The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-07-01
Miscellaneous.
The Miners Bride.
translated from the French, for the Boston Epca-
ing Gazette

NO shadow of decay
Had ,opehed those pale features, yet he wore
"a A man of other days, garb of yore.
who could unfold the mystery ''-yMrs Hemans.
IN one of the Villages of the north of France in the
md., Of population entirely occupied with the la
ho,s or the mines, dwet Pierre and Margaret.
Pierre was the son of a miner. His little feet could
.,,.rcev bear him when he to the mines. He de-
,cepded into hem and by his playfulness and folic
Qi,bteDed the labors ofhs father. And after that,
when the fair traces of childhood were efiaced by
,,bo,e Of youth, Pierre became good workman, and
nov, to his father it was he who could best direct the
miners to their toll.
He knew the place where the Iaborer could strike
with safety; he had wandered the subterranean gal
sies, and fearless of the dark, he would examine
q,iy, and by natural causes, the mysteries which af
fighled his companions.
One night when the father ofPierre returning
from neghborng village he heard low moaning;
he aopped he searched the bush that skirted the
sides Of The road he was travelling. What was his
surprise an infant, covered with a few rags moved
in the grass and lifted its little hands to Heaven as if
impIoing succor. Tears were on its cheek, and the
VI No'SS
chance or wckedness it had been for some time aban-
dUued to the pity fthe passing traveller.
The miners heart was soltened at the unexpected
sight, He thought of his son of his dear Pierre. and
hsk ne down towards the little one.
As its words could comfort it, he talked to it,
promised his aid, and endeavoring to sooth he
gathered mp the shreds that protected it from the cold
ahe wrapped i, in his leather apron, and carried it
with him-kssing it to quiet its sad moaning.
Wife, said he. as he opened the door OF his house
gvea what have brought you; Providence has cho-
mna Of all the Inhabitants of the village, TO do good
10 unfortunate, am sure for know your heart
For her only answer the mother of Pierre extended
her hand towards her husband.
She heard by what a strange chance a pretty little
girl had entered the house ;she regarded it her
child. Thus was that Margaret was restored to
life and home, she who had lost all, and seemed des-
tined 10 become the prey of the wild animals tina,
ranged woods and fields.
The two children grew up together, and they
thought only Of each others happiness, they soon
loved each other tenderly. To the names Of brother
and sister succeeded those more dear Their heart s
were mingled and they dreamed only ola happy fu-
ture Pierre asked Margaret of his father-for his
bride.
The good parents wished it. How did their young
hearts beat when the father of Pierre said to them
'h1 upon day to complete your happiness
And that was not distant day They much
beloved and mered it so we'll that the day appointed
iO Their wedding was festival for all their neigh
oOs They left their work, the mines were desert
eu' The tables were spread ,boquets adorned the bos
OmS Of the grs,and the coats of the young men
All around were heard cries of Joy, and the music of
instruments, regulated the movements of the dancers
on the green.
IN the midst ofthe fete Pierre was seen to embrace
'"' pretty BRIDE Then he said mysteriously to his
young companions, Keep her here, now is the time
'0f'he surprise How will get the presents.
lie went away, smiling, placing his finger on his
"'1"as 'hough to enjon secrecy land passing round
SDe mouse appeared to take crooked path which led
''0"s old mines. They saw him no more.
. "e u'd not return that night, he came not on the
, y, day They searched for him. they called
'4I' 'hey waited for him Three days, four days,
ss"' oays' a month year passed away, and Pierre
returned not.
y" Inc day of the wedding, as soon as his long abb
IN "'' was perceived, the sports were suspended
lOe bride wept and rung her hands. The miners, led
'"e la'ner searched through every passage in the
'1''es leaving no passage where man could be, I'M
sNA'.ned-but nothing gave them any hope of dis
friend. r"o"' VI '"o'
y, "''garet came near to death ! She returned to
consecrate to the father and mother ofPierre
lucy mad so much to weep for and she also, but
g. S,1"uoe endowed her with supernatural courage
H. '0ok OF her boquet and her bridal wreath, and
Kissing them said:- ....0.
4 Will wait his return
Ny years after this terrible and singular nd
ons many changes had taken place in the vii.
N.a' had closed the eyes of her benefactors.-
ds all those who had been present at her we'd
W. nad disappeared from the earth. The chiden
had peo Tor Joy as they accompanied the bride,
and ~ O"e old men, A new generation had arisen,
b A. recollection efthe adventure of Pierre and Of
which, appearance, existed only in those traditions.
r''S'ns from age to age furnish food for the