Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

gent exertions in maturer years, had obtained a competence in foreign lands, and were returned to spend it with honour in their own. These, instead of turning their backs on his distress, invited him in the most cordial manner to spend the remainder of his days with them.

6. It would have shown pride rather than humility, in his situation, not to have accepted such a disinterested offer. His days, indeed, were few, after he found this asylum; but they were closed in comfort, and his former pupils, having lost their own, bewailed this second parent with tears of grateful remembrance, and inscribed their sorrow on his tomb.

The Merchant and his Dog.

1. A FRENCH merchant having some money due from a correspondent, set out on horseback, accompanied by his dog, on purpose to receive it. Having settled the business to his satisfaction, he tied the bag of money before him, and returned towards home. His faithful dog, as if he entered into his master's feelings, frisked about the horse, barked and jumped, and seemed to participate in his joy.

2. The merchant, after riding some miles, had occasion to alight, and taking the bag of money in his hands, laid it down by his side under a hedge, and, on remounting, forgot it. The dog perceived his lapse of recollection, and, wishing to rectify it, ran to fetch the bag, but it was too heavy for him to drag along. He then hastened to his master, and by crying, barking, and howling, seemed to remind him of his mistake. The merchant understood not his language; but the assiduous creature persevered in his efforts, and, after trying to stop the horse in vain, at last began to bite his heels.

3. The merchant, absorbed in some reverie, wholly overlooked the real object of his affectionate attendant's importunity, but waked to the alarming apprehension that he was gone mad. Full of this suspicion, in crossing a brook, he turned back to see if the animal would drink. But it was too intent on its master's service to think of itself; it continued to bark and bite with greater violence than before.

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

4. Mercy!' cried the astonished merchant, it must be so; my poor dog is certainly mad. What must I do? I must kill him, lest some greater misfortune befal me: but with what regret! Oh could I find any one to perform this cruel office for me! But there is no time to lose; I myself may become the victim if I spare him."

5. With these words he drew a pistol from his pocket, and with a trembling hand, took aim at his faithful servant. He turned away in agony as he fired, but his aim was too sure. The poor animal falls wounded; and, weltering in his blood, still endeavours to crawl towards his master, as if to tax him with ingratitude. The merchant could not bear the sight, he spurred on his horse, with a heart full of sorrow, and lamented he had taken a journey which had cost him so dear. Still, however, the money never entered his mind: he only thought of his poor dog, and tried to console himself with the reflection, that he had prevented a greater evil, by despatching a mad animal, than he had suffered a calamity by his loss.

6. This opiate to his wounded spirit was ineffectual: 'I am most unfortunate,' said he, to himself: I had almost rather have lost my money than my dog.' Saying this, he stretched out his hand to grasp his treasure. It was missing-no bag was to be found. In an instant, he saw his rashness and folly. • Wretch that I am! I alone am to blame. I could not comprehend the admonition which my best and most faithful friend gave me, and I have sacrificed him for his zeal. He only wished to inform me of my mistake, and he has paid for his fidelity with his life.'

7. He instantly turned his horse, and went off, at full speed, to the place where he had stopped. He saw, with half averted eyes, the scene where the tragedy was acted; he perceived the traces of blood, as he proceeded he was oppressed and distracted; but in vain did he look for his dog: he was not to be seen on the road. At last, he arrived at the spot where he had alighted. The poor dog, unable to follow his dear, but cruel master, had determined to consecrate his last moments to his service. He had crawled, all bloody as he was, to the forgotten bag, and, in the agonies of death, he lay watching beside it. When he saw his master, he still testified his joy, by the wagging of his tail-he could do no more-he tried to rise, but his strength was gone. The vital tide was ebbing fast: even the caresses of his master could not prolong his fate for a few mo, ments. He stretched out his tongue to lick the hand that was now fondling him, in the agonies of regret, as if to seal forgiveness of the deed that had deprived him of life. He then cast a look of kindness on his master, and closed his eyes forever!

Indian Magnanimity.

1. AN Indian who had not met with his usual success in hunting, wandered down to a plantation among the back set

tlements in Virginia, and seeing a planter at his door, asked for a morsel of bread for he was very hungry. The planter bid him begone, for he would give him none. Will you give me then a cup of your beer? said the Indian. No, you shall have none here, replied the planter. But I am very faint, said the savage; will you give me only a draught of cold water? Get you gone, you Indian dog, you shall have nothing here, said the planter.

a

2. It happened some months after, that the planter went on shooting party into the woods, where, intent upon his game, he missed his company, and lost his way; and night coming on, he wandered through the forest, till he espied an Indian wigwam. He approached the savage's habitation, and asked him to show him the way to a plantation on that side of the country. It is too late for you to go there this evening, sir, said the Indian; but if you will accept of my homely fare, you are welcome.

3. He then offered him some venison, and such other refreshments as his store afforded; and having laid some bear skins for his bed, he desired that he would repose himself for the night, and he would awake him early in the morning, and conduct him on his way.

4. Accordingly, in the morning they set off, and the Indian led him out of the forest, and put him in the road he was to go: but just as they were taking leave, he stepped before the planter, then turning round, and staring full in his face, bid him say whether he recollected his features. The planter was now struck with shame and horrour, when he beheld, in his kind protector, the Indian whom he had so harshly treated. He confessed that he knew him, and was full of excuses for his brutal behaviour; to which the Indian only replied, 'When you see poor Indians fainting for a cup of cold water, don't say again, Get you gone, you Indian dog!" The Indian then wished him well on his journey, and left him. It is not difficult to say which of these two had the best claim to the name of Christian.

Virtue in Humble Life.

1. PERRIN, the amiable subject of this narrative, lost both his parents before he could articulate their names, and was obliged to a charity school for his education. At the age of fifteen he was hired by a farmer, to be a shepherd, in a neighbourhood where Lucetta kept her father's sheep. They often met, and were fond of being together. After an acquaintance of five years, in which they had many opportunities of becoming tho

roughly known to each other, Perrin proposed to Lucetta to ask her father's consent to their marriage: she blushed, and did not refuse her approbation.

2. As she had an errand to town the next day, the opportunity of her absence was chosen, for making the proposal. You wish to marry my daughter,' said the old man : Have you a house to cover her, or money to maintain her? Lucetta's fortune is not enough for both. It will not do, Perrin; it will not do.' 'But,' replied Perrin, I have hands to work; I have laid up twenty crowns of my wages, which will defray the expense of the wedding: I will work harder, and lay up more. Well,' said the old man, you are young, and may wait a little: get rich, and my daughter is at your service.'

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

6

Has

'Ah Lucetta,'

3. Perrin waited for Lucetta's return in the evening. my father given you a refusal ?' cried Lucetta. replied Perrin, how unhappy am I for being poor! But I have not lost all my hopes: my circumstances may change for the better.' As they were never tired of conversing together, the night approached, and it became dark. Perrin, making a false step. fell on the ground. He found a bag, which was heavy. Drawing towards a light, in the neighbourhood, he discovered that it was filled with gold. I thank heaven,' cries Perrin, in a transport of joy, for being favourable to our wishes. This will satisfy your father, and make us happy.'

[ocr errors]

6

4. In their way to her father's house, a thought struck Perrin. 'This money is not ours it belongs to some stranger; and perhaps this moment, he is lamenting the loss of it; let us go to the vicar for advice; he has always been kind to me.' Perrin put the bag into the vicar's hand, saying, that, at first, he looked on it as a providential present to remove the only obstacle to their marriage; but that he now doubted, whether he could lawfully retain it.' The vicar eyed the young couple with attention; he admired their honesty which appeared even to surpass their affection. Perrin,' said he, cherish these sentiments: heaven will bless you. We will endeavour to find out the owner; he will reward your honesty. I will add what I can spare. You shall have Lucétta.'

5. The bag was advertised in the newspapers, and cried in the neighbouring parishes. Some time having elapsed, and the money not having been demanded, the vicar carried it to Perrin. These twelve thousand livres bear at present no profit: you may reap the interest at least. Lay them out in such a manner, as to ensure the sum itself to the owner, if he should ever appear.' A farm was purchased, and the consent

of Lucetta's father to the marriage was obtained. Perrin was employed in husbandry, and Lucetta in family affairs. They lived in perfect cordiality; and two children endeared them still more to each other.

6. Perrin, one evening, returning homeward, from his work, saw a chaise overturned, with two gentlemen in it. He ran to their assistance, and offered them every accommodation his small house could afford. • This spot,' cried one of the gentleman, 'is very fatal to me. Ten years ago I lost here twelve thousand livres.' Perrin listened with attention. What search

made you for them? said he. It was not in my power,' replied the stranger, to make any search. I was hurrying to Port l'Orient to embark for the Indies, as the vessel was ready to sail.'

7. Next morning Perrin showed to his guests, his house, his garden, his cattle, and mentioned the produce of his fields. All these are your property,' said he, addressing the gentleman who had lost the bag: the money fell into my hands; I purchased this farm with it; the farm is yours. The vicar has an instrument which secures your property, though I had died without seeing you.'

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

8. The stranger read the instrument with emotion: he looked on Perrin, Lucetta, and the children. 'Where am I,' cried he, and what do I hear? What virtue in people of so low a condition! Have you any other land but this farm?' No,' replied Perrin; but you will have occasion for a tenant, and I hope you will allow me to remain here.' Your honesty deserves a better recompense,' answered the stranger; My success in trade has been great, and I have forgotten my loss. You are well entitled to this little fortune: keep it as your own. What man in the world could have acted nobler than you have done?" Perrin and Lucetta shed tears of affection and joy. My dear children, said Perrin, kiss the hand of your benefactor. Lucetta, this farm now belongs to us, and we can enjoy it without anxiety or remorse.' Thus was honesty rewarded. Let those who desire the reward, practise the virtue.

6

General Putnam and the Wolf.

1. When General Putnam first moved to Pomfret, in Connecticut, in the year 1739, the country was new and much infested with wolves. Great havoc was made among the sheep by a she wolf, which, with her annual whelps, had for several years continued in that vicinity. The young ones were commonly de

« AnteriorContinuar »