Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1849-01-04
A story Of our Times.

cupied all the Offices Of one Of the princi-
pal cities of the republic, with great hon.
or, and having amassed great fortune in
the most unexceptionable manner, finally
formed the resolution Of going TO terminate
his days at his country seat. But before
retiring, he wished 10 take leave Of his
friends and connections, and he according1
ly invited them to feast at his house,
The guests, who expected more sump-
tuous repast, were mitch surprised on
going into the eating room, to see there .
large oaken table, covered with coarsg
blue cloth. On being seated, they were
served on wooden plates, with sailed hef-
ring, rye bread and butter. with some
cheese and curdled milk. Wooden vases
filled with small-beer, were passed around
for each Of the guests 10 help themselves.
This extreme oddity of the old gentleman
caused secret mnrmnring among the COM
pany; but, out of respect 10 his age and
wealth, instead of showing discomfort, they
pretended to relish their frugal fare; and
some Of them even complimented him for
the cordially Of those old times which he
had brought to remembrance. The old
man-who not duped by this feigned sat-
isfaction--did not wish TO carry the joke
any further-but at signal which he
gave, some servants, habited as country.
women, entered, bringing the second SER
vice. A white cloth succeeded the blue
one, and some pewter plates succeeded
the wooden ones. Instead Of rye bread,
dried herring and cheese, they were serv.
ed with good brown bread fresh beef,
boiled fish and strong beer. AT this un-
expected change, the secret murmurs
ceased; the old man became more pressing,
and the guests ate with better appetite
Hardly had they time TO taste the second
service, when they saw butler enter,
followed by half dozenservants, in brill
liant livery, bringing the third.
A superb table Of mahogany, covered
with beautiful lowered cloth, replaced
the oaken one. A side board was imme-
diateIy covered with the richest plate and
most curious china; and the guests charm-
ed with sight of prolusion Of rare and
exquisite meats. The most delicious
wines were freely passed around, while .
melodous concert was heard in the ad-
joining room. Toasts were drank, and
all were merry. But the good old man
perceiving that his presence hindered the
guests from giving themselves 10 their
full Joy, rose and addressed them thus -
81 give you thanks, ladies and gentlemen,
for the favor which you have granted me.
1t is time that should retire, myself, and
leave You to your liberty. But before the
ball commences, which have ordered to
be prepared for those who love to dance,
permit me TO acouaint you with the de-
sign proposed 10 myself in inviting you
to repast which has appeared so odd. /
have wished thereby to give you an ides
Of our republic. Our ancestors rose to
their high state, and acquired liberty,
riches, and power, by living in the frugal
manner which you saw in our first service.
Our fathers preserved those great bles-
sings only by living in the simple manner
Of which the second service has reflected
an image. Fit is permitted TO an old man
who is about TO leave you, and who ten
derly loves you 10 speak, must say. !
fear that the extravagant profnsion which
you might have remarked in the last SER
vice, and which is the prensent style Of
living, will deprive us Of more than our
ancestors have acquired by the sweat Of
their brow, and our forelathers have trana-
nitted to us by their industry and wise
calculation. II Merchants Ledger.