of herself. But now her hair was unadorned, and she was content with only one flower, which she wore beneath her bosom more for love than ornament.

At last the spring arrived. The air became soft, and all animated nature rejoiced; Anna alone seemed doomed to carry in her heart a remembrance of grief, spotless and gentle as she was. She and her friend sometimes directed their steps to the sea-side, after the sun had gone to rest in his western bed. The breeze was slumbering the curling and dashing waves were no longer struggling with each other. Only a heaving of the mighty deep still survived. The moon held undisputed sway in the heavens; and the frail vessels that had been driven before the recent tempest, now glided over the waters peacefully, courting fresh gales to waft them to their destined ports. The solitary owl, alarmed by the approach of the wanderers, broke from his resting place, and sailed away to a deeper solitude.

As the heats of the summer approached, it became evident that Anna was rapidly losing her strength-that her spirit was nearly crushed, and that she mourned as one without hope. Sometimes she was shocked at the thought that she was nurturing a passion for one who had never wilfully by word or act sought to excite it. But her conscience whispered soft and lulling excuses, since none could blame her for cherishing a grateful feeling towards the preserver of her life. Those medical advisers who were consulted, suggested that a voyage by sea to the north, and a change of scene and objects, might exercise a salutary influence over a mind that was evidently laboring under a feeling of desolateness, which it seemed impossible either to control or to resist.

try. It might even be improper for her husbaud to address him and offer his thanks for the preservation of his child, and congratulate him on his gallant defence of the rights of his country. What the one sex achieves by power, the other effects by expedients. The ever faithful Henrietta, having learned that there were several young naval officers in the town, determined to obtain an introduction to them through the interference of a friend. She spoke of the late engagement, and of the part which the Lieutenant had taken in it, and then inquired if they knew him. One of the officers replied that he was his most intimate friend-that he possessed every virtue, and was universally beloved by his companions-that he had returned in perfect health, as he had been informed. Beyond this she dared not go. That night Henrietta communicated what she had learned; her companion went over it again and again, and held her in conversation until deep in the night. At last both fell away into a refreshing sleep, that "balm to hurt minds--that death of each day's life." The next morning Anna arose at an early hour; her heart was at least relieved, and she breathed more freely. Once more smiles played over her long sad. dened countenance. There was an exultation and healthfulness in her hopes, which lent a charm to every thing around her. The secret cares of her toilet had been neglected; but now she was almost prepared to resume them.

As she was sitting alone one evening at the window of her room in the hotel, she was startled by the rushing of six or eight young men from a door of one of the parlors, into a paved yard that was in the rear of it, and which was covered by an arbor of vines. The The family on the island at length embarked for New- night was excessively hot and close. Servants followed port in Rhode Island, where they proposed to spend with chairs and a table, on which decanters of wine the summer. The enemy's cruisers were hovering all and glasses were placed. It seemed as if some old along the coast; but the captain alleged that he could companions, who had long been separated, had suddenrun away from every thing that might be sent in pur-ly met. Many inquiries were made by each of the suit of him. For two days the vessel moved slowly other; but Anna could not hear the replies, owing to over the weary waves--the slight breezes died away; now she glided smoothly over the mighty deep, and now with graceful motion she breasted the huge billows when roughened into hill and valley; and then again she wantonly washed her sides, rebounding and rebounding. After much anxiety the land was seen indistinctly by the man at the main top-then from the deck-then it broke broadly upon the view of the delighted passengers-then the town was spread out before them they flew over the water-cast their anchors, and received the congratulations of the rejoicing crowd.

About a month after the party from Carolina had landed, the arrival of the frigate to which the Lieutenant was attached was announced. This intelligence was delicately communicated by the mother to her daughter. Was he then in the same land with herself, and so near her? A delicious hope sprung up in her bosom. Would he make any inquiries about her? Had he ever thought of her since he left her? Had she made any favorable impressions upon him? These were questions which Anna asked herself a thousand times, without being able to resolve them. Mrs. H- was uneasy and perplexed. But it was impossible for her to pass the boundaries of female delicacy, by apprising the Lieutenant that they were in that part of the coun

her distance from them. Henrietta joined her, and both endeavored unsuccessfully to ascertain of whom this party was composed-whether of residents or stran. gers. Both hoped that the Lieutenant might possibly have arrived, yet each feared to communicate her thoughts to the other. The party soon became gaythe welkin rung with peals of laughter. Anna arose frequently, and paced the room with her, hands folded on her bosom; her heart and temples throbbed. Then she rescated herself. Several songs were sung—one of which she had heard before. The voice she thought was that of the Lieutenant, and she so said to her companion.

At last universal stillness prevailed. The breezes from the sea were at rest. Looking out, Anna watched the immeasurably distant stars rolling through the fir mament. Now and then she shed a solitary tear in the silence of the night, and poured forth those sighs which are not meant for human ear-but even these were mingled with the joy of hope. The welcome dawn arrived-welcome, because she longed for that certainty which would set her spirit free from the doubts by which it was tortured-until then, it was impossible that her mind could settle down into a peaceful calm. Mr. H sallied forth to learn whether the Lieutenant had really arrived, and soon found that he had.

Having ascertained his lodgings, he called. He congratulated himself that he was at last able to return his acknowledgments for the rescue of his child; stated that his family was with him, and would be happy to see him. On receiving this kind and frank invitation, a deep glow passed over the countenance of the Lieutenant, who replied, that he would do himself the honor to call in the morning. Mrs. H—, alive to the situation of her daughter, counselled her to control herself as much as possible.

the White Sulphur with them, and even passed some flattering compliments upon herself. She felt her heart leap in her bosom-her cheeks were suffused with blushes-the emotions that possessed her were too delicious for utterance, even if her maiden modesty had permitted her to speak. When he was gone Anna observed that she had never seen him look so handsome before. Each succeeding day drew the brave young officer and the enamored girl closer together. He came often, and was surprised to find how long he had reNever did hours pass off so heavily, as those which mained and how rapidly the hours had flown. She intervened between the time when Anna was apprised | joined him in the performance of some pieces of music

of the intended visit and its actual occurrence. She feared that she might betray her real feelings, from which her feminine delicacy shrunk back in dismay. True, her heart was full of nature, kind and forlorn, and had made a thousand tender sacrifices. She had long mourned in meekness, and a high and holy affection had taken possession of her. Her gratitude had opened the way to love, and she was unable to resist. Still the bare thought of revealing the secrets of her bosom shocked | her; and yet she suffered no self-reproach, for she asked herself if the object on which she doated was not brave, generous, full of benevolence and manly gracefulness? Anna arose with the sun. At the proper time she made her toilet with anxious care-attired herself in a rich dress, somewhat grave-decked out her hair with a modest ornament which she had worn at the Springs, and of which the Lieutenant had expressed his admiration, to which she added a single flower. More than once she asked her friend how she looked-viewed herself in her mirror, and made some alterations which did not please her. She sat down and endeavored to drive away her agitation. But, in a few moments, she was again unconsciously on her feet. The family were seated in the parlor, when several visiters came in, who soon engaged in familiar conversation. In a short time the Lieutenant was announced, when Mr. Harose and met him at the door; his wife gave him a cordial welcome, and, with all the thoughtful readiness of wo-ed; the matches were lighted; the younger officers flew man, accompanied him to the side of the room where her daughter was sitting, remarking that she had been indisposed, but was now recovering. Anna attempted in vain to rise-she was dumb-but she extended her hand, which was cold, clammy, and nerveless; and which the Lieutenant took in the most respectful manner. He was painfully struck by her altered appearance, for she was no longer light and free-a gay image of cheerfulness and health—but was so fallen away that she looked like a lovely apparition, between life and death. His bosom was instantly filled with the deepest commiseration, and his equanimity was disturbed by a poignant distress. When he took leave he was invited to call again, for which he returned his thanks. Anna expected and hoped that it would be soon-but she was disappointed, for he came not for several days. In this interval of anxious suspense her hopes sank and her spirits flagged.

full of sentiment and passion.

The ladies were anxious to learn the minuter incidents of the recent battle, in which the Lieutenant had been engaged, but which he modestly declined giving, until he was earnestly requested, when he favored them with the following narrative:

"On putting to sea a universal wish prevailed that we might meet a force every way equal to our own, and have a close, hard conflict. We almost envied those of our brethren who had already gathered so many and such rich laurels at the expense of the enemy. The sailors were in the best spirits-the lieutenants and midshipmen talked in their mess-rooms of nothing but fighting. Whenever a vessel came in sight every one was eagerly on the look-out. But all our hopes ended in disappointment. The discipline of the ship was perfect. At about eleven o'clock one morning, the man at the main-top cried out, 'a sail!' Every body caught the word in an instant. Directions were given to put the ship about, and we were in full pursuit. Others were sent aloft, who confirmed the intelligence already given. The top-sails of the stranger were first seenthen, after a long interval, her larger sails became visible. The boatswain blew his shrill whistle with more than his accustomed energy, and all hands were piped to quarters. The decks were cleared for action; the charges in the guns were drawn, and they were reload

At an earlier hour than usual, whilst the two friends were alone in the drawing room, the Lieutenant arrived. He was dressed in full uniform, and was unusually gay. He pressed his conversation upon Anna-spoke of her masic-hoped she had not abandoned it was tenderly solicitous about her health, and made many inquiries concerning their favorite acquaintances, who were at

to their posts; the powder boys assumed their appointed stations. The commander paced the quarter deck, then halted and applied his glass to his long practised eye; then called the first lieutenant of the ship, and made some new suggestions to him.

"The hostile ships gradually approached each other. The hull of the enemy slowly rose to the view, as though she was breaking from the bottomless deep. The wind blew freshly. She seemed to play with the ocean, and to ride wantonly on the white-capped waves. We ran up our flags, and our antagonist did the same. She moved on proudly, and came so near, that by the aid of our spy-glasses, the number of her port-holes could be counted. To several discharges from our cannon, she made a quick and defying reply. The long wished for moment had arrived, for it was evident that a battle was inevitable. A whisper might have been heard amongst our people. As the sea was much agitated it was a long time before we could attain the desired position, for the order of the captain was not to fire until we were so near that every shot would tell. The foe was equally busy with ourselves, and manœu vred for the advantage with a skill which extorted our admiration. Finally the word was passed-we gave three hearty cheers, and poured in a heavy broadside,

which was returned. One of our guns was dismount- tions were free, cordial and devoted. But a gradual ed-four of our brave fellows were killed and five change came over him, and he delivered himself up to wounded. Our ship was put about, and our batteries sadness and to gloom: a change which Anna accounted again vomited forth death and desolation upon our fear- almost miraculous in a youth of such impetuous blood. less enemy. As the opposing vessel as well as our own Her keen perception quickly detected this unlookedwas thrown up by the waves, our gunners held up their for revulsion in his feelings. His manner was embarfire; but as she descended they blazed away, and she rassed and constrained, and even wore an air of timidity was struck point blank in her hull. After another and irresolution. round, her mainmast gave way and fell by the board with a heavy crash. At this our crew spontaneously raised a loud shout, and our veteran commander exclaimed in a paroxysm of feeling, and with an oath, "That ship is ours." A scattering fire at us was kept up for some time; but at last the proud banner of the enemy was hauled down and all resistance ended. An officer was despatched to receive the sword of the vanquished but gallant leader. But he was overwhelmed by pity, when he looked on the spectacle which his own valor had assisted in creating. The commander was just breathing his last. More than sixty men lay dead upon the decks, weltering in their blood; amongst them were two manly looking lieutenants and several midshipmen, who had not yet lost the beauty and bloom of youth, and but a little while before had luxuriated in all the buoyancy and energy of robust health and joyful hopes. The common sailors and their superiors lay around promiscuously and unheeded amidst the groans of the wounded. The survivors, who were unhurt, deported themselves with the dignity and gravityThen I had nothing to offer her but my person and my which became them in their misfortunes.

"After a slight examination, the vessel was found to be an unmanageable wreck, which attested the skill of the victors, and the indomitable courage of the vanquished. At once the shouts of conquest were silenced by the sympathies of a generous humanity. Immediate steps were taken to save the persons and their property who were on board the sinking ship, which had already begun to settle. The pumps were kept going. | Our boats as well as her own were gathered about her. The wounded, whose cries pierced every heart, were raised up and borne along by the rough sailors with all the gentle tenderness of mothers for their offspring. Each party spoke in a subdued and sorrowful tone. Those prisoners who came away, looked back upon the once proud barque in which they had marched over the mountain wave with unaffected and unrestrained grief. At last she went down suddenly and. with a plunge--the dark blue waters closed over her, and she, with all her pale and lifeless tenants, was in the deep ocean buried. The last rays of the setting sun lingered on the far bounding sea. We then hoisted all sail and bore away from the scene of our glory."

Before he closed, the countenance of the narrator was dilated--the tones of his voice became deep, full and elevated. Both he and his auditory were moved by these affecting incidents.

Week after week passed away. Anna's eye beamed with all its former brightness. Her bosom heaved and spread-even her stature grew, and she moved with alacrity. The current of her thoughts became full and smooth. All the objects of nature around her-the rich verdure of the earth on which she trod-were clothed in their accustomed fascinations. She studied elaborately all the attractions of dress, and longed to meet the Lieutenant at the dance. For some time his atten

One evening about dusk the Lieutenant called. He seemed to have relapsed into a state of entire abstrac tion. After the usual salutations, he uttered not a word. At last Henrietta withdrew. Lifting up his chair, he seated himself near Anna--and, after a long pause remarked: "When we first met at the White Sulphur my country was contending with a powerful enemy. My commission had been given me at the earnest solicitation of a mother in humble circumstances-the wife of a brave and departed revolutionary officer. It would have been impossible for me to abandon my post in a time of national danger, when honor was to be won at the cannon's mouth. Whilst on my visit to the Springs for the recovery of my health, a vehement affection took possession of me. I shuddered at the thought of any woman putting on a widow's weeds and mourning my premature fall, whilst she was yet in all the freshness of youth and beauty. I wrestled with my passion, and tore myself away, a bleeding victim, from the presence of her who had enkindled it.

sword; now, nothing but my person, my sword, and the approbation of my country for my humble public services." Placing his hand in his bosom he drew from it a small case, to which was attached a golden chain, observing, "This was executed at my request by the painter whom we saw at the White Sulphur. From that hour to this, I have worn it next my heart. On each succeeding day I have gazed on it and have imprinted on it many a fervent kiss." Anna trembled as she received the present. Perceiving, on opening it, that it contained a likeness of herself, she shrieked, threw her white arms around his neck-fell upon his bosomthanked God from the inmost recesses of her soul, and sobbed aloud.

I HAVE BREATHED THY NAME.

I have breath'd thy name on India's shore,
When the stars and flowers were bright,
And amid the fierce tornado's roar-
In the sable gloom of night!

I have breath'd thy name in dreams of home,
When my proud and gallant bark
Was dancing o'er the tempest's foam,
And even hope grew dark!

I have breath'd thy name, when other eyes
Were glancing into mine,

But still I kept my heart's pure sighs

To lay upon thy shrine!

I have breath'd thy name, when music's spell
Was stealing o'er my heart;

That name was the pure, the magic well
That drown'd the sorceress-art.

I have breath'd thy name, when in my ear

Came beauty's dulcet tone;

'Twas a spell-fraught word, that name so dear,
My idol-love my own!

I have breath'd thy name, when the midnight sea
Seem'd Heaven's star-spangled shrine;
And each thought was marshall'd back to thee,

To that glowing heart of thine!

I have breath'd thy name on the burning mount,
As if 't were life's last shield;

'Tis a mystic word, 'tis a sacred fount,

Where my love and my heart is seal'd! February, 1839.

EGERIA.

A GROWING YOUTH.

"Sic itur ad astra."

proportion of his several parts had been left to his taste, he would of course have insisted on his present shape.

Have you ever seen a cherry, reader-of the kind called "short stems"-that which bears upon its cheek so ruddy a hue, and then insensibly shades away into a fair and pure white, which the lily might envy? Such, oh reader, was the beauty of my phiz, from my earliest infancy; but, alas, as is the aforesaid fruit to the stem which sustains it, so was my head to the trunk which it adorned. Indeed, reader, take one of the aforesaid cherries, and skilfully bisect the stem of the same midway, longitudinally, and you have a most noble idea of the "cut of my corpus," perfect in every respect, even to the coloring-not that dame Nature had given me this latter hue-" by no sort of manner of means;" she had only given that turn to my fancy, which prompted me to shine out in "living green," whenever a new garment was a thing to be compassed. With this general idea of the appearance of my body, the reader will please to proceed, with me, to the sub

Reader, have you ever known what it is to grow?ject more particularly under discussion. Not as most mortals do, with that imperceptible and comparatively easy movement towards the stars-not thus, but rather as groweth a hop or a cucumber vine, in that most growing of all weathers, yclept “muggy," now with a leap, and now with a jerk, advancing with that "hop-skip-and-a-jump" sort of motion, which so wonderfully accelerateth him that makes use of it. Time was when I was on a par with the least of mortals yes, and so marvellous has been my growth, that methinks, that time seemeth but yesterday—but now, alas, how changed! However, I see that I am outrunning my reader-let me commence anew, rehearsing all matters faithfully from the beginning.

I have always been a rare youth from my birth-and, doubtless, at that most interesting period of my existence, divers portents were blazing in the sky to declare my coming. However, this is mere supposition, for as, according to the best authority, I was ushered into the world at about "three o'clock i' the morning," all the star-gazers, having waxed sleepy, had drawn themselves and tubes into a "state of retiracy ;" and, as for any others who chanced to be abroad at so untimely an hour, they unfortunately were in a state to see so many stars, that their assertions, however confidently made, would probably receive little credit from my unbelieving readers.

Until my sixteenth year, as I have already remarked, my growth corresponded to that of the rest of mortalsbut alas, since then, "horresco referens," I tremble to think of it. The first monition I had of the change going on in my system, was a certain dizziness in the head, accompanied by a painful sort of cracking at the joints of my body-something like (to compare small things, with great,) the cracking in the frozen surface of a lake which seems at one and the same instant to proceed from every point. My friends became alarmed-the doctor was called-yes, and he brought with him seven other doctors, wiser perhaps than he, though their united wisdom, after a consultation of eight hours, brought them, poor souls, only to the conclusion, that there was going on a "lapeus membrorum," in English, Their advice was, "6 a straight a wreck of matter. jacket, wherewith to keep the osseous system properly disposed." My measure was taken, and one was madeby that time, it was too small: another was made,— and it too lacked compass. A third fitted-the second day

"the waistband split; The next, I burst five buttons off, And tumbled in a fit;"

at least I should have done so, had I dreamt of half the misfortunes my expansion and elongation were From my birth to my sixteenth year, no peculiar about to cause me. In vain was every remedy tried. marks did I bear about me, except in my capital parts-For a fortnight I walked with a fifty-six pound weight the general outline of which was oval, slightly elongated on my head: I might as well have exchanged my straw from ear to ear, and flattened at the poles, and remark-hat for a beaver. Next, I was put into a sort of a crib ably uniform at the surface, which uniformity was bedstead, which was then screwed up my exact length: only interrupted by the indentures and excrescences ne- I woke in the morning with distinct recollections of cessary for those organs of sense which are seated in a dreaming of thunder, and found the foot-board burst man's cranium. With these trifling exceptions, a through. Every thing proved vain, and at last I was more beautiful and uniform piece of workmanship suffered to grow-yes, reader, and I did grow. than my head-piece could scarcely be imagined. The only trouble was, it was slightly disproportioned to the rest of my figure.

Now a man's visage may have all the beauties of the rainbow displayed on it, yet unless it bear a certain proportion to the rest of his figure, the good people of this world at once pronounce it "no go;" and the poor devil is forthwith hustled off the stage, as though, if he had had the moulding of his figure, and if the

My first annoyance was from my acquaintances. I
have two elder brothers, who, unfortunately, resembled
me somewhat. At first I was mistaken for Thomas,
and the greeting was, "How d' you do, Thomas ?"
"A slight mistake, sir: it's not Thomas, but his
younger brother William."

"William, eh? why, William, how you have grown!"
Next I was exalted into Richard, and-
"How are you, Richard?" was the salutation.

"It's not Richard, sir."

"I beg pardon; I should have said Thomas." "You'd have said wrong then, for you should have said William."

a double dose of rhubarb; but alas, it was the opinion of my friends that, of the two, I grew a trifle faster than usual about that time. So the physic was soon thrown to the dogs. And now, reader, what shall I do?

"William! good Heavens! is it possible? why, The ladies all advise me to take a “tuck” or two in William, how you have grown!"

Now, reader, it's bad enough to undergo the pains that necessarily come with a man's misfortune-but then, in addition, to have it continually thrown in his teeth-I protest against it.

I pass by innumerable minor vexations, such as splitting of indispensables, bursting of suspenders, hazards incurred of strangling from forgetting to loosen my cravat every three hours, and things of the like kind. These are but trifles, and might be endured: other things, how. ever, can not. Innumerable were the jokes at my

expense.

my frame. The idea is not a bad one, but none of them will venture in the operation farther than giving the advice. This last idea suggested another, namely, that I should tie myself up into a couple of knots or more. From a hasty calculation, I find, that one knot at the knee, and another at each waist, will about reduce me to the level of my more fortunate fellow mor tals. Thus far nothing seerns more easy. However, after several attempts, I find that in the practical part of the operation there are insurmountable difficulties. Besides, I doubt whether the effect on my personal appearance would be on the whole, desirable. Still, some way or other a remedy must be found. I have become tired of my towering supereminence. Doubtless it brings with it some advantages-I breathe a purer at

"Friend," observed a Quaker to me, one evening, "methinks when thee gattest up this morning, thee thrust thy legs unnecessarily far thro' thy pantaloons." "Sir!" retorted I, fiercely, “do you intend to say-"mosphere-I enjoy sunlight somewhat longer than "Oh, no offence, friend. I am a man of peace. Thou art choleric, and art growing—” "Silence, you scoundrel, I say." "Nay, friend, grow not—'

"Sir, you're an impertinent puppy, and beneath my notice."

"Of a verity, friend, I am beneath thee;" and he walked away, leaving me to the titterings of a circle of auditors and my own reflections.

Unfortunately I have a spice of gallantry in my composition, and would fain persuade myself that I am not wholly disagreeable to the diviner sex. Certainly if smiles are a sure index of the satisfaction afforded by one's presence, I may pronounce myself happy, for my appearance seldom fails to excite them. However, I have had my suspicions of late-but I'll keep my suspicions to myself.

When in company, I cannot cross a room without thrusting the toes of my boots through the carpet, or kicking them against every article of furniture in my path-nor can I promenade the streets, without displacing every other stone on the pavement; for how in the name of all that's reasonable, reader, can a man make any certain calculations as to where he is about to step, when he carries about with him a foot or two of length at his extremities of which he is wholly unconscious?

In fine, reader, I am become a miserable and unfortunate man. Why, it was only last evening, that instead of placing my feet on the fender, at a party, I rested them on the fore-stick, and was only roused to a sense of my situation by the extravagant mirth of the company, and an overpoweringly strong savor of burnt leather.

Something's burning!" I cried, drawing up my heels, and overturning the fender in the operation.

"There's no mistake about that," observed several, pointing to my smoking boots.

And now, reader, for the end of my case-for, you may rest assured, I have not uttered forth my complaints without some object in view-what remedy is there for my misfortune? physic's of no use. Brandreth's, Morison's, Hygeian and Tomato pills! why, reader, I actually thrive on them. Daily, for a fortnight, I swallowed i

others, and I have decided advantages in making all meteorological observations. These, however, are but trifles, and gladly would I waive them all to descend and be on a level with my fellows.

Listen, reader, to the groans of an unfortunate, and if it be possible, devise me some release from my sufferings. So shall you be rewarded with the approba tion of your conscience, and the friendship of one who only longs to be on an equality with you to testify his gratitude.