Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-05-05


Paradise himself, must win it for othess also.
Such people should have monuments erFaied to
them, known and read Of all men. In observing
such character, we feel ashamed of ofr own
happiness-we feel how comparatively Sitle we
deserve it. Is there any thing | can do ioprove
my regard for this good, poor No. l2?
"Just try among the bookstalls," replied,
land find the second volume of that book you
see him reading It Is now more than six years
since he lost it, and ever since he has eeen
obliged 10 content himself with the first"
Now, must premise that my worthy Giend
hads perfect horror of literature. even . its
simplest stages. He regarded the art Of lrint-
ing as Satanic invention, filling rsn's ifaius
with idleness and conceit and as 10 wF8og-
in his opinion, man was never thorpcs is-scin-
mtted until he had recorded his sentiments in
black and white for the inspection Of his neigh
bors. His own success in life, which Ind been
toerable, thanks to his industry and integrity,
ne attributed altogether 10 his ignorance Of those
dangerous arts; and now cloud swept acrosi
his lately beamiDg face as he exclaimed :"What
the good creature is lover of books Well,
we must admit that even the best have their fail
ings. No matter. Write down the name Of this
odd volume on slip of paper; and it shall go
hard with me, but give him that qualification"
He did actually return the following week
with wellworn volume, which he presented in
triumph to the old invalid He looked some
what surprised az he opened it; but our friend
proceeding to explain that it was at my suggcs-
ton he had procured it in place of the lost one,
the old grateful expression at once beamed up
in the eyes of No. IL, and with voice trem-
bling with emotion, he thanked the hearty giver.
| | had my misgivings, however, and the mo-
merit our visitor turned his back asked to see
the book. My old neighbor reddened, stammer-
ed, and tried to change the conversation; but,
forced behind his last entrenchments, he handed
me the volume. 1t was an old Royal Almanac.
The bookseller, taking advantage of the custo-
mer's ignorance, had substituted it for the book
he had demanded. burst into an immoderate
fit of laughter, but No. II checked me with the
only inpatient word ever heard from his lips
"Do YOU wish cur friend to hear you !? would
rather never recover the power of this lost arm,
than deprive this kind heart of the pleasure of
his gifl. And what of it? Yesterday I did not
care straw for an almanac; but in a little time
it is perhaps the very book should have desired.
Every day has its to-morrow Besides, | assure
you it is very improving study; even already
perceive the names Of a crowd ofprinces never
mentioned in history, and of whom up to this
moment have never heard any one speak"
Aud so the old almanac was carefully ryeserv-
ed beaisa the volume, Of pae.rv it bad san in
tended TO match II tho old lnYaAd hesef fail
ed to be seen turning over the leaves vsisnevel
our friend happened to enter the room. AS to
him, he was quite proud of its success, and would
say to me at each time ;" 1t appears | have made
him famous present" And thus the two guile
less natures were content.
Towards the close of my sojourn in the hospi
tai, the strength of poor No. IL diminished rap
idly. At first, he lost the slight powers of mo-
ton he had retained then his speech became
inartcuae at last, no part obeyed his will ex
cept the eyes, which continued to smile on us
still. But one morning, at last, it seemed TO Inc
as if his very gIance'had be come dim. | arose
hastily, and approaching his bed, inquired it he
wished for drink he made slight movement
of his eyelids, as if to thank me, and at that in
stant the first ray of the rising sun shone in or
his bed. Then the eyes lighted up, like tapel
that flashes into brightness before it V extn
guished-he looked as if saluting this last gif
of his Creator; and even as watched him for q
moment, his head fell gently on the side, hi
kindly heart ceased to beat. He had thrown of
the burden of To-day he had entered on hi
eternal To. morrow - Chambers Journal.