Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-05-27
Srlett Storp.
NOT A DROP MORE, DANIEL.

Daniel Akin had become 4 cOniirmc,
drunkard So fully had he come unde
the dominion OF his appetite. that he wa
perfectly miserable when he could no
obtain the means of gratifying his thirst
lie had neglected his family till his wife
father had taken her and the children t
the paternal roof He had spent all hi:
substance in drink. and was kept from
the poorhouse only by performing men
services lor his TODD and by the kindnos,
of Thomas Edgerton, q member of tho
Society of Friends. who had known him
from his youth, and who had a strong
/ hope that, in the course OF time, he woulC
see his folly and turn again into the right
path.
The leading publican of the place had
let him have drink so long rs his money
lasted. but would trust him no longer
lie was lounging about the store. one
bright moonlight evening. pleading will
the publican TO trust him tor drink-hi:
reply was -
Not drop more. Daniel"
He remained awhile longer. and ther
left. As the cool air of the evening fcl
upon him. he. all At once. gave utterancC
TO his feelings in the following strain;
q Not drop more. Daniel Am
drunk or am sober? am sober. No
q drop more. Daniel Did Hoskius think
drop would hurt me2 No; but my
money was gone. lie has got all-go
everything | had; even the Bible my
mother gave me- He has got the boot
which my wife, with her own earnings
bought Tor Jennie Not drop more
I Daniel Daniel. What say to that say
50 too. l once had good clothes but now
have nothing but rags Not drol
more. Daniel. till have clothes again
As good rs when Mary and were iirs
married. once had good watch, but
that too is gone. Not drop more, Dan
iel' till have another aS good rs the on,
pawned 10 lIu>hins lnr drink. have
seen the day when had a good horse
and huggy, and could ride into town ii
as good style as amy man in the place
Not q drop more. Daniel, till have an
other horse and buggy rs gooJ aS ! once
had | once had cows that furnished ny
family with butter and cheese, but Hos
kins has got them. Not drop more
( Daniel, till those COWS. or others rs goo,
are mine again. once had this wallc
full of bills; but now not cent have
got Not drop more, Daniel, till thi
wallet is well-flled again"
By this time he had reached the plac,
where he formerly resided, and leanin:
up against the fence, he mused a Ion.
time in silence. He viewed the dcsolat,
place by the light of the moon. and hi
ewes ranged over the house and larm one,
his own. He then said 10 himself; One
/ | owned this house and farm. Here | wa
born. Here my father and mother died
was the pride of their hearts. but | bro
down their grey hairs with sorrow 10 th'
grave Here | began my married life
and all that heart could wish was mine
Here Mary and took comfort together
ill Hoskins came and opened his rum
shop; and now he calls it his. In tha
south room my children were born. ant
there my Jennie died. Oh. how sorrow
ful she looked when she saw me take he
boots and start for the store and pawn
them for rum. while she lay sick upoT
the bed! And then how she begged of mt
never to strike her mother again. / Cal
see her now her pale face, her waste'
form but she cannot come TO me again
AndOh. my wife, how shamefully ] abuse,
her, 1t was not your Daniel that did it
No, it was Iioskins' accursed rum, NJ
wonder yon were taken nom me by thos'
who loved you, and would not see yol
abused They won't have me in th'
house. They won't let me live with you
Not a drop more. Daniel till the broa'
acres al again in my possession, and th'
wife and children that are living, are II
yonder rooms. and we are happy iamli.
once more. Not drop more, Daniel
Help me. my God. tillall these things ar
accomplished! thank you Hoskins, 10
these words. l shall not forget them
He had become SO much occupied will
his thoughts. and spoken in a tone so lou'
that he had not noticed the wagon, which
by this time, had reached the road. II
which was seated the kind .hearte'