South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1835-11-07
From Friendships Offering.
THE THREE ADVICEs.
AN IRISH MORAL TALE.

AN IRISH MORAL TALE.
The stories current among the Irish
peasantry are not very remarkable for
the medication Of any moral lesson,
although numberless are the legends
| related ofpious and "good people,"
the saints and fairies. The following
tale OF the Three Advices is the only
one ola moral character which / re-
membersto have heard. 1t was told
to me by professional story-teller,
whose dic,ion have endeavored to
preserve although his soubriquet Of
"Psddreen Trelah," or PADDY the
Vagabond, from his wandering life,
was not particularly appropriate title
for moralist. The tale is certainly
very ancient, and has probably found
its way into Ireland, from Wales, as il
appears, TO be an ampIificasion of a
Bardic, "Tfiad Of Wisdom"
There once came, what of late hap
pened often in Ireland, hard year.
When the crops failed, there was beg
gary and misfortune from one end OF
the island TO the other. At that time
many poor people had 10 quit the
country from want OF employment,
and through the high price OF provi-
sions. Among others, John Carson
was under the necessity Of going over
to England, to try if he could gel
work; and Of leaving his wife and
family behind him begging for Bile
and sup up and down and trusting to
the charity of good christians.
John was smart young fellow, han.
dy at any work, from the hay field to
the stable and willing to earn the
bread he ate; and he was soon engag.
ed by gentleman. THE English are
mighty strict upon Irish servants; he
was to have twelve guineas year wa.
ges, but the money was not TO be paid
until the end Of the year, and he was
to forfeit the entire twelve guineas in
the lump,if he misconducted himsslfin
any way within the twelve months.
John Carson was to be sure upon his
best behavior, and conducted himself
in every particular so well for the
whole time, there was no fanlting him
late or early, and the wages were fair
~ his.
The term of bic osreeAeA. hsing
expired, he determined on returning
home, notwithstanding his MASTER
who had great regard for him, press
ed him 10 remain and asked him if he
had any reason to be dissatisfied with
his treatment
"No reason 10 lifes sir" said John:
"you have been good master to me /;
the Lord spare you over your family |;
but left wife with two small chill
dren of my own at home, after me in
Ireland, and your honor would never
wish to keep me from them entirely.
The wife and the children |"
"Well, John," said the gentleman,
"you have earned your twelve guineas,
and you have been in every respect,
SO good servant, that if you are a.
greeable, | Intend giving you what is
worth the twelve guineas ten times o.
yer, in place Of your wagss.-But you
shall have your choice-will you take
what | offer you on my word 7"
| John saw no reason TO think that bis
master was jesting with him, or was
insincere in making the offer and,
therefore, after slight consideration,
told him tina, he agreed to take as his
wages, whatever he would advise,
whether it was the twelve guineas or
not.
"Then listen attentivsly TO my
WORDS" said the gentleman.
"First-I would teach you this
Never to take bye road when you
have the highway"
"Secondly.-Take heed not to lodge
4 in the house where an old man is mar
ried to a young woman"
Sand thirdly Remember that hon.
esty is the best policy"
"These are the three advices l would
pay you with !; and they are in value
far beyond any gold ; however here is
a guinea for your travelling charges,
and two cakes one of which you must
give to your wife, g. the other you must
not eat yourself until you have done
so, and charge you to be careful Of
them.o
Ii was not without some reluctance
on The part of John Carson that he
was brought 10 accept mere words for
wages, or could be persuaded that
they were more precious than golden
/ guineas. His faith in his master vas
however, SO strong, that he at length
became satisfied.