As it slowly receded, I mused on heaven until the happy past
and the airy future stole in, and mingled with my thoughts like
the earth and sky before me.
But the lengthening shadows reminded me that I was to visit
some infirm negroes : as I advanced towards their houses, a lit-
tle regiment of blackies, more willing and less ragged than Fal-
staff 's, came marching towards me, with the pride of childhood,
to excite my attention ; the drummers were substituting their
piggins for a more appropriate instrument ; and a rag sur-
mounted a waving reed for a standard. On seeing me they
halted and turned, forming an escort to the huts.
What a blessed thing to childhood is the fresh air and light
of heaven ! No manufactories, with their overtasked inmates,
to whom all but Sabbath sunshine is a stranger, arose on our
plantation. What a blessed thing to all is it to enjoy that
light, and bathe in that air, whatever may be their deprivations !



SOUTHERN MATRON. 123

Long before the manufacturer's task in other regions is closed,
our laborers were lolling on sunny banks, or trimming their gar-
dens, or fondling their little ones, or busy in their houses,
scarcely more liable to intrusion than the royal retirement of a
Guelph or a Capet.
The expectation of my departure increased myisympathy with
the children who were sporting about their houses ; and I lin-
gered to observe their shouts, songs, antic tricks, and ingenious
' devices for amusement.
