Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-11-02
G9e Storp1 GelIer,
From the Southern Literary Messenger.
THE POET
AND
THE PEASANT.
Translated from the French Of Emile SouUestre

which separates Marie aux Mines from Ri
bauvile, and notwithstanding the shades OF
the evening were gathering fast around him,
and the fog increased in denseness each mo-
ment, he still continued his sauntering gait,
utterly regardless of the weather or the hour.
His green hunting dress,-his doeskin CATERS,
and the elegant fowling-piece which he car
ried in his bandoleer, would have proclaimed
him huntsman-it the volume dangling from
his game bag had not betrayed the dreamer
for whom the pursuit of game, was but pre-
text for indulging in his solitary musings.
Even his medtative carelessnnss belied his
hunting equipments, and proved that Arnold
de Munster thought far less of observing the
tracks of the wild denizens of the forest, than
in following in all their devious windings, the
fanciful thoughts his poetcal Imagination had
called before him. They rested for few
moments upon his family and the friends he
had left at Paris He recalled the elegant
studio adorned with fanciful engravings, curl
Gus paintings and exquisite statuettes the
sweet German melodies, sung by his lovely
and beloved sister,-the melancholy poetry he
repeated to her, often suggested by the yelled
light of the evening lamps, and the init
mate conversations where the most secret
thoughts of the heart were disclosed with I'M
reserved confdence-where each listener was
either borne on by the enthusiasm, or capti-
waited and charmed by the beautiful expressions
which flowed from the speakers lips. Why
had he left that select society-those choice
delights-to come and bury himself in the wild
country of Alsatia! Was the necessity of at
tending TO business, sufficient motive for this
deprivation In the midst of the coarse and
vulg gar beings, who surrounded him, what
would become of his sensitive and refined ma
turel Whilst addressing these and many
other questions to himself, de Munster con-
tnued his route, without troubling himself as
to where 1t would lead him. He was at last
reused from his reveries by feeling the fog,
which had gradually changed into fine rain,
penetrating his hunting coat and chilling him
by its humidity. He quickened his steps
but on looking around he found that he was
lost in the windings of the forest, and he
sought in vain to find the direction necessary
for him to take to reach his temporary home.
Every trial that he made but the more be-
wildered him. Daylight had disappeared.
The rain fell faster and heavier, and discour-
agement was fast gaining upon him, when the
tinklng sound of bells reached his ears through
the foliage. A team driven bya large coarse
looking man, wrapped in blouse, now came
in sight Arnold stopped for the wagner to
overtake him, and asked the distance to Sers-
berg.
Sersberg 2 replied the wagner. Indeed,
hope you do not reckon upon sleeping there
tonight
Pardon me, but do replied Arnold
AT the castle of Sersberg1' said the peas
ant, in astonishment. Then you must 60 on
a railway, for it is six good leagues from here,
and considering he weather and the state Of
the roads, it is equal to Dozen
Arnold made an exclamation of surprise and
astonishment. He had left the castle in the
morning, and walking carelessly along, he
dreamed not Of the distance he was putting
between it and himself. The peasant hearing
his explanations, told him he had followed
wrong direction for several hours; and whilst
thinking he was going towards the castle, had
left it in his rear.
1t was too late to repair his error. The
nearest village was more than league off,
A
PEELED, therefore, not without some inward
shudderings at the prospect he saw before
him-to accept the shelter offered to him by
his new companion, whose farm was but a
short distance from them. He consequently
governed his steps by the drivers, and essayed
to enter into conversation with him but Moser
was no great talker, and appeared utterly in
capable of comprehending the emotions or
ideas of the young man. When, on leaving
the forest, he pointed to the magnificent hori-
zon, empurpled by the last rays of the setting
sun, Moser contented himself with grimace.
Bad weather for Tomorrow he muttered,
pulling his carter's frock tighter over his
shoulders
The whole Of this beautiful valley must be
spread out before US here,' said Arnold, try
ing to pierce through the gloom with which
the twilight had already enveloped it,
Yes, yes, said Moser, shaking his head.
'this fool OF hill IS high enough for that. and
here is an invention of but little profit,
What inventionF
Why, what else but the mountain 4,
Arnold was amazed
Is it possible that you would have the
world one vast plain!'
Hold what question:, cried the farmer,
laughing at what he thought his companions
stupidity. You might as we'll have asked
me if would rather have my horses backs
broken.
Certainly said Arnold, with ironical con-
tempt. | forgot horses lit is evident that
God should have thought of horses, when he
created the world
God! don't know SO well about that.
replied Moser, TRANQUILITY, 'but I know the en-
gineers were wrong to forget them, when they