Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-09-13


4 ginning Of the season, but now stood behind
the scenes the body was hollow, and large
/ enough to contain moderate sized man
4 the limbs were so constructed that by pull
| ing rope, the whole figure would drop to
/ pieces this hollow piece Of mechanism had
served Iom for a hiding place before; as
we had planned, SO it succeeded ]; found
! myself safely lodged in the carcase of Ma
1 gog with the pleasing certainty Of seeing the
play, by creeping out the first opportunity,
and presenting myself, as if just come from
the front Of the house. was scarcely fixed
IN my new habitation, when the stage keep
er returned, accompanied by the manager,
who gave orders to prepare every thing for
tho representation of the pantomime, which
was to be exhibited in lieu Of the farce adj
vertlsed, owing to the indisposition of IA
yorite performer. Alarmed to agitation,
determined to facilitate my escape the mo-
ment their backs were turned but, unfor-
tunately, the first preparation was begun up
on the giant: the ropes were properly fixed,
the head fitted to the body, and the monster
drawn from the wall, to be in greater readi-
ness for his appearance. He's confoundel
heavy" said the carpenter. :. | wish he
was lighter" thought l. All my hopes of
escape vanished to creep out in his pre-
sent tottering situation was Impossible, with
out throwing down the whole apparatus !;
this | durstn not risk, but made solemn
resolution, ii escaped discovery this time,
never % ue gullty OF the like Ia future.
Three hours passed, the most painful
had ever known. The scene drew up, Ma
cog was discovered, ne different characters
skipping about with tise 5;@ssscs. alacrisf, TIL
one engered, drcssec. IS afla.9dtord with
large bow OF punch, wh.cti, after some time,
was poured down 1s4agoss,s throat, and be-
dewed me IN plentiful assnnc1. Almost
sutfocated wits heat, The cod contents Of tie
bowl were tolerably Pleasaat atelie moment;
but the consequence was . violent cold and
fever, which contlnc i me near, a month al
forwards: at length Harlequin gave the ne
cessary signal, the figure dropped to pieces,
ard discovered its contents, to the surprise
and establishment Of every body covered
with cobwebs and dirt, wet to the skin, pale
and trembling with fear, the house reared
with laughter. Not long did l continu-
their spectacle; but took to my heels, over
turning every thing that stood in my way,
and rued the time first thought OF getting
into Magog.
" AS il was more than probable the affair
would get wind, determined to relate the
whole without disguise. NY father said
6 was rightly served he hoped it would,
teach me to be above such mean dirty tricks
in future" My mothers mind WIS greatly
hurt at my exposure, and her generous heart
crieved, that should be reduced to such
shfta for money. My dear SON." said
the best Of parents, whilst the tear OF atec-
ton stole down her cheek. 6" am filled
with shame and sorrow; the principles sof
honor and hon sly, which your father and
have laboured SO long to lnculcate, are,
l fear, dying away, and IN their place pro-
higacy has taken root; how aEl to account
for this What company do you keep! be
cautious in that particular, It's the rock On
which many an hopeful bark has split-you
are now arrived at years Of discretion, and
we can do no more than advise, but remem-
Der your future datfiness, ormisery, depend
upon the choice Oh your companions ever
be above mean action-deny yourself tri
fling qualifications. rather than submit to
receive them at the price of your integrity
be mindful ofmy advice-nake proper use
of my indulgence, and your purse shall be
supplied as far as our straitened circumstan-
ces will allow" With this admonition |
received a guinea. Such generous conduct
had greater effect upon ne than the most
severe chastisement weighed her coun-
sci, determined to alter my conduct, and a
void my old companion with studied care,