204 



wide throughout the rest of the year in the restless struggles of life, are 

 then re-united, meeting once again in a happy state of companionship 

 and mutual good ■will, buoyed up so high on the full tide of enjoyment; 

 so entertained from day to day with novelty and excitement, that, like 

 Rasselas, they seem to regret even the necessity of sleep, and long for 

 the morning, to renew their pleasure. 



And, although many of the hearts that have beat in unison gaily with 

 those of the merry and joyous group, accustomed to meet year after 

 year, fail to keep time, "to make as healthful music" as of yore, never- 

 theless, the old places of resort — the same pleasant routine — the meet- 

 ings of the Club at night — the drive out to the Course daily — the drive 

 back again to the city — the dinner, the ball, the merry voices and smil- 

 ing faces — the jest, the laugh, the most minute and trivial circumstance 

 connected with every happy meeting that has been — scenes and images 

 rising up 



" In the dark backward, and abysm of Time," 



from the magic cauldron of warmed imaginations, and passing in review 

 like wonder after wonder in Prospero's fairy isle, 



" A most majestic vision, and 

 Harmonious charmingly." 



Old associations and dormant sympathies awakened, crowd upon the 

 mind at each recurrence of the season, and succeed in gladdening the 

 survivors — nay, even in winning them back, by listening to, or telling, 

 old stories of earlier and bygone days — to live over, with unalloyed 

 pleasure, for awhile, the 2^<^st in the jyresent, making them frequently 

 " boys again !" 



It is, alas ! too true, that Time — that indefatigable old fellow — who 

 will neither stand still himself nor suifer others to do so, Avill bring 

 about some sad changes ; yet, the probability is, that as Charleston Race 

 week has always been, so it will ever continue to be an agreeable time 

 — a carnival, a bright landmark of the year — a loadstone that will draw 

 together friends and acquaintances, and kindred spirits, from a distance — 

 youth gladdened and maturer age rejuvenated, by its recurrence — all its 

 days fair and cloudless (no matter whether it rains heavily or not), 

 cheered by the light and warmth of the heart's sunshine — the sunshine 

 that is within ! 



Who that ever enjoyed, in other days, the hospitality of the South 

 Carolina Jockey Club, lias forgotten the courteous manners and uniform 

 urbanity of the former Presidents — the much loved, valued and honored 



