The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-01-01
THE NEW YEARS WISH.

Upon certain New Years day, Edward
Vesey came into the parlor, just before
breakfast was ready. He advanced, and,
with the greatest gravity, saluting his
father, began, in solemn tone of voice,
as follows:
sAs formerly the Rom ans were accus-
toned, every New Years day, to wish
their friends all happiness, SO I, thrice
honored father, come,--so l, thrice
honored , father, come'-c0me'-
The little orator here stopped short.
It was in vain he fretted, rubbed his fore
head, and began to tumble in his pocket.
The remainder of this excellent harangue
was not forthcoming. The poor little
boy was vexed, and quite in agitation.
Mr.. Vesey saw and pitied his embarrass-
ment, and, emb1 acing him, inquired if
the Grafton was his own composition.
"Oh! no indeed, father,' said Edward,
II am not hal: learned enough for such a
task. It was my brother that drew it up.
Toa should have heard the whole. He
told nc that it was in periods; and, the
periods, he said, we're rounded off into
the bargain. will but run it over once,
and you shall hear it then; or would you
rather hear mamma's? have that per-
fectly, I am sure. 1t is extracted from
the Grecian History.
sNo, no, E ward, it is not necessary;
and your mother and myself, without it,
are as much indebted both to your aftec"
ton and your brothers"
"Oh, he was fortnight, assure you,
at the ork; and I employed much time
in learning them. What an unlucky
thing, that I should now forget, when
most wanted to remember it! No longer
ago than last night, believe me, deliver
ed the whole speech, wit lout the least
hesitation, in the other room, speaking
to the clock, if it could but tell you"
II was then reading in the library
said his father, land to comfort you,
must say heard it,
odd you?' exclaimed Edward, with
animation. II am glad Of that! and do
you not think father, that I spoke it very
well?'
"surprisingly, must acknowledge"
said Mr.. Vesey with smile.
"But really, father,was it not very fne?'
"Your brother has quite crammed it
full of eloquence," said his father. "And
yet should have liked single word or
two much better from yourself"
"But, certainly, father, to say that
wish person happy new year, and
nothing else, is far too common to. give
pleasure"
'Yes; but why nothing else? Could you
not, previously, have thought within your.
SELF what wish ed most Of all to enjoy
during the course of this new year?'
"Oh, that would not be difficult. YOU
wish, no doubt, to have your health, tt
see your family, your friends and fortune
flourish, and to enjoy much pleasure
sWell, do you not wish me all thls?"
''Yes, with all my heart"
"Why, then, could you not have made
me up yourself a compliment, without
requiring the assistance of another2"
"ReallJ, 'r:plied E lward, Il did no
think myselfso learned; but it is always
so when you instruct me; I find GU
things which did not think were in me
can now make compliments to every ont
that I know. I need say nothing bu
what I have mentioned just this mo
ment."
ut might apply very we'll to man.
people, said his father, "but should Ger
tainIy be different with respect to Others.
Eyes, understand you pretty well
father; but I 40 Dot know what tho diff
ference should be; SO please explain it t.
me-"
s'Well," said Mr.. Vesey, "there are
multitude of what are called good things
that one may wish any person to enjoy
such as those you mentioned just now
there are others that refer to different in
dividuals according to their situations
age, and duties. For example; one ma
wish to person who is happy already
the long continuation of his happiness
to an unhappy man, the end of his afflic
ton; to a man in office, that Gods prov
dence may bless his abcrs for the publ
welfare, give him necessary penetration
with the gift of perseverance to continue
in them, and establish the enjoyment {
felicity among his countrymen, by wa
of recompcnse on bis endeavors.
ITO an old man, one may wish lengt
of life exomI from every INCONVENIENCE
to children, on the other hand, the pr