The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-10-18
MNmnn,s wit.

The following passage In the life OF
Gustavus Vasa, when that distinguish
ed monarch took refuge from the Dan
ish usurper in Delecarlia, to mature his
noble plan for the deliverance Of his
country, is truly dramatic!
On little hill stood very ancient
habitation, OF SO simple an architecture
that you would have taken 1t for a
hind's cottage, instead Of place that
in times of old had been the abode Of
nobility.
1t consisted of long farm-like struc-
ture, formed of fir, covered in strange
fashion with scales and odd ornamented
twistings in carved wood.
But the spot was hallowed by the vir-
tues Of its heroic mistress, who saved,
by her presence Of mind, the life Of the
future deliverer of her country.
Gustavus, having, by an evil accident
been discovered in the mines, bent his
course towards this house, then inhab.
tied by gentleman by the name of
Pearson, whom he had known in the
armies of the late administrator.
Here, he hoped, from the obligation
he had formerly laid on the officer, that
he should, at least, find safe retreat.
Pearson, received him with every
mark of friendship; nay, treated him
with respect and submission which no
BILE minds are proud to pay to the truly
great, when robbed of their external
honors.
He exclaimed with such vehemence
against the Danes, that instead Of await
ing proposal to take up arms, offered,
unasked, to try the spirit Of the noun
taineers, and declared that himself and
his vassals would be the first to set an
example, and turn out under the COM
mand of his beloved General.
Gustavus relied on his word, and
promising not to name himself to any
while he was absent, some days after.
wards saw Pearson leave the house to
put his design into execution.
1t was indeed design, and a black
one.
Under the specious cloak OF Jealous
affection for Gustavus, the traitor was
contriving his ruin.
The hope of making his court to the
Danish tyrant, and the expectation of a
large reward, induced him to sacrifice
his honor to his ambition, and for the
sake of few ducats, violate the most
sacred laws of hospitality, by the be-
trayal of his guest
| In pursuance Of that base resolution,
he proceeded to one of Christiern's Off.
GERS commanding in the province, and
informed him that Gustavus was his
prisoner.
Having committed this treachery, he
had not the courage to face his victim,
but telling the Dane how to surprise
the prince, who, he said, believed him
self under the protection of friend, he
proposed taking wider circuit home,
while they, apparently unknown to
him, rifed it of its treasure.
"It will be an easy matter" said he,
"for not even my wife knows that 1t is
Gustavus.'
The officer, at the head of party Of
well-armed soldiers, marched directly
to the lake, the men invested the house,
while the leader, abruptly entering,
found Pearson's wife, according to the
fashion of those days. employed In cuI.
mary preparations.
And some distance from her, sat a
young man in rustic garb, looping of
the knots from the broken branch Of q
tree.
The officer told her he came In King
Christiern's name to demand the rebel
Gustavus, who he knew was concealed
under her roof.
The dauntless woman never changed
color; she Immediately guessed the
man whom her husband had introduc-
ed as miners son to be the Swedish
hero.
The door was blocked up by soldiers
In an instant she replied, without
once glancing at Gustavus, who sat mo.
tlonless with surprise
"If you mean the melancholy gentle
man my husband has had here these
two days, he has just walked out into
the wood, on the other side of the hill
Some of these soldiers may readily seize
him, as he has no arms with him."
The officer, not suspecting the easy
simplicity Of her manner, ordered par
of his men to 60 In quest Of him.
At that moment, suddenly turning
her eyes on Gustavus, she few up Il
him, and catching the stick out Of hi
hand exclaimed in an angry voice
"Unmannerly wretch What, sit be
fore your betters ? Don't you see the
kings officers in the room Get out O
my sight, or some of them shall Civ
you drubbing!'
AS she spoke, she struck him blow
) ON the back, with all her strength ; and
) opening side door, "There, get int
the scullery," cried she, sit is the fittes
place for such company!" and givin
him another knock, she flung the site
|. after him, and shut the door.
"Sure," added she, in great hea
D "never woman was plagued with sue
a lout Of a slave |"
The officer begged she would not dis
, turb herself on his account, but she, a
fecting great reverence for the kim
, and respect for his representative
prayed him to enter her parlor, whil
q she brought him some refreshments.
The Dane civilly complied perhsI
! glad enough to get from the side OF
! shrew, and she Immediately flew
Gustavus, whom she had bolted imam
, by means of back passage, conductt
:. him in a moment to the bank of Il
!, lake, where the fishers boats lay, an
= giving him a direction to an hone
>, curate across the lake, committed hi
to Providence.
a Wit and HumOr In the Bible.