Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-10-31

means to place my father beyond the
reach Of poverty? May I believe in
this contamination Of my wishes:"
- You may" replied the stranger
4" Come with me, and 4 little way
from hence we shall let down our net.
l am somewhat Of an experienced
hand, and have even fshed for money,
some eighteen hundred years ago."
Their voyage was long. They row.
ed till sea and sky meeting on all sides,
they seemed to be alone in thecreation.
Meanwhile the boatman sang. in a low
but melodious voice, something that
sounded TO Filippo like the music Of
the church on days Of high celebration.
Fiiippo wished much TO ask his venera
BILE companion Of things that mortal
tongue could not reveal to him. but he
felt awed by that deep and thrilling
strain; and, not daring to interrupt it,
sat motionless and silent.
At length the old man ceased his
unearthly song; and, drawing forth
his net, Filippo," said he, name the
SUN sufficient to make you happy. ]
have full powers TO crafty you"
Filippo named sum and although
vast riches appeared to solicit his ac-
eeptanee, he confined himself to what
was barely necessary for his fathers
comfortable support.
His companion smiled with approba-
ton. "You are disinterested," said
he: "you ask nothing for yourself.
=" | trust myself TO Providence, re.
piled FiiiPpo, somewhat proudly
4" Heaven and earth can witness to my
singleness Of heart"
" Your wish is unquestionably good"
said the old man; shut Providence is
not unmindful Of your father. Howe
yer, | am not commissioned to advise,
but TO assist you, and merely to lay
before you without comment some
trifiinS circumstances which you may
be unaware OF. Now, let Us see-here
are deep soundings."
The net was cast; anil the friends
waited in profound silence until, by
motion of the water, il appeared that
some body of considerable weight had
been received.
=" have not forgotten my ancient
occupation" said the boatman, as, with
an apparent exertion uf strength, ne
drew up his net. and empiied it Of
something that made the boat rock
Fiiippo iooked anxiously, and saw
casket Of Iron, curiously wrought and
fastened. II bore q date engraved on
its lid, which showed that, as the boat.
man said, man heapeth up riches, and
kpoweth not who shall gather them"
Filippo could read. :. Nerone I'm.
peratore," said he. "This Nero was
a sad fellow: | am glad did not live
in his day"
- Let The dead rests" said the fisher.
man. Besides, he rendered me .
service once, or rather put me out Of
one. But let us to the matter in hand
See" said he, opening the csskct
with touch, "heTe is gold sufficient
for your purpose: put it up: aud now
have no more to BAY, but" drawing
out small mirror, "to show you the
consequences Of your wish"
FilippO took the mirror; and, although
night was upon surrounding objects.
the scene before him was presented in
the aspect Of the brightest sunshine.
lie saw cottSge beautifully situa-
ted, within short distance Of his ow q,
ahording comfort even bordering on
luxury, aud he recognized q much
loved face, though changed by an sp.
Pearsnce of contentment and renovated
health. He exclaimed with Joy, This
is my father! these are happy effects Of
my wish! Where the heart is in the
right we seldom err" Seeing his guide
look grave, FilippO proceeded: - Have
J not done a positive good Have !
not improved his condition z"
His external condition is improv.
eds" said he Of tho speculum; - but
your father was already possessed ii
the best gifls-snd for the house Of clay
il matters little. Hut you are going
to be further gra,iiied. DO you know
this youth 7"
"Truly I do-RinaIdO, the idlesI
Of the village school boys. Padre Ger.
onimo can make nothing ofhim; thOugI,
he designs him for the church"
Well, by your means hiss destiny
Is changed. His parents procure him
the employment given up by your "a.
Their; he - anxious TO marry, aud for.
sakes his vocation"
$50 much the better; he would have
disgraeed IL. And see--he il the spouse
Oi Gialia, 10 bella Giulia. Poor fellow
l have bsfriended him unknowingiy
and unknown. I can say, With plea
sure, ! have wished wisely and veil. +"
=" Look agAia, Pilippo."
The mirror now presented in sue.
eesslon three very lovely children, the
dipping oi this young couple and hs
saw fessting aud eOngrstulsting friend,
and rustic mirth, and the more serious
thsnkfulness % the sged Add the
children became strong sod beautiful
and gave token Of Intelligence beyond
Their years.
Il RIliDpo wa raat rieia0 IN hia ~,