Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1859-02-24

Tatolto him who bears, to all that ever bore"

Itl'l 10 llln VINO UCdtS, 10 All th0t ever pore,
And while we do not agree with this, we say
that it we sailors do not always know what is
best for US, we do not differ in this respect from
the rest Of mankind the tale of the three wish
es and the famous black pudding having been
invented long since for the reproof upon shat
point Of iandsmen, no doubt And as the night
is fine, and we do not sail before noon tomorrow,
let me Tell you as a pendant to that same story
the nautical legend on the subject Of constantly
wishing for what we have not got, and not
knowing what we want
Down amongst those South.Sea isles, which
fairies delight to visit, aud sailors love to cruise
in, II N. higato, ------, had Just sailed for
some satvT 70-5~>.5,ors tho songs were as sweet
as those . Yobonai There had been weeping
Neuhas On the shore, and there was many cad
TorquiI en- board that day. No one, except the
restless captain, rejoiced in the sparkling blue
Pacific and rattling trade wind which filled the
rrigato's canvass, and sped her dancing over
the sea.
Tom Hardy sat on the forebitts, and said
" There was no perez whatsomedeyer aboard a
ship; and it was precious hard, just as poor
fellow had got exactly what he wanted, that the
adjective ship got under weigh to pitch her ad-
iectyo lorecastle into chopping head sea. -
T" All You never knows what yon really want,
said his sage ship,mato; "and if so be you cod
get what you wants Just for the asking, you
would not know what to ask for" Tom used
most emphatic language, and wished himself in
very uncomfortable places if ever he should
growl agaS, provided he could have three or
four wishes fulfilled Hardly had the words
passed Toms lips when bcoutiful fairy stood
before him.
"Spcak up, Tom Hardy" said she, "say
what you want to make you contontcd captain
Of the fo'-castc III give you four wishes, pro-
yilcd they are for as many different things, -
You might think Tom would be for moment
startled; but beautiful lady, with prolusion
Of hair and very little clothing was not quite
the thing to frjghtcn him. "Thank yo maon," "
said Tom, touching his cap; I'm all ready,
and much obceEcd to yer" "1'hcn fire away"
said tlc fairy. First, and foremost" said
Tom, wants plenty Of grog." That you
shall have, replied the fairy, smiling; real
Jamqica pineapple fayor-as much as you can
swim in" You see the fairy was accustomed to
sailors. "Then," proceeded Tom, rubbing his
hands, 50 let US have heaps of baccy-birds S.
eve and cavondish mixed" "AIl right, Tom,
said the lady; "heops of 'baccy, bird's.oye and
caycndish mixed. you shall have" "By Joye,
Won nro q brick - SAYS Tom; you are about
the best friend [ ever had. LooIyo here, my
bcautym says he, getting m as if he was going
to shake h1nds with the fairy. GLANDS off,
Mr.. Tom." exclaimed she; go on Wishing
You are only half way through your bargain.
d" WcI," says Tom, &" what next wants-beg-
ging YOUR pardiDg, seeing you're lady-ls
plenty Of pretty girls when | goes ashore
livery well !" replied the fairy, laughing Ij;c
anything, "you shall have them too; and I'll
throw some GddIers ito the bargain" Tom was
delighted. "By the Lord Harry" he said
."pm happy now. | say, chum! how about not
knowine what was good for me? Hefe's greg
galore heaps Of 'baccy and lots Of sweethcarts
I'm content" " But come, come, Tom," urged
the fairy; "lu)Gl your part Of the contract. -
bo,ber Sb . It &f5S9aa&e Sa9ae Ja more be ?"iek' Oh
really" "Ycs, come, be quick" she raHiH'iiSSv
"Wc,l, them" said he, "giye us more grog.
" Yam chum was in the right" said the fairy
" you don t know what you want. You ask 70
more grog, when | have already promised yol
enough to swim in and you have forgctton tt
ask to be put ashore from the frigate. You arc
goc for-notbing old growI, and SO YOU vii! re
main to the end Of your days" With that sh
DISAPPEARED; and it is true enough, Tom Hare,
is now as big al old growI as ever chcwcd qni
on 5recastle, though he firmly believes, if tina
fairy would only give him another chance, h
would know what to ask for.