We were not long after this necessary arrangement in effecting an
escape from the dungeons of the sepulchre. The united strength of our
resuscitated voices was soon sufficiently apparent. Scissors, the
Whig editor, republished a treatise upon "the nature and origin
of subterranean noises." A reply--rejoinder--confutation--and
justification--followed in the columns of a Democratic Gazette. It was
not until the opening of the vault to decide the controversy, that the
appearance of Mr. Windenough and myself proved both parties to have been
decidedly in the wrong.
I cannot conclude these details of some very singular passages in a
life at all times sufficiently eventful, without again recalling to the
attention of the reader the merits of that indiscriminate philosophy
which is a sure and ready shield against those shafts of calamity which
can neither be seen, felt nor fully understood. It was in the spirit of
this wisdom that, among the ancient Hebrews, it was believed the gates
of Heaven would be inevitably opened to that sinner, or saint, who, with
good lungs and implicit confidence, should vociferate the word "Amen!"
It was in the spirit of this wisdom that, when a great plague raged
at Athens, and every means had been in vain attempted for its
removal, Epimenides, as Laertius relates, in his second book, of that
philosopher, advised the erection of a shrine and temple "to the proper
God."
LYTTLETON BARRY.
THE MAN THAT WAS USED UP.
A TALE OF THE LATE BUGABOO AND KICKAPOO CAMPAIGN.
_Pleurez, pleurez, mes yeux, et fondez vous en eau!_
_La moitie; de ma vie a mis l' autre au tombeau._
CORNEILLE.
I CANNOT just now remember when or where I first made the acquaintance
of that truly fine-looking fellow, Brevet Brigadier General John A. B.
C. Smith. Some one _did_ introduce me to the gentleman, I am sure--at
some public meeting, I know very well--held about something of great
importance, no doubt--at some place or other, I feel convinced,--whose
name I have unaccountably forgotten. The truth is--that the introduction
was attended, upon my part, with a degree of anxious embarrassment which
operated to prevent any definite impressions of either time or place. I
am constitutionally nervous--this, with me, is a family failing, and I
can't help it. In especial, the slightest appearance of mystery--of any
point I cannot exactly comprehend--puts me at once into a pitiable state
of agitation.
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