Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-05-21
THE CORNISH MINER.

At the foot of hill. that descended b,
Il long slope into ravine, through whicl
ran a stream, whose red and disordcreC
hue was derived from the metal that hat
mingled with it, lived in poor cottage
two brothers of the name Of Gilbert, who
supported themselves by daily labor in
an adjoining mine. Each day and night
alternately they had several miles to
traverse to their place Of occupation, land
their steps were retraced as duly as the
sun iise or set bade them finish their
short but severe labor Poorly as they
now lived and led, they were the last OF
a rather old family, that could at least
boast Of having possession for several
generations good and ancient-lookIng
house, situated beside the same stream
that ran close to the young mems hovel,
and at no great distance. They had in
deed been bred up delicately: only a
few years since they had lived in that
building, INDUCED in every wish that
idleness and plenty could prompt. The
father, however, lived too fast and free
for his income; he was fox hunter; and
horses, and the frequent and substantial
dinners he gave, with the unlimited free
dom of the bottle, were part Of the ex-
penses that ate up by degrees his good
property. The greater part of his es-
tates was morigaged; and when he died
the mansion itself was seized to help
pay his debts, and the two sons were
turned out almost friendless on tho world.
1t might well be said friendless; for, of
the many who had feasted at their faith
er's board, not one took kind or effect
ual interest in their condition, and they
saw tha! they must either earn their liv-
ing by the sweat Of their brow, or starve.
They were now advancing into manhood,
and the manager of the large copper
mine on the distant hill, when addressed
by them in humble tone for employ
ment, gazed doubtingly on their delicate
features and hands, all unused to TOLL
Their handsome clothes, and hats with
a broad band Of gold lace (such was the
fashion with the squires' sons Of the day.
were dof1ed, and they were simply and
meanIy clad. Employment was instantly
ASST signed them, and with some feeling of
sympathy, the same wages given as to
harder men; nor was it long ere the
brothers learned, though with difficulty,
to earn them. They were obliged to
descend during six out of twenty-four
hours, some hundred la,homs deep; at
first with dizzy head and trembling
heart, clinging TO the ladders fixed to the
perpendicular sides Of the shaft with one
hand, and carrying lighted candle with
the other. They bore the chilling and
constant damps and moisture so far be-
meath the surface; welded the heavy
pickaxe and shovel without ceasng,
amidst sometimes close and sitting
air; where few small lights only relIev-
ed the grave-like darkness Of tho place.
They succeeded, however; and few
months had scarcely passed, ere it was
difficult to discover, in the bronzod feat
ures, hardy looks, and active limbs ofthc
laborers, the two young and luxurious
descendants Of one Of the chief families
in the parish. 1t was not all hardness
and suffering; they tasted, for tho first
time, perhaps, in their lives, the sweet
ness Of meal purchased by their own
exertions, and the delicious flavor that
keen hunger gives 10 the plain repast. -
The cellar Of their fathers house, well
stocked with wines, they might not enter
again, nor sit down at his rich and well
spread table but their gains were now
sufficient to enable them to provide oc-
casioEalIy a good repast, checred with
the best ale the neighbourhood afforded;
and when the Sabbath came, this was
always the case. 1t was in truth day
of rest to the two unfortunate men, and
they enjoyed it exquisitely. They sci
out in the morning along pleasant path
that led to Gwineer church, whose gray
tower on the hill might be seen at q
considerable distance around in the
churchyard they met few Of their ac-
quaintanccs, for few they were who now
took notice Of them, save those Of q
lower degree The magnates of the
land, who had hunted with their father
and drunk his wine, passed them with a
cold nod, or perhaps stopped a moment
to inquire into their prospects, and CON-
mend their industry but there were
some, who had tasted, as dependents, ol
the fatness Of their home, who remem.
bered them in tho day of their distress
and that with grateful and even res.
pectful feeling. After the service was
over, they returned to their dwelling
and sat down at their plentiful board
1 with comforted and elatod spirit. W.
are creatures of habit, whether Of goot
or i'll, of sorrow or of joy and in two
or three years their CONDITION sat almos
as easily on the two young men, as i
lthsy had never known q better Que