Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-02-25
How it Strikes a Stranger.
by JANE TAYLOR.

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by JANE TAYLOR.
In remote period of antiquity, when the
supernatural and the marvellous obtained a
reader credence than now, it was tabled
that stranger extraordinary appearance,
was observed pacing the streets of one of
the magnificent cities of the East, remark
ing with an eye of intelligent curiosity, ev-
cry surrounding object. Several individuals
gathering around him, questioned him con-
corning his country and his business; but
they presently perceived that he was unac-
quainted with their language-and he soon
discovered himself to be equally ignorant of
the most common usages of society. At the
same time, the dignity and intelligence of
his air and demeanor, forbade the idea of
his being either barbarian or lunatic.-
When, at length, he understood by their
signs, that they wished to be informed whence
he came, he pointed with great significance
to the sky; upon which the crowd conclud-
ing him to be one of their deities, were pro-
ceeding to pay him divine honors; but he
no sooner comprehended their design, than
he rejected it with horror and bending his
knees and raising his hands towards heaven
in the attitude of prayer, gave them to I'M
derstand that he was also a worshipper of
the powers above
After time it is said that the mysterious
stranger accepted the Inequalities of one of
the mobiles of the city, under whose roof he
applied himself, with great diligence, to the
requirement Of the language, in which he
made such surprising proficiency, that in
fotu bo oh a to bp1 mt
tercourse with those around him. The no.
BILE host now resolved otake an early oppor-
tunity of satisfying his curiosity respecting
the country and quality of his guest and
upon his expressing this desire, the stranger
assured him that he would answer his inqui-
ries that evening after sunset. According
ly, as night approached, he led him forth up
on the balconies of the palace, which over
looked the wealthy and populous city. In
Vulnerable lights, from its busy streets and
splendid palaces were now reflected in the
dark bosom of its noble river, where stately
vessels, laden with rich merchandise from
all parts of the known world, lay anchored
in the port This was city in which the
voice of the harp and of the viol, and the
sound of the milestone were continually
heard; and craftsmen of all kinds of craft
were there; and the light of candle was
seen in every dwelling; and the voice of the
bridegroom and the voice of the bride were
heard there. The stranger unused awhile
upon the glitterng scene, and listened to the
confused murmur ofmingling sounds. Then
suddenly raising his eyes to the starry firma-
ment, he fixed them, with an expressive gaze,
on the beautiful evening star, which was Just
sinking behind dark grove that surround
ed one of the principal temples of the city.
Marvel not said he to his host, that am
wont to gaze with fond affection on Wonder
silvery star. That was my home yes, Twas
lately an inhabitant of that tranquil planet,
from whence a vain curiosity has tempted
me to wander. Often had | beheld, with
wondering admiration, this brilliant world of
yours, ever one of the brightest gems of our
armament; and the ardent desire had long
felt to know something of its condition, was
at length unexpectedly gratiied. received
permission and power from above to traverse
the mighty void, and to direct my course to
this distant sphere To that permission,
however, one condition was annexed, to
which my eagerness for the enterprise indu-
ced me hsstily to consent; namely, that |
must thenceforth remain an inhabitant of
this strange world, and undergo all the vi
cissitudes to which its natives are subject
Tell me, therefore, pray you, what is the
lot of man and explain to me, more fully
than yet understand, all that hear and
see around me-
Truly, sir, replied the astonished noble,
although am altogether unacquainted with
a
ileges of your country, yet methinks L can
not but congratulate you on your arrival IN
our world; especially since it has been your
good fortune to alight on a part of it afford
ing such various sources of enjoyment as
this our opulent and luxurious city. And
be assured it will be my pride and pleasure
to introduce you to all that is most worthy
the attention of such a distinguished for
elgner
Our adventurer, accordingly, was initi-
ated in those arts of luxury and pleasure
which were there well understood. He was
introduced by his obliging host to their pub
lie games and festivals-to their theatrical
diversions and convivial assemblies-and in
short time, he began to feel some relish fol
amusements, the meaning of which, at first
he could scarcely comprehend. The mex,
lesson which it became desirable to impari
to him, was the necessity of acquiring wealth
as the only means of obtaining pleasure
fact which was no sooner understood by the
stranger than he gratefully accepted the offer
of his friendly host, to place him in sltua'
ton in which he might amass riches. Ic
this object he began to apply himself with
diligence; and was becoming IN some mea'
sure reconciled to the manners and customs
of our planet strangely as they differed from
those of his own, when an incident occur
red which gave an entirely new direction to
his energies.
1t was but few weeks after his arrival OF
our earth, when walking in the cool of the
day with his friend, on the outskirts OF the
city, his attention was arrested by the aP-
pearance of n spacious enclosure near whic II
they passed; he inquired the use to WHICH
it was appropriated. ,,.. rl.oo 81
1T is replied the nobleman' place o.
public interment.'
Il do not understand YOU said the stran
lger.