Page:Life memoirs & pedigree of Thomas Hamilton Dickson.pdf/32

 possession of some more fortunate swain, while I stand alone, disregarded by friends or foes, who smile at my forlorn situation.

Emma had a great number of lovers, and, of course, it has been said that wealth makes wit waver. It was the case, for her mind wavered and was tossed as the little billow by the sporting and the merciless winds. At last a demon in human form laid siege to her fickle heart with deception's oily tongue, and ere she was aware, her treasure it was lost. Wealth of empires and of kingdoms her loss could not restore her health and treasure back again to its original possessor, and give that peace of mind to conscious innocence which a heart that is pure has always a face that never blushes with the blush of guilt, which vice and criminality, with all their guilt, cannot hide from the most careless observer. Pale wore the cheeks that once could vie with the rose in beauty, when robed with heaven's brightest tear. Her form became emaciated; her eyes sank in her head with ghastly stare, and every look was full of horror and despair. One day I met her as she carelessly roamed along the flowery vale, and as I appeared in sight she shunned me as one would shun a serpent in the path, while I exclaimed, "O, Emma, shun me not―not for worlds would I harm you: may the wretch that harmed thee feel all the stinging horrors of an awakened conscience―may peace and hope forsake his cruel breast, and every comfort, till life's expiring term." She moved along regardless of my soothing