Page:Poems Denver.djvu/20

 ries, united to an ardent love of their Southern home, served as themes for lays of heart-music in after years, and to beguile the solitary hours of life in a comparatively new country. From their father (who had been an officer in the war of 1812—retiring immediately after to an agricultural life—a man of varied information, enlightened judgment, and unblemished honor) they inherited a passion for reading, and although their educational advantages were, in the common acceptation, somewhat limited, yet, perhaps they were of the best; for, among the treasures brought from Virginia was a fine collection of the works of standard authors. History, Politics, Religion, Poetry, Romance, contributed to form these minds and tone them to a far higher intelligence than is usually found,—especially in a home where "no simplest duty was forgot." It was pleasant, indeed, to sit, on a winter's night, round their cheerful family hearthstone, "with blazing logs piled high," and while enjoying the delicious apples and cider, nuts and cakes—true country cheer—listen to the genial flow of conversation! The well-told tale, the merry jest, the ready quotation, the quick repartee, the enlivening song, all lent their charm; and many there are, who will remember with a sigh—so far down time's vista seem these sunny spots in life, and so thickly since have shadows intervened—the hospitality of that old homestead. Indeed, it was proverbial the country round, and often did the