Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-01-10

II Filppo approached without hesitation,
! and stood still until the boat rested at his
feet. The stranger raised his head, and
surveying him with something of kind in
terest, said in a voice that sounded in his
ear like Gne-toncd instrument, "Filip-
DO, your pous wish is heard, and | am
! sent by one that loves you 10 work its
fullilment."
1 "And can it be-" replied the peasant,
"tbat shall be permitted TO draw from
/ the treasures e( the deep sufficient means
to place my father beyond the reach of
poverty! May believe in this consum-
nation of my wishes"
| you may" replied the Stranger
"Come with me, and little way from
! hence we shall let down our net. | am
somewhat Of an experienced hand, and
have even ishcd for money some eigh-
teen hundred years ago"
| Their voyage was long They rowed
till sea and sky meeting on all sides they
seemed TO be alone in the creation
Meanwhile the boatman sung, in low
/ but melodious voice, something that SCUM
ded to Filippo like the music of the
church on days Of high celebration.
! Filippo wished much to ask his vcnera-
| 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 mo-
tionlcss and silent
AT length the old man ceased his un-
earthly song: and drawing forth his net,
"Filippo," said he, "name the sum sut-
ficient to make you happy. have full
power to crafty you" ..
| Filippo named a sum; and, although
vast riches appeared to solicit his accep-
lance, he confined himself to what was
barely necessary for his fathers comior-
table support.
| His companion smiled with approba-
ton. "You are disintcrestcd," said he:
"you ask nothing for yousoIi."
/ trust myself to Providence, re-
piled Filippo somewhat proudly. "Iicav-
Ell and earth can bear witness to my sin.
glcness of heart"
"Your wish is unquestionably good"
said the old man: "but Providence is not
unmindlul Of your father However, |
am not commissioned to advise, but TO as
sist you, and merely to lay before you
without comment some trilling circum-
stances which you may not be aware of.
Now, let US see-hcre are deep sound
ings
The net was cast, and the friends wait
ed in profound silence, until by motion
of the water, it appeared that some body
of considerable weight had been receiv-
cd.
81 have not forgotten my ancient oc-
'cupation," said the boatman, as, with an
apparent exertion Of strength, he drew
up his net, and cmptied it of something
that made the boat rock. Filippo look
ed anyiously, and saw casket Of iron,
curiously wrought and fastened. 1t bore
a date engraycn on its lid, which showed
that, as the boatman said, "man heapeth /
up riches, and knowelh not who shall
gather them" II
Filippo could read. "Neronc Impcra-
tore" said he. "This Nero was a sad
fellow, | am glad did not live in his day. Il
"Let the dead rest" said the fisher.
Besides, he rendered me a service once,
or rather put me out of one. But let us
70 the matter in hand. "See," said he,
opening the casket with a touch, "here
is gold sufficient for your purpose: put it
up: and now have no more to say, 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. /
He saw cottage beautifully situated
within a short distance of his own, afford
ing comfort even bordering on luxury,
and he recognized much loved face,
though changed by an appearance Of
;ontentment and renovated health. He
exclaimed with joy, "This is my father!
hese are the happy effects Of my wish!
Where the heart is in the right we sell
lom err" Seeing his guide look grave,
Fiippo proceeded, Have not done
positive good' Have not improved his
condition;
ellis external condition is improved"
aid he Of the speculum; for the house of
lay it matters little. But you are 90,
ng to be lurthergratiicd. DO you know
his youthY'
"Truly do-Rinaldo, the idlest Of =,
he village school boys. Padra Geron- /
mo can make nothing of him, though he ,
csigned him for the church" IL
"Well, by your means his dcstny is
hanged. His parents procure him the ,
Employment given up by your father; he
) anxious to marry, and forsakcs his vo- !
a.