Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-09-01
THE POLISH PEASANT.

In the year 1717, at the fork of the
roads between St. Petersburg and Schlus-
selberg, stood humble thatched cot
tage of small dimensions and untenant-
able appearance. This domicile, to-
gether with ten acres of land, belonged
to the estate of n Russian nobleman,
Count Uwarow, very rich ard power.
full baron of the empire, who cherished
Uncommon with his titled countrymen
a great contempt and dislike for the
Poles.
Among the number of these volun-
tary exiles was Stanislaus Kosmierske,
who in the year above mentioned emf
grated from Poland with his wife and
one child and leased Of Count Uwarow
the aforesaid cottage. Stanislaus had
been dragged from his plow to serve in
the ranks of Poland's infantry.
Bugomila-for such was the name Of
his wife-had but recovered from a se-
we're indisposition at the time to which
our tale relates. 4 second child had
blessed this peasant pair. When the
children had been put to rest at night,
the parents found a pleasure in their
children, and when they were at rest
and their daily work accomplished, they
would sit and chat and calculate the
proceeds of the coming harvest, ap ply
ing the money to be so received to the
purchase of necessaries, in anticipation
of the winter. They had already, in
their minds, appropriated the whole of
their anticipated wealth, and longed for
the coming autumn when they might
execute their plans.
"Moia kochaua' (my dear, when ad-
dressed to q womanl, would Stanislaus
often say, "when the count sees We are
honest and pay our rent, he will be less
severe with us, and may make some i'm
provements in our dwelling"
"Moi kochany" (my dear, when adj
dressed to a man, would the loving
wife reply, II look for nothing from
those great lords. They never, even in
Poland, regarded our sufferings, and in
n strange land we have nothing to hope.
We will aid ourselves, and trust in God
for assistance"
The fall was approaching. Another
week and Stanislaus intended to gather
his harvest. Alas how frail are human
calculations. 4 heavy gale, accompa.
MED by a pelting hail, laid low all his
hopes. He gazed on his ruined fields,
and tear stole down his check when he
contemplated the coming winter. Bu.
gomila endeavored to console him, but
in vain.
If the count would forgive me the
rent" he said, one evening after this
calamity, eve might, perhaps, get
through the winter, moia kochaua."
"Speak to the count, Stanislaus: tell
him the hand of God has robbed you Of
your expected money, and that you will
make good the rent next year"
So that evening it was determined
that on the following morning Stanis-
laus was to visit Count Uwarow; and.
relying on his clemency, the poor cou.
pie sought their couch, made soft by
easy consciences and a pious submission
10 the will Of heaven.
Stanislaus was at his scanty breakfast
when tho tramp of horscs was heard. Il
drew nearer, and StaniElaus, with Bugo-
mila and her little girl, rushed to the
door 10 see who might be coming TO
that dosolate spot. A hope that travel.
ers we're approaching gave a glimmer Of
Joy 10 the poor man, for every house
was used a. . tavern in those days, and
many peasant made penny in supply
ing the wants Of transient visitors. This
glimmer lighted tho heart Of stanilaus
but for = moment, for the recollection
that there was nothing In the house for
travellers, however humble their calling
might be. II once extinguiahed this ray
Of anticipated ALL.
The sound Of many voices was now
heard, and very soon q troop OF gayly-
mounted men and servants, dressed in
hunting costumes. emerged from the
voosla. Leading ths merry party came
Coaas UsaFos himself. As be ap.