Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-09-26
A STORY FOR OUR OWN TIMES.

A venerable old Dutchman, after having
occupied nil the Offices of one Of the priDci.
pal cities Of the republic, with great honor,
and having amassed great fortune ~ the
most unexceptioDable manner, finally formed
the resolution Of gong TO terminate his days
TRANQUILITY at his country seat. But before
retiring he wished to take leave ofhls friends
and come xions, and accordingly invited them
all to feast at his house. The guests, who
expected q most sLmptuous repast, were
much surprised on going into The eating
room, to see there long oaken table barely
covered with coarse blue cloth. On being
seated they were served on wooden plates,
with salted herring, rye bread and butter
with some cheese and curdlcd milk. Wooden
vases filed with small beer, were passed
round for each of the guests to serve them
selves. This extreme Oddty Of the old gen
tleman caused secret murmurngs among the
company but, out of respect 10 his age and
wealth, instead Of showing discomfort, they
pretended to relish the frugal fare and some
Of them even complimented him for the cor
dialiiy Of those good old times which he had
brought to remembrance. The old man
who wos not duped by this feigned satisfac-
tion-did not wish to carry the joke farther
but at a signal which he gave, some ser.
wants habitcd as country women, entered,
bringing the second service. A white cloth
succeeded the coarse blue one, and some
pewter plates replaced the wooden ones
Instead Of rye bread, dried herring and
cheese, they were served with good brown
bread, fresh beef, boiled fish, and strong beer
At this unexpected change, the secret mur-
murs ceased; the polite invitation on the
part Of tho old man became more pressing
and the guests ate with a better Appetite
Hardly had they time to taste the second SER
vice when they saw the butler enter, follow
ed by half dozen servants IN brilliant livery,
bringing the third.
A superb table Of mahogany, covered with
a beautiful lowered cloth replaced the oaken
one. A side board was Immediately covered
with the richest plate and most curious chi
na and the guests charmed at profuson Of
rare and exquisite meats. The most delicious
wines were freely passed around, while a
melodious concert was heard in an adjoining
room. Toasts were drank, and all were mer-
ry. But the good old man, perceiving that
his presence hindered the guests from giving
themselves up to their full joy, rose and az.
dressed them thus al give you thanks, Ia.
dies and gentlemen, for the favor which you
have granted me. 1t is time that should
retire myself, and leave you to your liberty.
But before the ball commences, which have
ordered to be prepared for those who love
the dance, permit me to acquant you with
the design that proposed to myself in invit.
ing yon to a repast which has appeared so
odd. have wished thereby to give you an
idea Of our Republic. Our ancestors rose
to their high state, and acquired liberty, rich
es and power, by living in the frugal manner
which you saw in the first service. Our fa-
theirs preserved those great blessings only
by living in the simple manner of which the
second service has retraced an image. If it
is permitted to an old man who is about to
leave you, to speak freely what he thinks,
must say, fear that the extravagant profu-
sion which you may have remarked in the
last service, and which is the present style
OF lving-wiIl deprive US Of more than our
ancestors have acquired by the sweat Of the
brow and our fathers have transmitted to us
by their industry and wise calculation"