Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-02-28
REV ARD OF STRY

he cZar-Ivan, who rCIgncd over nus
sia about the middle of the sixteenth CEN
fury, frequently went out disguised, in
order to discover the opinion which the
people entertained of the administration.
One day, in solitary walk, near Mos
COW, he entered "a small village, and pre-
tending to be overcome by fatigue, inn
plorcd relief from several of the inhabit-
ants. His dress was ragged; his appear
ancc mean; and what ought to have ex-
cited the compassion of the villagers, and
insured his reception, was productive of
refusal. Full of Indignation at such treat
mcnt, he was just going to leave the
place, when he perceived another hab-
i,ation to which he had not applied
for assistance. 1t was the poorest cot
tagc in the village. The Emperor
FASTENED to this, and knocking at
the door, peasant opened it, and asked
him what he wanted. "Iam almost dying
with fatigue and hunger" answered the
czar; "can you give me a lodging for one
night! 2" "Alas!" said the peasant, ia
king him by the hand, "you will have
but poor fare here, you are come at a bad
time. My wife is very i'll, her cries will
not let you sleep; but come in; you will
at least be sheltered from the cold and
such as we have you shall be welcome to-"
The peasant then made the car enter a
little room, full of children. In cradle
were two infants sleeping very soundly
little girl, three years old, was sleeping
on a rag near the cradle; while her two
sisters, the one five years old, the other
seven, were on their knees, crying and
praying to God for their mother, who
was in room adoining, and whose pite-
Gus plants and groans were distinctly
heard "Stay here" said the peasant to
the emperor; 81 will go and get you
something for your supper" He went
out, and soon returned with some black
bread, eggs, and honey. "You see all
can give you," said the peasant, "par-
take of it with my children. | must 90 g.
assist my WIFE," "Your charity your
hospitality" said the car, "must bring
down blessings on your house. l am sure
God will reward your goodness" "Pray
to God, my good FRIEND" replied the
peasant; "pray to God Almighty that
she may have "a safe delivery from all her
sullerings, that is all wish for" "And
is that all you wish for, to make you hap
py?" "IIappy; judge for yourself; |
have five children, dear wife who loves
me, a father and mother, both in health
and my labor is sufficient to support them
all" "Do your father and mother live
with you!" "Ccrtainly ;they arc in the
next room with my wife :" "But your
cottage here is SD very small"
The peasant then went to his wife, who
in an hour after happily presented him
with a son. Her husband, in a transport
ofjoy, brought the child to the car.
"Look," said he, "see what fine, hearty
child he is may God preserve him as
he has done my others" The czar
sensiby affected by the scene, took the
infant IN his arms 81 know" said he,
"trom the pllysiognomy of this child. that
he will arrive, am certain, at great
pretcrment." The peasant smiled at his
prediction, and at that instant the two
eldest girls came with their grandmother
to take him back. The little ones follow
cd her; and the peasant lying down upon
his straw, invited the stranger to do the
same. In few moments the was in a
sound and peaceful sleep; but the czar,
sitting up, looked around and contcmpla-
ted everything with an eye of tenderness
and emotion-the sleeping children and
the sleeping father. An undisturbed
silence rcigned in the cottage. "What a
calm? what delightful tranquility %
said the emperor; "avaricc and ambition
suspicion and remorse, nevcrenter. How
sweet is the sleep of innocence!" In
such reflections, and on such bed, did
the mighty emperor ofthc Russians spend
the night ! The peasant awoke at the
break ofday, and his guest taking leave
OF HIM said, 81 must return to Moscow
my frlend-I am acquainted there with a
very benevolent man, to whom shall
take care to mention your humane treat.
ment to me. | can prevail on him tC
stand godfather to your child. Promise
me that may be present at the christen.
ing; will be back in three hours at far.
thest." The peasant did not think mucl
of this mighty promise !Nut in good nature
OF heart, he consented, however to the
strangers request.
The car Immediately took his leave
the three hours were soon gone, and
nobody appeared. The peasant, there,
fore, followed by his family, was prepar'