Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-04-06
A Scene at GlcndalOugh.

1t is work more than talk that is wanted
in this busy, bustling world. And although
all are not armed with the orator power
aud responsibility, all-young and old, rich
and poor-can WELD the mallet Of the
workman This is beautifully illustrated
by an incident, the accuracy of which has
been abundantly established by those inn
concerned. 1t is many, many
years since Mr.. and Mrs, S G. Hall visit
ed Ireland, previous to writing their we'll
known work descriptive of its scenery and
customs. On the occasion of their visit to
Gendalough, the ftr-ftmed district OF the
seven churches, they observed IA young lad
seated on one of the toInbstones, who
Immediately on their approach, doffed his
cap and offer ed his services as guide over
the district. A bargain was soon struck
and the party drove off, The lad, full of
the quaint old legends of the place, did his
work we'll and to the entire satisfaction of
mis- employers. Returning home after
day S thorough enjoyment, Mr.. Hall took
a flask from his pocket, and, after partak-
ing of the contents, offered some to the
lad. To his utter astonishment the offer
was firmly but politely declined. To Mr..
Hall such thing was neXplcable-an
Irish boy who would not even taste
whiskey was, indeed, stranger sight than
any he had seen during the day. He could
not understand it Resolving to test the
lads principles, he offered him shilling,
then half "A crown. then five shillings, If
he would drink the poisonous drug; but
the lad was firm. Under the ragged lcket
there throbbed true heart. Mr.. Hall
determined, however, to conquer if pos
sible, and finally offered him half sover-
eign, a coin not often seen by lads of his
class in these parts. 1t was wicked act,
and proved too much for the politeness
even of an Irish boy. Drawing himself
up in something well nigh akin to in
| dignation, and pulling temperance medal
from the folds of his ragged jacket, he
firmly told Mr.. Hall that for all the
money his honor might be worth he
would not break his pledge" The history
of the medal was soon told. 1t had be-
| longed to the lads father, who had spent
the prime of his days in the services of the
cruellest of task-masters- Until
the advent of the gentle apostle of lem
perance, happiness had been unknown in
yon home on the hillside. But with his
advent, peace and Joy prevailed. The
medal was now round the lads Eeck-H
father 5 dying legacy to his son. Hence
his noble and firm resolve. Nor was his
heroi m in vain. 1t was too much for Mr.
Hall, who there and then screwed the top
on to the flask, and threw it into the lake
by the side of which they stool. Since
'that day, and entirely through the in
I Auence of that lad, Mr.. and Mrs. Hall have
! been staunch teetotalers, aiding the move
ment by tongue and pen. In face of an
incident such rs this, why should any one
say they have no inhuencee
" What if a little rain shoud say
| So small drop asI
| Can ne'er refresh those thirsty fields.
| III tsrry i'll the sky?
| What If a shini'I- beam at noon
| Should in lis fountain stay
| Because its feeble lixht alone
| Cannot create day.
| Does not each rain rlp help to form
| The deld-relr shing shower2
| And every ray OF light
| To warm and beluufy the fower2"