Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-07-23
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE THREE ADVICES.
AN IRISH MORAL TALE.

The stories current among the Irish peasantry
are not very remarkable for the incubation of any
moral lesson, although numberless are the legends
related by pous and "good people," Of the saints
and fairies. The following tale of the Three Ad
vices is the only one Of a moral character which
remember to have heard. 1t was told to me by q
professional story-eller, whose dicton | have en-.
deavored to preserve, although the sobriquet OF
"Paddreen Treugh," or Paddy the Vagabond, from
his wandering life, was not particularly approprl-
ate title for moralist The tale is certainly very
ancient, and has probably found its way into Ire
land from Wales, as it appears to be an amplifca-
ton of Bradic "Tirade of Wisdom"
There once came, what has lately happened so
often in Ireland, hard year. When the crops
failed, there was beggary and misfortune from one
end OF the island to the other At that time great
many poor people had to quit the country from
want of employment and through the high price
OF provisions Among others, John Carson was
under the necessity of going over to England to
try if he could get work, and leaving his wife and
family behind him, begging for bite and sup up
and down, and trusting to the charity Of good
Christians.
JehI> was smart young fellow, handy at any
work from the hay field TO the stable, and willing
to earn the bread he ate: and he soon engaged
by gentleman. The English are mighty
strict upon Irish servants; he was to have twelve
guneas year wages, but the money was not to be
paid till the end of the year. and he to forfeit
conducted himself in any way within the twelve
months. John Carson was to be sure upon his best
behaviour, and conducted himself in every partic-
ular well for the whole time there was no fault
ing him late early, and the wages were fairly his.
The agreement being expired, he determined on
returning home, Notwithstanding his master, who
had great regard for him, pressed him to remain,
and asked him if he had any reason to be dissatis-
fed with his treatment.
"No reason in life, sir" said John "you've beer
good master, and kind master to me; the Lore
spare you over your family; but left wife witt
two small children of my own at hcme after me II
Ireland, and your honor would never wish to keel
me from them entirely. The wife and the chill
drenw
"Well, john" said the gentleman, "you hav
earned your twelve guneas, ard you have been il
every respect, so good servant, that if you ar
agreeable, | intend giving you what is worth thu
twelve guineas ten times over, in place of you
wages. But you shall have your choice-will yo
take what offer, on my word ~
John saw no reason 20 think that his master wa
testing him, or was inslncere in making the Offer
and therefore, after slight consideration, told hin
that he agreed to take as his wages whatever h
would advise, whetherit twelve guineas or moi
"Then listen attentively to my words" said tn
gentleman.
"Frst-I would teach you this-.Neuer take
by-road aUhen you hare The Highway.
"Secondly--Idke heed mol to lodge in The houS
uhere an old man is married to a young aoonaan.
Sand thirdly-Remember that honesty is The bes
policy,
with and they are in value far beyond any gold
however, here is guinea for your travelling chal
ges, and two cakes, one of which you must give
your wife, and the other you must not eat yourse
until you have done so, and charge you to b
careful of them"
1t was not without some reluctance on the pa
ofJ ohn at hp IN
words for wages, or could be persuaded that the
were more precious than golden guineas. His fail
in his master was, however, SO strong, that he
length became satisfied.
John set out for Ireland the rext morning earl
but he had not proceeded far, before he overtoC
two pedlars who were travelling the same way
He entered into conversation with them, and four
them pair of merry fellows, who proved exec
lent company on the road. Now it happenc
towards the end of their days journey, when thu
were all tired with walking, they came to WOO
through which there was path that shortened d
distance to the town they were gong towards,
two miles. The pedlars advised John to go wi
them through the woods; but he refused to lea
the highway, telling them at the same time,
would meet them at certain house in the tow
where travellers put up. John was willing TO t
the worth of the advice which his master had gi
en- him, and he arrived in safety, and took up h
quarters at the appointed place. While he W
eating his supper, old man came hobbling in
the Kitchen, and gave orders about different ma
tiers there, and then went out again. John won
have taken no particular notice Of this, but imm
diatey AFTER young woman, young enough TO
the old mans daughter came in, and gave orde
exactly the contrary of what the old man had gi
en-, calling him at the same time, great mar
hard names, such as old fool, old dotard, and so o
When she was gone, John inquired who the o
man was. Gle is the landlord" said the servar
"and Heaven help him! dogs life ne has Il
since he married his last wife,"
"What~ said John, with surprise, "is that youn