It is a sight of horror to behold the strong man smitten down
in his might ; to see the pride of womanhood defaced and blighted



THE SNAKE EATEB. 361

by sudden death ; to hear the lamentations of grief and despair,
where but a little time before were heard the light laugh of
pleasure, and the tones of delight. How distant was the thought
of harm, from each and all ! Truly it is said by the great bard
of nature, ' We know what we are» but not what we shall be.'
We weave the garlands of joy, even by the precipice of death ;
we disport in the sunbeam, unmindful of the storm that is boom-
ing afar, and will soon be at hand !

The sun descended as we entered the town, which was situated
on ascending grounds near the river. A swell of upland, over-
looking near at hand a few patches of green, which 1 took to be
cotton fields, and which apparently commanded an extended
view of the shores and course of the great Father of Rivers,
stretched rearward from the place. Overcome with excitement
and gratitude for my deliverance, and seeing also that there
had thronged to the wharf a large number of citizens, sufficient
for every purpose of charitable assistance toward the sufferers,
and the dead on board of the steam-boat, I selected that portion of
my luggage which had not been destroyed, and after seeking an
hotel, made the best of my way to the upland of which I have
spoken. I felt like one snatched from the grave ; and deeply
impressed with the sense of the danger from which I had escaped,
through the watchfulness of a benignant Providence, I determined
to seek some haunt of retirement, and quiet mj agitated spirits
with thankful meditation.
