Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1855-03-23

some to me. had no longer an objec
at stake worth striving for, and the kind
Iy impulses of my nature seemed to die
within me. least myself reckIessly or
the world. and became Familiar with its
lowest phases. But thpnk God. there
was still within me principle not Who'll
ly abandoned, which kett me from re.
voting crimes, and at tunes neved me t.,
better resolutions. though alas! they
were fleeing as the early dew.
4 will not dwell on this part Of my
history. BY chance turned my steps
towards Paris, and on my way fell in
with company Of stro'Iing players, with
whom made a temporary engagement,
and rose by degrees from a mere scene
shifter to the dignity Of of dramite per.
soma. My success was very aattering.-
| had at that time the advantage of a
good person-pardon my vanity, sir
and some versatility Of talent, and the
constant, excitment Of such life reliev-
ed the misery that still preyed on me in
secret. had already few francs in
my pocket, more than every possessed
in my life before, and | began to think
seriously Of breaking off with my lawless
companions and fitting myseIffor higher
order Of the drama. Whether my in.
ten,ions were OWNED by my associates
connot tell, but the same night that we
arrived in Paris my money was stolen
from my pocket while slept. When
awoke and discovered my loss, my sus-
picions were directed to one Of the COM
pany whose honesty was by no means
sans reprochc. and in consequence of my
accusations became involved in fracas,
which ended by leaving me bruised and
senseIess on the ground. When re-
covered, some hours afterwards, | found
myselfin hospitul, where some chari,.
able persons had conveyed me. The
surgeons attended the with care and
success, for which | then felt little graft
tude, and at the end of a few weeks | was
pronounced convalescent, and turned ir-
to the street penniless.
In the great Babel of that vast city,
was like moth on the surging waves
OF society-a stranger, no one would
trust me; and withou, money, where was
to look for friend or helper! 1t was in
this state OF utter desttution that sta.
toned myself at the barricre gate, and
day by day begged aims OF the passers by.
For three months or more, | followed
this trade Of beggary, as you can remem-
ber had sunk into the very abyss OF
despair. and no friendly ray shone down
10 guide me out Of it. Every night !
counted the gain Of my idle calling, but
often il barley suited 10 pay for the stale
loaf | eat and the straw on which stretch
ed myself in misrabIe attic at night
| Stunned companionship with all living
things. and began to take strange de.
light in boarding my paltry coin, as a
miser would his golden treasure. You.
sir, were standing by when the powdered
gentlman addressed his monitory reprooi
to me but neither Of you could have ia.
thomed the overwhelming emotion which
his words aroused. From a state of
frigid apathy awoke at once to new
life-a life of hope and and earnest desire,
and from that moment the energy Of a
strong will and the determination of a
settled purpose we're reused into con,iuu
ed action. You, my friend, passed on
your way. and my blessing followed you
for kindness never to be forgotten and
the powdered gentleman went his way,
little dreaming what spirit he had
awakened, and wha, a lifelong influence
his words were destined to exert on a
wayward aud despairing mind. The
blessing of one who was ready to perish
has ever followed him, though his name
is unknown and it has never been per.
mitted me 10 thank him.
On the evening of that eventful day,
returned to my wretched garret for the
last time; but was TOO much excited for
repose, and employed myself in counting
my sordid earnings. the gathering Of
many weeks, and to my surprise they a.
mounted to several francs. At earliest
dawn, fastened to an old clothes shop
near at hand, and exchanged my tattered
garments 70, some in better keeping with
my improved ideas. and removed to a
remote faubourg Of the city. where my
person was who'iyunknown.
The very kind words of the elderly
gentleman constantly rung in my ears
and stimulated me to exertion. -Four
hundred year" was it possible to create
such fortune from the very humblesl
beginning? Such, he asserted, had been
his experience, and why should it not be
mine A determined will is half the
battle won, and that very day began to
fight 1t. Almos. literally following hi.
advice, | procrued an old basket for few
sous, and with much more assurance thar
when stood at the gate, ! went from
house to house, through all the obscure
streets and alleys, begging for rags
which were seldom refused me. |. ever
affected somewha, OF the coxcomb-fo
in my youth | was rather vain of my
good looks-and placed my old hat jaun
lily on MI head, trimmed my whisker'
becomingIy, and took care to show my
fine teeth when addressed a pretty
griset,e and the little 6nesse succeeded
admirably. My stock Of rags accumulat
| "A ,,.,, 20 49, has..ta kanr;,,u I -; Il,