The native American., 1838-11-10
DARBY AND THE RAM.

nature was laughing till her sides ached, and mo-
ther earth, in her gayest mood, was lavlshing her
promises and her smiles 10 her often ungrateul
children, the lambs were skipping to and fro with
in their enclosed pastures, and the cows, with
grave and matron aspect, were olng in the sun
and ruminasng their already gathered repast-
every thing seemed happy except the Shepherd
Darby.
Poor fellow! A green and yellow melancho-
ly, had settled on his manly cheek; his grief he
revealed not, but let 'concealment, like worm i
the bud prey upon his spirits; he staked about
the field like ghost, or leaned upon his crook IN
silent despair.
Lord Amplefeld and Squire Buckthom were
riding past to dinner. Il wonder said his lord
ship to the Squire, what can be the matter win
my shepherd Darby! He seems in gallopng
consumption, and were TO lose him, would not
see his like again for many long day. He is
the most honest, steady, careful creature III the
world, and never told lie in his life
Never told lie in his life! Good! Why,
nv lord, do YOU really believe such nonsense!'
Decidedly do. know your opinion is not
vcry favorable as to the moral character OF our
dependents, vet there are some among them not
unworthy of trust !
They now advanced nearer and his lordshp
held up his whip signal, and ovcrbounded
Darby. .We Darby that shower we had last
night served the pastures
lit did, my lord, and the cows will give larger
meal, and require milking earlier this evening
through means Of it,
Darby, bring over my favorite ram, that this
gentleman may see it,
Yes, my lord Halo, Sweeper. away for Ball
face.' In few minutes the dog hunted the ram
up from the flock. ''That's a clever turn, my
worthy said the Squire, 'here's half a crown to
drink
Thanks to your honor said Darby, 'but the
worth of that in strong drink will serve me ayear,
and yet I'll spend it on drink all in one night
Explain this riddle, Darby
why, sir, when feel myself merry enough
without it, where's the use in taking it! That
stream slake my thirst as well. Yet III not
speak for otl,ers-many one there are, who
On them will spend it TO open their hearts, and
make them forget their days toll
You are worthy fellow, and philosopher,
said Lord Amplefeld, with look Of triumph, as
he and the Squire rode off. what say you to
my shepherd, now!'
"A mighty plausible fellow, indeed Yet proud
as you are of him, my lord, bet score of sheep
that before two days I'll make him tell you bare
faced lie, out and out
'Done!' said his lordship, the wager was laid,
and the Squire set out on his LIE-MAKING expedi-
tion.
He soon ascertained the cause of Darby's me-
lancholy. There had been quarrel between him
and the girl Of his heart, the lovely Cauhleen.
Pride prevented a reconciliation, though both
would have given the world to be in each others
arms. To her the Squire bent his steps, succeed
ed in drawing out the secret that she loved Darby
with heart and half, and then artfuy upbrad-
ing her with unkindness in neglecting the worthy
young fellow who was dying for her, contrived
TO nveigle her, by series of falsehoods, into
plan to get reconciled to Darby, and while in the
height Of his happiness, to coax the ram from
him. 1t succeeded next day to admiration-and
the laughing girl tript home, leading the animal
With 'kerchief taken from her snowy bosom.
Darby was now left to solitary reflection. The
aour was rapidly approaching when his lordship
usually took his round, and he would infallibly
miss his favorite ram-what was to be done: To
tell a lie appeared to his honest mind the very es-
sence of degradation--to equivocate was mean
ucss execrable-yet an excuse must be had! A
sudden thought seized him-he resolved to see
how a lie would look before he told it, but plant
ing his crook in the field, and placing him upon
II, in order to personate himself, he retired to a
distance, and in the character of his lordship,
hailed the effigy as follows
Good morrow, Darby
Good morrow, my lord
.How are the focks to-day, Darby!'
Pretty fair, my lord
Darby, don't see my favorte ram-whcre
is he!'
oh, my lord, he-he-he-.'
lie what, Darby?'
He was drown-ed-my-my lord'
DARBY. if did not know your general char
nc,er for carefuness, should feel exceedingly an
noyed, but presume it was an accident. Send
the fat and hide up to the castle
That won't do!' murmured Darby, slowly
turning away. He resolved to try again.
Good morrow, Darby
Good morrow, my lord
Are the Aocks well to-day, Darby!'
'Bravely, my lord
And my ram Darby, where is he?'
MY lord, he--he-.'
is there any thing wrong' tell me at once
'He was sto-en, my--lord.'
Stolen! stolen! | saw him this morning as
was riding past When was he stolen!
.That won't do ether exclaimed the poor
shepherd, as he turned away the second time.
Cruel, cruel Cauth!
Something seemed to whisper to him, TRY if
perhaps the truth will dol Fresh courage ami
4 .lrol. ,l.,,,t