The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-07-28

acorns, and several kinds of fruit unknown
to them. They partook of his bounty, and
were pleased with his simplicity both OF
manners and act. They also produced
piece of venison which they had, and de.
sired the hermit to partake; but he told
them very mildly, that he chose not to eat
any flesh, that his diet consisted only OF
such simple food as he had set before them.
After they had eaten, the hermit said 1t is
night, you will not leave me-they an
swered that they were travellers and must
depart in the morning. Having now be-
come acquainted, they asked him his place
of nativity and how he came there the
hermit very freely began and related as
follows. MY story" says he "islmournful;
but it may be worth your hearing was
born in London Gas have been very exact
to keep my age 227 years ago, my father
was mechanic who placed his affections
greatly on me he put me under the care
of private gentleman to be educated,
where he kept me till about 10 years of
age, about which time formed close
connection with noblemans daughter.
We made the most solemn protestations to
each other of mutual friendship. When
her parents became acquainted with it, they
confined. her, and refused our seeing each
other; not long after the lady was taken
sick and died, at whose remembrance can
not refrain from tears,
| like a discOnsOate person as | was,
roved through different parts of the king
dom. At length | went on board vessel
bound to Italy. Soon after our departure,
the master and all the crew except two,
were lost in violent storm. We being
unable to manage the vessel, let her drive.
After several days we came to land, but
whittier we knew not. The country was
uninhabited which pleased me the more, as
solitude was what l sought. left my
companion and betook myself to the will
derness. took from the vessel gun and
all the ammunition | could find, which l
found to be of great importance to me, as
had the good fortune by the means to
procure skins of animals, which served to
clothe me toerably well. At last heaven
brought me to this place where you found
me.
Here | have lived alone in contemplation
of the works of divine nature and adoring
him who preserves me. The reason of my
long life and good constitution | cannot ac-
count for, only by the blessing of heaven,
and living on such simple food as ] set be-
fore you. Oft ascend this winding vale,
through which ! thought you came, to the
summit OF the mountain. The beasts of
the forests all play before me. Nothing
offers violence to me, all the animals are
friendly to me, and none burst enter with
in my cave" Thus the hermit ended, af
ter which Capt. auckland informed him
ofsthe present state of the nation how
some of them had left their native country,
and come to this which is now called
America, at which account the hermit was
not Il little surprised. The evening being
spent, the hermit could not go to rest with
out paying divine service TO his Creator
and preserver, he gave thanks that he once
more had an interview with human beings,
asked for protection and blessings.
The next day they did not depart as they
proposed, but being so much pleased they
tarried several days. AT their departure
they used every endesvor to persuade the
hermit to come with them, but be refused,
and said he had been exceeding happy in
their company, and could have entertained
them longer; rs for leaving his cave he
could not, he thought heaven had provided
that place for his dwelling, in which he
ever expected to reside while he lived in
this world. Notwithstanding his reluctance
to leave his cave, he was exceedingly affec-
ted with their leaving him he wept like a
child, and taking Capt. auckland by the
hand, he embraced him, and wishing him
prosperity, after which they departed.
The above was copied verbatim, from a
little book which was printed, in 1886. and
is believed to be a true story. J. W.