Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-10-18
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE.
THE LITTLE BOY AND HIS HA'PENNY


Twas standing one day, in retired part Of
Westminster Abbey, looking at the monuments,
when saw little boy come in. Of about ten or
eleven years old. He was one Of tho sweetest
and prettiest children ever beheld. His fine
countenance was bright with expectation, and
lifted up with smiles Of anticipated enjoyment.
| There was something SO engaging in his appear
anee, that I continued to follow him with my
eyes, a. he went about surveying the different
objects that presented themselves to his view.
After having looked about for some time,
a slight shade Of melancholy passed over his brow,
like cloud dimming the mild lustre Of beauti.
fol spring morning. The expectation. the Gu.
riosity. the anticipated enjoyment had fed
They had gradually yielded to that subdued and
chastened feeling, which the holy stiffness Of
the place, aud the mournful memorials OF departed
souls consplre to produce in every generous bo'
| som.
10 the hurry Of his entrance, he had not
thought of taking of his hat: but it seemed as
if it nov occurred to him, that there was an
improperly in wearing it in such place; and
he took il of with 50 reverent a bearing, that |
dreadful in this placer This is none other but
the House Of God; and this is the Gate Of Hea.
ven, were passing through his mind. He NOV
ed as il fearful Of breaking the solemn silence
that reigned within the sacred walls.
There was one monument witch he appeared
to regard with peculiar interest. 1t was erected
to the memory Of William Wrags. Of Suuth Ca
rolina; representing in bass relief, the melancho
ly shipwreck Of that gentleman and his little son
floating ashore, on raft, hastily constructed by
his faithful servant. He next contemplated that
of the ufortunate ANDRE; apparently, with much
sympathy: but was surprised to see him be.
come suddenly agitated, stamp his foot on the
ground, and turn away with indignation.
knew not, at the moment, the right be had to be
indignant at the outrage committed BY some Goth,
in striking off the arm Of the figure OF General
WAsHINersN But soon the little rufied visage
iov,lioess: and a. he pa.;ed s1la1Iy a6mi 'Sagtsa
% object. his features assumed more and more Of
sedateness, until at length they exhibited per.
feet picture Of pensive contemplation. The sad
lesson of mortality told from every tomb. hao
touched his tender heart. He became affected.
He turned to 90 away: and was retr'ng WIN
allow and measured steps, when MS eye caugnt
the charity box, that stood in the middle OF the
area. He stopped. There was evidently some,
thing at work within him. lhere was noIa'
association going on. There were Tue 'omos;
aud there was the charity boz ne regsfa .e
,hsm alternately: he looked; and mourned the
had He looked, and felt compassion tor the
,;v;n.. and while two pearly drops forced their
w.y. beneath his beautiful eye.lashes, the smile
nj an Angel played upon his lips. His little
hand ins,inctively insulated itself into bis little
nocket. and drew forth Hs'penny. "lt is all
+ haye.n said he. He cast scrutinizing
Glance to see whether he was observed; stepped
nm TO the mute solicitor for the poor; aud dropped
into !, his pure offering Of benevoieuce.
The humble coin fell to the bottom OF The emp.
~ box. with q sound that was reveroerateo
through the lofty vault; and the reced'ng echoes
sa thsy Drew fainter and fainter, seemed like the
swee, accents Of the blessed, whispering peace.
In a transport Of delight. exclaimed, Here Is
deed worthy Of Westminster Abbey" and ran
f,oc, nv concealment, and clasped the little PM
i.ntbronist in nv arms. And Why are you
,shamedl'' said /. 81 was afraid they would
lauvh at me,n said he. Laugh at thee!-Oh'
vorld. world! how often has thy senseIess laugh
mt modest virtue out OF countenance! hp
ned half crown into his hand, and told MIN 10
remember the strange gentleman wnom ne nao
met in the abbey. viii take IL, san nt,
6. If Won will let me put il in the charity box too
8. Thou shall sanctfy the gift" treplied: so hand
!. in hand we walked up to the charity box. MY e~n
,sasc,;ons. the utter seclusion Of the busy word
tho ,,Il repose Of the silent tenants oil the grave
the dim twilight ofthe ancient pile, where tonsu
rad monks ono chaunted the solemn hymn and
bore their glimmeriug t.per.. together with the
superadded tenderness inspired By the pure : sac
rice Of a little innocent heart, that had Jus
w;,ne..ed. all combined to press upon me VIII
such softening influences. that va: upon IN,
sa;nt of Giving vent to emotions Of the deePes,
fseiioo. As It was, felt my heart uPlitfed-
looked up with devotion. He s.ogh. the tom
from me and looked up; tear Of P'oas 10! gus gus
'.snn ,h. ba,nenny, the silver sound united witt
.Ss brass, and asceuded to Heaven In holy eupho
n.y.. ..... "a tho door Of the Abbey
,ob a. we stood 10 the street about to separate
asked him his name. He told the vas ;.s an. ~
saa W. :. narted, and never saw him more.
"o Wh.oevsr my spirits are depressed, or N!
,.rn.r becomes rufaed BY the collisions OF me,