Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1850-06-13
From the Spring gfield tMass.,) Republican.
True Stcyy 0f Human Natnre

From the Sprin Kfe Id (NiaSS.,) Republican.
A True story of Human Nature.
There once lived in an obscure town in
Massachusetts, an old Indian woman
Somehow or other, the old woman had ac-
cumulated quite desirable little property.
Yet she was an Indian, and was treated
with cool contempt by her neighbors.-
She had no seat at the social circle, re-
ceived no attention from those around her,
occupied back pew in the church, and
down toward the grave she travelled, with
out friend or comforter.
Old Nance had but one relative living,
that she knew OF, and he, wild, grace
less son. He was the terror Of the viii
lage, and spent his time in anything but
respectable way. At last, the vsgabond
| so worried the forbearance of his old
mother, that, in a hasty moment she re-
solved to dsinhsrit him, and leave her
money TO the Church.
Accordingly she started for the house
of one of the Deacons, and made clean
breast of her troubles, and acquainted him
with her determination. The Deacon
grew from cool to very amiable mood
as she proceeded, and, at last, became pro-
fuse in his expressions Of gratitude.
The will, through the agency of the
Deacon, was drawn, but the old woman,
feeling little compunc,ion, had clause
inserted which should make it void, pro-
vided the son should totally reform his
habits. Secrecy was enjoined upon the
Deacon, who of course told nobody but
| his wife, who of course said nothing about
it, save TO two or three friends, who of
course spread it all over the village in the
space of one day.
But the change wrought in the situation
of old Nance was miraculous. "Such a
good old woman!' The nice bits from
the best tables began to journey, under
neat napkins, TO her humble abode. On
a rainy Sabbath, a carriage took her up at
her door, and carried her to church where
she was kindly favored with front pew,
near the speaker, and near the stove.-
Her praise was in everybody's mouth,
and her tottering form commanded respect
everywhere. But she thrived remark
ably under this treatment, and lived, and
lived, and lived. In the meantime, the
son was looked upon with more than
usual dstrust, and the poor widow was
deeply commiserated Oh his disgracelul
course.
Years passed away, and the kind at
tenions OF friends were still continued to
the widow, when, at last, old Nance slept
the sleep that knows no waking. A
large funeral, one Of the largest the little
village had ever seen, attended her to her
grave in the quiet, church yard. There
were tears shed above her bier, and beni
sons brea,hed upon her memory.
The funeral was past. The Deacon,
s.rs- s1u;r~, us,a nu:nner OF the village
notables, were gathered in her dwelling,
and in one corner of the room sat the sad
and taciturn son.
Squire" said the Deacon, 81 believe
there is a will"
Eyes, there is a will
"Will you have the kindness to read it. y
The will was produced. AL! were ST.
lent. The will was read, in which all the
widows property was bequeathed to the
Church. Many an eye sough the face OF
the prodigal son, bu, saw no change IN
his stolid features.
When the reading was finished, the
: son arose and drawing piece OF paper
from his pocket, inquired the date OF '''ha
ar will %
The date was stated, and handing the
Squire his paper, the por'ionless asked
o him to read ii.
Alas it WIS will one day younger
. than the other. The fond mother in he'
weakness had told the son what she ha'
done, and he managed TO have will draw
5 twenty -four hours after tue previous one
in which he was the sole legatee.
The assembled wisdom and disintere>t
, edness of the village went home thinking
and the son had the pleasant satisfaction O
: knowing that his mothers last days wer
q her best DAYS. Reader, this is not fic
ton. 1t is but an instance Of the weak
ness in our common natures, which, i
e similar developments, comes before u
: with humiia,ing frequency, alike IN tn
n lowest and highes, walks OF life.
A TIMELY H1sr-WHlcH DrscoN
4 cERrEp A GREAT ORAToR.-Many anec
8 dotes have been told bearing pretty har
n upon the late John Randol ph, some who'll
n fictitious, others not. Among them Is t''