Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-05-18

day. The following is perhaps the most
mastery in the collection, conveying in
suise Of singular ingenuity, grave and i'm
Pressive. moral. Pror. Am.
HOW 1T STRIKES II STRANGER
In a remote period of antiquity, when
the supernatural and the marvellous OBJ
tanned reader cFedence than now, it
was tabled that stranger of extraordi-
nary appearance was observed pacing
the streets of one of the magnificent cit
les OF the east, remarking with an eye of
Intelligent curiosity every surrounding
object. Several individuals gathered a.
round him, questioned him concerning
his country and bis business; but they
presently perceived that he was unac-
quainted with their language, and he
soon discovered himself to be equally
ignorant of .the most common usages of
society. AT the same time, the dignity
and intelligence of bis air and demean-
our forbade the idea of his being either
barbarian or lunatic. When at
length he understood by their signs, that
they wished TO be informed whence he
came, he pointed with great significance
to the sky; upon which the crowd, con-
GLIDING him to be one Of their deIties,
were proceeding to pay him divine hon.
ors: Dat he no sooner comprebended
their design, than he rejected it with
horror; and bending his knees and rails
ing his hands towards heaven in the at
tltude of prayer, gave them to under.
stand that he also was worshipper of
the powers above.
After time, it is said that the myste-
rious stranger accepted the Inequalities
OF one of the mobiles of the city; under
whose roof he applied himself with great
diligence to the requirement Of the lam
guage, in which he made such surpris.
ing proficiency, that in lew days he
was able 20 hold intelligent intercourse
with those around him. The noble host
now resolved 10 take an early opportu-
nifty Of satisfying his curiosity respecting
the country and quality of his guest ; and
upon his. expressing this desire, the
stranger assured him that he would an
swer his inquiries that evening after SUM-
set. Accordingly, as night approached,
he led him forth upon the balconies Of
the palace, which overlooked the veal
thy and populous city. Ennumerable
lights from IFS busy streets and splendid
palaces were now reflected in the dark
bosom OF its noble river; where stately
vessels laden with rich merchandise
from all parts of the known world, Law
anchored in the port. This was city
in which the voice of the harp and the
viol, and the sound Of the milestone
were continually heard and craftsmen
of all kinds Of craft we're there-and the
light of candle was seen il. every
dwelling; and the voice of the BRIDE
groom and the voice of the bride were
heard there. The stranger unused a.
while upon the gliaering scene, and Iis~
tened to the confused murmur of ming
ling sounds, then suddenly raising his
eyes TO the starry armament, he fixed
them with an expressive gaze on the
beautiful evening star which was Just
sinking behind a dark grove that sur
rounded one of the principal temples of
the city. "Marvel not" said he to his
host, that | am wont to gaze with fond
affection on yonder silvery star. That
was my home yes, was lately an in
habitant of that tranquil planet, from
whence vain curiosity has tempted me
to wander. Often had 1 beheld, with
wondering admiration, this brilliant
world of yours, ever one of the bright.
est gems of our armament aud the ar
dent desire had long felt to know
something Of its condition was at length
unexpectedly gratihed. | received
permission and power from above to
traverse the mighty void, and to direct
my course to this distant sphere, To
that permission, however, one condition
was annexed, TO which my eagerness for
the enterprise induced me hastily to con-
sent; namely, that must theneeforth
remain an inhabitant of this strange
earth, and undergo all the vicissitudes to
which its natives are subject. Tell me
therefore, pray you, what is the lot OF
man, and explain 10 me more fully than
yet understand, all that | hear and see
around me.'
"Truly, Sir" replied the astenished
noble, although ! am altogether uuac.
[quainted with the manners and customs,
lprodu-ts and privileges of your country,
lyet, methinks cannot but congratulate
you on your arrival in our world espe.
cially since il has been your good for
tune to alight on a part of it affording
such various sources Of enjoyment as
this our opulent and luxurious city. And
be assured it will be my pride and pleas.
ure 10 introduce you to oil that is most