Vermont Phœnix

Sacredness of Tears.—Dr. Johnson observes, 'There is a sacredness in tears.' They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, of unspeakable love. If there were wanting any argument to prove that man is not mortal, I would look for it in the strong emotions of the breast, when the soul has been deeply agitated, when the fountains of feeling are rising, and when the tears are gushing forth in crystal streams. Oh, speak not harshly to the stricken one, weeping in silence! Break not the deep solemnity by rude laughter or intrusive footsteps! Despise not woman's tears—they are what make her an angel. Scoff not if the stern heart of manhood is sometimes melted to tears—they are what help to elevate him above the brute. I love to see tears of affection. They are painted tokens, but still most holy. There is a pleasure in tears—an awful pleasure. If there were none on earth to shed a tear for me. I should be loth to live; and if no one might weep over my grave, I never could die in peace.