Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-07-21
Work VS.. Poverty.

In Prussian roadside inn, one hot sum-
mer's day, several men were smoking and
drinking. The room was dirty and uncared
for. and the men, who looked quite in keep
ing with it, were railing at the way in which
Providence did her work, and contrasting
the luxury and idleness of the rich with the
misery and hardships of the poor.
During the conversation stranger, a
young man, came in to eat his bread and
cheese while his team rested in the shade
before the inn. For time he listened
silently to the talk, and then Joined in, say
ing, I" You must strikel"
"Strike against what 2" asked the peas
ants.
Against poverty" answered the young
man, "and the weapon with which to strike
is work F"
"Well said Sensibly spokenl !" laughed
the peasants.
at would have been well for me had al
ways been as sensible" continued the stran-
ger, but used to be an idle rogue was
strong and healthy but | wouldn't work,
and il now and then | was obliged to do
anything was off at once to the ale-house,
and like lightning the money was out and
the brandy was in. | went from place to
place-that means, that everywhere | was
turned away, for no master wants loafer
about. I'd soon had enough of farm service,
and then | went about to fairs and public
houses as fiddler. Wherever any one
would hear me scraped my violin, but with
all my scraping | was never able to get a
whole shirt to my back. Soon grew tired
of music and then tried begging. l went
up and down the country, but most doors
were shut in my face. People said healthy
young fellow like was ought to work. That
enraged me. | grumbled that God had not
made me rich man, and | was envious OF
all who were better off than myself. would
have liked to turn the world up side down
that might have been able to lord it over
the rich. One day | went into an inn, sat
down in corner, and began muttering my
begging speeches. At a table not far from
me sat gentleman (he is, as | afterwards
at me and | kept glancing at him, for
thought he would be sure TO give ME good
aims, and so he did. I'm spending it still"
"What was it ?" asked the men, who had
listened attentively.
He came up to me and asked me about
my early life. / told him had been farm
servant, and sent from place to place--in
short, told him everything. lie listened
quietly, shook his head, and at last said,
SHOW me your hands Astonished, held
out my hands he examined them all over,
pushed up my shirtsleeves, and again shook
his head
"'What powerful hands What strength
there must be in those armsl' he said. My
lad, you must join in the war
"'In what war 2 asked.
"'ln war against your miseryl' he ex-
claimed in loud voice. You fool, you
imagine you are poor-poor with such
hands What mad idea He only is
poor who is sick in body or in mind. You
are healthy in body and in mind. Good
heavens with such hands, poor Set your
wits TO work, and reflect upon the treasure
God has given you in your strong healthy
limbs. Recover your senses and march for
ward in the war;"
"Bravo That was very good" laughed
the peasants.
sand so joined in the war;" continued
the young man. :" looked for place, and
now am farm servant as before-nothing
better and no richer but am content and
industrious, and have served the same
master these five years, and shall stay with
him until one of us dies"