happy to receive your visits.”Theodore and Bonville pledged their honour to abide implicitly by theseinjunctions.	“I have called you here, gentlemen, to perform my duty as a parent tomy daughter, and as a friend to you. You are bothsuitors to Melissa; while your addresses were merely formal, theywere innocent; but when they became serious they were dangerous. Yourpretensions I consider equal, and between honorable pretenders, who areworthy of my daughter, I shall not attempt to influence her choice.That choice, however, can rest only on one: she has engaged to decidebetween you. I am come, to make in her name, thisdecision.—The following are my terms: No quarrel or difficulty shall arise between you,gentlemen, in consequence of her determination. Nothing shall go abroadrespecting the affair; it shall be endedunder my roof. As soon as I have pronounced her declaration, you shall both depart and absent myhouse, for, at least, two weeks, as it would be improper for my daughterto see either of you at present—after that period I shall be happyto receive your visits.” Alonzo and Beauman pledged their honor to abideimplicitly by these injunctions.
He then further observed: “This, gentlemen, is all I require.I have said that I considered yourpretensions equal; so has my daughter treated them. You have both madeprofessions to her; she has appointed a time to answer you. That timehas now arrived, and I now inform you—that she has decided infavour of Theodore.”	Her father then observed—“This,gentlemen, is all I require. I have observed that I considered your pretensionsequal—so has my daughter treated them. You have both madeprofessions to her: she has appointed a time to answer you. That timehas now arrived, and I now inform you that she has decided in favorof—Alonzo.”
These words from Alida’s father, burstupon the mental powers of Bonville like sudden and tremendous thunder onthe deep and sullen silence of night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, hehad calculated on assured success. Hisaddresses to the ladies generally hadbeen honourably received. Alida was the first whose charms were capableof rendering them sincere. He was not ignorant of Theodore’s attentionsto her; it gave him, however, but little uneasiness. He believed thathis superior acquired graces wouldeclipse the pretensions of his rival. He considered himself aconnoisseur in character,especially in that of the ladies. Heconformed to their taste; he flattered their foibles, and obsequiouslybowed to the minutia of female volatility. He considered himself skilledin the language of the heart; and he trusted that from his pre-eminentpowers in the science of affection, he had only to see, to make use of, and to conquer.	The declaration of Melissa’s fatherburst upon the mental powers of Beauman, like a sudden and tremendousclap of thunder on the deep and sullensilence of night. Unaccustomed to disappointment, he had calculated onsuccess. His addresses to the ladies had ever been honorably received. Melissa was the first whose charms were capable of rendering themsincere. He was not ignorant of Alonzo’s attention to her; it gave himhowever but little uneasiness. He believed that his superior qualifications would eclipse the pretensions of hisrival. He considered himself a connoisseur in character, especially inthe character of the ladies. He conformedto their taste; he flattered their foibles and obsequiously bowed to theminutia of female volatility. He considered himself skilled in thelanguage of the heart; and he trusted that from his pre-eminent powersin the science of affection, he had only to see, to sue and to conquer.
He had frankly offered his hand to Alida, and pressed her for adecisive answer. This from time to time she suspended, and finally named a day inwhich to give him and Theodore a determinate one, though neither knew the arrangements made with theother. Alida finding, however, thedilemma in which she was placed, and shehad previously consulted her father. Hehad no objections to her choosing between two persons of equal claims toaffluence and respectability. This choiceshe had made, and her father was considered the most proper person topronounce it.	He had frankly offered his hand to Melissa, and pressed her for adecisive answer. This from time to time she suspended, and finally appointed a day to give him and Alonzo adeterminate answer, though neither knewthe arrangements made with the other. Finding, however, the dilemma in which she was placed, she hadpreviously consulted her parents. Herfather had no objection to her choosing between two persons ofequal claims to affluence and reputation;this choice she had made, and her father was considered the most properperson to pronounce it.
When Bonville hadurged Alida to answer him decidedly, hesupposed that her hesitation, delay and suspensions, were only theeffect of diffidence. He had no suspicion of her ultimate conclusion, and when shefinally named the day to decide, he wasconfident her voice would be in his favour.These sentiments he had communicated to the person who had written toTheodore, intimating that Alida hadfixed a time which was to crown hissanguine wishes.	When Beauman had urgedhis suit to Melissa, he supposed that herhesitations, delays and suspensions, were only the effects ofmaiden diffidence and timidity. He had no suspicions of her ultimately rejecting it; and whenshe finally named the day of decision, hewas confident she would decide in hisfavor. These sentiments he had communicated to the person who hadwritten to Alonzo, intimating that Melissa had fixed a time which was tocrown his happiest wishes.
He had listened, therefore, attentively to the words of her father, momen­tarily expecting to hear himselfdeclared the favourite choice of the fair. What then must have been hisdisappointment when the name of Theodore was pronounced instead of hisown! The highly-finished scene of pleasure and future happy prospects which his ardent imagination haddepicted, now vanished in a moment. Thebright sun of his early hopes was veiledin darkness at this unexpecteddecision.	He had listened, therefore, attentively to the words of Melissa’s father, momen­tarily expecting to hearhimself declared the favorite choice of the fair. What then must have been his disappointment when the name of Alonzowas pronounced instead of his own! The highly finished scene of pleasureand future prosperity which his ardentimagination had depicted, had vanished ina moment. The rain-bow glories which gilded hisyouthful horizon, had faded in an instant—the bright sun ofhis early hopes, had set in mournful darkness.
Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom ofTheodore. He had not even calculated on a decision in his favour; hebelieved that Bonville would be the choice of Alida. She had told him,that the form of deciding was necessary tosave appearances; with this form he complied, because she desired it,not because he expected the result would be in his favour. He had not,therefore, attended to the words of Alida’s father with that eagernesswhich favourable anticipations commonly produce.	Very different were the sensations which inspired the bosom ofAlonzo. He had not even calculated on a decision in his own favor. He believed that Beauman would be the choiceof Melissa. She had told him that the form of decision was necessary to save appearances—withthis form he complied because she desired it, not because he expectedthe result would be in his favor. He had not therefore attended to thewords of Melissa’s father with that eagerness which favorableanticipations commonly produce.
But when his name was mentioned; when he found that he was the choice, the happy favourite of Alida’saffection, every ardent feeling of hissoul became interested, and was suddenly aroused to therefinements of sensibility. Like an electric shock it re-animated hisexistence, and thebright morning of joy quickly dissipatedthe gloom which hung over his mind.	But when his name was mentioned—when he found he was thechoice—the happy favorite of Melissa’s affection—every tender passion of his soul became interested,and was suddenly aroused to the refinements of sensibility. Like anelectric shock, it reanimated his wholeframe, and vibrated every nerve of hisheart. The glooms which hung about hismind were dissipated, and the bright morningof joy broke in upon his soul.
[CHAPTER X.]
	Charlotte Smith: Elegy I
“Dark gathering clouds involve the threat’ning skies, The billows heave with the impending gloom; Deep hollow murmurs from the cliffs arise, Ride on the blast, and urge the howlingstorm.”	Dark gathering clouds involve the threatening skies, The sea heavesconscious of the impending gloom, Deep, hollow murmurs from the cliffs arise; They come—the Spirits of the Tempestcome!
	A&M
Several weeks passed away, and Theodore felt all that anxiety and impatiencewhich a separation from a beloved object can produce. He framed athousand excuses to visit Alida, yet he feared a visit might bepremature. He was, however, necessitated to make a journey to a distantpart of the country, after which he resolved to see her.	A fortnight passed, and Alonzo felt allthat anxiety and impatience which a separation from a beloved object canproduce. He framed a thousand excuses to visit Melissa, yet he feared avisit might be premature. He was, however, necessitated to make ajourney to a distant part of the country, after which he resolved to seeMelissa.
He performed the business he went on, and was returning. It was toward evening,and the day had been uncommonly sultry for the autumnal season.A rising shower blackened the western hemisphere; the dark vapoursascended in folding ridges, and the thunder rolled at a distance.	He performed his business, and wasreturning. It was toward evening, and the day had been uncommonly sultryfor the autumnal season. A rising shower blackened the westernhemisphere; the dark vapor ascended in folding ridges, and the thunderrolled at a distance.
Theodore saw he should be overtaken by therain. He discovered an elegant seat about a hundred yards distant from the road; thither hehastened to gain shelter from the approaching storm.	Alonzo saw he should be overtaken. He discovered an elegant seat aboutone hundred yards distant from the road;thither he hastened to gain shelter from the approaching storm.
The owner of the mansion met him at the door, and politely invited him in, while a servant stood readyto take his horse.	The owner of the mansion met him at the door, politely invited him to alight and walkin, while a servant stood ready to take his horse.
He was ushered into a large apartment,genteelly furnished, where the family and several young ladieswere sitting. As he glanced his eyehastily around the room, he thought he recognized a familiarcountenance. A hurried succession of confused ideas for a momentcrossed his recollection. In a moment he discovered that it wasAlida.	He was ushered into a large room neatlyfurnished, where the family and several young ladies were sitting. AsAlonzo glanced his eyes hastily around theroom, he thought he recognized a familiar countenance. A hurriedsuccession of confused ideas for a moment, crossed hisrecollection.—In a moment he discovered that it was Melissa.
By this unexpected meeting they were both completely embarrassed.Alida, however, arose, and, in rather a confused manner, introducedTheodore to the company as the friend of her brother.	By this unexpected meeting they were both completely embarrassed.Melissa, however, arose, and in rather a confused manner, introducedAlonzo, as the classmate of her brother,to the family of Mr. Simpson, and the company.
The rain continued most part of the afternoon. Theodore was urged by the family, and consented to stay the night. A moonlight evening succeededthe shower, which invited the young people to walk in an adjoininggarden. Alida informed Theodore that the owner of the mansion was a distant relativeof her father, who had two amiabledaughters, not far from her own age. Shehad been invited there to pass a week, and expected to return within twodays. “And,” she added, smiling, “perhaps, Theodore, we may have anopportunity once more to visit our favouritegrove, before winter entirely destroys the remaining beauties ofthe summer.”	The rain continued most part of the afternoon, Alonzo was invited, and consented to stay all night. A moon light evening succeeded theshower, which invited the young people to walk in an adjoining garden.Melissa told Alonzo that Mr. Simpson was a distant relative of her father; his family consisted of his wife, two amiabledaughters, not far from Melissa’s age, and one son, named William, about seventeen yearsold. She had been invited there to pass a week and expected toreturn within two days. And she added, smiling, “perhaps, Alonzo, we mayhave an opportunity once more to visit the boweron my prospect hill, before winter entirely destroys theremaining beauties of the summer.”
Theodore felt all the force of the remark. He recollected theconversation when they were last atthe place she mentioned; and he well remembered his feelings on thatoccasion.	Alonzo felt all the force of the remark. He recollected the conversationwhen they were last at the place she mentioned; and he well rememberedhis feelings on that occasion.
“Great changes, indeed,” he replied, “have taken place since we werelast there;—that they are productive of unexpected and unexampledhappiness to me, is due, Alida, to yourself alone.”	“Great changes, indeed, (he replied) have taken place since we werelast there; that they are productive of unexpected and unexampledhappiness to me, is due, Melissa, to you alone.”
Theodore departed next morning, appointingthe next week to visit Alida at her father’s house. Thus were theobstacles removed which had presented abarrier to their united wishes. Theyhad not, it is true, been separated by wide seas, unfeeling parents,nor, as yet, by the rigorous laws of war;but vexations, doubts, and difficulties had thus far attended them,which had now happily disappeared, andthey calculated on no unpropitious event which might thwart their futurehappiness.	Thus were the obstacles removed which presented a barrier to theunited wishes of Alonzo and Melissa.They had not, it is true, been separated by wide seas, unfeelingparents, or the rigorous laws of war; but troubles, vexations, doubts and difficulties, had thusfar attended them, which had now disappeared, and they calculated on nounpropitious event which might thwart their future union.
All the hours that Theodore could sparefrom his studies were devoted to Alida;and their parents began to calculate on joining their hands as soon ashis professional term of study wascompleted.	All the time that Alonzo could spare fromhis studies was devoted to Melissa, andtheir parents began to calculate on joining their hands as soon as Alonzo’s professional term of study wascompleted.
Hostilities that had previously commenced with England had been followed by several battles. “The panic andgeneral bustle which prevailed at this time, will yet be remembered by many.”	The troubles which gave rise to the disseverationof England from America had already commenced, which broke out the ensuing spring into actualhostilities, by the battle at Lexington, followedsoon after by the battle at Bunker Hill. The panic and general bustle which took place in Americaon these events, is yet well remembered bymany. The phrase “actual hostilities” was used earlier.
These circumstances were not calculated toimpress the mind of Alida with the most pleasant sensations. She foresawthat the burden of the war must reston the American youth, and she trembled in anticipation for the fate ofTheodore. He, with others, should itcontinue, must take the field in defence of his country. The effects ofsuch a separation were dubious and gloomy. Theodore and herselffrequently discoursed on the subject, andthey agreed to form the mystic union previous to any wideseparation.	They were not calculated to impress themind of Melissa with the most pleasing sensations. She foresaw that theburden of the war must rest on the American youth, and she trembled inanticipation for the fate of Alonzo. He, with others, should the war continue, must take the field, in defence ofhis country. The effects of such a separation were dubious and gloomy.Alonzo and she frequently discoursed, and they agreed to form the mysticunion previous to any wide separation.
One event tended to hasten this resolution: The attorney in whose officeTheodore was engaged received acommission in the new-raised American army, and marched to the linesnear Boston. His business was therefore suspended, and Theodore returnedto the house of his father. He considered that he could not remain longa mere spectator of the contest, and that it might soon become his dutyto take the field, therefore concluded to hasten his marriage withAlida. She consented to the proposition, and their parents made thenecessary arrangements for the event.	One event tended to hasten this resolution. The attorney in whoseoffice Alonzo was clerk, received acommission in the new raised American army, and marched to the linesnear Boston. His business was therefore suspended, and Alonzo returnedto the house of his father. He considered that he could not long remaina mere spectator of the contest, and that it might soon be his duty totake the field; he therefore concludedit best to hasten his marriage withMelissa. She consented to the proposition, and their parents made thenecessary arrangements for the event.
The place was fixedupon which was to be their future residence. It was a pleasantlysituated eminence, commanding an extensive prospect. On the west, forests unevenly lifted their rude heads, withhere and there a solitary field, newly cleared, and thinly scatteredwith cottages. To the east, the eye extended over a soil at one timeswelling into woody elevations, and atanother spreading itself into vales of the most enchantingverdure. To the north it extended to thepalisades, wooded to their summits, and throwingtheir shadows over intervals of equal wilderness, till at lengththe eye, wandering far beyond, was arrested in itsexcursions by the blue mist which hovered over the distant mountains, more grand, majestic, and lofty. Theinhabitants around were mild, sociable,moral, and diligent. The produce of their own fields gave them the mostof what was necessary, and they werehappily free from all dissipation and luxury.	They had even fixed upon theplace which was to be the future residenceof this happy couple. It was apleasantly situated village.... On thewest, forests unevenly lifted their rude heads, with here and there asolitary field, newly cleared, and thinly scattered with cottages. Tothe east, the eye extended over a soil, at one time swelling intocraggy elevations, and at another spreading itselfinto vales of the most enchanting verdure. To the north itextended over a vast succession of mountains, wooded to their summits, and throwing their shadows overintervals of equal wilderness, till at length it was arrested in its excursions by the blue mists which hoveredover mountains more grand, majestic and lofty.... The inhabitantsof this modern Avernum were mostly farmers. They were mild, sociable, moral and diligent. The produce of theirown flocks and fields, gave them mostof their food and clothing. To dissipationthey were strangers, and the luxuries of their tables werefew.
Such was the site marked out for the residence of Theodore and Alida.They visited the spot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romanticbeauties.	Such was the place for the residence ofAlonzo and Melissa. They had visited thespot, and were enraptured with its pensive, romantic beauties.
“Here,” said Theodore, “we will oneday pass our time in all the felicity of mind which the chequered scenesof life will admit. In the spring, wewill roam among the flowers; in summer, wewill gather strawberries in yonder fields, or raspberries from the adjacent shrubbery. The breezes offragrant morning and the sighs of the evening gale will be mingled withthe songs of the various birds which frequent the surrounding groves. Wewill gather the bending fruits of autumn, and will listen with pleasure to the hoarse, murmuring voice of winter—its whistling winds,its driving snow and rattling hail—with delight.”	“Here, (said Alonzo, one day to Melissa)will we pass our days in all that felicity of mind which the chequered scenes of lifeadmit. In the spring we will rove amongthe flowers. In summer we will gather strawberries in yonder fields, orwhortleberries from the adjacentshrubbery. The breezes of fragrant morning, and the sighs of the eveninggale, will be mingled with the songs of the thousand various birds which frequent the surroundinggroves. We will gather the bending fruits of autumn, and we will listento the hoarse voice of winter, its whistling winds, its driving snow,and rattling hail, with delight.”
The bright gems of joyglistened in the eyes of Alida as Theodore described thispleasing scene of anticipation.	The bright gems of joyglistened in the eyes of Melissa. With Alonzo she anticipated approaching happiness, and her bosom beat inrapturous unison.
Winter came on; it rapidly passed away. Spring advanced, and themarriage day was appointed. Preparations for the hymenial ceremony weremaking, and invitations had already gone abroad. Albert was particularly sent for, and all was approaching toreadiness for this happy event.	Winter came on; it rapidly passed away—Springadvanced, and the marriage day was appointed. ... .... Preparations for thehymeneal ceremony were making, and invitations had already gone abroad.Edgar, the brother of Melissa, had entered the army in thecapacity of chaplain. He was soon expected home, where he intended totarry until the consummation of the nuptials, before he set out for thecamp. The omitted text, concerning Alonzo’s military plans, will be used laterin Alida.
Theodore and Alidaagain promenaded to the spot which had been chosen for their habitation; they projected the structure of thebuildings, planned the gardens, the artificial groves, the walks, andthe green retreat of the summer-house; and already they realized in imagination the various domestic blessings and felicities with which theywere to be surrounded.	About three weeks previous to the appointedmarriage day, Alonzo and Melissa oneafternoon rode out to the village which had been chosen for their future residence.... theyprojected the structure of the buildings, planned the gardens, theartificial groves, the walks, the mead, the fountains and the green retreat of the summer house, and they already saw, in anticipation, the various domestic blessings and felicities with which theywere to be surrounded.
Nature was adorned with the bridal ornaments of spring; the radiant sun was sinking behind the groves,casting his sable shades over the valley,while the retiring beams of day adorned the distant eastern eminenceswith yellow lustre; the birds sung melodiously in the grove; the air wasfreshened by light western breezes, bearing upon their wings all theentrancing odours of the season; whilearound the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based in theblack vapour of approachingnight; and as its darkening shades wereadvancing, Theodore and Alida returned home. They seated themselvesawhile on the piazza, to contemplate the splendours of theevening, and to witness the beauties ofone of the most picturesque draperies painted inthe landscape of nature.	... nature was adorned in the bridal ornaments of spring; the sun wassunk behind the groves, which cast theirsombre shades over the valley, while the retiring beams of dayadorned the distant eastern eminences with yellow lustre. The birds sungmelodiously in the grove, the air was freshened by light westernbreezes, bearing upon their wings all the entrancing odors of theseason. Around the horizon clouds raised their brazen summits, based inthe black vapor of approaching night. They slowly ascended the hill south of the town,where they paused a few moments to enjoy thesplendours of the evening scene. This hill, which commanded aprospect of all the surrounding country, the distant Sound, and theadjacent towns and villages presented to the eye, on a single view,perhaps one of the most picturesque draperiespainted by nature.
[CHAPTER XI.]
The dreadful din of war is heard Wide spreading o’er the land and sea; The battle’s shout and cannon’s roar Proclaim the nation shall be free. The nodding plumes, like waving pines, Are shaken by the morning breeze; The gilded armour brightly shines, And patriots sigh for victories.
	A&M (break in sequence)
The tumults of a second war with Great Britainstill increased, and was not only exhausting the finances of thecountry, but called for a still greater sacrifice—all the bravestAmerican youth. A large army of reinforcements was shortly expected fromEngland to land on our shores, and the confused noise of thewarriors, with more vigorous and intrepid combat, were already anticipated.	.... and great numbers of American youth volunteered in the service of theircountry. A large army of reinforcement wassoon expected from England, to land on our shores, and “the confusednoise of the warriors and garments rolled in blood,” were already anticipated.
Theodore had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and waspressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had enlisted in the army, to join it also. He had anexcuse: his father was a man in extensive business, was considerablypast the prime of life, had a number of agents and clerks under him, butbegan to feel himself unable to attend to the various and burthensomeduties and demands of a mercantile life.Theodore was his only son; his assistance, therefore, became necessary,until, at least, his father could bring his business to a close, whichhe was now about to effect.	Alonzo had received a commission in a regiment of militia, and waspressed by several young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who had entered the army, to join it also. He had anexcuse—His father was a man in extensive business, wasconsiderably past the prime of life, had a number of agents and clerksunder him, but began to grow unable to attend to the various andburthensome duties and demands of a mercantile life. Alonzo was his only son; his assistance therefore became necessaryuntil, at least, his father could bring his business to a close, whichhe was now about to effect.
Theodore stated these facts to his friends; told them that on everyoccasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when hiscountry was invaded, and that as soon as his father’s affairs became settled, he would, if necessary, join thearmy.	Alonzo stated these facts to his friends; told them that on everyoccasion he should be ready to fly to the post of danger when hiscountry was invaded, and that as soon as his father’s affairs should be settled, he would, if necessary, willingly join the army.
The president was now active in making everyexertion in his power, to rouse the feelings of his countrymen to acttheir parts with honour in the scene that was now before them. He knewthat much of the responsibility rested on himself. The capacity he wasin with regard to the nation, caused the most material and importantbusiness—of directing and superintending the weighty affairs ofgovernment—to fall upon his hands; and such was the situation ofthe country, that it not only called for the exertion, the wisdom, soundjudgment, and policy of the presidential chair, but likewise of everypatriotic bosom to participate in their endeavours to oppose thedepredations against it.
	Lives of Signers: Taylor of Pennsylvania
The chief executive was entered on a theatre in which he was to act a conspicuous part in thiswar of America with Great Britain, and to occupy astation in the page of history, where the interestingdetail will reach the ear of remotest ages in the dates of time.	entered on that theatre on which hewas destined to act a conspicuous partin the great drama of the American revolution, and to occupy a station on the page of History that will reach the end oftime.
	A&M (earlier narrative resumes)
In the mean time, the father of Theodore had been absent for three or fourdays to one of the commercial seaports, on business with some merchantswith whom he was connected in trade. He returned the next day afterTheodore had got home; his aspect and hisconversation were marked with an assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. Atsupper he ate nothing, discoursed much, but in an unconnected andhurried manner, interrupted by long pauses, in which he appeared to beburied in contemplation.	His father had been absent for three orfour days to one of the commercial seaports, on business with somemerchants with whom he was connected in trade. He returned the next dayafter Alonzo got home; his aspect and his conversation were marked withan assumed and unmeaning cheerfulness. At supper he ate nothing,discoursed much, but in an unconnected and hurried manner, interruptedby long pauses, in which he appeared to be buried in contemplation.
After supper he asked Theodore “if it were not possible that his union with Alida could be concluded within a few days?” Theodore, startled at sounexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would be consideredextraordinary, perhaps improper; besides, when Alida had named the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle wholived at a distance, whose daughter wasto pass the summer with her, and wasexpected to arrive before the appointed time. It would, he said, be a delicate thing for him to anticipate the nuptials, unless hecould give some cogent reason for so doing, and at present he was notapprised that any such existed. His father, after a few moments’hesitation, answered, “I have reasons which, whentold,”—here he stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walked the room inmuch visible agony of mind, and then retired to his chamber.	After supper he asked Alonzo if it were not possible that his marriage with Melissa could be consummated within a few days. Alonzo, startled at sounexpected a question, replied, that such a proposal would be consideredextraordinary, perhaps improper; besides, when Melissa had fixed the day, she mentioned that she had an uncle wholived near Charleston, in South Carolina,whose daughter was to pass the summer with Melissa, and was expected to arrive before the appointedday. It would, he said, be a delicatepoint for him to request her toanticipate the nuptials, unless he could give some cogent reasons for sodoing, and at present he was not apprised that any such existed. Hisfather, after a few moments hesitation, answered, “I have reasons,which, when told”—here he stopped, suddenly arose, hastily walkedthe room in much visible agony of mind, and then retired to hischamber.
Theodore and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding.They could form no conjecture of its cause, or its consequence. Theodorepassed a sleepless night. His father’s slumbers were interrupted; hewas restless and uneasy: his sleep was broken anddisturbed by incoherent mutterings and plaintive moans. In themorning when he appeared at breakfast, his countenance wore the marks ofdejection and anguish. He scarcely spoke a word; and after the cloth wasremoved, he ordered all to withdraw except Theodore and his mother; when, with emotions that spokethe painful feelings of his bosom, he thus addressed them:	Alonzo and his mother were much amazed at so strange a proceeding.They could form no conjecture of its cause or its consequence. Alonzopassed a sleepless night. His father’s slumbers were interrupted. Hewould frequently start up in bed, then sink inrestless sleep, with incoherent mutterings, and plaintive moans.In the morning, when he appeared at breakfast, his countenance wore themarks of dejection and anguish. He scarcely spoke a word, and after the cloth was removed, he orderedall to withdraw except his wife andAlonzo, when, with emotions that spoke the painful feelings ofhis bosom, he thus addressed them:
“For more than thirty years I havebeen engaged in commerce, in order toacquire independence for myself and my family. To accomplish this,I became connected with some English importing merchants, in aseaport town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crownedour endeavours. On balancing our accounts, two years ago, we found thatour expectations were answered, and that we were sufficiently wealthy toclose business, which some proposed to do; it was, however, agreed tomake one effort more, as somefavourable circumstances appeared to offer, in which we adventured verylargely, on a fair calculation of liberal and extensive proceeds.	“For more than forty years I havetoiled early and late to acquireindependence and ease for myself and my family. To accomplish this,I became connected with some English importing merchants in aseaport town, and went largely into the English trade. Success crownedour endeavors; on balancing our accounts two years ago, we found thatour expectations were answered, and that we were now sufficientlywealthy to close business, which some proposed to do; it was, however,agreed to make one effort more, as some favorable circumstances appearedto offer, in which we adventured very largely, on a fair calculation ofliberal and extensive proceeds.
Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassments ensued,and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find that ourproperty in England has been sequestered; five of our ships, laden withEnglish goods, lying in English harbours, and just ready to sail forAmerica, have been seized as lawful prizes; added to this, three vesselsfrom the Indies, laden with island produce, have been taken on theirhomeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland.	“Before returns could be made, the war came on, embarrassmentsensued, and by indubitable intelligence lately received, we find thatour property in England has been sequestered; five of our ships, ladenwith English goods, lying in English harbors, and just ready to sail forAmerica, have been seized as lawful prizes. Added to this, three vesselsfrom the Indies, laden with island produce, have been taken on theirhomeward bound voyage, and one lost on her return from Holland.
“This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain onlymy equal dividend of the loss; but of the merchants with whom I havebeen connected, not one remains to share the fate of the event—allhave absconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with mycreditors would be of little avail, so that the consequence to me isinevitable ruin.	This wreck of fortune I might have survived, had I to sustain only myequal dividend of the loss; but of the merchants with whom I have beenconnected, not one remains to share the fate of the event; all haveabsconded or secreted themselves. To attempt to compound with mycreditors would be of little avail, my wholefortune will not pay one fourth of the debts, so that compound or not, the consequence to me is inevitableruin.
“To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property isvested in real estate; and even if it would, I could not consent toit. I could not consent to banish myself from my country, with theview to defraud my creditors. No:I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. Byfair application and industry my wealth has been obtained, and it shallnever justly be said that the reputation of my latter days were sulliedwith acts of meanness. I have notified and procured a meeting ofthe creditors, and have laid the matter before them. Some appearedfavourable to me, others insinuated that we were all connected infraudulent designs to swindle our creditors. Tothis I replied with becoming spirit, and was in consequencethreatened with immediate prosecution.	“To abscond would not secure me, as most of my remaining property isvested in real estate. And even if it would, I could not consent toit; I could not consent to banish myself from my country; to flee like a felon, to skulk from societywith the base view of defrauding mycreditors. No, I have lived honestly, and honestly will I die. Byfair application and long industry my wealth has been obtained, and itshall never justly be said, that the reputation of my latter days was stained with acts of baseness and meanness.—I have notified andprocured a meeting of the creditors, and have laid the matters beforethem. Some appeared favorable to me; others insinuated that we were allconnected in fraudulent designs, to swindle our creditors. This I repelled with becoming spirit, and was inconsequence threatened with immediate prosecution.
Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness,Theodore, might yet be secured. Hence I proposed your union with Alidabefore our misfortunes should be promulgated. Your parents are old,a little will serve the residue of their days. With youracquirements you may make your way in life. I shall now have no property to give you; but I would stillwish you to ensure to yourself that whichyou prize far above, and without which, both honours and emolumentswould be unimportant and worthless.”	Whatever may be the event, I had some hopes that your happiness, Alonzo,might yet be secured.—Hence I proposed your union with Melissa,before our misfortunes should be promulgated.—Your parents areold; a little will serve the residue of their days. With youracquirements you may make your way in life. I shall have noproperty to give you, but I would still wish you to secure that which you prize far above, and withoutwhich, both honors and emoluments are unimportant and worthless.”
At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, andthree men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and hisattendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Theodore’s fatherand company, to levy on the property ofthe former, which orders they faithfully executed byseizing the lands, tenements, and furniture. We will not stop the readerto moralize on this disastrous event—the feelings of the familycan better be conceived than described.	At this moment a loud rap at the door interrupted the discourse, andthree men were ushered in, which proved to be the sheriff and hisattendants, sent by the more inexorable creditors of Alonzo’s father andcompany, to level on the property of theformer, which orders they faithfully executed, by seizing the lands,tenements and furniture.... We will not stop the reader to moralize on this disastrous event. Thefeelings of the family can better be conceived than detailed.
Hurled, in a moment, from the lofty summit of affluence to the lowvale of indigence, Christian philosophy after a while came to the aid ofthe parents, but who can realize the feelings of the son? Thus suddenlycut short, not only of his prospects offuture independence, but even presentsupport, what would be the event of his suit to Alida, and stipulatedmarriage? Was it not probable that her father would now cancel thecontract? Could she consent to become hisin his present penurious situation? and could he himself be willing to make her miserable?	Hurled in a moment from the lofty summit of affluence to the low and barren vale of poverty! Philosophy came to the aid of the parents, butwho can realize the feelings of the son! Thus suddenly cut short of hisprospects, not only of future independence,but even of support, what would be the event of his suit to Melissa, andstipulated marriage? Was it not probable that her father would nowcancel the contract? Could she consent to be hiswife in his present penurious situation? And indeed, could he himself, consent to make her hiswife, to make her miserable?
In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from a friend inthe neighbourhood of Alida, requesting himto come immediately to his house, whither he repaired the followingday.	In this agitated frame of mind he received a letter from his friendin Melissa’s neighborhood, requesting himto come immediately to his house, whither he repaired the followingday.
This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Theodore; he hadheard of the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathized in hisdistress. He had lately married and settled nearthe residence of Alida’s father. His name was Raymond.	This person had ever been the unchanging friend of Alonzo; he had heardof the misfortunes of his family, and he deeply sympathized in hisdistress. He had lately married and settled inlife;—his name was Vincent.
When Theodore arrived at the house of his friend, he was received withthe same disinterestedardour he had ever been before, in the day of his most unbounded prosperity.After being seated, Raymond told him the occasion of his sending for himwas to propose the adoption of certain measures which he doubted notmight be considered highly beneficial, as it respected his future peaceand happiness. “Your family misfortunes,” continued he, “have reached the ear of Alida’s father. I knowold people, generally speaking, too wellto believe he will now consent to receive you as his son-in-law underyour present embarrassments. The case is difficult, but notinsurmountable. You must first see Alida; she is now in the next room;I will introduce you in; converse with her, after which I will laymy plan before you.”	When Alonzo arrived at the house of his friend, he was received withthe same disinterested ardor he ever hadbeen in the day of his most unbounded prosperity. After being seated,Vincent told him that the occasion of hissending for him was to propose the adoption of certain measures which hedoubted not might be considered highly beneficial as it respected hisfuture peace and happiness. “Your family misfortunes (continued Vincent) have reached the ears of Melissa’sfather. I know the old gentleman toowell to believe he will consent to receive you as his son-in-law, underyour present embarrassments. Money is the God towhich he implicitly bows. The case is difficult, but notinsurmountable. You must first see Melissa; she is now in the next room;I will introduce you in; converse with her, after which I will laymy plan before you.”
Theodore entered the room. Alida was sitting by a window which lookedinto a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows where tall grass wavedto the evening breeze; further on, low valleys spread their umbrageousthickets where the dusky shadows of night had began to assemble. Onthe high hills beyond, the tops of loftyforests, majestically moved by the billowy gales, caught the sun’s lastray. Fleecy summer clouds hovered around the verge of the westernhorizon, spangled with silvery tints or fringed with the gold ofevening.	Alonzo entered the room; Melissa was sitting by a window which lookedinto a pleasant garden, and over verdant meadows, whose tall grass wavedto the evening breeze. Farther on, low vallies spread their umbrageousthickets, where the dusky shadows of night had begun to assemble. Onhigh hills beyond, the tops of lofty forests, majestically moved by thebillowy gales, caught the sun’s last ray. Fleecy summer clouds hoveredaround the verge of the western horizon, spangled with silvery tints orfringed with the gold of evening.
A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distancefrom the garden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence theAmerican wild dove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Alida.She was leaning on a small table as shesat by the window, which was thrown up. Her attention was fixed.She did not perceive Raymond and Theodore as they entered. They advancedtowards her; she turned, started, and arose. With a melancholy smileshe said shesupposed it was Mrs. Raymond who was approaching, as she had just leftthe room. Her countenance was dejected,which, on seeing Theodore, lighted up into a languid sprightliness. Itwas evident she had been weeping. Raymond retired, and Theodore andAlida seated themselves.	A mournfully murmuring rivulet purled at a little distance from thegarden, on the borders of a small grove, from whence the American wilddove wafted her sympathetic moaning to the ear of Melissa. She satleaning on a small table by the window, which was thrown up. Herattention was fixed. She did not perceive Vincent and Alonzo as theyentered. They advanced towards her. She turned, started, and arose. Witha melancholy smile, and tremulous voice,“I supposed (shesaid) that it was Mrs. Vincent whowas approaching, as she has just left the room.” Her countenance appeared dejected, which on seeing Alonzo,lighted up into a languid sprightliness. It was evident she had beenweeping. Vincent retired and Alonzo and Melissa seated themselves by the window.
“I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps too unseasonably,” saidTheodore. It is however the fault of Raymond; he invited me to walk intothe room, but did not inform me that you were alone. “Your presence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable,”replied Alida. I hope that you did not consider any formalitynecessary in your visits, Theodore?	“I have broken in upon your solitude, perhaps, too unseasonably (saidAlonzo); it is, however, the fault of Vincent, he invited me to walkinto the room, but did not inform me that you were alone.”—“Yourpresence was sudden and unexpected, but not unseasonable, (repliedMelissa.) I hope that you did not consider any formality necessaryin your visits, Alonzo?”
“I once did not think so,” answered Theodore; now I know not what tothink—I know not how to act. You have heard of themisfortunes of my father’s family, Alida?	Alonzo. I once did not think so. Now I know not what tothink—I know not how to act. You have heard of themisfortunes of my father’s family, Melissa?
“Yes, I have heard the circumstances attending that event,” said she;an event in which no one could be more deeply interested, except theimmediate sufferers, than myself.	Melissa. Yes. I have heard the circumstances attending that event, anevent in which no one could be more deeply interested, except theimmediate sufferers, than myself.
“Your father is also acquainted with my present situation,” saidTheodore; and how did he receive theintelligence? “With deep regret,” replied Alida.	Al. Your father is also acquainted with my present situation? Mel. He is. Al. How did he receive the intelligence? Mel. With deep regret.
Has he forbidden you to admit my addresses any longer? if even in anunqualified or indirect manner, it is proper I should know it.	Al. And forbade you to admit my addresses any longer? Mel. No. Not absolutely. Al. If even in an unqualified or indirect manner, it is proper Ishould know it.
“It certainly is,” said Alida. Soon after we received theintelligence of your family misfortunes, my father came into the roomwhere I was sitting: ‘Alida,’ said he, ‘your conduct has ever been thatof a dutiful child,—mine, of an indulgent parent. My ultimate wishis to see my children, when settled in life, happy and honourablyrespected. For this purpose I have bestowed on them a proper education,and design suitably to apportion my property among them. On their part, it is expected they will actprudently and discreetly, especially in those things which concern materially their future peace and welfare: theprincipal requisite to insure this is a proper connexion in marriage.’Here my father paused a considerable time, and then continued:‘I know, my child, that your situationis a very delicate one. Your marriage-day is appointed; it was named under the fairest prospects. By thefailure of Theodore’s father, those prospects have become deeplydarkened, if not totally obliterated.	Mel. It certainly is. Soon after we received the intelligence of yourfamily misfortunes, my father came into the room where I was sitting,“Melissa, (said he) your conduct has ever been that of a dutiful child;mine of an indulgent parent. My first, myultimate wish, is to see my children, when settled in life, happy andhonorably respected. For this purpose, I have bestowed on them aproper education, and design suitably to apportion my property between them. On their part, it is expected theywill act prudently and discreetly, especially in those things whichconcern their future peace and welfare; the principal requisite toensure this is a proper connexion in marriage.” Here my father paused aconsiderable time, and then continued, “I know, my child, that yoursituation is a very delicate one. Your marriage day is appointed; it wasappointed under the fairest prospects; bythe failure of Alonzo’s father, those prospects have become deeplydarkened, if not totally obliterated.
To commit your fortune through life to a person in his present circumstances, would be hazardous in theextreme. The day named can at least besuspended; perhaps something more favourable may appear. At any rate,I have too much confidence in your discretion to suppose that youwill, by any rash act, bring reproach either upon yourself or your connexions.’ Thus spake myfather, and immediately withdrew.	“To commit your fortune through life, to a person unable to support you, would be hazardous in theextreme. The marriage day can at least besuspended; perhaps something more favorable may appear. At any rate,I have too much confidence in your discretion, to suppose that youwill, by any rash act, bring either povertyor reproach upon yourself or your connexions.” Thus spake myfather, and immediately withdrew.
“In our present dilemma,” said Theodore, “what is proper to bedone?”	In our present dilemma, (said Alonzo) what is proper to be done?
“It is difficult to determine,” answered Alida. “Should my fatherexpressly forbid our union, or to see each otherat present, it is probable he will carry his commands intoeffect. I would advise you to call onhim to-morrow with your usual freedom. Whatever may be the event,I shall deal sincerely with you. Mrs. Raymond has been my friendand associate from my earliest years—Raymond you know. In them wecan place the utmost confidence. From them youwill be enabled to obtain information should I be prevented from seeingyou. My reliance on Providence, I trust, willnever be shaken, but my future prospects, at present, are dark andgloomy.”	It is difficult to determine, (replied Melissa.) Should my fatherexpressly forbid our union, he will go alllengths to carry his commands into effect. Although a tender parent, he is violent in his prejudices, andresolute in his purposes. I would advise you to call at my father’s house tomorrow, with your usualfreedom. Whatever may be the event, I shall deal sincerely withyou.... Mrs. Vincent has been my friend and associate from my earliestyears. Vincent you know. In them we can place the utmost confidence. Myreliance on Providence, I trust, will never be shaken, but myfuture prospects, at present, are dark and gloomy.
“Let us not despair,” said Theodore;“perhaps those gloomy clouds which now hover around us, may yet bedissipated by the bright beams of joy. Worthand innocence are the care of Heaven,—there rests my hope. To-morrow, as you propose, I willcall at your father’s. If I should be debarredin future from seeing you, I will write as formerly, and direct theletters to Raymond.”	Let us not despair, (answered Alonzo)perhaps those gloomy clouds which now hover around us, will yet bedissipated by the bright beams of joy. Innocence and virtue are the cares of Heaven. There lies my hope. To-morrow, as you propose, I willcall at your father’s.
Alida now returned home, attended by Theodore. A whip-poor-will tuned itsnightly song at a distance; but the sound whichhad so late appeared to them cheerful and sprightly, now passedheavily over their hearts.	Melissa now prepared to return home; a whipperwill tuned its nightlysong at a little distance; but the sound,late so cheerful and sprightly, now passedheavily over their hearts.
[CHAPTERXII.]
“O, happiness, deceitful in thy dream,” Though wreaths all blooming hang upon thy brow, And quick dissolves the visionary gleam, Succeeded soon by various scenes of wo.
When Theodore returned to the house of hisfriend, he unfolded the plan he had projected.	When Alonzo returned, Vincent unfolded the plan he had projected.
“No sooner,” said Raymond, “was Iinformed of your misfortunes, than I was convinced that Alida’s father(whom I have known for many years) wouldendeavour to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. And howeverhe may doat on his children, or value their happiness, he will nothesitate to sacrifice his better feelingsto the accom­plishment of his wishes to seethem independent. It appears thatyou have but one resource left. You and Alida are now engaged by the most solemn ties, by every rite exceptthose which are ceremonial; these I would advise you to enter into, andtrust to the consequences. Mrs. Raymond has proposed the scheme toAlida, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, she shudders atthe idea of a clandestine marriage; but when her father will proceed to rigorous measures, she will,I think, consent to the alternative.	“No sooner (said he) was I informed ofyour misfortunes, than I was convinced that Melissa’s father wouldendeavor to dissolve your intended union with his daughter. I have known him many years, and however he may dote onhis children, or value their happiness, he will not hesitate tosacrifice his other feelings to the acquirement of riches. It appeared that you had but one resource left. You andMelissa are now united by the most solemnties—by every rite except those which are merely ceremonial. These I would advise you to enterinto, and trust to the consequences. Mrs. Vincent has proposed thescheme to Melissa, but implicitly accustomed to filial obedience, sheshudders at the idea of a clandestine marriage. But when her fathershall proceed to rigorous measures, shewill, I think, consent to the alternative....” ...
The world is beforeyou, Theodore,” continued he; “you havefriends, you have acquirements which will not fail you. In a countrylike this you can scarcely help obtaininga competency, which, with the other requisites you have in your power, will not fail to insure your independence and felicity.”	“The world is before you, (answeredVincent) you have friends, you have acquirements which will notfail you. In a country like this, you can hardly fail of obtaining a competency, which, with the otherrequisites, will ensure your independence and felicity.”
“But the times have changed,” said Theodore, sincethe commencement of the war, and probably I may yet have to join thearmy. After I have made my visit on the morrow toAlida’s father, we will discourse furtheron the subject.	Alonzo informed Vincent what had been agreed uponbetween Melissa and himself, respecting hisvisiting her on the morrow; “after which (he said) we will discourse further on the subject.”
In the meantime, Theodore proceeded on the morrow, to make his intendedvisit. As he approached the house,he saw Alida sitting in a shady recess at one end of the garden, nearwhich the road passed. She was leaning with her head upon her hand in apensive posture; a deep dejection was depicted upon her features,which enlivened into a transient glow as soon as she saw Theodore. Shearose, met him, and invited him into the house.	The next day Alonzo repaired to the house ofMelissa’s father. As he approached he saw Melissa sitting in ashady recess at one end of the garden near which the road passed. Shewas leaning with her head upon her hand, in a pensive posture;a deep dejection was depicted upon her features, which enlivenedinto a transient glow as soon as she saw Alonzo. She arose, met him, andinvited him into the house.
Theodore was received with a cool reserve by all except Alida. Herfather saluted him with a distant retiring bow, as he passed with her to theparlour. As soon as they were seated, a lady who had lately come to reside some time in the family,(who was a relative of her father’s,)entered the room and seated herself bythe window, alternately humminga tune and staring at Theodore, without speaking a word.	Alonzo was received with a cool reserve by all except Melissa. Herfather saluted him with a distant andretiring bow, as he passed with Melissa toher room. As soon as they were seated, amaiden aunt, who had doubled her teens, outlivedmany of her suitors, and who had lately come to reside with the family, entered, and seated herself bythe window, alternately humming a tune, and impudently staring atAlonzo, without speaking a word....
This interruption was not of long continuance. Alida’s fatherentered, and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantlydone; he then addressed Theodore as follows:	This interruption was not of long continuance. Melissa’s fatherentered, and requested the two ladies to withdraw, which was instantlydone. He then addressed Alonzo as follows:
“When I gave consent for your unionwith my daughter, it was on the conviction that your futureresources would be adequate to support her honourably and independently.Circumstances have since taken place which render this point extremelydoubtful.” He paused for a reply, but Theodore was silent. He continued,“You, perhaps, may say that youracquirements, your prudence, and your industry, will procure you ahandsome income; but to depend on thesealtogether for your future exigencies is hazarding peace, honour, andreputation, at a single game of chance. If, therefore, you have noresources or expectations but such as these, your own judgment willteach you the necessity of immediately relinquishing all pretensions tothe hand of Alida, and from this time to breakoff all communication with my daughter.” He then immediately leftthe room.	“When I gave consent for you to marry mydaughter, it was on the conviction that your future resources would beadequate to support her honorably and independently. Circumstances havesince taken place, which render this point extremely doubtful....” Hepaused for a reply, but Alonzo was silent. He continued—“.... Youmay say that your acquirements, your prudence, and your industry willprocure you a handsome support. This well may do in single life, but to dependon these for the future exigencies of a family, is hazarding peace, honor andreputation, at a single game of chance. If, therefore, you have noresources or expectations but such as these, your own judgment willteach you the necessity of immediately relinquishing all pretensions tothe hand of Melissa”—and immediately left the room.
Why was Theodore speechless through the whole of this discourse? Whatreply could he have made? What were the prospects before him but miseryandwo? Where, indeed, were the means by which Alida was to be shielded fromindigence, if connected with hisfortunes?	Why was Alonzo speechless through the whole of thisdiscourse?—What reply could he have made? what were the prospectsbefore him but penury, want, misery andwoe! Where, indeed, were the means by which Melissa was to be shieldedfrom poverty, if connected with hisfortunes.
The idea was not new, but it came upon him atthis time with redoubled anguish. He arose and looked around forAlida, but she was not to be seen. He left the house and walked slowlytowards Raymond’s. At a little distance he met Alida who had beenstrolling in an adjoining avenue. He informed her of all that hadpassed; it was no more than they both expected, yet it was a shock theirfortitude could scarcely sustain. Disappointment seldom finds hervotaries prepared to receive her.	The idea was not new, but it came upon him with redoubled anguish. Hearose and looked around for Melissa, but she was not to be seen. He leftthe house, and walked slowly towards Vincent’s. At a little distance hemet Melissa, who had been strolling in an adjoining avenue. He informedher of all that had passed; it was no more than they both expected, yetit was a shock their fortitude could scarcely sustain. Disappointmentseldom finds her votaries prepared to receive her.
Alida told Theodore that she knew her father’s determinations werealtogether unchangeable at present. Her brother, shesaid, would be at home in a few days; how he would act on thisoccasion, she was unable to say; but were he ever so far their friend, he would have but feebleinfluence with her father. “What is to be the end of these troubles,”continued she, it is impossible toforesee. Let us trust in the mercy of Heaven, and submit to itsdispensations.	Melissa told Alonzo, that her father’s determinations wereunchangeable.... Her brother would be at home in a few days; how hewould act on this occasion she was unable to say: but were he even their friend he would have but feebleinfluence with her father and aunt. “Whatis to be the end of these troubles [continued Melissa] it is impossible to foresee; let us trust inthe mercy of heaven and submit to its dispensations.”
Theodore and Alida, in their happier days, had, when absent from each other, corresponded. This method itwas now thought best to resume. It wasagreed, besides, that Theodore shouldfrequentlyvisit Raymond’s, and Alida would resort therealso, as she should findopportunity. Having concluded on this, Alida returned home, and Theodoreto the house of his friend.	Alonzo and Melissa, in their happier days had, when absent,corresponded by letters. This method itwas now thought best to relinquish.—It was agreed that Alonzo shouldcome frequently to Vincent’s, where Melissa would meethim as she could findopportunities. Having concluded on this, Melissa returned home, andAlonzo to the house of his friend. ...
The next morningTheodore repaired to the dwelling where his aged parents now resided. His bosom throbbed with keen anguishwhen he arrived there: his own fate unconnectedwith that of Alida.	The next morningAlonzo returned to the hut where his aged parents now dwelt. His bosom throbbed with keen anguish. His ownfate, unconnected with that of Melissa, he considered of littleconsequence. But their united situation tortured his soul....
His father was absent when he first reached home, but returned soon after.A beam of joy gleamed upon his countenance as he entered the house.“Were it not, Theodore, for your unhappy situation,” said he, “we shouldonce more be restored to peace and happiness. A few persons who were indebted to me,finding that I was to be sacrificed by my unfeeling creditors, reservedthose debts in their hands, and have now paid me, amounting to somethingmore than five thousand pounds. With thisI can live as well and conveniently as I couldwish, and can spare some for your present exigencies,Theodore.”	Alonzo’s father was absent when hearrived, but returned soon after.A beam of joy gleamed upon his withered countenance as he entered the house. “Were itnot, Alonzo, for your unhappy situation, [said he] we should once morebe restored to peace and comfort.A few persons who were indebted to me, finding that I was to besacrificed by my unfeeling creditors, reserved those debts in theirhands, and have now paid me, amounting to something more than five hundred pounds. With this I have purchased a small, but well cultivated farm, withconvenient tenements. I have enough left to purchase what stock andother materials I need, and to spare some for your presentexigencies, Alonzo.”
Theodore thanked his father for his kindness, but told him that fromhis former liberality, he had yet sufficient for all his wants. “But your affair with Alida,” asked hisfather, “how is that likely to terminate?” “Favourably, I hope,sir,” answered Theodore.	Alonzo thanked his father for his kindness; but told him that fromhis former liberality he had yet sufficient for his wants, and that he should soon find business which would amplysupport him. “But your affair with Melissa, [asked his father]how is that likely to terminate?” “Favorably, I hope, sir,”answered Alonzo.
He could not consent todisturb the happy tranquil­lity of hisparents by reciting his own wretchedness. He passed a week with them.He saw them once more comfortably seated at a calmretreat in the country; he saw them serenely blestin the pleasures of returning peace, and a ray of joy illumined his troubled bosom.	He could not consent to disturb the tranquility of his parents byreciting his own wretchedness. A week passed away. Alonzo saw his parents removed to theirlittle farm, which was to be managed by his father and a hired man.He saw them comfortably seated; he saw themserenely blest in the calm pleasures ofreturning peace, and a ray of joy illuminated his troubled bosom. The 1804 newspaper serial has “illumined”, while all known book versionshave “illuminated”.
“Again the youth his wonted life regain’d, A transient sparkle in his eye obtain’d, A bright, impassion’d, cheering glow express’d The pleas’d sensation of his tender breast: But soon dark gloom the feeble smileso’erspread; Like morn’s gay hues, the fading splendours fled; Returning anguish froze his feeling soul; Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll!”	“Again the youth his wonted life regain’d, A transient sparkle in his eye obtain’d, A bright, impassion’d cheering glow express’d, The pleas’d sensation of his tender breast: But soon dark glooms the feeble smileso’erspread; Like morn’s gay hues, the fading splendors fled; Returning anguish froze his feeling soul, Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll.”
	This unidentified verse is also quoted in the later Memoirs of theNotorious Stephen Burroughs, 1765–1840 with different lines 3and 4.
His memory dwelt on Alida, from whomhe had heard nothing since he had lastseen her. He thought of the difficultieswith which he was surrounded. He thoughtof the barriers which were now opposed totheir happiness; and he immediately setout for the house of Raymond. He arrivedat his residence near the close of theday. Raymond and his lady were at tea, with several young ladies that had passed the afternoon there. Theodore cast an active glance at the company, in hopes to see Alida among them, butshe was not there. He was invited, and took a seat at table.	He thought of Melissa, from whom hehad heard nothing since he last saw her.He thought of the difficulties whichsurrounded him. He thought of the barrierswhich were opposed to his happiness and thefelicity of Melissa, and he set out for the house of Vincent. Alonzo arrived at the residence of Vincentnear the close of the day. Vincent and his lady were at tea with severalyoung ladies who had passed the afternoonwith Mrs. Vincent. Alonzo cast an activeglance around the company, in hopes tofind Melissa, but she was not there. Hewas invited and accepted a seat attable.
After tea was over, Raymond ledTheodore intoan adjoining room. “You have come in good time,” said he. “Somethingspeedily must be done, or you lose Alidaforever. The day after you were here, her father received a letter fromBonville, in which, after mentioning the circumstances of your father’sinsolvency, he hinted that the consequence would probably be a failureof her proposed marriage with you, which might essentially injure thereputation of a lady of her standing in life; to prevent which, and toplace her beyond the reach of calumny, he offered to marry her at anyappointed day, provided he had her free consent.	After tea Vincent led him into an adjoining room.—“You have comein good time, [said he] something must speedilybe done, or you lose Melissa forever. The day after you werehere, her father received a letter from Beauman, in which, aftermentioning the circumstance of your father’s insolvency, he hinted thatthe consequence would probably be a failure of her proposed marriagewith you, which might essentially injure the reputation of a lady of herstanding in life; to prevent which, and to place her beyond the reach ofcalumny, he offered to marry her at any appointed day, provided he hadher free consent.
As Bonville, by the recent death of his father, had been put inpossession of a splendid fortune, the proposition might possibly allure thefather of Alida, to use his endeavour to bring his daughter to yield implicitobedience to his wishes.	“As Beauman, by the recentdeath of his father, had been put in possession of a splendid fortune,the proposition allured her father,who wrote him a complaisant answer, with an invitation to his house. Hethen strove to extort a promise from Melissa, that she would break offall connexion with you, see you no more, and admit the addresses ofBeauman.
Were he to command her to live single, itmight be endured; but if he should endeavour topersuade her to discard you from her thoughts entirely, and togive her hand to a person she could have noesteem for, would be to perjure those principles of truth andjustice, which he himself had ever taught her to hold most inviolable.To add to Alida’s distress, Bonville arrived there yesterday, and, I hope in some measure toalleviate it, Albert, her brother, came this morning. Mrs. Raymond hasdespatched a message to informAlida of your arrival, and to desire her to come here immediately. Shewill undoubtedly comply with the invitation, if not prevented bysomething extraordinary.”	.... Were he to command her to live single, life might be endured; but to give her hand to any except you, would be to perjure thoseprinciples of truth and justice which he himself had ever taught her tohold most inviolable.... To add to Melissa’s distress, Beauman arrivedat her father’s yesterday; and I hope, insome measure to alleviate it, Edgar her brother came thismorning.—Mrs. Vincent has dispatched a message to inform Melissaof your arrival, and to desire her to come here immediately. She willundoubtedly comply with the invitation, if not prevented by somethingextraordinary.
Mrs. Raymond now came to the door of the room, and beckoned to herhusband, who went out, but soon returned,leading in Alida, after which he retired. “Oh, Theodore,” was all shecould say, her further utterance was interruptedby her tears. Theodore led her to a seat, and overcome by sadness was unable to speak. Recoveringat length, he begged her to moderate her grief.	Mrs Vincent now came to the door of the room and beckoned to herhusband, who went out, but immediatelyreturned leading in Melissa after which he retired. “Oh, Alonzo!” wasall she could say, and burst into tears.Alonzo led her to a seat, gently pressed herhand, and mingled his tears with hers but was unable to speak.Recovering at length he begged her to moderate her grief.
“Where,” said he, “is your fortitude, and your firmness, Alida, whichI have so often seen triumphing over affliction?” Her extreme anguishprevented a reply. Theodore endeavoured toconsole her, though consolation was a stranger to his own breast.	“Where is your fortitude and your firmness (said he) Melissa, which Ihave so often seen triumphing over affliction?” Her extreme anguishprevented a reply. Deeply affected and alarmedat the storm of distress which raged in her bosom, he endeavoured to console her, tho’ consolation was astranger to his own breast.
“Let us not,” said he, “increase our flood of affliction by a tide ofuseless sorrow. Perhaps more prosperous days are yet in reserve for us;happiness may yet be ours. Heaven cannot desert Alida,” said Theodore; “as well might it desert itsangels. This thorny path may lead to fair fields of light and verdure.Tempests are succeeded by calms; wars end in peace; the splendours ofthe brightest morning arise on the wings of blackest midnight. Troubleswill not always last.”	“Let us not Melissa (said he) increaseour flood of affliction by a tide of useless sorrow: perhaps moreprosperous days are yet in reserve for us; happiness may yet beours—never, never! (she exclaimed) Oh whatwill become of me! Heaven cannot desert you (said Alonzo) as well might it desert its angels.This thorny and gloomy path may lead tofair fields of light and verdure. Tempests are succeeded by calms, warsend in peace; the splendors of the brightest morning arise on the wingsof blackest midnight. “Troubles will not always last....”
The grief which had almost overwhelmedAlida, now began to subside, as the wavesof the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion after theturbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep and long drawn sighs succeeded.The irritation of her feelings had caused a more than usual glow uponher cheek which faded away as she became composed, until a lividpaleness spread itself over her features.	The rage of grief which hadoverwhelmed Melissa, began now to subsideas the waves of the ocean gradually cease their tumultuous commotion,after the turbulent winds are laid asleep. Deep sobs and long drawnsighs succeeded to a suffocation oftears. The irritation of her feelings had caused a more thanusual glow upon her cheek, which faded away as she became composed,until a livid paleness spread itself over her features.... ...
Raymond and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urgedthe propriety and necessity for Theodore andAlida to enter into the bands of matrimony. “The measure would be hazardous,” remarked Alida. “My circumstances,”said Theodore. “Not on that account,” interrupted Alida, “but the displeasure of my father.” “Come here, Alida, to-morrow evening,” said Mrs. Raymond. “In the mean time you will consider the matterand then determine.” To this Alida assented and prepared to returnhome.	Vincent and his lady now came into the room. They strenuously urgedthe propriety and the necessity of Alonzo andMelissa’s entering into the bands of wedlock immediately. “Themeasure would be hazardous,” remarked Melissa. “Mycircumstances”—said Alonzo. “Not on that account, (interruptedMelissa) but my father’sdispleasure”—“Will be the same, whether you marry Alonzo,or refuse to marry Beauman,” replied Vincent. Her resolution appeared tobe staggered. “Come here, Melissa, tomorrow evening (said Mrs. Vincent);meantime you will consider the matter, and then determine.”—Tothis Melissa assented, and prepared to return home.
Theodore attended her as far as the gate which opened into the yardsurrounding the dwelling. It wasdangerous for him to go further, lesthe should be discovered even by a domesticof the family. He stood here awhile lookinganxiously after Alida as she walked up the avenue, her white robes nowinvisible, now dimly seen, until they were totallyobscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the night, ere she reached the door of her father’s mansion.	Alonzo walked with her to the gate which opened into the yard surrounding her father’s house. It was dangerous for him togo farther. Should he be discovered with Melissa, even by a domestic of thefamily, it must increase the persecutionsagainst her. They parted. Alonzostood at the gate, gazing anxiously after Melissa as she walked up thelong winding avenue, bordered with the odor-flowing lilac, and lofty elm,her white robes now invisible, now dimly seen, as she turned the angles of the walk, until they weretotally obscured, mingling with the gloom and darkness of the night.
“Thus,” said Theodore, “fades the angel of peace from the visionaryeyes of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds ofearly morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent battle.” Withmournful forebodings he returned to the house of his friend. After passinga sleepless night, he arose and walked out into an adjoining field; he stood for some time, leaning, in deep contemplation,against a tree, when he heard quick footsteps behind him. He turnedaround, and saw Albert approaching. In amoment they were in each other’s arms, and mingled tears. They soon returned to Raymond’s where they conversed largely on present affairs.	“Thus, (said Alonzo) thus fades the angel of peace from the visionaryeyes of the war-worn soldier, when it ascends in the dusky clouds ofearly morning, while he slumbers on the field of recent battle.” With mournful forebodings he returned to the house of Vincent. He arose after asleepless night, and walked into an adjoining field. He stood leaning indeep contemplation against a tree, when he heard quick footsteps behindhim. He turned, and saw Edgar approaching; in a moment they were in eachother’s arms, and mingled tears. They returned to Vincent’s and conversed largely on present affairs.
“I have discoursed with my father on the subject,” said Albert;“I have urged him with every possible argument, to relinquish hisdetermination to keep you and Alidaseparate. I fear, however, he is inflexible.”	“I have discoursed with my father on the subject, (said Edgar)I have urged him with every possible argument to relinquish hisdetermination; I fear, however, he is inflexible.
“To endeavour to assuage the griefwhich rent Alida’s bosom was my next object, and in this I trust I havenot been unsuccessful. You will see her this evening, and will find hermore calm and resigned. You, Theodore, must exert your fortitude.The ways of Heaven are inscrutable, but they are right. We mustacquiesce in its dealings; we cannot alter its decrees. Resignation toits will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of those eminentvirtues which adorn the good man’s character, and will ever find a brilliant reward in the regions ofunsullied happiness.”	“To assuage the tempest of grief whichrent Melissa’s bosom was my next object, and in this I trust I have notbeen unsuccessful. You will see her this evening, and will find her morecalm and resigned. You, Alonzo, must exert your fortitude. The ways ofHeaven are inscrutable, but they are right. “We must acquiesce in its dealings. We cannot alter its decrees.Resignation to its will, whether merciful or afflictive, is one of thoseeminent virtues which adorn the good man’s character, and ever find abrilliant reward in the regions of unsullied splendor, far beyond trouble and the tomb.”
Albert told Theodore that circumstances compelled him that day toreturn to the city. “I would adviseyou,” said he, “to remain here until your affair comes to some finalissue. It must, I think, ere long, be terminated. Perhaps you andmy sister may yet be happy.”	Edgar told Alonzo that circumstances compelled him that day to depart for the army. “I would advise you,(said he) to remain here until your affair comes to some final issue. Itmust, I think, ere long, be terminated. Perhaps you and my sistermay yet be happy.”
Theodore feelingly expressed his gratitude to Albert. He found in himthat disinterested friendship which his early youth had experienced.Albert the same day departed for New-York.	Alonzo feelingly expressed his gratitude to Edgar. He found in himthat disinterested friendship, which his early youth hadexperienced.—Edgar the same day departed for the army. ...
The shades of night cameon almost insensibly, as Theodorewas anxiously expecting Alida. He anticipated the consolation her presence wouldbestow. Albert had told him she was more composed. The evening passedon, but she came not.	Night came on, andhe ardently and impatiently expected Melissa. He anticipatedthe consolation her presence would bestow. Edgar had told him she wasmore composed.... The evening passed on, but Melissa came not. Alonzo grew restless anduneasy. He looked out, then at his watch.
Raymond assured him she would soon be there. He paced the room, and then walkedout on the way whither she was expected tocome. He hesitated some time whether to advance or return. It waspossible, though not probable, that shemighthave come some other way. He hastened back to thehouse of his friend; she had not arrived.	Vincent and his lady assured him that she would soon be there. He paced his room. Still hebecame more impatient. He walked out on the way where she was expected to come.... .... Alonzo hesitated whether toadvance or to return. It was possible,though not probable, that Melissa mighthave come some other way. He hastened back to Vincent’s. She had not arrived.
“Something extraordinary,” said Mr. Raymond, “has undoubtedly prevented her coming. Perhaps she is ill.”Theodore shuddered at the suggestion. He looked at his watch: it waspast twelve o’clock. Again he hastilysallied out and took the road to her father’s.	—“Something extraordinary (said Mrs. Vincent) has prevented hercoming. Perhaps she is ill.” Alonzo shuddered at the suggestion. Helooked at his watch; it was half pasteleven o’clock. Again he hastily sallied out, and took the roadto her father’s.
The night was exceedingly dark, beingilluminated only by the feeble glimmering of the twinkling stars. Whenhe came within sight of the house, and as he drew near, no lights werevisible, all was still and silent. He entered the yard, walked up theavenue, and approached the door. A solemn stillness prevailedaround, interrupted only by the discordance of nightly insects. Thedwelling was shrouded in darkness. In Alida’s room no gleam of lightappeared.	The night was exceedingly dark, andilluminated only by the feeble glimmering of the twinkling stars. Whenhe came within sight of the house, and as he drew near, no lights werevisible, all was still and silent. He entered the yard, walked up theavenue, and approached the door.... A solemn stillness prevailedall around, interrupted only by thediscordance of the nightly insects, and the hooting of the moping owl, from theneighboring forest. The dwelling was shrouded in darkness. InMelissa’s room no gleam of light appeared.
“They are all buried in sleep,” said Theodore, deeply sighing, and Ihave only to return in disappointment.	“They are all buried in sleep, (said Alonzo, deeply sighing) and I haveonly to return in disappointment.” ...
Theodore now withdrew slowlyfrom the place, and repassed the way he came. As he went back through the garden, hefound a person standing at the foot of it, near the road. After a moment’s scrutiny, he perceived it to beBonville. “What, my chevalier,why are you here?” said he to Theodore.“Hast thou, then, eluded thewatchful eyes of Argus, and the vigilance of thedragon?”	Alonzo withdrew slowly fromthe place, and repassed the way he came. As he jumped back over the garden wall, hefound a man standing at its foot, very near him; after amoment’s scrutiny he perceived it to be Beauman. “What, mychevalier, [said he to Alonzo] suchan adept in the amorous science already? Hast thouthen eluded the watchful eyes of Argus, and the vigilance of thedragon!”
In Alonzo and Melissa, “Argus” and “the dragon” are twodifferent people, Melissa’s father and her aunt.
“Unfeeling and impertinent intruder!” retorted Theodore, “dost thou add impudence to thy interference? Go,”said he, “you are unworthy of my anger.Pursue thy grovelling schemes. Strive to win to your arms a lady whomust ever continue to despise you.”	“Unfeeling and impertinentintruder, [retorted Alonzo, seizing hold of him] is it not enoughthat an innocent daughter must endure a merciless parent’s persecutinghand, but must thou add to her misery by thy disgusting interference!”—“Quit thy hold, tarquin, [saidBeauman.] Art thou determined, after storming the fortress, to murderthe garrison?”—“Go,” said Alonzo, quitting him, “go sir; you are unworthy of my anger. Pursue thy grovelling schemes.Strive to force to your arms a lady who abhors you, and were itnot on one account, must ever continue todespise and hate you.”
“Theodore,” replied Bonville, “You and I were rivals in the pursuit for the hand of Alida. Whether from freak orfortune the preference was given to you, I know not; and I retired in silence. Fromcoincidence of circumstances, I think shewill now be induced to give the preference to me, especiallyafter her prospects of connecting with you are cut off by the events which ruined your fortune.	“Alonzo,” repliedBeauman, I perceive thou knowest me not. You and I were rivals in ourpursuit—the hand of Melissa. Whether from freak or fortune,the preference was given to you, and I retired in silence. Fromcoincidence of circumstances, her father has now been induced to give the preference to me. My belief wasthat Melissa would comply with her father’s will,especially after her prospects of connecting with you were cut off by the events which ruined yourfortune.
You, Theodore, have yet, I find, to learn the character of woman. It has been my particular study. Alida, nowardently impassioned by first impressions, irritated by recentdisappointment, her feelings delicate and vivid, her affectionsanimated, it would be strange if she could suddenly relinquish premature attachments founded on such premises.But remove her from your presence one year, with only distant anduncertain prospects of seeing you again, admit me as the substitute inyour absence, and she accepts my handas freely as she would now receive yours.	You, Alonzo, have yet, I find, to learn the character of women. It has been my particular study. Melissa, nowardently impassioned by first impressions, irritated by recentdisappointment, her passions delicate and vivid, her affections animatedand unmixed, it would be strange, if shecould suddenly relinquish primitiveattachments founded on such premises, without astruggle. But remove her from your presence one year, with onlydistant and uncertain prospects of seeing you again, admit me as thesubstitute in your absence, and she accepts my hand as freely as shewould now receive yours.
I had no design. It never was my wish to marry her without her free consent;—that I believe I shall yetobtain. Under existing circumstances it is impossible but that you mustbe separated. Then, when cool deliberation succeeds to the wild vagariesof fancy, she will discover the dangerous precipice to which her presentinclinations lead. She will prefer indifference and splendour to loveand a cottage.	I had no design—it was never my wish to marry her without herconsent. That I believe I shall yet obtain. Under existing circumstancesit is impossible, but that you must be separated for some considerable time. Then—when cooldeliberation succeeds to the wild vagaries, theelectric fire of frolic fancy, shewill discover the dangerous precipice, thedeadly abyss to which her present conductand inclinations lead.... She will prefer indifference andsplendor to love and a cottage.
“At present I relinquish all further pursuit; to-morrow I shall return home. WhenAlida, from calm deliberation, and the advice of friends, shall freelyconsent to yield me her hand, I shall return to receive it.I came from my lodgings this evening to declare these intentions toher father; but it being later than I was aware of, the family had goneto rest. I was about to return, but,looking back again at the house, to see if I could descry alight, I stood a moment by the garden gate, when you approached and discovered me.” So saying,he bade Theodore good night, and walked hastily away.	“At present I relinquish all further pursuit; to-morrow I returnto New London. When Melissa, from calmdeliberation and the advice of friends, shall freely consent to yield meher hand, I shall return to receive it. I came from mylodgings this evening to declare these intentions to her father, but itbeing later than I was aware of, the family had gone to rest. I wasabout to return, when I saw a light from thechamber window, which soon withdrew. I stood a moment by thegarden wall, when you approached anddiscovered me.” So saying, he bade Alonzo good night, and walked hastilyaway.
“I find he knows not the character of Alida,” said Theodore, as he pursued his way to Raymond’s. When he arrived at the house of his friend, he related all that had passed between himself and Bonville; and from what he related, theRaymonds concluded that Alida must be watched and guarded.	—“I find he knows not the character of Melissa,” said Alonzo,and returned to Vincent’s. The next day Alonzo told the Vincents of all that had passed....
Continuous text from Alonzo and Melissa ends here.
[CHAPTERXIII.]
	Anonymous Couplet, no later than 1770.
Friendship! thou sovereign balm of every care, When all serene and placidly appear; Domestic happiness! of that possessed, Then may we leave to Providence the rest.	Nor fell Despair, nor Noise invades the Ear; But all serene and placid does appear.
The father of Alida now thought proper to enterinto a second marriage. A lady of worth and understanding hadwrought upon his fancy, and won his particular regards. Her elegance ofmanner and dignified deportment engaged general attention; and althoughshe was rather advanced in life, yet “the remains of former beauty werestill visible in her appearance.” She was honourably descended from English parents,who had resided in New-York since the revolution. Her father had beenactively engaged in business there, which had been ultimately crownedwith the successful gifts of fortune. Her education had been governed by the strictnessof the English discipline. A foundation laid in early pietycontinued to influence her mind with unaffected ardour, blended with agenerous benevolence, the genuine effects of the inexhaustible goodnessof her heart. She was one who manifested to the world that a “doer ofgood” is far preferableto any other character, and in a superlative degree above those whomaintain high principles in theory, without ever once reducing them topractice. This lady had an only sister, who married a nativeof Ireland, and after the course of a few years went to reside there,where she had recently died. The children returned to this country,having lost their father long before, and several of her nephews nowresided in the city. Having been always accustomed to reside in townherself, where her many excellent qualities had endeared her to numerousfriends and acquaintances, who would now feel themselves lost withouther society, therefore the parents of Alida formed the conclusion topass their winters in the city, and return to the country in the summerseason. In the mean time, Alida’s father thought the eventfortunate, and was pleased at this time to remove his daughter from theplace where the late scenes appeared so trying and afflictive, with thehope that in mingling her with the gay world she would in a while forgetTheodore, while he in his turn would be induced to leave theneighbourhood.
	A&M
It was now at that season when weary summer hadlapsed into the fallow arms ofautumn, and was approaching to the chilly breezes of winter. Themorning was clear, and the light gales boreinvigoratingcoolness on their wings as they tremulouslyagitated the foliage of the western forest, or fluttered among thebranches of the trees that surrounded the mansion. The green splendoursof the lawn had faded into a yellow lustre; the flowery verdure of thefields was changed to a russet hue.	It was that season ofthe year when weary summer is lapsing into the arms of fallow autumn. The day had been warm, and the light gales bore invigorating coolness on their wings asthey tremulously agitated the foliage of the western forest, orfluttered among the branches of trees surrounding the mansion. The green splendors ofspring had begun tofade into a yellow lustre, the flowery verdure of the fields waschanged to a russet hue.
A robin chirped in afavourite tree in the yard; a wren chatteredbeneath, while some few solitary birds still continued to warbletheir notes among the leaves of the aspen. The surrounding groves partially rung with melody; while deep in the adjacentwilderness the woodpecker, hammering onsome dry and blasted trees, filled the woods with reverberantechoes.	A robin chirped on aneighboring oak; a wren chatteredbeneath, swallows twittered around the decayed buildings, theludicrous mocking bird sung sportively from the top of the highest elm,and the surrounding groves rung withvarying, artless melody; while deep in theadjacent wilderness the woodcock,hammering on some dry and blasted trees, filled the woods withreverberant echoes.
The face of the Sound was ruffled bythe lingering breezes, as they idly wandered over its surface. LongIsland was thinly enveloped in smoky vapour; scattered along its shoreslay the numerous small craft, with largerships, of the hostile fleet. A few skiffs were passing andre-passing the Sound. Several American war-sloops lay on a pointwhich jutted out from the mainland into theriver.	The sound was only ruffled by thelingering breezes, as they idly wandered over its surface. Long-Island,now in possession of the British troops,was thinly enveloped in smoky vapor; scattered along its shores lay thenumerous small craft and larger ships ofthe hostile fleet. A few skiffs were passing and repassing theSound, and several American gun-boats lay off a pointwhich jutted out from the main land, far to theeastward.
Alida walked leisurely around theyard, contemplating the various beautiesof the scene, the images of departed joys (thatshe was now about to leave). The days when Theodore participatedwith her in admiring the splendours of rural prospect, raised inher bosom the sigh of deep regret. She entered the garden, and traced the walks, now overgrown with weeds andtufted grass. The flower-beds were choked with the low running brambles,and tall rushes and daisies had usurpedthe empire of the kitchen garden. The viny arbour was principally goneto decay, and the eglantine blushedmournfully along the fences.	Melissa walked around the yard, contemplating the varying beauties of the scene: the images of departedjoys—the days when Alonzo had participated with her in admiringthe splendours of rural prospects, raised in her bosom the sigh of deepregret. She entered the garden and traversed thealleys, now overgrown with weeds and tufted knot grass. The flower beds were choaked with the lowrunning bramble and tangling five finger;tall, rank rushes, mullens and daisies, had usurped the empire of thekitchen garden. The viny arbour was broken,and principally gone to decay; yet the“lonely wild rose” blushed mournfully amidst the ruins.
Alida continued to walk the garden until theservant informed her that the carriage was waiting to take her to thecity. Although they set out rather late in the day, theyarrived in town some hours before sunset. They drove immediately totheir dwelling, which was situated in a pleasant part ofGreenwich-street, near the Battery.
Alida, after she had thrown off her travellingapparel, seated herself by the window in silence. Her mind was absorbedin deep reflection and thoughtfulness. She watchedthe slow declining sun, as it wassinking beneath the horizon. Pensivetwilight spread her misty mantle over the landscape. The western sky glowed with the spangles of evening;deepening glooms advanced. The last beam of day faded from the view, andall was enveloped in night. Innumerablestars glittered in the firmament, interminglingtheir quivering lustre with the pale splendours ofthe milky way.	She then retired to her chamber, seated herself at thewestern window, and watched the slow declining sun, as it leisurely sunk behind the lofty groves. Pensive twilight spread her misty mantle over the landscape; thewestern horizon glowed with the spanglesof evening. Deepening glooms advanced. The last beam of day faded fromthe view and the world was enveloped innight. The owl hooted solemnly in the forest, and the whipperwillsung cheerfully in the garden. Innumerable starsglittered in the firmament, intermingling their quivering lustre withthe pale splendours of the milky way.
When Alida was summoned to tea, her parents madevarious observations to endeavour to amuse her thoughts, and draw herfrom her taciturnity. After tea she again returned to the window, whereshe sat till a late hour, apparently in deep meditation, till at lengthgrowing weary and restless, she retired to her room.
As she had for several nights in succession slept but little, she soon fellinto a slumber, and did not awake till near the dawn of day. Shedid not close her eyes again to sleep. Daylightsoon appeared, and the cheerful sun darting his enlivening rays through the windows of this antique mansion, recovered her exhausted spirits,and dissipated, in some measure, the cheerless reflections that still continued tohover about her imagination.	.... As she, for twonights, had been deprived of her usualrest, she soon fell into a slumber. ... Daylight soon appeared, and the cheerful sun darting its enlivening rays through the crevices and windows of the antique mansion, recovered her exhausted spirits,and dissipated, in some degree, the terrors which hoveredabout her mind.
She arose, and went down to breakfast with spiritssomewhat revived, and changed to a temporary resignation to past eventsand recent occurrences. A thought impressed her mind which gave hernew consolation.
	A&M (Alonzo speaking)
“Who knows,” said she,“but that the sun of peace may yet dispel theglooms of these distressful hours, and restore this throbbingbosom to its former serenity?”	“Who knows (he said)but that this may finally be the case; but thatthe sun of peace may yet dispel the glooms of these distressfulhours!”
In the meantime, Theodore remained in theneighbourhood of Alida until he heard the family had left and gone tothe city. He then prepared himself to set out early the next day for thehabitation of his parents.
He informed Raymond of his promise to write toAlida, and to transmit letters through his agency for her inspectionevery convenient opportunity.
	A&M
After passing a weary watchful night, he arose at the first dawning of day, and proceeded on his journey with aheavy heart and painful reflections.	Alonzo journeyedalong with a heavy heart and in anenfeebled frame of spirits.
After he had passed through the neighbouringvillage, and gained the bridge, he lookedover and bade the residence of Alida a mournful farewell. Fearfulforebodings crossed his mind that they were separated forever; thenagain those more consolatory, that, perhaps, after a long delay, he andAlida might yet again meet and be happy.	He then, in extreme vexation and disappointment,flung himself into the sedan, and drove from the mansion. Frequently didhe look back at the building, anxiously did he scrutinize everysurrounding and receding object. A thrill of pensive recollectionvibrated through his frame as he passed the gate, and the keen agonizingpangs of blasted hope, pierced his heart, as his carriage rolled overthe bridge.
	A&M (before previous passage)
Traits of glory had painted the easternskies. The glittering day-star, having unbarred the portals of light,began to transmit its retrocessive lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly overthe moon’s decrescent form. Low, hollow winds murmured among the bushes,or brushed the limpid drops from the intermingling foliage.	Traits of glory now painted the easternskies. The glittering day-star, having unbarred the portals of light,began to transmit its retrocessive lustre. Thin scuds flew swiftly overthe moon’s decrescent form. Low, hollow winds, murmured among thebushes, or brushed the limpid drops from intermingling foliage.
The dusky shadows of night fled to the deep glens and rocky cavernsof the wilderness. TheAmerican lark soared high in the air, consecrating its matin lay tomorn’s approaching splendours.	The dusky shadows of night fled to the deep glens, and rocky caverns ofthe wilderness. The American lark soared high in the air consecratingits matin lay to morn’s approaching splendours.
The woodlands and forest tops on the high hillscaught the sun’s first ray, which, widening and extending, soon gemmedthe landscape with a varyingbrightness.	The forest tops, on high mountains, caughtthe sun’s first ray, which widening and extending, soon gem’d thelandscape with brilliants of a thousand variousdies.
It was late in the afternoon before Theodorearrived at his father’s. He found his parents contented and happy at their presentresidence, which was extremely pleasant, and afforded them manyaccommodations.	In pursuance of his design he went to his father’s. He found the oldgentleman, with his man contentedlytilling his farm, and his mother cheerfully attending to householdaffairs, as their narrow circumstances would not admit her to keep amaid without embarrassment....
“You have been long gone, my son,” said his father: “I scarcelyknew what had become of you. Since I have become a farmer, I knowlittle of what is going on in the world,and we were never happier in our lives. We live as independently as we could desire, and realize theblessings of health and contentment. Our only disquietude is on youraccount, Theodore. Your affair with Alida, I suppose, is not sofavourable as you could wish. But despair not, my son; hope is theharbinger of fairer prospects; rely on Providence, which never desertsthose who submissively bow to its dispensations.	“You have been long gone, my son, (said his father) I scarcelyknew what had become of you. Since I have become a farmer I know littleof what is going forward in the world; andindeed we were never happier in our lives... we live frugally, and realize theblessings of health, comfort andcontentment; our only disquietude is on your account, Alonzo. Youraffair with Melissa, I suppose is not so favourable as you couldwish, but despair not, my son; hope is the harbinger of fairerprospects; rely on Providence, which never deserts those whosubmissively bow to the justice of itsdispensations.”
	A&M (Benjamin Franklin speaking)
Place entire confidence and dependence on the Supreme Being,” said his father, “and the triumph of fortitudeand resignation will be yours.” His fatherpaused. His reasonings, however they convinced the understanding,could not heal the wounds of Theodore’s bosom. In Alida he had looked for as much happiness as earth could afford,nor could he see any prospect in life which could repair to him her loss.	“... place entire dependence on the SUPREME, and the triumph offortitude and resignation will be yours.” Franklin paused. His reasonings,however they convinced the understanding, could not heal the wounds ofAlonzo’s bosom. In Melissa he looked for as much happiness as earthcould afford, nor could he see any prospect in life which could repairthe loss he had sustained.
	A&M (previous sequence resumes)
Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, he did not wish to acquaint them with the whole affairof his troubles. He answered, that perhaps all might yet be well; that,however, in the present state of his mind, he thought a change ofplace and scene might be of advantage.He said, moreover, that he no longer had anexcuse, and that circumstances now compelled him to join thearmy.	Unwilling to disturb the serenity of his parents, Alonzo did not tell them his troubles; he answered thatperhaps all might yet come right, but that as in the present state of his mind hethought a change of situation might be ofadvantage, he asked liberty of his father totravel for some little time.
A sorrow unknown before seized upon the minds ofhis parents as Theodore repeated these words. Sad and dreadful ideascrowded their imagination at this gloomy period, when in the war’s dreademergency they must risk the life of an only son, to march to the fieldof battle. ’Tis true, he might be again restored to them, but were therenot a thousand chances to one? They were overwhelmed with sorrow atthese thoughts, till at length they finally felt themselves obliged toconsent to what they considered his inevitable destiny, leaving theresult of their united wishes and prayers for his safe preservation toan over-ruling Providence.
	A&M (continuing from mid-paragraph)
His father then offered him money hehad on hand to defray his expenses.Theodore refused,saying, his resources had not yet lefthim. He then disposed of his horses and carriages, the insignia of his better days,but now useless appendages.	To this his father consented, and offeredhim a part of the money he had on hand,which Alonzo refused, saying he did not expect to be long gone, and his resourceshad not yet failed him. He then sold off his books, his horses, his carriages, &c. the insignia of his better days, but nowuseless appendages from which he raised noinconsiderable sum.
After taking an affectionate leave of his parents, he set out the ensuing day to join his companions on theirroute to meet the army, which was far distant. When hostilities firstcommenced, Theodore had said, that when it became actually necessary,and his father’s affairs were settled, he would enlist in the service ofhis country.	He then took a tenderand affectionate leave of his parents, andset out for New-London. Middle of paragraph summarizes the earlier “He had an excuse...” passagein A&M.
Nevertheless, he journeyed with a heavy heart and an enfeebled frame of spirits,through disappointment, vexation, and fatigue. The scenes he hadso lately experienced moved in melancholy succession over his mind, and his despondencyhad not abated, even in a small degree, when he reached the army.	Alonzo journeyed alongwith a heavy heart and in an enfeebled frame of spirits. Through disappointment, vexation,and the fatigues he had undergone inwandering about, for a long time, in search of Melissa, despondency had seized upon hismind....
	Interesting Events: Battle at Queenstown
He now joined the forces under Colonel Van Renssalaer, “who, with a detachment of about one thousand men, crossed the river Niagara, andattacked the British on Queenstown heights. This detachment succeeded indislodging the enemy, but not being reinforced by the militia from theAmerican side, as was expected, they were ultimately repulsed, andobliged to surrender. Eight hundred British soldiers now came to the aid of the others, and pressed on to renewthe attack. The Americans for a time continued to struggle against thisforce,but were finally obliged to surrender themselves prisoners of war.”	Early in the morning of the 13th of October, 1812,a detachment of about 1000 men, from the army of the Centre, crossed the river Niagara and attacked the British onQueenstown heights. This detachment, under the command of ColonelSolomon Van Rensellaer, succeeded in dislodging the enemy, but not being reinforced bythe militia, from the American side, as was expected, they wereultimately repulsed, and were obliged to surrender. ... Eight hundred British soldiers, from fortGeorge, now hove in sight, andpressed on to renew the attack. The Americans, for a time, continued tostruggle against this force, but were finally obliged to surrenderthemselves prisoners of war.
The fate of war was hard for Theodore, on his firstexpedition. He was taken, and carried among the rest on board aprison-ship, and sent with a number of others to England. This paragraph summarizes the equivalent of several chapters ofAlonzo and Melissa.
	Interesting Events: Capture of York
This disastrous event, however, was shortlyfollowed by one more fortunate for the Americans. “General Dearborn embarked at Sackett’s Harbour, with sixteenhundred men, on an expedition against York, and succeeded in thecapture of that place.	Gen. Dearborn embarked at Sackett’s Harbor, with sixteen hundred men,on an expedition against York....
“York was the seat of government for UpperCanada, and the principal depot for the Niagara frontier. Morenaval stores were taken by the Americans than could be carried away. Thegovernment hall was burned, contrary to the orders of the Americangeneral.	... more naval stores were taken by the Americans than could becarried away.... York was the seat of governmentfor Upper Canada, and the principal depot for the Niagarafrontier, and Detroit.... In thegovernment hall ... the mace and other emblemsof power. This building was burned, contrary to the orders of theAmerican General.
[CHAPTERXIV.]
“See, winter comes,” and boisterous onits way, See darkening clouds obscure the cheerful day; Its hollow voice is muttering in the gale, While chilling hail and snow the earth assail.	The phrase in quotation marks is from Thomson’s Seasons (seesecond paragraph, below).
Some length of time had elapsed since the familyhad been settled in the city, and the cool breezes of autumn had changedto the hoarse murmuring gales of winter. No sound scarcely was heardexcept blustering winds, or their whistling murmurs around the angles ofthe mansion, blended with the more slow, monotonous cadence of theadvancing waves of the Hudson.
	Thomson: Seasons: Winter, first three lines
The evenings were cold, dark, and gloomy, exceptwhen the resplendent rays of the moon’s mild lustre was seen dispensingits light and cheering influence, dissipating, in a material degree, thedreariness of the evenings of this inclement season. Winter hadcommenced, “sullen and sad, with all his risingtrain.” “Vapours, and clouds, andstorms,” succeeded each other. Instead of copious showers ofrain, snow and ice were spread over the pavement in heavy masses.	See, Winter comes, to rule the variedyear; Sullen and sad, with all his risingtrain; Vapours, and Clouds, and Storms....
	Robert Bloomfield: The Farmer’s Boy; a Rural Poem (1798,quoted from 1820): Winter
One evening as a storm was approaching, and thewinds blew tremendously, and the snow began tofall in abundance, Where now, thought Alida, is Theodore? though the cold may pierce and storms molest him, yet there is no friend to sympathise with him inhis distress, or to mitigate the heaviness of his cheerless hours, andshed the rays of gladness over his troubled mind.	Him, though thecold may pierce, and storms molest, Succeeding hours shall cheer with warmth and rest; Gladness to spread, and raise the grateful smile,
	The Merchant’s Daughter
How great the contrastis now with his former fortunes, how severe his afflictions! Hefeels not so much the loss ofwealth, but he sighs for the smiles of former associates and friends. She looked upon her finger, there was the ring hehad given her in happier days. This she vowedto keep and cherish, through every trialand affliction. It was Theodore’s last gift. Where was he now? Whatdangers he may have encountered, and whathardships endured! and what might he not yet have to suffer,ere she should behold him again, if indeed she evershould. She had not heard from him in a long time. Hehad promised to write—why was he notfaithful to his promise?	How great thecontrast—how severe her afflictions!She felt not the loss of wealth,she sighed not forthe smiles of former associates.... She looked upon her finger, therewas the plain gold ring—theonly one of all her jewels that she had not parted with—she vowed she would keepand cherish it through every trial andaffliction—it was George’s last gift. Where was he now? Whatdangers he must have encountered, whathardships endured; and what might he not yet have to suffer before he returned, ifindeed he ever shouldreturn—she had not heard from him in a longtime; and when he last wrote he was ignorant of her father’sfailure. Would he be faithful to his plight inthis reverse of fortune?
Thus meditated Alida. At length she articulated ina calmer tone, and her feelings became more composed.
	A&M (Alonzo speaking)
Infinite Ruler of events! Great Sovereign of this ever-changingworld! Omnipotent Controller of vicissitudes! Omniscient Dispenser ofdestinies!In thy hands are all things terrestrial, and thecondition of our lives are at thy disposal. The beginning, theprogression, and the end is thine.Unsearchable are thy purposes!— mysterious thy movements!—inscrutable thy operations! Thy will must bedone. To bow in submission to thydecrees, is right:— for we areunable to scrutinize the past, andincompetent to explore the future.	Infinite Ruler of all events; GreatSovereign of this ever changing world! Omnipotent Controller ofvicissitudes! Omniscient Dispenser of destinies! The beginning, theprogression, the end is thine. Unsearchable are thy purposes! mysteriousthy movements! inscrutable thy operations! Anatom of thy creation, wildered in the mazes of ignorance and woe,would bow to thy decrees. Surrounded withimpenetrable gloom, unable to scrutinize the past, incompetent toexplore the future—
Alida had lived retired since she had been in town,although in the midst of gay scenes of every description. Theacquaintance she had made were few. Her second mother had no relativesthere, except her sister’s children, which formed a principal part ofher society. Alida [page 105] (chapter XIII),referring to Alida’s “second mother”, says that “her many excellentqualities had endeared her to numerous friends and acquaintances”.
Her oldest nephew was about twenty-five years ofage. The personal appearance of Mr. Bolton was highly prepossessing. Hewas particularly distinguished for his genuine politeness, affability,and witticism. He inherited a considerable patrimony from hisgrandfather, which proved to be a disadvantage, as it prevented him fromapplying himself to any particular occupation. Since his aunt’smarriage, and his acquaintance with Alida, his visits had becomefrequent, accom­panied with partial attention; though on her part,indifference was visible, as his earnestassiduities, were altogether unexpected, and implied a thing she had notthought of. No one had as yet observed his growing fondness andpredilection for Alida, except her father, to whom it was by no meanspleasing. The habitual idleness of this young gentleman, caused him in agreat measure to pass over the consideration of his many excellentqualities.
	The Merchant’s Daughter (describing the young lover)
Among those, with whom Alida had become acquaintedduring her residence in the city, was the son ofan old friend of her father’s.	George Gilmore was the son ofan old friend of the family....
	The Merchant’s Daughter (describing the merchant)
This gentleman had placeamong the merchants in Broadway, and who,by a long course of industrious trading had amassed a handsomecompetency. There was something peculiar inhis air and manner, which distinguished him among the men ofbusiness.	Mr. Alstyne was amerchant in New York, who, by a long courseof industrious trading had amassed a handsome competency. There was asomething in his air and manner which distinguished him in Wallstreet—
Speak of a person of commanding aspect, tall, slender, andmajestic; quick in step, fluent in speech,with large light blue eyes, andlight hair, approaching a little to theyellow. That was Mr. More. There was a neatness and uniformity in his appearance anddress. He might have been known by his blue suit, white vest, and cambric handkerchief. He was polite and agreeable, and by hisassociates, he was much esteemed as an acquaintance. His judgment wasmature in regard to his business. He managed his affairs with prudenceand economy, and still stood firm amid the shock of failures aroundhim.	speak of a man about fifty years of age, stout, not corpulent;quick in step, fluent in speech, with alively black eye, and dark hair slightly silvered on the temples,—that was Mr. Alstyne. There was aneatness and uniformity too, in hisdress—he might have been known by his blue coat, white marseilles vest, black pantaloons, and linencambric napkin....
Though his means were ample,his expenditures were not extravagant;every thing about him partook ofthe convenient and useful. Suitably free from the fashion mania which sometimes attack young people likean epidemic, he preferred rational pleasures, and the company of a few young men of liberal views andsentiments, to the empty display and unsubstantialshow, which wins the smile of moneyed plebians.	Though his means were ample, his expenditures were moderate: every thing around him was neat and plain,and intended only for use. Freefrom the fashion-mania which at that timeattacked certain people like anepidemic, he preferred comfort and ease at hisown fireside, and the company of a few friends to the empty display, and unsubstantial showwhich win the smile of moneyed plebeians.
His general deportment, his countenance and manner,discovered a mind and disposition, that had always been accustomed tounremitting indulgence. He was ardent in friendship; possessing a heartof the keenest sensibility, with a scrupulous regard for the feelings ofothers. He had been much in female society—in company with theamiable and intelligent.
Still he had never seen any one that he thought waspossessed of congenial feelings, or whosemind would assimilate with his own.	He married, when young, a lady of congenial feelings....
When he became acquainted with Alida, hissensations were awakened to a new influence;—that he did notattempt to banish from his mind. He never before had seen any one hethought so worthy of esteem, or so calculated to inspire himwith lasting friendship.
“The kindness, and sincerity of her heart, speaks in her artless manner,” said he, (as he was one eveningreturning home from her father’s.) “She delights the old and captivates the young. Yet her beauty is not so dazzling at first glance, but every day thatshe is seen, the more her features charm, the more her manners please. Innocence dwellsin the silvery curls of her light auburn hair, that waves over her shoulders in simple elegance.She has been rearedwith proper care and attention,and educated not to shine in a ball-room,but with a soft soothing friendship, to dissipate ennui and gloom, andmake the happiness of the domestic circle.”	... the sincerity ofher artless smile delighted the old and captivated the young. Her face was of thegrecian mould, — beautiful, yet her beautywas not so dazzling as at a first glance to holdthe gazer in thrall — but every day that shewas seen, the more her features charmed, the more her manners pleased. The fresh bloom of health sported on hercheek, and innocence dwelt in the rich curls ofher dark hair, that waved over a pure and stainless neck. In everymotion of her sylph-like form was gayety and unaffected grace. She was reared withtender care, and educated not to shine in aball-room, or flirt at a “rout,” but to make a frugalhousewife....
[CHAPTER XV.]
Come, Contemplation, with thy boundless gaze, Inspire my song, while I his merits praise, A true description of his greatness name, And fame’s bright annals, shall record the same.
Many were at this time risking their lives indefence of American liberty, and privileges;—nor were there atpresent any prospects of conciliatory measures between the contendingpowers. It became necessary for the people in the meantime, to callforth all their energies and patriotism, with the utmost exertion ontheir parts—in support of their country, in order to maintain theburden of the arduous conflict in which it was engaged, and sustain thepresent contest with honour to themselves, and with the hope that itsfinal settlement might be to the satisfaction of America, and the futureprosperity of the nation.
	Lives of Signers: Bartlett of New Hampshire (quotation marks inoriginal)
Many heroes ventured forth to the field of battle,with the ardent endeavour, still to preserve their independence; whileat the same time the hearts of many werefailing them withfear.	“when every face gathered blackness, and the stoutest men’s heartswere failing them for fear;”
	Lives of Signers: Hancock of Massachusetts
It was a time for the patriot to use his influence to animate othersanew to bravery, and persuade them to be zealous, in a just cause; atthis season of generalexcitement, in which the feelings of the whole community hadbecome strongly interested. Party spirit, and the conflicting interests of the different states were found to operate injuriously onmany in their commercial transactions. The peoplewere impoverished by the expenses of the war. Some were in debt. Creditors resorted to legal measuresto enforce a collection of their demands, which involved many familiesin deep embarrassment. Peace was sighed for by the multitude, butthere were yet no signs of its realization.	Seasons of much excitement, in which the feelings of a whole community arestrongly interested.... ... Conflicting interests of different states were found to operateinjuriously on those of individuals, intheir commercial transactions.... The people were impoverished by theexpenses of the war. Many were in debt.Creditors resorted to legal measures to enforce a collection of theirdemands, which involved many families in deep embarrassment.
	Interesting Events: Battle on Lake Erie
An engagement had just taken place on Lake Erie.The American fleet was commanded by Commodore Perry, a young officer; thatof the British under Com. Barclay, an old andexperienced officer, who had served under Nelson.	The American fleetconsisted of nine vessels, carrying fifty-four guns, commanded by Commodore Perry, a young officer. TheBritish fleet of six vessels andsixty-three guns, under Commodore Barclay, an oldand experienced officer, who had served under Nelson.
After a contest of three hours the Americans gained a complete victory, and captured everyvessel of the enemy. Commodore Perry announced this victory in thefollowing laconic style: “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.” TheAmericans took six hundred prisoners, which exceeded their whole number engaged in the action.	After a contest of three hours the Americanfleet gained a complete victory, and captured every vessel of theenemy. Commodore Perry announced this victory in the following laconicstyle:— “We have met the enemy, and they are ours!” The Americans.... took six hundred prisoners, which exceeded the whole number ofAmericans engaged in the action.
	Interesting Events: Death of Tecumseh (immediately afterpreceding passage)
This battle was succeeded, several weeksafterwards, by another that was alike fortunate, between the American army under General Harrison, and theBritish under Gen. Proctor, in which theywere defeated,and Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans.	On the 5th of October, a battle was fought between the American army under Gen. Harrison, and theBritish, under Gen. Proctor, in which theBritish were defeated, and Detroit fell into the hands of theAmericans.
	Sketch of Harrison (disconnected passages throughout)
The success of this action may be entirelyattributed, (under the favour of heaven,) to the abilities and military skill of General Harrison.	his patriotism, his abilities, and hismilitary skill.
After General Hull had tamely surrendered to the British this important post, with the gallant force that composed the garrison, an event which spreadconsternation far and wide throughout the western country, and greatlyincreased the difficulty and arduous nature of Gen. Harrison’s duties, he immediately organized thebrave troops under his command, and commenced a course of rigiddiscipline, and military trainings, with the confident hope ofretrieving the consequent disasters of this proceeding.	About this time the cowardice and imbecilityof General Hull tamely surrendered to the British the important post ofDetroit, with the gallant force which composed its garrison. This event spread consternation, far and wide, throughthe western country, and greatly increased the difficulty and arduousnature of Governor Harrison’s duties. Heimmediately organized the brave troops under his command, and commenceda course of rigid discipline and military training: with the confidenthope of retrieving the disastersconsequentupon the cowardly surrender ofDetroit.
The American army advanced in order of battle, and were in the immediate neighbourhood of the enemy; thereconnoitering parties brought in intelligence of the dispositionsProctor had made, wherein he had committed an irretrievable error in ranging his regular soldiers in order, and extending hisline by placing the files at a distance of three or four feet from eachother. Harrison, with the rapid decision of an able general,instantly availed himself of the error of his opponent. The extended andweakened line of the enemy, could offer but a feeble resistance to thecharge of his gallanttroops, who dashed forward	General Proctor.... committedan irretrievable error, in placing hisregular soldiers in open order, and extending his line by placing thefiles at a distance of three or four feet from each other. The American army advanced in order of battle, and when in the immediate neighbourhood of the enemy, thereconnoitering parties brought in intelligence of the dispositionsProctor had made. Harrison, with the rapid decision of an able general,instantly availed himself of the error of his opponent.... The extended and weakened line of the enemy could offer but a feeble resistance tothe charge of these gallant troops; whodashed through their ranks....
	Sketch of Harrison (as governor of Indiana)
at the earnest solicitation of the people of the territory,—andwith the public expression of the most flattering approbation, on thepart of the chief executive;—till atlength they gained a complete victory.	... he was re-appointed, at theearnest solicitation of the people of the territory, and with the publicexpression of the most flattering approbation on the part of our chiefexecutive....
The various and arduous duties of the governor of Indiana, required,for this office, a man of very superior abilities—onepossessed of stern integrity and prudent moderation, accom­panied bythe most unwavering firmness. Such a man Governor Harrison, in the longcourse of his administration, fully proved himself to be.	The various and arduous duties of governor of Indiana required, forthis office, a man of very superior abilities — one possessedof stern integrity and prudent moderation, accom­panied by the mostunwavering firmness. Such a man Governor Harrison, in the long course ofhis a administration fully proved himself to be....
And in acting his part as a general he merits noless the applauses of his countrymen, in training and leading theirarmies to victory. The nervous and impassionedeloquence, and classical felicity of illustration, with which heenforced his arguments, gained him much applause and influence,—	... his remarkable readiness in debate soonrendered him a prominent member, and the nervousand impassioned eloquence, and classical felicity of illustration withwhich he enforced his arguments, gained him muchinfluence.
and discovered his abilities to be of the highestorder, blended with the truest republicanprinciples;—	... with abilities of thehighest order, with integrity pure as the unsullied snow, andwith the truest republicanprinciples....
in which were manifested an ardent zeal for the good of hiscountry, and an earnest desire to serve her best interests.	an ardent love forhis country, and an earnest desire to serve herbest interests....
Though vested with unusual powers, both asgovernor and general, he was never known during the whole of his command, to exercise his authority in anunjust or oppressive manner. His measures were energetic but alwaysqualified by his characteristicmoderation and humanity, joined withintegrity, prudence, and capacity for civil government.	though vested with unusual powers, GeneralHarrison was never known, during the whole of his command, toexercise his authority in an unjust or oppressive manner. His measureswere energetic, but always qualified by his characteristic moderationand humanity.... ... ...integrity, prudence, and capacity for civil government.
Many high encomiums were lavished upon him by those whose friends andneighbours had participated in thiscampaign, and who were consequently familiar with its details, and withthe merits of their commander.	This high encomium came from those whose friends and neighbours hadparticipated in the late campaign, and whowere consequently familiar with its details, and with the merits of thecommander.
And Detroit is destined to beremembered, as the place of the battleground of one of the most remarkable and decisive actions that took place during the late war.	... a place which is destined to be remembered, as the battleground of one of the most remarkable and decisive actions fought duringthe war.
Shortly after this action was over, Bonville, whowas one among the soldiers, returned to New-York. He furnished plausiblereason, and obtained a furlough from his commanding officer, for leaveof absence. In the meantime, he thought again to visit Alida; he had atpresent a double motive again to address her,—and if he shouldprove successful, her expected fortune would make him ample amends forwhat he had squandered away in scenes of folly. And if the father ofTheodore had become a bankrupt by misfortune, he had now almost becomeone by dissipation and extravagance.
Albert had been extremely busy through the day, andwas just returning home from his store in Pearl-street one evening, whenhe met Bonville in Broadway on his way to his father’s. He accostedhim in a very friendly manner, and then interrogated him by numerousquestions concerning the family,—and very inquisitively withregard to his sister. Albert made no reply that gave him any particularsatisfaction.
	Alida [page 158] (chapter XXI)
When they arrived at the house, they found nocompany except Mr. More. Alida was truly shockedand surprised at this unexpected visit from Bonville, who she hadno idea was in town. After making to her his compliments, and expressinghis pleasure at finding her well, he by degrees drew her into aconversation which lasted the greater part of the evening. He offered anill-timed consolation for the absence ofTheodore, and affected much regret,—although he said his case wasnot as deplorable as that of many others, as he was still among theliving.	Alida was truly shocked andsurprised at a proposition so unexpected from Mr. Bolton.... A&M (Melissa speaking) My aunt added her taunts to his severities, andBeauman interfered with his ill timedconsolation.
	Alida [page 168] (chapter XXIII)
That though he was a person he could not esteem,still he had felt so far interested in his welfare, as to makeparticular inquiries how the British were accustomed to treat theirprisoners. He then gave some darkintimations against his general character, which could not failto throw over the mind of Alida a deep dejection.	He expressed his surprise, and after giving manydark intimations of his perfidy, he changedthe subject....
She was now apprised of the fate ofTheodore:—She was unable to suppress the feelings of sorrow, thatthese words of Bonville had excited. She remained silent; whollyengrossed by the confused thoughts and sad ideas, that arose insuccession inher mind, till at length she became regardless of all around her.
The penetrating eyes of Mr. More were fixed uponher during this conversation. He seemed wholly insensible to every otherobject. He was apprehensive that her heart was insensible to the strongaffection that pervaded his own,—and he thought should she proveincapable of loving like himself, and should become devoted to another,thoughts he could scarcely endure,—though they sometimes impressedthe idea that she might never be interested in his favour. Hope wouldagain flatter him with the pleasing thought, that her bosom may havebeen fraught with congenial feelings, and her heart beat with sensationseven more fervent than his own. Her image filled his waking thoughts,and disturbed with visionary happiness his sleeping hours,—yet itseemed to his devoted mind the love of merit alone; and he imagined thatwhile she was happy, he could never be altogether otherwise.
After Mr. More and Bonville had taken leave, andher parents had retired to rest, Alida remained by the fire-side till alate hour. She was meditating on recent circumstances, on the many latetrying events which had crowded so rapidly that they could scarcely besaid to succeed each other, and which had given so great variety to herlife, that for years hadrolled on in the same peaceful, unvaried course. She felt displeased atBonville for his insinuations concerning Theodore, which were ungenerousand ill-natured,—while he seemed to flatter himself with the ideathat she would become forgetful of him. He had hitherto yielded to everyselfish propensity, without once seriously reflecting on itsconsequences to himself or others. His understanding, warped byprejudice, and without control, often misled him, and the superiority anelevated station gave him caused him to neglect to practice those betterprinciples of which his nature might have been capable. His pride wouldsuffer to see Alida united to another, therefore he was determined notto relinquish her. He concluded that finally she would look uponTheodore with indifference, and become favourably disposed towardshimself; while his regard for her should prove unchange­able. That,unacquainted as she was with the world, she would at length be broughtto accede to his wishes. That his rhetoric operating on her inexperiencewould ultimately influence her in his favour.
[CHAPTERXVI.]
	NY Weekly: On the recovery of an Only Child from the Small-pox,lines 1–8
“Dejection pales thy rosy cheek, And steals the lustrefrom thine eye; The minutes of each tedious hour, Are mark’d by sadanxiety: “And all thy soft, endearing smiles, That spoke with suchexpressive grace, Alas! are fled, and only care Is seen upon that pensive face.”	When sickness pal’d thy rosy cheek, And stole the lustre from thineeye, The minutes of each tedious hour Were mark’d by sad anxiety. For all thy soft endearing smiles, Which spoke with such expressivegrace, Alas! were fled, and only pain Was trac’d upon thy cherub face.
	Alida [page 153] (chapter XX)
The sublime works of nature had shed abroad theircheering influences, and the mild and salubrious breezes of spring hadsucceeded to the blustering gales of winter. The parents of Alida madepreparation to return to the country. Alida’s father was declining inhealth. He had imparted to his son his wish forhim to close and settle his mercantile affairs in the city, (as the times were dreary,) and return to the paternal estate.	He had long wished him to close his affairs ofbusiness in the city, and settle himselfon the paternal estate. Alida [page 206] (chapter XXIX) It had long been the wish of his parent, that heshould close his business in New-York, and settle himself onthe paternal estate.
	Lives of Signers: Thornton of New Hampshire
In the meantime, Albert’s assistance was necessaryto alleviate his father, as he was now advanced inyears, and had principallyrelinquished all public business,except attending to its calls only when requestedin cases of emergency.	Being advanced inyears, he principally relinquishedthe business of his medical profession,attending to its calls only when requested incases of special urgency.
Mr. Bolton had been with the family several days,and attended them on board the steamboat. One would scarcely supposethat so interesting anexterior as his, blended with highly polished manners, should not havemade some impression on the mind of Alida if her heart had beendisengaged. Besides, he was a person too amiable not to be esteemed. Hisideas with regard to Alida were altogether sanguine. He believed, assoon as he should ask the consent of her parents, he would easily obtainhis wishes. He considered his own fortune already sufficient, withoutseeking more in the din of business. And he possessed many otheradvantages which pleaded in his favour. With these hopes of assuredsuccess, he made proposals to her father. The manner in which her fatherreplied to him was altogether discouraging, which excluded the hope ofhis ever gaining the hand of his daughter by his consent. This denialwas a sensible cause of chagrin to Mr. Bolton, but yet it did notdiscourage him.
The impatience sometimes of obtaining a thing whichis refused to us, renders it still more desirable, and the heart isnever in a greater flutter than when it is agitated with the fear oflosing the object it most wishes to gain. Moreover, he believed thatAlida was already interested in his favour, and he determined to suggestto her, the first opportunity, the plan to elope with him, and thus putit out of the power of her father to impede their happiness.
The day was calm and serene, and the airinvigorating. The steam-boat floated slowly upon the waters inmonotonous movement. There was music on board. A company of militiawere going to the village of ——, where they usually paradedthe town for several hours, took dinner at the hotel, and then returnedagain to the city.
Alida remained on deck nearly the whole way, to bea spectator of the various, beautiful landscapes that presentedthemselves on the river, particularly at this season of the year.A gentle breeze sprung up as they passed the little islands at theentrance of the bay, on whose glassy surface the sun shone with meridian splendour, illustrating the peculiarbeauty of the diversified scenery. In the course of a few hours theyarrived at the village of ——, where they obtained aconveyance to take them on to their family residence, where they arrivedsome time in the afternoon. The phrase “shone with meridian splendour” is widely quoted fromBoswell’s Life of Johnson.
Although all nature was smiling around, and thevariegated landscape never appeared more enchanting, birds of everydescription were seen chirping on the spray, and the trees resoundedwith their sportive melody, and Alida might still have been happy if shehad never become acquainted with Theodore; yet while she had theappearance of serenity, she still cherished a secret uneasiness.She had never received any intelligence concerning him since they hadlast parted. She imagined herself altogether forgotten, as Bonville hadfrequently suggested. Besides, he had represented Theodore as worthless.Harrassed and oppressed by a thousand different conjectures, she couldscarcely support herself under them with any degree of resignation.
	NY Weekly: A Fragment, after the manner of J. Y. (abbreviated“Fragment JY”)
In this frame of mind, in serious meditation, shetook a seat by the window. The sun wasdeclining slowly beneath the horizon to gladden other regions. The spire of the village churchwas tipped with gold, and theresplendent rays reflected from the windowdazzled the eye. Above was the azure vault variegated with fleecyclouds; beneath was nature’s verdant carpet. The little songsters ofthe adjoining grove were paying their tribute of praise in melodious strains. Thebleating of the lambs, and the lowing of the milky train, re-echoed from the fields and valleys;	The sun was retiringbehind a lofty ridge of mountains to gladden other regions; the towering spires of the villagechurches were tipt with gold; whilethe resplendent rays reflected from the windows dazzled the eye. Above was the azurevault, variegated with fleecy clouds; beneath was Nature’s verdantcarpet. The little songsters of the grove were paying their tributes of praise in melodious strains; the bleatings of the lambs, and the lowings of the milky mothers re-echoed from the vallies.
	Alida [page 166] (chapterXXIII)
while the gentle murmuring of the water-fall at the mill, with its rumbling cadence over the dam, was heard at a littledistance.	The rumblingwater-fall was again heard at themill....
	NY Weekly: An Evening Meditation
“How still is nature,”said Alida. “The sun has withdrawn his radiance,yet the gleam from yonder western sky bespeaks him still at hand,promising to return with his reviving warmth when nature is refreshedwith darkness.	Now all is hushed, and nature seems to make apause; the sun has withdrawn his radiance, yet thegloom [sic] from yonder western sky bespeaks him still at hand, promising toreturn with his reviving warmth, when nature is refreshed withdarkness.
	NY Weekly: Fragment JY
The bay is already beginningto be silvered over by the mild rays of the queenof night.	The waters of a gently murmuring stream, which ranby the foot of a mountain, were silvered o’er bythe mild rays of the queen of night. The soothing sound of adistant cataract gently saluted the car. The fragrant oders of flowers,watered by gentle zephyrs, breath’d a delightful perfume.
	NY Weekly: An Evening Meditation
Gently she steals on the world, whileshe bestows on us her borrowed splendour.	The moon borrows her light,and bestows it upon us; she arises in silent majesty,humbly waiting to reign when he resigns his throne. No chorus ushers inhis reign, no rays pronounce her approach; gentlyshe steals on the world, and sits in silent majesty to view thegood she does.
She lights the wandering traveller, she warms the earth with gentleheat. She dazzles not the eye of the philosopher, but invites him tocontemplate and admire. Scarcely a breeze is stirring;the shadow of each tree remainsundisturbed; the unruffled bay and river glide smoothly on, reflecting nature’sface.	She lights the wandering traveller, she warms the earth with gentleheat, she dazzles not the eye of the philosopher, but invites him toview and toadmire—How still is nature!not a breeze! each tree enjoys its shadowundisturbed, the unruffled rivers glidesmoothly on reflecting nature’s face....
Again the attention is drawn, and the eye wandersto yon vast concave, where the mind follows in silent wonder, wandering amongthe planets, till, struck with beauty of thewhole, it acknowledges ‘the Hand that madeit is divine.’	.... Oh see, by night, beauties transcendant andglorious; such as draw up the eye to yon vast concave, where the mind’s eye follows in silent wonder, quicklypassing from star to star, till struck with thebeauty of the whole, it feels “the handthat made it is divine.”
	NY Weekly: Fragment JY
“Surely,” said Alida, “all nature conspires to calm the mind, torestore tranquil­lity, to soften every care and corrodingthought. But what can ease the troubledmind, which, like the angry sea, after agitationby blustering winds, ’tis still tumultuous?” Where now, thoughtshe, is Theodore? What sadness and difficulty may not his noble andgenerous spirit have had to encounter! His tender sensibility, hisserene and pacific disposition, may have had numerous trials; and howunhappy he may be, who was ever ardent in his endeavours to communicatepeace and happiness to others! When she reflected upon all his goodness,his zealous piety, his religioussentiments the same as her own, and recalled to her memory happier days,when she had listened with pleasure to the powerful eloquence of acorresponding spirit. And her esteem for him rose higher, while hecommented on religious truths, and bade her place a firm dependence onDivine Providence. Amid these uneasy sensations, which filled the bosomof Alida with anxiety and grief, and left her mind in a state ofdespondency, the period arrived for the celebration of her father’sbirth-day, which brought with it, as usual, much company from the city,from the neighbouring village, with the parish minister and hisfamily.	Surely, says Amelia,all nature conspires to calm the mind, to restore tranquility, to softenevery care. But what can ease the torture of alove-sick soul; like the angry sea after agitation by blusteringwinds, ’tis still tumultuous.
After her several sisters had arrived, and nearlyall the company had collected, Alida entered the drawing-room withspirits somewhat re-animated. Bonville was already there. He arose andhanded her to a seat. He accom­panied the first salutations withmany flattering compliments, but with all his endeavours to win herfavour, he could not awaken even a temporary regard in the bosom ofAlida. In the meantime, she had full leisure to observe his singularbehaviour, to listen to his insinuating address, to hear him mention thename of Theodore, and when he observed her feelings were excited, tohear him suddenly change the subject. He sometimes appeared to regardher with an eye of pity,but it arose from a consciousness of his own errors, bordering onbaseness. He felt unhappy at his own want of integrity, and his heartreproached him with injustice and treachery.
[CHAPTERXVII.]
A polished mien, with elegance of mind, A winning grace, with taste and sense refined, A kindly, sympathizing heart, sincere, The gloomy scene, the pensive thought to cheer.
In a series of events, a period at length arrived,which manifested to mankind, in a more melancholy degree, the shockingconsequences and devastation of war, the overwhelming sorrow that isbrought on families for the loss of friends, with the discouragingembarrassments attending all kinds of business.
	Interesting Events: Battle of Niagara (citing “Perkins LateWar”)
A severe engagement had recently taken place within half a mile of the Niagara cataract. General Scott, on his arrivalat Niagara Falls, learned that theBritish were in force directly in his front, separated only by a narrowpiece of wood. He soon pressed through thewood, and engaged the British on the Queenstown road. He advanced upon the enemy, and the action commenced at sixo’clock in the afternoon, and continuedwith little intermission until twelve at night.	Gen. Scott arrived at the Niagara cataract,and learned that the British were in force directly in his front,separated only by a narrow piece of wood. Having despatched thisintelligence to Gen. Brown, he advanced upon theenemy, and the action commenced at six o’clock in theafternoon.... Gen. Scott had pressed throughthe wood, and engaged the British on the Queenston road.... Thebattle continued with little intermission,from six in the afternoon until twelve atnight. Col. Miller’s achievement, instorming the battery, was of the most brilliant and hazardousnature; it was decisive of the events of the battle, and entitled him and his corps to the highestapplause.... The battle was fought to the west of, and within half a mile of the Niagara cataract.
The thunder of the cannon, the roaring of the falls, the incessantdischarge of artillery during the sixhours in which the parties were in combat, heightened by thecircumstance of its being night, afforded such a scene as is rarely tobe met with in the history of the wars ofnations. The evening was calm, and the moon shone with lustrewhen not enveloped in clouds of smoke from the firing of the contendingarmies. Taking into consideration thenumbers engaged, few contests have ever been more sanguinary.	The thunder of the cannon,the roaring of the falls, the incessant discharge of musketry,the groans of the dying and wounded during the sixhours in which the parties were engaged in close combat, heightened by the circumstance of its being night,afforded such a scene, as is rarely to be met with, in the historyof human slaughter. The evening was calm,and the moon shone with lustre, when not enveloped in clouds of smokefrom the firing of the contending armies. Considering the numbers engaged, few contests have everbeen more sanguinary.
The battle was one of the most severe thathad been fought during the war. The British troops engaged in this action amounted to 5000 men; manyof them were selected from the flower ofLord Wellington’s army. Colonel Miller’sachievement, in storming the battery, was of the most brilliant andhazardous nature, and entitled him to thehighest applause among the Americans.	This was one of the most severe and bloody battles, which was foughtduring the war. The British force engagedin this battle amounted to 5,000 men: many of their troops were selected from the flower of LordWellington’s army.
	Lives of Signers: John Adams of Massachusetts
The measures of the president relative to the warwere of such a nature as greatly to draw upon him the approbation andgratitude of the nation. He early began to turnhis mind to a contemplation of the general politics of his country.He, therefore, became advanced in the requisite qualifications to assume and maintain the important station heheld over it.	... very early began to turn his mindto a contemplation of the general politics of his country. ... As, therefore, he increased in years, headvanced in qualifications to assume and maintain the important stationhe held in the revolutionary struggle whichensued.
	Lives of Signers: Hancock of Massachusetts
He had imbibed an attachmentfor civil liberty almost from his infancy, which influenced his everyaction. He was of a pacific temperament, and pursued thosemeasures as long as they would answer.	Mr. Hancock from hisinfancy, had imbibed an attachment to civil liberty. Thisattachment influenced....
	Lives of Signers: John Adams of Massachusetts
But when it became actually necessary forhim to recommend to congressto pursue a different course, it was then that the benefactor of hiscountry endeavoured to concert measures still to preserve America asan asylum for civil and religious liberty.He possessed qualities well calculated to fulfil the duties of his highstation with honour to himself and justice to the community.	... an asylum for civil and religious liberty....
	Lives of Signers: Stockton of New Jersey
He was dignified in hisdeportment, kind, generous, andcondescending; a patron to science;a uniform promoter of honourable enterprise, but an enemy to everything dishonest, hypocritical, and disingenuous. And, as a Christian,he firmly adhered to the gospel, and regulated his lifeby its precepts and injunctions, in a consistent and exemplarymanner.	He was dignified in hisdeportment; affable, kind, andcondescending to his inferiors and dependents; a patron of science; anuniform promoter of virtues and honorableenterprise, but an enemy to every thing dishonest, hypocritical, anddisingenuous. And, as a Christian, he was a firm believer in the evangelical doctrine of the gospel; regulated his life by its precepts andinjunctions, in a consistent and exemplary manner....
This illustrious president had the good fortune tobe blessed with a consort whose qualifications in her particularcapacity were no less adequate to fill with dignity her elevatedstation.
	Mrs. Madison (quotations are from National Portrait Gallery: see Sources)
The parents of Mrs. Madison were natives of Virginia. Their daughterwas educated in Philadelphia among theFriends. She was, therefore, little indebted to acquired gracesand accom­plishments for the admiration and regard which followedher wherever she was known. To much personal beauty she added a warmheart and a benevolent disposition—charms and attractions whichwon for her not only admirers but friends, and exalted her to higheminencein the public estimation.	The parents of Mrs. Madison, whose maidenname was Dolly Payne, were natives of Virginia.... Their daughterwas educated in Philadelphia in all thestrictness of the sect to which the family belonged. She was,therefore, but little indebted toacquired graces and accomplishments for the admiration and regard whichfollowed her wherever she was known. To much personal beauty, she addeda warm heart and a benevolent disposition; charms and attractions whichwon for her not only admirers but friends. Lives of Signers: Rush of Pennsylvania (referring to Dr. Rush’smother) ... must exalt her to high eminence inour estimation.
	Lives of Signers: Rush of Pennsylvania
Her natural and acquired endowments she carried into society with such pleasing manners andgraceful demeanour, as produced almost universally an impression highlyfavourable to herself among the citizensof Washington. Her society was muchesteemed in all the companies shefrequented. Her mental powers were of asuperior grade, and the effects of genuine piety and Christianbenevolence distinguished all her actions. Tothese she added an amiability oftemper, the polished address of a lady, with a conversation both pleasing and instructive.Her deportment to all was prepossessing, by the affectionate manner in which she addressed them separately, and the interest shemanifested in their welfare. In these she showed nodifference between the rich and the poor, and devoted much of hertime to the cause of charity.	His natural and acquired endowments hecarried into society with such pleasing manners and graceful demeanor,as produced, almost universally, an impression highly favorable to himself among the citizens of Philadelphia.His society was much esteemed by all thecompanies he frequented. His mental powers were of a superior grade. To thesehe added the polished address and mannersof a gentleman, and a conversation bothpleasing and instructive. Hisdeportment in the sick room wasprepossessing, by the affectionate manner with which he addressed his patients, and the strong interest he manifested fortheir recovery. In these he showed no difference between the rich, whocould amply reward him, and the poor, whoseonly requital was their cordial gratitude and their prayers.
	Lives of Signers: Witherspoon of New Jersey
She was eminently distinguished for her amiablequalities, and a peculiar versatility oftalent in her conversation and manners.	... possessed a great versatility of talent, which he could successfully applyto any subject he chose to handle.
	Mrs. Madison
She entertained the numerous friends and guests of the president with cordial hospitality. Shetreated her husband’s relatives with regard and kindness; and in the president’s house, whenever there were femaleguests, Mrs. Madison alwayspresided.	.... Here she entertainedhis numerous friends and guestswith an abundant and cordialhospitality. Her mother and sisters lived with her, and the regard and kindness with which her husband treated them, was repaid on her part by similarattentions to the happiness and comfort of his aged mother, whocontinued to live with her son. .... “The President’shouse was the seat of hospitality, where Mrs. Madison always presided in the absence of Mr.Jefferson’s daughters, when there were female guests.
After the president’s, the house of the secretaryof state was the resort of most company. The frank and cordial mannersof its mistress gave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties thereassembled. All foreigners who visited the seat of government, strangersfrom the different states of the Union, the heads of departments, thediplomatic corps, senators, representatives, and citizens, mingled withan ease and freedom, a sociability and gaiety to be met with in noother society. Even party spirit, virulent and embittered as it thenwas, by her gentleness, was disarmed of its asperity.	After the President’s, the house of the Secretary of State was theresort of most company. The frank and cordial manners of its mistressgave a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there assembled. Allforeigners who visited the seat of government—strangers from thedifferent states of the Union, the heads of departments, the diplomaticcorps, senators, representatives, and citizens, mingled with an ease andfreedom, a sociability and gaiety, to be met with in no othersociety.—Even party spirit, virulent and embittered as it thenwas, by her gentleness was disarmed of its asperity.”
Individuals who never visited the president’s dwelling, nor met at the other ministerial houses, couldnot resist the softening influences of her conciliatory disposition,with her frank and generous manners. She wasconstantly receiving and reciprocating civilities in the mostkind and friendly manner with the inhabitants ofWashington. The president, beingwholly absorbed in public business, left to Mrs. Madison the dischargeof the duties of social intercourse. And never was woman bettercalculated for the task. Exposed as she necessarily was, in so conspicuous a situation, to envy, jealousy,and misconstruction, she so managed as to conciliate the good-will ofall, without offending the self-love of any of the numerous competitorsfor her favour and attention. Every visiter left herwith the pleasing impression of being an especial favourite, of havingbeen the object of peculiar attention. She never forgot a name she hadonce heard, nor a face she had once seen, nor the personal circumstancesconnected with every individual of her acquaintance. Her quickrecognition of persons, her recurrence to their peculiar interestsproduced the gratifying impression in each and all of those whoconversed with her that they were especial objects of regard. The house was very plainly furnished, and herdress in no way extravagant; and it wasonly in hospitality and charity that her profusion was unlimited.	“Individuals who never visited at thePresident’s, nor met at the other ministerial houses, could not resistthe softening influences of her conciliatory disposition, of her frankand gracious manners.... “... receiving and reciprocating civilities in the most kind andfriendly manner; The Secretary himself,being wholly absorbed in public business, left to Mrs. Madison thedischarge of the duties of social intercourse. And never was a womanbetter calculated for the task. Exposed, as she necessarily must have been in so conspicuous a situation, to envy,jealousy, and misconstruction, she so managed as to conciliate thegood-will of all, without offending the self-love of any of the numerouscompetitors for her favor and attention. Every visitor left her with thepleasing impression of being an especial favorite, of having been theobject of peculiar attention. She never forgot a name she had onceheard, nor a face she had once seen, nor the personal circumstancesconnected with every individual of her acquaintance. Her quickrecognition of persons; her recurrence to their peculiar interests,produced the gratifying impression, in each and all of those whoconversed with her, that they were especial objects of regard. “Her house was very plainly furnished,and her dress in no way extravagant. It was only in hospitality andin charity that her profusion was unchecked....”
The amiable and engaging qualities which have been here described,characterized Mrs. Madison in herhusband’s public life. In the midst of the bitterness of party spirit,and the violence of political animosity, she was mild and courteous toall. The political assailants of her husband she treated with a kindnesswhich disarmed their hostility of its individual rancour, and sometimeseven converted political enemies into personal friends, and stilloftener succeeded in neutralizing the bitterness of opposition.	The amiable and engaging qualities which have been described,characterized Mrs. Madison through the wholeof her husband’s public life. In the midst of the bitterness ofparty spirit and the violence of political animosity, she was mild andcourteous to all. The political assailants of her husband she treatedwith a kindness, which disarmed their hostility of its individualrancor, and sometimes even converted political enemies into personalfriends, and still oftener succeeded in neutralising the bitterness ofopposition.
At this period her courage andfirmness were put to a severe test. In August, 1814, the British troopslanded forty miles below Washington, andapproached that city. The president left the city to hold a council ofwar. Before his departure he anxiously inquired if she had courage orfirmness to remain in their house untilhis return on the morrow, or succeeding day. She assured him she had nofear but for him and the success of thearmy. When the president reached Bladensburgh he unexpectedly found thetwo armies engaged. Meanwhile terror spread over the city—all whocould obtain conveyances fled to the adjoining towns. The sound of thecannon was distinctly heard, and universal confusion and dismayprevailed. Some personal friends who remained with Mrs. Madison,strongly urged her to leave the city. They had her carriage brought tothe door, but could not persuade her to enter it till her husband shouldreturn, and accom­pany her. And she did not finally depart tillseveral messengers had been despatched to bid her fly.	During the last war her courage andfirmness were put to a severe test. In August, 1814, the British troopslanded forty miles below Washington, and approached that city. ThePresident left the city to hold a council of war. Before his departure, he anxiously inquired if she had courage orfirmness to remain in the President’shouse until his return on the morrow or succeeding day. She assured himshe had no fear but for him and the success of our army. When the President reached Bladensburgh heunexpectedly found the two armies engaged. Meanwhile terror spread overthe city. All who could obtain conveyances fled to the adjoining towns.The sound of the cannon was distinctly heard, and universal confusionand dismay prevailed. Some personal friends who remained with Mrs.Madison strongly urged her to leave the city. They had her carriagebrought to the door, but could not persuade her to enter it till herhusband should return and accom­pany her. And she did not finallydepart till several messengers had been despatched to bid her fly.
Much as she graced her public station, she was not less admirable in domestic life. Neighbourly andcompanionable among her country friends, as if she had never lived in acity, delighting in the society of the young, and never better pleasedthan when promoting every youthful pleasure by herparticipation;—she still proved herself the affectionate consort, without neglecting the duties of a kindhostess, and a faithfulfriend and relation. She smoothed andenlivened, occupied and appeased, each varyingscene of life. Her husband knew,appreciated, and acknowledged the blessing which heaven had bestowed onhim, in giving him such a companion.	.... “Much as she graced her public station, she has been not less admirable in domestic life. Neighborlyand companionable among her country friends, as if she had never livedin a city; delighting in the society of the young, and never betterpleased than when promoting every youthful pleasure by herparticipation; she still proved herself the affectionate wife during the years ofsuffering health of her excellent husband. Without neglecting theduties of a kind hostess, a faithful friend and relative, she smoothed and enlivened, occupied and amused the languid hours of his longconfinement. He knew, appreciatedand acknowledged the blessing which heaven had bestowed on him in givinghim such a wife.”
[CHAPTERXVIII.]
And many an aching heart at rising morn, A sad memento of the day that’s past, From long protracted slumbers, slowly drawn; From wearied spirits—with a gloomo’ercast.
	Alida [page 35] (chapter IV)
All business ofimportance, at this time, was in a mannersuspended in New-York; the face of things wore a dismal aspect, and thegreater part of the community were in dismay; occasioned by thecontinuance of hostilities with Great Britain. All appeared in a declining state, discouraging to the industry andbest prospects of the inhabitants;—and although there hadbeen some rumours of peace, it was not yet concluded.	All material business was in a manner suspended in New-York; the faceof things wore a dismal aspect, and the greater part of the communitywere in dismay. A heavy gloom hung over the inhabitantsgenerally, while all their affairs appeared in adeclining state, discouraging to the industry and best prospects ofthe people.
	Interesting Events: Piracies in the West Indies
A severe battle had lately taken place atNew-Orleans, in which the Americans werevictorious.	An engagement with the pirates ensued, in which the Americans were victorious.
	Interesting Events: Battle on Lake Champlain
Another was fought some little time afterwards onLake Champlain. The British fleet, with1050 men approached Plattsburgh, while the American fleet were lying off that place. The British fleet boredown upon them in order of battle, commanded by sir George Prevost, GovernorGeneral of Canada.	In September, 1814, an army of 14,000 men, under the command of Sir George Prevost, Governor General of Canada, and afleet on Lake Champlain, under CommodoreDownie, carrying 95 guns, and 1050 men, approachedPlattsburgh. The American fleet,commanded by Commodore Macdonough, carried but 86 guns, and 826 men.While lying off Plattsburgh, on the 11th of September, the British fleet bore down upon them in order ofbattle.
Commodore Macdonough,the American commander, ordered his vessels to be cleared for action, and gallantly received the enemy. Theengagement was exceedingly obstinate. After a contest of two hours, the British ships andseveral sloops of war fell into the handsof the Americans.	Ordering his vessels to be cleared for action, Commodore Macdonough gallantlyreceived the enemy. The engagement was exceedingly obstinate.... Afteran engagement of two hours andtwenty minutes, the British ships weresilenced, and one frigate, one brig, and two sloops of war, fell into the hands of theAmericans.
	History of New York
Before sunset the temporary batteries of the enemy were all silenced,and every attempt to cross from Plattsburgh to the American works wasrepelled. At nine o’clock the object wasabandoned, and the British general hastily drew off his forces. Largequantities of military stores were leftbehind, and fell into the hands of the Americans.	Before sunset, the temporary batteries of the enemy were all silenced,and every attempt to cross from Plattsburg to the American worksrepelled. At 9 o’clock, the object wasabandoned, and the British general hastily drew off his forces... Largequantities of military stores were abandoned, and fell into the hands of the Americans.
	Interesting Events: Hartford Convention (quoting“Goodrich”)
The people of the United States were at thistime divided into two political parties; one party condemned the war as unwise and unnecessary; the othercontending that the war was just, and necessary, for the maintenance ofnational honour. The opposition to the war was the greatest in the NewEngland states, and during its continuance this opposition wasconfirmed. Enlistments of troops were in some instances discouraged, anddissentions arose between the general and state governments, respectingthe command of the militia, called out by order of the former, to defendthe sea-board.	During the second war with Great Britain,the people of the United States were divided into two political parties,one party condemning the war as unwise andunnecessary; the other contending that the war was just, and necessaryfor the maintenance of national honor. The opposition to the war was thegreatest in the New-England States, and during its continuance thisopposition was confirmed. Enlistments of troops was [sic] in someinstances discouraged, and dissentions arose between the general andstate governments, respecting the command of the militia, called out byorder of the former, to defend the sea-board.
Accordingly the legislature ofMassachusetts appointed delegates to meet and confer with the delegatesfrom the states of New England, or any of them, upon the subject oftheir public grievances and concerns. The delegatesmet at Hartford, Connecticut, in 1815, andsat nearly three weeks with closed doors. This convention consisted ofdelegates from the state of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and RhodeIsland; two members from New Hampshire, and one from Vermont. Aftertheir adjournment, the convention published an address, charging thenation with pursuing measures hostile tothe interest of New England, and recommended amendments to the Federal Constitution.	In October, 1814, the Legislature ofMassachusetts appointed “delegates to meet and confer with the delegatesfrom the States of New England, or any of them, upon the subjects oftheir public grievances and concerns.” The delegates met at Hartford,Con. Dec. 15th, 1814, and sat nearly threeweeks with closed doors. This Convention consisted of delegates from theStates of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode-Island; two members fromNew-Hampshire and one from Vermont: these lastwere appointed at County meetings. After their adjournment, theConvention published an address, charging the National government with pursuing measures hostile tothe interests of New-England, and recommending amendments to the Federal Constitution.
The report of the Hartford Conventionconcluded with the resolution providingfor the calling of another convention, should the United States refusetheir consent to some arrangements,—whereby the New EnglandStates, separately, or in concert, might be empowered to assume uponthemselves the defence of their territory against the enemy.	The report of the Convention concluded with a resolution, providing for the calling of anotherconvention, should the United States “refuse their consent to somearrangement whereby the New England States, separately, or in concert,might be empowered to assume upon themselves the defence of theirterritory against the enemy”....
The committee appointed tocommunicate these resolutions to Congress, met at Washington the news ofpeace: and owing to this event, another Convention was notcalled. And may it never be the fate of America, to be againinvolved in hostilities with her mother country, from whence is derivedher revered religion;—each nation possessing towards the otherreciprocal fellow-feelings, becoming Christian brethren.	The committee appointed to communicate these resolutions to Congress,met at Washington the news of peace: and owing to this event anotherConvention was not called.
	Park Benjamin: Ode on the Death of James Madison (here quotedfrom The American Monthly Magazine, N.S. 2, 1836)
How shall we to his memory raise A theme that’s worthy to record; The tribute of a nation’s praise In grateful accents sent abroad. Let eloquence his deeds proclaim. From sea-beat strand to mountain goal; Let hist’ry write his peaceful name. High on her truth-illumin’d scroll. Let poetry and art through earth, The page inspire, the canvass warm, In glowing words record his worth. In living marble mould his form. A fame so bright will never fade, A name so dear will deathless be; For on our country’s shrine he laid The charter of her liberty. Praise be to God: his love bestowed The chief, the patriot, and the sage; Praise God! to him our father owed This fair and goodly heritage. The sacred gift time shall not mar. But wisdom guard what valour won, While beams serene her guiding star, And glory points to Madison.	How shall we mourn the gloriousdead? What trophy rear above his grave, For whom a nation’s tears are shed— A nation’s funeral banners wave! Let Eloquence his deeds proclaim, From sea-beat strand to mountain goal; Let Hist’ry write his peaceful name, High on her truth-illumined scroll. Let Poetry and Art through Earth The page inspire, the canvass warm— In glowing words record his worth, In living marble mould his form. A fame so bright will never fade, A name so dear will deathless be; For on our country’s shrine he laid The charter of her liberty. Praise be to God! His love bestowed The chief, the patriot, and the sage; Praise God! to Him our fathers owed This fair and goodly heritage. The sacred gift, time shall not mar, But Wisdom guard what Valor won— While beams serene her guiding star, And Glory points to Madison!
[CHAPTERXIX.]
O, glorious prospect, see the smile benign, Of heav’n-born peace, refulgent spread its rays; To peace and concord, may the world incline, And these our later be our happier days.
Some length of time had elapsed since the parentsof Alida had taken up their residence in the city for the winter, whenthe news of peace reached New-York. The cries of peace resoundedthroughout the city at these joyful tidings,—and the evening ofthis day was celebrated by a splendid illumination. Transparencies,emblematical of the liberties of the country, were exhibited at all thepublic edifices. The fine and melodious music in the Park, drew thepeople together in crowds within the inclosure, till scarcely anothercould enter,—and although the snow had fallen profusely, and thewalking was extremely bad, yet it seemed as if all the inhabitants,generally, were out, parading on foot, to witness the generalrejoicing.
In the mean time, a visible change for the bettertook place almost immediately, and these happy effects shed their benigninfluence throughout all ranks of society, and among all classes ofthe people. Those who had been in despair on account of the times, hadnow the charming prospect before them of returning happiness andprosperity, when the active scenes of life would again impel themultitude to the exercise of laudable industry, whereby they mightultimately realize the success and proceeds attending on an honestperseverance in business.
The country that had been unwillingly drawn intocombat had been victorious, and its inhabitants left in peacefulpossession of the warrior’s field. An honourable peace had beenconcluded, and happy tranquil­lity was once more the fate of theAmerican nation.
The miseries and unhappy grievances occasioned bywar, were again at an end, and happily terminated. The cheeringconsequences of peace again communicated their happy effects among thepeople, awakening to their imagination new hopes and prospects, fillingtheir minds with exultation, and anticipations the most sanguine.
	Alida [page 58] (chapter VIII),quoting Alonzo and Melissa (itself quoting an earlier text)
The painful, unpleasant effects of discord,animosity, and contention, were now changed to the exercise of thosebetter qualities and dispositions, more pacific and praiseworthy. Thescenes of fury, terror, and confusion, were succeeded by those of placidserenity. The hours but a shorttime before spent in moping melancholy andsadness, in individual discouragement and wo, were now passed inlistening to musical serenades, in scenes of mirth and festivity.	... he wooed the silent and solitary haunts ofmusing, moping melancholy....
	Phillips: Speech on Washington:
The people whose independence had been gloriouslywon, nearly half a century before, by the superior prowess of a renownedhero,* [* Washington] who, as ageneral, marshalled the peasant into a veteran, and supplied bydiscipline the absence of experience, and through the vicissitudes of aprotracted conflict displayed amagnanimity that defied misfortune, and a moderation that ornamentedvictory.	As a General, he marshalled the peasantinto a veteran, and supplied by discipline the absence ofexperience; ... ... through all the vicissitudes of her protracted conflict, displaying a magnanimity that defied misfortune, and amoderation that ornamented victory.
America, already revered in the annals of fame, nowsaw her rights again secured to her by the charter of her liberties.With the view before her of witnessing again the subsequent advantagesof free trade and commerce; while her swelling canvass shall be spreadover the seas of distant nations, and her star-spangled banner shallproclaim to them her liberty—
glory andhonour shall kindle in the bosom of thepatriot at the nameof her Madison. While the wealth of her commerce, the renown of her arms, thefame of her philosophy, the eloquence ofher senate, and the inspiration of herbards, shall cause her to emergefrom herhorizon, and shine with splendour over the vast expanse of theuniverse, claiming from remotest regions the respect due to hersuperiority. Happy America! thy freedom is once more ensured to thee,and thy hero has turned upon the vanquished onlythe retribution of his mercy.	... and glory rekindle at the urn ofher Washington. ... ... now rivals the wealth oftheir commerce, the glory of their arms, thefame of their philosophy, the eloquence oftheir senate, and the inspiration of theirbards!... that mighty continent may emergefrom the horizon .... ... ... and turned upon thevanquished only the retribution of his mercy.
[CHAPTER XX.]
	NY Weekly: To Emma: lines 1–4
Charmed by returning pleasure’s gentlevoice, Each waken’d sensewith new-born rapture beats; The adverse heart thewelcome stranger greets, And bids each trembling nerve againrejoice.	Charm’d by returning Friendship’sgentle voice, Each waken’d pulsewith new-born rapture beats; My lonely heart thewelcome stranger greets, And bids each quiv’ring, tremblingnerve rejoice.
	Lives of Signers: Wilson of Pennsylvania
The patriotic feelings of Alida’s father partook inthe general joy and satisfaction of the community, and he soon turnedhis attention to celebrate the event of thelate peace with tokens of rejoicing.	it was resolved tocelebrate the event with tokens of rejoicing....
	NY Weekly: Extraordinary Adventure of a Spanish Nobleman
Numerous were the company that collected at his house on the day setapart for this purpose. The dwelling was illuminated, and the guests assembled at an early hour inthe evening on this joyful occasion.	which was finely illuminated on this joyful occasion....
	NY Weekly: An Account of a Melancholy Transaction ...
Unaffected pleasureenlivened the scene, and presided throughout the assembly; light-hearted wit broke forthin a thousand brilliant sallies, while unfeigned joy heightened the flush on the cheek of youth, and smoothed thefurrows on the brow of age. Nor did the sprightly fair ones, with the gay young gentlemen, fail to exert themselves toenhance the present felicity of the company.	.... Unaffected satisfaction presidedin the assembly, light-hearted wit brokeforth in a thousand brilliant sallies, while joy heightened the flush onthe check of youth, and smoothed the furrows on the brow of age: nor didthe sprightly fair one, who was just verging upon sixteen, fail to exert herself to enhance the hilarity of thecompany.
	NY Weekly: A Rural Picture
The gaiety of the scene, theflow of general joy, the sight of so many happy people, the countenancesof the happy parents in witnessingthe innocentmirth of their children, with the benevolent looksof the noble bestower of the entertainment, formed altogether a scene which failed not to fill the heart with sensations themost pleasing and satisfactory.	.... the gaiety of the scene,the flow of general joy, the sight of so many happy people, thecountenances of the enrapturedparents, who seem to live anew again, the sprightly season ofyouth in their children, with the benevolent looksof the noble bestowers of the feast,filled my eyes with tears and my swelling heart with a sensation ofpure, yet lively transport....
Mr. Bolton was occupied in attending the ladiesgenerally, while a genuine witticism occasionally mingling with hisdiscourse, gave one no mean opinion of his understanding, and increasedtheir admiration of his talents. He was well calculated to please; therewas something remarkably graceful in his exterior, and he exertedhimself this evening particularly to assist Alida to entertain thenumerous visiters.
Bonville endeavoured in various ways to attractattention. He was extremely humorous and gay, and the whole party wasenlivened by his vivacity. He described the folly of some of theprevailing fashions of the town with sarcastic pleasantry, and relatedmany anecdotes of the gay world and fashionable life, interesting tothose who had lived in retirement. Alida could not but listen with somedegree of pleasure to his amusing conversation, and the pleasingallusions he frequently made gradually drew the attention of the wholecompany.
Albert selected from the rest an interesting younglady, to whom he directed the most of hisattention, while she, pleased with his politeness, exerted all herconversational powers to entertain him. His father was much pleased tosee his son endeavour to make himself agreeable in ladies’ society; hethought it augured a good sign, and would be conducive to meliorate andrefine his manners.
	Alida [page 128] (chapter XVI)
He had long wished him toclose his affairs of business in the city, and settle himself onthe paternal estate. He was anxious that heshould seek out an amiable companion, of pious principles and exemplarymanners, of genuine goodness and benevolence, in whose deportment wasmingled the rays of mildness, amiability, and cheerfulness; well-meaningtowards all, blended with an unaffected ease and politeness, joined withthe usual accom­plishments to complete the character of a lady.	He had imparted to his son his wish for him to closeand settle his mercantile affairs in the city, (as the times were dreary,) and return to the paternal estate. Alida [page 206] (chapter XXIX) It had long been the wish of his parent, that heshould close his business in New-York, and settle himself on the paternal estate.
An unusual degree of innocent amusement prevailedthroughout the circle on this evening of general joy, and all were moreor less enlivened and cheered by its salutary effects, except Mr. More,who, in the midst of music and mirth, remained sad and melancholy;despondent reflections at times deeply disturbed his tranquil­lity.In the midst of these scenes of festivity, he was serious andthoughtful; gloomy ideas would in spite of himself cloud hisimagination, whenever his thoughtsforeboded the fear of losing the only object of his affection.
The elderly gentlemen had a long consolatoryconversation on the present affairs of the country, and their happytermination; the wisdom of the government and its coincidingregulations, concluding that the late peace, founded on principles ofjustice and honour, promised to be lasting.
	Mephistophiles in England
These festive scenes of gladness were concluded bya variety of music, both vocal and instrumental; the powerful influenceof which all must acknowledge; which is alike visible in all places, andin every stage of society. And while it flings itsspell over the gay abodes of pleasure, it produces likewise its sweetenchantment in the domestic dwelling. The ladies alternately played the piano, whilethe gentlemen assisted in singing, forming altogether a concert ofmelodious harmony that wakened the mind to the softest raptures, andthrew its bewitching influences over the imagination, calming all formercorroding sensations, and animating anew all the soft and sympatheticemotions.	It flings its spell over thegay abodes of pleasure, and producesas sweet an enchantment in the dull dwellings of traffick.
	Joseph Warton: Ode to Music, lines 1–4
Music! wake thy heavenly numbers, Queen of every moving measure, When at thy voice all sorrow slumber, Sweetest source of purest pleasure! Who listens to thy varying strains, Will find their bosoms gently sooth’d, Lulled to repose all cares and pains, And waked to sympathy and love, That calms with soft persuasive air The heart to harmony and peace. If any grief yet linger there, But touch thy chords and it will cease. Who does not feel their bosoms glow, When the full choir their voices raise, To the Supreme of all below, Pour forth their song of ardent praise? Each heart by sacred impulse driven, To high exalt his glorious name, Loud hallelujahs raise to heaven, And with one voice His praise proclaim. Then music, queen of every art, O still thy matchlesspowers employ; Since none like thee can peace impart, And none like thee awaken joy.	Queen of every moving measure, Sweetest source of purest pleasure, Music! why thy powers employ Only for the sons of Joy?
[CHAPTERXXI.]
’Tis true indeed, there’s danger in delay, Then let us speed, and hasten far away; For what of fear, or what of doubts molest, When deep affection reigns within the breast.
Several weeks now passed away without any materialoccurrence, and the season of the year came round when the winter’s snowwas passing from the face of nature, succeeded by heavy showers of rain,and the days had become more pleasant, because they were somethinglonger. The air was more salubrious, and invited the citizens to inhaleits healthful draught without their dwellings, where they had beenseveral months in a manner shut up from the inclemencies of the coldseason.
One morning after the family had taken breakfast,they sat talking over late events and recent occurrences that had variedso materially within the last three months. In this conversation, theywere unmindful of the hour, until Mr. Bolton, without ceremony, (as washis custom,) entered the breakfast parlour. After the usual salutationsto her parents, and conversing some time with his aunt, he addressedAlida with his native pleasantry,relating to her some stories of the satirical order as the current newsof the city. He afterwards informed her of the conversation betweenhimself and her father, and in what manner the latter had replied. Alidaremained silent, with her eyes fixed upon the floor, as if revolving inher mind what to say.
In the meantime, he did not await her reply, butentreated her in the most pathetic language to consent to elope withhim, and at all events to unite her destiny with his; at the same timetelling her that implicit obedience to a parent’s will, in an affairthat so materially concerned her happiness, could not be expected, andthat her father was much to blame in attempting to control her libertyof choice; saying, moreover, that after their views should beaccomplished, that he had no doubt whatever of his reconciliation. Hehad lately received intelligence of the death of an uncle in Savannah,who had bequeathed to him his fortune. He was preparing for hisdeparture thence. He would not, therefore, give up his former project,and thought to avail himself of this opportunity, (by all the rhetoriche was master of,) to urge Alida to accept him and accom­pany him onhis journey. He even proposed whither they should escape from the eye ofher father for the performance of the marriage ceremony.
This section is recycled from A&M, referring to the proposedelopement with Alonzo/Theodore. The passage was previously citedverbatim.
	Alida [page 125] (chapter XV)
Alida was truly shocked andsurprised at a proposition so unexpected from Mr. Bolton, afterhe had known her father’s decision. She had never considered him in anyother light than as a brother; and being a connexion in the family, theyhad always been on terms of friendly intercourse. She, therefore, wouldhave avoided this meeting if she could have had previously an idea ofthe result.	Alida was truly shocked andsurprised at this unexpected visit from Bonville....
After he had made to her these severalpropositions, her displeasure held her for some time silent, while itaffected her mind sensibly. Never­theless, she endeavoured torecover herself to answer him in a decided, and, at the same time, in amanner compatible with her present feelings. She commenced urging him toendeavour to forget her in any other light than as a friend. “Can yousuppose, Mr. Bolton,” said she, “that I would set a parent’s will atdefiance, by committing so unwary an action as to dispose of myself in aclandestine manner, nor could you again imagine that I would give myhand where my heart has no particular regard.” She scarcely utteredthis, and could say no more ere he conjured her not to shut her heartagainst him for ever, and entreated her to permit him still to hope thatafter a while her compassion might become awakened to the remembranceof a sincere, true, and constant heart, which would cause her to heavethe sympathetic sigh for one who could never eradicate her from hismemory, even for a moment, or chase from his bosom the esteem and lovethat time could neither weaken nor extinguish. He was extremelysorrowful in taking leave of Alida and the family, and set out theensuing day on his journey.
Alida felt unhappy at the earnest importunities ofa person she could not but have some esteem for. She could not fail toadmire the superior powers of his mind. In his conversation, he was allthat was agreeable, entertaining, and improving, which abounded withsallies of wit and humour, joined to a fund of erudition acquired by acollegiate education.
	Lives of Signers: Walton of Georgia
He was particular to associate only with young men of merit, talents,and genius. He possessed a native vein of satire, which he sometimesindulged with much effect; though, however,he had this dangerous weapon under such thorough discipline, that herarely made use of it in a way which gaveoffence to any. He never accumulatedany wealth by his own exertion, as he thought what he already inherited was more thansufficient for all his wants. He seemed not to seek for an abundance,like many others, as necessary to hishappiness,	But he was attentive to merit; and towards young men oftalents and genius he was respectful.... Hepossessed a native vein of satire, which he at times indulged with mucheffect. It is said of him, however,that he had this dangerous weapon under suchthorough discipline, that he rarely indulged it in a way which gave offence toany. ... Mr. Walton never accumulatedwealth, as he seemed not to have sought for it, as necessary for his happiness.
	NY Weekly: Happiness
thinking that, withcontentment, the peasantis greater than the prince destitute of this benign blessing, and that acompetency, rather than a superfluity, could convey real happiness toman.	Content constitutescontinual happiness; for with that sweet companion, the peasant is greater than a prince destitute of the benign blessing....
He thought, that to theimproper pursuit after happiness could beattributed much of the misery of mankind;daily he saw dread examples of thisserious truth, that many, in grasping atthe shadow, had lost the substance.A near relative had now been bountiful to leave him a fortune.That, however, he was thankful for, as it increased his fund forcharitable purposes. His intention was to get possession of this andreturn to the city of New-York, to make it his permanent residence.	How few, even in any state, do we find happy? Alas!the number is by far too few. To the improperpursuit after happiness, can weonly attribute themisery of mankind; daily, nay even hourly, do we seedread examples of this serious truth. Butwhere is the eye that has not beheld, the mind that has not felt, or theheart that has not pitied, some object who has, ingrasping at the shadow of happiness, lostthe substance....
[CHAPTERXXII.]
Behold the beauteous scene, to fill the mind withwonder and delight;—the varied land and water prospect;—from whence the arm of Commerce sends her store, to nations farremote;— adjacent to a city, that’s wealthy, large, andflourishing.
The genial warmth of the air had now animated anewthe magnificence of nature’s works, and the verdant scenery of springdecked the landscape with all its resplendent colouring and variety. Asthe season advanced, all classes of people had recourse to theirfavourite walk on the Battery, either for pleasure, or as an alleviationfrom the toils and cares of business. This healthy promenade drewtogether a number of the citizens in the morning, but many more resortedthere in the evening, and a numerous throng here regaled themselves, andrested from the busy, bustling occupations of the day;—and at thesame time were spectators of the most splendid scene imaginable.
	NY Weekly: An Evening Meditation
When the sun had gone down beneath a clear horizon,and the moon hadrisen in silent majesty, dispensing her light over theunruffled face of the Hudson, decoratedwith a numerous sail, representing an inimitable landscape, sublime andbeautiful.	The moon borrows her light, and bestows it upon us; she arises in silent majesty,humbly waiting to reign when he resigns his throne. No chorus ushers inhis reign, no rays pronounce her approach; gentlyshe steals on the world, and sits in silent majesty to view thegood she does. She lights the wandering traveller,she warms the earth with gentle heat, she dazzles not the eye of thephilosopher, but invites him to view and to admire—How still isnature! not a breeze! each tree enjoys its shadow undisturbed,the unruffled rivers glide smoothly on reflecting nature’s face....
This paragraph is given unedited to show the parts that have been usedelsewhere in Alida.
Alida walked out one evening, and repaired thither,attended by Mr. More. It was six o’clock when they reached the Battery,and a numerous concourse of people had already collected there. The mildrays of the setting sun were just visible above the horizon, and cast asoft lustre over the adjacent landscape, when they entered Castle-Gardento contemplate more nearly the surrounding scenery.
	NY Weekly: Essay No. I
They seated themselves here, while they discoursedon the beauties of nature, and the wonders of creation,—descantingon the goodness and bounty of that ineffable Being, from whom all ourblessings flow;—the continual successionof so many various objects, to fill the mind withrapture and enthusiasm, and strike us with veneration and awe.	In man there is a natural love of change andvariety: the mind is wearied by continualsuccession of similar objects, thosepleasures, which at first were capable of inspiring emotions of delight;which once filled the heart with rapture and enthusiasm.... neither strike them with veneration nor with awe.
	NY Weekly: Contemplation
The beauty and mildness of the present season, thecopious showers, that caused the earth to abound with teeming verdure;all of which drew the contemplative genius insensibly to consider the benevolent purposes, for which all these varieties are called forth in suchabundance, to excite the gratitude of man, and furnish a perpetual source of pleasure and delight.	....To consider thebenevolent purposes for which he calledforth this variety and multitude of being, that comes under ourcognizance, must be a perpetual source ofcomfort.
“And can we,” said Alida, “who are conscious of deriving ourexistence from a Being of such infinitegoodness and power, properly entertain other prospects than those of happiness, whenwe experience so many blessings daily, to excite our thankfulness.”	A rational creature, that is conscious of deriving itsexistence from a being of infinite goodness and power, cannotproperly entertain anyprospect but of happiness.
	Children of the Abbey
Mr. More expatiatedon the pleasure there must be in passing atranquil life with a beloved object, turning his insidious eyes towardsAlida as he spoke; he seemed to say,that she was the being, with whom he could be able to realizeall the exalted ideas he entertained ofsuch a life; and to point outbeauties, and furnish amusement, to arefined taste like hers, would be to him one ofthe highest pleasures he could possibly experience. Whenhe declared to her his esteem and affection, with his native sincerity,he seemed to be convinced, at the same time, that she was favourablydisposed towards him.	... to point out beauties to arefined and cultivated taste like hers wouldbe to him the greatest pleasure he couldpossibly experience. Seated sometimes on the brow of a shrubby hill, asthey viewed the scattered hamlets beneath, hewould expatiate on the pleasure heconceived there must be in passing a tranquil lifewith one lovely and beloved object: his insidious eyes, turned towards Amanda, at these minutes seemed to say, she was the being who could realize all the ideas he entertained of such alife....
On the contrary, she was evidently much embarrassedat this declaration. She remained silent, and looked upon him with adegree of pity mingled with regret; then casting down her eyes, sheappeared greatly confused.
	NY Weekly: The Fatal Mistake
She could not make any returns in his favour, andthe amiable Alida felt extremely sorry to give pain or uneasiness tothe friend and school companion of an only brother. Shehad received him withcomplacency on that account, which had served to increase his ill-fatedpartiality. She felt that she could notgive one word of encouragement, yet she did not wish to drive himto despair.	.... That amiable Almena received me with thesweetest complacency, as the friend of herbrother.... Edward’s penetration soon discovered the ill hid partiality.... ... .... neither shouldshe wish to throw meinto despair....
The band of music now began to play in the garden.They commenced with the celebrated air of the Star-Spangled Banner, andcontinued playing different pieces for the space of several hours.
As soon as the music ceased, they left the gardento return home, and all the people now apparently thronged out of thegates with as much avidity as they had entered them some hours before.When they arrived at the dwelling of Alida, they found that the time hadwhiled away, and that the evening had progressed to a late hour.
On his way home the mind of Mr. More was absorbedin the following reflections. “When I told her my affection, the blushwas diffused over her cheek—and the tear of sensibility started inher eye. She evinced her regard by silent expressions, which she hasshown repeatedly in many proofs of interested friendship,accom­panied by the softness of her winning manners, and theengaging mildness of her disposition. Bonville is her declaredadmirer—but he may not be a favoured one. Should he meet with herapprobationat any future time, would not his own fate be wretched, and the universewould become a blank deprived of the society of Alida, shaded over withthe deepest tints of darkness and melancholy.”
[CHAPTERXXIII.]
O let me view, in annual succession, my children,friends, and relatives. Those that in friendship’s bonds are linkedtogether by ties of dear remembrance.
	Alida [page 131] (chapter XVI)
The scene was highly animated, and the days weredelightfully pleasant, when Alida returned with her parents to thecountry. The showers of April had cleared the atmosphere and revived theearth with a lively gaiety. The ice in the bay and river had meltedaway, and the steamboat had again began its course. The rumbling water-fall was again heard at the mill, the pensive stream stole its way through theforest, reflecting from its lucid bosom the light cloud which dwelt inthe air—floating on the gentlest zephyrs. The hills and mountainsteemed with verdure, and the serpentine valleys were shaded by afriendly foliage. All nature flourished, grew, and expanded, callingforth ejaculations of gratitude and piety, and boldly declaring that acelestial Being overshadows us with his providence.	while the gentle murmuring of the water-fall at the mill, with its rumbling cadence over the dam, was heard at a littledistance.
	The Story of an Unfortunate Young Lady (in The Lady’sMiscellany, 1811)
As soon as the family were settled in the country,the parents of Alida made preparation to call the children together incommemoration of their father’s birthday. When the time arrived for thecelebration of this festive scene, the morningarose with every beauty that could bid fair for a cheerful day,and the company assembled at an early hour. Bonville was among those whoarrived from the village. He appeared in excellent spirits, as if somenew thought had entered his mind, which had given him new hopes ofsuccess. He informed Alida, in the course of the afternoon, that he hadreceived intimation from a friend in England, that Theodore was nowliving in London. After hazarding many conjectures respecting him, hethen ventured to add that he hoped he had not met there any new object,to cause him to become forgetful of former friends.	The morning of myunhappy existence arose with every beauty thatcould bid fair for a cheerful day.
	Alida [page 125] (chapter XV)
Displeasure was manifest in the countenance ofAlida, at this suspicion, although she feared it might be true. Theodorehad promised to be faithful in a correspondence, and he certainly mighthave found opportunities, since the happy change of affairs in thecountry, to make some communications to his friends, if he had been sodisposed. Again she thought, as they had been separated by parentalauthority, that it might have its influence to cause him to becomealtogether forgetful; and her spirits now sunk under the idea ofTheodore’s inconstancy. Bonville continued to speak of him withindifference, observing attentively how Alida was affected. He inquiredearnestly if she had ever received anyintelligence from him, during his absence, (as he thought he might havewritten to her brother.) She answered him in the negative. He expressedhis surprise, and after giving many darkintimations of his perfidy, he changed the subject.	He then gave some darkintimations against his general character....
Alida was before this extremely pensive andthoughtful, and these injurious insinuations of Theodore, increased herdejection. She once firmly believed she had a friend she could lean uponunder all circumstances, and his falsity appeared to her now confirmed.A kind of gloomy superstition pervaded her mind, an anxiousforeboding of future evil, which all her pious reflections and reasoningpowers could not wholly control. She endeavoured to repress thesepainful sensations, when in the presence of her parents; but the eyes ofher father frequently rested on her in filial anxiety. Her brotherlikewise would often observe her innate sadness, and whatever histhoughts might be as to the cause, he was still reserved, and foreboreto name any thing to his sister.
Although Bonville was sometimes conscious of hisinjustice towards Theodore, and felt ashamed of his conduct, he wasstill determined to proceed with reiterated calumnies, to the ear ofAlida, with the hope to ensure to himself her hand before Theodore wouldprobably return to America.
	Francesco Soave: “Federigo Lanucci” (here taken from Novellemorali, 1837)
L’ innocenza a e costretta asofferire, talvolta le più crudelipersecuzioni; ma, con vergogna e con danno della calumnia e dellamalvagità, alla fine pur ne trionfa.	“L’innocenza è costretta a sofferire talvolta le più terribili persecuziòni; ma con vergógna e con dannodella calùnnia, e della malvagità, alla fine pur ne trionfa.”
The appearance of Bonville was imposing to lookupon, his countenance illumined by seeming sincerity and candour, no onecould retain an idea for any length of time, that was altogetherdetrimental. To a treacherous heart, he joined a frankness of mannerwhich amused and interested every one in his favour. Though no one wasever more careless of his veracity, yet he carried the appearance ofauthenticity in all he said. He had never been used to restraint ordisappointment, by the silly indulgence of his parents, and seemedconfident that he should succeed in all his particular wishes, andthought that all obstacles could be surmounted by his own machinationsand management.
The evening was drawing near its close by a roundof innocent amusements, when a letter was handed Alida from her father,that he had received from a friend in the city. It contained theunwelcome and unexpected news of the death of Mr. Bolton, who arrived atSavannah at an unfavourable season of the year, at a period when anepidemic fever prevailed. He caught the infection, and a few daysterminated the existence of this amiable and accomplished youth. He waspious, benevolentand charitable. He possessed a wisdom firm and unchangeable, strictlyadhering to the principles of the church and the Christian religion, andwas steadfast in his opinions against all opposition. He was deeplyregretted by a numerous acquaintance. His aunt mourned the loss of herfavourite nephew, and Alida’s father likewise deplored his prematuredeath, although he had thought proper to oppose his wishes.
[CHAPTERXXIV.]

Chapters XXIV-XXVII are taken from Travels in North America (see [Sources] section).