halled
the peasant into a veteran, and supplied by discipline the absence of
experience, and through the vicissitudes of a protracted conflict
displayed a magnanimity that defied misfortune, and a moderation that
ornamented victory.

[* Washington.]

America, already revered in the annals of fame, now saw her rights again
secured to her by the charter of her liberties. With the view before
her of witnessing again the subsequent advantages of free trade and
commerce; while her swelling canvass shall be spread over the seas of
distant nations, and her star-spangled banner shall proclaim to them her
liberty--glory and honour shall kindle in the bosom of the patriot at
the name of her Madison. While the wealth of her commerce, the renown
of her arms, the fame of her philosophy, the eloquence of her senate,
and the inspiration of her bards, shall cause her to emerge from her
horizon, and shine with splendour over the vast expanse of the universe,
claiming from remotest regions the respect due to her superiority. Happy
America! thy freedom is once more ensured to thee, and thy hero has
turned upon the vanquished only the retribution of his mercy.

CHAPTER XX.

Charmed by returning pleasure's gentle voice,
Each waken'd sense with new-born rapture beats;
The adverse heart the welcome stranger greets,
And bids each trembling nerve again rejoice.

The patriotic feelings of Alida's father partook in the general joy and
satisfaction of the community, and he soon turned his attention to
celebrate the event of the late peace with tokens of rejoicing. Numerous
were the company that collected at his house on the day set apart for
this purpose. The dwelling was illuminated, and the guests assembled at
an early hour in the evening on this joyful occasion.

Unaffected pleasure enlivened the scene, and presided throughout the
assembly; light-hearted wit broke forth in a thousand brilliant sallies,
while unfeigned joy heightened the flush on the cheek of youth, and
smoothed the furrows on the brow of age. Nor did the sprightly fair
ones, with the gay young gentlemen, fail to exert themselves to enhance
the present felicity of the company. The gaiety of the scene, the flow
of general joy, the sight of so many happy people, the countenances of
the happy parents in witnessing the innocent mirth of their children,
with the benevolent looks of the noble bestower of the entertainment,
formed altogether a scene whic