Huntsville gazette., 1884-10-11
dow Avar1oe Was Cured-An Italian
Story.

In olden times there was merchant
of Genoa who had made a handsome
fortune, but because of his niggardli-
ness lis name of ETmino de Grimaldi
was almost forgotten, and men
knew him best as Ermino the Miser.
No ono in that part Of Italy had such
riches, vet no one SO grudged every
penny he was forced to spend.
You may be sure then that he kept his
purse strings tightly drawn if any ap-
peal for charity came his xay-indeed.
he had such a dread Of the smallest
outlay that he scarce afforded himself
the cOmlnonest necessaries of life.
While, by q thousand mean ecoao-
mics, then. Ermino increased his pos
sessions he became more and more
disliked and despised by his acquaint-
ances. There arrived after q time at
Genoa French courtier by name
Guillaumc Boursier. He was of up
right and honorable character, gener-
ous and affable in his dealings, and
with a charming manner of address.
Men of his rank were then in the
habit of occupying themselves very
much in making peace when families
were divided; in promoting suitable al
liances, in binding people together in
the bonds of friendship. They made it
habit to cultivate cheerful manner,
that, as they mixed with the world,
they might enliven others II more
gloomy and morose nature, and give
new hope to those who had lost heart
and courage under pressure of mis-
fortune.
Guillaume Boursier, therefore, was a
welcome visitor to Genoa. He was
honored and feted by men of all condi-
tions, and thus he frequently had to
hear of the failings of Ermino the
Miser. 1t is needless to say that no in
vitation and no courtesy came to the
gallant French gentleman from the av-
aricious merchant, yet Boursier had a
great desire to meet with and talk to
him. He therefore paid an unsought
visit to ErminO, who, having at least
kept some remains of good manners.
received his guest politely. Encour-
aged by this favorable beginning,
Boursier made himself as pleasant as
he could, talking so ably about differ
cnt subjects, that at last Ermino took
him and one or two others to see a fine
new mansion he had lately had erected.
''Sir," said he, turning to the French
courtier, ''yOu have travelled much and
seen, as it seems to me, everything
there is to behold. Can you name 20
ME one single thing which no living
creature has seen, and which I can
have painted for the ornament of my
banqueting hall?'
There appeared to Boursier some
thing so positively absurd in the ques-
tion that he answered it in similar
fashion. "If you were to order an art
ist 10 paint you sneeze. that certainly
is thing which man has not seen. nor
ever will see. Seriously, though" he
continued, If you really wish me to
give you suggestion, should say
paint something which will indicate,
but which, am sure, is not known to
YOU"
''You will be doing me vast favor"
replied Ermino. ''Pray tell me what is
the subject upon which l shall set an
artist to work."
''Well, then" replied Boursier, "let
him execute a painting of lberality.'
.Ermino stood in silent shame, for he
comprehended the rep Oof, and knew
not what TO say in his own extenuation.
Then, with rapid resolve to change
his ways. and become as generous as
other men, he cried: "Sir, l am glad
you have given me such an answer.
IT'S true that hitherto have not under
stood what liberality is; now will have
that virtue so set forth upon my walls
that neither you nor any other person
shall be able in future to address to me
like reproach."
1t is said that from that day Ermino
was changed man. No man in Genoa
could be more kind and charitable, no
one was SO open-hearted in hospitality
to strangers; the poor blessed him, the
rich respected him, and his old title of
''miser' became thing of the past
AU the Year Round.