The Washingtonian., 1845-09-13

treated the company OF course-and then has
tened home to show his prize to his wife; he
seemed proud of it, as it was the first he ever
possessed. Unfortunate chance-like Pando-
ras box, it contained the essence Of a thousand
evils, that almost ruined his hopes forever, and
entailed misery that never could be banished
from him. The "Horsehead became the
rendezvous of his customers while waiting for
their work being finished, and the price was
often paid at the bar Of the tavern. The fire.
quency of his visits there were soon observable
in the decline of business; gradual at first, but
then he found that the industrious farmer must
have his nags' shoes repaired instantiy-no un-
necessary procrastination would satisfy them.
He became cross and touchy told them to go
where they could be best served-he didn't
want their custom. Then ceased his morning
song and his ready laugh; and the ringing
anvil lay silent in the shop his wife's COM
plants and wailngs were heard in its stead,
and the screaming of his child was substituted
for the sounding anvil. Such was the effect
of the habits of this once happy man, and
such is the certain destruction to all dram
drinkers.
He was now the confirmed drunkard; and
when money could be raised he was the well
come guest at the "Horsehead" He was the
sturdy opponent politician to the deceased
shoemaker, expounding the news of each days
arrival, and washing it down with glass of
the "landlard's 5est;" and as Burns says
"and aye the ale was growing BETTER" till he
would reel on the street, or be found in the
gutter. Midnight was the hour for going
home. The race-horse soon reaches his goal,
and so did our hero. Business now became
slack-there was nothing now to be done in
his shop, and it was of no use to light his fire;
he could not remain among old horse shoes
and cold iron; besides, he had no peace at
home-his wife had become complete scold;
he thought there was no comfort but at the
Horsehead," where friends were always to
be found. Thus would he reason, and soon
drown his cares in the baneful cup.
raving, ranting, cursing, and swearing; his
wife's company was irksome to him, and the
innocent prattle of his child was troublesome.
One morning, at dawn Of day, he came run
ming to the Horsehead," in state of ex-
haustion, like one overcome with fear; he
approached the door-he was pushed back
again he advanced, but was again repulsed /;
he begged and prayed this hospitable landlord
for half glass only, but he was strongly de-
MED. | saw him, and pity urged me to step
to his relief. / offered him small piece of
money, but his hands so trent !, they could
not retain what had given him; seeing his
condition ordered the bar-ke.per to give him
a glass; When it was presented to him both
hands could scarcely put it to his mouth, he
was so palsied through his whole lrame. After
he had drank it he kindly thanked me and
shook me by the hand, and then left him.
Shortly after this occurrence, called to see
him, and urged upon him the necessity Of a
change in his habits as the only means of pre-
erving his life; and after long struggle and
strong persuasion, got him to limit his num-
Der of glasses in the day; and eventually he
took my advice, quilted the tavern, and by the
aid of friends he again commenced his trade,
and though much cast down in spirit and in
health, the clang Of his anvil was again heard
in the village smithy, and his OLD customers
soon crowded to his rescue.
Several years afterwards, on visit to that
village, as passed his shop saw him busiIy
employed. called to see him and his fam
lily, whom | found happy and contented, as
they had accumulated little property. His
wife thanked me, with tears in her eyes, for
the reformation Of her husband and when |
parted with them my heart felt what could
not express, and | thanked God that I had
been able, with little pecuniary assistance
and advice, to save fellow being from misery
and destruction. JUsTITIA.
For the Washingtonian.
MEssRs. EDIToRs: am happy to be able to