Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-01-30
MiscrU
A DAUGHTERS KINDNESS RE
WARDED.

- hhb a ~
In the north Of Europe is a mountainous
country called Sweden Its winters are long.
snowy, and cold. Its summers are short.
but very lovely and sweet-aired, especially
in the valleys between The high mountains
The inhabitants Of that country are no
ted for their industry virtue and content.
menl. One morning, a long time ago a GER
tain King Of Sweden, called Gustaeus the
Third, was riding through a village in ont
Of the BEAUTIFUL valleys not far from Stock
holm, the capitol city. As he passed along
be saw a young girl filling pitcher with
water that gushed from the cool rocks which
overshadowed The roadside. He stopped at
the fountain, and asked the girl for a drink
She knew not the stranger but gracefully
stepped forward and lifted the pitcher to his
lips a. he sat upon his horse. She was evil
IDENTIFY very poor, but her kindness, so tend
erly expressed upon her countenance, togeth-
er with her aitlese, embarrassed politeness,
at once attracted the kings attention and
touched his heart. Judging by her appear
ance that she was a child Of poverty, he told
her that If she would 90 TO the city he would
find her pleasant home.
"Ah good sir, answered the girl, pProv-
idence placed me here, and | am not anxious
to change my position in life. ! an content,
and if ! were not content it would be impos-
sible for me to accept your kind fer"
"lndeed why not" said the king in some
surprise.
because my mother is poor and sickly,"
she replied.
"And you remain at home to take care of
her :"
81 am her only help and companion" said
the girl, looking upon the ground with Zen
uine modesty that won the sympahies of her
royal auditor. al am happy in my lot, and
am thankful that can take care of and COM
fort the enc so dear to me- No offer, how
ever tempting, could induce me to leave my
mother"
Where is your motheri" inquired the
king, becoming more and more interested in
the noble girl.
In yon little hut by the side of the road"
said she, pointing towards the humble dwell
ing. 1t was low, matched building, cover
ed with moss and vines, very neat ana clean,
but SO old and weather-worn that it aft lrded
but poor shelter in time of cold and storms
Gustayus alghted from his horse, and fol-
lowed the girl into the hut to zee her mother.
He found her sick and suffering, lying upon
a bed of straw-a pale, thin woman, sinking
under her inttmtieS, and looking forward to
the grave only as bed of rest The king
was almost overcome at the pitiabe sight
and said while tears came into his eyes-ah,
yes, and those tears were more beautifully
radiant and glorious than the brightest dazzles
that ever glanced from his crown of dia-
monds--
al feel sorry, mother, to find you so desti-
tute and afflicted"
"Yes, yes, my dear sir" said the lady. in
feeble voice, "but am glad that God has
given me an afeotionate daughter. She is
always trying to relieve me, and is my con-
slant comforter. My God in His love re-
member and bless henry dear child !" and
her voice was ehoked back by sobs, and her
face covered with tears.
The good king wept with the poor widow.
What sight How the angels of heaven
lowered over that lonely hut, breathing Joy
unspeakable into three hearts--the suffering
womans, the sympathising kings, and the
flial daughters. ! he monarch never receiv-
ed such d blessing ON his throne in the pal
ace, as there in the lone hut by the wayside.
He handed the daughter a purse OF gold,
and dh ected her TO a better house, where she
and her mother might be comfortable, saying
as he departed:
go on, my young friend, in your dutful
love and care, and you shall lack for nothing
while have the means to help you. i am
your king. Farewell!
Gustavus ever remembered the poor family,
and made provisions to have a sum of money
regularly sent to the woman for her support
and at the mothers death he presented the
daughter with handsome fortune.
Young readers, remember the command,
"Honor thy father and thy mother"