Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-07-15
Alistellaneolls.
THE STONY HEART.
Translated for the Boston Advertiser with alterations
FROM THE GERMAN OF HAUFF.

FROM THE GERMAN OF HAUFF.
In the olden time, the inhabitants of the
neighborhood of the Black Forest in Ger
many, had universal belief in the existence
of wood spirits, and it is only of late years
that they have grown wiser and ceased to
hold to this foolish superstition. 1t is re-
markable that these wood spirits, who were
supposed to inhabit the Black Forest, were
thought to be of two kinds. There was the
little Glassman, good spirit of about three
and half feet high He never showed
himself except in little steeple crowned
hat with broad rim, with Jacket and trous-
ers, and with red stockings.
Dutch Michael, on the contrary, was sup
posed to live on the other side of the forest,
and was broad shouldered fellow of ggan-
tic size, dressed like wood cutter, and
persons who had seen him maintained that
a common man would not reach up to his
shoulders, and that nobody's purse was ful4
enough to pay for the calves to furnish the
leather to make his shoes. He was suppos-
ed to be wicked spirit.
Now once upon time it happened that
there lived in this same Black Forest, a
widoV, named Barbara Munkin; her hus-
band(had been a coal-burner, and after his
death she kept her sixteen years old son to
the same business.
Young Peter Munk, who was handsome
lad, passed his time, because during his
fathers life time he had never done anything
else, in sitting the whole week over his smok
ing coal-pit, or, black and dirty, sight for
good people, he would go down into the city
to sell his coal. But goldman has much
time for thinking about himself and other
=. things, and when Peter was sitting by his
coal-pit the dark trees whistled around him,
and the deep stiffness of the forest awaken
ed his heart to unusual feelings of anxiety
Something troubled him; he did not know
exactly what it was At last he began to
think that he did not like his business. "a
black, solitary coal-burner," said he, " it is
miserable life. How much more valued
are the glass-makers, the clock-makers, even
the musicians, on Sunday evenings. But
if Peter Munk washed clean and dressed in
his fathers best coat with silver buttons
and bran new red stockings appear, and if
one walking behind me thinks, who is that
handsome fellow, and praises my stockings
and my stately walk, see, when he passes
me and looks about, he is sure to say, Oh,
it is only Peter Munk, the goldman"
These thoughts disturbed Peter so much
that he became very uneasy. One night
when he was returning home to his mothers
cottage, he met the little Glassman with the
steeple-crowned hat and his red stockings.
Seeing the sad countenance Of the young
coal-burner, for his eyes were so bright he
could discern that it was sad countenance
although it was blackeneG with dirt and
smoke, he asked him his trouble.
Peter opened to the friendly spirit his Sc
cret thong hts, and told him that he was tired
of being a coal-burner.
{. Peter" said the little man very serious
ly, Peter, do not tell me this. What good
would it do you to change your station in
life Do not despise hard labor, your faith
err and grandfather were honest people, and
they worked at this trade. Peter Munk,
hope 1t is not idleness that brings you to me. "
Peter was alarmed at the serious counte-
nance OF the little man, and blushed. "No,"
said he, A" idleness | well know is the begin
ming of all wickedness, but you cannot blame
me If like better some other trade than my
. own. A coal-burner is so little thought of
in the world, and the q ass-makers and wood
dealers, and clock-makers are SO much more
respected.
"Pride comes before fall" answered
the little glass-man, but / am tender
hearted spirit, and since you are so sad |
will grant you three wishes. But take care,
Peter, wish for something good and useful"
Huzza, you are an excellent glass-man, "
said Peter, you have treasures by the house
full. So may wish what my heart most
desires, will wish first that | may dance
better than the dancing master, and may al
ways have as much money in my pocket as
fat Ezekiel"