ty at first caught his eye, her merit soon after his duct in my family. My son went in pursuance heart. They were married; he rose to the highest of my directions, and in three days returned, asposts; they lived long together, and were happy. suring us of the truth of the account; but that he But the felicity of a soldier can never be called per- had found it impossible to deliver the letter, which manent: after an interval of several years, the he was therefore obliged to leave, as Mr. Thorntroops which he commanded having met with a re-hill and Miss Wilmot were visiting round the pulse, he was obliged to take shelter in the city country. They were to be married, he said, in a where he had lived with his wife. Here they suffew days, having appeared together at church the fered a siege, and the city at length was taken. Sunday before he was there, in great splendour Few histories can produce more various instances the bride attended by six young ladies, and he by of cruelty than those which the French and Ital- as many gentlemen. Their approaching nuptials ians at that time exercised upon each other. It filled the whole country with rejoicing, and they was resolved by the victors, upon this occasion, to usually rode out together in the grandest equipage put all the French prisoners to death; but particu- that had been seen in the country for many years. larly the husband of the unfortunate Matilda, as All the friends of both families, he said, were there, he was principally instrumental in protracting the particularly the 'Squire's uncle, Sir William Thornsiege. Their determinations were in general exe-hill, who bore so good a character. He added, cuted almost as soon as resolved upon. The cap- that nothing but mirth and feasting were going tive soldier was led forth, and the executioner with forward; that all the country praised the young his sword stood ready, while the spectators in bride's beauty, and the bridegroom's fine person, gloomy silence awaited the fatal blow, which was and that they were immensely fond of each other; only suspended till the general, who presided as concluding, that he could not help thinking Mr. judge, should give the signal. It was in this inter- Thornhill one of the most happy men in the world val of anguish and expectation that Matilda came Why, let him, if he can," returned I: "but to take a last farewell of her husband and deliverer, my son, observe this bed of straw, and unsheltering deploring her wretched situation, and the cruelty roof; those mouldering walls, and humid floor; my of fate, that had saved her from perishing by a pre- wretched body thus disabled by fire, and my chilmature death in the river Volturna, to be the spec-dren weeping round me for bread;--you have come tator of still greater calamities. The general, who home, my child, to all this; yet here, even here, you was a young man, was struck with surprise at her see a man that would not for a thousand worlds exbeauty, and pity at her distress; but with still change situations. O, my children, if you could stronger emotions when he heard her mention her but learn to commune with your own hearts, and former dangers. He was her son, the infant for know what noble company you can make them, whom she had encountered so much danger. He you would little regard the elegance and splendour acknowledged her at once as his mother, and fell of the worthless. Almost all men have been taught at her feet. The rest may be easily supposed; the captive was set free, and all the happiness that love, friendship, and duty could confer on each, were united."

to call life a passage, and themselves the travellers. The similitude still may be improved, when we observe that the good are joyful and serene, like travellers that are going towards home; the wicked but by intervals happy, like travellers that are going into exile."

In this manner I would attempt to amuse my daughter, but she listened with divided attention; for her own misfortunes engrossed all the pity she My compassion for my poor daughter, overpow once had for those of another, and nothing gave ered by this new disaster, interrupted what I had her ease. In company she dreaded contempt; and further to observe. I bade her mother support her, in solitude she only found anxiety. Such was the and after a short time she recovered. She appeared colour of her wretchedness, when we received from that time more calm, and I imagined had gain certain information that Mr. Thornhill was going ed a new degree of resolution: but appearances deto be married to Miss Wilmot, for whom I always ceived me; for her tranquillity was the languor of suspected he had a real passion, though he took over-wrought resentment. A supply of provisions, every opportunity before me to express his con- charitably sent us by my kind parishioners, seemtempt both of her person and fortune. This news ed to diffuse new cheerfulness among the rest of only served to increase poor Olivia's affliction: such the family, nor was I displeased at seeing them a flagrant breach of fidelity was more than her once more sprightly and at ease. It would have courage could support. I was resolved, however, been unjust to damp their satisfactions, merely to to get more certain information, and to defeat if condole with resolute melancholy, or to burden possible the completion of his designs, by sending them with a sadness they did not feel. Thus once my son to old Mr. Wilmot's with instructions to more the tale went round, and the song was deknow the truth of the report, and to deliver Miss manded, and cheerfulness condescended to hover Wilmot a letter, intimating Mr. Thornhill's con- | round our little habitation.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Fresh Calamities.

wretched for life, and polluted a family that had nothing but honour for their portion!"

"If she or you," returned he, "are resolved to be miserable, I can not help it. But you may still

THE next morning the sun arose with peculiar be happy; and whatever opinion you may have warmth for the season, so that we agreed to break-formed of me, you shall ever find me ready to confast together on the honey-suckle bank; where, tribute to it. We can marry her to another in a short time, and what is more, she may keep her while we sat, my youngest daughter at my request joined her voice to the concert on the trees about lover beside; for I protest I shall ever continue to have a true regard for her." us. It was in this place my poor Olivia first met I found all my passions alarmed at this new de her seducer, and every object served to recall her sadness. But that melancholy which is excited by grading proposal; for though the mind may often objects of pleasure, or inspired by sounds of har- be calm under great injuries, little villany can at mony, soothes the heart instead of corroding it. any time get within the soul, and sting it into rage. Her mother, too, upon this occasion, felt a pleasing" Avoid my sight, thou reptile!" cried I, "nor condistress, and wept, and loved her daughter as be-tinue to insult me with thy presence. Were my fore. "Do, my pretty Olivia," cried she, "let us have that little melancholy air your papa was so fond of; your sister Sophy has already obliged us. Do, child, it will please your old father." She complied in a manner so exquisitely pathetic as moved me.

When lovely woman stoops to folly,

And finds too late that men betray, What charm can soothe her melancholy, What art can wash her guilt away?

brave son at home he would not suffer this; but I am old and disabled, and every way undone."

"I find," cried he, "you are bent upon obliging me to talk in a harsher manner than I intended. But as I have shown you what may be hoped from my friendship, it may not be improper to represent what may be the consequences of my resentment. My attorney, to whom your late bond has been transferred, threatens hard, nor do I know how to prevent the course of justice, except by paying the money myself, which, as I have been at some expenses lately, previous to my intended marriage, is not so easy to be done. And then my steward talks of driving for the rent: it is certain he knows his duty; for I never trouble myself with affairs of that nature. Yet still I could wish to serve you, As she was concluding the last stanza, to which and even to have you and your daughter present an interruption in her voice from sorrow gave pe- at my marriage, which is shortly to be solemnized culiar softness, the appearance of Mr. Thornhill's with Miss Wilmot; it is even the request of my equipage at a distance alarmed us all, but particu- charming Arabella herself, whom I hope you will larly increased the uneasiness of my eldest daugh- not refuse."

The only art her guilt to cover,

To hide her shame from every eye, To give repentance to her lover,

And wring his bosom-is to die.

ter, who, desirous of shunning her betrayer, re- "Mr. Thornhill," replied I, "hear me once for turned to the house with her sister. In a few all: As to your marriage with any but my daughminutes he was alighted from his chariot, and ter, that I never will consent to; and though your making up to the place where I was still sitting, friendship could raise me to a throne, or your reinquired after my health with his usual air of fa- sentment sink me to the grave, yet would I despise miliarity. "Sir," replied I, "your present assur- both. Thou hast once wofully, irreparably deance only serves to aggravate the baseness of your ceived me. I reposed my heart upon thine honour, character; and there was a time when I would have and have found its baseness. Never more therechastised your insolence for presuming thus to ap-fore expect friendship from me. Go, and possess pear before me. But now you are safe; for age what fortune has given thee, beauty, riches, health, has cooled my passions, and my calling restrains and pleasure. Go, and leave me to want, infamy, them." disease, and sorrow. Yet, humbled as I am, shall "I vow, my dear sir," returned he, "I am amazed my heart still vindicate its dignity; and though at all this; nor can I understand what it means! I thou hast my forgiveness, thou shalt ever have my hope you don't think your daughter's late excursion contempt." with me had any thing criminal in it?"

"If so," returned he, "depend upon it you shall "Go," cried I," thou art a wretch, a poor pitiful feel the effects of this insolence: and we shall shortwretch, and every way a liar: but your meanness ly see which is the fittest object of scorn, you or secures you from my anger! Yet, sir, I am de- me."-Upon which he departed abruptly. scended from a family that would not have borne My wife and son, who were present at this inthis! And so, thou vile thing, to gratify a mo- terview, seemed terrified with the apprenension. mentary passion, thou hast made one poor creature My daughters, also, finding that he was gone, came

out to be informed of the result of our conference, and old to walk far in such deep snow; but if it which, when known, alarmed them not less than must be so

the rest. But as to myself, I disregarded the utmost I then turned to my wife and children, and distretch of his malevolence: he had already struck rected them to get together what few things were the blow, and now I stood prepared to repel every left us, and to prepare immediately for leaving this new effort; like one of those instruments used in place. I entreated them to be expeditious, and dethe art of war, which, however thrown, still pre-sired my son to assist his eldest sister, who, from a sents a point to receive the enemy. consciousness that she was the cause of all our caWe soon however found that he had not threat-lamities, was fallen, and had lost anguish in insen. ened in vain: for the very next morning his stew-sibility. I encouraged my wife, who, pale and ard came to demand my annual rent, which, by trembling, clasped our affrighted little ones in her the train of accidents already related, I was unable arms, that clung to her bosom in silence, dreading to pay. The consequence of my incapacity was to look round at the strangers. In the mean time his driving my cattle that evening, and their being my youngest daughter prepared for our departure, appraised and sold the next day for less than half and as she received several hints to use dispatch, their value. My wife and children now therefore in about an hour we were ready to depart. entreated me to comply upon any terms, rather than incur certain destruction. They even begged of me to admit his visits once more, and used all

their little eloquence to paint the calamities I was going to endure;-the terrors of a prison in so

CHAPTER XXV.

comfort attending it.

rigorous a season as the present, with the danger No situation, however wretched it seems, but has some sort of that threatened my health from the late accident that happened by the fire. But I continued inflexible.

WE set forward from this peaceful neighbourhood, and walked on slowly. My eldest daughter being enfeebled by a slow fever, which had begun for some days to undermine her constitution, one of the officers, who had a horse, kindly took her behind him; for even these men can not entirely divest themselves of humanity. My son led one of the little ones by the hand, and my wife the other, while I leaned upon my youngest girl, whose tears fell not for her own but my distresses.

"Why, my treasures," cried I, "why will you thus attempt to persuade me to the thing that is not right! My duty has taught me to forgive him; but my conscience will not permit me to approve. Would you have me applaud to the world what my heart must internally condemn? Would you have me tamely sit down and flatter our infamous betrayer; and, to avoid a prison, continually suffer the more galling bonds of mental confinement? No, We were now got from my late dwelling about never. If we are to be taken from this abode, only two miles, when we saw a crowd running and let us hold to the right; and wherever we are shouting behind us, consisting of about fifty of my thrown, we can still retire to a charming apartment, poorest parishioners. These, with dreadful imprewhen we can look round our own hearts with in-cations, soon seized upon the two officers of justice, trepidity and with pleasure!" and swearing they would never see their minister

In this manner we spent that evening. Early go to gaol while they had a drop of blood to shed in the next morning, as the snow had fallen in great his defence, were going to use them with great seabundance in the night, my son was employed in verity. The consequence might have been fatal clearing it away, and opening a passage before the had I not immediately interposed, and with some door. He had not been thus engaged long, when difficulty rescued the officers from the hands of the he came running in, with looks all pale, to tell us that two strangers, whom he knew to be officers of the justice, were making towards the house.

Just as he spoke they came in, and approaching the bed where I lay, after previously informing me of their employment and business, made me their prisoner, bidding me prepare to go with them to the county gaol, which was eleven miles off.

enraged multitude. My children, who looked upon my delivery now as certain, appeared transported with joy, and were incapable of containing their raptures. But they were soon undeceived, upon hearing me address the poor deluded people, who came as they imagined to do me service.

"What! my friends," cried 1, "and is this the way you love me? Is this the manner you obey "My friends,” said I, "this is severe weather in the instructions I have given you from the pulpit? which you have come to take me to a prison; and Thus to fly in the face of justice, and bring down it is particularly unfortunate at this time, as one of ruin on yourselves and me! Which is your ringmy arms has lately been burnt in a terrible man- leader? Show me the man that has thus seduced her, and it has thrown me into a slight fever, and I you. As sure as he lives he shall feel my resentwant clothes to cover me; and I am now too weak ment-Alas! my dear deluded flock, return back to

the duty you owe to God, to your country, and to lowed here nothing but straw, and your apartment me. I shall yet perhaps one day see you in greater is very large and cold. However, you seem to be felicity here, and contribute to make your lives something of a gentleman, and as I have been one more happy. But let it at least be my comfort myself in my time, part of my bed-clothes are heartwhen I pen my fold for immortality, that not one ily at your service."

here shall be wanting."

I thanked him, professing my surprise at finding They now seemed all repentance, and melting such humanity in a gaol in misfortunes; adding, to into tears, came one after the other to bid me fare- let him see that I was a scholar, "That the sage well. I shook each tenderly by the hand, and leav- ancient seemed to understand the value of company ing them my blessing, proceeded forward without in affliction, when he said, Ton kosmon aire, ei meeting any further interruption. Some hours bedos ton etairon; and in fact," continued I, "what fore night we reached the town, or rather village, is the world if it affords only solitude?" for it consisted but of a few mean houses, having "You talk of the world, sir," returned my fellost all its former opulence, and retaining no marks of its ancient superiority but the gaol.

low-prisoner; "the world is in its dotage; and yet the cosmogony or creation of the world has puzzled Upon entering we put up at the inn, where we the philosophers of every age. What a medley of had such refreshments as could most readily be opinions have they not broached upon the creation procured, and I supped with my family with my of the world! Sanchoniathon, Manetho, Berosus, usual cheerfulness. After seeing them properly und Ocellus Lucanus, have all attempted it in vain. accommodated for that night, I next attended the The latter has these words, Anarchon ara kai sheriff's officers to the prison, which had formerly atelutaion to pan, which imply—"” “I ask pardon, been built for the purpose of war, and consisted of sir," cried I, "for interrupting so much learning; one large apartment, strongly grated and paved but I think I have heard all this before. Have I with stone, common to both felons and debtors at not had the pleasure of once seeing you at Welcertain hours in the four-and-twenty. Besides bridge fair, and is not your name Ephraim Jenkinthis, every prisoner had a separate cell, where he son?" At this demand he only sighed. "I supwas locked in for the night. pose you must recollect," resumed I, "one Doctor Primrose, from whom you bought a horse?"

I expected upon my entrance to find nothing but lamentations and various sounds of misery: but He now at once recollected me; for the gloomi it was very different. The prisoners seemed all ness of the place and the approaching night had employed in one common design, that of forgetting prevented his distinguishing my features before.— thought in merriment or clamour. I was apprized "Yes, sir," returned Mr. Jenkinson, "I remember of the usual perquisite required upon these occa- you perfectly well; I bought a horse, but forgot to sions, and immediately complied with the demand, though the little money I had was very near being all exhausted. This was immediately sent away for liquor, and the whole prison soon was filled with riot, laughter, and profaneness.

"How," cried I to myself, "shall men so very wicked be cheerful, and shall I be melancholy? I feel only the same confinement with them, and I think I have more reason to be happy."

pay for him. Your neighbour Flamborough is the only prosecutor I am any way afraid of at the next assizes; for he intends to swear positively against me as a coiner. I am heartily sorry, sir, I ever deceived you, or indeed any man; for you see," continued he, showing his shackles, "what my tricks have brought me to."

"Well, sir," replied 1, "your kindness in offering me assistance when you could expect no return, With such reflections I laboured to become shall be repaid with my endeavours to soften or tocheerful, but cheerfulness was never yet produced tally suppress Mr. Flamborough's evidence, and I by effort, which is itself painful. As I was sitting, will send my son to him for that purpose the first therefore, in a corner of the gaol in a pensive pos-opportunity; nor do I in the least doubt but he will ture, one of my fellow-prisoners came up, and sit ting by me, entered into conversation. It was my constant rule in life never to avoid the conversation "Well, sir," cried he, "all the return I can make of any man who seemed to desire it: for, if good, I shall be yours. You shall have more than half might profit by his instruction; if bad, he might be my bed-clothes to-night, and I'll take care to stand assisted by mine. I found this to be a knowing your friend in the prison, where I think I have man, of strong unlettered sense, but a thorough some influence."

comply with my request; and as to my own evidence you need be under no uneasiness about that."

knowledge of the world, as it is called, or more I thanked him, and could not avoid being surproperly speaking, of human nature on the wrong prised at the present youthful change in his aspect ; side. He asked me if I had taken care to provide for at the time I had seen him before, he appeared myself with a bed, which was a circumstance I had at least sixty.-"Sir," answered he, "you are litnever attended to. tle acquainted with the world; I had at that time "That's unfortunate," cried he, "as you are al- false hair, and have learned the art of counterfei

ing every age from seventeen to seventy. Ah! sir, to me. "And as for you, my son," continued I, had I but bestowed half the pains in learning a "it is by the labour of your hands we must all hope trade that I have in learning to be a scoundrel, I to be supported. Your wages as a day-labourer might have been a rich man at this day. But rogue will be fully sufficient, with proper frugality, to as I am, still I may be your friend, and that per- maintain us all, and comfortably too. Thou art haps when you least expect it." now sixteen years old, and hast strength; and it We were now prevented from further conversa- was given thee, my son, for very useful purposes; tion by the arrival of the gaoler's servants, who for it must save from famine your helpless parents came to call over the prisoners' names, and lock up and family. Prepare then this evening to look out for the night. A fellow also with a bundle of straw for work against to-morrow, and bring home every for my bed attended, who led me along a dark nar- night what money you earn for our support." row passage into a room paved like the common Having thus instructed him, and settled the rest, prison, and in one corner of this I spread my bed, I walked down to the common prison, where I and the clothes given me by my fellow-prisoner; could enjoy more air and room. But I was not which done, my conductor, who was civil enough, long there when the execrations, lewdness, and bade me a good night. After my usual medita- brutality that invaded me on every side, drove me tions, and having praised my Heavenly Corrector, I laid myself down, and slept with the utmost tranquillity till morning.

CHAPTER XXVI.

A Reformation in the Gaol.-To make Laws complete, they should Reward as well as Punish.

back to my apartment again. Here I sat for some time pondering upon the strange infatuation of wretches, who, finding all mankind in open arms against them, were labouring to make themselves a future and a tremendous eneiny.

Their insensibility excited my highest compassion, and blotted my own uneasiness from my mind. It even appeared a duty incumbent upon me to attempt to reclaim them. I resolved therefore once more to return, and, in spite of their contempt, to THE next morning early I was awakened by my give them my advice, and conquer them by my perfamily, whom I found in tears at my bed-side. The severance. Going therefore among them again, I gloomy strength of every thing about us, it seems, informed Mr. Jenkinson of my design, at which he had daunted them. I gently rebuked their sorrow, laughed heartily, but communicated it to the rest. assuring them I had never slept with greater tran- The proposal was received with the greatest goodquillity, and next inquired after my eldest daugh- humour, as it promised to afford a new fund of enter, who was not among them. They informed tertainment to persons who had now no other reme that yesterday's uneasiness and fatigue had in-source for mirth, but what could be derived from creased her fever, and it was judged proper to leave ridicule or debauchery.

her behind. My next care was to send my son to I therefore read them a portion of the service with procure a room or two to lodge the family in, as a loud unaffected voice, and found my audience near the prison as conveniently could be found. perfectly merry upon the occasion. Lewd whisHe obeyed; but could only find one apartment, pers, groans of contrition burlesqued, winking, and which was hired at a small expense for his mother coughing, alternately excited laughter. However, and sisters, the gaoler with humanity consenting I continued with my natural solemnity to read on, to let him and his two little brothers lie in the prison with me. A bed was therefore prepared for them in a corner of the room, which I thought answered very conveniently. I was willing, however, previously to know whether my children chose to lie in a place which seemed to fright them upon

entrance.

"Well," cried I, "my good boys, how do you like your bed? I hope you are not afraid to lie in this room, dark as it appears?"

sensible that what I did might mend some, but could itself receive no contamination from any.

After reading I entered upon my exhortation, which was rather calculated at first to amuse them than to reprove. I previously observed, that no other motive but their welfare could induce me to this; that I was their fellow-prisoner, and now got nothing by preaching. I was sorry, I said, to hear them so very profane; because they got nothing by it, but might lose a great deal: "For be assured,

"No, papa," says Dick, "I am not afraid to lie my friends," cried I, "for you are my friends, howany where where you are."

"And 1," says Bill, who was yet but four years old, "love every place best that my papa is in."

ever the world may disclaim your friendship, though you swore twelve thousand oaths in a day, it would not put one penny in your purse. Then what sig After this I allotted to each of the family what nifies calling every moment upon the devil, and they were to do. My daughter was particularly courting his friendship, since you find how scurviirected to watch her declining sister's health; ny ly he uses you? He has given you nothing here, wife was to attend me; my little boys were to read you find, but a mouthful of oaths and an empty