Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-04-10
REWARD OF INDUSTRY.

REWARD OF INDUSTRY.
AN ANEcDoTE OF IVAN. OF RUSSIA.
THE Car Ivan, who reigned over Russia
about the middle Of the sixteenth century,
frequently went out disguised. in order TO
discover the opinion which the people enter
tanned Of the administration. One day, in
solitary walk. near Moscow, he entered
small village. and pretending 10 be overcome
by fatigue. implored relief from several OF the
inhabitants. His dress was ragged his APP
pearance mean; and what ought 10 have ex-
cited the compassion of The villagers and in
sured his reception, was productive of refn-
sal. Full OF indignation at such treatment,
he was just going to leave The place, when he
perceived another habitation 10 which he had
not applied for assistance. 1t was the poor
est cottage in the village. The Emperor
FASTENED TO this. and knocking at the door,
peasant opened it, and asked him what he
wanted 81 am almost dying with fatigue
and hunger" answered the czar; scan you
give me lodging for one night2" "Alasl"
said the peasant taking him by the hand,
'you vii! have but poor fare here. you are
come nj bad time. My wife is very i'll,
her cries will not let you sleep; bu, 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 entera little room, full OF children. 10
a cradle were two infants sleeping very SCUM
dly: a little girls years old was sleeping on
rug near the cradle; while her two sisters,t the
one FIVE years DID, the other seven, were on
their knees, crying and praying to God for
their mother, who was in room adjoining,
and whose pi,eous plants and groans were
distinctly heard. "Stay here" said the peas
ant to the emperor ~ will go and get you
something for your supper" Ile went out.
and soon returned with some black bread
eggs and honey. "You see all can give
you" said the peasant, "partake Of it with
my children. Unjust go and assist my wife
'Your charity. your hospitality" said the
ezar, "must bring down blessings on your
house. | am sure God will reward your
goodness" "Pray to God, Almighty that
she may have safe delivery from all her
sufierings, that is all wish for" "And is
that all you wish for to make. you happy ?"
Happy; judge for yourself; have five chill
dren, a dear wife who loves me. father and
mother. both in health. and my labor is sui.
ficient to support them ALL" DO your faith
er and mother live with you2" Certainly
they are in the next room with my wife p"
but your cottage here is so very small"
The peasant then wen, TO his wife. who
in an hour after happily presented him
with son. Her husband, in transport OF
Joy, brought the child to the car. Look"
said he. "see wha, fine. hearty child he-is |
may God preserve him as he has done my
othersl" The car, sensibly affected by. the
scene, took the infant in his arms; know
said he, from the physiognomy of this child,
that he will arrive, am certain. at a great
preferment" The peasant smiled at his
prediction, and al that instant the Two eldest
girls came with their grand mother, to take
him back. The little ones followed herr
and the peasant lying down upon his straw,
invited the stranger TO do the same. In
few moments the peasant was in sound and
peaceful sleep but the car. sitting up, look
ed around and contemplated every thing
with an eye Of tenderness and emotion--the
sleeping children and the sleeping father
An undisturbed silence reigned in the cottage
"What calm what delightful tranquil
ity |" said the emperor; "avarice and ambi
ttott, ouopiIiOi Uuu iCtiOiot HCNtt Cutet uSiCs
How sweet is the sleep of innocence |" In
such reflections. and on such bed did the
mighty emperor of the Russians spend the
night The peasant awoke at the break of
day, and his guest taking leave of him said,
81 must return to Moscow, my frend--l am
acquainted there with very benevolent
man. TO whom shall take care to mention
your humane treatment TO me. lean prevail
on him to stand godfather to your child
Promise me that may be present at the
christening will be back in three hours at
the farhest" The peasant did not think
much Of this mighty promise, but in good
nature OF heart, he consented however, 10 the
strangers request
The car Immediately took his leave the
three hours we're soon gone, and nobody
appeared. The peasant therefore, followed by
his famly.was preparing TO carry his child to
the church but as he was leaving his cot
tage, he heard on sudden the trampling OF
horses, and the rafting Of many coaches
Ile looked out and presently saw a multi
tude Of horses, and train Of splendid carr.
ages. He knew the imperial guards and
Instantly called his family 70 see the emperor
go by. They all ran out in hurry, and
stood before The door. The horsemen and