AN AFFECTING SCENE.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 393, 14 April 1871, Page 2

AN AFFECTING SCENE.

On Sunday last, as the venerable Chief-Justice Robertson, stricken by the hand of death, lay almost insensible to the world which he seemed fast leaving forever, while the gigantic brain which, for so many years, has throbbed grandly to the inspiration of liis genius, barely fluttered with the consciousness of life, lie expressed a desire to hear Miss Cary sing the ballad of "Old Folks at Home," as if the strains of his favorite melody would have power to call back his soul from the portals of the grave he was so fast nearing. The wish was at once communicated to Miss Cary, who willingly consented to do anything in her power to rouse the ebbing current of life in one who, as a statesman and jurist, has known but few rivals during the course of a long and eventful life. On reaching the residence of Judge Robertson, Miss Gary was at once ushered into the chamber where co much of intellect and learning was fast flickering out into the darkness of the unknown hereafter, and without accompaniment of any kind raised her rich contralto voice in the touching words, " Way down upon the Suwanee River," but before she had sang three lines, broke down in the intensity of her emotion. Calming herself she again essayed the ballad, and, while the venerable and stricken man lay drinking in her glorious rcelody, poured out her whole soul in the simple utterances which gave so much pleasure to one whose giant intellect had, in days agone, fascinated the mo-t talented of the land. When she had ceased Judge Robertson could scarcely express his gratification by signs, yet signified a desire that Miss Cary should sing for him " Home, Sweet Home." Twice did the gifted artiste attempt to comply with the request, but her emotion was too great, and choked with feeling, she was compelled to leave the room. The whole incident was one of the most touching and affecting episodes that ever marked the death-bed of departing greatness. Lexington (Ky-J Press.