Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-01-19

gusted with learning. These remarks have
been occasioned by true story still fresh in
my recollection.
There was in the village of ******* young
man who attended the same school with my
SELF He was the son of one of those easy
farmers, who, satisfied, when their Golfers are
filled, that they have enough to answer the
cravings of nature, look no farther for enjoy
ment. This was his only son, and he had sent
him to school, that he might acquire just
enough of the knowledge of books to equal
those around him. But his was soul of no
common character. Entering upon scene new
er before realized even in his imagination, his
youthful spirit caught fire, whilst contemplate
ing the glcries which surrounded it. He was
soon master of the studies usually taught in
such schools. But he had gone too far to stop
here just upon the threshold of science. He
had plucked from the tree of knowledge, and
no other fruit could satisfy his taste. With
enthusiasm he entered upon the study of the
dead languages. and in the short term of few
months acquired Knowledge of the Latin
tongue almost incredible. Well do remem-
Der, during the hours of amusement and re-
lease from school, whilst his companions were
busily employed in pursuit of some new en-
joyment, it was his to sit alone beneath some
shady tree, or within his little chamber, and
there pore over the works of Cicero, with all
the ardour Of more aged admirer.
| 1t was amidst the prosecution of these stud
les he was sent for by his father to return
home and engage in his former occupation
Ever obedient to parents will, he readily
followed him into the field, and there labour-
| ed with his former associates. Yet what
communion here for soul like his A book
was still the companion of every leisure hour,
and Science the only star to which his eye was
directed. The penetration of an unrelenting
parent soon discovered this mighty change,
and indignant at the idea that his humble son
should presume to tread in these forbidden
paths, in preference to his own more WSefat &C.
cupation, he sent him homeless and friendless
to LtUe upon his learning. A neighbouring
farmer took him into his employment, where,
by unceasing application, he endeavoured to
hoard up little sum as an assistance at some
future day in his tavourite pursuit. But il
was not permitted him to live even upon the
hope of brighter day. Even these small
sums were taken from him by the cruelty of a
father. This was too much for his spirit to
sustain. Pale and emaciated, he fingered out
ed, gradually sinking into the grave. Such
remember him in my youthful days, and such
he was when / last saw him. Having occa-
sion during the past season to travel through
that part of the country, my first inquire:
were for him; but alas he had fallen-the
victim of despair. | inquired for his last rest.
ing place; for had learned that his father
though too late, had forgiven him, and shed
full many tear over his memory. Ivisitet
the grave-a little white stone stood at it.
head, on which were inscribed these lines
found amongst his papers after his decease -
FOR MY EPITAPH.
If e'er, perchance, some friend should wander
here,
To shed his sorrows DER my humble bier;
Forgive the errors of this lonely one.
1 Who lived in misery, and who died unknown