The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-12-30
VOL. X.
MISCELLANEOUS.
From 1.-THE Mayf1ower."
T b Q W ayfarers.
BY ROBERT HAMILTON.


tie amusement. angling, and was only com
PEELED to relinquish it, from the sky being
left without a cloud, and summer sun pour
ing almost vertically his rays upon the wa
tiers, rendering their speckled tenants eau
tous to fault, and myself languid and list
less. therefore resolved, for a few bours
to seek shelter at the nea est habitation
which, fortunately, at no great distance, pre-
scented itself in the cottage of miller.
The scene was one Of peculiar beauty, par.
taking of a mixture Of the sylvan and rugged
features Of nature, such only as are to be
found in Merry England and more espec'
tally in the counties Of Cornwall and Devon.
shire.
On gentle ACTIVITY, not far from the cot
tage, stood the mill one of those picturesque
objects, almost Indigenous, IF may be per
mitted the exPressron,) to this part of the
country. with its white sails, and rough conf
cal body, grow gray IN the service of gener
ations, as we'll as from the ravsses OF time
and tempest.
The Cara, which swept swiftly round the
base of the ACTIVITY, after shooting in d.
rect line for few yards, like line Of molten
silver, passed under little bridge, IF rude
stone arch may be SO pompously designated. ]
bosom of a deep and verdant valley.
As reached this spot, my notice was at
tracted TO group of sun-blowned urchins,
reposing on the soft greensward of the banks
Of the streamlet. Their habilimeuts were
those of the children of poverty while their
whole wealth, apparently, consisted Of little
canine companion, that lay coziIy couched
between boy and girl. To the opposite
bank, one of the party had crossed. bluff,
and ruddy looking lad, who stretched a: his
full length upon the messy turf, with his head
over the stream, W as, in the palm of his hand,
greedily conveying the cool and sparkling
waters to his lips, with relish that never did
bacchanalian enjoy in the richest draughl
drained from the ripest vine that ever bloom
ed beneath Italia's sky.
My person being observed BY him, he ut
tered shout TO his companions, which was
responded TO by a short bark, and surly growl
from their friend, the terrier. AT the same
time, the youngest ofthe party, rosy cheek
ed and smiling GIRL, about seven years Of age,
came tmorously towards me, and dropping
a courtesy, in a bashfu manner solicited my
charity.
! Drawing from my pocket a small piece OF
silver, | held il up to her view. Her deep
blue eyes sparkled with delight, and again
courtesying, she extended her tiny hand in
the hope that would drop within its palm
the coveted treasure; but | was anxious To
make her acquaintance little farther, and
still retaining the coin in my possession,
said. .WhaI is your name, nv darling
Patty, good gentleman she replied in a
soft and sivery voice.
And the other little folks, are they your
| friends p continued.
oh, no sir she answered smilingly, they
are only my brothers and sisters.
'Indeed!' exclaimed.
oh. yes sir Here Ned, George, Ma
ry' shou'ed the little beauty, and waving
her bonnet for them to approach, they did so,
in meek and respectful manner, that at
once betokened that they were not the tu-
tored offspring of the mendicant.
And whittier are you journeying my pretty
ones =
Little Patty looked enquiringly at her sis
ter Mary. the eldest of the party. whose face
became deeply crimsoned, and her eyes filled
with tears. Twice she essayed TO speak, but
utterance failed her, and the answer only
found its passage in deep drawn sigh.
kindly took her hand, and in words Of en-
couragement, repeated my question. The
poor girl by degrees mastered her grief, and
in melenaholy voice. replied
Alas, sir, ii is diffic ult TO tell
Where isyour home, my pretty one!' l
continued.
The world, sir-the wide and heariless
world sir, was her reply-and she turned a.
side and wept bitterly.
The grief OF the girl gave great pain to the
others, who now chung closely around her,
and by their artless endearmeHts, and affec-
tionate words, endeavored TO sooth and share
her gref; even the little dog showed feel
ing IN the scene, and whined, and leaped a.
bout the sorrowins wayfarers.
Weep not, my poor girl-dry up your
tears-take comfort-confidei in me-perhaps
| may be able TO alleviate, Il not entirely re-
lieve your sorrows'' cheerngly replied.
Heaven bless you sir; 1t is not for myself
and she clasped the latter TO her breast, COW
ering her rosy and innocent face with kisses:
1t is for these, SIR she continued. that /
sorrow. | am young, il is certain, bur of age
and strength sufficient TO earn subsistence;
snI Ill l. Il IL