Washington telegraph., 1851-04-09
THE BOY WITH THE FIDDLE,

in one of the Northern papers, 1t is
translated from the German:
A rich man once hired boy, who serv-
ed him honestly and industrously; he was
the first TO rise i'll the morning, the last
to 90 TO bed at night, and never hesitated
10 perform even the dlsagreeahle duties
which fell to the share of others, but
which they refused 10 do. His looks were
always cheerful and contented, and he
never was heard to murmur. When he
had served year, his master thought TO
himself. "If pay him his wages he may
90 away; it will therefore be most pru-
dent not to do so; | shall thereby save
something, and he may stay" Aud SO
the boy worked another year; and, though
no wages came, he said nothing and look
ed happy. AT last the end of the third
wear arrived: the master felt in his pockets.
but took nothing out; then the boy spoke.
"Master," said he, IL have served you
honorably Cor three years; give me. pray
YOU, what have justly earned. l wish
to leave you, and see more of the world" )"
"Mv dear fellow" replied the niggard.
"you have indeed served me faithfully,
aud YOU shall be generously rewarded.
So saying he searched his pockets
again. and ,hls time, counted out three
crown pieces.
"a crown" he said, 'for each year; it
is liberal; lew masters would pay such
wages"
The boy. who knew very little about
money, was quite satisfied; he received
his scauty pay. and demanded, now that
his pockets were full, he would play. He
set ont to see the world; uphill and
down-hill he ran and sang 10 his hearts
content; but presently, as he leaped a
bush. little man suddenly appeared be-
fore him.
"Whither away, Brother Merry" ask
ed the Stranger, "your cares seem but a
light burthen to you.
why should [ be sad?" answered the
boy. "when | have three years wages in
my pocket
"And how much is that" inquired the
little mau.
Three good crowns"
"Listen 10 me-" said the dwarf; II am
q poor. needy creature, unable 10 work;
give me she money; you are young. aud
can earn your bread.
The boys heart was good; it felt pity
for the miserable little mar; so he handed
him hi, hard gotten wages
Take lhem,' said he. Il can work for
more"
You have kind heart" said the mau-
nkin, 81 will reward you 10y granting you
three wisheS-oue for eacl crown. What
will you ask?'
'Ha. ha!,'' laughed the boy; "you are
one OF those then who can whistle blue.
Well, | will wish; first, for bird gun,
which shall hit whatever aim al; second
ly, Tor fiddle, to the sound Of which
every one who hears me play it must
dance; and, thirdly that when | ask any
one for any thing, he must not dare 10 re-
fuse me-
You shall have ALL" cried the little
man, as he took out of the bush where
they seemed to have been placed in read-
ness. a fine fiddle aud birdgun, quo man
III the world shall refuse what you ask!
My heart, what more can you desire.
said the hoy TO himself. as he joyfuly
went on his way. He soon overlook a
wicked looking man, who stood listening
10 the song OF bird which was perched
on the very summit of high tree.
"Wonderful" cried the man, "such a
small animal with such great voice! l
wish could get near enough TO put some
salt on its tall
The boy aimed at the bird with his
magic gun, and it fell into thorn-bn~h.
"you may have it if you fetch it.
"Master," replied the man. "leave out
the rogue when you call the dog; but
will pick up the bird"
In his effort 10 get it out, he had work
ed himself into the middle of the prickly
bush, when the boy was seized with a
longing 10 try his fiddle But. scarcely
mad he begun 10 scrape, when the man
began also to dance, aud the faster the
music the faster aud higher he jumped,
though the thorns tore his dir,y coat,
combed out his dirty hair, and pricked
and scratched his whole body.
leave off, leave of, cried he, Il do
Lot wish TO dance!'
But he cried in vain. "You must have
hayed many man, dare say" said the
boy, "now we will see what the thorn
bush can do for YOU
And louder and faster sounded the
hddle. and faster and higher danced the
gypsy, until all the thorns were nung with
Tile tatters of his coat.
Mercy. mercy" he screamed at last;
you shall have whatever can give you
only cease to play. Here, here, take this
purse of gold!!''
"Since you are so ready to pay" sait
the boy, II will cease my music; but