Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1838-06-14
MISCELLANY.
THE MAN AND THE TABLE.

THE MAN AND THE TABLE.
Translated from the informing POST ofstutgard for its
ramesake at Boston.
poor simple man possessed nothing but
sick wife, six small helpless children, q
pine table, and black dress rather the worse
for wear. He had made every effort of W hich
hs was capable, 10 support his famiIy-but,
as his abilities we're small, and he had no
money, his efforts were unsuccessful. He
consequently complained of fortune, which
is usually made responsible for i'll success.
His wife complained and suffered, his chill.
dren tasted and cried, & ne rested his elbows
on his table and meditaied. Thus, day after
day, the family passed their time.
This man had but one earthly passion, one
wish, one fixed idea and that was 10 get in>
TO ofice.-After ten long years of solicita-
ton, he had as yet received no appointment
Fer all his pains he had acquired nothing but
pretty thorough knowledge of all the ADJ
ministralion localities. He could have gone
from the porter's lodge TO the private cabi-
net of the minister blindfolded.
On one occasion, about day break-he had
not been able to close his eyes the whole
night-he lea ped with the energy of sudden
resolution, from his miserable bed. His
poor wife, fearing that hunger had disturbed
his reason. followed all his movements with
anxious eyes. HIS first step was carefully
to brush and arrange in the best possible or
der, his decaying suit of black. He next
shaved himself with = degree Of care and at
tention quite unusual with him. Having
finished dressing, he proceeded 10 walk back
and forth in his little chamber apparently
absorbed in the mos: profound reflection
When the clock struck nine he seized his
pine table, examined il to see il il was in
nd tN4Ir l. L., Il
went forth. His wife concluded that he in
tended TO sell it, and the hope thus inspired
OF being able 10 provide little food for her
children, lighted up her pale countenance
with melancholy smile.
Half an hour later. the Swiss sentinel al
the gate Of the Minister'S hotel encountered
man in black dress, and bearing table
upon his shoulders. Surprising him to he a
mechanic, bringing home table he had
been ordered 10 make, the sentinel permit
ted him 10 pass unquestioned. The Clerks
Of one of the bureaux, who were rather new
and inexperienced in their Offices, like wise
observed, without mis'rust, new conner a
mong them. He had taken The precaution
TO bring his table with him which he sat
down in corner where il would discommode
no one, drew an inkstand from his pocket,
appropriated an empty chair, and seated him
SS'i WIN oh DuSJ dT- DOOn
little bell was heard to ring. The stran-
ger Immediately started from his seat, pro-
ceeding through the two adjoining rooms like
one who was sufficiently familiar with the
premises, opened the door of one OF the cabs
inets, and with low bow respectfully ask
ed:
what is wanting, Herr Di-ector?'
u did not wish TO speak with you, but with
Louis
Louis has gone out, and therefore came.
DO you know where the bureau OF the ar
my paymaster is p
Perfectly we'll, Herr Director
60 and request him to come to me this
forenoon
At every sound Of the bell he continued to
evince the same zeal. Before his comrades
had time TO move be was always half way
TO the room whence the sound came. The
question was indeed often osked among his
comrades what sort of situation the new.
conner held-but the latter was so complai-
SAINT, obliging, and active in the discharge OF
every duty, that they suffered him TO 90 on
without Interruption, while they were con-
sequently left at leisure. He soon became a
general favorite, and no one of them any
longer troubled himself to learn his origin or
the nature OF his employment.
But the Director, a great lover OF order
at length became curious 10 know who this
new employer could be, whose Dame did mol
appear on the list and the poor man was O.
bliged 10 undergo much questioning.
who are your, Herr Director, an
always st your command whence came
your Your Honor may send me where
you please, am every where known' sWhc
appointed you!' 'Wben your Honor ba,
need OF me am always al hand
AND so 1t remained impossible 10 discover
the origin Of the faithful officer. Thus pas.
sed month. On the last day of the month
our hero saw the pay roll passed round, ant
heard the cilnking OF the pay which hi
| comrades received. This was one Of tn.
saddest moments Of his life-be now saw
himself in the midst Of the fair stream, b,
felt himself dying OF thirst and could not ap
ply drop Of water 10 his lips He howe
yer bore up so manfulIy, and appeared 81
we'll satisfied, that one would have supposed