while the poor achiId of chance" was iain to confess that s.it zcas hard getting to apmd1uord ot c lastkee.'

RETROsP FICTION.
Oh! 'tis pleasant, when we have sc- turned from d long. long absence, 10 re-yisIt the scenes Of our childhood, ana view in sweet retrospectloD, the haiioW- cd spot rendered dear to us by the re- collection of our happier days. itbrinGs back to our minds the tune when, surrounded by our friends aisd kindred, wegally spofted amid the smiles of those dear objects who are now slurnbering ln the tomb! We were happy then--we knew not tAGGile the troubles of life; we were strangers to sorrow, nor had the heavy hand of affiiction bowed our proud spi- rits to the earth! Had we then known the numerous trials that awaited us, we should have recoiled with horror at the thought. Driven from our home by cruel destiny, we have met the worlds cold frown with fortitude-We have buff feted the raging pillows of misfortune the storm olsafliction has laid us low we have languishedin in despair, and even cursed the hour that gave us birthi- We have met the worlds cold frown with tortitude-like a stately oak we have withstood the peltings of the pitt less storm--yet now-when we are re- called to recollection by the scenes of the past, our hearts sicken within our bosoms-we weep even at our own mis- ery-but there is pleasure in our tears, it awakens feelings of the.holiest nature, and raises our souls in holy devotion to Heayeni

 There is something in the place of our nativity that renders it dear to us-no matter how miserable. The lonely matched cottage is dearer far to its in habitants, thanthe pomp-aHd splendor of a palace-show and grandeurcan never purchase happiness to q heart laden with sorrow and misfortune. Gold may indeed satisfy our bodily wants, but can never afford consolation to troubled nind-lt dcludcs us for a moment; leads our delighted imagination ike an isnis fatuus to the brink of destruction, when it suddenly Vanishes, and

 ;" "Likethe baseless fabric of vision,

 Leaves not wreck behind ,

 