The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-08-29

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In olden times there was merchant of
Genoa who had made handsome fortune,
but because of his niggardliness his own
name of Ermino de Grimaldi was almost
forgotten, and men knew him best as Err
mino the Miser No one in that part of
Italy had such riches, yet 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 appeal for
charity came his way-indeed, he had such
dread of the smallest outlay that he scarce
afforded himself the commonest necessaries
of life.
While by a thousand mean economies,
then, Ermino increased his possessions, he
became more and more disliked and de-
spised by his acquaintance There arrived
after time at Genoa a French courtier, by
name Guillaume Boursier. He was of
upright and honorable character, generous
and afable 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 alliances, in binding
people together in the bonds of friendship.
They made it habit to cultivate a cheerful
manner, that, as they mixed with the
world, they might enliven others of a more
gloomy and morose nature, and give new
hope to those who had lost heart and
courage under pressure of misfortune.
Guillaume Boursier, therefore, was
welcome visitor to Genoa He was hon
ored and feted by men of all conditions,
and thus he frequently had to hear of the
failings of Ermino the Miser 1t is need
less to say that no invitation and no cour-
tesy came to the gallant French gentleman
from the avaricious merchant, yet Boursier
had great desire to meet with and talk
to him. He therefore paid an gnsought
visit to Ermino, who, having at least kept
some remains of good manners, received his
guest politely. Encouraged by this favor
able beginning, Boursier made himself as
pleasant as he could, talking so ably upon
different 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 cour-
tier, "you have travelled much, and seen, as
it seems to me, everything there is to be-
hold. Can you name to me one single
thing which no living creature has seen,
and which I can have painted for the or
nament of my banqueting hall?"
There appeared to Boursier something
so positively absurd in the question that he
answered it in similar fashion off you
were to order an artist to paint you
sneeze, that certainly is thing which man
has not seen, nor ever will see. Seriously,
though" he continued, eff you really wish
me to give you suggestion, 1 should say
paint something which l will indicate, but
which, 1 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 | shall set an artist
to work ?"
"Well, then" replied Boursier, ''let him
execute painting of liberality"
Ermino stood in silent shame, for he
comprehended the reproof, 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, I am glad you have given me
such an answer. IT'S true that hitherto I
have not understood what liberality is; now
I 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
a changed man. No one 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.