Life in the Clearings Versus the Bush by Susanna Moodie

Author:Susanna Moodie
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780771093715
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
Published: 1989-04-18T22:00:00+00:00

* A common Yankee phrase, often used instead of the word proportion

GRACE MARKS

“I dare not think – I cannot pray;

To name the name of God were sin:

No grief of mine can wash away

The consciousness of guilt within.

The stain of blood is on my hand,

The curse of Cain is on my brow; –

I see that ghastly phantom stand

Between me and the sunshine now!

That mocking face still haunts my dreams,

That blood-shot eye that never sleeps,

In night and darkness – oh, it gleams,

Like red-hot steel – but never weeps!

And still it bends its burning gaze

On mine, till drops of terror start

From my hot brow, and hell’s fierce blaze

Is kindled in my brain and heart.

I long for death, yet dare not die,

Though life is now a weary curse;

But oh, that dread eternity

May bring a punishment far worse!”

So much has been written about the city of Kingston, so lately the seat of government, and so remarkable for its fortifications, and the importance it ever must be to the colony as a military depot and place of defence, that it is not my intention to enter into a minute description of it here. I was greatly pleased, as I think every stranger must be, with its general aspect, particularly as seen from the water, in which respect it has a great advantage over Toronto. The number of vessels lying at the different wharfs, and the constant arrival of noble steamers both from the United States and the Upper and Lower Province, give it a very business-like appearance. Yet, upon landing, you are struck with the want of stir and bustle in the principal thoroughfares, when contrasted with the size and magnitude of the streets.

The removal of the seat of government has checked the growth of Kingston for a while; but you feel, while examining its commanding position, that it must always be the key of the Upper Province, the great rallying point in case of war or danger. The market house is a very fine building, and the wants of the city could be supplied within its area, were it three times the size that it is at present. The market is decidedly one of the chief attractions of the place.

The streets are wide and well paved, and there are a great many fine trees in and about Kingston, which give to it the appearance of a European town. The houses are chiefly of brick and stone along the public thoroughfares, and there are many neat private dwellings inclosed in trim well-kept gardens. The road leading to the Provincial Penitentiary runs parallel with the water, and forms a delightful drive.

It is about three years ago that I paid a visit with my husband to the Penitentiary, and went over every part of it. I must own that I felt a greater curiosity to see the convicts than the prison which contained them, and my wishes were completely gratified, as my husband was detained for several hours on business, and I had a long interval of leisure

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