nted hero would be sufficient to convince the
most radical of the demoralizing influence of these publications.

_Frank._ (_Modestly._) How differently people judge. Why, last
evening, when I saw crowds of the hardened and dissipated shedding
tears of honest sympathy, when Uncle Tom and Eva sang,

"I see a band of spirits bright,
And conquering palms they bear"--

I felt that the moral sentiment was asserting its supremacy even in
places of amusement.

_Mr. F._ Worse and worse, my nephew and namesake a theatre-goer.

_Mr. D._ (_In an under tone._) Namesake! "that's the unkindest cut of
all."

_Frank._ Not exactly a theatre-goer, uncle, though I confess I might
be, were the performance always as excellent as last evening.

_Mrs. Goodman._ Frank, my son, I hope thee will not attempt to drink
from a dirty pool because a pure stream flows into it.

_Frank._ But the rank and file of Democracy drank deep libations to
Liberty there, mother.

_Mr. D._ (_Passing his cup._) "Drink deep or taste not of the Pierian
spring."

_Mr. F._ (_Sarcastically._) Take care, you'll be found using the
products of slave labor!

_Frank._ (_Jocosely._)

"Think how many backs have smarted,
For the sweets," &c.

Take a bit of toast, Mr. Dryman, our northern products are perfectly
innocent, you know?

_Mr. D._ (_Helping himself bountifully._) "Ask no questions for
conscience's sake."

_Mr. F._ The practice of you Northerners is consistent with your
professions.

_Mr. D._ "Consistency, thou art a jewel!"

_Frank._ It is very hard to be consistent in this world, uncle. My
mother once made a resolution to use nothing polluted by Intemperance
or Oppression, but finding that it required her to take constant
thought "what we should eat and drink, and wherewithal we should be
clothed," she was fain to relax her discipline.

_Mrs. G._ Frank, thee must not transcend the truth in thy
mirthfulness.

_Frank._ Well, mother, did not some experiment of the kind lead to the
conclusion, that I might exercise my freedom in worldly amusements?

_Mrs. G._ Yes, my son, but thy enthusiasm about the theatre makes me
fear I have gone beyond my light.

_Mr. F._ (_Bitterly._) Never fear, sister, the young man will soon
prove that Abolition Societies and Theatres are admirable schools of
morals.

_Frank._ Uncle Tom at least has a good moral, and so has William Tell
and Pizarro--indeed I do not remember of ever reading a play whic