Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-11-17

Alta certain epoch in the good old
medieval times, so runs the legend, ,-
when The place nov known Us pcrpiguan
was but rustic village, that small parish
was presided over 10y cure, who had
managed to fall into dislavor with his
bishop. The latter often had occasion TO
chide him Tor his inallculion to the cure
OF souls under his charge, always closing
his reprools with The apostolic doctrine
that "iaiIh without work Is dead" This
last remark finally had It's effect upon the
priest. who earnestly set to work 10 re
deem bis character and regain the con
lidence OF his superior lie betook him
self to lasiiOg and prayer, medIaiing in
the night watches, and watering his coucA
with tears. At last. his resolution was
taken. and he only awaited an opportunity
to carry into effect his ambitious project.
which was nothing less than The working
OF miracle. aud the converting vi bis
parish inlo tho seen OF many mighty
piigrimages.
Near by the village, in scqucsIcred
place, was 4 small field. occupied rs a
pasture tor COW. which was watched
over by simple boy ol lazy intellect
one Of those rare beings whom Long
fellow somewhere describes as troubled
with a chronic suspension OF the mental
faculties.
His drowsy mind lound q sympathetic
ncul in his own well led body. and
when satisfied that his gentle charge was
doing well. he was wont to roll upon the
turf, aud 60 10 sleep.
This season of the boys repose was the
priests opportunity. Taxing with him a
handful OF salt, he approached the docile
COW. and, by scattering here and there n
few grains. allured her 20 a certain spot
where the sod had been recently removed,
and there deposited the remainder upon
The ground. The next day, and fog sew.
eral succeeding days. he repeated
this operation. taking pains each time
to remove some OF the earth before
placing the salt in the cxcavatea place,
until at last the cavity became 50 deep
that the animal was obliged 10 drop down
upon her knees in order to reach the Gov.
eted salt with her tongue. When he had
brought her 10 this stage OF education. he
cOnlrived in some way to rouse the sleep
er, without himself being seen. The
lad. on aNaking, caught sight OF the
beast on hel knees, apparently in the act
of devotion and kissing the earth wiki
pious effusion.
Overcome by excitement, he bounded
off toward home. and with shouts and
wild gesliculations reused tho whole vii.
lage,-men women aud children, who
came running with him to the scene ol
opei a,ionS. The shout, "a miracle, "a
miracle" was instantly raised. and passed
from mouth to mouth ill the whole
country round about resounded with it,.
The cure was soon UPON the gronnd, aud
as may he supposed, was quite equal 10
the gravity OF the occasion. lie ordered
the earth to be excavatcd, and what vas
their astonishment to find, few inches
below the surface, leadcn sIatuette OF
the Virgin Mary OF about cubit's length
This was carefully exhumed; and, pro
cesSion having been formed, it was borne
in great pomp to the humble village
church, where it was placed upon the
altar
The following morning, at the first
sound Of the Angelus. s.-the morning bell
for prayer,-the whole village came
fastening 10 pay their respects 10 the
new.found Virgin, but on entering the
church, it was discovered that the image
bad mystefiously disappeared. Their
first thought was OF the pasture, and
Fastening thither, strange to say, there
they found the cow, which had just been
turned out for the day, again PROSTATE
upon her knees. over the same place.
On re.opening The earth. the statuette
was there seen reposing in the same
position US before. The people were
about to disinler it again, when the cure
interposed and arrested their work, tell.
ing his simple flock that he looked upon
the miraculous return Of the image 10 its
former resling.place as happy omen,