Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-09-06
From the Gentlemen's Magazine.
RETRENCiIMENT.


RETRENCiIMENT.
TALE OE OTHER CLIMES, BUT SUITABLE TO
THE PRESENT TIMES.
Cut your coat according to your cloth, is
an old maxim and wise one; and if peo-
pie will only square their ideas according
to the circumstances, how much happier
might we all be If we only would come
down peg or two in our notions, in ac-
cordance with our waning fortune, happi-
ness would be always within our reach
1t is not what we have or what we have
not which adds or subtracts from our fe-
licity. 1t is the longing for more than we
have, the envying of those who possess that
more, and the wish TO appear in the world
of more consequence than we really are,
which destroy our peace of mind, and e.
ventually lead to ruin.
never witnessed man submitting to
circumstances with good humor and good
sense, so remarkably as in my friend Alex
ander Willemott. When first met him
since our school days, it was at the close
Of the war: he had been large contractor
with government for army clothing and ac-
coutrements, and was said to have realized
an immense fortune, although his accounts
were not yet settled. Indeed it was said
that they were so vast, that it would en-
ploy the time of six clerks, for two years
to examine them, previous to the balance
sheet being struck. As l observed, he
had been at school with me, and on my
return from the East Indies, called upon
him 10 renew our old acquaintance, and
congratulate him upon his success.
"My dear Reynolds, am delighted to
see you. You mus come down to Be.
lem Castle; Mrs. Willemott will receive
you with pleasure, | am sure.--You shall
see my two girls"
consented. TIE chaiso stopped at a
splendid mansion, and was ushered in by
a crowd Of liveried servants. Every thing
was on the most sumptuous and magnif-
cent scale. Having paid my respects to
the lady of the house, retired to dress, as
dinner was nearly ready,ssfit being then
half past seven O'Clock. 1t was eight be-
fore we set down. Toan observation that
made expressing hope that had not
occasioned the dinner being put of, Willie
mott replied, "on the contrary, my dear
Reynolds, we never sit down until about
this hour. How people can dine at four
O'Clock ! cannot conceive. | could not
touch mouthful."
The dinner was excellent, and / paid it
the encomiums which were its due.
"Do no; be afraid, my dear fellow-my
cook is an artistic ertraordinaire---a regular
Gordon Blue. You may eat any thing
without fear of indigestion. How people
can live upon the English cookery of the
present day | cannot conceive. / seldom
dine out for fear of being poisoned. De.
pend upon it, a good cook lengthens your
days, and no price is too great to ensure
one."
When the ladies retired, being alone, we
entered into friendly conversation. OK.
pressed my admiration of his daughters
who certainly were very handsome and
elegant girls.
"Very true; they are more than passi
ble," replied he. ave have many offers
but not such as to come up to my expecta
tons. Baronets are cheap nowadays
and Irish lords are nothing hope to set
tie them comfortably. We shall see. Try
this claret; you'll find it excellent, not {
headache in hogshead of it. How peo
pie can drink port, cannot imagine"
The next morning he proposed that
should rattle round the park with him.
acceded, and we set offin handsome oper
carriage, with four grays rided by postl
ions at a rapid pace. AS we were whirl
ing along, he observed, In town We mus
of course drive but pair, but in the coun
try never go out without four horses.--
There is spring in four horses which il
delightful; it makes your spirits elastic
and YOU feel that the poor animals are no
hard at labor. Rather than not drive fou
would prefer 10 stay at home.'
Our ride was pleasant and in such a
musements. passed away one of the mos
pleasant weeks that ever remembered. =
Willemoit was not the least altered-h,
was as friendly, as sincere, as when boz
at school. left him well pleased with hi
prosperity, and acknowledging that he wa
well deserving oft, although his ideas ha,
assumed such scale Of magnifcence.
i / went to India when my leave expire'
and was absent about four years. On m,
return, inquired after my friend Wiemol
and was told that his circumstances an,
expectations had been greatly altered
: From many causes, such as change il
the government, demand for economy
and the wording Of his contracts, havin
been differently rendered from that Willie