Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-03-18
OVERCOME EVIL Win GOOD.


Reuben Black was an infestation in the
neighborhood where he resided. The very
sight Of him produced effects similar to Hin.
doc magical tune. called Rang, which is said
to bring on clouds, storms, and earthquakes.
His wife seems lean, sharp, and uncomforta-
bic. The heads OF the boys had bristling
aspects, as IL each stood on end with perpen-
dicular fear. The cows poked out their horns
horizontally, as soon as nc opened the barn
yard gates The dog dropped his tail be-
tween his legs, and eyed him askance, to see
what humor be was in. The cat looked wild
and scraggy, and had been known to rush
straight up the chimney when he moved to-
wards her. Fsnny Kemble's expressive de-
scriPtion Of the Pennsylvania stage-horse was
exactly suited to Reuben's poor old nag
His hide resembled an old hair trunk Con-
tiuual whipping and kicking had made him
such stoic, that no amount OF blows could
quicken his pace, no chirruping could change
the detected dropping of his head. All
his natural language said, as plain as a
horse could say il, that be was a most unhap-
Ply beass.l Even the trees on Reuben's prem
Uses nad gnarled and knotted appearance.
The bark wept little Sticky tears Of gum, and
the branches awry, as if they felt the contin.
ued discord, and made sorry faces at each
other bshind the owners back. His felds
were red with sorrel, or run over with null
lein. Everything seemed as hard and arid as
his own visage. Every day he cursed the
town and the neighborhood, because they
poisoned his dogs, and stoned his hens, and
shot his cats. Continued lawsuits involved
him in 80 much expense, that he had neither
time nor money to spend on the improvement
OF his farm.
Against Joe Smith, poor laboror in the
neighborhood, he had brought three suits in
succession. Joe said he had returned a spade
he mad borrowed. and Reuben swore he had
not. He sued Joe and recovered damages,
for which he ordered the sheriff to seize his
pig. Joe in his warmth, called him an old
swind.er, and curse to the neighborhood
These remarks were soon repeated to Reuben.
He brought an action for libel. and recovered
twenty-five cents. Provoked at the laugh
this occasioned, he watched for Joe to pass
by, and set his dog upon him, screaming fu-
riously. Call me an old swinder again, will
YOU! An evil spirit is more contagious than
the plague. Joe went home and scolded his
wife, boxed little Joes ears, and kicked the
cat and not one Of them knew what it was
for. A fortnigh, after, Reuben's big dog was
found dead by poisen. Whereupon he brou-
ght another action against Joe Smith, and not
being able to prove him guilty of the charge
of a dog-murder, he took his revenge by pois-
oning pet lamb, belonging to Mrs. Smith.
Thus the bad game went on, with mutual
worriment and loss. Joes temper grew more
and more vndictive, and the love of talking
over his troubles at the grog shop increased
upon him. Poor Mrs. Smith cried and said
it all owing to Reuben Black, for better
hearted man never lived than her Joe, when
she first married him.
Such was the state Of things when Simeon
Green purchased the farm adjoining Reuben's.
The estate had been much neglected, and had
caught thisies and MULLEN from the neighbour
ing fields. But Simeon was diligent man,
blessed by nature with healthy organization
and genial temperament, and wise and kind
education had aided nature in the perfection
of her goodly work.
His steady perseverance and industry soon
changed the aspects of things on the farm.
River mud, autumn leaves, old bones were all
put in requisition to assist in the production
of use and beauty. The trees, with moss and
insects, soon looked clean and vigorous
Fields Of grain waved where weeds had only
grown before. Michigan roses covered half
the house with their abundant clusters
Eventhe rough rock. which formed the door
step,was edged with golden moss. The sleek
horse, feeding in clover, tossed his name and
neighed when his master came near; as much
as to say, The world is all the pleasantcr for
having you in it, Simeon Green! The old
COW, fondling her calf under the great walnut
tree, walked up to him with serious friend
ly face, asking for slice of sugar-beet he was
wont to give her. Chandelier strutting a
bout. with his troop of plump hens, and dow
ny little chickens, took no trouble to keep
out of the way, but tapped his glossy wings,
and crowed welcome in his very face. When
Simeon turned his steps homeward the boys
threw up their caps, and ran shouting, Faith
ers coming and little Mary went toddling
up to him, with dandelion blossom to place
in his buttonhole. His wife was awoman of
few words, but she sometimes said to her
neighbors with quiet kind of satisfaction,
Everybody loves my husband, that knows
him. They can't help it,
Simeon Green's acquaintance knew that be
was never engaged in lawsuit in his life, but
they all predicted that he would find it impos-
sible to avoid it now. They told him his
next neighbor was determind to quarrel with
people whether they would OF not; that he
was like John Lilburne. of whom Judge Jen-