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Literary
August 9, 1804
Alexandria Daily Advertiser
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
An allegory depicting Virtue as a celestial nymph ignored by men despite her beauty and qualities. She marries a reluctant suitor, bears daughters Consolation and Delight, and promises him treasures via a frightful guide to her father's court.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
ALLEGORY.
Virtue, a nymph of celestial origin, wandered along on the earth unnoticed. Truth and majesty shone on her brow, love beamed in her eye; and softness hung upon her lips, yet the sons of men viewed her without desire. They thought her beauty of too chaste and severe a cast, and avoided her company because they feared her reproof. She was grieved to be thus disregarded and strove by displaying her amiable qualities, to engage the love and admiration so justly her due. Those who accidentally approached her felt the power of her charms, while those at a distance abused and defamed her. Some pretended even to doubt her existence, and others declared her an imposter. She bore all this with patience because she remembered her celestial origin and destination. It was rumoured that she was the heiress of immense treasures, and notwithstanding men are greedy of large possessions, even this procured her no lovers. She had a few friends. One of them at length began to regard her with complacency, and though he did not credit the story of her wealth, he resolved after some reluctance to espouse her. As soon as she was convinced of his sincerity, she consented, and he took her to his bosom; yet without being so much enamored as her beauty deserved.-- But every day unveiled some new charm. She gave him so many proofs of the disinterestedness of her regard, that his heart was penetrated with gratitude, and he rather adored than loved her. In process of time she made him the father of two lovely daughters, whom she called Consolation and Delight. These children were perfect cherubs, and followed his steps wherever he went. Consolation wiped the tears from his eyes and filled his soul with the placid serenity which beamed thro' her own countenance while Delight with sparkling eyes and exulting heart described to him the treasures which her mother possessed in a distant country and which he might claim in his behalf. Virtue confirmed the words of her child. She assured him a guide would soon arrive and conduct him to her father's court. He could not doubt her truth, but waited with impatience the arrival of the messenger; the endearments of his wife and the caresses of his children were a perpetual solace to his heart. The messenger at length came, who was a monster of a frightful aspect, but he made him welcome because he was the only guide acquainted with the way, and because his wife assured him that when he reached home they should see no more of him.
(Utica Patriot.)
Virtue, a nymph of celestial origin, wandered along on the earth unnoticed. Truth and majesty shone on her brow, love beamed in her eye; and softness hung upon her lips, yet the sons of men viewed her without desire. They thought her beauty of too chaste and severe a cast, and avoided her company because they feared her reproof. She was grieved to be thus disregarded and strove by displaying her amiable qualities, to engage the love and admiration so justly her due. Those who accidentally approached her felt the power of her charms, while those at a distance abused and defamed her. Some pretended even to doubt her existence, and others declared her an imposter. She bore all this with patience because she remembered her celestial origin and destination. It was rumoured that she was the heiress of immense treasures, and notwithstanding men are greedy of large possessions, even this procured her no lovers. She had a few friends. One of them at length began to regard her with complacency, and though he did not credit the story of her wealth, he resolved after some reluctance to espouse her. As soon as she was convinced of his sincerity, she consented, and he took her to his bosom; yet without being so much enamored as her beauty deserved.-- But every day unveiled some new charm. She gave him so many proofs of the disinterestedness of her regard, that his heart was penetrated with gratitude, and he rather adored than loved her. In process of time she made him the father of two lovely daughters, whom she called Consolation and Delight. These children were perfect cherubs, and followed his steps wherever he went. Consolation wiped the tears from his eyes and filled his soul with the placid serenity which beamed thro' her own countenance while Delight with sparkling eyes and exulting heart described to him the treasures which her mother possessed in a distant country and which he might claim in his behalf. Virtue confirmed the words of her child. She assured him a guide would soon arrive and conduct him to her father's court. He could not doubt her truth, but waited with impatience the arrival of the messenger; the endearments of his wife and the caresses of his children were a perpetual solace to his heart. The messenger at length came, who was a monster of a frightful aspect, but he made him welcome because he was the only guide acquainted with the way, and because his wife assured him that when he reached home they should see no more of him.
(Utica Patriot.)
What sub-type of article is it?
Allegory
Prose Fiction
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Virtue Allegory
Celestial Nymph
Consolation Delight
Moral Treasures
Frightful Guide
Literary Details
Title
Allegory.
Key Lines
Virtue, A Nymph Of Celestial Origin, Wandered Along On The Earth Unnoticed.
She Made Him The Father Of Two Lovely Daughters, Whom She Called Consolation And Delight.
The Messenger At Length Came, Who Was A Monster Of A Frightful Aspect,