Litchfield enquirer., 1839-01-24
DARBY AND THE RAM.


its perpendicular altitude lnoks at two sides |
day when nature was laughing till her
sides ached, and mother earth, in her gay
est Rto"d, was lAvisl,ng her promises and
her smiles to her often Wngra,etub children,
the lambs were skipping I" and fro within
Il.eir enclosed pastures, and the COWS, with
grave and matron aspect, were boiling in
the sun, aud Illuminating their already gath
cred repast-evcry thing seemed happy ex-
cept the Shepherd Darby.
Poor fellow a "green aud yellow mel
ancholy," had settled on his manly cheek
his grief he revealed not, but " conceal
men,, like a worm in the bud" preyed
upon his spirits; he stalked about the field
like ghost, or leaned upon his crook in si-
lent despair.
Lord Applefcld aud Squire Bucktl,orn
were riding pas, to dinner. ~ wonder,
said his lordship to the squire, what can be
the matter with the shepherd Darby. He
seems in galIoping consumption. and were
10 lose him, would not sec his like again
for many long day. He is the most hon
est, steady, careful creature in the world,
and never told q lie in his life.'
Never told a lie in his life Good
Why, my lord do you really believe such
nonsense . a.b4# Hsa -as# as
Decidedly do. know your opinion
is not very favorable as to the moral char
acter Of our dependents, yet there are some
among them not unworthy Of ssast.'
They now advanced nearer, and his
lordship held up his whip as signal. and
over bounded Darby. We'll, Darby, that
shower we had last night, served the pas
tures.' avg 'r# ?. a
1T did, my lord, and the cows will give
larger meal, and require milking earlier
this evening, through means Of H.
Darby, bring over my favorite ram, that
this gentleman may see it,
Yes, my lord. Halo, Sweeper, away
for Ballfaee.' In few minutes the dog hun
ted the ram up from the flock. That's q
clever turn, my worthy said the squire,
here's half a crown to drink .....
Thanks to your honor said Darby,
hut the worth Of that in strong drink will
serve me year, and ye. I will spend il 10
drink all in one night
Explain this riddle, Darby
WHY, sir, when feel myself merry
enough without it, where's the use in taxi
ing it2 That stream can slake my thirst as
we'll. Yet, I'll not speak for olhcrs--ma.
ny one there are, who must have strong
drink to give them false spirits. On them
will spend it, to open their hearts, and
make them forget their days TOLL
You are worthy fellow, and philo-
sopher,' said Lord Apple6eld, with look
Of triumph, as he and the squire rode off,
What say you to my shepherd nowl' !
A mighty plausible fellow, indeed 7
Yet proud as y0u are Of him, my lord, |
bet a score Of sheep that before two days,
I'll make him tell you barefaced lie. Out
and OUT
Donev said his lordship; tho wager
was laid, aud the squire SET oat ON his lie
making expedition.
He soon ascertained tho cause Of Darby's
melancholy. There had been o quarrel
between him and the girl Of his heart. the
lovely Cauthleen. Pride prevented re-
cancellation, though both would have given
the world 10 be in each others arms. To
her the squire bent his steps, succeeded IN
drawing out the secret that she loved Dar-
by heart and half, and then artfully up
braiding her with unkindness in neglec,ing
the worthy young fellow who was dying
with love for her, contrived to inveiglo 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. II succeeded next day to admi-
raiion--and The laughing girl tripped home,
leading the animal with kerchief taken
from her snowy bosom.
Darby was now left to solitary reflection.
The hour was rapidly approaching when
his lordsbip usually tosk his round, and he
would inlallibly miss his favorite ram-whai
was to be donel To tell a lie appeared to
his honest mind the very essence Of degra-
dation--to equiv0cGte was meanness exc.
crable-yet an excuse must be had A
s.aden thought seized him-he resolved 10
see how a lie would look before be told it |;
and planting his crook in the field, and pla.
cling his hat on it., in order to persOBate
himself, he retired to distance, and in the
character Of his lordshiP, hailed the eifigy as
follows:
Good morrow, Darby ...
Good morrow, my lord .l.
How are the Hocks to-day, Darby1'
Pretty fair, my lord t.g
Darby, I don't see my favOrite ram
where is he?' ar -fs"
'Oh, my lord, hc-he-he-'
He what, Darby
He was drewn-ed-m y-my lord =
Darby. If did NOT know your general
character for carefalness, I should feel ex-
ceedingly annoyed, but presume it was
an accident. Send she Cat and hide OPP to
the CASTLE at
THAT won't dot murmured Darby,
slowly turning awsy. He resolved 10 Try il