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+Project Gutenberg’s The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse, by Dorothy Kilner
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse
+
+Author: Dorothy Kilner
+
+Posting Date: October 15, 2008 [EBook #1904]
+Release Date: September, 1999
+Last Updated: November 8, 2016
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF A MOUSE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Pat Pflieger
+
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE AND PERAMBULATIONS OF A MOUSE
+
+(1783-1784)
+
+by Dorothy Kilner
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+During a remarkably severe winter, when a prodigious fall of snow
+confined everybody to their habitations, who were happy enough to have
+one to shelter them from the inclemency of the season, and were hot
+obliged by business to expose themselves to its rigour, I was on a visit
+to Meadow Hall; where had assembled likewise a large party of young
+folk, who all seemed, by their harmony and good humour, to strive who
+should the most contribute to render pleasant that confinement which we
+were all equally obliged to share. Nor were those further advanced
+in life less anxious to contribute to the general satisfaction and
+entertainment.
+
+After the more serious employment of reading each morning was concluded,
+we danced, we sung, we played at blind-man’s-buff, battledore and
+shuttlecock, and many other games equally diverting and innocent; and
+when tired of them, drew our seats round the fire, while each one in
+turn told some merry story to divert the company.
+
+At last, after having related all that we could recollect worth
+reciting, and being rather at a loss what to say next, a sprightly girl
+in company proposed that every one should relate the history of their
+own lives; ‘and it must be strange indeed,’ added she, ‘if that will not
+help us out of this difficulty, and furnish conversation for some days
+longer; and by that time, perhaps, the frost will break, the snow will
+melt, and set us all at liberty. But let it break when it will, I make a
+law, that no one shall go from Meadow Hall till they have told their own
+history: so take notice, ladies and gentlemen, take notice, everybody,
+what you have to trust to. And because,’ continued she, ‘I will not be
+unreasonable, and require more from you than you can perform, I will
+give all you who may perhaps have forgotten what passed so many years
+ago, at the beginning of your lives, two days to recollect and digest
+your story; by which time if you do not produce something pretty and
+entertaining, we will never again admit you to dance or play among us.’
+All this she spoke with so good-humoured a smile, that every one was
+delighted with her, and promised to do their best to acquit themselves
+to her satisfaction; whilst some (the length of whose lives had not
+rendered them forgetful of the transactions which had passed) instantly
+began their memoirs, as they called them: and really some related their
+narratives with such spirit and ingenuity, that it quite distressed us
+older ones, lest we should disgrace ourselves when it should fall to
+our turns to hold forth. However, we were all determined to produce
+something, as our fair directress ordered. Accordingly, the next morning
+I took up my pen, to endeavour to draw up some kind of a history, which
+might satisfy my companions in confinement. I took up my pen, it is
+true, and laid the paper before me; but not one word toward my appointed
+task could I proceed. The various occurrences of my life were such as,
+far from affording entertainment, would, I was certain, rather afflict;
+or, perhaps, not interesting enough for that, only stupefy, and render
+them more weary of the continuation of the frost than they were before I
+began my narration. Thus circumstanced, therefore, although by myself,
+I broke silence by exclaiming, ‘What a task his this sweet girl
+imposed upon me! One which I shall never be able to execute to my own
+satisfaction or her amusement. The adventures of my life (though deeply
+interesting to myself) will be insipid and unentertaining to others,
+especially to my young hearers: I cannot, therefore, attempt it.’--‘Then
+write mine, which may be more diverting,’ said a little squeaking voice,
+which sounded as if close to me. I started with surprise, not knowing
+any one to be near me; and looking round, could discover no object from
+whom it could possibly proceed, when casting my eyes upon the ground, in
+a little hole under the skirting-board, close by the fire, I discovered
+the head of a mouse peeping out. I arose with a design to stop the
+hole with a cork, which happened to lie on the table by me; and I was
+surprised to find that it did not run away, but suffered me to advance
+quite close, and then only retreated a little into the hole, saying in
+the same voice as before, ‘Will you write my history?’ You may be sure
+that I was much surprised to be so addressed by such an animal; but,
+ashamed of discovering any appearance of astonishment, lest the
+mouse should suppose it had frightened me, I answered with the utmost
+composure, that I would write it willingly if it would dictate to
+me. ‘Oh, that I will do,’ replied the mouse, ‘if you will not hurt
+me.’--‘Not for the world,’ returned I; ‘come, therefore, and sit upon
+my table, that I may hear more distinctly what you have to relate.’ It
+instantly accepted my invitation, and with all the nimbleness of its
+species, ran up the side of my chair, and jumped upon my table; when,
+getting into a box of wafers, it began as follows.
+
+
+
+But, before I proceed to relate my new little companion’s history, I
+must beg leave to assure my readers that, in earnest, I never heard a
+mouse speak in all my life; and only wrote the following narrative as
+being far more entertaining, and not less instructive, than my own life
+would have been: and as it met with the high approbation of those for
+whom it was written, I have sent it to Mr. Marshall, for him to publish
+it, if he pleases, for the equal amusement of his little customers.
+
+
+
+
+PART I.
+
+Like all other newborn animals, whether of the human, or any other
+species, I can not pretend to remember what passed during my infant
+days. The first circumstance I can recollect was my mother’s addressing
+me and my three brothers, who all lay in the same nest, in the following
+words:-’I have, my children, with the greatest difficulty, and at the
+utmost hazard of my life, provided for you all to the present moment;
+but the period is arrived, when I can no longer pursue that method:
+snares and traps are everywhere set for me, nor shall I, without
+infinite danger, be able to procure sustenance to support my own
+existence, much less can I find sufficient for you all; and, indeed,
+with pleasure I behold it as no longer necessary, since you are of
+age now to provide and shift for yourselves; and I doubt not but your
+agility will enable you to procure a very comfortable livelihood. Only
+let me give you this one caution--never (whatever the temptation may
+be) appear often in the same place; if you do, however you may flatter
+yourselves to the contrary, you will certainly at last be destroyed.’
+So saying, she stroked us all with her fore paw as a token of her
+affection, and then hurried away, to conceal from us the emotions of her
+sorrow, at thus sending us into the wide world.
+
+She was no sooner gone, than the thought of being our own directors so
+charmed our little hearts, that we presently forgot our grief at parting
+from our kind parent; and, impatient to use our liberty, we all set
+forward in search of some food, or rather some adventure, as our mother
+had left us victuals more than sufficient to supply the wants of that
+day. With a great deal of difficulty, we clambered up a high wall on the
+inside of a wainscot, till we reached the story above that we were
+born in, where we found it much easier to run round within the
+skirting-board, than to ascend any higher.
+
+While we were there, our noses were delightfully regaled with the scent
+of the most delicate food that we had ever smelt; we were anxious to
+procure a taste of it likewise, and after running round and round the
+room a great many times, we at last discovered a little crack, through
+which we made our entrance. My brother Longtail led the way; I followed;
+Softdown came next; but Brighteyes would not be prevailed upon to
+venture. The apartment which we entered was spacious and elegant; at
+least, differed so greatly from anything we had seen, that we imagined
+it the finest place upon earth. It was covered all over with a carpet of
+various colours, that not only concealed some bird-seeds which we came
+to devour, but also for some time prevented our being discovered; as
+we were of much the same hue with many of the flowers on the carpet.
+At last a little girl, who was at work in the room, by the side of her
+mamma, shrieked out as if violently hurt. Her mamma begged to know the
+cause of her sudden alarm. Upon which she called out, ‘A mouse! a mouse!
+I saw one under the chair!’ ‘And if you did, my dear,’ replied her
+mother, ‘is that any reason for your behaving so ridiculously? If there
+were twenty mice, what harm could they possibly do? You may easily hurt
+and destroy then; but, poor little things! they cannot, if they would,
+hurt you.’ ‘What, could they not bite me?’ inquired the child. ‘They
+may, indeed, be able to do that; but you may be very sure that they have
+no such inclination,’ rejoined the mother. ‘A mouse is one of the most
+timorous things in the world; every noise alarms it: and though it
+chiefly lives by plunder, it appears as if punished by its fears for the
+mischiefs which it commits among our property. It is therefore highly
+ridiculous to pretend to be alarmed at the sight of a creature that
+would run from the sound of your voice, and wishes never to come near
+you, lest, as you are far more able, you should also be disposed to
+hurt it.’ ‘But I am sure, madam,’ replied the little girl, whose name I
+afterwards heard was Nancy, ‘they do not always run away; for one day,
+as Miss Betsy Kite was looking among some things which she had in her
+box, a mouse jumped out and ran up her frock sleeve--she felt it quite
+up on her arm.’ ‘And what became of it then?’ inquired the mother. ‘It
+jumped down again,’ replied Nancy, ‘and got into a little hole in the
+window-seat; and Betsy did not see it again.’ ‘Well, then, my dear,’
+resumed the lady, ‘what harm did it do her? Is not that a convincing
+proof of what I say, that you have no cause to be afraid of them, and
+that it is very silly to be so? It is certainly foolish to be afraid of
+any thing, unless it threatens us with immediate danger; but to pretend
+to be so at a mouse, and such like inoffensive things, is a degree of
+weakness that I can by no means suffer any of my children to indulge.’
+‘May I then, madam,’ inquired the child, ‘be afraid of cows and horses,
+and such great beasts as those?’ ‘Certainly not,’ answered her mother,
+‘unless they are likely to hurt you. If a cow or an horse runs after
+you, I would have you fear them so much as to get out of the way; but if
+they are quietly walking or grazing in a field, then to fly from them,
+as if you thought they would eat you instead of the grass, is most
+absurd, and discovers great want of sense. I once knew a young lady,
+who, I believe, thought it looked pretty to be terrified at everything,
+and scream if dog or even a mouse looked at her: but most severely was
+she punished for her folly, by several very disagreeable accidents she
+by those means brought upon herself.
+
+‘One day when she was drinking tea in a large company, on the door being
+opened, a small Italian greyhound walked into the drawing-room. She
+happened to be seated near the mistress of the dog, who was making tea:
+the dog, therefore, walked toward her, in order to be by his favourite;
+but, upon his advancing near her, she suddenly jumped up, without
+considering what she was about, overturned the water-urn, the hot iron
+of which rolling out, set fire to her clothes, which instantly blazed
+up, being only muslin, and burnt her arms, face, and neck, most
+dreadfully: she was so much hurt as to be obliged to be put immediately
+to bed; nor did she recover enough to go abroad for many months. Now,
+though every one was sorry for her sufferings, who could possibly help
+blaming her for her ridiculous behaviour, as it was entirely owing to
+her own folly that she was so hurt? When she was talked to upon the
+subject, she pleaded for her excuse, that she was so frightened she did
+not know what she did, nor whither she was going; but as she thought
+that the dog was coming to her she could not help jumping up, to get out
+of his way. Now what ridiculous arguing was this! Why could not she help
+it? And if the dog had really been going to her, what harm would it have
+done? Could she suppose that the lady whose house she was at, would have
+suffered a beast to walk about the house loose, and go into company,
+if he was apt to bite and hurt people? Or why should she think he would
+more injure her, than those he had before passed by? But the real case
+was, she did not think at all; if she had given herself time for that,
+she could not have acted so ridiculously. Another time, when she was
+walking, from the same want of reflection, she very nearly drowned
+herself. She was passing over a bridge, the outside rails of which were
+in some places broken down: while she was there, some cows, which a man
+was driving, met her: immediately, without minding whither she went,
+she shrieked out, and at the same time jumped on one side just where the
+rail happened to be broken, and down she fell into the river; nor was
+it without the greatest difficulty that she was taken out time enough
+to save her life. However, she caught a violent cold and fever, and was
+again, by her own foolish fears, confined to her bed for some weeks.
+Another accident she once met with, which though not quite so bad as the
+two former, yet might have been attended with fatal consequences. She
+was sitting in a window, when a wasp happened to fly toward her; she
+hastily drew back her head, and broke the pane of glass behind her, some
+of which stuck in her neck. It bled prodigiously; but a surgeon happily
+being present, made some application to it, which prevented its being
+followed by any other ill effects than only a few days weakness,
+occasioned by the loss of blood. Many other misfortunes of the like kind
+she frequently experienced; but these which I have now related may serve
+to convince you how extremely absurd it is for people to give way to
+and indulge themselves in such groundless apprehensions, and, by being
+afraid when there is no danger, subject themselves to real misfortunes
+and most fatal accidents. And if being afraid of cows, dogs, and wasps
+(all of which, if they please, can certainly hurt us) is so ridiculous,
+what must be the folly of those people who are terrified at a little
+silly mouse, which never was known to hurt anybody?’
+
+Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of some gentlemen
+and ladies; and we having enjoyed a very fine repast under one of the
+chairs during the time that the mother and daughter had held the above
+discourse, on the chairs being removed for some of the visitors to sit
+upon, we thought it best to retire: highly pleased with our meal,
+and not less with the kind goodwill which the lady had, we thought,
+expressed towards us. We related to our brother Brighteyes all that had
+passed, and assured him he had no reason to apprehend any danger from
+venturing himself with us. Accordingly he promised, if such was the
+case, that the next time we went and found it safe, if we would return
+back and call him, he would certainly accompany us. ‘In the mean time,
+do pray, Nimble,’ said he, addressing himself to me, ‘come with me to
+some other place, for I long to taste some more delicate food than our
+mother has provided for us: besides, as perhaps it may be a long while
+before we shall be strong enough to bring anything away with us, we had
+better leave that, in case we should ever be prevented from going abroad
+to seek for fresh supplies.’ ‘Very true,’ replied I; ‘what you say is
+quite just and wise, therefore I will with all my heart attend you now,
+and see what we can find.’ So saying, we began to climb; but not without
+difficulty, for very frequently the bits of mortar which we stepped upon
+gave way beneath our feet, and tumbled us down together with them lower
+than when we first set off. However, as we were very light, we were not
+much hurt by our falls; only indeed poor Brighteyes, by endeavouring to
+save himself, caught by his nails on a rafter, and tore one of them from
+off his right fore-foot, which was very sore and inconvenient. At
+length we surmounted all difficulties, and, invited by a strong scent
+of plum-cake, entered a closet, where we found a fine large one, quite
+whole and entire. We immediately set about making our way into it, which
+we easily effected, as it was most deliciously nice, and not at all hard
+to our teeth.
+
+Brighteyes, who had not before partaken of the bird-seed, was overjoyed
+at the sight. He almost forgot the pain of his foot, and soon buried
+himself withinside the cake; whilst I, who had pretty well satisfied
+my hunger before, only ate a few of the crumbs, and then went to take a
+survey of the adjoining apartment. I crept softly under the door of the
+closet into a room, as large as that which I had before been in, though
+not so elegantly furnished; for, instead of being covered with a carpet,
+there was only a small one round the bed; and near the fire was a
+cradle, with a cleanly-looking woman sitting by it, rocking it with her
+foot, whilst at the same time she was combing the head of a little boy
+about four years old. In the middle of the room stood a table, covered
+with a great deal of litter; and in one corner was the little girl whom
+I had before seen with her mamma, crying and sobbing as if her heart
+would break. As I made not the least noise at my entrance, no one
+observed me for some time; so creeping under one of the beds, I heard
+the following discourse:--
+
+‘It does not signify, miss,’ said the woman, who I found was the
+children’s nurse, ‘I never will put up with such behaviour: you know
+that I always do everything for you when you speak prettily; but to be
+ordered to dress you in such a manner, is what I never will submit to:
+and you shall go undressed all day before I will dress you, unless you
+ask me as you ought to do.’ Nancy made no reply, but only continued
+crying. ‘Aye! you may cry and sob as much as you please,’ said the
+nurse; ‘I do not care for that: I shall not dress you for crying and
+roaring, but for being good and speaking with civility.’ Just as she
+said these words, the door opened, and in came the lady whom I before
+saw, and whose name I afterwards found was Artless. As soon as she
+entered, the nurse addressed her, saying, ‘Pray, madam, is it by
+your desire that Miss Nancy behaves so rudely, and bids me dress her
+directly, and change the buckles in her shoes, or else she will slap my
+face? Indeed she did give me a slap upon my hand; so I told her, that I
+would not dress her at all; for really, madam, I thought you would
+not wish me to do it, whilst she behaved so; and I took the liberty
+of putting her to stand in the corner.’ ‘I do not think,’ replied Mrs.
+Artless, ‘that she deserves to stand in the room at all, or in the house
+either, if she behaves in that manner: if she does not speak civilly
+when she wants to be assisted, let her go without help, and see what
+will become of her then. I am quite ashamed of you, Nancy! I could not
+have thought you would behave so; but since you have, I promise that you
+shall not be dressed today, or have any assistance given you, unless you
+speak in a very different manner.’
+
+Whilst Mrs. Artless was talking, nurse went out of the room. Mrs.
+Artless then took her seat by the cradle, and looking into it, found
+the child awake, and I saw her take out a fine little girl, about five
+months old: she then continued her discourse, saying, ‘Look here, Nancy,
+look at this little baby, see how unable it is to help itself; were
+we to neglect attending to it, what do you think would become of it?
+Suppose I were now to put your sister upon the floor, and there leave
+her, tell me what do you think she could do, or what would become
+of her?’ Nancy sobbed out, that she would die. ‘And pray, my dear,’
+continued Mrs. Artless, ‘if we were to leave you to yourself, what would
+become of you? It is true, you talk and run about better than Polly: but
+not a bit better could you provide for, or take care of yourself. Could
+you buy or dress your own victuals? could you light your own fire? could
+you clean your own house, or open and shut the doors and windows? could
+you make your own clothes, or even put them on without some assistance,
+when made? And who do you think will do anything for you, if you are
+not good, and do not speak civilly? Not I, I promise you, neither shall
+nurse, nor any of the servants; for though I pay them wages to help to
+do my business for me, I never want them to do anything unless they are
+desired in a pretty manner. Should you like, if when I want you to
+pick up my scissors, or do any little job, I were to say, “Pick up my
+scissors this moment, or I will slap your face?” Should not you think
+that it sounded very cross and disagreeable?’ ‘Yes, madam,’ replied
+Nancy. ‘Then why,’ rejoined Mrs. Artless, ‘should you speak cross to
+anybody, particularly to servants and poor people? for to behave so to
+them, is not only cross, but insolent and proud: it is as if you thought
+that because they are rather poorer, they are not so good as yourself,
+whereas, I assure you, poverty makes no difference in the merit of
+people; for those only are deserving of respect who are truly good; and
+a beggar who is virtuous, is far better than a prince who is wicked.’ I
+was prevented from hearing any more of this very just discourse, by the
+little boy’s opening the door and letting in a cat; which, though it was
+the first that I had ever seen in my life, I was certain was the same
+destructive animal to our race, which I had frequently heard my mother
+describe. I therefore made all possible haste back to the closet, and
+warning Brighteyes of our danger, we instantly returned by the same way
+which we came, to our two brothers, whom we found waiting for us, and
+wondering at our long absence. We related to them the dainty cheer which
+we had met with, and agreed to conduct them thither in the evening.
+Accordingly, as soon as it grew towards dusk, we climbed up the wall,
+and all four together attacked the plum-cake, which no one had touched
+since we left it; but scarcely had we all seated ourselves round it,
+than on a sudden the closet-door opened, and a woman entered. Away we
+all scampered as fast as possible, but poor Brighteyes, who could not
+move quite so fast on account of his sore toe, and who likewise having
+advanced farther into the cake, was discovered before he could reach
+the crack by which we entered. The woman, who had a knife in her hand,
+struck at him with it, at the same time exclaiming, ‘Bless me, nurse,
+here is a mouse in the closet!’ Happily, she missed her aim, and he only
+received a small wound on the tip of his tail. This interruption sadly
+alarmed us, and it was above an hour before we could have courage to
+venture back, when finding everything quiet, except Mrs. Nurse’s singing
+to her child, we again crept out, and once more surrounded the cake. We
+continued without any further alarm till we were perfectly satisfied,
+and then retired to a little distance behind the wainscot, determined
+there to sleep, and to breakfast on the cake the next day.
+
+Early in the morning I waked, and calling my brothers, we all marched
+forward, and soon arrived at the delightful cake, where we highly
+enjoyed ourselves without the least disturbance, till our appetites were
+fully satisfied. We then retired, took a little run round some other
+parts of the house, but met with nothing worth relating. At noon we
+again made our way into the closet, intending to dine on the dish on
+which we breakfasted; but, to our no small mortification, the delicious
+dainty was removed. This you may be sure was a sad disappointment; yet
+as we were not extremely hungry, we had time to look about for more. We
+were not long in finding it; for upon the same shelf from which the cake
+was removed, there was a round tin box, the lid of which was not quite
+close shut down; into this we all crept, and were highly regaled with
+some nice lumps of sugar. But it would be endless to enumerate all the
+various repasts which we met with in this closet, sometimes terrified
+by the entrance of people, and sometimes comfortably enjoying ourselves
+without alarm: it is sufficient to inform you, that, unmindful of our
+mother’s advice, we continued to live upon the contents of the same
+cupboard for above a week; when, one evening, as we were as usual
+hastening to find our suppers, Softdown, who happened to be first, ran
+eagerly to a piece of cheese, which he saw hanging before him. ‘Come
+along,’ said he, ‘here is some nice cheese, it smells most delightfully
+good!’ Just as he spoke these words, before any of us came up to him, a
+little wooden door on a sudden dropped down, and hid him and the cheese
+from our sight.
+
+It is impossible to describe our consternation and surprise upon this
+occasion, which was greatly increased when we advanced near the place,
+at seeing him (through some little wire bars) confined in a small box,
+without any visible way for him to get out, and hearing him in the most
+moving accents beg us to assist him in procuring his liberty. We all
+ran round and round his place of confinement several times; but not the
+least crack or opening could we discover, except through the bars, which
+being of iron, it was impossible for us to break or bend. At length we
+determined to try to gnaw through the wood-work close at the edge, which
+being already some little distance from one of the bars, we hoped, by
+making the opening a little wider, he would escape: accordingly we all
+began, he on the inside, and we all on the out, and by our diligence had
+made some very considerable progress, when we were interrupted by the
+entrance of Mrs. Nurse with the child in her arms.
+
+Upon the sight of her, though much grieved to leave our brother in his
+distress, yet fearing instant death would be the fate of all of us if we
+stayed, to preserve our own existence, we retired as quick as possible,
+but not without her seeing some of us, for we heard her say to herself,
+or to the babe in her arms, ‘I declare, this closet swarms with mice,
+they spoil everything one puts here.’ Then taking up the box in which
+was poor Softdown (and which I afterwards learned was called a trap) she
+carried it into the room. I crept softly after her, to see what would
+be the fate of my beloved brother. But what words can express my horror,
+when I saw her holding it in one hand close to the candle, whilst in the
+other she held the child, singing to her with the utmost composure, and
+bidding her to look at the mousy! mousy!
+
+What were the actions or sensations of poor Softdown at that dreadful
+moment I know not: but my own anguish, which it is impossible to
+describe, was still augmented every moment by seeing her shake the trap
+almost topsy-turvy, then blow through the trap at one end, at which
+times I saw the dear creature’s tail come out between the wires on the
+contrary side, as he was striving, I suppose, to retreat from her. At
+length, after she had thus tortured him for some time, she set the trap
+on the table, so close to a large fire, that I am sure he must have been
+much incommoded by the heat, and began to undress her child.
+
+Then hearing somebody go by the door, she cried out, ‘Who is there?
+is it you, Betty? if it is, I wish you would come and take down the
+mouse-trap, for I have caught a mouse.’ Betty instantly obeyed her
+call, and desired to know what she wanted. ‘I want you to take down the
+mouse-trap,’ she replied, ‘for I cannot leave the child. I am glad that
+I have got it, I am sure, for the closet swarms so, there is no such
+thing as bearing it. They devour everything: I declare they have eaten
+up a whole pound of sugar, which cost me elevenpence, sugar is now so
+monstrously dear! indeed the man made a favour to let me have it for
+that; only, he said, as our family were good customers, and I was but a
+servant, he would take no more. And enough too I thought it was, to have
+only a penny back in change out of a whole shilling for one pound of
+sugar: and then to think of the poison mice to have it all; but I will
+break their filthy necks. Do, Betty, pray take the trap down, and return
+with it as soon as you can, and I will set it again: for I dare say I
+shall catch another before I go to bed, for I heard some more rustling
+among the things.’ ‘O lauk!’ replied Betty, ‘you do not think that I
+will take down the trap, do you? I would not touch it for twenty pounds.
+I am always frightened, and ready to die at the sight of a mouse. Once,
+when I was a girl, I had one thrown in my face, and ever since I have
+always been scared out of my wits at them; and if ever I see one running
+loose, as I did one night in the closet below stairs, where the candles
+are kept, I scream as if I was being killed.’ ‘Why then,’ answered
+Nurse, ‘I think you behave like a great fool, for what harm could a
+mouse do to you?’ ‘O la! I hate them,’ returned she, and then ran away
+without the trap. Greatly was I rejoiced at her departure, as I hoped
+that, by some means, Softdown might still be able to make his escape.
+But, alas! no such good fortune attended him. Some person again passing
+the door, Nurse once more called out, ‘Who is there? John is it you?’
+‘Yes,’ replied a man’s voice. ‘Then do you step in, will you, for a
+moment?’ rejoined Mrs. Nurse: and instantly entered a man whom I had
+never before seen. ‘What do you want, Nurse?’ said he. ‘I only want to
+get rid of a mouse,’ returned she; ‘and, do you know, Betty is such
+a fool that she is afraid of taking it, and I want the trap to set it
+again, for they swarm here like bees in a hive, one can have no peace
+for them: they devour and spoil every thing; I say sometimes that I
+believe they will eat me up at last.’ While she was saying this, John
+took the trap in his hand, held it up once more to the candle, then
+taking a piece of thread out of a paper, that lay bound round with a
+dirty blue ribbon upon the table, he shook the trap about till he got my
+brother’s tail through the wires, when catching hold of it, he tied the
+thread tight round it and dragged him by it to the door of the trap,
+which he opened, and took him out, suspending the weight of his body
+upon his tail.
+
+Softdown, who till the thread was tied had patiently continued perfectly
+quiet, could no longer support the pain without dismal cries and
+anguish: he squeaked as loud as his little throat would let him,
+exerting at the same time the utmost of his strength to disengage
+himself. But in such a position, with his head downward, in vain were
+all his efforts to procure relief; and the barbarous monster who held
+him discovered not the smallest emotions of pity for his sufferings. Oh!
+how at that moment did I abhor my own existence, and wish that I could
+be endowed with size and strength sufficient, at once both to rescue
+him, and severely punish his tormentors. But my wish was ineffectual,
+and I had the inexpressible affliction of seeing the inhuman wretch
+hold him down upon the hearth, whilst, without remorse, he crushed him
+beneath his foot, and then carelessly kicked him into the ashes, saying,
+‘There! The cat will smell it out when she comes up.’ My very blood runs
+cold within me at the recollection of seeing Softdown’s as it spurted
+from beneath the monster’s foot; whilst the crunch of his bones
+almost petrified me with horror. At length, however, recollecting the
+impossibility of restoring my beloved brother to life, and the danger
+of my own situation, I, with trembling feet and palpitating heart, crept
+softly back to my remaining two brothers, who were impatiently expecting
+me behind the closet. There I related to them the horrid scene which
+had passed before my eyes, whilst the anguish it caused in their gentle
+bosoms far exceeds my power to describe.
+
+After having mingled our lamentations for some time, I thus addressed
+them: ‘We have this night, my brothers, tasted the severest affliction
+in the cruel death of our dear brother, companion, and friend; let
+us not, however, only mourn his loss, but also gather wisdom from our
+misfortune, and return to that duty which we have hitherto neglected.
+Recollect, my dear friends, what were the last words which our good
+mother spoke to us at parting. She charged us, upon no account, for no
+temptation whatever, to return frequently to the same place: if we did,
+she forewarned us that death and ruin would certainly await us. But in
+what manner have we obeyed this her kind advice? We have not even so
+much as once recollected it since she left us; or, if we thought of it
+for a moment, we foolishly despised it as unnecessary. Now, therefore,
+we sincerely feel the consequence of our disobedience; and, though
+our sufferings are most distressing, yet we must confess that we amply
+deserve them. Let us therefore, my brothers, instantly fly from a place
+which has already cost us the life of our beloved Softdown, lest we
+should all likewise fall a sacrifice to our disobedience.’--And here the
+writer cannot help observing how just were the reflections of the mouse
+on the crime which they had been guilty of; and begs every reader
+will be careful to remember the fatal consequences that attended their
+disobedience of their mother’s advice, since they may be assured that
+equal if not the same misfortune will always attend those who refuse
+to pay attention to the advice of their parents. But, to return to the
+history.
+
+To this proposal (continued the mouse) my brothers readily agreed; and
+we directly descended to the place we were in when we discovered the
+crack that led us to the room in which we feasted on bird-seed. Here
+we determined to wait, and when the family were all quiet in bed, to
+go forth in search of provision, as we began to be rather hungry, not
+having eaten anything a long while. Accordingly we stayed till after the
+clock struck twelve, when peeping out, we saw that the room was empty:
+we then ventured forth, and found several seeds, though not enough to
+afford a very ample meal for three of us.
+
+After we had cleared the room, we again returned to our hiding-place,
+where we continued till after the family had finished their breakfast.
+They all then went to take a walk in the garden, and we stepped out to
+pick up the crumbs which had fallen from the table. Whilst we were thus
+employed, at a distance from our place of retreat, we were alarmed by
+the entrance of two boys, who appeared to be about twelve or thirteen
+years of age. We directly ran towards the crack; but alas! we were not
+quick enough to escape their observation; for, seeing us, they both at
+once exclaimed, ‘Some mice! some mice!’ and at the same time took off
+their hats, and threw at us. Longtail happily eluded the blow, and
+safely got home, but poor Brighteyes and myself were less fortunate;
+and though we for a considerable time, by our quickness, prevented their
+catching us, at length, being much disabled by a blow that one of them
+gave me with a book which he threw at me, I was unable any longer to
+run, and hobbling very slowly across the room, he picked me up. At the
+same moment Brighteyes was so entangled in a handkerchief which the
+other boy tossed over him, that he likewise was taken prisoner. Our
+little hearts now beat quick with fear of those tortures we expected to
+receive; nor were our apprehensions lessened by hearing the boys consult
+what they should do with us, ‘I,’ said one, ‘will throw mine into the
+pond, and see how he will swim out again.’ ‘And I,’ said the other,
+‘will keep mine and tame it.’ ‘But where will you keep it?’ inquired his
+companion. ‘Oh,’ replied he, ‘I will keep it under a little pan till
+I can get a house made for it.’ He then, holding me by the skin at the
+back of my neck, ran with me into the kitchen to fetch a pan. Here I was
+not only threatened with death by three or four of the servants, who all
+blamed Master Peter for keeping me; but likewise two or three cats came
+round him, rubbing themselves backward and forward against his legs, and
+then standing upon their hind feet to endeavour to make themselves high
+enough to reach me. At last, taking a pan in his hand, he returned to
+his brother with one of the cats following him. Immediately upon our
+entrance, the boy exclaimed, ‘Oh, now I know what I will do: I will tie
+a piece of string to its tail, and teach the cat to jump for it.’ No
+sooner did this thought present itself than it was put into practice,
+and I again was obliged to sustain the shocking sight of a brother put
+to the torture. I, in the mean time, was placed upon the table, with a
+pan put over me, in which there was a crack, so that I could see as well
+as hear all that passed: and from this place it was that I beheld my
+beloved Brighteyes suspended at one end of a string by his tail; one
+while swinging backward and forward, at another pulled up and down, then
+suffered to feel his feet on the ground, and again suddenly snatched up
+as the cat advanced, then twisted round and round as fast as possible
+at the full length of the string: in short, it is impossible to describe
+all his sufferings of body, or my anguish of mind. At length a most
+dreadful conclusion was put to them, by the entrance of a gentleman
+booted and spurred, with a whip in his hand. ‘What in the world,
+Charles!’ said he, as he came in, ‘are you about? What have you got
+there?’ ‘Only a mouse, sir,’ replied the boy. ‘He is teaching the cat to
+jump, sir,’ said Peter, ‘that is all.’
+
+Brighteyes then gave a fresh squeak from the violence of his pain. The
+gentleman then turning hastily round, exclaimed eagerly, ‘What, is it
+alive?’ ‘Yes, sir,’ said the boy. ‘And how can you, you wicked, naughty,
+cruel boy,’ replied the gentleman, ‘take delight in thus torturing a
+little creature that never did you any injury? Put it down this moment,’
+said he, at the same time giving him a severe stroke with his horse-whip
+across that hand by which he held my brother. ‘Let it go directly,’ and
+again repeated the blow: the boy let go the string, and Brighteyes fell
+to the ground; and was instantly snapped up by the cat, who growling,
+ran away with him in her mouth, and, I suppose, put a conclusion to his
+miseries and life together, as I never from that moment have heard any
+account of him.
+
+As soon as he was thus taken out of the room, the gentleman sat down,
+and, taking hold of his son’s hand, thus addressed him: ‘Charles, I had
+a much better opinion of you, than to suppose you were capable of so
+much cruelty. What right, I desire to know, have you to torment any
+living creature? If it is only be cause you are larger, and so have it
+in your power, I beg you will consider, how you would like, that either
+myself, or some great giant, as much larger than you as you are bigger
+than the mouse, should hurt and torment you? And I promise you, the
+smallest creature can feel as acutely as you, nay, the smaller they are,
+the more susceptible are they of pain, and the sooner they are hurt: a
+less touch will kill a fly than a man, consequently a less wound will
+cause it pain; and the mouse which you have now been swinging by the
+tail over the cat’s mouth, has not, you may assure yourself, suffered
+less torment or fright than you would have done, had you been suspended
+by your leg, either over water, which would drown you, or over stones,
+where if you fell you must certainly be dashed to pieces. And yet you
+could take delight in thus torturing and distressing a poor inoffensive
+animal. Fie upon it, Charles! fie upon it! I thought you had been a
+better boy, and not such a cruel, naughty, wicked fellow.’ ‘Wicked!’
+repeated the boy, ‘I do not think that I have been at all wicked.’ ‘But
+I think you have been extremely so,’ replied his father; ‘every action
+that is cruel, and gives pain to any living creature, is wicked, and
+is a sure sign of a bad heart. I never knew a man, who was cruel to
+animals, kind and compassionate towards his fellow-creatures: he might
+not perhaps treat them in the same shocking manner, because the laws of
+the land would severely punish him if he did; but if he is restrained
+from bad actions by no higher motive than fear of present punishment,
+his goodness cannot be very great. A good man, Charles, always takes
+delight in conferring happiness on all around him; nor would he offer
+the smallest injury to the meanest insect that was capable of feeling.
+‘I am sure,’ said the boy, ‘I have often seen you kill wasps, and
+spiders too; and it was but last week that you bought a mouse-trap
+yourself to catch mice in, although you are so angry now with me.’ ‘And
+pray,’ resumed his father, ‘did you ever see me torment as well as kill
+them? Or did I ever keep them in pain one moment longer than necessary?
+I am not condemning people for killing vermin and animals, provided
+they do it expeditiously, and put them to death with as little pain as
+possible; but it is putting them to needless torment and misery that
+I say is wicked. Had you destroyed the mouse with one blow, or rather
+given it to somebody else to destroy it (for I should not think a
+tender-hearted boy would delight in such operations himself), I would
+not have condemned you; but, to keep it hanging the whole weight of
+its body upon its tail, to swing it about, and, by that, to hold it
+terrifying over the cat’s jaws, and to take pleasure in hearing it
+squeak, and seeing it struggle for liberty, is such unmanly, such
+detestable cruelty, as calls for my utmost indignation and abhorrence.
+But, since you think pain so very trifling an evil, try. Charles, how
+you like that,’ said he, giving him at the same time some severe strokes
+with his horsewhip. The boy then cried, and called out, ‘I do not like
+it at all, I do not like it at all.’ ‘Neither did the mouse,’ replied
+his father, ‘like at all to be tied to a string, and swung about by
+his tail: he did not like it, and told you so in a language which you
+perfectly well understood; but you would not attend to his cries; you
+thought it pleasure to hear it squeak, because you were bigger, and did
+not feel its torture. I am now bigger than you and do not feel your
+pain. I therefore shall not yet leave off; as I hope it will teach you
+not to torment anything another time.’ Just as he said these words, the
+boy, endeavouring to avoid the whip, ran against the table on which I
+was placed, and happily threw down the pan that confined me. I instantly
+seized the opportunity, jumped down, and once more escaped to the little
+hole by which I first entered. There I found my only brother waiting
+for me, and was again under the dreadful necessity of paining his tender
+heart with the recital of the sufferings which I had been witness to in
+our dear Brighteyes, as well as the imminent danger I myself had been
+exposed to. ‘And, surely,’ said I, ‘we have again drawn this evil upon
+ourselves by our disobedience to our mother’s advice; she, doubtless,
+intended that we should not continue in the same house long together;
+whereas from the day of her leaving us, we have never been in any other
+but this, which has occasioned us such heavy affliction. Therefore, upon
+no account, let us continue another night under this roof; but, as
+soon as the evening begins to grow dark enough to conceal us from the
+observation of any one, we will set off, and seek a lodging in some
+other place; and should any misfortune befall us on our passage, we
+shall at least have the consolation of thinking that we were doing
+our duty by following the advice of our parent.’ ‘It is true,’ said my
+brother, ‘we have been greatly to blame; for the future we will be
+more careful of our conduct; but do, my dear Nimble,’ continued he,
+‘endeavour to compose yourself, and take a little rest, after the pain
+and fatigue which you have gone through, otherwise you may be sick; and
+what will become of me, if any mischief should befall you? I shall then
+have no brother to converse with, no friend to advise me what to do.’
+Here he stopped, overpowered with his grief for the loss of our two
+murdered brothers, and with his tender solicitude for my welfare. I
+endeavoured all in my power to comfort him, and said I hoped that I
+should soon recover from the bruises I had received both from the boy’s
+hat and book, as well as the pinches in my neck with his finger and
+thumb, by which he held me, and promised to compose myself. This promise
+I fulfilled by endeavouring to sleep; but the scene that I had so lately
+been witness to was too fresh in my imagination to suffer me to close my
+eyes: however, I kept for some time quiet.
+
+The rest of the day we spent in almost total silence, having no spirits
+for conversation, our hearts being almost broken with anguish. When
+it grew toward evening, we agreed to find our way out of that detested
+house, and seek for some other habitation, which might be more
+propitious. But we found more difficulty in this undertaking than we
+were at all aware of; for though we could with tolerable ease go from
+room to room within the house, still, when we attempted to quit it, we
+found it every way surrounded with so thick a brick wall, that it was
+impossible for us to make our way through it: we therefore ran round and
+round it several times, searching for some little crevice through which
+we might escape; but all to no purpose, not the least crack could we
+discover: and we might have continued there till this time, had we not
+at length, after the family were in bed, resolved to venture through one
+of the apartments into the hall, and so creep out under the house door.
+But the dangers we exposed ourselves to in this expedition were many
+and great; we knew that traps were set for us about the house, and where
+they might chance to be placed we could not tell. I had likewise been
+eye-witness to no less than four cats, who might, for ought we knew to
+the contrary, at that hour of darkness, be prowling in search of some of
+our unhappy species.
+
+But, in spite of every difficulty and hazard, we determined to venture
+rather than continue in opposition to our mother’s commands; and, to
+reward our obedience, we escaped with trembling hearts, unobserved,
+at least unmolested, by any one. And now, for the first time since our
+birth, we found ourselves exposed to the inclemency of the weather. The
+night was very dark and tempestuous; the rain poured down in torrents;
+and the wind blew so exceedingly high, that, low upon the ground as
+we were, it was with difficulty that we could keep our legs: added to
+which, even step we took, we were in water up to our stomachs. In this
+wretched condition we knew not which way to turn ourselves, or where to
+seek for shelter. The spattering of the rain, the howling of the wind,
+together with the rattling and shaking of the trees, all contributed to
+make such a noise as rendered it impossible for us to hear whether any
+danger was approaching us or not.
+
+In this truly melancholy situation we waded on for a considerable
+time, till at length we reached a small house, and very easily gained
+admittance through a pretty large hole on one side of the door. Most
+heartily did we rejoice at finding ourselves once more under shelter
+from the cold and rain, and for some time only busied ourselves in
+drying our hair, which was as thoroughly wet as if we had been served as
+the boy threatened my brother Brighteyes, and we had really been
+drawn through a pond. After we had done this, and had a little rested
+ourselves, we began to look about in search of food, but we could find
+nothing except a few crumbs of bread and cheese in a man’s coat pocket,
+and a piece of tallow-candle stuck on the top of a tinder-box. This,
+however, though not such delicate eating as we had been used to, yet
+served to satisfy our present hunger; and we had just finished the
+candle when we were greatly alarmed by the sight of a human hand (for we
+mice can see a little in the dark) feeling about the very chair on which
+we stood. We jumped down in an instant, and hid ourselves in a little
+hole behind a black trunk that stood in one corner of the room.
+
+We then heard very distinctly a man say, ‘Betty, did you not put the
+candle by the bedside?’ ‘Yes, that I am very sure I did,’ replied a
+female voice. ‘I thought so,’ answered the man; ‘but I am sure it is not
+here now. Tom! Tom! Tom!’ continued he. ‘What, father?’ replied a boy,
+starting up, ‘what is the matter?’ ‘Why, do you know anything of the
+candle? I cannot find it, my dear, and I want it sadly, for I fancy it
+is time we should be up and be jogging. Dost know any thing of it, my
+lad?’ ‘Not I, truly, father,’ said the boy, ‘I only know that I saw
+mother stick it in the box-lid last night, and put it upon the chair,
+which she set by the bedside, after you had put your clothes upon the
+back of it; I know I saw her put it there, so it must be there now, I
+fancy.’ ‘Well, I cannot find it,’ replied the father; so we must e’en
+get up in the dark, for I am sure it must be time.’ The father and son
+then both dressed themselves, and the man, taking a shilling out of his
+pocket, laid it upon the chair, saying at the same time, ‘There, Betty.
+I have left a shilling for you; take care it does not go after the
+candle, for where that is I cannot tell any more than the carp at the
+bottom of the squire’s fish-pond.’ He then unlocked the door, and went
+away, accompanied by his son.
+
+After their departure, we again came out, and took another walk round
+the room, and found our way into a little cupboard, which we had not
+before observed. Here we discovered half a loaf of bread, a piece of
+cold pudding, a lump of salt butter, some soft sugar in a basin, and a
+fine large slice of bacon. On these dainties we feasted very amply, and
+agreed that we should again hide ourselves behind the black trunk all
+day, and at night, when the family were in bed, return to take another
+meal on the plenty of nice provision which we so happily discovered.
+Accordingly, we crept back just as the woman went to fill her teakettle
+at a pump, which stood between her house and the next neighbour’s. When
+she returned, she put it upon the fire she had just lit, and, taking a
+pair of bellows in her hand, sat down to blow it.
+
+While she was so employed, a young gentleman, about ten years of age,
+very genteelly dressed, entered the room, and in a familiar manner asked
+her how she did. ‘I am very well, thank you, my dear,’ replied she:
+‘and pray, Master George, how does your mamma and papa do; and all your
+brothers and sisters?’ ‘They are all very well, thank you,’ returned
+the boy: ‘And I am come to bring you a slice of cake, which my grandpapa
+gave me yesterday.’ Then throwing his arms round her neck, he went on
+saying, ‘Oh! my dear, dear Betty Flood, how I do love you! I would do
+anything in the world to serve you. I shall save all my Christmas-boxes
+to give to you; and when I am a man, I will give you a great deal of
+money. I wish you were a lady, and not so poor.’ ‘I am much obliged to
+you, my dear,’ said she, ‘for your kind good-wishes; but, indeed, love,
+I am very well contented with my station: I have a good husband, and
+three good children, and that is more than many a lady can say; and
+riches, Master George, unless people are good, and those one lives with
+are kind and obliging, will never make anybody happy. What comfort, now,
+do you think a body could ever have at Squire Stately’s? I declare, if
+it was put to my choice, I would rather a thousand times be as I am.
+To be sure, they are very rich; but what of that? they cannot eat gold;
+neither can gold ease their hearts when they are bursting almost with
+pride and ill-nature. They say, indeed, that Madam Stately would be kind
+enough, if they would let her rest; but what with the Squire’s drinking
+and swearing, and the young gentleman’s extravagance, and her daughter’s
+pride and quarrelling, she is almost tired out of her life. And so,
+Master George, I say I had rather be poor Betty Flood, with honest
+Abraham for my husband, than the finest lady in the land, if I must
+live at such a rate. To be sure, nobody can deny but that money is very
+desirable, and people that are rich can do many agreeable things which
+we poor ones cannot; but yet, for all that, money does not make people
+happy. Happiness, Master George, depends greatly upon people’s own
+tempers and dispositions: a person who is fretful and cross will never
+be happy, though he should be made king of all England; and a person who
+is contented and good-humoured will never be wretched, though he should
+be as poor as a beggar. So never fret yourself, love, because Betty
+Flood is poor; for though I am poor, I am honest; and whilst my husband
+and I are happy enough to be blessed with health, and the use of our
+limbs, we can work for our living; and though we have no great plenty,
+still we have sufficient to support us. So pray, dear, eat your cake
+yourself, for I would not take it from you for ever so much.’ They then
+disputed for some time who should have it: at last, George scuffled away
+from her, and put it into the closet, and then, nodding his head at her,
+ran away, saying, he must go to school that moment.
+
+Betty Flood then ate her breakfast; and we heard her say something about
+the nasty mice, but what we could not make out, as she muttered softly
+to herself. She then came to the trunk behind which we lay, and taking
+out of it a roll of new linen, sat down to needlework. At twelve o’clock
+her husband and son returned; so moving her table out of the way, she
+made room for them at the fire, and, fetching the frying pan, dressed
+some rashers of the nice bacon we had before tasted in the cupboard. The
+boy, in the mean time, spread a cloth on the table, and placed the bread
+and cold pudding on it likewise: then, returning to the closet for their
+plates, he cried out, ‘Lauk! father, here is a nice hunch of plum-cake;
+can you tell how it came?’ ‘Not I, indeed, Tom,’ replied his father; ‘I
+can tell no more than the carp at the bottom of the squire’s fish-pond.’
+‘Oh, I will tell you.’ said Mrs. Flood; ‘I know how it came. Do you
+know, that dear child, Master George Kendall, brought it for me; he
+called as he went to school this morning. I told him I would not have
+it; but the dear little soul popped it into the cupboard, and ran away
+without it. Bless his little heart! I do think he is the sweetest child
+that ever was born. You may laugh at me for saying so; but I am sure I
+should have thought the same if I had not nursed him myself.’ ‘Indeed,’
+replied her husband, ‘I do not laugh at you for saying so, for I think
+so too, and so must everyone who knows him; for when young gentlemen
+behave as he does, everybody must love and admire them. There is nothing
+I would not do to help and serve that child, or any of his family; they
+always are so kind, and speak as civilly to us poor folk as if we were
+the first lords or ladies in the land. I am sure, if it were needful, I
+would go through fire and water for their sakes; and so would every man
+in the parish, I dare say. But I wonder who would do as much to help
+Squire Stately or any of his family, if it was not that I should think
+it my duty (and an honest man ought always to do that, whether he likes
+it or not); but I say, if it was not that it would be my duty to help my
+fellow-creature, I would scarcely be at the trouble of stepping over the
+threshold to serve them, they are such a set of cross, good-for-nothing
+gentry. I declare, it was but as we came home to dinner now, that we saw
+Master Sam throwing sticks and stones at Dame Frugal’s ducks, for the
+sake of seeing them waddle; and then, when they got to the pond, he sent
+his dog in after them to bark and frighten them out of their wits. And
+as I came by, nothing would serve him but throwing a great dab of mud
+all over the sleeve of my coat. So I said, “Why, Master Sam, you need
+not have done that; I did nothing to offend you; and however amusing you
+may think it to insult poor people, I assure you it is very wicked, and
+what no good person in the world would be guilty of.” He then set up
+a great rude laugh, and I walked on and said no more. But if all
+gentlefolk were to behave like that family, I had rather be poor as I
+am, than have all their riches, if that would make me act like them.’
+‘Very true, Abraham,’ replied his wife, ‘that is what I say, and what I
+told Master George this morning; for to be poor, if people do not become
+so through their own extravagance, is no disgrace to any body: but to be
+haughty, cruel, cross, and mischievous, is a disgrace to all who are so,
+let their rank be as exalted as it may.’
+
+Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a man, who
+begged Mr. Flood to assist him in unloading his cart of flour, as his
+man was gone out, and he could not do it by himself. ‘Well, I will come
+and help you, with all my heart,’ said Flood; ‘and so shall Tom too:
+will you, my lad? I cannot live without help myself; and if I do not
+assist others, I am sure I shall not deserve any when I want it.’ So
+saying, he left his house; and his wife, after cleaning and putting in
+their proper places those things which had been used at dinner, again
+sat down to her sewing.
+
+Soon after the clock had struck six, the man and his son returned; and,
+sitting round the fire, they passed the evening in social conversation,
+till they went to bed, which was a little after eight; and they
+convinced me, by their talk and behaviour, that happiness in this world
+depends far more upon the temper and disposition of the heart, than upon
+any external possessions; and that virtue, and a desire to be useful
+to others, afford far greater satisfaction and peace of mind than
+any riches and grandeur can possibly supply without such necessary
+qualifications. After they were all fallen asleep, we crept out; and,
+leaving the candle unmolested, which was again placed on the tinder-box
+by the bed-side, we hastened into the closet, where we regaled heartily,
+and devoured that part of the plum-cake which Tom had very generously
+left for his sister Polly, who we found was expected home the next day.
+
+We then retired to our safe retreat, and thought we might venture to
+stay for one more night’s provisions without running any danger from our
+too frequent return to the same place. But in the morning we found our
+scheme frustrated; for, on the woman’s going to the closet to get
+her breakfast, she observed the robbery which we had committed, and
+exclaimed, ‘Some teasing mice have found their way into the closet: I
+will borrow neighbour Savewell’s trap to-night, and catch some of the
+little toads; that I will!’ After hearing this, it would have been
+madness to make any further attempts: we therefore agreed to watch for
+an opportunity, and escape on the very first that offered. Accordingly,
+about noon, when Mrs. Flood was busily employed in making some pancakes,
+we slipped by her unobserved, and crept out at the same hole by which we
+first entered. But no sooner were we in the open road, than we repented
+our haste, and wished that we had continued where we were till
+the darkness of the night might better have concealed us from the
+observation of anyone. We crept as close to the wall of the house (as
+far as it reached, which was but a few paces) as we possibly could, and
+then stepped into a little ditch, which we were soon obliged to leave
+again, as the water ran in some parts of it almost up to the edge.
+
+At length we reached a little cottage, which we were just entering, when
+a cat that was sleeping unnoticed by us upon a chair, jumped down, and
+would certainly have destroyed me (who happened to go first) had she not
+at the same moment tried to catch my brother, and by that means missed
+her aim, and so given us both an opportunity to escape, which we did by
+scrambling behind a brick that a child had been playing with by the side
+of the door. Fortunately, the brick lay too close to the house for the
+cat to get her paw behind it, so as to be able to reach us; though to
+avoid it we were obliged to use the greatest precaution, as she could
+thrust it in a little way, so that if we had gone one inch too near
+either end, she would certainly have dragged us out by her talons. In
+this dreadful situation did we spend some hours, incessantly moving
+from one end of the brick to the other; for the moment she had, by the
+entrance of her paw at one end, driven us to the other, she stepped
+over, and again made us retreat. Think with what dreadful terror our
+little hearts must have been oppressed, to see our mortal enemy so
+closely watching us, expecting every moment when she shook the brick
+with her two forepaws in searching, and with her mouth endeavoured to
+lift it up, that she would be so far able to effect her purpose, as to
+make it impossible for us to escape her jaws. But, happily for us, it
+had somehow or other got so wedged that she could not move it to any
+distance; though it kept momentarily increasing our terrors, by shaking
+as she strove to turn it.
+
+From this state of horror, however, we were at length delivered by a
+little boy of about two years old, who came out of the house, and taking
+the cat up round its body with both hands, tottered away with it, and
+shut the door.
+
+Finding ourselves thus unexpectedly once more at liberty, we determined
+to make use of it, by seeking some safer retreat, at least, till night
+should better hide us from public view. Terrified almost out of our
+senses, we crept from behind the brick, and, after running a few yards,
+slipped under the folding doors of a barn, and soon concealed ourselves
+amidst a vast quantity of threshed corn. This appeared to us the most
+desirable retreat that we had yet found; not only as it afforded such
+immense plenty of food, but also as we could so easily hide ourselves
+from the observation of any one: beside, as it did not appear to be a
+dwelling-house, we could in security reside, free from any danger of
+traps, or the cruelty of man. We therefore congratulated each other, not
+more on account of the wonderful escape which we had, than upon our good
+fortune in coming to a Spot so blessed with peace and plenty.
+
+After we were a little recovered from the fatigue of mind, as well as
+of body, which we had lately gone through, we regaled very heartily upon
+the corn that surrounded us, and then fell into a charming sleep, from
+which we were awakened the next morning by the sound of human voices.
+We very distinctly heard that of a boy, saying, ‘Let us mix all the
+threshed corn with the rest that is not threshed, and that will make
+a fine fuss, and set John and Simon a swearing like troopers when they
+come and find all their labour lost, and that they must do all their
+work over again.’ ‘And do you think there is anything so agreeable in
+giving people trouble, and hearing them swear,’ replied another voice,
+‘that you can wish to do it? For my part. I think it is so wicked a
+thing, that I hate to hear anybody guilty of it, much less would I be
+the cause of making them commit so great a sin; and as for giving them
+all their trouble over again, so far would it be from affording me any
+pleasure, that on the contrary it would give me great pain; for however
+you may think of it, Will, I assure you, it always gives me much
+uneasiness to see people labouring and working hard. I always think how
+much I should dislike to be obliged to do so myself, and therefore
+very sincerely pity those who must. On no account therefore will I do
+anything to add to their labour, or that shall give them unnecessary
+work.’
+
+‘Pooh!’ answered Will, ‘you are wonderfully wise; I, for my part, hate
+such super-abundant wisdom; I like to see folk fret, and stew, and
+scold, as our maids did last week when I cut the line, and let all the
+sheets, and gowns, and petticoats, and frocks, and shirts, and aprons,
+and caps, and what not, fall plump into the dirt. O! how I did laugh!
+and how they did mutter and scold! And do you know, that just as the
+wash ladies were wiping their coddled hands, and comforted themselves
+with the thought of their work being all over, and were going to sip
+their tea by the fireside, I put them all to the scout; and they were
+obliged to wash every rag over again. I shall never forget how cross
+they looked, nay, I verily believe Susan cried about it; and how I did
+laugh!’
+
+‘And pray,’ rejoined the other boy, ‘should you have laughed equally
+hearty if, after you had been at school all day, and had with much
+difficulty just got through all your writing, and different exercises,
+and were going to play, should you laugh, I say, if somebody was to
+run away with them all, and your master oblige you to do them all over
+again? Tell me, Will, should you laugh, or cry and look cross? And even
+that would not be half so bad for you, as it was for the maids to be
+obliged to wash their clothes over again; washing is very hard labour,
+and tires people sadly, and so does threshing too. It is very unkind,
+therefore, to give them such unnecessary trouble; and everything that
+is unkind, is wicked; and I would not do it upon any account, I assure
+you.’ ‘Then I assure you,’ replied Will, ‘you may let it alone; I can
+do it without your assistance.’ He then began mixing the grain and the
+chaff together, the other boy strongly remonstrating against it, to
+which he paid no attention; and whilst he was so employed, two men,
+Simon and John, entered the barn.
+
+‘Why, how now, Master Billy,’ said Simon; ‘what are you about? What
+business have you to be here? You are always doing some mischief or
+other! I wish, with all my heart, that you were kept chained like a dog,
+and never suffered to be at liberty, for you do more harm in an hour,
+than a body can set right again in a month!’ Will then took up hats full
+of the corn and chaff, and threw it in the two men’s faces; afterwards
+taking up a flail, he gave Simon a blow across his back, saying, at the
+same time, ‘I will show you the way to thresh, and separate the flesh
+from the bones.’ ‘O! will you so, young squire?’ said John; ‘I will
+show you the way to make naughty boys good.’ He then left the barn, but
+presently returned accompanied by a gentleman, upon the sight of whom
+Will let fall the flail, which he was till then brandishing over Simon’s
+head, and was going away, when the gentleman taking hold of his hand,
+said, ‘You do not stir from this place, Master William, nor have one
+mouthful of breakfast, till you have asked the men pardon for your
+behaviour, and likewise sifted every grain of corn from the chaff which
+you have mixed with it. When you have done that, you may have some
+food, but not before; and afterward you may spend the rest of the day in
+threshing, then you will be a better judge, my boy, of the fatigue and
+labour of it, and find how you should like, after working hard all day,
+to have it rendered useless by a mischievous boy. Remember, William,
+what I have now said to you, for I do insist upon being minded; and I
+promise you, that if you offer to play, or do anything else today, you
+shall be punished very severely.’ The gentleman then went away. Will
+muttered something, I could not exactly hear what, began to sift the
+corn, and so much had he mixed together, that he did not go in for his
+breakfast till after I had heard the church clock strike one, though
+it was before eight when he came into the barn. In about an hour he
+returned, and the other boy with him, who addressed him, saying, ‘Ah!
+Will, you had better have taken my advice, and not have done so: I
+thought what you would get by your nice fun as you called it. I never
+knew any good come of mischief; it generally brings those who do it into
+disgrace; or if they should happen to escape unpunished, still it
+is always attended with some inconvenience: it is an ill-natured
+disposition which can take pleasure in giving trouble to any one.’ ‘Do
+hold your tongue, James,’ replied Will; ‘I declare I have not patience
+to hear you preach, you are so prodigiously wise, and prudent, and
+sober; you had better go indoors and sew with your mamma, for you talk
+just as if you were a girl, and not in the least like a boy of spirit.’
+‘Like a girl!’ resumed James. ‘Are girls then the only folk who have any
+sense, or good nature? Or what proof does it shew of spirit to be fond
+of mischief, and giving people trouble? It is like a monkey of spirit
+indeed; but I cannot say, that I see either spirit or sense in making
+the clean clothes fall into the dirt, or mixing the corn and chaff, for
+the sake of making the poor servants do them all over again: if these
+things are a sign of any spirit. I am sure it is of an evil one, and not
+at all such as I wish to possess, though I no more want to sit still,
+or work with a needle, than you do; but I hope there are other ways of
+showing my spirit, as you call it, than by doing mischief, and being
+ill-natured. I do not think my papa ever seems to be effeminate, or want
+sufficient spirit; but he would scorn to give unnecessary trouble to
+anybody: and so will Tom Vaulter, though no boy in the world loves play
+better than he does; he plays at cricket the best of any boy in the
+school, and I am sure none can beat him at tennis; and as for skipping,
+I never saw a boy skip so well in all my life; and I am sure he would
+beat you, with all your spirit, out and out twenty times, either at
+running, or sliding, or swimming, or climbing a tree. And yet he
+never gives trouble to anybody for the sake of fun; he is one of the
+best-tempered boys in the world; and whether it is like a girl or not,
+he always does what he knows to be right and kind; and if that is being
+like girls, why, with all my heart; I like girls well enough, and if
+they behave well I do not see why you should speak so contemptuously of
+them. My papa always says that he loves girls just as well as boys, and
+none but foolish and naughty boys despise and tease them.’ Just as he
+said these words, Simon and John entered the barn, and seeing Will stand
+idle, ‘Come, come, young gentleman,’ said John, ‘take up your flail and
+go to work, sir, to work! to work! night will be here presently, and
+you have done nothing yet.’ Presently after the gentleman returned, and
+enforced John’s advice for him to mind his work.
+
+After Master Will had continued his employment some little time, he
+began to cry, saying, his arms ached ready to drop off, and his hand was
+so sore he could not bear it. ‘Then doubtless,’ replied his father, ‘you
+would prodigiously like, after you have been labouring all day, to have
+your work to do over again, for the sake of diverting a foolish boy. But
+go on, William, I am determined that you shall, for one day, know what
+it is to work hard, and thereby be taught to pity, and help, not add to
+the fatigue of those who do.’ The boy then went on with his business,
+though not without making great complaints, and shedding many tears. At
+length, however, evening came; and the gentleman, his son, and the two
+men, all went away, leaving Longtail and myself to enjoy our abundance.
+We passed another night in the sweetest undisturbed repose, and in the
+day had nothing to alarm our fears. In short, our situation was every
+way so perfectly happy and desirable, that we thought, although our
+mother had charged us not to return frequently to the same place, yet
+she could not mean that we should not take up our abode in a spot so
+secure and comfortable. We therefore determined to continue where we
+were, till we should find some cause for removing. And happy had it been
+for us if we had kept to this resolution, and remained contented when we
+had everything requisite to make us so. Instead of which, after we had
+thus, free from care, passed our time about seven months, like fools as
+we were, we began to grow weary of our retirement, and of eating nothing
+but the same food; and agreed that we would again venture forth and seek
+for some other lodging, at the same time resolving, in case we could
+find no habitation that suited us, to return to the barn where we had
+enjoyed so many days of plenty and repose.
+
+Accordingly, one fine moonlight Monday night, after securing our supper
+on the corn, we set forth, and travelled for some distance without any
+further molestation than our own natural fears created. At length we
+came to a brick house, with about five or six windows in front, and made
+our way into it through a small latticed window which gave air into
+the pantry; but on our arrival here we had no opportunity of so much as
+observing what it contained, for on our slipping down a cat instantly
+flew at us, and by the greatest good luck in the world, there chanced to
+be a hole in one of the boards of the floor close to the spot where we
+stood, into which we both were happy enough to pop, before she could
+catch us. Here we had time to reflect, and severely blame ourselves
+for not being satisfied with our state in the barn. ‘When,’ said I,
+addressing myself to my brother, ‘when shall we grow wise, and learn
+to know that certain evil always attends every deviation from what is
+right. When we disobeyed the advice of our mother, and, tempted by cakes
+and other dainties, frequently returned to the same dangerous place, how
+severely did we suffer for it? And now, by our own discontent, and not
+being satisfied when so safely though more humbly lodged, into what
+trouble have we not plunged ourselves? How securely have we lived in
+the barn for the last seven months, and how happily might we still have
+continued there, had it not been for our restless dispositions? Ah! my
+brother, we have acted foolishly. We ought to have been contented
+when we were at peace, and should have considered that if we had not
+everything we could wish for, we had every thing that was necessary;
+and the life of a mouse was never designed for perfect happiness. Such
+enjoyment was never intended for our lot; it is the portion only of
+beings whose capacities are far superior to ours. We ought then to have
+been contented; and had we been so, we should have been as happy as our
+state of life would have admitted of.’ ‘What you say is certainly very
+true,’ replied Longtail, ‘and I sincerely wish that we had thought of
+these things before. But what must we now do? we said we would return to
+the barn in case of difficulties, but that is now impossible, as, if
+we attempt to retreat, the cat that drove us in here, will certainly
+destroy us; and yet in proceeding, what difficulties must we encounter,
+what dangers may we not run! Oh! my beloved Nimble,’ continued he, ‘what
+a life of hazard is ours! to what innumerable accidents are we hourly
+exposed! and how is every meal that we eat at the risk of our very
+existence!’
+
+‘It undoubtedly is,’ replied I; ‘but with all its troubles we still are
+very desirous of preserving it: let us not then, my brother, indulge
+our hearts with murmuring and finding fault with that life, which,
+notwithstanding all its evils, we value so highly. Rather let us
+endeavour to learn experience, and, by conducting ourselves better,
+escape many of those troubles which we now suffer.’ So saving, I advised
+him to follow me: ‘for,’ added I, ‘it is impossible for us to exist in
+the spot in which we are at present; we must therefore strive to work
+our way into some other house or apartment, where we can at least find
+some food.’ To this Longtail agreed; the rest of the night, and all the
+next day, we spent in nibbling and finding our way into a closet in
+the house, which richly repaid us for all our toil, as it contained
+sugar-plums, rice, millet, various kinds of sweetmeats, and what we
+liked better than all the rest, a paper of nice macaroons. On these we
+feasted most deliciously till our hunger was fully satisfied, and then
+creeping into a little hole, just big enough to contain us both, behind
+one of the jars of sweetmeats, reposed ourselves with a nap, after our
+various and great fatigues which we had gone through. I never was
+a remarkably sound sleeper, the least noise disturbs me, and I was
+awakened in the morning by the servant-maid’s coming into the room to
+sweep it, and get it ready for the reception of her mistress and family,
+who soon after entered. As I wanted to know from whom the voices I heard
+proceeded, I stepped softly from behind the jar and just peeped under
+the door into the room, where I discovered a gentleman, two ladies, and
+a little boy and girl.
+
+As I was totally unacquainted with all places of retreat, and did not
+know how soon any of them might have occasion to open the closet door, I
+instantly returned to my brother; and, awaking him, told him it was time
+for us to be upon our guard, as the family were all up and about.
+
+Whilst we were thus situated, the first words I heard distinctly were
+those of the gentleman, saying, ‘No, Frank, I can never have a good
+opinion of him; the boy who could once deceive may, for aught I know,
+do so again; he has, by breaking his word, forfeited the only dependence
+one could possibly have in him. A person who has once lost his honour
+has no means left of gaining credit to his assertions. By honour, Frank,
+I would be understood to speak of veracity, of virtue, of scorning
+to commit a mean action, and not that brutish sense in which some
+understand it, as if it consisted in a readiness to fight and resent an
+injury; for so far am I from considering such behaviour as any proof of
+honour, that, on the contrary, I look upon it as a sure sign of want of
+proper spirit and true honour. Fools, bullies, and even cowards, will
+fight; whereas none but men of sense and resolution and true magnanimity
+know how to pardon and despise an insult.’ ‘But, indeed, sir,’ replied
+the boy, ‘at school, if one did not fight, they would laugh at one so,
+there would be no such thing as bearing it.’ ‘And for that very reason
+it is, my dear, that I say, to pass by and pardon an insult requires
+more resolution and courage than mere fighting does. When I wish you
+to avoid quarrelling and fighting, I by no means want you to become a
+coward, for I as much abhor a dastardly spirit as any boy in your school
+can possibly do; but I would wish you to convince them that you merited
+not that appellation, by showing through the whole of your behaviour,
+a resolution that despised accidental pain, and avoided revenging an
+affront for no other reason than because you were convinced it shewed a
+much nobler spirit to pardon than to resent. And you may be assured, my
+dear, few are the days that pass without affording us some opportunity
+of exerting our patience, and showing that, although we disdain
+quarrelling, still we are far from being cowards.
+
+‘I remember, when I was at school, there was one boy, who, from his
+first coming, declined upon all occasions engaging in any battle;
+he even gave up many of his just rights to avoid quarrelling, which
+conduct, instead of gaining (as it justly deserved) the approbation of
+his companions, drew upon him the insult and abuse of the whole school;
+and they were perpetually teasing him with the opprobrious title of
+coward. For some time he bore it with great good-humour, and endeavoured
+to laugh it off; but, finding that had no effect, he one day thus
+addressed us:--“If you suppose that I like to be called a coward, you
+are all very much mistaken; or if you think me one, I assure you that
+you are not less so; for no boy in the school should, if put to the
+trial, show greater resolution than myself. Indeed, I think it no small
+proof of patience that I have borne your repeated insults so long;
+when I could, by behaving more like a savage beast, and less like a
+reasonable creature, have established my character at once; but I abhor
+quarrelling, my soul detests to treat my fellow-creatures as if they
+were brutes, from whose fangs I must defend myself; but if nothing else
+but fighting will convince you that I possess not less courage than
+yourselves, I will now offer, in cold blood, to engage with the biggest
+boy in the school. If I conquer him, it will be a sign that I know how
+to defend myself; and if he conquers me, I will, by my behaviour, give
+a proof that I am not wanting in resolution to suffer pain, although I
+never will so far demean the character of a reasonable creature and a
+Christian, as to fight upon every trifling disagreement or insult.”
+ No sooner had he uttered these words, than every boy present was
+loud either in his commendation or condemnation. One quarter of
+them, convinced of the justness of his arguments, highly extolled his
+forbearance; whilst the other three parts, with still greater noise,
+only called him a bully and a mean-spirited coward, who dared not fight,
+and for that reason made such a fine speech, hoping to intimidate them.
+“Well then,” said he, “if such is your opinion, why will none of you
+accept my offer? you surely cannot be afraid, you who are such brave
+fellows, of such true courage, and such noble spirits, cannot be afraid
+of a coward and a bully! Why, therefore, does not one of you step
+forward, and put my fine speech to the test? Otherwise, after I have
+thus challenged you all, I hope none for the future will think they have
+any right to call me coward; though I again declare my fixed resolution
+against fighting.”
+
+‘Just as he said this, a voice calling for help, was heard from a lane
+adjoining to the play-yard. Immediately we all flocked to the
+side nearest whence it proceeded; and, clambering upon benches,
+watering-pots, or whatever came first in our way, peeped over the wall,
+where we discovered two well-grown lads, about seventeen or eighteen,
+stripping a little boy of his clothes, and beating him for his outcries
+in a most cruel manner; and at a little distance farther down the lane,
+sat a company of gypsies, to whom the two lads evidently belonged. At
+the sight of this we were all much distressed, and wished to relieve the
+boy; though, discovering so large a party, we were too much afraid to
+venture, till Tomkins (the boy I before spoke about) instantly jumped
+from the wall, and only saying, “Has nobody courage to follow me?” ran
+toward them as fast as possible, and with uncommon strength and agility
+placed himself between them and the boy, and began defending himself
+in the best manner he could; which he did for some time with great
+dexterity, none of his fighting schoolfellows having courage to go to
+his assistance. At length, however, seeing it impossible for him to
+stand out any longer against two so much stronger than himself, the
+boys agreed to secure themselves by numbers, and to sally forth to his
+assistance altogether. This scheme succeeded, and very shortly rescued
+Tomkins from his antagonists. He thanked them for their assistance,
+saying, at the same time, “I hope you will no longer doubt my courage,
+or my abilities to fight, when it is necessary or in a good cause.”
+ After so signal a proof of his viler, his greatest enemies could no
+longer doubt it; and, without ever engaging in foolish battles, he
+passed through school as much respected as any boy, and his magnanimity
+was never again called in question.’
+
+As the gentleman stopped speaking, the little girl called out, ‘O, papa,
+the coach is at the door.’ ‘Is it, my dear?’ returned the father. ‘Well
+then, stop, my love,’ said one of the ladies, ‘I have got a few cakes
+for you: stay, and take them before you go.’ She then unlocked the
+closet where we were, and took down the paper of macaroons, among which
+we had so comfortably regaled ourselves; when, observing the hole in the
+paper through which we entered, ‘O dear!’ she exclaimed, ‘the mice have
+actually got into my cupboard. I will move all the things out this very
+morning, and lock the cat up in it; for I shall be undone if the mice
+once get footing here; they will soon spoil all my stores, and that
+will never do.’ She then kissed both the children; and, giving them
+the cakes, they, the gentleman, and another lady, all departed; and she
+instantly began to move the boxes and jars from the closet; whilst we,
+terrified almost out of our wits, sat trembling behind one of them, not
+daring to stir, yet dreading the cat’s approach every moment.
+
+We were soon, however, obliged to move our quarters, for the lady taking
+down the very jar which concealed us, we were forced (without knowing
+where we were) to jump down instantly. In vain we sought all round the
+room for some avenue whereat we might escape; the apartment was too well
+fitted up to admit the smallest crack; and we must then certainly have
+been destroyed, had we not, with uncommon presence of mind, ran up the
+back of the lady’s gown, by which means she lost sight of us, and gave
+us an opportunity to make our escape, as she opened the door to order
+the cat to be brought in. We seized the lucky moment, and, dropping
+from her gown, fled with the utmost haste out at the house door, which
+happened to be wide open; and I, without once looking behind me, ran on
+till I discovered a little crack in the brick wall, which I entered, and
+which, after many turnings and windings, brought me to this house, where
+I have now continued skulking about in its different apartments for
+above a month; during which time I have not heard the least tidings of
+my beloved brother Longtail. Whether, therefore, any mischief befell him
+as he followed me, or whether he entered the crack with me and then lost
+sight of me, I know not; but in vain have I sought him every day since
+my arrival within these walls, and so anxious am I to learn what is
+become of him, that I am now come forth, contrary to my nature, to
+engage your compassion, and to beseech you, in case--
+
+
+
+At this moment, the door of my room opened, and my servant coming
+hastily in, the mouse jumped from my table, and precipitately retreated
+to the same hole from whence it first addressed me; and though I have
+several times peeped into it, and even laid little bits of cake to
+entice it back again, yet have I never been able to see it any where
+since. Should either that, or any other, ever again favour me so far
+with their confidence, as to instruct me with their history, I will
+certainly communicate it with all possible speed to my little readers;
+who I hope have been wise enough to attend to the advice given them
+in the preceding pages, although it was delivered to them by one as
+insignificant as a MOUSE.
+
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+It is now some months ago since I took leave of my little readers,
+promising, in case I should ever hear any further tidings of either
+Nimble or Longtail, I would certainly communicate it to them; and, as I
+think it extremely wrong not to fulfil any engagement we enter into,
+I look upon myself bound to give them all the information I have since
+gained, relating to those two little animals; and I doubt not but they
+will be glad to hear what happened to them, after Nimble was frightened
+from my writing table by the entrance of my servant. If I recollect
+right, I have already told you, that I frequently peeped into the hole
+in the skirting-board, and laid bits of cake to try to entice my little
+companion back, but all to no purpose: and I had quite given over all
+hopes of ever again seeing him, when one day, as I was putting my hand
+into a large jar, which had some Turkey figs in it, I felt something
+soft at the bottom, and taking it out, found it to be a poor little
+mouse, not quite dead, but so starved and weak, that upon my placing it
+upon the table, it had not strength sufficient to get from me. A little
+boy happened to be standing by me, who, upon the sight of the mouse,
+began to beg me to give it to the cat, or kill it, ‘for I don’t like
+mice,’ said he; ‘pray, ma’am, put it away.’ ‘Not like mice,’ replied I;
+‘what can be your objection to such a little soft creature as this?’
+and taking advantage of its weakness, I picked it up, and held it in
+the palm of one hand, whilst I stroked it with the fingers of my right.
+‘Poor little mouse,’ said I, ‘who can be afraid of such a little object
+as this? Do you not feel ashamed of yourself, Joe, to fear such a little
+creature as this? Only look at it, observe how small it is, and then
+consider your own size, and surely, my dear, you will blush to think of
+being no more of a man than to fear a mouse! Look at me, Joe,’ continued
+I, ‘see, I will kiss it, I am not at all afraid that it will hurt me.’
+When, lifting it up toward my face, I heard it say, in the faintest
+voice possible, ‘Do you not know me?’ I instantly recollected my little
+friend Nimble, and rejoiced at so unexpectedly finding him. ‘What, is it
+you, little Nimble,’ exclaimed I, ‘that I again behold? Believe me, I
+am heartily rejoiced once more to find you; but tell me, where have you
+been, what have you done, whom have you seen, and what have you learned
+since you last left me?’ ‘Oh!’ replied he, in a voice so low I could
+scarcely hear him, ‘I have seen many things; but I am so faint and weak
+for want of food and fresh air, that I doubt I shall never live to tell
+you; but, for pity’s sake have compassion on me, either put me out of
+my present misery by instantly killing me, or else give me something
+to eat; for, if you knew my sufferings, I am sure it would grieve your
+heart.’ ‘Kill you!’ returned I, ‘no, that I will not: on the contrary, I
+will try by every method to restore you to health, and all the happiness
+a mouse is capable of feeling.’ I then instantly sent for some bread,
+and had the satisfaction of seeing him eat very heartily of it, after
+which he seemed much refreshed, and began to move about a little more
+suitable to his name; for, in truth, when I first found him, no living
+creature in the world could appear less deserving of the appellation of
+Nimble. I then fetched him a little milk, and gave him a lump of sugar
+to nibble; after eating of which he begged to retire into some safe
+little hole to take a nap, from whence he promised to return as soon as
+he should wake; and accordingly, in about an hour he again appeared on
+my table, and began as follows.
+
+
+
+I was frightened away from you just as I was going to implore your
+compassion for any unfortunate mouse that might happen to fall within
+your power; lest you should destroy my dear and only surviving brother,
+Longtail; but somebody entering the room, prevented me, and after I had
+regained my hiding place, I resolved to quit the house, and once
+more set out in search of my beloved brother. Accordingly, with great
+difficulty I made my way out of the house; but my distress was much
+increased upon finding the snow so deep upon the ground, that it was
+impossible for me to attempt to stir, as upon stepping one foot out to
+try, I found it far too deep for me to fathom the bottom. This greatly
+distressed me. ‘Alas!’ said I to myself, ‘what shall I do now? To
+proceed is impossible; and to return is very melancholy, without any
+tidings of my dear, dear Longtail.’ But I was interrupted in the midst
+of these reflections, by the appearance of two cats, who came running
+with such violence as to pass by without observing me: however, it
+put me in such consternation, that regardless where I went, I sprung
+forward, and sunk so deep in the snow that I must inevitably soon have
+perished, had not a boy come to the very place where I was, to gather
+snow for making snowballs to throw at his companions. Happily for me, he
+took me up in his hand, in the midst of the snow, which not less alarmed
+me, when I considered the sufferings I had before endured, and the cruel
+death of my brother Brighteyes, from the hands of boys. Oh! thought I to
+myself, what new tortures shall I now experience? Better had I perished
+in the cold snow, than be spared only to be tormented by the cruel hands
+of unthinking children.
+
+Scarcely had I made this reflection, when the boy called out, upon
+seeing me move, ‘Lud! what have I got here?’ at the same instant tossing
+the handful of snow from him in a violent hurry, without attempting
+to press it into a ball. Over I turned head and heels, wondering what
+further would be my fate, when I was happy to find I fell unhurt upon
+some hay, which was laid in the yard to fodder the cows and horses. Here
+I lay some time, so frightened by my adventure, as to be unable to move,
+and my little heart beat as if it would have burst its way through my
+breast; nor were my apprehensions at all diminished by the approach of a
+man, who gathered the hay up in his arms, and carried it (with me in the
+midst of it) into the stable; where, after littering down the horses, he
+left me once more to my own reflections.
+
+After he had been gone some time, and all things were quiet, I began
+to look about me, and soon found my way into a corn bin, where I made
+a most delicious supper, and slept free from any disturbance till the
+morning, when fearing I might be discovered, in case he should want any
+of the oats for his horses, I returned by the same place I had entered,
+and hid myself in one corner of the hayloft, where I passed the whole
+of the day more free from alarm than often falls to the lot of any of my
+species, and in the evening again returned to regale myself with corn,
+as I had done the night before. The great abundance with which I was
+surrounded, strongly tempted me to continue where I was; but then the
+thoughts of my absent brother embittered all my peace, and the advice of
+my mother came so much across my mind, that I determined before the next
+morning I would again venture forth and seek my fortune and my brother.
+Accordingly, after having eaten a very hearty meal, I left the bin, and
+was attempting to get out of the stable, when one of the horses being
+taken suddenly ill, made so much noise with his kicking and struggling,
+as to alarm the family, and the coachman entering with a lantern in his
+hand, put me into such consternation, that I ran for shelter into the
+pocket of a great coat, which hung up upon a peg next the harness of the
+horses. Here I lay snug for some hours, not daring to stir, as I smelt
+the footsteps of a cat frequently pass by, and heard the coachman extol
+her good qualities to a man who accompanied him into the stable; saying
+she was the best mouser in the kingdom. ‘I do not believe,’ added he, ‘I
+have a mouse in the stable or loft, she keeps so good a lookout. For the
+last two days I lent her to the cook, to put into her pantry, but I have
+got her back again, and I would not part with her for a crown; no, not
+for the best silver crown that ever was coined in the Tower.’ Then,
+through a little moth hole in the lining of the coat, I saw him lift her
+up, stroke her, and put her upon the back of one of the horses, where
+she stretched herself out, and went to sleep.
+
+In this situation I did not dare to stir, I had too often seen how eager
+cats are to watch mice, to venture out of the pocket, whilst she was so
+near me, especially as I did not at all know the holes or cracks round
+the stable, and should, therefore, had she jumped down, been quite at a
+loss where to run. So I determined to continue where I was till either
+hunger forced me, or the absence of the cat gave a better opportunity
+of escaping. But scarce had I taken up this resolution when the coachman
+again entered, and suddenly taking the coat from the peg, put it on, and
+marched out with me in his pocket.
+
+It is utterly impossible to describe my fear and consternation at this
+event, to jump out whilst in the stable exposed me to the jaws of the
+cat, and to attempt it when out of doors was but again subjecting myself
+to be frozen to death, for the snow continued still on the ground; yet
+to stay in his pocket was running the chance of suffering a still more
+dreadful death by the barbarous hands of man; and nothing did I expect,
+in case he should find me, but either to be tortured like Softdown, or
+given to be the sport of his favorite cat--a fate almost as much dreaded
+as the other. However it was soon put out of my power to determine, for
+whilst I was debating in my own mind what course I had better take, he
+mounted the coachbox, and drove away with me in his pocket, till he came
+to a large house, about a mile distant from this place; there he put
+down the company he had in the coach, and then drove into the yard. But
+he had not been there many moments before the coachman of the family he
+was come to, invited him into the kitchen to warm himself, drink a mug
+of ale, and eat a mouthful of cold meat. As soon as he entered, and
+had paid the proper compliments to the Mrs. Betties and Mollies at the
+place, he pulled off his great coat, and hung it across the back of his
+chair. I instantly seized the first opportunity and whilst they were all
+busy assembling round the luncheon table, made my escape, and ran under
+a cupboard door close to the chimney, where I had an opportunity of
+seeing and hearing all that passed, part of which conversation I will
+relate to you.
+
+‘Well, Mr. John,’ said a footman, addressing himself to the man whose
+pocket I had just left, ‘how fare you? Are you pretty hearty? You look
+well, I am sure.’ ‘Aye, and so I am, replied he. ‘I never was better in
+all my life; I live comfortably, have a good master and mistress, eat
+and drink bravely, and what can a man wish for more? For my part I am
+quite contented, and if I do but continue to enjoy my health, I am sure
+I shall be very ungrateful not to be so.’ ‘That’s true,’ said the other,
+‘but the misfortune of it is, people never know when they are well off,
+but are apt to fret and wish and wish and fret, for something or other
+all their lives, and so never have any enjoyment. Now for my own part,
+I must needs confess, that I cannot help wishing I was a gentleman, and
+think I should be a deal happier if I was.’ ‘Pshaw!’ replied John, ‘I
+don’t like now to hear a man say so; it looks as if you are discontented
+with the state in which you are placed, and depend upon it, you are in
+the one that is fittest for you, or you would not have been put into it.
+And as for being happier if you were a gentleman, I don’t know what
+to say to it. To be sure, to have a little more money in one’s pocket,
+nobody can deny that it would be very agreeable; and to be at liberty
+to come in and go out when one pleased, to be sure would be very
+comfortable. But still, Bob, still you may assure yourself, that no
+state in this world is free from care, and if we were turned into lords,
+we should find many causes for uneasiness. So here’s your good health,’
+said he, lifting the mug to his mouth, ‘wishing, my lad, you may
+be contented, cheerful, and good humoured; for without these three
+requisites, content, cheerfulness, and good humour, no one person upon
+earth, rich or poor, old or young, can ever feel comfortable or happy;
+and so here’s to you, I say.’ ‘And here’s the same good wishes to you,’
+said a clean decent cook-woman servant, who took up the mug upon John’s
+putting it down. ‘Content, cheerfulness, and good humour, I think was
+the toast.’ Then wiping her mouth, as she began her speech, she added,
+‘and an excellent one it is: I wish all folks would mind it, and
+endeavour to acquire three such good qualifications.’ ‘I am sure,’
+rejoined another female servant, whose name I heard was Sally, ‘I wish
+so too: at least I wish Miss Mary would try to gain a little more of the
+good humour; for I never came near such a cross crab in my life as it
+is. I declare I hate the sight of the girl, she is such a proud little
+minx she would not vouchsafe to speak to a poor servant for the world;
+as if she thought because we are poorer, we were therefore not of the
+same nature: her sisters, I think are worth ten of her, they always
+reply so civilly if a body speaks to them, and say, “Yes, if you please,
+Mrs. Sally, or No, thank you, Mr. Bob;” or “I should be obliged to you
+if you would do so and so, Mrs. Nelly,” and not plain yes or no, as she
+does; and well too if you can get even that from her; for sometimes I
+declare she will not deign to give one any answer at all.’ ‘Aye, that is
+a sure thing she won’t,’ replied the maid servant who first drank, ‘it
+is a sad thing she should behave so; I can’t think, for my part, where
+she learns it; I am sure neither her papa nor mamma set her the example
+of it, for they always speak as pretty and as kind as it is possible
+to do; and I have heard, with my own ears, my mistress tell her of it
+twenty and twenty times, but she will do so. I am sure it is a sad thing
+that she should, for she will always make people dislike her. I am sure,
+if young gentlemen and ladies did not know how it makes people love them
+to speak civilly and kind, they would take great care not to behave like
+Miss Mary. Do you know, the other day, when Mrs. Lime’s maid brought
+little Miss Peggy to see my mistress, when she went away, she made a
+courtesy to Miss Mary, and said, “Good morning to you, Miss.” And would
+you think it, the child stood like a stake, and never returned it so
+much as by a nod of the head, nor did she open her lips. I saw by her
+looks the maid took notice of it, and I am sure I have such a regard for
+the family, that I felt quite ashamed of her behaviour.’ ‘Oh! she served
+me worse than that,’ resumed Sally, ‘for, would you believe it, the
+other day I begged her to be so kind as to let her mamma know I wanted
+to speak with her; and I did not choose to go into the room myself,
+because I was dirty, and there was company there; but for all I desired
+her over and over only just to step in (and she was at play close to the
+door) yet, could you suppose it possible, she was ill-natured enough to
+refuse me, and would not do it at last.’ ‘Well, if ever I heard the like
+of that!’ exclaimed John, whose pocket I had been in. ‘I think that was
+being cross indeed, and if a child of mine was to behave in that surly
+manner, I would whip it to death almost. I abominate such unkind doings,
+let everyone, I say, do as they like to be done by, and that is the only
+way to be happy, and the only way to deserve to be so; for if folks will
+not try to be kind, and oblige others, why should anybody try to please
+them? And if Miss Mary was my girl, and chose to behave rude and cross
+to the servants, if I was her papa, I would order them to refuse doing
+anything for her. I would soon humble her pride I warrant you, for
+nobody should make her puddings, or cut her bread, or do anything for
+her till she learned to be kind, and civil, and thankful too, for all
+that was done for her. I have no notion, for my part, for a child to
+give herself such airs for nothing; and because her parents happen to
+have a little more money in their pockets, for that reason to think she
+may be rude to poor folks; but though servants are poor, still surely
+they are richer than she is; I should like to ask her how much she has
+got? and which way she came by it? A child I am sure is no richer than a
+beggar, for they have not a farthing that is not given them through mere
+bounty; whereas a servant who works for his living, has a right and just
+claim to his wages, and may truly call them his own; but a child has
+not one farthing that is not its parents. So here’s my service to you,
+Miss,’ said he, (again lifting the ale-mug to his mouth) ‘and wishing
+her a speedy reformation of manners, I drink to her very good health.’
+
+John drank to the bottom of the mug, and then shaking the last drop
+into the ashes under the grate, he told the following story, as he sat
+swinging the mug by its handle across his two forefingers, which he had
+joined for that purpose.
+
+‘When my father was a young man he lived at one Mr. Speedgo’s, as upper
+footman: they were vastly rich. Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and by good
+luck he gathered gold as fast as his neighbours would pick up stones (as
+a body may say). So they kept two or three carriages, there was a coach,
+and a chariot, and a phaeton, and I can’t tell what besides, and a power
+of servants you may well suppose to attend them all; and very well they
+lived, with plenty of victuals and drink. But though they wanted for
+nothing still they never much loved either their master or mistress,
+they used to give their orders in so haughty and imperious a manner; and
+if asked a civil question, answer so shortly, as if they thought their
+servants not worthy of their notice: so that, in short, no one loved
+them, nor their children either, for they brought them up just like
+themselves, to despise everyone poorer than they were; and to speak as
+cross to their servants as if they had been so many adders they were
+afraid would bite them.
+
+‘I have heard my father say, that if Master Speedgo wanted his horse
+to be got ready, he would say, “Saddle my horse!” in such a displeasing
+manner as made it quite a burthen to do anything for him. Or if the
+young ladies wanted a piece of bread and butter, or cake, they would
+say, “Give me a bit of cake;” or, if they added the word pray to
+it, they spoke in such a grumpy way, as plainly showed they thought
+themselves a deal better than their servants; forgetting that an honest
+servant is just as worthy a member of society as his master, and whilst
+he behaves well, as much deserving of civility as anybody. But to go
+on with my story. I have already told you Mr. Speedgo was very rich and
+very proud, nor would he on any account suffer anyone to visit at his
+house whom he thought below him, as he called it; or at least, if he
+did, he always took care to behave to them in such a manner, as plainly
+to let them know he thought he showed a mighty favour in conversing with
+them.
+
+‘Among the rest of the servants there was one Molly Mount, as good a
+hearted girl, my father says, as ever lived: she had never received much
+education, because her parents could not afford to give her any, and
+she learned to read after she was at Mr. Speedgo’s from one of the
+housemaids, who was kind enough to teach her a little; but you may
+suppose, from such sort of teaching, she was no very good scholar.
+However, she read well enough to be able to make out some chapters in
+the Bible; and an excellent use she made of them, carefully fulfilling
+every duty she there found recommended as necessary for a Christian
+to practice. She used often to say she was perfectly contented in her
+station, and only wished for more money that she might have it in
+her power to do more good. And sometimes, when she was dressing and
+attending the young ladies of the family, she would advise them to
+behave prettier than they did; telling them, “That by kindness and
+civility they would be so far from losing respect, that, on the
+contrary, they would much gain it. For we cannot (she would very truly
+say) have any respect for those people who seem to forget their human
+nature, and behave as if they thought themselves superior to the rest of
+their fellow-creatures. Young ladies and gentlemen have no occasion
+to make themselves very intimate or familiar with their servants; but
+everybody ought to speak civilly and good-humouredly, let it be to whom
+it may: and if I was a lady I should make it a point never to look cross
+or speak gruffly to the poor, for fear they should think I forgot I was
+of the same human nature as they were.” By these kind of hints, which
+every now and then she would give to the misses, they were prodigiously
+offended, and complained of her insolence, as they called it, to their
+mamma, who very wrongly, instead of teaching them to behave better,
+joined with them in blaming Molly for her freedom, and, to show her
+displeasure at her conduct, put on a still haughtier air, whenever she
+spoke to her, than she did to any other of the servants. Molly, however,
+continued to behave extremely well, and often very seriously lamented
+in the kitchen the wrong behaviour of the family. “I don’t mind it,” she
+would say, “for my own part; I know that I do my duty, and their cross
+looks and proud behaviour can do me no real harm: but I cannot help
+grieving for their sakes; it distresses me to think that people who
+ought to know better, should, by their ill conduct, make themselves so
+many enemies, when they could so easily gain friends--I am astonished
+how anybody can act so foolishly.”
+
+‘In this sensible manner she would frequently talk about the sin as
+well as the folly of pride. And one day, as she was talking to her
+fellow-servants, rather louder than in prudence she ought to have done,
+her two young ladies overheard her; and the next time she went to dress
+them, they enquired what it was she had been saying to the other maids.
+“Indeed, ladies,” said she, “I hope you will excuse my telling you. I
+think, if you give yourselves time to reflect a little, you will not
+insist upon knowing, as it is beneath such rich ladies as you are, to
+concern yourselves with what poor servants talk about.” This answer did
+not, however, satisfy them, and they positively commanded her to let
+them know. Molly was by far too good a woman to attempt to deceive
+anyone; she therefore replied, “If, ladies, you insist upon knowing what
+I said, I hope you will not take anything amiss that I may tell you,
+thus compelled as I am by your commands. You must know then, Miss Betsy
+and Miss Rachael, that I was saying how sad a thing it was for people to
+be proud because they are rich; or to fancy, because they happen to have
+a little more money, that for that reason they are better than their
+servants, when in reality the whole that makes one person better than
+another is, having superior virtues, being kinder and more good natured,
+and readier to assist and serve their fellow-creatures; these are the
+qualifications, I was saying, that make people beloved, and not being
+possessed of money. Money may, indeed, procure servants to do their
+business for them, but it is not in the power of all the riches in the
+world to purchase the love and esteem of anyone. What a sad thing then
+it is, when gentlefolks behave so as to make themselves despised; and
+that will ever be the case with all those who, like (excuse me, ladies,
+you insisted upon my telling you what I said) Miss Betsy, and Miss
+Rachael, and Master James, show such contempt to all their inferiors.
+Nobody could wish children of their fortunes to make themselves too
+free, or play with their servants; but if they were little kings and
+queens, still they ought to speak kind and civil to everyone. Indeed our
+king and queen would scorn to behave like the children of this family,
+and if--” She was going on, but they stopped her, saying, “If you say
+another word, we will push you out of the room this moment, you
+rude, bold, insolent woman; you ought to be ashamed of speaking so
+disrespectfully of your betters; but we will tell our mamma, that we
+will, and she won’t suffer you to allow your tongue such liberties.”
+ “If,” replied Molly, “I have offended you, I am sorry for it, and beg
+your pardon, ladies; I am sure I had no wish to do so; and you should
+remember that you both insisted upon my telling you what I had been
+saying.” “So we did,” said they, “but you had no business to say it all;
+and I promise you my mamma shall know it.”
+
+‘In this manner they went on for some time; but, to make short of my
+story, they represented the matter in such a manner to their mother,
+that she dismissed Molly from her service, with a strict charge never to
+visit the house again. “For,” said Mrs. Speedgo, “no servant who behaves
+as you have done, shall ever enter my doors again, or eat another
+mouthful in my house.” Molly had no desire so suddenly to quit her
+place; but as her conscience perfectly acquitted her of any wilful
+crime, after receiving her wages, respectfully wishing all the family
+their health, and taking a friendly leave of her fellow-servants, she
+left the house, and soon engaged herself as dairy-maid in a farmer’s
+family, about three miles off; in which place she behaved so extremely
+well, and so much to the satisfaction of her master and mistress, that,
+after she had lived there a little more than two years, with their
+entire approbation, she was married to their eldest son, a sober, worthy
+young man, to whom his father gave a fortune not much less than three
+thousand pounds, with which he bought and stocked a very pretty farm in
+Somersetshire, where they lived as happy as virtue and affluence could
+make them. By industry and care they prospered beyond their utmost
+expectations, and, by their prudence and good behaviour, gained the
+esteem and love of all who knew them.
+
+‘To their servants (for they soon acquired riches enough to keep three
+or four, I mean household ones, besides the number that were employed in
+the farming business) they behaved with such kindness and civility, that
+had they even given less wages than their neighbours, they would never
+have been in want of any; everyone being desirous of getting into a
+family where they were treated with such kindness and condescension.
+
+‘In this happy manner they continued to live for many years, bringing
+up a large family of children to imitate their virtues; but one great
+mortification they were obliged to submit to, which was that of putting
+their children very early to boarding school, a circumstance which
+the want of education in Mrs. and indeed I may add Mr. Flail, rendered
+absolutely necessary.
+
+‘But I am afraid, Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, you will be tired, as I
+have but half told my story; but I will endeavour to make short work
+of it, though indeed it deserves to be noticed, for it will teach one
+a great deal, and convince one how little the world’s riches are to be
+depended on.
+
+‘I have said, you know, that Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and a very rich
+one too. It is unknown what vast sums of money he used to spend! when,
+would you think it, either through spending it too fast, or some losses
+he met with in trade, he broke all to nothing, and had not a farthing to
+pay his creditors. I forgot how many thousand pounds it was he owed;
+but it was a vast great many. Well! this you may be sure was a great
+mortification to them; they begged for mercy from their creditors; but
+as in their prosperity they had never shown much mercy themselves to
+those they thought beneath them, so now they met with very little from
+others: the poor saying they deserved it for their pride; the rich
+condemning them for their presumption, in trying to vie with those of
+superior birth; and those who had been less successful in business,
+blaming them for their extravagance, which, they said, had justly
+brought on them their misfortunes.
+
+‘In this distress, in vain it was they applied for assistance to those
+they had esteemed their friends; for as they never had been careful to
+form their connections with people of real merit, only seeking to be
+acquainted with those who were rich and prosperous, so now they could no
+longer return their civilities, they found none were ready to show them
+any, but everyone seemed anxious to keep from them as much as possible.
+Thus distressed, and finding no one willing to help them, the young
+squire, Master James, was obliged to go to sea: while Miss Betsy and
+Miss Rachael were even forced to try to get their living by service,
+a way of life they were both ill qualified to undertake, for they had
+always so accustomed themselves to be waited on and attended, that they
+scarcely knew how to help themselves, much less how to work for others.
+The consequence of which was, they gave so little satisfaction to their
+employers, that they staid but a little time in a place, and from so
+frequently changing, no family, who wished to be well settled, would
+admit them, as they thought it impossible they could be good servants
+whom no one thought worthy of keeping.
+
+‘It is impossible to describe the many and great mortifications those
+two young ladies met with. They now frequently recollected the words of
+Molly Mount, and earnestly wished they had attended to them whilst it
+was in their power, as by so doing they would have secured to themselves
+friends. And they very forcibly found, that, although they were poor and
+servants, yet they were as sensible of kind treatment and civility, as
+if they had been richer.
+
+‘After they had been for some years changing from place to place, always
+obliged to put up with very low wages, upon account of their being so
+ill qualified for servants, it happened that Miss Betsy got into service
+at Watchet, a place about three miles distant from Mr. Flail’s farm.
+Here she had a violent fit of illness, and not having been long enough
+in the family to engage their generosity to keep her, she was dismissed
+upon account of her ill health rendering her wholly incapable of doing
+her business for which she was hired. She then, with the very little
+money she had, procured a lodging in a miserable little dirty cottage;
+but through weakness being unable to work, she soon exhausted her whole
+stock, and was even obliged to quit this habitation, bad as it was, and
+for some days support herself wholly by begging from door to door, often
+meeting with very unkind language for so idle an employment; some people
+telling her to go to her parish, when, alas! her parish was many miles
+distant, and she, poor creature, had no means of getting there.
+
+‘At last she wandered, in this distressful situation, to the house of
+Mr. Flail, and walked into the farm yard just at the time the cows were
+being milked. She, who for a long time had tasted nothing but bits of
+broken bread, and had no drink besides water she had scooped up in her
+hands, looked at the quantity of fresh milk with a most wishful eye;
+and, going to the women who were milking, she besought them in a moving
+manner to give her a draught, as she was almost ready to perish. “For
+pity’s sake,” said she, “have compassion upon a poor wretch, dying with
+sickness, hunger, and thirst; it is a long time since I have tasted
+a mouthful of wholesome victuals, my lips are now almost parched with
+thirst, and I am so faint for want, that I can scarcely stand; my
+sufferings are very great indeed, it would melt a heart of stone to hear
+the story of my woes. Oh! have pity upon a fellow-creature then, and
+give me one draught of that milk, which can never be missed out of so
+vast a quantity as you have there, and may you never, never, know what
+it is to suffer as I now do.” To this piteous request, she received for
+answer, the common one of “Go about your business, we have nothing for
+you, so don’t come here.” “We should have enough to do indeed,” said one
+of the milkers, “if we were to give every idle beggar who would like a
+draught of this delicious milk; but no, indeed, we shall not give you a
+drop; so go about your business, and don’t come plaguing us here.” Mrs.
+Flail, who happened to be in the yard, with one of her children who was
+feeding the chickens, overheard enough of this to make her come
+forward, and enquire what was the matter. “Nothing, ma’am,” replied the
+milk-maid, “only I was sending away this nasty dirty creature, who was
+so bold as to come asking for milk indeed! But beggars grow so impudent
+now-a-days there never was the like of it.” “Oh fie!” returned Mrs.
+Flail, shocked at her inhuman way of speaking, “fie upon you, to speak
+in so unkind a manner of a poor creature in distress.” Then turning to
+the beggar, she inquired what she wanted, in so mild a tone of voice,
+that it encouraged her to speak and tell her distress.
+
+‘Mrs. Flail listened with the greatest attention, and could not help
+being struck with her speech and appearance; for though she was clothed
+in rags (having parted with all her better clothes to pay for lodging
+and food) still there was a something in her language and manner which
+discovered that she was no common beggar. Betsy had stood all the time
+with her eyes fixed upon the ground, scarcely once lifting them to
+look at the face of Mrs. Flail; and she was so changed herself by her
+troubles and sickness, that it was impossible for any one who had ever
+seen Miss Speedgo, to recollect her in her present miserable state. Mrs.
+Flail, however, wanted no farther inducement to relieve her than to hear
+she was in want. “Every fellow-creature in distress,” she used to say,
+“was a proper object of her bounty; and whilst she was blessed with
+plenty she thought it her duty to relieve, as far as she prudently
+could, all whom she knew to be in need.” She therefore fetched a mug,
+and, filling it with milk herself, gave it to the poor woman to drink.
+“Here,” said she, “take this, good woman, and I hope it will refresh and
+be of service to you.” Betsy held out her hand for it, and, lifting her
+eyes up to look at Mrs. Flail, whilst she thanked her for her kindness,
+was greatly astonished to discover in her benefactress, the features
+of her old servant, Molly Mount. “Bless me!” said she, with an air
+of confusion, “What do I see? Who is it? Where am I? Madam, pardon my
+boldness, but pray forgive me, ma’am, but is not your name Mount?” “It
+was,” replied Mrs. Flail, “but I have been married for thirteen years to
+a Mr. Flail, and that is my name now. But, pray, where did you ever see
+me before? or how came you to know anything of me?” Poor Betsy could
+return no answer, her shame at being seen by her servant that was, in
+her present condition, and the consciousness of having so ill-treated
+that very servant, to whose kindness she was now indebted; all together
+were too much for her in her weak state, and she fell senseless at Mrs.
+Flail’s feet.
+
+‘This still added to Mrs. Flail’s surprise, and she had her carried into
+the house and laid upon a bed, where she used every means to bring her
+to herself again; which, after a considerable time, succeeded; and she
+then (covered with shame and remorse) told her who she was, and how
+she came into that miserable condition. No words can describe the
+astonishment Mrs. Flail was in, at hearing the melancholy story of her
+sufferings; nor is it possible to tell with what generosity and kindness
+she strove to comfort her, telling her to compose herself, for she
+should no longer be in want of any thing. “I have, thank Heaven,” said
+she, “a most worthy good man for my husband, who will rejoice with me in
+having it in his power to relieve a suffering fellow-creature. Do not,
+therefore, any longer distress yourself upon what passed between us
+formerly. I had, for my part, forgotten it, if you had not now told it
+me; but, however I might then take the liberty to censure you for too
+much haughtiness. I am sure I have no occasion to do so now. Think no
+more, therefore, I beseech you, upon those times which are now past; but
+be comforted, and make yourself as happy as in my humble plain manner of
+living you can possibly do.”
+
+‘She then furnished her with some of her own clothes, till she could
+procure her new ones, and sent immediately for a physician from the next
+town; by following of whose prescription, together with good nursing,
+and plenty of all necessaries, she soon recovered her health; but she
+was too deeply affected with the thoughts of her former misconduct ever
+to feel happy in her situation, though Mrs. Flail used every method in
+her power to render her as comfortable as possible. Nor did she confine
+her goodness only to this one daughter, but sent also for her sister and
+mother (her father being dead), and fitted up a neat little house
+for them near their own. But as the Flails could not afford wholly to
+maintain them for nothing, they entrusted the poultry to their care;
+which enabled them to do with one servant less; and by that means they
+could, without any great expense, afford to give them sufficient to make
+their lives comfortable, that is, as far as their own reflections would
+let them; for the last words Mrs. Speedgo said to Molly, when she parted
+from her, dwelt continually upon her mind, and filled her with shame and
+remorse.
+
+‘“I told her,” said she, “that she should never again come into my
+doors, or eat another mouthful in my house; and now it is her bounty
+alone which keeps us all from perishing. Oh! how unworthy are we of such
+goodness! True, indeed, was what she told you, that kindness and virtue
+were far more valuable than riches. Goodness and kindness no time or
+change can take from us; but riches soon fly as it were away, and then
+what are we the better for having been once possessed of them?”’
+
+Here Mr. John stopped, and jumping hastily up, and turning round to Mrs.
+Sally, Mrs. Nelly, and Mr. Bob, exclaimed, rubbing his hands--‘There
+ladies, I have finished my story; and, let me tell you, so long
+preaching has made my throat dry, so another mug of ale, if you please,
+Master Bobby (tapping him at the same time upon the shoulder), another
+mug of ale, my boy; for faith, talking at the rate I have done,
+is enough to wear a man’s lungs out, and, in truth, I have need of
+something to hearten me after such fatigue.’
+
+‘Well, I am sure,’ replied Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, in the same
+breath, ‘we are greatly obliged to you for your history; and I am sure
+it deserves to be framed and glazed, and it ought to be hung up in the
+hall of every family, that all people may see the sad effects of pride,
+and how little cause people have, because they are rich, to despise
+those who are poor; since it frequently happens, that those who this
+year are like little kings, may the next be beggars; and then they will
+repent, when it is too late, of all their pride and unkindness they
+showed to those beneath them.’
+
+Here the conversation was put a stop to by the bell ringing, and John
+being ordered to drive to the door. I, who during the whole of the
+history had been feasting upon a mince-pie, now thought it safer to
+conceal myself in a little hole in the wainscot of the closet, where,
+finding myself very safe, I did not awake till midnight. After the
+family were all retired to rest, I peeped out of the hole, and there saw
+just such another frightful trap as that which was the prelude to
+poor Softdown’s sufferings. Startled at the sight, I retreated back as
+expeditiously as possible, nor ever stopped till I found my way into a
+bed-chamber, where lay two little girls fast asleep.
+
+I looked about for some time, peeping into every hole and corner before
+I could find any thing to eat, there being not so much as a candle in
+the room with them. At last I crept into a little leathern trunk, which
+stood on a table, not shut down quite close: here I instantly smelt
+something good: but was obliged to gnaw through a great deal of linen
+to get at it; it was wrapped up in a lap-bag, amongst a vast quantity of
+work. However, I made my way through half a hundred folds, and at last
+was amply repaid, by finding out a nice piece of plum-cake, and the pips
+of an apple, which I could easily get at, one half of it having been eat
+away. Whilst I was thus engaged I heard a cat mew, and not knowing how
+near she might be, I endeavoured to jump out; but in the hurry I somehow
+or other entangled myself in the muslin, and pulled that, trunk and all,
+down with me; for the trunk stood half off the table, so that the least
+touch in the world overset it, otherwise my weight could never have
+tumbled it down.
+
+The noise of the fall, however, waked the children, and I heard one say
+to the other,--‘Bless me! Mary, what is that noise?--What can it be? I
+am almost frightened out of my wits; do, pray, sister, hug me close!’
+‘Pooh!’ replied the other, ‘never mind it! What in the world need you
+be frightened at? What do you suppose will hurt you? It sounded as if
+something fell down; but as it has not fallen upon us, and I do not hear
+anybody stirring, or speaking as if they were hurt, what need we care
+about it? So pray, Nancy, let us go to sleep again; for as yet I have
+not had half sufficient, I am sure; I hope morning is not coming yet,
+for I am not at all ready to get up.’ ‘I am sure,’ answered the other,
+‘I wish it was morning, and daylight now, for I should like to get up
+vastly, I do not like to lay here in the dark any longer; I have a great
+mind to ring the bell, and then mamma or somebody will come to us with
+a candle.’ ‘And what in the world,’ rejoined Mary, ‘will be the use of
+that? Do you want a candle to light you to look for the wounds the noise
+has given you; or what can you wish to disturb my mamma for? Come,
+let me cuddle you, and do go to sleep, child, for I cannot think what
+occasion there is for us to keep awake because we heard a noise; I never
+knew that noise had teeth or claws to hurt one with; and I am sure this
+has not hurt me; and so, whether you choose to lie awake or not, I will
+go to sleep, and so good-bye to you, and pray do not disturb me any
+more, for I cannot talk any longer.’ ‘But, Mary,’ again replied the
+other, ‘pray do not go to sleep yet, I want to speak to you.’ ‘Well,
+what do you want to say?’ inquired Mary. ‘Why, pray have you not very
+often,’ said Nancy, ‘heard of thieves breaking into people’s houses and
+robbing them; and I am sadly afraid that noise was some rogues coming
+in; so pray, Mary, do not go to sleep, I am in such a fright and tremble
+you cannot think. Speak, Mary, have not you, I say, heard of thieves?’
+‘Yes,’ replied Mary, in a very sleepy voice, ‘a great many times.’
+‘Well, then, pray sister, do not go to sleep,’ said Nancy, in a peevish
+accent, ‘suppose, I say that noise I heard should be thieves, what
+should we do? What will become of us? O! what shall we do?’--‘Why, go
+to sleep, I tell you,’ said Mary, ‘as fast as you can; at least, do pray
+let me, for I cannot say I am in the smallest fear about house-breakers
+or house-makers either; and of all the robberies I ever heard of in all
+my life, I never heard of thieves stealing little girls; so do, there’s
+a dear girl, go to sleep again, and do not so foolishly frighten
+yourself out of your wits for nothing.’ ‘Well,’ replied Nancy, ‘I will
+not keep you awake any longer; but I am sure I shall not be able to get
+another wink of sleep all night.’
+
+Here the conversation ended, and I could not help thinking how foolish
+it was for people to permit themselves to be terrified for nothing. Here
+is a little girl, now, thought I, in a nice clean room, and covered up
+warm in bed, with pretty green curtains drawn round her, to keep the
+wind from her head, and the light in the morning from her eyes; and yet
+she is distressing herself, and making herself really uncomfortable, and
+unhappy, only because I, a poor, little, harmless mouse, with scarcely
+strength sufficient to gnaw a nutshell, happened to jump from the table,
+and throw down, perhaps, her own box.--Oh! what a pity it is that people
+should so destroy their own comfort! How sweetly might this child have
+passed the night, if she had but, like her sister, wisely reflected that
+a noise could not possibly hurt them; and that, had any of the family
+occasioned it, by falling down, or running against anything in the dark
+which hurt them, most likely they would have heard some more stirring
+about.
+
+And upon this subject the author cannot help, in human form (as well as
+in that of a mouse), observing how extremely ridiculous it is for people
+to suffer themselves to be terrified upon every trifling occasion that
+happens; as if they had no more resolution than a mouse itself, which is
+liable to be destroyed every meal it makes. And, surely, nothing can
+be more absurd than for children to be afraid of thieves and
+house-breakers; since, as little Mary said, they never want to seek
+after children. Money is all they want; and as children have very seldom
+much of that in their possession, they may assure themselves they are
+perfectly safe, and have therefore no occasion to alarm themselves if
+they hear a noise, without being able to make out what it is; unless,
+indeed, like the child I have just been writing about, they would be
+so silly as to be frightened at a little mouse; for most commonly the
+noises we hear, if we lay awake in the night, are caused by mice running
+about and playing behind the wainscot: and what reasonable person would
+suffer themselves to be alarmed by such little creatures as those? But
+it is time I should return to the history of my little make-believe
+companion, who went on, saying--
+
+The conversation I have been relating I overheard as I lay concealed in
+a shoe that stood close by the bedside, and into which I ran the moment
+I jumped off the table, and where I kept snug till the next morning;
+when, just as the clock was striking eight, the same Mrs. Nelly, whom I
+saw the day before in the kitchen, entered the apartment, and accosted
+the young ladies, saying, ‘Good morning to you, ladies, do you know that
+it is time to get up?’ ‘Then, pray, Nelly, lace my stays, will you?’
+said Miss Nancy. ‘But lace mine first, and give me my other shoes; for
+those I wore yesterday must be brushed, because I stepped in the dirt,
+and so when you go down you must remember, and take and brush them, and
+then let me have them again,’ said Mary; ‘but come and dress me now.’
+
+Well, thought I, this is a rude way of speaking, indeed, something like
+Miss Nancy Artless, at the house where my poor dear Softdown was so
+cruelly massacred; I am sure I hope I shall not meet with the like fate
+here, and I wish I was safe out of this shoe; for, perhaps, presently it
+will be wanted to be put on Mary’s foot; and I am sure I must not expect
+to meet any mercy from a child who shows so bad a disposition as to
+speak to a servant in so uncivil a manner, for no good-natured person
+would do that.
+
+With these kind of reflections I was amusing myself for some little
+time, when, all on a sudden, they were put an end to, by my finding the
+shoe in which I was concealed, hastily taken up; and before I had time
+to recollect what I had best do, I was almost killed by some violent
+blows I received, which well nigh broke every bone in my skin. I crept
+quite up to the toe of the shoe, so that I was not at all seen, and the
+maid, when she took up the shoes, held one in one hand, and the other in
+the other, by their heels, and then slapped them hard together, to beat
+out of some of the dust which was in them. This she repeated three or
+four times, till I was quite stunned; and how or which way I tumbled or
+got out, I know not; but when I came to myself. I was close up behind
+the foot of a table, in a large apartment, where were several children,
+and a gentleman and a lady, all conversing together with the greatest
+good humour and harmony.
+
+The first words I heard distinctly enough to remember, were those of
+a little boy, about five years old, who, with eagerness exclaimed--‘I
+forget you! no that I never shall. If I was to go a hundred thousand
+miles off, I am sure I shall never forget you. What! do you think I
+should ever, as long as I live, if it is a million of years, forget my
+own dear papa and mamma? No; that I should not, I am very, very sure
+I never should.’ ‘Well, but Tom,’ interrupted the gentleman, ‘if in a
+million of years you should not forget us, I dare say, in less than two
+months you will forget our advice, and before you have been at school
+half that time, you will get to squabbling with and tricking the other
+boys, just as they do with one another; and instead of playing at all
+times with the strictest openness and honour, you will, I sadly fear,
+learn to cheat, and deceive, and pay no attention to what your mother
+and I have been telling you.’ ‘No’, that I am sure I sha’n’t!’ replied
+the boy. ‘What! do you think I shall be so wicked as to turn a thief,
+and cheat people?’ ‘I dare say, my dear,’ resumed the father, ‘you will
+not do what we call thieving; but as I know there are many naughty boys
+in all schools, I am afraid they will teach you to commit dishonourable
+actions, and to tell you there is no harm in them, and that they are
+signs of cleverness and spirit, and qualifications very necessary for
+every boy to possess.’ ‘Aye, that’s sure enough,’ said the boy, who
+appeared about ten years old, ‘for they almost all declare, that if
+a boy is not sharp and cunning, he might almost as well be out of the
+world as in it. But, as you say, papa, I hate such behaviour, I am sure
+there is one of our boys, who is so wonderfully clever and acute, as
+they call him, that I detest ever having any thing to do with him; for
+unless one watches him as a cat would watch a mouse, he is sure to cheat
+or play one some trick or other.’ ‘What sort of tricks do you mean?’
+inquired the little boy. ‘Why, I will tell you,’ replied the other. ‘You
+know nothing of the games we have at school, so if I was to tell you how
+he plays at them, you would not understand what I meant. But you know
+what walking about blindfold is, don’t you? Well! one day, about a dozen
+boys agreed to have a blind race, and the boy who got nearest the goal,
+which was a stick driven in the ground with a shilling upon the top of
+it, was to win the shilling, provided he did it fairly without seeing.’
+‘I suppose,’ interrupted Tom, ‘you mean the boy who got to the stick
+first.’ ‘No, I do not,’ replied his brother, ‘I mean what I say, the boy
+who got nearest it, no matter whether he came first or last; the fun
+was to see them try to keep in a straight path, with their eyes tied
+up, whilst they wander quite in the wrong, and not to try who could run
+fastest. Well! when they, were all blinded, and twisted round three or
+four times before they were suffered to set off, they directed their
+steps the way they thought would directly conduct them to the goal; and
+some of them had almost reached it, when Sharply (the boy I mentioned)
+who had placed a shilling upon the stick, for they drew lots who should
+do that, and he who furnished the money was to stand by it, to observe
+who won it by coming nearest; well, Sharply, I say, just as they came
+close to it, moved away softly to another place, above three yards
+distant from any of them (for I should have told you, that if none of
+them got within three yards, the shilling was to remain his, and they
+were each to give him a penny.) So then he untied their eyes, and
+insisted upon it they had all of them lost. But two or three of us
+happened to be by, and so we said he had cheated them, and ought not
+to keep the money, as it had fairly been won by Smyth. But he would not
+give it up, so it made a quarrel between him and Smyth, and at last they
+fought, and Mr. Chiron confined them both in the school all the rest of
+the afternoon, and when he heard what the quarrel was about, he took
+the shilling from Sharply, and called him a mean-spirited cheat; but he
+would not let Smyth have it, because he said he deserved to lose it for
+fighting about such a trifle, and so it was put into the forfeit-money.’
+
+‘But pray do not you think Sharply behaved extremely wrong?’ ‘Shamefully
+so, indeed,’ said the gentleman. ‘I never could have any opinion of a
+boy ‘who could act so dishonourably,’ said the lady, ‘let his cleverness
+be what it would.’ ‘Pray, Frank, tell me some more,’ said the little
+boy. ‘More!’ replied Frank, ‘I could tell you an hundred such kind of
+things. One time, as Peter Light was walking up the yard, with some
+damsons in his hat, Sharply ran by, and as he passed, knocked his hat
+out of his hand, for the sake of scrambling for as many as he could get
+himself. And sometimes, after the pie-woman has been there, he gets such
+heaps of tarts you cannot think, by his different tricks: perhaps he
+will buy a currant tart himself; then he would go about, calling out,
+“Who’ll change a cheesecake for a currant tart?” and now-and-then he
+will add, “and half a bun into the bargain!” Then two or three of the
+boys call out, “I will, I will!” and when they go to hold out their
+cheesecakes to him, he snatches them out of their hands before they are
+aware, and runs away in an instant; and whilst they stand for a moment
+in astonishment, he gets so much ahead of them that he eats them up
+before they can again overtake him. At other times, when he sees a boy
+beginning to eat his cake, he will come and talk carelessly to him for
+a few moments, and then all of a sudden call out, “Look! look!
+look!-there!” pointing his finger as if to show him something wonderful;
+and when the other, without suspecting any mischief, turns his head to
+see what has so surprised him, away he snatches the cake, and runs off
+with it, cramming it into his mouth in a moment.
+
+‘And when he plays at Handy-dandy, Jack-a-dandy, which will you have,
+upper hand or lower? if you happen to guess right, he slips whatever you
+are playing with into his other hand; and that you know is not playing
+fair; and so many of the boys tell him; but he does not mind any of us.
+And as he is clever at his learning, and always does his exercise quite
+right, Mr. Chiron (who indeed does not know of his tricks) is very fond
+of him, and is for ever saying what a clever fellow he is, and proposing
+him as an example to the rest of the boys; and I do believe many of
+them imitate his deceitful, cheating tricks, only for the sake of being
+thought like him.’
+
+‘Aye! it is a sad thing,’ interrupted the gentleman, ‘that people who
+are blessed with sense and abilities to behave well, should so misuse
+them as to set a bad, instead of a good example to others, and by that
+means draw many into sin, who otherwise, perhaps, might never have
+acted wrong. Was this Sharply, you have been speaking of, a dunce and
+blockhead at his book, he would never gain the commendations that Mr.
+Chiron now bestows upon him; and, consequently, no boy would wish to be
+thought like him; his bad example, therefore, would not be of half the
+importance it now is.
+
+‘Only think, then, my dear children, how extremely wicked it is, for
+those who are blessed with understandings capable of acting as they
+should do, and making people admire them, at the same time to be guilty
+of such real and great sin. For, however children at play may like to
+trick and deceive each other, and call it only play or fun, still, let
+me tell you, they are much mistaken if they flatter themselves there is
+no harm in it. It is a very wrong way of behaviour; it is mean, it
+is dishonorable, and it is wicked; and the boy or girl who would ever
+permit themselves to act in so unjustifiable a manner, however they
+may excel in their learning, or exterior accomplishments, can never be
+deserving of esteem, confidence, or regard. What esteem or respect could
+I ever entertain of a person’s sense or learning, who made no better use
+of it than to practise wickedness with more dexterity and grace than he
+otherwise would be enabled to do? Or, what confidence could I ever
+place in the person who, I knew, only wanted a convenient opportunity
+to defraud, trick, and deceive me? Or, what regard and love could I
+possibly entertain for such a one, who, unless I kept a constant watch
+over, as I must over a wild beast, would, like a wild beast, be sure
+to do me some injury? Would it be possible, I say, to love such a
+character, whatever shining abilities or depth of learning he might
+possess? Ask your own hearts, my dears, whether you think you could?’
+
+To this they all answered at once, ‘No, that I could not,’ and ‘I am
+sure I could not.’ ‘Well, then,’ resumed the father, ‘only think how
+odious that conduct must be, which robs us of the esteem, confidence,
+and love of our fellow-creatures; and that too, notwithstanding we may
+at the same time be very clever, and have a great deal of sense and
+learning. But, for my part, I confess I know not the least advantage of
+our understanding or our learning, unless we make a proper use of them.
+Knowing a great deal, and having read a great many books, will be of
+no service to us, unless we are careful to make a proper use of that
+knowledge, and to improve by what we read, otherwise the time we so
+bestow is but lost, and we might as well spend the whole of our lives in
+idleness.
+
+‘Always remember, therefore, my loves, that the whole end of our taking
+the trouble to instruct you, or putting ourselves to the expense of
+sending you to school, or your attending to what is taught you, is,
+that you may grow better men and women than you otherwise would be; and
+unless, therefore, you do improve, we might as well spare ourselves the
+pains and expense, and you need not take the trouble of learning; since,
+if you will act wickedly, all our labour is but thrown away to no manner
+of purpose.
+
+‘Mr. and Mrs. Sharply, how I pity them! What sorrow must they endure,
+to behold their son acting in the manner you have described; for nothing
+can give so much concern to a fond parent’s heart, as to see their
+children, for whom they have taken so much pains, turn out naughty;
+and to deceive and cheat! What can be worse than that? I hope, my dear
+children, you will never, any of you, give us that dreadful misery! I
+hope, my dear Tom, I hope you will never learn any of those detestable
+ways your brother has been telling you of. And if it was not that
+you will often be obliged to see such things when you mix with other
+children, I should be sorry you should even hear of such bad actions,
+as I could wish you to pass through life without so much as knowing
+such wickedness ever existed; but that is impossible. There are so many
+naughty people in the world, that you will often be obliged to see and
+hear of crimes which I hope you will shudder to think of committing
+yourselves; and being warned of them beforehand, I hope it will put you
+more upon your guard, not to be tempted, upon any consideration, to give
+the least encouragement to them, much less to practise them yourselves.
+
+‘Perhaps, Tom, if your brother had not, by telling us of Sharply’s
+tricks, given me an opportunity of warning you how extremely wrong and
+wicked they are, you might when you were at school, have thought them
+very clever, and marks of genius; and therefore, like others of the
+boys, have tried to imitate them, and by that means have become as
+wicked, mean, and dishonourable yourself. And only think how it would
+have grieved your mamma and me, to find the next holidays, our dear
+little Tom, instead of being that honest, open, generous-hearted boy
+he now is, changed into a deceiver, a cheat, a liar, one whom we could
+place no trust or confidence in; for, depend upon it, the person who
+will, when at play, behave unfair, would not scruple to do so in even
+other action of his life. And the boy who will deceive for the sake of a
+marble, or the girl who would act ungenerously, for the sake of a doll’s
+cap or a pin, will, when grown up, be ready to cheat and over-reach
+in their trades, or any affairs they may have to transact. And you may
+assure yourselves that numbers of people who are every year hanged,
+began at first to be wicked by practising those little dishonourable
+mean actions, which so many children are too apt to do at play, without
+thinking of their evil consequences.
+
+‘I think, my dear,’ said he, turning to his wife, ‘I have heard you
+mention a person who you were acquainted with when a girl, who at last
+was hanged for stealing, I think, was not she?’ ‘No,’ replied the lady,
+‘she was not hanged, she was transported for one-and-twenty years.’
+‘Pray, madam, how transported? what is that?’ inquired one of the
+children. ‘People, my dear,’ resumed the lady, ‘are transported when
+they have committed crimes, which, according to the laws of our land,
+are not thought quite wicked enough to be hanged for; but still too bad
+to suffer them to continue amongst other people. So, instead of hanging
+them, the judge orders that they shall be sent on board a ship, built on
+purpose to hold naughty people, and carried away from all their friends,
+a great many miles distant, commonly to America, where they are sold as
+slaves, to work very hard for as many years as they are transported for.
+And the person your papa mentioned was sold for twenty-one years;
+but she died before that time was out, as most of them do: they are
+generally used very cruelly, and work very hard; and besides, the heat
+of the climate seldom agrees with anybody who has been used to live in
+England, and so they generally die before their time is expired, and
+never have an opportunity of seeing their friends any more, after they
+are once sent away. How should any of you, my dears, like to be sent
+away from your papa and me, and your brothers and sisters, and uncles
+and aunts, and all your friends, and never, never see us any more; and
+only keep company with naughty, cross, wicked people, and labour
+very hard, and suffer a great deal of sickness, and such a number of
+different hardships, you cannot imagine? Only think how shocking it must
+be! How should you like it?’ ‘Oh’, not at all, not at all,’ was echoed
+from everyone in the room.
+
+‘But such,’ rejoined their mother, ‘is the punishment naughty people
+have; and such was the punishment the person your papa spoke of had;
+who, when she was young, no more expected to come to such an end than
+any of you do. I was very well acquainted with her, and often used to
+play with her, and she (like the boy Frank has been talking of) used to
+think it a mark of cleverness to be able to deceive; and for the sake
+of winning the game she was engaged in, would not scruple committing any
+little unfair action, which would give her the advantage.
+
+‘I remember one time, at such a trifling game as pushpin, she gave me a
+very bad opinion of her; for I observed, instead of pushing the pin as
+she ought to do, she would try to lift it up with her finger a little,
+to make it cross over the other.
+
+‘And when we were all at cards, she would peep, to find out the pictured
+ones, that she might have them in her own hand.
+
+‘And when we played at any game which had forfeits, she would try, by
+different little artifices, to steal back her own before the time of
+crying them came; or, if she was the person who was to cry them, as
+you call it, she would endeavour to see whose came next, that she might
+order the penalty accordingly.
+
+‘Or if we were playing at hide and seek, she would put what we had to
+hide either in her own pocket, or throw it into the fire, so that it
+would be impossible to find it; and then, after making her companions
+hunt for it for an hour, till their patience was quite tired, and they
+gave out; she would burst out in a loud laugh! and say she only did it
+for fun. But, for my part, I never could see any joke in such kind of
+things: the meanness, the baseness, the dish on our (sic), which
+attendedit always, in my opinion, took off all degree of cleverness,
+or pleasure from such actions.
+
+‘There was another of her sly tricks which I forgot to mention, and that
+was, if at tea, or any other time, she got first to the plate of cake
+or bread, she would place the piece she liked best where she thought
+it would come to her turn to have it: or if at breakfast she saw her
+sisters’ basin have the under crust in it, and they happened not to be
+by, or to see her, she would take it out, and put her own, which she
+happened not to like so well, in the stead.
+
+‘Only think, my dears, what frightful, sly, naughty tricks to be guilty
+of! And from practising these, which she said there was no harm in, and
+she only did them in play, and for a bit of fun, at last she came, by
+degrees, to be guilty of greater. She two or three different times, when
+she was not seen, stole things out of shops; and one day, when she
+was upon a visit, and thought she could do it cleverly, without being
+discovered, put a couple of table spoons into her pocket. The footman
+who was waiting happened to see her; but fearing to give offence, he
+took no notice of it till after she was gone home, when he told his
+master, who, justly provoked at being so ill-treated, by a person to
+whom he had shown every civility, went after her, called in her own two
+maids, and his footman, as witnesses, and then insisted upon examining
+her pockets, where he indeed found his own two spoons. He then sent for
+proper officers to secure her, had her taken into custody, and for that
+offence it was that she was transported.
+
+‘Thus, my dear children, you see the shocking consequence of ever
+suffering such vile habits to grow upon us; and I hope the example
+of this unhappy woman (which I assure you is a true story) will be
+sufficient to warn you for ever, for a single time, being guilty of
+so detestable a crime, lest you should, like her, by degrees come to
+experience her fatal punishment.’
+
+Just as the lady said these words a bell rang, and all getting up
+together, they went out of the room, the young one calling out, ‘To
+dinner! to dinner! to dinner! here we all go to dinner!’
+
+And I will seek for one too, said I to myself, (creeping out as soon
+as I found I was alone) for I feel very faint and hungry. I looked and
+looked about a long while, for I could move but slow, on account of the
+bruises I had received in the shoe. At last under the table, round which
+the family had been sitting, I found a pincushion, which, being stuffed
+with bran, afforded me enough to satisfy my hunger, but was excessively
+dry and unsavoury; yet, bad as it was, I was obliged to be content at
+that time with it; and had nearly done eating when the door opened, and
+in ran two or three of the children. Frightened out of my senses almost,
+I had just time to escape down a little hole in the floor, made by one
+of the knots in the wood slipping out, and there I heard one of the
+girls exclaim--
+
+‘O dear! who now has cut my pincushion? it was you did it, Tom.’ ‘No,
+indeed I did not,’ replied he. ‘Then it was you, Mary.’ ‘No, I know
+nothing of it,’ answered she. ‘Then it was you, Hetty.’ ‘That I am sure
+it was not,’ said she; ‘I am sure, I am certain it was not me; I am
+positive it was not.’ ‘Ah,’ replied the other, ‘I dare say it was.’
+‘Yes, I think it is most likely,’ said Mary. ‘And so do I too,’ said
+Tom. ‘And pray why do you all think so?’ inquired Hetty, in an angry
+tone. ‘Because,’ said the owner of the pincushion, ‘you are the only one
+who ever tells fibs; you told a story, you know, about the fruit; you
+told a story too about the currant jelly; and about putting your fingers
+in the butter, at breakfast; and therefore there is a very great reason
+why we should suspect you more than anybody else.’ ‘But I am sure,’ said
+she, bursting into tears, ‘I am very sure I have not meddled with it.’
+‘I do not at all know that,’ replied the other, ‘and I do think it was
+you; for I am certain if any one else had done it they would not deny
+it; and it could not come into this condition by itself, somebody must
+have done it; and I dare say it was you; so say no more about it.’
+
+Here the dispute was interrupted by somebody calling them out of the
+room; and I could not help making some reflections on what had passed.
+How dreadful a crime, thought I, is lying and falsity; to what sad
+mortifications does it subject the person who is ever wicked enough to
+commit it; and how does it expose them to the contempt of everyone, and
+make them to be suspected of faults they are even perfectly free from.
+Little Hetty now is innocent, with respect to the pincushion with which
+her sister charges her, as any of the others; yet, because she has
+before forfeited her honour, she can gain no credit: no one believes
+what she says, she is thought to be guilty of the double fault of
+spoiling the pincushion, and what is still worse, of lying to conceal
+it; whilst the other children are at once believed, and their words
+depended upon.
+
+Surely, surely, thought I, if people would but reflect upon the
+contempt, the shame, and the difficulties which lies expose them to,
+they would never be guilty of so terrible a vice, which subjects them
+to the scorn of all they converse with, and renders them at all times
+suspected, even though they should, as in the case of Hetty, really
+speak the truth. Such were my reflections upon falsehood, nor could
+I help altogether blaming the owner of the pincushion for her hasty
+judgment relating to it. Somebody, she was certain, must have done it;
+it was impossible it could come so by itself. That, to be sure, was very
+true; but then she never recollected that it was possible a little mouse
+might put it in that condition. Ah! thought I to myself, what pity is
+it, that human creatures, who are blest with understanding and faculties
+so superior to any species, should not make better use of them; and
+learn, from daily experience, to grow wiser and better for the future.
+This one instance of the pincushion, may teach (and surely people
+engaged in life must hourly find more) how dangerous it is to draw hasty
+conclusions, and to condemn people upon suspicion, as also the many,
+great, and bad consequences of lying.
+
+Scarcely had I finished these soliloquies when a great knock at the
+house door made me give such a start that I fell off the joist on which
+I was standing, and then ran straight forwards till I came out at a
+little hole I found in the bricks above the parlour window: from that
+I descended into the road, and went on unmolested till I reached a
+malt-house, about whose various apartments, never staying long in
+the same, I continued to live; till one night, all on a sudden, I
+was alarmed by fire, which obliged me to retreat with the greatest
+expedition.
+
+I passed numberless rats and mice in my way, who, like myself, were
+driven forth by the flames; but, alas! among them I found not my
+brother. Despairing, therefore, of ever seeing him again, I determined,
+if possible, to find my way back to you, who before had shown me
+such kindness. Numberless were the fatigues and difficulties I had to
+encounter in my journey here; one while in danger from hungry cats, at
+another almost perished with cold and want of food.
+
+But it is needless to enumerate every particular; I should but tire your
+patience was I to attempt it; so I will hasten to a conclusion of my
+history, only telling you how you came to find me in that melancholy
+condition from which your mercy has now raised me.
+
+I came into your house one evening concealed in the middle of a
+floor-cloth, which the maid had rolled up and set at the outside of the
+back door, whilst she swept the passage, and neglected to take it in
+again till the evening, In that I hid myself, and upon her laying it
+down, ran with all speed down the cellar-stairs, where I continued till
+the family were all gone to bed. Then I returned back, and came into
+your closet, where the scent of some figs tempted me to get into the jar
+in which you found me. I concealed myself among them, and after feasting
+most deliciously, fell asleep, from which I was awakened by hearing a
+voice say, “Who has left the cover off the fig-jar?” and at the
+same time I was involved in darkness by having it put on. In vain I
+endeavoured to remove it, the figs were so low, that when I stood on
+them I could but just touch it with my lips, and the jar being stone I
+could not possibly fasten my nails to hang by the side.
+
+In this dismal situation therefore I was constrained to stay, my
+apprehensions each day increasing as my food diminished, till at last,
+after feeding very sparingly for some days, it was quite exhausted; and
+I had endured the inexpressible tortures of hunger for three days and
+three nights, when you happily released me, and by your compassion
+restored me once more to life and liberty. Condescend, therefore,
+to preserve that life you have so lengthened, and take me under your
+protection.
+
+‘That most gladly,’ interrupted I, ‘I will do: you will live in this
+large green-flowered tin canister, and run in and out when you please,
+and I will keep you constantly supplied with food. But I must now shut
+you in, for the cat has this moment entered the room.’
+
+
+
+And now I cannot take leave of all my little readers, without once more
+begging them, for their own sakes, to endeavour to follow all the good
+advice the mouse has been giving them; and likewise warning them to shun
+all those vices and follies, the practice of which renders children so
+contemptible and wicked.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse, by
+Dorothy Kilner
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+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <title>
+      The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse, by Dorothy Kilner
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal;
+               margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
+               text-align: right;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
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+  </head>
+  <body>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse, by Dorothy Kilner
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse
+
+Author: Dorothy Kilner
+
+Release Date: October 15, 2008 [EBook #1904]
+Last Updated: November 8, 2016
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF A MOUSE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Pat Pflieger, and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      THE LIFE AND PERAMBULATIONS<br /> OF A<br /> MOUSE
+    </h1>
+    <h3>
+      (1783-1784)
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      by Dorothy Kilner
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      Contents
+    </h3>
+    <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto">
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          <p class="toc">
+            <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a>
+          </p>
+          <p class="toc">
+            <a href="#link2H_PART1"> PART I. </a>
+          </p>
+          <p class="toc">
+            <a href="#link2H_PART2"> PART II. </a>
+          </p>
+          <p class="toc">
+            <a href="#link2H_INTR2"> INTRODUCTION </a>
+          </p>
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      INTRODUCTION
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      During a remarkably severe winter, when a prodigious fall of snow confined
+      everybody to their habitations, who were happy enough to have one to
+      shelter them from the inclemency of the season, and were hot obliged by
+      business to expose themselves to its rigour, I was on a visit to Meadow
+      Hall; where had assembled likewise a large party of young folk, who all
+      seemed, by their harmony and good humour, to strive who should the most
+      contribute to render pleasant that confinement which we were all equally
+      obliged to share. Nor were those further advanced in life less anxious to
+      contribute to the general satisfaction and entertainment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After the more serious employment of reading each morning was concluded,
+      we danced, we sung, we played at blind-man&rsquo;s-buff, battledore and
+      shuttlecock, and many other games equally diverting and innocent; and when
+      tired of them, drew our seats round the fire, while each one in turn told
+      some merry story to divert the company.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At last, after having related all that we could recollect worth reciting,
+      and being rather at a loss what to say next, a sprightly girl in company
+      proposed that every one should relate the history of their own lives; &lsquo;and
+      it must be strange indeed,&rsquo; added she, &lsquo;if that will not help us out of
+      this difficulty, and furnish conversation for some days longer; and by
+      that time, perhaps, the frost will break, the snow will melt, and set us
+      all at liberty. But let it break when it will, I make a law, that no one
+      shall go from Meadow Hall till they have told their own history: so take
+      notice, ladies and gentlemen, take notice, everybody, what you have to
+      trust to. And because,&rsquo; continued she, &lsquo;I will not be unreasonable, and
+      require more from you than you can perform, I will give all you who may
+      perhaps have forgotten what passed so many years ago, at the beginning of
+      your lives, two days to recollect and digest your story; by which time if
+      you do not produce something pretty and entertaining, we will never again
+      admit you to dance or play among us.&rsquo; All this she spoke with so
+      good-humoured a smile, that every one was delighted with her, and promised
+      to do their best to acquit themselves to her satisfaction; whilst some
+      (the length of whose lives had not rendered them forgetful of the
+      transactions which had passed) instantly began their memoirs, as they
+      called them: and really some related their narratives with such spirit and
+      ingenuity, that it quite distressed us older ones, lest we should disgrace
+      ourselves when it should fall to our turns to hold forth. However, we were
+      all determined to produce something, as our fair directress ordered.
+      Accordingly, the next morning I took up my pen, to endeavour to draw up
+      some kind of a history, which might satisfy my companions in confinement.
+      I took up my pen, it is true, and laid the paper before me; but not one
+      word toward my appointed task could I proceed. The various occurrences of
+      my life were such as, far from affording entertainment, would, I was
+      certain, rather afflict; or, perhaps, not interesting enough for that,
+      only stupefy, and render them more weary of the continuation of the frost
+      than they were before I began my narration. Thus circumstanced, therefore,
+      although by myself, I broke silence by exclaiming, &lsquo;What a task his this
+      sweet girl imposed upon me! One which I shall never be able to execute to
+      my own satisfaction or her amusement. The adventures of my life (though
+      deeply interesting to myself) will be insipid and unentertaining to
+      others, especially to my young hearers: I cannot, therefore, attempt it.&rsquo;&mdash;&lsquo;Then
+      write mine, which may be more diverting,&rsquo; said a little squeaking voice,
+      which sounded as if close to me. I started with surprise, not knowing any
+      one to be near me; and looking round, could discover no object from whom
+      it could possibly proceed, when casting my eyes upon the ground, in a
+      little hole under the skirting-board, close by the fire, I discovered the
+      head of a mouse peeping out. I arose with a design to stop the hole with a
+      cork, which happened to lie on the table by me; and I was surprised to
+      find that it did not run away, but suffered me to advance quite close, and
+      then only retreated a little into the hole, saying in the same voice as
+      before, &lsquo;Will you write my history?&rsquo; You may be sure that I was much
+      surprised to be so addressed by such an animal; but, ashamed of
+      discovering any appearance of astonishment, lest the mouse should suppose
+      it had frightened me, I answered with the utmost composure, that I would
+      write it willingly if it would dictate to me. &lsquo;Oh, that I will do,&rsquo; 
+      replied the mouse, &lsquo;if you will not hurt me.&rsquo;&mdash;&lsquo;Not for the world,&rsquo; 
+      returned I; &lsquo;come, therefore, and sit upon my table, that I may hear more
+      distinctly what you have to relate.&rsquo; It instantly accepted my invitation,
+      and with all the nimbleness of its species, ran up the side of my chair,
+      and jumped upon my table; when, getting into a box of wafers, it began as
+      follows.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But, before I proceed to relate my new little companion&rsquo;s history, I must
+      beg leave to assure my readers that, in earnest, I never heard a mouse
+      speak in all my life; and only wrote the following narrative as being far
+      more entertaining, and not less instructive, than my own life would have
+      been: and as it met with the high approbation of those for whom it was
+      written, I have sent it to Mr. Marshall, for him to publish it, if he
+      pleases, for the equal amusement of his little customers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PART1" id="link2H_PART1">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PART I.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Like all other newborn animals, whether of the human, or any other
+      species, I can not pretend to remember what passed during my infant days.
+      The first circumstance I can recollect was my mother&rsquo;s addressing me and
+      my three brothers, who all lay in the same nest, in the following
+      words:-&rsquo;I have, my children, with the greatest difficulty, and at the
+      utmost hazard of my life, provided for you all to the present moment; but
+      the period is arrived, when I can no longer pursue that method: snares and
+      traps are everywhere set for me, nor shall I, without infinite danger, be
+      able to procure sustenance to support my own existence, much less can I
+      find sufficient for you all; and, indeed, with pleasure I behold it as no
+      longer necessary, since you are of age now to provide and shift for
+      yourselves; and I doubt not but your agility will enable you to procure a
+      very comfortable livelihood. Only let me give you this one caution&mdash;never
+      (whatever the temptation may be) appear often in the same place; if you
+      do, however you may flatter yourselves to the contrary, you will certainly
+      at last be destroyed.&rsquo; So saying, she stroked us all with her fore paw as
+      a token of her affection, and then hurried away, to conceal from us the
+      emotions of her sorrow, at thus sending us into the wide world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She was no sooner gone, than the thought of being our own directors so
+      charmed our little hearts, that we presently forgot our grief at parting
+      from our kind parent; and, impatient to use our liberty, we all set
+      forward in search of some food, or rather some adventure, as our mother
+      had left us victuals more than sufficient to supply the wants of that day.
+      With a great deal of difficulty, we clambered up a high wall on the inside
+      of a wainscot, till we reached the story above that we were born in, where
+      we found it much easier to run round within the skirting-board, than to
+      ascend any higher.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While we were there, our noses were delightfully regaled with the scent of
+      the most delicate food that we had ever smelt; we were anxious to procure
+      a taste of it likewise, and after running round and round the room a great
+      many times, we at last discovered a little crack, through which we made
+      our entrance. My brother Longtail led the way; I followed; Softdown came
+      next; but Brighteyes would not be prevailed upon to venture. The apartment
+      which we entered was spacious and elegant; at least, differed so greatly
+      from anything we had seen, that we imagined it the finest place upon
+      earth. It was covered all over with a carpet of various colours, that not
+      only concealed some bird-seeds which we came to devour, but also for some
+      time prevented our being discovered; as we were of much the same hue with
+      many of the flowers on the carpet. At last a little girl, who was at work
+      in the room, by the side of her mamma, shrieked out as if violently hurt.
+      Her mamma begged to know the cause of her sudden alarm. Upon which she
+      called out, &lsquo;A mouse! a mouse! I saw one under the chair!&rsquo; &lsquo;And if you
+      did, my dear,&rsquo; replied her mother, &lsquo;is that any reason for your behaving
+      so ridiculously? If there were twenty mice, what harm could they possibly
+      do? You may easily hurt and destroy then; but, poor little things! they
+      cannot, if they would, hurt you.&rsquo; &lsquo;What, could they not bite me?&rsquo; inquired
+      the child. &lsquo;They may, indeed, be able to do that; but you may be very sure
+      that they have no such inclination,&rsquo; rejoined the mother. &lsquo;A mouse is one
+      of the most timorous things in the world; every noise alarms it: and
+      though it chiefly lives by plunder, it appears as if punished by its fears
+      for the mischiefs which it commits among our property. It is therefore
+      highly ridiculous to pretend to be alarmed at the sight of a creature that
+      would run from the sound of your voice, and wishes never to come near you,
+      lest, as you are far more able, you should also be disposed to hurt it.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;But I am sure, madam,&rsquo; replied the little girl, whose name I afterwards
+      heard was Nancy, &lsquo;they do not always run away; for one day, as Miss Betsy
+      Kite was looking among some things which she had in her box, a mouse
+      jumped out and ran up her frock sleeve&mdash;she felt it quite up on her
+      arm.&rsquo; &lsquo;And what became of it then?&rsquo; inquired the mother. &lsquo;It jumped down
+      again,&rsquo; replied Nancy, &lsquo;and got into a little hole in the window-seat; and
+      Betsy did not see it again.&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, then, my dear,&rsquo; resumed the lady,
+      &lsquo;what harm did it do her? Is not that a convincing proof of what I say,
+      that you have no cause to be afraid of them, and that it is very silly to
+      be so? It is certainly foolish to be afraid of any thing, unless it
+      threatens us with immediate danger; but to pretend to be so at a mouse,
+      and such like inoffensive things, is a degree of weakness that I can by no
+      means suffer any of my children to indulge.&rsquo; &lsquo;May I then, madam,&rsquo; inquired
+      the child, &lsquo;be afraid of cows and horses, and such great beasts as those?&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;Certainly not,&rsquo; answered her mother, &lsquo;unless they are likely to hurt you.
+      If a cow or an horse runs after you, I would have you fear them so much as
+      to get out of the way; but if they are quietly walking or grazing in a
+      field, then to fly from them, as if you thought they would eat you instead
+      of the grass, is most absurd, and discovers great want of sense. I once
+      knew a young lady, who, I believe, thought it looked pretty to be
+      terrified at everything, and scream if dog or even a mouse looked at her:
+      but most severely was she punished for her folly, by several very
+      disagreeable accidents she by those means brought upon herself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;One day when she was drinking tea in a large company, on the door being
+      opened, a small Italian greyhound walked into the drawing-room. She
+      happened to be seated near the mistress of the dog, who was making tea:
+      the dog, therefore, walked toward her, in order to be by his favourite;
+      but, upon his advancing near her, she suddenly jumped up, without
+      considering what she was about, overturned the water-urn, the hot iron of
+      which rolling out, set fire to her clothes, which instantly blazed up,
+      being only muslin, and burnt her arms, face, and neck, most dreadfully:
+      she was so much hurt as to be obliged to be put immediately to bed; nor
+      did she recover enough to go abroad for many months. Now, though every one
+      was sorry for her sufferings, who could possibly help blaming her for her
+      ridiculous behaviour, as it was entirely owing to her own folly that she
+      was so hurt? When she was talked to upon the subject, she pleaded for her
+      excuse, that she was so frightened she did not know what she did, nor
+      whither she was going; but as she thought that the dog was coming to her
+      she could not help jumping up, to get out of his way. Now what ridiculous
+      arguing was this! Why could not she help it? And if the dog had really
+      been going to her, what harm would it have done? Could she suppose that
+      the lady whose house she was at, would have suffered a beast to walk about
+      the house loose, and go into company, if he was apt to bite and hurt
+      people? Or why should she think he would more injure her, than those he
+      had before passed by? But the real case was, she did not think at all; if
+      she had given herself time for that, she could not have acted so
+      ridiculously. Another time, when she was walking, from the same want of
+      reflection, she very nearly drowned herself. She was passing over a
+      bridge, the outside rails of which were in some places broken down: while
+      she was there, some cows, which a man was driving, met her: immediately,
+      without minding whither she went, she shrieked out, and at the same time
+      jumped on one side just where the rail happened to be broken, and down she
+      fell into the river; nor was it without the greatest difficulty that she
+      was taken out time enough to save her life. However, she caught a violent
+      cold and fever, and was again, by her own foolish fears, confined to her
+      bed for some weeks. Another accident she once met with, which though not
+      quite so bad as the two former, yet might have been attended with fatal
+      consequences. She was sitting in a window, when a wasp happened to fly
+      toward her; she hastily drew back her head, and broke the pane of glass
+      behind her, some of which stuck in her neck. It bled prodigiously; but a
+      surgeon happily being present, made some application to it, which
+      prevented its being followed by any other ill effects than only a few days
+      weakness, occasioned by the loss of blood. Many other misfortunes of the
+      like kind she frequently experienced; but these which I have now related
+      may serve to convince you how extremely absurd it is for people to give
+      way to and indulge themselves in such groundless apprehensions, and, by
+      being afraid when there is no danger, subject themselves to real
+      misfortunes and most fatal accidents. And if being afraid of cows, dogs,
+      and wasps (all of which, if they please, can certainly hurt us) is so
+      ridiculous, what must be the folly of those people who are terrified at a
+      little silly mouse, which never was known to hurt anybody?&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of some gentlemen
+      and ladies; and we having enjoyed a very fine repast under one of the
+      chairs during the time that the mother and daughter had held the above
+      discourse, on the chairs being removed for some of the visitors to sit
+      upon, we thought it best to retire: highly pleased with our meal, and not
+      less with the kind goodwill which the lady had, we thought, expressed
+      towards us. We related to our brother Brighteyes all that had passed, and
+      assured him he had no reason to apprehend any danger from venturing
+      himself with us. Accordingly he promised, if such was the case, that the
+      next time we went and found it safe, if we would return back and call him,
+      he would certainly accompany us. &lsquo;In the mean time, do pray, Nimble,&rsquo; said
+      he, addressing himself to me, &lsquo;come with me to some other place, for I
+      long to taste some more delicate food than our mother has provided for us:
+      besides, as perhaps it may be a long while before we shall be strong
+      enough to bring anything away with us, we had better leave that, in case
+      we should ever be prevented from going abroad to seek for fresh supplies.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;Very true,&rsquo; replied I; &lsquo;what you say is quite just and wise, therefore I
+      will with all my heart attend you now, and see what we can find.&rsquo; So
+      saying, we began to climb; but not without difficulty, for very frequently
+      the bits of mortar which we stepped upon gave way beneath our feet, and
+      tumbled us down together with them lower than when we first set off.
+      However, as we were very light, we were not much hurt by our falls; only
+      indeed poor Brighteyes, by endeavouring to save himself, caught by his
+      nails on a rafter, and tore one of them from off his right fore-foot,
+      which was very sore and inconvenient. At length we surmounted all
+      difficulties, and, invited by a strong scent of plum-cake, entered a
+      closet, where we found a fine large one, quite whole and entire. We
+      immediately set about making our way into it, which we easily effected, as
+      it was most deliciously nice, and not at all hard to our teeth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brighteyes, who had not before partaken of the bird-seed, was overjoyed at
+      the sight. He almost forgot the pain of his foot, and soon buried himself
+      withinside the cake; whilst I, who had pretty well satisfied my hunger
+      before, only ate a few of the crumbs, and then went to take a survey of
+      the adjoining apartment. I crept softly under the door of the closet into
+      a room, as large as that which I had before been in, though not so
+      elegantly furnished; for, instead of being covered with a carpet, there
+      was only a small one round the bed; and near the fire was a cradle, with a
+      cleanly-looking woman sitting by it, rocking it with her foot, whilst at
+      the same time she was combing the head of a little boy about four years
+      old. In the middle of the room stood a table, covered with a great deal of
+      litter; and in one corner was the little girl whom I had before seen with
+      her mamma, crying and sobbing as if her heart would break. As I made not
+      the least noise at my entrance, no one observed me for some time; so
+      creeping under one of the beds, I heard the following discourse:&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It does not signify, miss,&rsquo; said the woman, who I found was the
+      children&rsquo;s nurse, &lsquo;I never will put up with such behaviour: you know that
+      I always do everything for you when you speak prettily; but to be ordered
+      to dress you in such a manner, is what I never will submit to: and you
+      shall go undressed all day before I will dress you, unless you ask me as
+      you ought to do.&rsquo; Nancy made no reply, but only continued crying. &lsquo;Aye!
+      you may cry and sob as much as you please,&rsquo; said the nurse; &lsquo;I do not care
+      for that: I shall not dress you for crying and roaring, but for being good
+      and speaking with civility.&rsquo; Just as she said these words, the door
+      opened, and in came the lady whom I before saw, and whose name I
+      afterwards found was Artless. As soon as she entered, the nurse addressed
+      her, saying, &lsquo;Pray, madam, is it by your desire that Miss Nancy behaves so
+      rudely, and bids me dress her directly, and change the buckles in her
+      shoes, or else she will slap my face? Indeed she did give me a slap upon
+      my hand; so I told her, that I would not dress her at all; for really,
+      madam, I thought you would not wish me to do it, whilst she behaved so;
+      and I took the liberty of putting her to stand in the corner.&rsquo; &lsquo;I do not
+      think,&rsquo; replied Mrs. Artless, &lsquo;that she deserves to stand in the room at
+      all, or in the house either, if she behaves in that manner: if she does
+      not speak civilly when she wants to be assisted, let her go without help,
+      and see what will become of her then. I am quite ashamed of you, Nancy! I
+      could not have thought you would behave so; but since you have, I promise
+      that you shall not be dressed today, or have any assistance given you,
+      unless you speak in a very different manner.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whilst Mrs. Artless was talking, nurse went out of the room. Mrs. Artless
+      then took her seat by the cradle, and looking into it, found the child
+      awake, and I saw her take out a fine little girl, about five months old:
+      she then continued her discourse, saying, &lsquo;Look here, Nancy, look at this
+      little baby, see how unable it is to help itself; were we to neglect
+      attending to it, what do you think would become of it? Suppose I were now
+      to put your sister upon the floor, and there leave her, tell me what do
+      you think she could do, or what would become of her?&rsquo; Nancy sobbed out,
+      that she would die. &lsquo;And pray, my dear,&rsquo; continued Mrs. Artless, &lsquo;if we
+      were to leave you to yourself, what would become of you? It is true, you
+      talk and run about better than Polly: but not a bit better could you
+      provide for, or take care of yourself. Could you buy or dress your own
+      victuals? could you light your own fire? could you clean your own house,
+      or open and shut the doors and windows? could you make your own clothes,
+      or even put them on without some assistance, when made? And who do you
+      think will do anything for you, if you are not good, and do not speak
+      civilly? Not I, I promise you, neither shall nurse, nor any of the
+      servants; for though I pay them wages to help to do my business for me, I
+      never want them to do anything unless they are desired in a pretty manner.
+      Should you like, if when I want you to pick up my scissors, or do any
+      little job, I were to say, &ldquo;Pick up my scissors this moment, or I will
+      slap your face?&rdquo; Should not you think that it sounded very cross and
+      disagreeable?&rsquo; &lsquo;Yes, madam,&rsquo; replied Nancy. &lsquo;Then why,&rsquo; rejoined Mrs.
+      Artless, &lsquo;should you speak cross to anybody, particularly to servants and
+      poor people? for to behave so to them, is not only cross, but insolent and
+      proud: it is as if you thought that because they are rather poorer, they
+      are not so good as yourself, whereas, I assure you, poverty makes no
+      difference in the merit of people; for those only are deserving of respect
+      who are truly good; and a beggar who is virtuous, is far better than a
+      prince who is wicked.&rsquo; I was prevented from hearing any more of this very
+      just discourse, by the little boy&rsquo;s opening the door and letting in a cat;
+      which, though it was the first that I had ever seen in my life, I was
+      certain was the same destructive animal to our race, which I had
+      frequently heard my mother describe. I therefore made all possible haste
+      back to the closet, and warning Brighteyes of our danger, we instantly
+      returned by the same way which we came, to our two brothers, whom we found
+      waiting for us, and wondering at our long absence. We related to them the
+      dainty cheer which we had met with, and agreed to conduct them thither in
+      the evening. Accordingly, as soon as it grew towards dusk, we climbed up
+      the wall, and all four together attacked the plum-cake, which no one had
+      touched since we left it; but scarcely had we all seated ourselves round
+      it, than on a sudden the closet-door opened, and a woman entered. Away we
+      all scampered as fast as possible, but poor Brighteyes, who could not move
+      quite so fast on account of his sore toe, and who likewise having advanced
+      farther into the cake, was discovered before he could reach the crack by
+      which we entered. The woman, who had a knife in her hand, struck at him
+      with it, at the same time exclaiming, &lsquo;Bless me, nurse, here is a mouse in
+      the closet!&rsquo; Happily, she missed her aim, and he only received a small
+      wound on the tip of his tail. This interruption sadly alarmed us, and it
+      was above an hour before we could have courage to venture back, when
+      finding everything quiet, except Mrs. Nurse&rsquo;s singing to her child, we
+      again crept out, and once more surrounded the cake. We continued without
+      any further alarm till we were perfectly satisfied, and then retired to a
+      little distance behind the wainscot, determined there to sleep, and to
+      breakfast on the cake the next day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Early in the morning I waked, and calling my brothers, we all marched
+      forward, and soon arrived at the delightful cake, where we highly enjoyed
+      ourselves without the least disturbance, till our appetites were fully
+      satisfied. We then retired, took a little run round some other parts of
+      the house, but met with nothing worth relating. At noon we again made our
+      way into the closet, intending to dine on the dish on which we
+      breakfasted; but, to our no small mortification, the delicious dainty was
+      removed. This you may be sure was a sad disappointment; yet as we were not
+      extremely hungry, we had time to look about for more. We were not long in
+      finding it; for upon the same shelf from which the cake was removed, there
+      was a round tin box, the lid of which was not quite close shut down; into
+      this we all crept, and were highly regaled with some nice lumps of sugar.
+      But it would be endless to enumerate all the various repasts which we met
+      with in this closet, sometimes terrified by the entrance of people, and
+      sometimes comfortably enjoying ourselves without alarm: it is sufficient
+      to inform you, that, unmindful of our mother&rsquo;s advice, we continued to
+      live upon the contents of the same cupboard for above a week; when, one
+      evening, as we were as usual hastening to find our suppers, Softdown, who
+      happened to be first, ran eagerly to a piece of cheese, which he saw
+      hanging before him. &lsquo;Come along,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;here is some nice cheese, it
+      smells most delightfully good!&rsquo; Just as he spoke these words, before any
+      of us came up to him, a little wooden door on a sudden dropped down, and
+      hid him and the cheese from our sight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is impossible to describe our consternation and surprise upon this
+      occasion, which was greatly increased when we advanced near the place, at
+      seeing him (through some little wire bars) confined in a small box,
+      without any visible way for him to get out, and hearing him in the most
+      moving accents beg us to assist him in procuring his liberty. We all ran
+      round and round his place of confinement several times; but not the least
+      crack or opening could we discover, except through the bars, which being
+      of iron, it was impossible for us to break or bend. At length we
+      determined to try to gnaw through the wood-work close at the edge, which
+      being already some little distance from one of the bars, we hoped, by
+      making the opening a little wider, he would escape: accordingly we all
+      began, he on the inside, and we all on the out, and by our diligence had
+      made some very considerable progress, when we were interrupted by the
+      entrance of Mrs. Nurse with the child in her arms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon the sight of her, though much grieved to leave our brother in his
+      distress, yet fearing instant death would be the fate of all of us if we
+      stayed, to preserve our own existence, we retired as quick as possible,
+      but not without her seeing some of us, for we heard her say to herself, or
+      to the babe in her arms, &lsquo;I declare, this closet swarms with mice, they
+      spoil everything one puts here.&rsquo; Then taking up the box in which was poor
+      Softdown (and which I afterwards learned was called a trap) she carried it
+      into the room. I crept softly after her, to see what would be the fate of
+      my beloved brother. But what words can express my horror, when I saw her
+      holding it in one hand close to the candle, whilst in the other she held
+      the child, singing to her with the utmost composure, and bidding her to
+      look at the mousy! mousy!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What were the actions or sensations of poor Softdown at that dreadful
+      moment I know not: but my own anguish, which it is impossible to describe,
+      was still augmented every moment by seeing her shake the trap almost
+      topsy-turvy, then blow through the trap at one end, at which times I saw
+      the dear creature&rsquo;s tail come out between the wires on the contrary side,
+      as he was striving, I suppose, to retreat from her. At length, after she
+      had thus tortured him for some time, she set the trap on the table, so
+      close to a large fire, that I am sure he must have been much incommoded by
+      the heat, and began to undress her child.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then hearing somebody go by the door, she cried out, &lsquo;Who is there? is it
+      you, Betty? if it is, I wish you would come and take down the mouse-trap,
+      for I have caught a mouse.&rsquo; Betty instantly obeyed her call, and desired
+      to know what she wanted. &lsquo;I want you to take down the mouse-trap,&rsquo; she
+      replied, &lsquo;for I cannot leave the child. I am glad that I have got it, I am
+      sure, for the closet swarms so, there is no such thing as bearing it. They
+      devour everything: I declare they have eaten up a whole pound of sugar,
+      which cost me elevenpence, sugar is now so monstrously dear! indeed the
+      man made a favour to let me have it for that; only, he said, as our family
+      were good customers, and I was but a servant, he would take no more. And
+      enough too I thought it was, to have only a penny back in change out of a
+      whole shilling for one pound of sugar: and then to think of the poison
+      mice to have it all; but I will break their filthy necks. Do, Betty, pray
+      take the trap down, and return with it as soon as you can, and I will set
+      it again: for I dare say I shall catch another before I go to bed, for I
+      heard some more rustling among the things.&rsquo; &lsquo;O lauk!&rsquo; replied Betty, &lsquo;you
+      do not think that I will take down the trap, do you? I would not touch it
+      for twenty pounds. I am always frightened, and ready to die at the sight
+      of a mouse. Once, when I was a girl, I had one thrown in my face, and ever
+      since I have always been scared out of my wits at them; and if ever I see
+      one running loose, as I did one night in the closet below stairs, where
+      the candles are kept, I scream as if I was being killed.&rsquo; &lsquo;Why then,&rsquo; 
+      answered Nurse, &lsquo;I think you behave like a great fool, for what harm could
+      a mouse do to you?&rsquo; &lsquo;O la! I hate them,&rsquo; returned she, and then ran away
+      without the trap. Greatly was I rejoiced at her departure, as I hoped
+      that, by some means, Softdown might still be able to make his escape. But,
+      alas! no such good fortune attended him. Some person again passing the
+      door, Nurse once more called out, &lsquo;Who is there? John is it you?&rsquo; &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; 
+      replied a man&rsquo;s voice. &lsquo;Then do you step in, will you, for a moment?&rsquo; 
+      rejoined Mrs. Nurse: and instantly entered a man whom I had never before
+      seen. &lsquo;What do you want, Nurse?&rsquo; said he. &lsquo;I only want to get rid of a
+      mouse,&rsquo; returned she; &lsquo;and, do you know, Betty is such a fool that she is
+      afraid of taking it, and I want the trap to set it again, for they swarm
+      here like bees in a hive, one can have no peace for them: they devour and
+      spoil every thing; I say sometimes that I believe they will eat me up at
+      last.&rsquo; While she was saying this, John took the trap in his hand, held it
+      up once more to the candle, then taking a piece of thread out of a paper,
+      that lay bound round with a dirty blue ribbon upon the table, he shook the
+      trap about till he got my brother&rsquo;s tail through the wires, when catching
+      hold of it, he tied the thread tight round it and dragged him by it to the
+      door of the trap, which he opened, and took him out, suspending the weight
+      of his body upon his tail.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Softdown, who till the thread was tied had patiently continued perfectly
+      quiet, could no longer support the pain without dismal cries and anguish:
+      he squeaked as loud as his little throat would let him, exerting at the
+      same time the utmost of his strength to disengage himself. But in such a
+      position, with his head downward, in vain were all his efforts to procure
+      relief; and the barbarous monster who held him discovered not the smallest
+      emotions of pity for his sufferings. Oh! how at that moment did I abhor my
+      own existence, and wish that I could be endowed with size and strength
+      sufficient, at once both to rescue him, and severely punish his
+      tormentors. But my wish was ineffectual, and I had the inexpressible
+      affliction of seeing the inhuman wretch hold him down upon the hearth,
+      whilst, without remorse, he crushed him beneath his foot, and then
+      carelessly kicked him into the ashes, saying, &lsquo;There! The cat will smell
+      it out when she comes up.&rsquo; My very blood runs cold within me at the
+      recollection of seeing Softdown&rsquo;s as it spurted from beneath the monster&rsquo;s
+      foot; whilst the crunch of his bones almost petrified me with horror. At
+      length, however, recollecting the impossibility of restoring my beloved
+      brother to life, and the danger of my own situation, I, with trembling
+      feet and palpitating heart, crept softly back to my remaining two
+      brothers, who were impatiently expecting me behind the closet. There I
+      related to them the horrid scene which had passed before my eyes, whilst
+      the anguish it caused in their gentle bosoms far exceeds my power to
+      describe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After having mingled our lamentations for some time, I thus addressed
+      them: &lsquo;We have this night, my brothers, tasted the severest affliction in
+      the cruel death of our dear brother, companion, and friend; let us not,
+      however, only mourn his loss, but also gather wisdom from our misfortune,
+      and return to that duty which we have hitherto neglected. Recollect, my
+      dear friends, what were the last words which our good mother spoke to us
+      at parting. She charged us, upon no account, for no temptation whatever,
+      to return frequently to the same place: if we did, she forewarned us that
+      death and ruin would certainly await us. But in what manner have we obeyed
+      this her kind advice? We have not even so much as once recollected it
+      since she left us; or, if we thought of it for a moment, we foolishly
+      despised it as unnecessary. Now, therefore, we sincerely feel the
+      consequence of our disobedience; and, though our sufferings are most
+      distressing, yet we must confess that we amply deserve them. Let us
+      therefore, my brothers, instantly fly from a place which has already cost
+      us the life of our beloved Softdown, lest we should all likewise fall a
+      sacrifice to our disobedience.&rsquo;&mdash;And here the writer cannot help
+      observing how just were the reflections of the mouse on the crime which
+      they had been guilty of; and begs every reader will be careful to remember
+      the fatal consequences that attended their disobedience of their mother&rsquo;s
+      advice, since they may be assured that equal if not the same misfortune
+      will always attend those who refuse to pay attention to the advice of
+      their parents. But, to return to the history.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this proposal (continued the mouse) my brothers readily agreed; and we
+      directly descended to the place we were in when we discovered the crack
+      that led us to the room in which we feasted on bird-seed. Here we
+      determined to wait, and when the family were all quiet in bed, to go forth
+      in search of provision, as we began to be rather hungry, not having eaten
+      anything a long while. Accordingly we stayed till after the clock struck
+      twelve, when peeping out, we saw that the room was empty: we then ventured
+      forth, and found several seeds, though not enough to afford a very ample
+      meal for three of us.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After we had cleared the room, we again returned to our hiding-place,
+      where we continued till after the family had finished their breakfast.
+      They all then went to take a walk in the garden, and we stepped out to
+      pick up the crumbs which had fallen from the table. Whilst we were thus
+      employed, at a distance from our place of retreat, we were alarmed by the
+      entrance of two boys, who appeared to be about twelve or thirteen years of
+      age. We directly ran towards the crack; but alas! we were not quick enough
+      to escape their observation; for, seeing us, they both at once exclaimed,
+      &lsquo;Some mice! some mice!&rsquo; and at the same time took off their hats, and
+      threw at us. Longtail happily eluded the blow, and safely got home, but
+      poor Brighteyes and myself were less fortunate; and though we for a
+      considerable time, by our quickness, prevented their catching us, at
+      length, being much disabled by a blow that one of them gave me with a book
+      which he threw at me, I was unable any longer to run, and hobbling very
+      slowly across the room, he picked me up. At the same moment Brighteyes was
+      so entangled in a handkerchief which the other boy tossed over him, that
+      he likewise was taken prisoner. Our little hearts now beat quick with fear
+      of those tortures we expected to receive; nor were our apprehensions
+      lessened by hearing the boys consult what they should do with us, &lsquo;I,&rsquo; 
+      said one, &lsquo;will throw mine into the pond, and see how he will swim out
+      again.&rsquo; &lsquo;And I,&rsquo; said the other, &lsquo;will keep mine and tame it.&rsquo; &lsquo;But where
+      will you keep it?&rsquo; inquired his companion. &lsquo;Oh,&rsquo; replied he, &lsquo;I will keep
+      it under a little pan till I can get a house made for it.&rsquo; He then,
+      holding me by the skin at the back of my neck, ran with me into the
+      kitchen to fetch a pan. Here I was not only threatened with death by three
+      or four of the servants, who all blamed Master Peter for keeping me; but
+      likewise two or three cats came round him, rubbing themselves backward and
+      forward against his legs, and then standing upon their hind feet to
+      endeavour to make themselves high enough to reach me. At last, taking a
+      pan in his hand, he returned to his brother with one of the cats following
+      him. Immediately upon our entrance, the boy exclaimed, &lsquo;Oh, now I know
+      what I will do: I will tie a piece of string to its tail, and teach the
+      cat to jump for it.&rsquo; No sooner did this thought present itself than it was
+      put into practice, and I again was obliged to sustain the shocking sight
+      of a brother put to the torture. I, in the mean time, was placed upon the
+      table, with a pan put over me, in which there was a crack, so that I could
+      see as well as hear all that passed: and from this place it was that I
+      beheld my beloved Brighteyes suspended at one end of a string by his tail;
+      one while swinging backward and forward, at another pulled up and down,
+      then suffered to feel his feet on the ground, and again suddenly snatched
+      up as the cat advanced, then twisted round and round as fast as possible
+      at the full length of the string: in short, it is impossible to describe
+      all his sufferings of body, or my anguish of mind. At length a most
+      dreadful conclusion was put to them, by the entrance of a gentleman booted
+      and spurred, with a whip in his hand. &lsquo;What in the world, Charles!&rsquo; said
+      he, as he came in, &lsquo;are you about? What have you got there?&rsquo; &lsquo;Only a
+      mouse, sir,&rsquo; replied the boy. &lsquo;He is teaching the cat to jump, sir,&rsquo; said
+      Peter, &lsquo;that is all.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brighteyes then gave a fresh squeak from the violence of his pain. The
+      gentleman then turning hastily round, exclaimed eagerly, &lsquo;What, is it
+      alive?&rsquo; &lsquo;Yes, sir,&rsquo; said the boy. &lsquo;And how can you, you wicked, naughty,
+      cruel boy,&rsquo; replied the gentleman, &lsquo;take delight in thus torturing a
+      little creature that never did you any injury? Put it down this moment,&rsquo; 
+      said he, at the same time giving him a severe stroke with his horse-whip
+      across that hand by which he held my brother. &lsquo;Let it go directly,&rsquo; and
+      again repeated the blow: the boy let go the string, and Brighteyes fell to
+      the ground; and was instantly snapped up by the cat, who growling, ran
+      away with him in her mouth, and, I suppose, put a conclusion to his
+      miseries and life together, as I never from that moment have heard any
+      account of him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As soon as he was thus taken out of the room, the gentleman sat down, and,
+      taking hold of his son&rsquo;s hand, thus addressed him: &lsquo;Charles, I had a much
+      better opinion of you, than to suppose you were capable of so much
+      cruelty. What right, I desire to know, have you to torment any living
+      creature? If it is only be cause you are larger, and so have it in your
+      power, I beg you will consider, how you would like, that either myself, or
+      some great giant, as much larger than you as you are bigger than the
+      mouse, should hurt and torment you? And I promise you, the smallest
+      creature can feel as acutely as you, nay, the smaller they are, the more
+      susceptible are they of pain, and the sooner they are hurt: a less touch
+      will kill a fly than a man, consequently a less wound will cause it pain;
+      and the mouse which you have now been swinging by the tail over the cat&rsquo;s
+      mouth, has not, you may assure yourself, suffered less torment or fright
+      than you would have done, had you been suspended by your leg, either over
+      water, which would drown you, or over stones, where if you fell you must
+      certainly be dashed to pieces. And yet you could take delight in thus
+      torturing and distressing a poor inoffensive animal. Fie upon it, Charles!
+      fie upon it! I thought you had been a better boy, and not such a cruel,
+      naughty, wicked fellow.&rsquo; &lsquo;Wicked!&rsquo; repeated the boy, &lsquo;I do not think that
+      I have been at all wicked.&rsquo; &lsquo;But I think you have been extremely so,&rsquo; 
+      replied his father; &lsquo;every action that is cruel, and gives pain to any
+      living creature, is wicked, and is a sure sign of a bad heart. I never
+      knew a man, who was cruel to animals, kind and compassionate towards his
+      fellow-creatures: he might not perhaps treat them in the same shocking
+      manner, because the laws of the land would severely punish him if he did;
+      but if he is restrained from bad actions by no higher motive than fear of
+      present punishment, his goodness cannot be very great. A good man,
+      Charles, always takes delight in conferring happiness on all around him;
+      nor would he offer the smallest injury to the meanest insect that was
+      capable of feeling. &lsquo;I am sure,&rsquo; said the boy, &lsquo;I have often seen you kill
+      wasps, and spiders too; and it was but last week that you bought a
+      mouse-trap yourself to catch mice in, although you are so angry now with
+      me.&rsquo; &lsquo;And pray,&rsquo; resumed his father, &lsquo;did you ever see me torment as well
+      as kill them? Or did I ever keep them in pain one moment longer than
+      necessary? I am not condemning people for killing vermin and animals,
+      provided they do it expeditiously, and put them to death with as little
+      pain as possible; but it is putting them to needless torment and misery
+      that I say is wicked. Had you destroyed the mouse with one blow, or rather
+      given it to somebody else to destroy it (for I should not think a
+      tender-hearted boy would delight in such operations himself), I would not
+      have condemned you; but, to keep it hanging the whole weight of its body
+      upon its tail, to swing it about, and, by that, to hold it terrifying over
+      the cat&rsquo;s jaws, and to take pleasure in hearing it squeak, and seeing it
+      struggle for liberty, is such unmanly, such detestable cruelty, as calls
+      for my utmost indignation and abhorrence. But, since you think pain so
+      very trifling an evil, try. Charles, how you like that,&rsquo; said he, giving
+      him at the same time some severe strokes with his horsewhip. The boy then
+      cried, and called out, &lsquo;I do not like it at all, I do not like it at all.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;Neither did the mouse,&rsquo; replied his father, &lsquo;like at all to be tied to a
+      string, and swung about by his tail: he did not like it, and told you so
+      in a language which you perfectly well understood; but you would not
+      attend to his cries; you thought it pleasure to hear it squeak, because
+      you were bigger, and did not feel its torture. I am now bigger than you
+      and do not feel your pain. I therefore shall not yet leave off; as I hope
+      it will teach you not to torment anything another time.&rsquo; Just as he said
+      these words, the boy, endeavouring to avoid the whip, ran against the
+      table on which I was placed, and happily threw down the pan that confined
+      me. I instantly seized the opportunity, jumped down, and once more escaped
+      to the little hole by which I first entered. There I found my only brother
+      waiting for me, and was again under the dreadful necessity of paining his
+      tender heart with the recital of the sufferings which I had been witness
+      to in our dear Brighteyes, as well as the imminent danger I myself had
+      been exposed to. &lsquo;And, surely,&rsquo; said I, &lsquo;we have again drawn this evil
+      upon ourselves by our disobedience to our mother&rsquo;s advice; she, doubtless,
+      intended that we should not continue in the same house long together;
+      whereas from the day of her leaving us, we have never been in any other
+      but this, which has occasioned us such heavy affliction. Therefore, upon
+      no account, let us continue another night under this roof; but, as soon as
+      the evening begins to grow dark enough to conceal us from the observation
+      of any one, we will set off, and seek a lodging in some other place; and
+      should any misfortune befall us on our passage, we shall at least have the
+      consolation of thinking that we were doing our duty by following the
+      advice of our parent.&rsquo; &lsquo;It is true,&rsquo; said my brother, &lsquo;we have been
+      greatly to blame; for the future we will be more careful of our conduct;
+      but do, my dear Nimble,&rsquo; continued he, &lsquo;endeavour to compose yourself, and
+      take a little rest, after the pain and fatigue which you have gone
+      through, otherwise you may be sick; and what will become of me, if any
+      mischief should befall you? I shall then have no brother to converse with,
+      no friend to advise me what to do.&rsquo; Here he stopped, overpowered with his
+      grief for the loss of our two murdered brothers, and with his tender
+      solicitude for my welfare. I endeavoured all in my power to comfort him,
+      and said I hoped that I should soon recover from the bruises I had
+      received both from the boy&rsquo;s hat and book, as well as the pinches in my
+      neck with his finger and thumb, by which he held me, and promised to
+      compose myself. This promise I fulfilled by endeavouring to sleep; but the
+      scene that I had so lately been witness to was too fresh in my imagination
+      to suffer me to close my eyes: however, I kept for some time quiet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The rest of the day we spent in almost total silence, having no spirits
+      for conversation, our hearts being almost broken with anguish. When it
+      grew toward evening, we agreed to find our way out of that detested house,
+      and seek for some other habitation, which might be more propitious. But we
+      found more difficulty in this undertaking than we were at all aware of;
+      for though we could with tolerable ease go from room to room within the
+      house, still, when we attempted to quit it, we found it every way
+      surrounded with so thick a brick wall, that it was impossible for us to
+      make our way through it: we therefore ran round and round it several
+      times, searching for some little crevice through which we might escape;
+      but all to no purpose, not the least crack could we discover: and we might
+      have continued there till this time, had we not at length, after the
+      family were in bed, resolved to venture through one of the apartments into
+      the hall, and so creep out under the house door. But the dangers we
+      exposed ourselves to in this expedition were many and great; we knew that
+      traps were set for us about the house, and where they might chance to be
+      placed we could not tell. I had likewise been eye-witness to no less than
+      four cats, who might, for ought we knew to the contrary, at that hour of
+      darkness, be prowling in search of some of our unhappy species.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But, in spite of every difficulty and hazard, we determined to venture
+      rather than continue in opposition to our mother&rsquo;s commands; and, to
+      reward our obedience, we escaped with trembling hearts, unobserved, at
+      least unmolested, by any one. And now, for the first time since our birth,
+      we found ourselves exposed to the inclemency of the weather. The night was
+      very dark and tempestuous; the rain poured down in torrents; and the wind
+      blew so exceedingly high, that, low upon the ground as we were, it was
+      with difficulty that we could keep our legs: added to which, even step we
+      took, we were in water up to our stomachs. In this wretched condition we
+      knew not which way to turn ourselves, or where to seek for shelter. The
+      spattering of the rain, the howling of the wind, together with the
+      rattling and shaking of the trees, all contributed to make such a noise as
+      rendered it impossible for us to hear whether any danger was approaching
+      us or not.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this truly melancholy situation we waded on for a considerable time,
+      till at length we reached a small house, and very easily gained admittance
+      through a pretty large hole on one side of the door. Most heartily did we
+      rejoice at finding ourselves once more under shelter from the cold and
+      rain, and for some time only busied ourselves in drying our hair, which
+      was as thoroughly wet as if we had been served as the boy threatened my
+      brother Brighteyes, and we had really been drawn through a pond. After we
+      had done this, and had a little rested ourselves, we began to look about
+      in search of food, but we could find nothing except a few crumbs of bread
+      and cheese in a man&rsquo;s coat pocket, and a piece of tallow-candle stuck on
+      the top of a tinder-box. This, however, though not such delicate eating as
+      we had been used to, yet served to satisfy our present hunger; and we had
+      just finished the candle when we were greatly alarmed by the sight of a
+      human hand (for we mice can see a little in the dark) feeling about the
+      very chair on which we stood. We jumped down in an instant, and hid
+      ourselves in a little hole behind a black trunk that stood in one corner
+      of the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We then heard very distinctly a man say, &lsquo;Betty, did you not put the
+      candle by the bedside?&rsquo; &lsquo;Yes, that I am very sure I did,&rsquo; replied a female
+      voice. &lsquo;I thought so,&rsquo; answered the man; &lsquo;but I am sure it is not here
+      now. Tom! Tom! Tom!&rsquo; continued he. &lsquo;What, father?&rsquo; replied a boy, starting
+      up, &lsquo;what is the matter?&rsquo; &lsquo;Why, do you know anything of the candle? I
+      cannot find it, my dear, and I want it sadly, for I fancy it is time we
+      should be up and be jogging. Dost know any thing of it, my lad?&rsquo; &lsquo;Not I,
+      truly, father,&rsquo; said the boy, &lsquo;I only know that I saw mother stick it in
+      the box-lid last night, and put it upon the chair, which she set by the
+      bedside, after you had put your clothes upon the back of it; I know I saw
+      her put it there, so it must be there now, I fancy.&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, I cannot find
+      it,&rsquo; replied the father; so we must e&rsquo;en get up in the dark, for I am sure
+      it must be time.&rsquo; The father and son then both dressed themselves, and the
+      man, taking a shilling out of his pocket, laid it upon the chair, saying
+      at the same time, &lsquo;There, Betty. I have left a shilling for you; take care
+      it does not go after the candle, for where that is I cannot tell any more
+      than the carp at the bottom of the squire&rsquo;s fish-pond.&rsquo; He then unlocked
+      the door, and went away, accompanied by his son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After their departure, we again came out, and took another walk round the
+      room, and found our way into a little cupboard, which we had not before
+      observed. Here we discovered half a loaf of bread, a piece of cold
+      pudding, a lump of salt butter, some soft sugar in a basin, and a fine
+      large slice of bacon. On these dainties we feasted very amply, and agreed
+      that we should again hide ourselves behind the black trunk all day, and at
+      night, when the family were in bed, return to take another meal on the
+      plenty of nice provision which we so happily discovered. Accordingly, we
+      crept back just as the woman went to fill her teakettle at a pump, which
+      stood between her house and the next neighbour&rsquo;s. When she returned, she
+      put it upon the fire she had just lit, and, taking a pair of bellows in
+      her hand, sat down to blow it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While she was so employed, a young gentleman, about ten years of age, very
+      genteelly dressed, entered the room, and in a familiar manner asked her
+      how she did. &lsquo;I am very well, thank you, my dear,&rsquo; replied she: &lsquo;and pray,
+      Master George, how does your mamma and papa do; and all your brothers and
+      sisters?&rsquo; &lsquo;They are all very well, thank you,&rsquo; returned the boy: &lsquo;And I am
+      come to bring you a slice of cake, which my grandpapa gave me yesterday.&rsquo; 
+      Then throwing his arms round her neck, he went on saying, &lsquo;Oh! my dear,
+      dear Betty Flood, how I do love you! I would do anything in the world to
+      serve you. I shall save all my Christmas-boxes to give to you; and when I
+      am a man, I will give you a great deal of money. I wish you were a lady,
+      and not so poor.&rsquo; &lsquo;I am much obliged to you, my dear,&rsquo; said she, &lsquo;for your
+      kind good-wishes; but, indeed, love, I am very well contented with my
+      station: I have a good husband, and three good children, and that is more
+      than many a lady can say; and riches, Master George, unless people are
+      good, and those one lives with are kind and obliging, will never make
+      anybody happy. What comfort, now, do you think a body could ever have at
+      Squire Stately&rsquo;s? I declare, if it was put to my choice, I would rather a
+      thousand times be as I am. To be sure, they are very rich; but what of
+      that? they cannot eat gold; neither can gold ease their hearts when they
+      are bursting almost with pride and ill-nature. They say, indeed, that
+      Madam Stately would be kind enough, if they would let her rest; but what
+      with the Squire&rsquo;s drinking and swearing, and the young gentleman&rsquo;s
+      extravagance, and her daughter&rsquo;s pride and quarrelling, she is almost
+      tired out of her life. And so, Master George, I say I had rather be poor
+      Betty Flood, with honest Abraham for my husband, than the finest lady in
+      the land, if I must live at such a rate. To be sure, nobody can deny but
+      that money is very desirable, and people that are rich can do many
+      agreeable things which we poor ones cannot; but yet, for all that, money
+      does not make people happy. Happiness, Master George, depends greatly upon
+      people&rsquo;s own tempers and dispositions: a person who is fretful and cross
+      will never be happy, though he should be made king of all England; and a
+      person who is contented and good-humoured will never be wretched, though
+      he should be as poor as a beggar. So never fret yourself, love, because
+      Betty Flood is poor; for though I am poor, I am honest; and whilst my
+      husband and I are happy enough to be blessed with health, and the use of
+      our limbs, we can work for our living; and though we have no great plenty,
+      still we have sufficient to support us. So pray, dear, eat your cake
+      yourself, for I would not take it from you for ever so much.&rsquo; They then
+      disputed for some time who should have it: at last, George scuffled away
+      from her, and put it into the closet, and then, nodding his head at her,
+      ran away, saying, he must go to school that moment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Betty Flood then ate her breakfast; and we heard her say something about
+      the nasty mice, but what we could not make out, as she muttered softly to
+      herself. She then came to the trunk behind which we lay, and taking out of
+      it a roll of new linen, sat down to needlework. At twelve o&rsquo;clock her
+      husband and son returned; so moving her table out of the way, she made
+      room for them at the fire, and, fetching the frying pan, dressed some
+      rashers of the nice bacon we had before tasted in the cupboard. The boy,
+      in the mean time, spread a cloth on the table, and placed the bread and
+      cold pudding on it likewise: then, returning to the closet for their
+      plates, he cried out, &lsquo;Lauk! father, here is a nice hunch of plum-cake;
+      can you tell how it came?&rsquo; &lsquo;Not I, indeed, Tom,&rsquo; replied his father; &lsquo;I
+      can tell no more than the carp at the bottom of the squire&rsquo;s fish-pond.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;Oh, I will tell you.&rsquo; said Mrs. Flood; &lsquo;I know how it came. Do you know,
+      that dear child, Master George Kendall, brought it for me; he called as he
+      went to school this morning. I told him I would not have it; but the dear
+      little soul popped it into the cupboard, and ran away without it. Bless
+      his little heart! I do think he is the sweetest child that ever was born.
+      You may laugh at me for saying so; but I am sure I should have thought the
+      same if I had not nursed him myself.&rsquo; &lsquo;Indeed,&rsquo; replied her husband, &lsquo;I do
+      not laugh at you for saying so, for I think so too, and so must everyone
+      who knows him; for when young gentlemen behave as he does, everybody must
+      love and admire them. There is nothing I would not do to help and serve
+      that child, or any of his family; they always are so kind, and speak as
+      civilly to us poor folk as if we were the first lords or ladies in the
+      land. I am sure, if it were needful, I would go through fire and water for
+      their sakes; and so would every man in the parish, I dare say. But I
+      wonder who would do as much to help Squire Stately or any of his family,
+      if it was not that I should think it my duty (and an honest man ought
+      always to do that, whether he likes it or not); but I say, if it was not
+      that it would be my duty to help my fellow-creature, I would scarcely be
+      at the trouble of stepping over the threshold to serve them, they are such
+      a set of cross, good-for-nothing gentry. I declare, it was but as we came
+      home to dinner now, that we saw Master Sam throwing sticks and stones at
+      Dame Frugal&rsquo;s ducks, for the sake of seeing them waddle; and then, when
+      they got to the pond, he sent his dog in after them to bark and frighten
+      them out of their wits. And as I came by, nothing would serve him but
+      throwing a great dab of mud all over the sleeve of my coat. So I said,
+      &ldquo;Why, Master Sam, you need not have done that; I did nothing to offend
+      you; and however amusing you may think it to insult poor people, I assure
+      you it is very wicked, and what no good person in the world would be
+      guilty of.&rdquo; He then set up a great rude laugh, and I walked on and said no
+      more. But if all gentlefolk were to behave like that family, I had rather
+      be poor as I am, than have all their riches, if that would make me act
+      like them.&rsquo; &lsquo;Very true, Abraham,&rsquo; replied his wife, &lsquo;that is what I say,
+      and what I told Master George this morning; for to be poor, if people do
+      not become so through their own extravagance, is no disgrace to any body:
+      but to be haughty, cruel, cross, and mischievous, is a disgrace to all who
+      are so, let their rank be as exalted as it may.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a man, who begged
+      Mr. Flood to assist him in unloading his cart of flour, as his man was
+      gone out, and he could not do it by himself. &lsquo;Well, I will come and help
+      you, with all my heart,&rsquo; said Flood; &lsquo;and so shall Tom too: will you, my
+      lad? I cannot live without help myself; and if I do not assist others, I
+      am sure I shall not deserve any when I want it.&rsquo; So saying, he left his
+      house; and his wife, after cleaning and putting in their proper places
+      those things which had been used at dinner, again sat down to her sewing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon after the clock had struck six, the man and his son returned; and,
+      sitting round the fire, they passed the evening in social conversation,
+      till they went to bed, which was a little after eight; and they convinced
+      me, by their talk and behaviour, that happiness in this world depends far
+      more upon the temper and disposition of the heart, than upon any external
+      possessions; and that virtue, and a desire to be useful to others, afford
+      far greater satisfaction and peace of mind than any riches and grandeur
+      can possibly supply without such necessary qualifications. After they were
+      all fallen asleep, we crept out; and, leaving the candle unmolested, which
+      was again placed on the tinder-box by the bed-side, we hastened into the
+      closet, where we regaled heartily, and devoured that part of the plum-cake
+      which Tom had very generously left for his sister Polly, who we found was
+      expected home the next day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We then retired to our safe retreat, and thought we might venture to stay
+      for one more night&rsquo;s provisions without running any danger from our too
+      frequent return to the same place. But in the morning we found our scheme
+      frustrated; for, on the woman&rsquo;s going to the closet to get her breakfast,
+      she observed the robbery which we had committed, and exclaimed, &lsquo;Some
+      teasing mice have found their way into the closet: I will borrow neighbour
+      Savewell&rsquo;s trap to-night, and catch some of the little toads; that I
+      will!&rsquo; After hearing this, it would have been madness to make any further
+      attempts: we therefore agreed to watch for an opportunity, and escape on
+      the very first that offered. Accordingly, about noon, when Mrs. Flood was
+      busily employed in making some pancakes, we slipped by her unobserved, and
+      crept out at the same hole by which we first entered. But no sooner were
+      we in the open road, than we repented our haste, and wished that we had
+      continued where we were till the darkness of the night might better have
+      concealed us from the observation of anyone. We crept as close to the wall
+      of the house (as far as it reached, which was but a few paces) as we
+      possibly could, and then stepped into a little ditch, which we were soon
+      obliged to leave again, as the water ran in some parts of it almost up to
+      the edge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length we reached a little cottage, which we were just entering, when a
+      cat that was sleeping unnoticed by us upon a chair, jumped down, and would
+      certainly have destroyed me (who happened to go first) had she not at the
+      same moment tried to catch my brother, and by that means missed her aim,
+      and so given us both an opportunity to escape, which we did by scrambling
+      behind a brick that a child had been playing with by the side of the door.
+      Fortunately, the brick lay too close to the house for the cat to get her
+      paw behind it, so as to be able to reach us; though to avoid it we were
+      obliged to use the greatest precaution, as she could thrust it in a little
+      way, so that if we had gone one inch too near either end, she would
+      certainly have dragged us out by her talons. In this dreadful situation
+      did we spend some hours, incessantly moving from one end of the brick to
+      the other; for the moment she had, by the entrance of her paw at one end,
+      driven us to the other, she stepped over, and again made us retreat. Think
+      with what dreadful terror our little hearts must have been oppressed, to
+      see our mortal enemy so closely watching us, expecting every moment when
+      she shook the brick with her two forepaws in searching, and with her mouth
+      endeavoured to lift it up, that she would be so far able to effect her
+      purpose, as to make it impossible for us to escape her jaws. But, happily
+      for us, it had somehow or other got so wedged that she could not move it
+      to any distance; though it kept momentarily increasing our terrors, by
+      shaking as she strove to turn it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From this state of horror, however, we were at length delivered by a
+      little boy of about two years old, who came out of the house, and taking
+      the cat up round its body with both hands, tottered away with it, and shut
+      the door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Finding ourselves thus unexpectedly once more at liberty, we determined to
+      make use of it, by seeking some safer retreat, at least, till night should
+      better hide us from public view. Terrified almost out of our senses, we
+      crept from behind the brick, and, after running a few yards, slipped under
+      the folding doors of a barn, and soon concealed ourselves amidst a vast
+      quantity of threshed corn. This appeared to us the most desirable retreat
+      that we had yet found; not only as it afforded such immense plenty of
+      food, but also as we could so easily hide ourselves from the observation
+      of any one: beside, as it did not appear to be a dwelling-house, we could
+      in security reside, free from any danger of traps, or the cruelty of man.
+      We therefore congratulated each other, not more on account of the
+      wonderful escape which we had, than upon our good fortune in coming to a
+      Spot so blessed with peace and plenty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After we were a little recovered from the fatigue of mind, as well as of
+      body, which we had lately gone through, we regaled very heartily upon the
+      corn that surrounded us, and then fell into a charming sleep, from which
+      we were awakened the next morning by the sound of human voices. We very
+      distinctly heard that of a boy, saying, &lsquo;Let us mix all the threshed corn
+      with the rest that is not threshed, and that will make a fine fuss, and
+      set John and Simon a swearing like troopers when they come and find all
+      their labour lost, and that they must do all their work over again.&rsquo; &lsquo;And
+      do you think there is anything so agreeable in giving people trouble, and
+      hearing them swear,&rsquo; replied another voice, &lsquo;that you can wish to do it?
+      For my part. I think it is so wicked a thing, that I hate to hear anybody
+      guilty of it, much less would I be the cause of making them commit so
+      great a sin; and as for giving them all their trouble over again, so far
+      would it be from affording me any pleasure, that on the contrary it would
+      give me great pain; for however you may think of it, Will, I assure you,
+      it always gives me much uneasiness to see people labouring and working
+      hard. I always think how much I should dislike to be obliged to do so
+      myself, and therefore very sincerely pity those who must. On no account
+      therefore will I do anything to add to their labour, or that shall give
+      them unnecessary work.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Pooh!&rsquo; answered Will, &lsquo;you are wonderfully wise; I, for my part, hate
+      such super-abundant wisdom; I like to see folk fret, and stew, and scold,
+      as our maids did last week when I cut the line, and let all the sheets,
+      and gowns, and petticoats, and frocks, and shirts, and aprons, and caps,
+      and what not, fall plump into the dirt. O! how I did laugh! and how they
+      did mutter and scold! And do you know, that just as the wash ladies were
+      wiping their coddled hands, and comforted themselves with the thought of
+      their work being all over, and were going to sip their tea by the
+      fireside, I put them all to the scout; and they were obliged to wash every
+      rag over again. I shall never forget how cross they looked, nay, I verily
+      believe Susan cried about it; and how I did laugh!&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And pray,&rsquo; rejoined the other boy, &lsquo;should you have laughed equally
+      hearty if, after you had been at school all day, and had with much
+      difficulty just got through all your writing, and different exercises, and
+      were going to play, should you laugh, I say, if somebody was to run away
+      with them all, and your master oblige you to do them all over again? Tell
+      me, Will, should you laugh, or cry and look cross? And even that would not
+      be half so bad for you, as it was for the maids to be obliged to wash
+      their clothes over again; washing is very hard labour, and tires people
+      sadly, and so does threshing too. It is very unkind, therefore, to give
+      them such unnecessary trouble; and everything that is unkind, is wicked;
+      and I would not do it upon any account, I assure you.&rsquo; &lsquo;Then I assure
+      you,&rsquo; replied Will, &lsquo;you may let it alone; I can do it without your
+      assistance.&rsquo; He then began mixing the grain and the chaff together, the
+      other boy strongly remonstrating against it, to which he paid no
+      attention; and whilst he was so employed, two men, Simon and John, entered
+      the barn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Why, how now, Master Billy,&rsquo; said Simon; &lsquo;what are you about? What
+      business have you to be here? You are always doing some mischief or other!
+      I wish, with all my heart, that you were kept chained like a dog, and
+      never suffered to be at liberty, for you do more harm in an hour, than a
+      body can set right again in a month!&rsquo; Will then took up hats full of the
+      corn and chaff, and threw it in the two men&rsquo;s faces; afterwards taking up
+      a flail, he gave Simon a blow across his back, saying, at the same time,
+      &lsquo;I will show you the way to thresh, and separate the flesh from the
+      bones.&rsquo; &lsquo;O! will you so, young squire?&rsquo; said John; &lsquo;I will show you the
+      way to make naughty boys good.&rsquo; He then left the barn, but presently
+      returned accompanied by a gentleman, upon the sight of whom Will let fall
+      the flail, which he was till then brandishing over Simon&rsquo;s head, and was
+      going away, when the gentleman taking hold of his hand, said, &lsquo;You do not
+      stir from this place, Master William, nor have one mouthful of breakfast,
+      till you have asked the men pardon for your behaviour, and likewise sifted
+      every grain of corn from the chaff which you have mixed with it. When you
+      have done that, you may have some food, but not before; and afterward you
+      may spend the rest of the day in threshing, then you will be a better
+      judge, my boy, of the fatigue and labour of it, and find how you should
+      like, after working hard all day, to have it rendered useless by a
+      mischievous boy. Remember, William, what I have now said to you, for I do
+      insist upon being minded; and I promise you, that if you offer to play, or
+      do anything else today, you shall be punished very severely.&rsquo; The
+      gentleman then went away. Will muttered something, I could not exactly
+      hear what, began to sift the corn, and so much had he mixed together, that
+      he did not go in for his breakfast till after I had heard the church clock
+      strike one, though it was before eight when he came into the barn. In
+      about an hour he returned, and the other boy with him, who addressed him,
+      saying, &lsquo;Ah! Will, you had better have taken my advice, and not have done
+      so: I thought what you would get by your nice fun as you called it. I
+      never knew any good come of mischief; it generally brings those who do it
+      into disgrace; or if they should happen to escape unpunished, still it is
+      always attended with some inconvenience: it is an ill-natured disposition
+      which can take pleasure in giving trouble to any one.&rsquo; &lsquo;Do hold your
+      tongue, James,&rsquo; replied Will; &lsquo;I declare I have not patience to hear you
+      preach, you are so prodigiously wise, and prudent, and sober; you had
+      better go indoors and sew with your mamma, for you talk just as if you
+      were a girl, and not in the least like a boy of spirit.&rsquo; &lsquo;Like a girl!&rsquo; 
+      resumed James. &lsquo;Are girls then the only folk who have any sense, or good
+      nature? Or what proof does it shew of spirit to be fond of mischief, and
+      giving people trouble? It is like a monkey of spirit indeed; but I cannot
+      say, that I see either spirit or sense in making the clean clothes fall
+      into the dirt, or mixing the corn and chaff, for the sake of making the
+      poor servants do them all over again: if these things are a sign of any
+      spirit. I am sure it is of an evil one, and not at all such as I wish to
+      possess, though I no more want to sit still, or work with a needle, than
+      you do; but I hope there are other ways of showing my spirit, as you call
+      it, than by doing mischief, and being ill-natured. I do not think my papa
+      ever seems to be effeminate, or want sufficient spirit; but he would scorn
+      to give unnecessary trouble to anybody: and so will Tom Vaulter, though no
+      boy in the world loves play better than he does; he plays at cricket the
+      best of any boy in the school, and I am sure none can beat him at tennis;
+      and as for skipping, I never saw a boy skip so well in all my life; and I
+      am sure he would beat you, with all your spirit, out and out twenty times,
+      either at running, or sliding, or swimming, or climbing a tree. And yet he
+      never gives trouble to anybody for the sake of fun; he is one of the
+      best-tempered boys in the world; and whether it is like a girl or not, he
+      always does what he knows to be right and kind; and if that is being like
+      girls, why, with all my heart; I like girls well enough, and if they
+      behave well I do not see why you should speak so contemptuously of them.
+      My papa always says that he loves girls just as well as boys, and none but
+      foolish and naughty boys despise and tease them.&rsquo; Just as he said these
+      words, Simon and John entered the barn, and seeing Will stand idle, &lsquo;Come,
+      come, young gentleman,&rsquo; said John, &lsquo;take up your flail and go to work,
+      sir, to work! to work! night will be here presently, and you have done
+      nothing yet.&rsquo; Presently after the gentleman returned, and enforced John&rsquo;s
+      advice for him to mind his work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After Master Will had continued his employment some little time, he began
+      to cry, saying, his arms ached ready to drop off, and his hand was so sore
+      he could not bear it. &lsquo;Then doubtless,&rsquo; replied his father, &lsquo;you would
+      prodigiously like, after you have been labouring all day, to have your
+      work to do over again, for the sake of diverting a foolish boy. But go on,
+      William, I am determined that you shall, for one day, know what it is to
+      work hard, and thereby be taught to pity, and help, not add to the fatigue
+      of those who do.&rsquo; The boy then went on with his business, though not
+      without making great complaints, and shedding many tears. At length,
+      however, evening came; and the gentleman, his son, and the two men, all
+      went away, leaving Longtail and myself to enjoy our abundance. We passed
+      another night in the sweetest undisturbed repose, and in the day had
+      nothing to alarm our fears. In short, our situation was every way so
+      perfectly happy and desirable, that we thought, although our mother had
+      charged us not to return frequently to the same place, yet she could not
+      mean that we should not take up our abode in a spot so secure and
+      comfortable. We therefore determined to continue where we were, till we
+      should find some cause for removing. And happy had it been for us if we
+      had kept to this resolution, and remained contented when we had everything
+      requisite to make us so. Instead of which, after we had thus, free from
+      care, passed our time about seven months, like fools as we were, we began
+      to grow weary of our retirement, and of eating nothing but the same food;
+      and agreed that we would again venture forth and seek for some other
+      lodging, at the same time resolving, in case we could find no habitation
+      that suited us, to return to the barn where we had enjoyed so many days of
+      plenty and repose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Accordingly, one fine moonlight Monday night, after securing our supper on
+      the corn, we set forth, and travelled for some distance without any
+      further molestation than our own natural fears created. At length we came
+      to a brick house, with about five or six windows in front, and made our
+      way into it through a small latticed window which gave air into the
+      pantry; but on our arrival here we had no opportunity of so much as
+      observing what it contained, for on our slipping down a cat instantly flew
+      at us, and by the greatest good luck in the world, there chanced to be a
+      hole in one of the boards of the floor close to the spot where we stood,
+      into which we both were happy enough to pop, before she could catch us.
+      Here we had time to reflect, and severely blame ourselves for not being
+      satisfied with our state in the barn. &lsquo;When,&rsquo; said I, addressing myself to
+      my brother, &lsquo;when shall we grow wise, and learn to know that certain evil
+      always attends every deviation from what is right. When we disobeyed the
+      advice of our mother, and, tempted by cakes and other dainties, frequently
+      returned to the same dangerous place, how severely did we suffer for it?
+      And now, by our own discontent, and not being satisfied when so safely
+      though more humbly lodged, into what trouble have we not plunged
+      ourselves? How securely have we lived in the barn for the last seven
+      months, and how happily might we still have continued there, had it not
+      been for our restless dispositions? Ah! my brother, we have acted
+      foolishly. We ought to have been contented when we were at peace, and
+      should have considered that if we had not everything we could wish for, we
+      had every thing that was necessary; and the life of a mouse was never
+      designed for perfect happiness. Such enjoyment was never intended for our
+      lot; it is the portion only of beings whose capacities are far superior to
+      ours. We ought then to have been contented; and had we been so, we should
+      have been as happy as our state of life would have admitted of.&rsquo; &lsquo;What you
+      say is certainly very true,&rsquo; replied Longtail, &lsquo;and I sincerely wish that
+      we had thought of these things before. But what must we now do? we said we
+      would return to the barn in case of difficulties, but that is now
+      impossible, as, if we attempt to retreat, the cat that drove us in here,
+      will certainly destroy us; and yet in proceeding, what difficulties must
+      we encounter, what dangers may we not run! Oh! my beloved Nimble,&rsquo; 
+      continued he, &lsquo;what a life of hazard is ours! to what innumerable
+      accidents are we hourly exposed! and how is every meal that we eat at the
+      risk of our very existence!&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It undoubtedly is,&rsquo; replied I; &lsquo;but with all its troubles we still are
+      very desirous of preserving it: let us not then, my brother, indulge our
+      hearts with murmuring and finding fault with that life, which,
+      notwithstanding all its evils, we value so highly. Rather let us endeavour
+      to learn experience, and, by conducting ourselves better, escape many of
+      those troubles which we now suffer.&rsquo; So saving, I advised him to follow
+      me: &lsquo;for,&rsquo; added I, &lsquo;it is impossible for us to exist in the spot in which
+      we are at present; we must therefore strive to work our way into some
+      other house or apartment, where we can at least find some food.&rsquo; To this
+      Longtail agreed; the rest of the night, and all the next day, we spent in
+      nibbling and finding our way into a closet in the house, which richly
+      repaid us for all our toil, as it contained sugar-plums, rice, millet,
+      various kinds of sweetmeats, and what we liked better than all the rest, a
+      paper of nice macaroons. On these we feasted most deliciously till our
+      hunger was fully satisfied, and then creeping into a little hole, just big
+      enough to contain us both, behind one of the jars of sweetmeats, reposed
+      ourselves with a nap, after our various and great fatigues which we had
+      gone through. I never was a remarkably sound sleeper, the least noise
+      disturbs me, and I was awakened in the morning by the servant-maid&rsquo;s
+      coming into the room to sweep it, and get it ready for the reception of
+      her mistress and family, who soon after entered. As I wanted to know from
+      whom the voices I heard proceeded, I stepped softly from behind the jar
+      and just peeped under the door into the room, where I discovered a
+      gentleman, two ladies, and a little boy and girl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As I was totally unacquainted with all places of retreat, and did not know
+      how soon any of them might have occasion to open the closet door, I
+      instantly returned to my brother; and, awaking him, told him it was time
+      for us to be upon our guard, as the family were all up and about.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whilst we were thus situated, the first words I heard distinctly were
+      those of the gentleman, saying, &lsquo;No, Frank, I can never have a good
+      opinion of him; the boy who could once deceive may, for aught I know, do
+      so again; he has, by breaking his word, forfeited the only dependence one
+      could possibly have in him. A person who has once lost his honour has no
+      means left of gaining credit to his assertions. By honour, Frank, I would
+      be understood to speak of veracity, of virtue, of scorning to commit a
+      mean action, and not that brutish sense in which some understand it, as if
+      it consisted in a readiness to fight and resent an injury; for so far am I
+      from considering such behaviour as any proof of honour, that, on the
+      contrary, I look upon it as a sure sign of want of proper spirit and true
+      honour. Fools, bullies, and even cowards, will fight; whereas none but men
+      of sense and resolution and true magnanimity know how to pardon and
+      despise an insult.&rsquo; &lsquo;But, indeed, sir,&rsquo; replied the boy, &lsquo;at school, if
+      one did not fight, they would laugh at one so, there would be no such
+      thing as bearing it.&rsquo; &lsquo;And for that very reason it is, my dear, that I
+      say, to pass by and pardon an insult requires more resolution and courage
+      than mere fighting does. When I wish you to avoid quarrelling and
+      fighting, I by no means want you to become a coward, for I as much abhor a
+      dastardly spirit as any boy in your school can possibly do; but I would
+      wish you to convince them that you merited not that appellation, by
+      showing through the whole of your behaviour, a resolution that despised
+      accidental pain, and avoided revenging an affront for no other reason than
+      because you were convinced it shewed a much nobler spirit to pardon than
+      to resent. And you may be assured, my dear, few are the days that pass
+      without affording us some opportunity of exerting our patience, and
+      showing that, although we disdain quarrelling, still we are far from being
+      cowards.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I remember, when I was at school, there was one boy, who, from his first
+      coming, declined upon all occasions engaging in any battle; he even gave
+      up many of his just rights to avoid quarrelling, which conduct, instead of
+      gaining (as it justly deserved) the approbation of his companions, drew
+      upon him the insult and abuse of the whole school; and they were
+      perpetually teasing him with the opprobrious title of coward. For some
+      time he bore it with great good-humour, and endeavoured to laugh it off;
+      but, finding that had no effect, he one day thus addressed us:&mdash;&ldquo;If
+      you suppose that I like to be called a coward, you are all very much
+      mistaken; or if you think me one, I assure you that you are not less so;
+      for no boy in the school should, if put to the trial, show greater
+      resolution than myself. Indeed, I think it no small proof of patience that
+      I have borne your repeated insults so long; when I could, by behaving more
+      like a savage beast, and less like a reasonable creature, have established
+      my character at once; but I abhor quarrelling, my soul detests to treat my
+      fellow-creatures as if they were brutes, from whose fangs I must defend
+      myself; but if nothing else but fighting will convince you that I possess
+      not less courage than yourselves, I will now offer, in cold blood, to
+      engage with the biggest boy in the school. If I conquer him, it will be a
+      sign that I know how to defend myself; and if he conquers me, I will, by
+      my behaviour, give a proof that I am not wanting in resolution to suffer
+      pain, although I never will so far demean the character of a reasonable
+      creature and a Christian, as to fight upon every trifling disagreement or
+      insult.&rdquo; No sooner had he uttered these words, than every boy present was
+      loud either in his commendation or condemnation. One quarter of them,
+      convinced of the justness of his arguments, highly extolled his
+      forbearance; whilst the other three parts, with still greater noise, only
+      called him a bully and a mean-spirited coward, who dared not fight, and
+      for that reason made such a fine speech, hoping to intimidate them. &ldquo;Well
+      then,&rdquo; said he, &ldquo;if such is your opinion, why will none of you accept my
+      offer? you surely cannot be afraid, you who are such brave fellows, of
+      such true courage, and such noble spirits, cannot be afraid of a coward
+      and a bully! Why, therefore, does not one of you step forward, and put my
+      fine speech to the test? Otherwise, after I have thus challenged you all,
+      I hope none for the future will think they have any right to call me
+      coward; though I again declare my fixed resolution against fighting.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Just as he said this, a voice calling for help, was heard from a lane
+      adjoining to the play-yard. Immediately we all flocked to the side nearest
+      whence it proceeded; and, clambering upon benches, watering-pots, or
+      whatever came first in our way, peeped over the wall, where we discovered
+      two well-grown lads, about seventeen or eighteen, stripping a little boy
+      of his clothes, and beating him for his outcries in a most cruel manner;
+      and at a little distance farther down the lane, sat a company of gypsies,
+      to whom the two lads evidently belonged. At the sight of this we were all
+      much distressed, and wished to relieve the boy; though, discovering so
+      large a party, we were too much afraid to venture, till Tomkins (the boy I
+      before spoke about) instantly jumped from the wall, and only saying, &ldquo;Has
+      nobody courage to follow me?&rdquo; ran toward them as fast as possible, and
+      with uncommon strength and agility placed himself between them and the
+      boy, and began defending himself in the best manner he could; which he did
+      for some time with great dexterity, none of his fighting schoolfellows
+      having courage to go to his assistance. At length, however, seeing it
+      impossible for him to stand out any longer against two so much stronger
+      than himself, the boys agreed to secure themselves by numbers, and to
+      sally forth to his assistance altogether. This scheme succeeded, and very
+      shortly rescued Tomkins from his antagonists. He thanked them for their
+      assistance, saying, at the same time, &ldquo;I hope you will no longer doubt my
+      courage, or my abilities to fight, when it is necessary or in a good
+      cause.&rdquo; After so signal a proof of his viler, his greatest enemies could
+      no longer doubt it; and, without ever engaging in foolish battles, he
+      passed through school as much respected as any boy, and his magnanimity
+      was never again called in question.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the gentleman stopped speaking, the little girl called out, &lsquo;O, papa,
+      the coach is at the door.&rsquo; &lsquo;Is it, my dear?&rsquo; returned the father. &lsquo;Well
+      then, stop, my love,&rsquo; said one of the ladies, &lsquo;I have got a few cakes for
+      you: stay, and take them before you go.&rsquo; She then unlocked the closet
+      where we were, and took down the paper of macaroons, among which we had so
+      comfortably regaled ourselves; when, observing the hole in the paper
+      through which we entered, &lsquo;O dear!&rsquo; she exclaimed, &lsquo;the mice have actually
+      got into my cupboard. I will move all the things out this very morning,
+      and lock the cat up in it; for I shall be undone if the mice once get
+      footing here; they will soon spoil all my stores, and that will never do.&rsquo; 
+      She then kissed both the children; and, giving them the cakes, they, the
+      gentleman, and another lady, all departed; and she instantly began to move
+      the boxes and jars from the closet; whilst we, terrified almost out of our
+      wits, sat trembling behind one of them, not daring to stir, yet dreading
+      the cat&rsquo;s approach every moment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We were soon, however, obliged to move our quarters, for the lady taking
+      down the very jar which concealed us, we were forced (without knowing
+      where we were) to jump down instantly. In vain we sought all round the
+      room for some avenue whereat we might escape; the apartment was too well
+      fitted up to admit the smallest crack; and we must then certainly have
+      been destroyed, had we not, with uncommon presence of mind, ran up the
+      back of the lady&rsquo;s gown, by which means she lost sight of us, and gave us
+      an opportunity to make our escape, as she opened the door to order the cat
+      to be brought in. We seized the lucky moment, and, dropping from her gown,
+      fled with the utmost haste out at the house door, which happened to be
+      wide open; and I, without once looking behind me, ran on till I discovered
+      a little crack in the brick wall, which I entered, and which, after many
+      turnings and windings, brought me to this house, where I have now
+      continued skulking about in its different apartments for above a month;
+      during which time I have not heard the least tidings of my beloved brother
+      Longtail. Whether, therefore, any mischief befell him as he followed me,
+      or whether he entered the crack with me and then lost sight of me, I know
+      not; but in vain have I sought him every day since my arrival within these
+      walls, and so anxious am I to learn what is become of him, that I am now
+      come forth, contrary to my nature, to engage your compassion, and to
+      beseech you, in case&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment, the door of my room opened, and my servant coming hastily
+      in, the mouse jumped from my table, and precipitately retreated to the
+      same hole from whence it first addressed me; and though I have several
+      times peeped into it, and even laid little bits of cake to entice it back
+      again, yet have I never been able to see it any where since. Should either
+      that, or any other, ever again favour me so far with their confidence, as
+      to instruct me with their history, I will certainly communicate it with
+      all possible speed to my little readers; who I hope have been wise enough
+      to attend to the advice given them in the preceding pages, although it was
+      delivered to them by one as insignificant as a MOUSE.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PART2" id="link2H_PART2">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PART II.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_INTR2" id="link2H_INTR2">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      INTRODUCTION
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It is now some months ago since I took leave of my little readers,
+      promising, in case I should ever hear any further tidings of either Nimble
+      or Longtail, I would certainly communicate it to them; and, as I think it
+      extremely wrong not to fulfil any engagement we enter into, I look upon
+      myself bound to give them all the information I have since gained,
+      relating to those two little animals; and I doubt not but they will be
+      glad to hear what happened to them, after Nimble was frightened from my
+      writing table by the entrance of my servant. If I recollect right, I have
+      already told you, that I frequently peeped into the hole in the
+      skirting-board, and laid bits of cake to try to entice my little companion
+      back, but all to no purpose: and I had quite given over all hopes of ever
+      again seeing him, when one day, as I was putting my hand into a large jar,
+      which had some Turkey figs in it, I felt something soft at the bottom, and
+      taking it out, found it to be a poor little mouse, not quite dead, but so
+      starved and weak, that upon my placing it upon the table, it had not
+      strength sufficient to get from me. A little boy happened to be standing
+      by me, who, upon the sight of the mouse, began to beg me to give it to the
+      cat, or kill it, &lsquo;for I don&rsquo;t like mice,&rsquo; said he; &lsquo;pray, ma&rsquo;am, put it
+      away.&rsquo; &lsquo;Not like mice,&rsquo; replied I; &lsquo;what can be your objection to such a
+      little soft creature as this?&rsquo; and taking advantage of its weakness, I
+      picked it up, and held it in the palm of one hand, whilst I stroked it
+      with the fingers of my right. &lsquo;Poor little mouse,&rsquo; said I, &lsquo;who can be
+      afraid of such a little object as this? Do you not feel ashamed of
+      yourself, Joe, to fear such a little creature as this? Only look at it,
+      observe how small it is, and then consider your own size, and surely, my
+      dear, you will blush to think of being no more of a man than to fear a
+      mouse! Look at me, Joe,&rsquo; continued I, &lsquo;see, I will kiss it, I am not at
+      all afraid that it will hurt me.&rsquo; When, lifting it up toward my face, I
+      heard it say, in the faintest voice possible, &lsquo;Do you not know me?&rsquo; I
+      instantly recollected my little friend Nimble, and rejoiced at so
+      unexpectedly finding him. &lsquo;What, is it you, little Nimble,&rsquo; exclaimed I,
+      &lsquo;that I again behold? Believe me, I am heartily rejoiced once more to find
+      you; but tell me, where have you been, what have you done, whom have you
+      seen, and what have you learned since you last left me?&rsquo; &lsquo;Oh!&rsquo; replied he,
+      in a voice so low I could scarcely hear him, &lsquo;I have seen many things; but
+      I am so faint and weak for want of food and fresh air, that I doubt I
+      shall never live to tell you; but, for pity&rsquo;s sake have compassion on me,
+      either put me out of my present misery by instantly killing me, or else
+      give me something to eat; for, if you knew my sufferings, I am sure it
+      would grieve your heart.&rsquo; &lsquo;Kill you!&rsquo; returned I, &lsquo;no, that I will not: on
+      the contrary, I will try by every method to restore you to health, and all
+      the happiness a mouse is capable of feeling.&rsquo; I then instantly sent for
+      some bread, and had the satisfaction of seeing him eat very heartily of
+      it, after which he seemed much refreshed, and began to move about a little
+      more suitable to his name; for, in truth, when I first found him, no
+      living creature in the world could appear less deserving of the
+      appellation of Nimble. I then fetched him a little milk, and gave him a
+      lump of sugar to nibble; after eating of which he begged to retire into
+      some safe little hole to take a nap, from whence he promised to return as
+      soon as he should wake; and accordingly, in about an hour he again
+      appeared on my table, and began as follows.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I was frightened away from you just as I was going to implore your
+      compassion for any unfortunate mouse that might happen to fall within your
+      power; lest you should destroy my dear and only surviving brother,
+      Longtail; but somebody entering the room, prevented me, and after I had
+      regained my hiding place, I resolved to quit the house, and once more set
+      out in search of my beloved brother. Accordingly, with great difficulty I
+      made my way out of the house; but my distress was much increased upon
+      finding the snow so deep upon the ground, that it was impossible for me to
+      attempt to stir, as upon stepping one foot out to try, I found it far too
+      deep for me to fathom the bottom. This greatly distressed me. &lsquo;Alas!&rsquo; said
+      I to myself, &lsquo;what shall I do now? To proceed is impossible; and to return
+      is very melancholy, without any tidings of my dear, dear Longtail.&rsquo; But I
+      was interrupted in the midst of these reflections, by the appearance of
+      two cats, who came running with such violence as to pass by without
+      observing me: however, it put me in such consternation, that regardless
+      where I went, I sprung forward, and sunk so deep in the snow that I must
+      inevitably soon have perished, had not a boy come to the very place where
+      I was, to gather snow for making snowballs to throw at his companions.
+      Happily for me, he took me up in his hand, in the midst of the snow, which
+      not less alarmed me, when I considered the sufferings I had before
+      endured, and the cruel death of my brother Brighteyes, from the hands of
+      boys. Oh! thought I to myself, what new tortures shall I now experience?
+      Better had I perished in the cold snow, than be spared only to be
+      tormented by the cruel hands of unthinking children.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scarcely had I made this reflection, when the boy called out, upon seeing
+      me move, &lsquo;Lud! what have I got here?&rsquo; at the same instant tossing the
+      handful of snow from him in a violent hurry, without attempting to press
+      it into a ball. Over I turned head and heels, wondering what further would
+      be my fate, when I was happy to find I fell unhurt upon some hay, which
+      was laid in the yard to fodder the cows and horses. Here I lay some time,
+      so frightened by my adventure, as to be unable to move, and my little
+      heart beat as if it would have burst its way through my breast; nor were
+      my apprehensions at all diminished by the approach of a man, who gathered
+      the hay up in his arms, and carried it (with me in the midst of it) into
+      the stable; where, after littering down the horses, he left me once more
+      to my own reflections.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After he had been gone some time, and all things were quiet, I began to
+      look about me, and soon found my way into a corn bin, where I made a most
+      delicious supper, and slept free from any disturbance till the morning,
+      when fearing I might be discovered, in case he should want any of the oats
+      for his horses, I returned by the same place I had entered, and hid myself
+      in one corner of the hayloft, where I passed the whole of the day more
+      free from alarm than often falls to the lot of any of my species, and in
+      the evening again returned to regale myself with corn, as I had done the
+      night before. The great abundance with which I was surrounded, strongly
+      tempted me to continue where I was; but then the thoughts of my absent
+      brother embittered all my peace, and the advice of my mother came so much
+      across my mind, that I determined before the next morning I would again
+      venture forth and seek my fortune and my brother. Accordingly, after
+      having eaten a very hearty meal, I left the bin, and was attempting to get
+      out of the stable, when one of the horses being taken suddenly ill, made
+      so much noise with his kicking and struggling, as to alarm the family, and
+      the coachman entering with a lantern in his hand, put me into such
+      consternation, that I ran for shelter into the pocket of a great coat,
+      which hung up upon a peg next the harness of the horses. Here I lay snug
+      for some hours, not daring to stir, as I smelt the footsteps of a cat
+      frequently pass by, and heard the coachman extol her good qualities to a
+      man who accompanied him into the stable; saying she was the best mouser in
+      the kingdom. &lsquo;I do not believe,&rsquo; added he, &lsquo;I have a mouse in the stable
+      or loft, she keeps so good a lookout. For the last two days I lent her to
+      the cook, to put into her pantry, but I have got her back again, and I
+      would not part with her for a crown; no, not for the best silver crown
+      that ever was coined in the Tower.&rsquo; Then, through a little moth hole in
+      the lining of the coat, I saw him lift her up, stroke her, and put her
+      upon the back of one of the horses, where she stretched herself out, and
+      went to sleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this situation I did not dare to stir, I had too often seen how eager
+      cats are to watch mice, to venture out of the pocket, whilst she was so
+      near me, especially as I did not at all know the holes or cracks round the
+      stable, and should, therefore, had she jumped down, been quite at a loss
+      where to run. So I determined to continue where I was till either hunger
+      forced me, or the absence of the cat gave a better opportunity of
+      escaping. But scarce had I taken up this resolution when the coachman
+      again entered, and suddenly taking the coat from the peg, put it on, and
+      marched out with me in his pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is utterly impossible to describe my fear and consternation at this
+      event, to jump out whilst in the stable exposed me to the jaws of the cat,
+      and to attempt it when out of doors was but again subjecting myself to be
+      frozen to death, for the snow continued still on the ground; yet to stay
+      in his pocket was running the chance of suffering a still more dreadful
+      death by the barbarous hands of man; and nothing did I expect, in case he
+      should find me, but either to be tortured like Softdown, or given to be
+      the sport of his favorite cat&mdash;a fate almost as much dreaded as the
+      other. However it was soon put out of my power to determine, for whilst I
+      was debating in my own mind what course I had better take, he mounted the
+      coachbox, and drove away with me in his pocket, till he came to a large
+      house, about a mile distant from this place; there he put down the company
+      he had in the coach, and then drove into the yard. But he had not been
+      there many moments before the coachman of the family he was come to,
+      invited him into the kitchen to warm himself, drink a mug of ale, and eat
+      a mouthful of cold meat. As soon as he entered, and had paid the proper
+      compliments to the Mrs. Betties and Mollies at the place, he pulled off
+      his great coat, and hung it across the back of his chair. I instantly
+      seized the first opportunity and whilst they were all busy assembling
+      round the luncheon table, made my escape, and ran under a cupboard door
+      close to the chimney, where I had an opportunity of seeing and hearing all
+      that passed, part of which conversation I will relate to you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, Mr. John,&rsquo; said a footman, addressing himself to the man whose
+      pocket I had just left, &lsquo;how fare you? Are you pretty hearty? You look
+      well, I am sure.&rsquo; &lsquo;Aye, and so I am, replied he. &lsquo;I never was better in
+      all my life; I live comfortably, have a good master and mistress, eat and
+      drink bravely, and what can a man wish for more? For my part I am quite
+      contented, and if I do but continue to enjoy my health, I am sure I shall
+      be very ungrateful not to be so.&rsquo; &lsquo;That&rsquo;s true,&rsquo; said the other, &lsquo;but the
+      misfortune of it is, people never know when they are well off, but are apt
+      to fret and wish and wish and fret, for something or other all their
+      lives, and so never have any enjoyment. Now for my own part, I must needs
+      confess, that I cannot help wishing I was a gentleman, and think I should
+      be a deal happier if I was.&rsquo; &lsquo;Pshaw!&rsquo; replied John, &lsquo;I don&rsquo;t like now to
+      hear a man say so; it looks as if you are discontented with the state in
+      which you are placed, and depend upon it, you are in the one that is
+      fittest for you, or you would not have been put into it. And as for being
+      happier if you were a gentleman, I don&rsquo;t know what to say to it. To be
+      sure, to have a little more money in one&rsquo;s pocket, nobody can deny that it
+      would be very agreeable; and to be at liberty to come in and go out when
+      one pleased, to be sure would be very comfortable. But still, Bob, still
+      you may assure yourself, that no state in this world is free from care,
+      and if we were turned into lords, we should find many causes for
+      uneasiness. So here&rsquo;s your good health,&rsquo; said he, lifting the mug to his
+      mouth, &lsquo;wishing, my lad, you may be contented, cheerful, and good
+      humoured; for without these three requisites, content, cheerfulness, and
+      good humour, no one person upon earth, rich or poor, old or young, can
+      ever feel comfortable or happy; and so here&rsquo;s to you, I say.&rsquo; &lsquo;And here&rsquo;s
+      the same good wishes to you,&rsquo; said a clean decent cook-woman servant, who
+      took up the mug upon John&rsquo;s putting it down. &lsquo;Content, cheerfulness, and
+      good humour, I think was the toast.&rsquo; Then wiping her mouth, as she began
+      her speech, she added, &lsquo;and an excellent one it is: I wish all folks would
+      mind it, and endeavour to acquire three such good qualifications.&rsquo; &lsquo;I am
+      sure,&rsquo; rejoined another female servant, whose name I heard was Sally, &lsquo;I
+      wish so too: at least I wish Miss Mary would try to gain a little more of
+      the good humour; for I never came near such a cross crab in my life as it
+      is. I declare I hate the sight of the girl, she is such a proud little
+      minx she would not vouchsafe to speak to a poor servant for the world; as
+      if she thought because we are poorer, we were therefore not of the same
+      nature: her sisters, I think are worth ten of her, they always reply so
+      civilly if a body speaks to them, and say, &ldquo;Yes, if you please, Mrs.
+      Sally, or No, thank you, Mr. Bob;&rdquo; or &ldquo;I should be obliged to you if you
+      would do so and so, Mrs. Nelly,&rdquo; and not plain yes or no, as she does; and
+      well too if you can get even that from her; for sometimes I declare she
+      will not deign to give one any answer at all.&rsquo; &lsquo;Aye, that is a sure thing
+      she won&rsquo;t,&rsquo; replied the maid servant who first drank, &lsquo;it is a sad thing
+      she should behave so; I can&rsquo;t think, for my part, where she learns it; I
+      am sure neither her papa nor mamma set her the example of it, for they
+      always speak as pretty and as kind as it is possible to do; and I have
+      heard, with my own ears, my mistress tell her of it twenty and twenty
+      times, but she will do so. I am sure it is a sad thing that she should,
+      for she will always make people dislike her. I am sure, if young gentlemen
+      and ladies did not know how it makes people love them to speak civilly and
+      kind, they would take great care not to behave like Miss Mary. Do you
+      know, the other day, when Mrs. Lime&rsquo;s maid brought little Miss Peggy to
+      see my mistress, when she went away, she made a courtesy to Miss Mary, and
+      said, &ldquo;Good morning to you, Miss.&rdquo; And would you think it, the child stood
+      like a stake, and never returned it so much as by a nod of the head, nor
+      did she open her lips. I saw by her looks the maid took notice of it, and
+      I am sure I have such a regard for the family, that I felt quite ashamed
+      of her behaviour.&rsquo; &lsquo;Oh! she served me worse than that,&rsquo; resumed Sally,
+      &lsquo;for, would you believe it, the other day I begged her to be so kind as to
+      let her mamma know I wanted to speak with her; and I did not choose to go
+      into the room myself, because I was dirty, and there was company there;
+      but for all I desired her over and over only just to step in (and she was
+      at play close to the door) yet, could you suppose it possible, she was
+      ill-natured enough to refuse me, and would not do it at last.&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, if
+      ever I heard the like of that!&rsquo; exclaimed John, whose pocket I had been
+      in. &lsquo;I think that was being cross indeed, and if a child of mine was to
+      behave in that surly manner, I would whip it to death almost. I abominate
+      such unkind doings, let everyone, I say, do as they like to be done by,
+      and that is the only way to be happy, and the only way to deserve to be
+      so; for if folks will not try to be kind, and oblige others, why should
+      anybody try to please them? And if Miss Mary was my girl, and chose to
+      behave rude and cross to the servants, if I was her papa, I would order
+      them to refuse doing anything for her. I would soon humble her pride I
+      warrant you, for nobody should make her puddings, or cut her bread, or do
+      anything for her till she learned to be kind, and civil, and thankful too,
+      for all that was done for her. I have no notion, for my part, for a child
+      to give herself such airs for nothing; and because her parents happen to
+      have a little more money in their pockets, for that reason to think she
+      may be rude to poor folks; but though servants are poor, still surely they
+      are richer than she is; I should like to ask her how much she has got? and
+      which way she came by it? A child I am sure is no richer than a beggar,
+      for they have not a farthing that is not given them through mere bounty;
+      whereas a servant who works for his living, has a right and just claim to
+      his wages, and may truly call them his own; but a child has not one
+      farthing that is not its parents. So here&rsquo;s my service to you, Miss,&rsquo; said
+      he, (again lifting the ale-mug to his mouth) &lsquo;and wishing her a speedy
+      reformation of manners, I drink to her very good health.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John drank to the bottom of the mug, and then shaking the last drop into
+      the ashes under the grate, he told the following story, as he sat swinging
+      the mug by its handle across his two forefingers, which he had joined for
+      that purpose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;When my father was a young man he lived at one Mr. Speedgo&rsquo;s, as upper
+      footman: they were vastly rich. Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and by good
+      luck he gathered gold as fast as his neighbours would pick up stones (as a
+      body may say). So they kept two or three carriages, there was a coach, and
+      a chariot, and a phaeton, and I can&rsquo;t tell what besides, and a power of
+      servants you may well suppose to attend them all; and very well they
+      lived, with plenty of victuals and drink. But though they wanted for
+      nothing still they never much loved either their master or mistress, they
+      used to give their orders in so haughty and imperious a manner; and if
+      asked a civil question, answer so shortly, as if they thought their
+      servants not worthy of their notice: so that, in short, no one loved them,
+      nor their children either, for they brought them up just like themselves,
+      to despise everyone poorer than they were; and to speak as cross to their
+      servants as if they had been so many adders they were afraid would bite
+      them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have heard my father say, that if Master Speedgo wanted his horse to be
+      got ready, he would say, &ldquo;Saddle my horse!&rdquo; in such a displeasing manner
+      as made it quite a burthen to do anything for him. Or if the young ladies
+      wanted a piece of bread and butter, or cake, they would say, &ldquo;Give me a
+      bit of cake;&rdquo; or, if they added the word pray to it, they spoke in such a
+      grumpy way, as plainly showed they thought themselves a deal better than
+      their servants; forgetting that an honest servant is just as worthy a
+      member of society as his master, and whilst he behaves well, as much
+      deserving of civility as anybody. But to go on with my story. I have
+      already told you Mr. Speedgo was very rich and very proud, nor would he on
+      any account suffer anyone to visit at his house whom he thought below him,
+      as he called it; or at least, if he did, he always took care to behave to
+      them in such a manner, as plainly to let them know he thought he showed a
+      mighty favour in conversing with them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Among the rest of the servants there was one Molly Mount, as good a
+      hearted girl, my father says, as ever lived: she had never received much
+      education, because her parents could not afford to give her any, and she
+      learned to read after she was at Mr. Speedgo&rsquo;s from one of the housemaids,
+      who was kind enough to teach her a little; but you may suppose, from such
+      sort of teaching, she was no very good scholar. However, she read well
+      enough to be able to make out some chapters in the Bible; and an excellent
+      use she made of them, carefully fulfilling every duty she there found
+      recommended as necessary for a Christian to practice. She used often to
+      say she was perfectly contented in her station, and only wished for more
+      money that she might have it in her power to do more good. And sometimes,
+      when she was dressing and attending the young ladies of the family, she
+      would advise them to behave prettier than they did; telling them, &ldquo;That by
+      kindness and civility they would be so far from losing respect, that, on
+      the contrary, they would much gain it. For we cannot (she would very truly
+      say) have any respect for those people who seem to forget their human
+      nature, and behave as if they thought themselves superior to the rest of
+      their fellow-creatures. Young ladies and gentlemen have no occasion to
+      make themselves very intimate or familiar with their servants; but
+      everybody ought to speak civilly and good-humouredly, let it be to whom it
+      may: and if I was a lady I should make it a point never to look cross or
+      speak gruffly to the poor, for fear they should think I forgot I was of
+      the same human nature as they were.&rdquo; By these kind of hints, which every
+      now and then she would give to the misses, they were prodigiously
+      offended, and complained of her insolence, as they called it, to their
+      mamma, who very wrongly, instead of teaching them to behave better, joined
+      with them in blaming Molly for her freedom, and, to show her displeasure
+      at her conduct, put on a still haughtier air, whenever she spoke to her,
+      than she did to any other of the servants. Molly, however, continued to
+      behave extremely well, and often very seriously lamented in the kitchen
+      the wrong behaviour of the family. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t mind it,&rdquo; she would say, &ldquo;for
+      my own part; I know that I do my duty, and their cross looks and proud
+      behaviour can do me no real harm: but I cannot help grieving for their
+      sakes; it distresses me to think that people who ought to know better,
+      should, by their ill conduct, make themselves so many enemies, when they
+      could so easily gain friends&mdash;I am astonished how anybody can act so
+      foolishly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In this sensible manner she would frequently talk about the sin as well
+      as the folly of pride. And one day, as she was talking to her
+      fellow-servants, rather louder than in prudence she ought to have done,
+      her two young ladies overheard her; and the next time she went to dress
+      them, they enquired what it was she had been saying to the other maids.
+      &ldquo;Indeed, ladies,&rdquo; said she, &ldquo;I hope you will excuse my telling you. I
+      think, if you give yourselves time to reflect a little, you will not
+      insist upon knowing, as it is beneath such rich ladies as you are, to
+      concern yourselves with what poor servants talk about.&rdquo; This answer did
+      not, however, satisfy them, and they positively commanded her to let them
+      know. Molly was by far too good a woman to attempt to deceive anyone; she
+      therefore replied, &ldquo;If, ladies, you insist upon knowing what I said, I
+      hope you will not take anything amiss that I may tell you, thus compelled
+      as I am by your commands. You must know then, Miss Betsy and Miss Rachael,
+      that I was saying how sad a thing it was for people to be proud because
+      they are rich; or to fancy, because they happen to have a little more
+      money, that for that reason they are better than their servants, when in
+      reality the whole that makes one person better than another is, having
+      superior virtues, being kinder and more good natured, and readier to
+      assist and serve their fellow-creatures; these are the qualifications, I
+      was saying, that make people beloved, and not being possessed of money.
+      Money may, indeed, procure servants to do their business for them, but it
+      is not in the power of all the riches in the world to purchase the love
+      and esteem of anyone. What a sad thing then it is, when gentlefolks behave
+      so as to make themselves despised; and that will ever be the case with all
+      those who, like (excuse me, ladies, you insisted upon my telling you what
+      I said) Miss Betsy, and Miss Rachael, and Master James, show such contempt
+      to all their inferiors. Nobody could wish children of their fortunes to
+      make themselves too free, or play with their servants; but if they were
+      little kings and queens, still they ought to speak kind and civil to
+      everyone. Indeed our king and queen would scorn to behave like the
+      children of this family, and if&mdash;&rdquo; She was going on, but they stopped
+      her, saying, &ldquo;If you say another word, we will push you out of the room
+      this moment, you rude, bold, insolent woman; you ought to be ashamed of
+      speaking so disrespectfully of your betters; but we will tell our mamma,
+      that we will, and she won&rsquo;t suffer you to allow your tongue such
+      liberties.&rdquo; &ldquo;If,&rdquo; replied Molly, &ldquo;I have offended you, I am sorry for it,
+      and beg your pardon, ladies; I am sure I had no wish to do so; and you
+      should remember that you both insisted upon my telling you what I had been
+      saying.&rdquo; &ldquo;So we did,&rdquo; said they, &ldquo;but you had no business to say it all;
+      and I promise you my mamma shall know it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In this manner they went on for some time; but, to make short of my
+      story, they represented the matter in such a manner to their mother, that
+      she dismissed Molly from her service, with a strict charge never to visit
+      the house again. &ldquo;For,&rdquo; said Mrs. Speedgo, &ldquo;no servant who behaves as you
+      have done, shall ever enter my doors again, or eat another mouthful in my
+      house.&rdquo; Molly had no desire so suddenly to quit her place; but as her
+      conscience perfectly acquitted her of any wilful crime, after receiving
+      her wages, respectfully wishing all the family their health, and taking a
+      friendly leave of her fellow-servants, she left the house, and soon
+      engaged herself as dairy-maid in a farmer&rsquo;s family, about three miles off;
+      in which place she behaved so extremely well, and so much to the
+      satisfaction of her master and mistress, that, after she had lived there a
+      little more than two years, with their entire approbation, she was married
+      to their eldest son, a sober, worthy young man, to whom his father gave a
+      fortune not much less than three thousand pounds, with which he bought and
+      stocked a very pretty farm in Somersetshire, where they lived as happy as
+      virtue and affluence could make them. By industry and care they prospered
+      beyond their utmost expectations, and, by their prudence and good
+      behaviour, gained the esteem and love of all who knew them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;To their servants (for they soon acquired riches enough to keep three or
+      four, I mean household ones, besides the number that were employed in the
+      farming business) they behaved with such kindness and civility, that had
+      they even given less wages than their neighbours, they would never have
+      been in want of any; everyone being desirous of getting into a family
+      where they were treated with such kindness and condescension.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In this happy manner they continued to live for many years, bringing up a
+      large family of children to imitate their virtues; but one great
+      mortification they were obliged to submit to, which was that of putting
+      their children very early to boarding school, a circumstance which the
+      want of education in Mrs. and indeed I may add Mr. Flail, rendered
+      absolutely necessary.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But I am afraid, Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, you will be tired, as I have
+      but half told my story; but I will endeavour to make short work of it,
+      though indeed it deserves to be noticed, for it will teach one a great
+      deal, and convince one how little the world&rsquo;s riches are to be depended
+      on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I have said, you know, that Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and a very rich
+      one too. It is unknown what vast sums of money he used to spend! when,
+      would you think it, either through spending it too fast, or some losses he
+      met with in trade, he broke all to nothing, and had not a farthing to pay
+      his creditors. I forgot how many thousand pounds it was he owed; but it
+      was a vast great many. Well! this you may be sure was a great
+      mortification to them; they begged for mercy from their creditors; but as
+      in their prosperity they had never shown much mercy themselves to those
+      they thought beneath them, so now they met with very little from others:
+      the poor saying they deserved it for their pride; the rich condemning them
+      for their presumption, in trying to vie with those of superior birth; and
+      those who had been less successful in business, blaming them for their
+      extravagance, which, they said, had justly brought on them their
+      misfortunes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;In this distress, in vain it was they applied for assistance to those
+      they had esteemed their friends; for as they never had been careful to
+      form their connections with people of real merit, only seeking to be
+      acquainted with those who were rich and prosperous, so now they could no
+      longer return their civilities, they found none were ready to show them
+      any, but everyone seemed anxious to keep from them as much as possible.
+      Thus distressed, and finding no one willing to help them, the young
+      squire, Master James, was obliged to go to sea: while Miss Betsy and Miss
+      Rachael were even forced to try to get their living by service, a way of
+      life they were both ill qualified to undertake, for they had always so
+      accustomed themselves to be waited on and attended, that they scarcely
+      knew how to help themselves, much less how to work for others. The
+      consequence of which was, they gave so little satisfaction to their
+      employers, that they staid but a little time in a place, and from so
+      frequently changing, no family, who wished to be well settled, would admit
+      them, as they thought it impossible they could be good servants whom no
+      one thought worthy of keeping.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;It is impossible to describe the many and great mortifications those two
+      young ladies met with. They now frequently recollected the words of Molly
+      Mount, and earnestly wished they had attended to them whilst it was in
+      their power, as by so doing they would have secured to themselves friends.
+      And they very forcibly found, that, although they were poor and servants,
+      yet they were as sensible of kind treatment and civility, as if they had
+      been richer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;After they had been for some years changing from place to place, always
+      obliged to put up with very low wages, upon account of their being so ill
+      qualified for servants, it happened that Miss Betsy got into service at
+      Watchet, a place about three miles distant from Mr. Flail&rsquo;s farm. Here she
+      had a violent fit of illness, and not having been long enough in the
+      family to engage their generosity to keep her, she was dismissed upon
+      account of her ill health rendering her wholly incapable of doing her
+      business for which she was hired. She then, with the very little money she
+      had, procured a lodging in a miserable little dirty cottage; but through
+      weakness being unable to work, she soon exhausted her whole stock, and was
+      even obliged to quit this habitation, bad as it was, and for some days
+      support herself wholly by begging from door to door, often meeting with
+      very unkind language for so idle an employment; some people telling her to
+      go to her parish, when, alas! her parish was many miles distant, and she,
+      poor creature, had no means of getting there.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;At last she wandered, in this distressful situation, to the house of Mr.
+      Flail, and walked into the farm yard just at the time the cows were being
+      milked. She, who for a long time had tasted nothing but bits of broken
+      bread, and had no drink besides water she had scooped up in her hands,
+      looked at the quantity of fresh milk with a most wishful eye; and, going
+      to the women who were milking, she besought them in a moving manner to
+      give her a draught, as she was almost ready to perish. &ldquo;For pity&rsquo;s sake,&rdquo;
+       said she, &ldquo;have compassion upon a poor wretch, dying with sickness,
+      hunger, and thirst; it is a long time since I have tasted a mouthful of
+      wholesome victuals, my lips are now almost parched with thirst, and I am
+      so faint for want, that I can scarcely stand; my sufferings are very great
+      indeed, it would melt a heart of stone to hear the story of my woes. Oh!
+      have pity upon a fellow-creature then, and give me one draught of that
+      milk, which can never be missed out of so vast a quantity as you have
+      there, and may you never, never, know what it is to suffer as I now do.&rdquo;
+       To this piteous request, she received for answer, the common one of &ldquo;Go
+      about your business, we have nothing for you, so don&rsquo;t come here.&rdquo; &ldquo;We
+      should have enough to do indeed,&rdquo; said one of the milkers, &ldquo;if we were to
+      give every idle beggar who would like a draught of this delicious milk;
+      but no, indeed, we shall not give you a drop; so go about your business,
+      and don&rsquo;t come plaguing us here.&rdquo; Mrs. Flail, who happened to be in the
+      yard, with one of her children who was feeding the chickens, overheard
+      enough of this to make her come forward, and enquire what was the matter.
+      &ldquo;Nothing, ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; replied the milk-maid, &ldquo;only I was sending away this
+      nasty dirty creature, who was so bold as to come asking for milk indeed!
+      But beggars grow so impudent now-a-days there never was the like of it.&rdquo;
+       &ldquo;Oh fie!&rdquo; returned Mrs. Flail, shocked at her inhuman way of speaking,
+      &ldquo;fie upon you, to speak in so unkind a manner of a poor creature in
+      distress.&rdquo; Then turning to the beggar, she inquired what she wanted, in so
+      mild a tone of voice, that it encouraged her to speak and tell her
+      distress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mrs. Flail listened with the greatest attention, and could not help being
+      struck with her speech and appearance; for though she was clothed in rags
+      (having parted with all her better clothes to pay for lodging and food)
+      still there was a something in her language and manner which discovered
+      that she was no common beggar. Betsy had stood all the time with her eyes
+      fixed upon the ground, scarcely once lifting them to look at the face of
+      Mrs. Flail; and she was so changed herself by her troubles and sickness,
+      that it was impossible for any one who had ever seen Miss Speedgo, to
+      recollect her in her present miserable state. Mrs. Flail, however, wanted
+      no farther inducement to relieve her than to hear she was in want. &ldquo;Every
+      fellow-creature in distress,&rdquo; she used to say, &ldquo;was a proper object of her
+      bounty; and whilst she was blessed with plenty she thought it her duty to
+      relieve, as far as she prudently could, all whom she knew to be in need.&rdquo;
+       She therefore fetched a mug, and, filling it with milk herself, gave it to
+      the poor woman to drink. &ldquo;Here,&rdquo; said she, &ldquo;take this, good woman, and I
+      hope it will refresh and be of service to you.&rdquo; Betsy held out her hand
+      for it, and, lifting her eyes up to look at Mrs. Flail, whilst she thanked
+      her for her kindness, was greatly astonished to discover in her
+      benefactress, the features of her old servant, Molly Mount. &ldquo;Bless me!&rdquo;
+       said she, with an air of confusion, &ldquo;What do I see? Who is it? Where am I?
+      Madam, pardon my boldness, but pray forgive me, ma&rsquo;am, but is not your
+      name Mount?&rdquo; &ldquo;It was,&rdquo; replied Mrs. Flail, &ldquo;but I have been married for
+      thirteen years to a Mr. Flail, and that is my name now. But, pray, where
+      did you ever see me before? or how came you to know anything of me?&rdquo; Poor
+      Betsy could return no answer, her shame at being seen by her servant that
+      was, in her present condition, and the consciousness of having so
+      ill-treated that very servant, to whose kindness she was now indebted; all
+      together were too much for her in her weak state, and she fell senseless
+      at Mrs. Flail&rsquo;s feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;This still added to Mrs. Flail&rsquo;s surprise, and she had her carried into
+      the house and laid upon a bed, where she used every means to bring her to
+      herself again; which, after a considerable time, succeeded; and she then
+      (covered with shame and remorse) told her who she was, and how she came
+      into that miserable condition. No words can describe the astonishment Mrs.
+      Flail was in, at hearing the melancholy story of her sufferings; nor is it
+      possible to tell with what generosity and kindness she strove to comfort
+      her, telling her to compose herself, for she should no longer be in want
+      of any thing. &ldquo;I have, thank Heaven,&rdquo; said she, &ldquo;a most worthy good man
+      for my husband, who will rejoice with me in having it in his power to
+      relieve a suffering fellow-creature. Do not, therefore, any longer
+      distress yourself upon what passed between us formerly. I had, for my
+      part, forgotten it, if you had not now told it me; but, however I might
+      then take the liberty to censure you for too much haughtiness. I am sure I
+      have no occasion to do so now. Think no more, therefore, I beseech you,
+      upon those times which are now past; but be comforted, and make yourself
+      as happy as in my humble plain manner of living you can possibly do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;She then furnished her with some of her own clothes, till she could
+      procure her new ones, and sent immediately for a physician from the next
+      town; by following of whose prescription, together with good nursing, and
+      plenty of all necessaries, she soon recovered her health; but she was too
+      deeply affected with the thoughts of her former misconduct ever to feel
+      happy in her situation, though Mrs. Flail used every method in her power
+      to render her as comfortable as possible. Nor did she confine her goodness
+      only to this one daughter, but sent also for her sister and mother (her
+      father being dead), and fitted up a neat little house for them near their
+      own. But as the Flails could not afford wholly to maintain them for
+      nothing, they entrusted the poultry to their care; which enabled them to
+      do with one servant less; and by that means they could, without any great
+      expense, afford to give them sufficient to make their lives comfortable,
+      that is, as far as their own reflections would let them; for the last
+      words Mrs. Speedgo said to Molly, when she parted from her, dwelt
+      continually upon her mind, and filled her with shame and remorse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;&ldquo;I told her,&rdquo; said she, &ldquo;that she should never again come into my doors,
+      or eat another mouthful in my house; and now it is her bounty alone which
+      keeps us all from perishing. Oh! how unworthy are we of such goodness!
+      True, indeed, was what she told you, that kindness and virtue were far
+      more valuable than riches. Goodness and kindness no time or change can
+      take from us; but riches soon fly as it were away, and then what are we
+      the better for having been once possessed of them?&rdquo;&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here Mr. John stopped, and jumping hastily up, and turning round to Mrs.
+      Sally, Mrs. Nelly, and Mr. Bob, exclaimed, rubbing his hands&mdash;&lsquo;There
+      ladies, I have finished my story; and, let me tell you, so long preaching
+      has made my throat dry, so another mug of ale, if you please, Master Bobby
+      (tapping him at the same time upon the shoulder), another mug of ale, my
+      boy; for faith, talking at the rate I have done, is enough to wear a man&rsquo;s
+      lungs out, and, in truth, I have need of something to hearten me after
+      such fatigue.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Well, I am sure,&rsquo; replied Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, in the same breath,
+      &lsquo;we are greatly obliged to you for your history; and I am sure it deserves
+      to be framed and glazed, and it ought to be hung up in the hall of every
+      family, that all people may see the sad effects of pride, and how little
+      cause people have, because they are rich, to despise those who are poor;
+      since it frequently happens, that those who this year are like little
+      kings, may the next be beggars; and then they will repent, when it is too
+      late, of all their pride and unkindness they showed to those beneath
+      them.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the conversation was put a stop to by the bell ringing, and John
+      being ordered to drive to the door. I, who during the whole of the history
+      had been feasting upon a mince-pie, now thought it safer to conceal myself
+      in a little hole in the wainscot of the closet, where, finding myself very
+      safe, I did not awake till midnight. After the family were all retired to
+      rest, I peeped out of the hole, and there saw just such another frightful
+      trap as that which was the prelude to poor Softdown&rsquo;s sufferings. Startled
+      at the sight, I retreated back as expeditiously as possible, nor ever
+      stopped till I found my way into a bed-chamber, where lay two little girls
+      fast asleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I looked about for some time, peeping into every hole and corner before I
+      could find any thing to eat, there being not so much as a candle in the
+      room with them. At last I crept into a little leathern trunk, which stood
+      on a table, not shut down quite close: here I instantly smelt something
+      good: but was obliged to gnaw through a great deal of linen to get at it;
+      it was wrapped up in a lap-bag, amongst a vast quantity of work. However,
+      I made my way through half a hundred folds, and at last was amply repaid,
+      by finding out a nice piece of plum-cake, and the pips of an apple, which
+      I could easily get at, one half of it having been eat away. Whilst I was
+      thus engaged I heard a cat mew, and not knowing how near she might be, I
+      endeavoured to jump out; but in the hurry I somehow or other entangled
+      myself in the muslin, and pulled that, trunk and all, down with me; for
+      the trunk stood half off the table, so that the least touch in the world
+      overset it, otherwise my weight could never have tumbled it down.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noise of the fall, however, waked the children, and I heard one say to
+      the other,&mdash;&lsquo;Bless me! Mary, what is that noise?&mdash;What can it
+      be? I am almost frightened out of my wits; do, pray, sister, hug me
+      close!&rsquo; &lsquo;Pooh!&rsquo; replied the other, &lsquo;never mind it! What in the world need
+      you be frightened at? What do you suppose will hurt you? It sounded as if
+      something fell down; but as it has not fallen upon us, and I do not hear
+      anybody stirring, or speaking as if they were hurt, what need we care
+      about it? So pray, Nancy, let us go to sleep again; for as yet I have not
+      had half sufficient, I am sure; I hope morning is not coming yet, for I am
+      not at all ready to get up.&rsquo; &lsquo;I am sure,&rsquo; answered the other, &lsquo;I wish it
+      was morning, and daylight now, for I should like to get up vastly, I do
+      not like to lay here in the dark any longer; I have a great mind to ring
+      the bell, and then mamma or somebody will come to us with a candle.&rsquo; &lsquo;And
+      what in the world,&rsquo; rejoined Mary, &lsquo;will be the use of that? Do you want a
+      candle to light you to look for the wounds the noise has given you; or
+      what can you wish to disturb my mamma for? Come, let me cuddle you, and do
+      go to sleep, child, for I cannot think what occasion there is for us to
+      keep awake because we heard a noise; I never knew that noise had teeth or
+      claws to hurt one with; and I am sure this has not hurt me; and so,
+      whether you choose to lie awake or not, I will go to sleep, and so
+      good-bye to you, and pray do not disturb me any more, for I cannot talk
+      any longer.&rsquo; &lsquo;But, Mary,&rsquo; again replied the other, &lsquo;pray do not go to
+      sleep yet, I want to speak to you.&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, what do you want to say?&rsquo; 
+      inquired Mary. &lsquo;Why, pray have you not very often,&rsquo; said Nancy, &lsquo;heard of
+      thieves breaking into people&rsquo;s houses and robbing them; and I am sadly
+      afraid that noise was some rogues coming in; so pray, Mary, do not go to
+      sleep, I am in such a fright and tremble you cannot think. Speak, Mary,
+      have not you, I say, heard of thieves?&rsquo; &lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; replied Mary, in a very
+      sleepy voice, &lsquo;a great many times.&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, then, pray sister, do not go to
+      sleep,&rsquo; said Nancy, in a peevish accent, &lsquo;suppose, I say that noise I
+      heard should be thieves, what should we do? What will become of us? O!
+      what shall we do?&rsquo;&mdash;&lsquo;Why, go to sleep, I tell you,&rsquo; said Mary, &lsquo;as
+      fast as you can; at least, do pray let me, for I cannot say I am in the
+      smallest fear about house-breakers or house-makers either; and of all the
+      robberies I ever heard of in all my life, I never heard of thieves
+      stealing little girls; so do, there&rsquo;s a dear girl, go to sleep again, and
+      do not so foolishly frighten yourself out of your wits for nothing.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;Well,&rsquo; replied Nancy, &lsquo;I will not keep you awake any longer; but I am
+      sure I shall not be able to get another wink of sleep all night.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the conversation ended, and I could not help thinking how foolish it
+      was for people to permit themselves to be terrified for nothing. Here is a
+      little girl, now, thought I, in a nice clean room, and covered up warm in
+      bed, with pretty green curtains drawn round her, to keep the wind from her
+      head, and the light in the morning from her eyes; and yet she is
+      distressing herself, and making herself really uncomfortable, and unhappy,
+      only because I, a poor, little, harmless mouse, with scarcely strength
+      sufficient to gnaw a nutshell, happened to jump from the table, and throw
+      down, perhaps, her own box.&mdash;Oh! what a pity it is that people should
+      so destroy their own comfort! How sweetly might this child have passed the
+      night, if she had but, like her sister, wisely reflected that a noise
+      could not possibly hurt them; and that, had any of the family occasioned
+      it, by falling down, or running against anything in the dark which hurt
+      them, most likely they would have heard some more stirring about.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And upon this subject the author cannot help, in human form (as well as in
+      that of a mouse), observing how extremely ridiculous it is for people to
+      suffer themselves to be terrified upon every trifling occasion that
+      happens; as if they had no more resolution than a mouse itself, which is
+      liable to be destroyed every meal it makes. And, surely, nothing can be
+      more absurd than for children to be afraid of thieves and house-breakers;
+      since, as little Mary said, they never want to seek after children. Money
+      is all they want; and as children have very seldom much of that in their
+      possession, they may assure themselves they are perfectly safe, and have
+      therefore no occasion to alarm themselves if they hear a noise, without
+      being able to make out what it is; unless, indeed, like the child I have
+      just been writing about, they would be so silly as to be frightened at a
+      little mouse; for most commonly the noises we hear, if we lay awake in the
+      night, are caused by mice running about and playing behind the wainscot:
+      and what reasonable person would suffer themselves to be alarmed by such
+      little creatures as those? But it is time I should return to the history
+      of my little make-believe companion, who went on, saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The conversation I have been relating I overheard as I lay concealed in a
+      shoe that stood close by the bedside, and into which I ran the moment I
+      jumped off the table, and where I kept snug till the next morning; when,
+      just as the clock was striking eight, the same Mrs. Nelly, whom I saw the
+      day before in the kitchen, entered the apartment, and accosted the young
+      ladies, saying, &lsquo;Good morning to you, ladies, do you know that it is time
+      to get up?&rsquo; &lsquo;Then, pray, Nelly, lace my stays, will you?&rsquo; said Miss Nancy.
+      &lsquo;But lace mine first, and give me my other shoes; for those I wore
+      yesterday must be brushed, because I stepped in the dirt, and so when you
+      go down you must remember, and take and brush them, and then let me have
+      them again,&rsquo; said Mary; &lsquo;but come and dress me now.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Well, thought I, this is a rude way of speaking, indeed, something like
+      Miss Nancy Artless, at the house where my poor dear Softdown was so
+      cruelly massacred; I am sure I hope I shall not meet with the like fate
+      here, and I wish I was safe out of this shoe; for, perhaps, presently it
+      will be wanted to be put on Mary&rsquo;s foot; and I am sure I must not expect
+      to meet any mercy from a child who shows so bad a disposition as to speak
+      to a servant in so uncivil a manner, for no good-natured person would do
+      that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With these kind of reflections I was amusing myself for some little time,
+      when, all on a sudden, they were put an end to, by my finding the shoe in
+      which I was concealed, hastily taken up; and before I had time to
+      recollect what I had best do, I was almost killed by some violent blows I
+      received, which well nigh broke every bone in my skin. I crept quite up to
+      the toe of the shoe, so that I was not at all seen, and the maid, when she
+      took up the shoes, held one in one hand, and the other in the other, by
+      their heels, and then slapped them hard together, to beat out of some of
+      the dust which was in them. This she repeated three or four times, till I
+      was quite stunned; and how or which way I tumbled or got out, I know not;
+      but when I came to myself. I was close up behind the foot of a table, in a
+      large apartment, where were several children, and a gentleman and a lady,
+      all conversing together with the greatest good humour and harmony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The first words I heard distinctly enough to remember, were those of a
+      little boy, about five years old, who, with eagerness exclaimed&mdash;&lsquo;I
+      forget you! no that I never shall. If I was to go a hundred thousand miles
+      off, I am sure I shall never forget you. What! do you think I should ever,
+      as long as I live, if it is a million of years, forget my own dear papa
+      and mamma? No; that I should not, I am very, very sure I never should.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;Well, but Tom,&rsquo; interrupted the gentleman, &lsquo;if in a million of years you
+      should not forget us, I dare say, in less than two months you will forget
+      our advice, and before you have been at school half that time, you will
+      get to squabbling with and tricking the other boys, just as they do with
+      one another; and instead of playing at all times with the strictest
+      openness and honour, you will, I sadly fear, learn to cheat, and deceive,
+      and pay no attention to what your mother and I have been telling you.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;No&rsquo;, that I am sure I sha&rsquo;n&rsquo;t!&rsquo; replied the boy. &lsquo;What! do you think I
+      shall be so wicked as to turn a thief, and cheat people?&rsquo; &lsquo;I dare say, my
+      dear,&rsquo; resumed the father, &lsquo;you will not do what we call thieving; but as
+      I know there are many naughty boys in all schools, I am afraid they will
+      teach you to commit dishonourable actions, and to tell you there is no
+      harm in them, and that they are signs of cleverness and spirit, and
+      qualifications very necessary for every boy to possess.&rsquo; &lsquo;Aye, that&rsquo;s sure
+      enough,&rsquo; said the boy, who appeared about ten years old, &lsquo;for they almost
+      all declare, that if a boy is not sharp and cunning, he might almost as
+      well be out of the world as in it. But, as you say, papa, I hate such
+      behaviour, I am sure there is one of our boys, who is so wonderfully
+      clever and acute, as they call him, that I detest ever having any thing to
+      do with him; for unless one watches him as a cat would watch a mouse, he
+      is sure to cheat or play one some trick or other.&rsquo; &lsquo;What sort of tricks do
+      you mean?&rsquo; inquired the little boy. &lsquo;Why, I will tell you,&rsquo; replied the
+      other. &lsquo;You know nothing of the games we have at school, so if I was to
+      tell you how he plays at them, you would not understand what I meant. But
+      you know what walking about blindfold is, don&rsquo;t you? Well! one day, about
+      a dozen boys agreed to have a blind race, and the boy who got nearest the
+      goal, which was a stick driven in the ground with a shilling upon the top
+      of it, was to win the shilling, provided he did it fairly without seeing.&rsquo; 
+      &lsquo;I suppose,&rsquo; interrupted Tom, &lsquo;you mean the boy who got to the stick
+      first.&rsquo; &lsquo;No, I do not,&rsquo; replied his brother, &lsquo;I mean what I say, the boy
+      who got nearest it, no matter whether he came first or last; the fun was
+      to see them try to keep in a straight path, with their eyes tied up,
+      whilst they wander quite in the wrong, and not to try who could run
+      fastest. Well! when they, were all blinded, and twisted round three or
+      four times before they were suffered to set off, they directed their steps
+      the way they thought would directly conduct them to the goal; and some of
+      them had almost reached it, when Sharply (the boy I mentioned) who had
+      placed a shilling upon the stick, for they drew lots who should do that,
+      and he who furnished the money was to stand by it, to observe who won it
+      by coming nearest; well, Sharply, I say, just as they came close to it,
+      moved away softly to another place, above three yards distant from any of
+      them (for I should have told you, that if none of them got within three
+      yards, the shilling was to remain his, and they were each to give him a
+      penny.) So then he untied their eyes, and insisted upon it they had all of
+      them lost. But two or three of us happened to be by, and so we said he had
+      cheated them, and ought not to keep the money, as it had fairly been won
+      by Smyth. But he would not give it up, so it made a quarrel between him
+      and Smyth, and at last they fought, and Mr. Chiron confined them both in
+      the school all the rest of the afternoon, and when he heard what the
+      quarrel was about, he took the shilling from Sharply, and called him a
+      mean-spirited cheat; but he would not let Smyth have it, because he said
+      he deserved to lose it for fighting about such a trifle, and so it was put
+      into the forfeit-money.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But pray do not you think Sharply behaved extremely wrong?&rsquo; &lsquo;Shamefully
+      so, indeed,&rsquo; said the gentleman. &lsquo;I never could have any opinion of a boy
+      &lsquo;who could act so dishonourably,&rsquo; said the lady, &lsquo;let his cleverness be
+      what it would.&rsquo; &lsquo;Pray, Frank, tell me some more,&rsquo; said the little boy.
+      &lsquo;More!&rsquo; replied Frank, &lsquo;I could tell you an hundred such kind of things.
+      One time, as Peter Light was walking up the yard, with some damsons in his
+      hat, Sharply ran by, and as he passed, knocked his hat out of his hand,
+      for the sake of scrambling for as many as he could get himself. And
+      sometimes, after the pie-woman has been there, he gets such heaps of tarts
+      you cannot think, by his different tricks: perhaps he will buy a currant
+      tart himself; then he would go about, calling out, &ldquo;Who&rsquo;ll change a
+      cheesecake for a currant tart?&rdquo; and now-and-then he will add, &ldquo;and half a
+      bun into the bargain!&rdquo; Then two or three of the boys call out, &ldquo;I will, I
+      will!&rdquo; and when they go to hold out their cheesecakes to him, he snatches
+      them out of their hands before they are aware, and runs away in an
+      instant; and whilst they stand for a moment in astonishment, he gets so
+      much ahead of them that he eats them up before they can again overtake
+      him. At other times, when he sees a boy beginning to eat his cake, he will
+      come and talk carelessly to him for a few moments, and then all of a
+      sudden call out, &ldquo;Look! look! look!-there!&rdquo; pointing his finger as if to
+      show him something wonderful; and when the other, without suspecting any
+      mischief, turns his head to see what has so surprised him, away he
+      snatches the cake, and runs off with it, cramming it into his mouth in a
+      moment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And when he plays at Handy-dandy, Jack-a-dandy, which will you have,
+      upper hand or lower? if you happen to guess right, he slips whatever you
+      are playing with into his other hand; and that you know is not playing
+      fair; and so many of the boys tell him; but he does not mind any of us.
+      And as he is clever at his learning, and always does his exercise quite
+      right, Mr. Chiron (who indeed does not know of his tricks) is very fond of
+      him, and is for ever saying what a clever fellow he is, and proposing him
+      as an example to the rest of the boys; and I do believe many of them
+      imitate his deceitful, cheating tricks, only for the sake of being thought
+      like him.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Aye! it is a sad thing,&rsquo; interrupted the gentleman, &lsquo;that people who are
+      blessed with sense and abilities to behave well, should so misuse them as
+      to set a bad, instead of a good example to others, and by that means draw
+      many into sin, who otherwise, perhaps, might never have acted wrong. Was
+      this Sharply, you have been speaking of, a dunce and blockhead at his
+      book, he would never gain the commendations that Mr. Chiron now bestows
+      upon him; and, consequently, no boy would wish to be thought like him; his
+      bad example, therefore, would not be of half the importance it now is.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Only think, then, my dear children, how extremely wicked it is, for those
+      who are blessed with understandings capable of acting as they should do,
+      and making people admire them, at the same time to be guilty of such real
+      and great sin. For, however children at play may like to trick and deceive
+      each other, and call it only play or fun, still, let me tell you, they are
+      much mistaken if they flatter themselves there is no harm in it. It is a
+      very wrong way of behaviour; it is mean, it is dishonorable, and it is
+      wicked; and the boy or girl who would ever permit themselves to act in so
+      unjustifiable a manner, however they may excel in their learning, or
+      exterior accomplishments, can never be deserving of esteem, confidence, or
+      regard. What esteem or respect could I ever entertain of a person&rsquo;s sense
+      or learning, who made no better use of it than to practise wickedness with
+      more dexterity and grace than he otherwise would be enabled to do? Or,
+      what confidence could I ever place in the person who, I knew, only wanted
+      a convenient opportunity to defraud, trick, and deceive me? Or, what
+      regard and love could I possibly entertain for such a one, who, unless I
+      kept a constant watch over, as I must over a wild beast, would, like a
+      wild beast, be sure to do me some injury? Would it be possible, I say, to
+      love such a character, whatever shining abilities or depth of learning he
+      might possess? Ask your own hearts, my dears, whether you think you
+      could?&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this they all answered at once, &lsquo;No, that I could not,&rsquo; and &lsquo;I am sure
+      I could not.&rsquo; &lsquo;Well, then,&rsquo; resumed the father, &lsquo;only think how odious
+      that conduct must be, which robs us of the esteem, confidence, and love of
+      our fellow-creatures; and that too, notwithstanding we may at the same
+      time be very clever, and have a great deal of sense and learning. But, for
+      my part, I confess I know not the least advantage of our understanding or
+      our learning, unless we make a proper use of them. Knowing a great deal,
+      and having read a great many books, will be of no service to us, unless we
+      are careful to make a proper use of that knowledge, and to improve by what
+      we read, otherwise the time we so bestow is but lost, and we might as well
+      spend the whole of our lives in idleness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Always remember, therefore, my loves, that the whole end of our taking
+      the trouble to instruct you, or putting ourselves to the expense of
+      sending you to school, or your attending to what is taught you, is, that
+      you may grow better men and women than you otherwise would be; and unless,
+      therefore, you do improve, we might as well spare ourselves the pains and
+      expense, and you need not take the trouble of learning; since, if you will
+      act wickedly, all our labour is but thrown away to no manner of purpose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Mr. and Mrs. Sharply, how I pity them! What sorrow must they endure, to
+      behold their son acting in the manner you have described; for nothing can
+      give so much concern to a fond parent&rsquo;s heart, as to see their children,
+      for whom they have taken so much pains, turn out naughty; and to deceive
+      and cheat! What can be worse than that? I hope, my dear children, you will
+      never, any of you, give us that dreadful misery! I hope, my dear Tom, I
+      hope you will never learn any of those detestable ways your brother has
+      been telling you of. And if it was not that you will often be obliged to
+      see such things when you mix with other children, I should be sorry you
+      should even hear of such bad actions, as I could wish you to pass through
+      life without so much as knowing such wickedness ever existed; but that is
+      impossible. There are so many naughty people in the world, that you will
+      often be obliged to see and hear of crimes which I hope you will shudder
+      to think of committing yourselves; and being warned of them beforehand, I
+      hope it will put you more upon your guard, not to be tempted, upon any
+      consideration, to give the least encouragement to them, much less to
+      practise them yourselves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Perhaps, Tom, if your brother had not, by telling us of Sharply&rsquo;s tricks,
+      given me an opportunity of warning you how extremely wrong and wicked they
+      are, you might when you were at school, have thought them very clever, and
+      marks of genius; and therefore, like others of the boys, have tried to
+      imitate them, and by that means have become as wicked, mean, and
+      dishonourable yourself. And only think how it would have grieved your
+      mamma and me, to find the next holidays, our dear little Tom, instead of
+      being that honest, open, generous-hearted boy he now is, changed into a
+      deceiver, a cheat, a liar, one whom we could place no trust or confidence
+      in; for, depend upon it, the person who will, when at play, behave unfair,
+      would not scruple to do so in even other action of his life. And the boy
+      who will deceive for the sake of a marble, or the girl who would act
+      ungenerously, for the sake of a doll&rsquo;s cap or a pin, will, when grown up,
+      be ready to cheat and over-reach in their trades, or any affairs they may
+      have to transact. And you may assure yourselves that numbers of people who
+      are every year hanged, began at first to be wicked by practising those
+      little dishonourable mean actions, which so many children are too apt to
+      do at play, without thinking of their evil consequences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I think, my dear,&rsquo; said he, turning to his wife, &lsquo;I have heard you
+      mention a person who you were acquainted with when a girl, who at last was
+      hanged for stealing, I think, was not she?&rsquo; &lsquo;No,&rsquo; replied the lady, &lsquo;she
+      was not hanged, she was transported for one-and-twenty years.&rsquo; &lsquo;Pray,
+      madam, how transported? what is that?&rsquo; inquired one of the children.
+      &lsquo;People, my dear,&rsquo; resumed the lady, &lsquo;are transported when they have
+      committed crimes, which, according to the laws of our land, are not
+      thought quite wicked enough to be hanged for; but still too bad to suffer
+      them to continue amongst other people. So, instead of hanging them, the
+      judge orders that they shall be sent on board a ship, built on purpose to
+      hold naughty people, and carried away from all their friends, a great many
+      miles distant, commonly to America, where they are sold as slaves, to work
+      very hard for as many years as they are transported for. And the person
+      your papa mentioned was sold for twenty-one years; but she died before
+      that time was out, as most of them do: they are generally used very
+      cruelly, and work very hard; and besides, the heat of the climate seldom
+      agrees with anybody who has been used to live in England, and so they
+      generally die before their time is expired, and never have an opportunity
+      of seeing their friends any more, after they are once sent away. How
+      should any of you, my dears, like to be sent away from your papa and me,
+      and your brothers and sisters, and uncles and aunts, and all your friends,
+      and never, never see us any more; and only keep company with naughty,
+      cross, wicked people, and labour very hard, and suffer a great deal of
+      sickness, and such a number of different hardships, you cannot imagine?
+      Only think how shocking it must be! How should you like it?&rsquo; &lsquo;Oh&rsquo;, not at
+      all, not at all,&rsquo; was echoed from everyone in the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;But such,&rsquo; rejoined their mother, &lsquo;is the punishment naughty people have;
+      and such was the punishment the person your papa spoke of had; who, when
+      she was young, no more expected to come to such an end than any of you do.
+      I was very well acquainted with her, and often used to play with her, and
+      she (like the boy Frank has been talking of) used to think it a mark of
+      cleverness to be able to deceive; and for the sake of winning the game she
+      was engaged in, would not scruple committing any little unfair action,
+      which would give her the advantage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;I remember one time, at such a trifling game as pushpin, she gave me a
+      very bad opinion of her; for I observed, instead of pushing the pin as she
+      ought to do, she would try to lift it up with her finger a little, to make
+      it cross over the other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And when we were all at cards, she would peep, to find out the pictured
+      ones, that she might have them in her own hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;And when we played at any game which had forfeits, she would try, by
+      different little artifices, to steal back her own before the time of
+      crying them came; or, if she was the person who was to cry them, as you
+      call it, she would endeavour to see whose came next, that she might order
+      the penalty accordingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Or if we were playing at hide and seek, she would put what we had to hide
+      either in her own pocket, or throw it into the fire, so that it would be
+      impossible to find it; and then, after making her companions hunt for it
+      for an hour, till their patience was quite tired, and they gave out; she
+      would burst out in a loud laugh! and say she only did it for fun. But, for
+      my part, I never could see any joke in such kind of things: the meanness,
+      the baseness, the dish on our (sic), which attendedit always, in my
+      opinion, took off all degree of cleverness, or pleasure from such actions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;There was another of her sly tricks which I forgot to mention, and that
+      was, if at tea, or any other time, she got first to the plate of cake or
+      bread, she would place the piece she liked best where she thought it would
+      come to her turn to have it: or if at breakfast she saw her sisters&rsquo; basin
+      have the under crust in it, and they happened not to be by, or to see her,
+      she would take it out, and put her own, which she happened not to like so
+      well, in the stead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Only think, my dears, what frightful, sly, naughty tricks to be guilty
+      of! And from practising these, which she said there was no harm in, and
+      she only did them in play, and for a bit of fun, at last she came, by
+      degrees, to be guilty of greater. She two or three different times, when
+      she was not seen, stole things out of shops; and one day, when she was
+      upon a visit, and thought she could do it cleverly, without being
+      discovered, put a couple of table spoons into her pocket. The footman who
+      was waiting happened to see her; but fearing to give offence, he took no
+      notice of it till after she was gone home, when he told his master, who,
+      justly provoked at being so ill-treated, by a person to whom he had shown
+      every civility, went after her, called in her own two maids, and his
+      footman, as witnesses, and then insisted upon examining her pockets, where
+      he indeed found his own two spoons. He then sent for proper officers to
+      secure her, had her taken into custody, and for that offence it was that
+      she was transported.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;Thus, my dear children, you see the shocking consequence of ever
+      suffering such vile habits to grow upon us; and I hope the example of this
+      unhappy woman (which I assure you is a true story) will be sufficient to
+      warn you for ever, for a single time, being guilty of so detestable a
+      crime, lest you should, like her, by degrees come to experience her fatal
+      punishment.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just as the lady said these words a bell rang, and all getting up
+      together, they went out of the room, the young one calling out, &lsquo;To
+      dinner! to dinner! to dinner! here we all go to dinner!&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And I will seek for one too, said I to myself, (creeping out as soon as I
+      found I was alone) for I feel very faint and hungry. I looked and looked
+      about a long while, for I could move but slow, on account of the bruises I
+      had received in the shoe. At last under the table, round which the family
+      had been sitting, I found a pincushion, which, being stuffed with bran,
+      afforded me enough to satisfy my hunger, but was excessively dry and
+      unsavoury; yet, bad as it was, I was obliged to be content at that time
+      with it; and had nearly done eating when the door opened, and in ran two
+      or three of the children. Frightened out of my senses almost, I had just
+      time to escape down a little hole in the floor, made by one of the knots
+      in the wood slipping out, and there I heard one of the girls exclaim&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;O dear! who now has cut my pincushion? it was you did it, Tom.&rsquo; &lsquo;No,
+      indeed I did not,&rsquo; replied he. &lsquo;Then it was you, Mary.&rsquo; &lsquo;No, I know
+      nothing of it,&rsquo; answered she. &lsquo;Then it was you, Hetty.&rsquo; &lsquo;That I am sure it
+      was not,&rsquo; said she; &lsquo;I am sure, I am certain it was not me; I am positive
+      it was not.&rsquo; &lsquo;Ah,&rsquo; replied the other, &lsquo;I dare say it was.&rsquo; &lsquo;Yes, I think
+      it is most likely,&rsquo; said Mary. &lsquo;And so do I too,&rsquo; said Tom. &lsquo;And pray why
+      do you all think so?&rsquo; inquired Hetty, in an angry tone. &lsquo;Because,&rsquo; said
+      the owner of the pincushion, &lsquo;you are the only one who ever tells fibs;
+      you told a story, you know, about the fruit; you told a story too about
+      the currant jelly; and about putting your fingers in the butter, at
+      breakfast; and therefore there is a very great reason why we should
+      suspect you more than anybody else.&rsquo; &lsquo;But I am sure,&rsquo; said she, bursting
+      into tears, &lsquo;I am very sure I have not meddled with it.&rsquo; &lsquo;I do not at all
+      know that,&rsquo; replied the other, &lsquo;and I do think it was you; for I am
+      certain if any one else had done it they would not deny it; and it could
+      not come into this condition by itself, somebody must have done it; and I
+      dare say it was you; so say no more about it.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the dispute was interrupted by somebody calling them out of the room;
+      and I could not help making some reflections on what had passed. How
+      dreadful a crime, thought I, is lying and falsity; to what sad
+      mortifications does it subject the person who is ever wicked enough to
+      commit it; and how does it expose them to the contempt of everyone, and
+      make them to be suspected of faults they are even perfectly free from.
+      Little Hetty now is innocent, with respect to the pincushion with which
+      her sister charges her, as any of the others; yet, because she has before
+      forfeited her honour, she can gain no credit: no one believes what she
+      says, she is thought to be guilty of the double fault of spoiling the
+      pincushion, and what is still worse, of lying to conceal it; whilst the
+      other children are at once believed, and their words depended upon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Surely, surely, thought I, if people would but reflect upon the contempt,
+      the shame, and the difficulties which lies expose them to, they would
+      never be guilty of so terrible a vice, which subjects them to the scorn of
+      all they converse with, and renders them at all times suspected, even
+      though they should, as in the case of Hetty, really speak the truth. Such
+      were my reflections upon falsehood, nor could I help altogether blaming
+      the owner of the pincushion for her hasty judgment relating to it.
+      Somebody, she was certain, must have done it; it was impossible it could
+      come so by itself. That, to be sure, was very true; but then she never
+      recollected that it was possible a little mouse might put it in that
+      condition. Ah! thought I to myself, what pity is it, that human creatures,
+      who are blest with understanding and faculties so superior to any species,
+      should not make better use of them; and learn, from daily experience, to
+      grow wiser and better for the future. This one instance of the pincushion,
+      may teach (and surely people engaged in life must hourly find more) how
+      dangerous it is to draw hasty conclusions, and to condemn people upon
+      suspicion, as also the many, great, and bad consequences of lying.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scarcely had I finished these soliloquies when a great knock at the house
+      door made me give such a start that I fell off the joist on which I was
+      standing, and then ran straight forwards till I came out at a little hole
+      I found in the bricks above the parlour window: from that I descended into
+      the road, and went on unmolested till I reached a malt-house, about whose
+      various apartments, never staying long in the same, I continued to live;
+      till one night, all on a sudden, I was alarmed by fire, which obliged me
+      to retreat with the greatest expedition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I passed numberless rats and mice in my way, who, like myself, were driven
+      forth by the flames; but, alas! among them I found not my brother.
+      Despairing, therefore, of ever seeing him again, I determined, if
+      possible, to find my way back to you, who before had shown me such
+      kindness. Numberless were the fatigues and difficulties I had to encounter
+      in my journey here; one while in danger from hungry cats, at another
+      almost perished with cold and want of food.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But it is needless to enumerate every particular; I should but tire your
+      patience was I to attempt it; so I will hasten to a conclusion of my
+      history, only telling you how you came to find me in that melancholy
+      condition from which your mercy has now raised me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I came into your house one evening concealed in the middle of a
+      floor-cloth, which the maid had rolled up and set at the outside of the
+      back door, whilst she swept the passage, and neglected to take it in again
+      till the evening, In that I hid myself, and upon her laying it down, ran
+      with all speed down the cellar-stairs, where I continued till the family
+      were all gone to bed. Then I returned back, and came into your closet,
+      where the scent of some figs tempted me to get into the jar in which you
+      found me. I concealed myself among them, and after feasting most
+      deliciously, fell asleep, from which I was awakened by hearing a voice
+      say, &ldquo;Who has left the cover off the fig-jar?&rdquo; and at the same time I was
+      involved in darkness by having it put on. In vain I endeavoured to remove
+      it, the figs were so low, that when I stood on them I could but just touch
+      it with my lips, and the jar being stone I could not possibly fasten my
+      nails to hang by the side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In this dismal situation therefore I was constrained to stay, my
+      apprehensions each day increasing as my food diminished, till at last,
+      after feeding very sparingly for some days, it was quite exhausted; and I
+      had endured the inexpressible tortures of hunger for three days and three
+      nights, when you happily released me, and by your compassion restored me
+      once more to life and liberty. Condescend, therefore, to preserve that
+      life you have so lengthened, and take me under your protection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &lsquo;That most gladly,&rsquo; interrupted I, &lsquo;I will do: you will live in this large
+      green-flowered tin canister, and run in and out when you please, and I
+      will keep you constantly supplied with food. But I must now shut you in,
+      for the cat has this moment entered the room.&rsquo; 
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now I cannot take leave of all my little readers, without once more
+      begging them, for their own sakes, to endeavour to follow all the good
+      advice the mouse has been giving them; and likewise warning them to shun
+      all those vices and follies, the practice of which renders children so
+      contemptible and wicked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
+
+
+
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+Dorothy Kilner
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+</pre>
+  </body>
+</html>
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+++ b/1904.txt
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+Project Gutenberg's The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse, by Dorothy Kilner
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse
+
+Author: Dorothy Kilner
+
+Posting Date: October 15, 2008 [EBook #1904]
+Release Date: September, 1999
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF A MOUSE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Pat Pflieger
+
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE AND PERAMBULATIONS OF A MOUSE
+
+(1783-1784)
+
+by Dorothy Kilner
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+During a remarkably severe winter, when a prodigious fall of snow
+confined everybody to their habitations, who were happy enough to have
+one to shelter them from the inclemency of the season, and were hot
+obliged by business to expose themselves to its rigour, I was on a visit
+to Meadow Hall; where had assembled likewise a large party of young
+folk, who all seemed, by their harmony and good humour, to strive who
+should the most contribute to render pleasant that confinement which we
+were all equally obliged to share. Nor were those further advanced
+in life less anxious to contribute to the general satisfaction and
+entertainment.
+
+After the more serious employment of reading each morning was concluded,
+we danced, we sung, we played at blind-man's-buff, battledore and
+shuttlecock, and many other games equally diverting and innocent; and
+when tired of them, drew our seats round the fire, while each one in
+turn told some merry story to divert the company.
+
+At last, after having related all that we could recollect worth
+reciting, and being rather at a loss what to say next, a sprightly girl
+in company proposed that every one should relate the history of their
+own lives; 'and it must be strange indeed,' added she, 'if that will not
+help us out of this difficulty, and furnish conversation for some days
+longer; and by that time, perhaps, the frost will break, the snow will
+melt, and set us all at liberty. But let it break when it will, I make a
+law, that no one shall go from Meadow Hall till they have told their own
+history: so take notice, ladies and gentlemen, take notice, everybody,
+what you have to trust to. And because,' continued she, 'I will not be
+unreasonable, and require more from you than you can perform, I will
+give all you who may perhaps have forgotten what passed so many years
+ago, at the beginning of your lives, two days to recollect and digest
+your story; by which time if you do not produce something pretty and
+entertaining, we will never again admit you to dance or play among us.'
+All this she spoke with so good-humoured a smile, that every one was
+delighted with her, and promised to do their best to acquit themselves
+to her satisfaction; whilst some (the length of whose lives had not
+rendered them forgetful of the transactions which had passed) instantly
+began their memoirs, as they called them: and really some related their
+narratives with such spirit and ingenuity, that it quite distressed us
+older ones, lest we should disgrace ourselves when it should fall to
+our turns to hold forth. However, we were all determined to produce
+something, as our fair directress ordered. Accordingly, the next morning
+I took up my pen, to endeavour to draw up some kind of a history, which
+might satisfy my companions in confinement. I took up my pen, it is
+true, and laid the paper before me; but not one word toward my appointed
+task could I proceed. The various occurrences of my life were such as,
+far from affording entertainment, would, I was certain, rather afflict;
+or, perhaps, not interesting enough for that, only stupefy, and render
+them more weary of the continuation of the frost than they were before I
+began my narration. Thus circumstanced, therefore, although by myself,
+I broke silence by exclaiming, 'What a task his this sweet girl
+imposed upon me! One which I shall never be able to execute to my own
+satisfaction or her amusement. The adventures of my life (though deeply
+interesting to myself) will be insipid and unentertaining to others,
+especially to my young hearers: I cannot, therefore, attempt it.'--'Then
+write mine, which may be more diverting,' said a little squeaking voice,
+which sounded as if close to me. I started with surprise, not knowing
+any one to be near me; and looking round, could discover no object from
+whom it could possibly proceed, when casting my eyes upon the ground, in
+a little hole under the skirting-board, close by the fire, I discovered
+the head of a mouse peeping out. I arose with a design to stop the
+hole with a cork, which happened to lie on the table by me; and I was
+surprised to find that it did not run away, but suffered me to advance
+quite close, and then only retreated a little into the hole, saying in
+the same voice as before, 'Will you write my history?' You may be sure
+that I was much surprised to be so addressed by such an animal; but,
+ashamed of discovering any appearance of astonishment, lest the
+mouse should suppose it had frightened me, I answered with the utmost
+composure, that I would write it willingly if it would dictate to
+me. 'Oh, that I will do,' replied the mouse, 'if you will not hurt
+me.'--'Not for the world,' returned I; 'come, therefore, and sit upon
+my table, that I may hear more distinctly what you have to relate.' It
+instantly accepted my invitation, and with all the nimbleness of its
+species, ran up the side of my chair, and jumped upon my table; when,
+getting into a box of wafers, it began as follows.
+
+
+
+But, before I proceed to relate my new little companion's history, I
+must beg leave to assure my readers that, in earnest, I never heard a
+mouse speak in all my life; and only wrote the following narrative as
+being far more entertaining, and not less instructive, than my own life
+would have been: and as it met with the high approbation of those for
+whom it was written, I have sent it to Mr. Marshall, for him to publish
+it, if he pleases, for the equal amusement of his little customers.
+
+
+
+
+PART I.
+
+Like all other newborn animals, whether of the human, or any other
+species, I can not pretend to remember what passed during my infant
+days. The first circumstance I can recollect was my mother's addressing
+me and my three brothers, who all lay in the same nest, in the following
+words:-'I have, my children, with the greatest difficulty, and at the
+utmost hazard of my life, provided for you all to the present moment;
+but the period is arrived, when I can no longer pursue that method:
+snares and traps are everywhere set for me, nor shall I, without
+infinite danger, be able to procure sustenance to support my own
+existence, much less can I find sufficient for you all; and, indeed,
+with pleasure I behold it as no longer necessary, since you are of
+age now to provide and shift for yourselves; and I doubt not but your
+agility will enable you to procure a very comfortable livelihood. Only
+let me give you this one caution--never (whatever the temptation may
+be) appear often in the same place; if you do, however you may flatter
+yourselves to the contrary, you will certainly at last be destroyed.'
+So saying, she stroked us all with her fore paw as a token of her
+affection, and then hurried away, to conceal from us the emotions of her
+sorrow, at thus sending us into the wide world.
+
+She was no sooner gone, than the thought of being our own directors so
+charmed our little hearts, that we presently forgot our grief at parting
+from our kind parent; and, impatient to use our liberty, we all set
+forward in search of some food, or rather some adventure, as our mother
+had left us victuals more than sufficient to supply the wants of that
+day. With a great deal of difficulty, we clambered up a high wall on the
+inside of a wainscot, till we reached the story above that we were
+born in, where we found it much easier to run round within the
+skirting-board, than to ascend any higher.
+
+While we were there, our noses were delightfully regaled with the scent
+of the most delicate food that we had ever smelt; we were anxious to
+procure a taste of it likewise, and after running round and round the
+room a great many times, we at last discovered a little crack, through
+which we made our entrance. My brother Longtail led the way; I followed;
+Softdown came next; but Brighteyes would not be prevailed upon to
+venture. The apartment which we entered was spacious and elegant; at
+least, differed so greatly from anything we had seen, that we imagined
+it the finest place upon earth. It was covered all over with a carpet of
+various colours, that not only concealed some bird-seeds which we came
+to devour, but also for some time prevented our being discovered; as
+we were of much the same hue with many of the flowers on the carpet.
+At last a little girl, who was at work in the room, by the side of her
+mamma, shrieked out as if violently hurt. Her mamma begged to know the
+cause of her sudden alarm. Upon which she called out, 'A mouse! a mouse!
+I saw one under the chair!' 'And if you did, my dear,' replied her
+mother, 'is that any reason for your behaving so ridiculously? If there
+were twenty mice, what harm could they possibly do? You may easily hurt
+and destroy then; but, poor little things! they cannot, if they would,
+hurt you.' 'What, could they not bite me?' inquired the child. 'They
+may, indeed, be able to do that; but you may be very sure that they have
+no such inclination,' rejoined the mother. 'A mouse is one of the most
+timorous things in the world; every noise alarms it: and though it
+chiefly lives by plunder, it appears as if punished by its fears for the
+mischiefs which it commits among our property. It is therefore highly
+ridiculous to pretend to be alarmed at the sight of a creature that
+would run from the sound of your voice, and wishes never to come near
+you, lest, as you are far more able, you should also be disposed to
+hurt it.' 'But I am sure, madam,' replied the little girl, whose name I
+afterwards heard was Nancy, 'they do not always run away; for one day,
+as Miss Betsy Kite was looking among some things which she had in her
+box, a mouse jumped out and ran up her frock sleeve--she felt it quite
+up on her arm.' 'And what became of it then?' inquired the mother. 'It
+jumped down again,' replied Nancy, 'and got into a little hole in the
+window-seat; and Betsy did not see it again.' 'Well, then, my dear,'
+resumed the lady, 'what harm did it do her? Is not that a convincing
+proof of what I say, that you have no cause to be afraid of them, and
+that it is very silly to be so? It is certainly foolish to be afraid of
+any thing, unless it threatens us with immediate danger; but to pretend
+to be so at a mouse, and such like inoffensive things, is a degree of
+weakness that I can by no means suffer any of my children to indulge.'
+'May I then, madam,' inquired the child, 'be afraid of cows and horses,
+and such great beasts as those?' 'Certainly not,' answered her mother,
+'unless they are likely to hurt you. If a cow or an horse runs after
+you, I would have you fear them so much as to get out of the way; but if
+they are quietly walking or grazing in a field, then to fly from them,
+as if you thought they would eat you instead of the grass, is most
+absurd, and discovers great want of sense. I once knew a young lady,
+who, I believe, thought it looked pretty to be terrified at everything,
+and scream if dog or even a mouse looked at her: but most severely was
+she punished for her folly, by several very disagreeable accidents she
+by those means brought upon herself.
+
+'One day when she was drinking tea in a large company, on the door being
+opened, a small Italian greyhound walked into the drawing-room. She
+happened to be seated near the mistress of the dog, who was making tea:
+the dog, therefore, walked toward her, in order to be by his favourite;
+but, upon his advancing near her, she suddenly jumped up, without
+considering what she was about, overturned the water-urn, the hot iron
+of which rolling out, set fire to her clothes, which instantly blazed
+up, being only muslin, and burnt her arms, face, and neck, most
+dreadfully: she was so much hurt as to be obliged to be put immediately
+to bed; nor did she recover enough to go abroad for many months. Now,
+though every one was sorry for her sufferings, who could possibly help
+blaming her for her ridiculous behaviour, as it was entirely owing to
+her own folly that she was so hurt? When she was talked to upon the
+subject, she pleaded for her excuse, that she was so frightened she did
+not know what she did, nor whither she was going; but as she thought
+that the dog was coming to her she could not help jumping up, to get out
+of his way. Now what ridiculous arguing was this! Why could not she help
+it? And if the dog had really been going to her, what harm would it have
+done? Could she suppose that the lady whose house she was at, would have
+suffered a beast to walk about the house loose, and go into company,
+if he was apt to bite and hurt people? Or why should she think he would
+more injure her, than those he had before passed by? But the real case
+was, she did not think at all; if she had given herself time for that,
+she could not have acted so ridiculously. Another time, when she was
+walking, from the same want of reflection, she very nearly drowned
+herself. She was passing over a bridge, the outside rails of which were
+in some places broken down: while she was there, some cows, which a man
+was driving, met her: immediately, without minding whither she went,
+she shrieked out, and at the same time jumped on one side just where the
+rail happened to be broken, and down she fell into the river; nor was
+it without the greatest difficulty that she was taken out time enough
+to save her life. However, she caught a violent cold and fever, and was
+again, by her own foolish fears, confined to her bed for some weeks.
+Another accident she once met with, which though not quite so bad as the
+two former, yet might have been attended with fatal consequences. She
+was sitting in a window, when a wasp happened to fly toward her; she
+hastily drew back her head, and broke the pane of glass behind her, some
+of which stuck in her neck. It bled prodigiously; but a surgeon happily
+being present, made some application to it, which prevented its being
+followed by any other ill effects than only a few days weakness,
+occasioned by the loss of blood. Many other misfortunes of the like kind
+she frequently experienced; but these which I have now related may serve
+to convince you how extremely absurd it is for people to give way to
+and indulge themselves in such groundless apprehensions, and, by being
+afraid when there is no danger, subject themselves to real misfortunes
+and most fatal accidents. And if being afraid of cows, dogs, and wasps
+(all of which, if they please, can certainly hurt us) is so ridiculous,
+what must be the folly of those people who are terrified at a little
+silly mouse, which never was known to hurt anybody?'
+
+Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of some gentlemen
+and ladies; and we having enjoyed a very fine repast under one of the
+chairs during the time that the mother and daughter had held the above
+discourse, on the chairs being removed for some of the visitors to sit
+upon, we thought it best to retire: highly pleased with our meal,
+and not less with the kind goodwill which the lady had, we thought,
+expressed towards us. We related to our brother Brighteyes all that had
+passed, and assured him he had no reason to apprehend any danger from
+venturing himself with us. Accordingly he promised, if such was the
+case, that the next time we went and found it safe, if we would return
+back and call him, he would certainly accompany us. 'In the mean time,
+do pray, Nimble,' said he, addressing himself to me, 'come with me to
+some other place, for I long to taste some more delicate food than our
+mother has provided for us: besides, as perhaps it may be a long while
+before we shall be strong enough to bring anything away with us, we had
+better leave that, in case we should ever be prevented from going abroad
+to seek for fresh supplies.' 'Very true,' replied I; 'what you say is
+quite just and wise, therefore I will with all my heart attend you now,
+and see what we can find.' So saying, we began to climb; but not without
+difficulty, for very frequently the bits of mortar which we stepped upon
+gave way beneath our feet, and tumbled us down together with them lower
+than when we first set off. However, as we were very light, we were not
+much hurt by our falls; only indeed poor Brighteyes, by endeavouring to
+save himself, caught by his nails on a rafter, and tore one of them from
+off his right fore-foot, which was very sore and inconvenient. At
+length we surmounted all difficulties, and, invited by a strong scent
+of plum-cake, entered a closet, where we found a fine large one, quite
+whole and entire. We immediately set about making our way into it, which
+we easily effected, as it was most deliciously nice, and not at all hard
+to our teeth.
+
+Brighteyes, who had not before partaken of the bird-seed, was overjoyed
+at the sight. He almost forgot the pain of his foot, and soon buried
+himself withinside the cake; whilst I, who had pretty well satisfied
+my hunger before, only ate a few of the crumbs, and then went to take a
+survey of the adjoining apartment. I crept softly under the door of the
+closet into a room, as large as that which I had before been in, though
+not so elegantly furnished; for, instead of being covered with a carpet,
+there was only a small one round the bed; and near the fire was a
+cradle, with a cleanly-looking woman sitting by it, rocking it with her
+foot, whilst at the same time she was combing the head of a little boy
+about four years old. In the middle of the room stood a table, covered
+with a great deal of litter; and in one corner was the little girl whom
+I had before seen with her mamma, crying and sobbing as if her heart
+would break. As I made not the least noise at my entrance, no one
+observed me for some time; so creeping under one of the beds, I heard
+the following discourse:--
+
+'It does not signify, miss,' said the woman, who I found was the
+children's nurse, 'I never will put up with such behaviour: you know
+that I always do everything for you when you speak prettily; but to be
+ordered to dress you in such a manner, is what I never will submit to:
+and you shall go undressed all day before I will dress you, unless you
+ask me as you ought to do.' Nancy made no reply, but only continued
+crying. 'Aye! you may cry and sob as much as you please,' said the
+nurse; 'I do not care for that: I shall not dress you for crying and
+roaring, but for being good and speaking with civility.' Just as she
+said these words, the door opened, and in came the lady whom I before
+saw, and whose name I afterwards found was Artless. As soon as she
+entered, the nurse addressed her, saying, 'Pray, madam, is it by
+your desire that Miss Nancy behaves so rudely, and bids me dress her
+directly, and change the buckles in her shoes, or else she will slap my
+face? Indeed she did give me a slap upon my hand; so I told her, that I
+would not dress her at all; for really, madam, I thought you would
+not wish me to do it, whilst she behaved so; and I took the liberty
+of putting her to stand in the corner.' 'I do not think,' replied Mrs.
+Artless, 'that she deserves to stand in the room at all, or in the house
+either, if she behaves in that manner: if she does not speak civilly
+when she wants to be assisted, let her go without help, and see what
+will become of her then. I am quite ashamed of you, Nancy! I could not
+have thought you would behave so; but since you have, I promise that you
+shall not be dressed today, or have any assistance given you, unless you
+speak in a very different manner.'
+
+Whilst Mrs. Artless was talking, nurse went out of the room. Mrs.
+Artless then took her seat by the cradle, and looking into it, found
+the child awake, and I saw her take out a fine little girl, about five
+months old: she then continued her discourse, saying, 'Look here, Nancy,
+look at this little baby, see how unable it is to help itself; were
+we to neglect attending to it, what do you think would become of it?
+Suppose I were now to put your sister upon the floor, and there leave
+her, tell me what do you think she could do, or what would become
+of her?' Nancy sobbed out, that she would die. 'And pray, my dear,'
+continued Mrs. Artless, 'if we were to leave you to yourself, what would
+become of you? It is true, you talk and run about better than Polly: but
+not a bit better could you provide for, or take care of yourself. Could
+you buy or dress your own victuals? could you light your own fire? could
+you clean your own house, or open and shut the doors and windows? could
+you make your own clothes, or even put them on without some assistance,
+when made? And who do you think will do anything for you, if you are
+not good, and do not speak civilly? Not I, I promise you, neither shall
+nurse, nor any of the servants; for though I pay them wages to help to
+do my business for me, I never want them to do anything unless they are
+desired in a pretty manner. Should you like, if when I want you to
+pick up my scissors, or do any little job, I were to say, "Pick up my
+scissors this moment, or I will slap your face?" Should not you think
+that it sounded very cross and disagreeable?' 'Yes, madam,' replied
+Nancy. 'Then why,' rejoined Mrs. Artless, 'should you speak cross to
+anybody, particularly to servants and poor people? for to behave so to
+them, is not only cross, but insolent and proud: it is as if you thought
+that because they are rather poorer, they are not so good as yourself,
+whereas, I assure you, poverty makes no difference in the merit of
+people; for those only are deserving of respect who are truly good; and
+a beggar who is virtuous, is far better than a prince who is wicked.' I
+was prevented from hearing any more of this very just discourse, by the
+little boy's opening the door and letting in a cat; which, though it was
+the first that I had ever seen in my life, I was certain was the same
+destructive animal to our race, which I had frequently heard my mother
+describe. I therefore made all possible haste back to the closet, and
+warning Brighteyes of our danger, we instantly returned by the same way
+which we came, to our two brothers, whom we found waiting for us, and
+wondering at our long absence. We related to them the dainty cheer which
+we had met with, and agreed to conduct them thither in the evening.
+Accordingly, as soon as it grew towards dusk, we climbed up the wall,
+and all four together attacked the plum-cake, which no one had touched
+since we left it; but scarcely had we all seated ourselves round it,
+than on a sudden the closet-door opened, and a woman entered. Away we
+all scampered as fast as possible, but poor Brighteyes, who could not
+move quite so fast on account of his sore toe, and who likewise having
+advanced farther into the cake, was discovered before he could reach
+the crack by which we entered. The woman, who had a knife in her hand,
+struck at him with it, at the same time exclaiming, 'Bless me, nurse,
+here is a mouse in the closet!' Happily, she missed her aim, and he only
+received a small wound on the tip of his tail. This interruption sadly
+alarmed us, and it was above an hour before we could have courage to
+venture back, when finding everything quiet, except Mrs. Nurse's singing
+to her child, we again crept out, and once more surrounded the cake. We
+continued without any further alarm till we were perfectly satisfied,
+and then retired to a little distance behind the wainscot, determined
+there to sleep, and to breakfast on the cake the next day.
+
+Early in the morning I waked, and calling my brothers, we all marched
+forward, and soon arrived at the delightful cake, where we highly
+enjoyed ourselves without the least disturbance, till our appetites were
+fully satisfied. We then retired, took a little run round some other
+parts of the house, but met with nothing worth relating. At noon we
+again made our way into the closet, intending to dine on the dish on
+which we breakfasted; but, to our no small mortification, the delicious
+dainty was removed. This you may be sure was a sad disappointment; yet
+as we were not extremely hungry, we had time to look about for more. We
+were not long in finding it; for upon the same shelf from which the cake
+was removed, there was a round tin box, the lid of which was not quite
+close shut down; into this we all crept, and were highly regaled with
+some nice lumps of sugar. But it would be endless to enumerate all the
+various repasts which we met with in this closet, sometimes terrified
+by the entrance of people, and sometimes comfortably enjoying ourselves
+without alarm: it is sufficient to inform you, that, unmindful of our
+mother's advice, we continued to live upon the contents of the same
+cupboard for above a week; when, one evening, as we were as usual
+hastening to find our suppers, Softdown, who happened to be first, ran
+eagerly to a piece of cheese, which he saw hanging before him. 'Come
+along,' said he, 'here is some nice cheese, it smells most delightfully
+good!' Just as he spoke these words, before any of us came up to him, a
+little wooden door on a sudden dropped down, and hid him and the cheese
+from our sight.
+
+It is impossible to describe our consternation and surprise upon this
+occasion, which was greatly increased when we advanced near the place,
+at seeing him (through some little wire bars) confined in a small box,
+without any visible way for him to get out, and hearing him in the most
+moving accents beg us to assist him in procuring his liberty. We all
+ran round and round his place of confinement several times; but not the
+least crack or opening could we discover, except through the bars, which
+being of iron, it was impossible for us to break or bend. At length we
+determined to try to gnaw through the wood-work close at the edge, which
+being already some little distance from one of the bars, we hoped, by
+making the opening a little wider, he would escape: accordingly we all
+began, he on the inside, and we all on the out, and by our diligence had
+made some very considerable progress, when we were interrupted by the
+entrance of Mrs. Nurse with the child in her arms.
+
+Upon the sight of her, though much grieved to leave our brother in his
+distress, yet fearing instant death would be the fate of all of us if we
+stayed, to preserve our own existence, we retired as quick as possible,
+but not without her seeing some of us, for we heard her say to herself,
+or to the babe in her arms, 'I declare, this closet swarms with mice,
+they spoil everything one puts here.' Then taking up the box in which
+was poor Softdown (and which I afterwards learned was called a trap) she
+carried it into the room. I crept softly after her, to see what would
+be the fate of my beloved brother. But what words can express my horror,
+when I saw her holding it in one hand close to the candle, whilst in the
+other she held the child, singing to her with the utmost composure, and
+bidding her to look at the mousy! mousy!
+
+What were the actions or sensations of poor Softdown at that dreadful
+moment I know not: but my own anguish, which it is impossible to
+describe, was still augmented every moment by seeing her shake the trap
+almost topsy-turvy, then blow through the trap at one end, at which
+times I saw the dear creature's tail come out between the wires on the
+contrary side, as he was striving, I suppose, to retreat from her. At
+length, after she had thus tortured him for some time, she set the trap
+on the table, so close to a large fire, that I am sure he must have been
+much incommoded by the heat, and began to undress her child.
+
+Then hearing somebody go by the door, she cried out, 'Who is there?
+is it you, Betty? if it is, I wish you would come and take down the
+mouse-trap, for I have caught a mouse.' Betty instantly obeyed her
+call, and desired to know what she wanted. 'I want you to take down the
+mouse-trap,' she replied, 'for I cannot leave the child. I am glad that
+I have got it, I am sure, for the closet swarms so, there is no such
+thing as bearing it. They devour everything: I declare they have eaten
+up a whole pound of sugar, which cost me elevenpence, sugar is now so
+monstrously dear! indeed the man made a favour to let me have it for
+that; only, he said, as our family were good customers, and I was but a
+servant, he would take no more. And enough too I thought it was, to have
+only a penny back in change out of a whole shilling for one pound of
+sugar: and then to think of the poison mice to have it all; but I will
+break their filthy necks. Do, Betty, pray take the trap down, and return
+with it as soon as you can, and I will set it again: for I dare say I
+shall catch another before I go to bed, for I heard some more rustling
+among the things.' 'O lauk!' replied Betty, 'you do not think that I
+will take down the trap, do you? I would not touch it for twenty pounds.
+I am always frightened, and ready to die at the sight of a mouse. Once,
+when I was a girl, I had one thrown in my face, and ever since I have
+always been scared out of my wits at them; and if ever I see one running
+loose, as I did one night in the closet below stairs, where the candles
+are kept, I scream as if I was being killed.' 'Why then,' answered
+Nurse, 'I think you behave like a great fool, for what harm could a
+mouse do to you?' 'O la! I hate them,' returned she, and then ran away
+without the trap. Greatly was I rejoiced at her departure, as I hoped
+that, by some means, Softdown might still be able to make his escape.
+But, alas! no such good fortune attended him. Some person again passing
+the door, Nurse once more called out, 'Who is there? John is it you?'
+'Yes,' replied a man's voice. 'Then do you step in, will you, for a
+moment?' rejoined Mrs. Nurse: and instantly entered a man whom I had
+never before seen. 'What do you want, Nurse?' said he. 'I only want to
+get rid of a mouse,' returned she; 'and, do you know, Betty is such
+a fool that she is afraid of taking it, and I want the trap to set it
+again, for they swarm here like bees in a hive, one can have no peace
+for them: they devour and spoil every thing; I say sometimes that I
+believe they will eat me up at last.' While she was saying this, John
+took the trap in his hand, held it up once more to the candle, then
+taking a piece of thread out of a paper, that lay bound round with a
+dirty blue ribbon upon the table, he shook the trap about till he got my
+brother's tail through the wires, when catching hold of it, he tied the
+thread tight round it and dragged him by it to the door of the trap,
+which he opened, and took him out, suspending the weight of his body
+upon his tail.
+
+Softdown, who till the thread was tied had patiently continued perfectly
+quiet, could no longer support the pain without dismal cries and
+anguish: he squeaked as loud as his little throat would let him,
+exerting at the same time the utmost of his strength to disengage
+himself. But in such a position, with his head downward, in vain were
+all his efforts to procure relief; and the barbarous monster who held
+him discovered not the smallest emotions of pity for his sufferings. Oh!
+how at that moment did I abhor my own existence, and wish that I could
+be endowed with size and strength sufficient, at once both to rescue
+him, and severely punish his tormentors. But my wish was ineffectual,
+and I had the inexpressible affliction of seeing the inhuman wretch
+hold him down upon the hearth, whilst, without remorse, he crushed him
+beneath his foot, and then carelessly kicked him into the ashes, saying,
+'There! The cat will smell it out when she comes up.' My very blood runs
+cold within me at the recollection of seeing Softdown's as it spurted
+from beneath the monster's foot; whilst the crunch of his bones
+almost petrified me with horror. At length, however, recollecting the
+impossibility of restoring my beloved brother to life, and the danger
+of my own situation, I, with trembling feet and palpitating heart, crept
+softly back to my remaining two brothers, who were impatiently expecting
+me behind the closet. There I related to them the horrid scene which
+had passed before my eyes, whilst the anguish it caused in their gentle
+bosoms far exceeds my power to describe.
+
+After having mingled our lamentations for some time, I thus addressed
+them: 'We have this night, my brothers, tasted the severest affliction
+in the cruel death of our dear brother, companion, and friend; let
+us not, however, only mourn his loss, but also gather wisdom from our
+misfortune, and return to that duty which we have hitherto neglected.
+Recollect, my dear friends, what were the last words which our good
+mother spoke to us at parting. She charged us, upon no account, for no
+temptation whatever, to return frequently to the same place: if we did,
+she forewarned us that death and ruin would certainly await us. But in
+what manner have we obeyed this her kind advice? We have not even so
+much as once recollected it since she left us; or, if we thought of it
+for a moment, we foolishly despised it as unnecessary. Now, therefore,
+we sincerely feel the consequence of our disobedience; and, though
+our sufferings are most distressing, yet we must confess that we amply
+deserve them. Let us therefore, my brothers, instantly fly from a place
+which has already cost us the life of our beloved Softdown, lest we
+should all likewise fall a sacrifice to our disobedience.'--And here the
+writer cannot help observing how just were the reflections of the mouse
+on the crime which they had been guilty of; and begs every reader
+will be careful to remember the fatal consequences that attended their
+disobedience of their mother's advice, since they may be assured that
+equal if not the same misfortune will always attend those who refuse
+to pay attention to the advice of their parents. But, to return to the
+history.
+
+To this proposal (continued the mouse) my brothers readily agreed; and
+we directly descended to the place we were in when we discovered the
+crack that led us to the room in which we feasted on bird-seed. Here
+we determined to wait, and when the family were all quiet in bed, to
+go forth in search of provision, as we began to be rather hungry, not
+having eaten anything a long while. Accordingly we stayed till after the
+clock struck twelve, when peeping out, we saw that the room was empty:
+we then ventured forth, and found several seeds, though not enough to
+afford a very ample meal for three of us.
+
+After we had cleared the room, we again returned to our hiding-place,
+where we continued till after the family had finished their breakfast.
+They all then went to take a walk in the garden, and we stepped out to
+pick up the crumbs which had fallen from the table. Whilst we were thus
+employed, at a distance from our place of retreat, we were alarmed by
+the entrance of two boys, who appeared to be about twelve or thirteen
+years of age. We directly ran towards the crack; but alas! we were not
+quick enough to escape their observation; for, seeing us, they both at
+once exclaimed, 'Some mice! some mice!' and at the same time took off
+their hats, and threw at us. Longtail happily eluded the blow, and
+safely got home, but poor Brighteyes and myself were less fortunate;
+and though we for a considerable time, by our quickness, prevented their
+catching us, at length, being much disabled by a blow that one of them
+gave me with a book which he threw at me, I was unable any longer to
+run, and hobbling very slowly across the room, he picked me up. At the
+same moment Brighteyes was so entangled in a handkerchief which the
+other boy tossed over him, that he likewise was taken prisoner. Our
+little hearts now beat quick with fear of those tortures we expected to
+receive; nor were our apprehensions lessened by hearing the boys consult
+what they should do with us, 'I,' said one, 'will throw mine into the
+pond, and see how he will swim out again.' 'And I,' said the other,
+'will keep mine and tame it.' 'But where will you keep it?' inquired his
+companion. 'Oh,' replied he, 'I will keep it under a little pan till
+I can get a house made for it.' He then, holding me by the skin at the
+back of my neck, ran with me into the kitchen to fetch a pan. Here I was
+not only threatened with death by three or four of the servants, who all
+blamed Master Peter for keeping me; but likewise two or three cats came
+round him, rubbing themselves backward and forward against his legs, and
+then standing upon their hind feet to endeavour to make themselves high
+enough to reach me. At last, taking a pan in his hand, he returned to
+his brother with one of the cats following him. Immediately upon our
+entrance, the boy exclaimed, 'Oh, now I know what I will do: I will tie
+a piece of string to its tail, and teach the cat to jump for it.' No
+sooner did this thought present itself than it was put into practice,
+and I again was obliged to sustain the shocking sight of a brother put
+to the torture. I, in the mean time, was placed upon the table, with a
+pan put over me, in which there was a crack, so that I could see as well
+as hear all that passed: and from this place it was that I beheld my
+beloved Brighteyes suspended at one end of a string by his tail; one
+while swinging backward and forward, at another pulled up and down, then
+suffered to feel his feet on the ground, and again suddenly snatched up
+as the cat advanced, then twisted round and round as fast as possible
+at the full length of the string: in short, it is impossible to describe
+all his sufferings of body, or my anguish of mind. At length a most
+dreadful conclusion was put to them, by the entrance of a gentleman
+booted and spurred, with a whip in his hand. 'What in the world,
+Charles!' said he, as he came in, 'are you about? What have you got
+there?' 'Only a mouse, sir,' replied the boy. 'He is teaching the cat to
+jump, sir,' said Peter, 'that is all.'
+
+Brighteyes then gave a fresh squeak from the violence of his pain. The
+gentleman then turning hastily round, exclaimed eagerly, 'What, is it
+alive?' 'Yes, sir,' said the boy. 'And how can you, you wicked, naughty,
+cruel boy,' replied the gentleman, 'take delight in thus torturing a
+little creature that never did you any injury? Put it down this moment,'
+said he, at the same time giving him a severe stroke with his horse-whip
+across that hand by which he held my brother. 'Let it go directly,' and
+again repeated the blow: the boy let go the string, and Brighteyes fell
+to the ground; and was instantly snapped up by the cat, who growling,
+ran away with him in her mouth, and, I suppose, put a conclusion to his
+miseries and life together, as I never from that moment have heard any
+account of him.
+
+As soon as he was thus taken out of the room, the gentleman sat down,
+and, taking hold of his son's hand, thus addressed him: 'Charles, I had
+a much better opinion of you, than to suppose you were capable of so
+much cruelty. What right, I desire to know, have you to torment any
+living creature? If it is only be cause you are larger, and so have it
+in your power, I beg you will consider, how you would like, that either
+myself, or some great giant, as much larger than you as you are bigger
+than the mouse, should hurt and torment you? And I promise you, the
+smallest creature can feel as acutely as you, nay, the smaller they are,
+the more susceptible are they of pain, and the sooner they are hurt: a
+less touch will kill a fly than a man, consequently a less wound will
+cause it pain; and the mouse which you have now been swinging by the
+tail over the cat's mouth, has not, you may assure yourself, suffered
+less torment or fright than you would have done, had you been suspended
+by your leg, either over water, which would drown you, or over stones,
+where if you fell you must certainly be dashed to pieces. And yet you
+could take delight in thus torturing and distressing a poor inoffensive
+animal. Fie upon it, Charles! fie upon it! I thought you had been a
+better boy, and not such a cruel, naughty, wicked fellow.' 'Wicked!'
+repeated the boy, 'I do not think that I have been at all wicked.' 'But
+I think you have been extremely so,' replied his father; 'every action
+that is cruel, and gives pain to any living creature, is wicked, and
+is a sure sign of a bad heart. I never knew a man, who was cruel to
+animals, kind and compassionate towards his fellow-creatures: he might
+not perhaps treat them in the same shocking manner, because the laws of
+the land would severely punish him if he did; but if he is restrained
+from bad actions by no higher motive than fear of present punishment,
+his goodness cannot be very great. A good man, Charles, always takes
+delight in conferring happiness on all around him; nor would he offer
+the smallest injury to the meanest insect that was capable of feeling.
+'I am sure,' said the boy, 'I have often seen you kill wasps, and
+spiders too; and it was but last week that you bought a mouse-trap
+yourself to catch mice in, although you are so angry now with me.' 'And
+pray,' resumed his father, 'did you ever see me torment as well as kill
+them? Or did I ever keep them in pain one moment longer than necessary?
+I am not condemning people for killing vermin and animals, provided
+they do it expeditiously, and put them to death with as little pain as
+possible; but it is putting them to needless torment and misery that
+I say is wicked. Had you destroyed the mouse with one blow, or rather
+given it to somebody else to destroy it (for I should not think a
+tender-hearted boy would delight in such operations himself), I would
+not have condemned you; but, to keep it hanging the whole weight of
+its body upon its tail, to swing it about, and, by that, to hold it
+terrifying over the cat's jaws, and to take pleasure in hearing it
+squeak, and seeing it struggle for liberty, is such unmanly, such
+detestable cruelty, as calls for my utmost indignation and abhorrence.
+But, since you think pain so very trifling an evil, try. Charles, how
+you like that,' said he, giving him at the same time some severe strokes
+with his horsewhip. The boy then cried, and called out, 'I do not like
+it at all, I do not like it at all.' 'Neither did the mouse,' replied
+his father, 'like at all to be tied to a string, and swung about by
+his tail: he did not like it, and told you so in a language which you
+perfectly well understood; but you would not attend to his cries; you
+thought it pleasure to hear it squeak, because you were bigger, and did
+not feel its torture. I am now bigger than you and do not feel your
+pain. I therefore shall not yet leave off; as I hope it will teach you
+not to torment anything another time.' Just as he said these words, the
+boy, endeavouring to avoid the whip, ran against the table on which I
+was placed, and happily threw down the pan that confined me. I instantly
+seized the opportunity, jumped down, and once more escaped to the little
+hole by which I first entered. There I found my only brother waiting
+for me, and was again under the dreadful necessity of paining his tender
+heart with the recital of the sufferings which I had been witness to in
+our dear Brighteyes, as well as the imminent danger I myself had been
+exposed to. 'And, surely,' said I, 'we have again drawn this evil upon
+ourselves by our disobedience to our mother's advice; she, doubtless,
+intended that we should not continue in the same house long together;
+whereas from the day of her leaving us, we have never been in any other
+but this, which has occasioned us such heavy affliction. Therefore, upon
+no account, let us continue another night under this roof; but, as
+soon as the evening begins to grow dark enough to conceal us from the
+observation of any one, we will set off, and seek a lodging in some
+other place; and should any misfortune befall us on our passage, we
+shall at least have the consolation of thinking that we were doing
+our duty by following the advice of our parent.' 'It is true,' said my
+brother, 'we have been greatly to blame; for the future we will be
+more careful of our conduct; but do, my dear Nimble,' continued he,
+'endeavour to compose yourself, and take a little rest, after the pain
+and fatigue which you have gone through, otherwise you may be sick; and
+what will become of me, if any mischief should befall you? I shall then
+have no brother to converse with, no friend to advise me what to do.'
+Here he stopped, overpowered with his grief for the loss of our two
+murdered brothers, and with his tender solicitude for my welfare. I
+endeavoured all in my power to comfort him, and said I hoped that I
+should soon recover from the bruises I had received both from the boy's
+hat and book, as well as the pinches in my neck with his finger and
+thumb, by which he held me, and promised to compose myself. This promise
+I fulfilled by endeavouring to sleep; but the scene that I had so lately
+been witness to was too fresh in my imagination to suffer me to close my
+eyes: however, I kept for some time quiet.
+
+The rest of the day we spent in almost total silence, having no spirits
+for conversation, our hearts being almost broken with anguish. When
+it grew toward evening, we agreed to find our way out of that detested
+house, and seek for some other habitation, which might be more
+propitious. But we found more difficulty in this undertaking than we
+were at all aware of; for though we could with tolerable ease go from
+room to room within the house, still, when we attempted to quit it, we
+found it every way surrounded with so thick a brick wall, that it was
+impossible for us to make our way through it: we therefore ran round and
+round it several times, searching for some little crevice through which
+we might escape; but all to no purpose, not the least crack could we
+discover: and we might have continued there till this time, had we not
+at length, after the family were in bed, resolved to venture through one
+of the apartments into the hall, and so creep out under the house door.
+But the dangers we exposed ourselves to in this expedition were many
+and great; we knew that traps were set for us about the house, and where
+they might chance to be placed we could not tell. I had likewise been
+eye-witness to no less than four cats, who might, for ought we knew to
+the contrary, at that hour of darkness, be prowling in search of some of
+our unhappy species.
+
+But, in spite of every difficulty and hazard, we determined to venture
+rather than continue in opposition to our mother's commands; and, to
+reward our obedience, we escaped with trembling hearts, unobserved,
+at least unmolested, by any one. And now, for the first time since our
+birth, we found ourselves exposed to the inclemency of the weather. The
+night was very dark and tempestuous; the rain poured down in torrents;
+and the wind blew so exceedingly high, that, low upon the ground as
+we were, it was with difficulty that we could keep our legs: added to
+which, even step we took, we were in water up to our stomachs. In this
+wretched condition we knew not which way to turn ourselves, or where to
+seek for shelter. The spattering of the rain, the howling of the wind,
+together with the rattling and shaking of the trees, all contributed to
+make such a noise as rendered it impossible for us to hear whether any
+danger was approaching us or not.
+
+In this truly melancholy situation we waded on for a considerable
+time, till at length we reached a small house, and very easily gained
+admittance through a pretty large hole on one side of the door. Most
+heartily did we rejoice at finding ourselves once more under shelter
+from the cold and rain, and for some time only busied ourselves in
+drying our hair, which was as thoroughly wet as if we had been served as
+the boy threatened my brother Brighteyes, and we had really been
+drawn through a pond. After we had done this, and had a little rested
+ourselves, we began to look about in search of food, but we could find
+nothing except a few crumbs of bread and cheese in a man's coat pocket,
+and a piece of tallow-candle stuck on the top of a tinder-box. This,
+however, though not such delicate eating as we had been used to, yet
+served to satisfy our present hunger; and we had just finished the
+candle when we were greatly alarmed by the sight of a human hand (for we
+mice can see a little in the dark) feeling about the very chair on which
+we stood. We jumped down in an instant, and hid ourselves in a little
+hole behind a black trunk that stood in one corner of the room.
+
+We then heard very distinctly a man say, 'Betty, did you not put the
+candle by the bedside?' 'Yes, that I am very sure I did,' replied a
+female voice. 'I thought so,' answered the man; 'but I am sure it is not
+here now. Tom! Tom! Tom!' continued he. 'What, father?' replied a boy,
+starting up, 'what is the matter?' 'Why, do you know anything of the
+candle? I cannot find it, my dear, and I want it sadly, for I fancy it
+is time we should be up and be jogging. Dost know any thing of it, my
+lad?' 'Not I, truly, father,' said the boy, 'I only know that I saw
+mother stick it in the box-lid last night, and put it upon the chair,
+which she set by the bedside, after you had put your clothes upon the
+back of it; I know I saw her put it there, so it must be there now, I
+fancy.' 'Well, I cannot find it,' replied the father; so we must e'en
+get up in the dark, for I am sure it must be time.' The father and son
+then both dressed themselves, and the man, taking a shilling out of his
+pocket, laid it upon the chair, saying at the same time, 'There, Betty.
+I have left a shilling for you; take care it does not go after the
+candle, for where that is I cannot tell any more than the carp at the
+bottom of the squire's fish-pond.' He then unlocked the door, and went
+away, accompanied by his son.
+
+After their departure, we again came out, and took another walk round
+the room, and found our way into a little cupboard, which we had not
+before observed. Here we discovered half a loaf of bread, a piece of
+cold pudding, a lump of salt butter, some soft sugar in a basin, and a
+fine large slice of bacon. On these dainties we feasted very amply, and
+agreed that we should again hide ourselves behind the black trunk all
+day, and at night, when the family were in bed, return to take another
+meal on the plenty of nice provision which we so happily discovered.
+Accordingly, we crept back just as the woman went to fill her teakettle
+at a pump, which stood between her house and the next neighbour's. When
+she returned, she put it upon the fire she had just lit, and, taking a
+pair of bellows in her hand, sat down to blow it.
+
+While she was so employed, a young gentleman, about ten years of age,
+very genteelly dressed, entered the room, and in a familiar manner asked
+her how she did. 'I am very well, thank you, my dear,' replied she:
+'and pray, Master George, how does your mamma and papa do; and all your
+brothers and sisters?' 'They are all very well, thank you,' returned
+the boy: 'And I am come to bring you a slice of cake, which my grandpapa
+gave me yesterday.' Then throwing his arms round her neck, he went on
+saying, 'Oh! my dear, dear Betty Flood, how I do love you! I would do
+anything in the world to serve you. I shall save all my Christmas-boxes
+to give to you; and when I am a man, I will give you a great deal of
+money. I wish you were a lady, and not so poor.' 'I am much obliged to
+you, my dear,' said she, 'for your kind good-wishes; but, indeed, love,
+I am very well contented with my station: I have a good husband, and
+three good children, and that is more than many a lady can say; and
+riches, Master George, unless people are good, and those one lives with
+are kind and obliging, will never make anybody happy. What comfort, now,
+do you think a body could ever have at Squire Stately's? I declare, if
+it was put to my choice, I would rather a thousand times be as I am.
+To be sure, they are very rich; but what of that? they cannot eat gold;
+neither can gold ease their hearts when they are bursting almost with
+pride and ill-nature. They say, indeed, that Madam Stately would be kind
+enough, if they would let her rest; but what with the Squire's drinking
+and swearing, and the young gentleman's extravagance, and her daughter's
+pride and quarrelling, she is almost tired out of her life. And so,
+Master George, I say I had rather be poor Betty Flood, with honest
+Abraham for my husband, than the finest lady in the land, if I must
+live at such a rate. To be sure, nobody can deny but that money is very
+desirable, and people that are rich can do many agreeable things which
+we poor ones cannot; but yet, for all that, money does not make people
+happy. Happiness, Master George, depends greatly upon people's own
+tempers and dispositions: a person who is fretful and cross will never
+be happy, though he should be made king of all England; and a person who
+is contented and good-humoured will never be wretched, though he should
+be as poor as a beggar. So never fret yourself, love, because Betty
+Flood is poor; for though I am poor, I am honest; and whilst my husband
+and I are happy enough to be blessed with health, and the use of our
+limbs, we can work for our living; and though we have no great plenty,
+still we have sufficient to support us. So pray, dear, eat your cake
+yourself, for I would not take it from you for ever so much.' They then
+disputed for some time who should have it: at last, George scuffled away
+from her, and put it into the closet, and then, nodding his head at her,
+ran away, saying, he must go to school that moment.
+
+Betty Flood then ate her breakfast; and we heard her say something about
+the nasty mice, but what we could not make out, as she muttered softly
+to herself. She then came to the trunk behind which we lay, and taking
+out of it a roll of new linen, sat down to needlework. At twelve o'clock
+her husband and son returned; so moving her table out of the way, she
+made room for them at the fire, and, fetching the frying pan, dressed
+some rashers of the nice bacon we had before tasted in the cupboard. The
+boy, in the mean time, spread a cloth on the table, and placed the bread
+and cold pudding on it likewise: then, returning to the closet for their
+plates, he cried out, 'Lauk! father, here is a nice hunch of plum-cake;
+can you tell how it came?' 'Not I, indeed, Tom,' replied his father; 'I
+can tell no more than the carp at the bottom of the squire's fish-pond.'
+'Oh, I will tell you.' said Mrs. Flood; 'I know how it came. Do you
+know, that dear child, Master George Kendall, brought it for me; he
+called as he went to school this morning. I told him I would not have
+it; but the dear little soul popped it into the cupboard, and ran away
+without it. Bless his little heart! I do think he is the sweetest child
+that ever was born. You may laugh at me for saying so; but I am sure I
+should have thought the same if I had not nursed him myself.' 'Indeed,'
+replied her husband, 'I do not laugh at you for saying so, for I think
+so too, and so must everyone who knows him; for when young gentlemen
+behave as he does, everybody must love and admire them. There is nothing
+I would not do to help and serve that child, or any of his family; they
+always are so kind, and speak as civilly to us poor folk as if we were
+the first lords or ladies in the land. I am sure, if it were needful, I
+would go through fire and water for their sakes; and so would every man
+in the parish, I dare say. But I wonder who would do as much to help
+Squire Stately or any of his family, if it was not that I should think
+it my duty (and an honest man ought always to do that, whether he likes
+it or not); but I say, if it was not that it would be my duty to help my
+fellow-creature, I would scarcely be at the trouble of stepping over the
+threshold to serve them, they are such a set of cross, good-for-nothing
+gentry. I declare, it was but as we came home to dinner now, that we saw
+Master Sam throwing sticks and stones at Dame Frugal's ducks, for the
+sake of seeing them waddle; and then, when they got to the pond, he sent
+his dog in after them to bark and frighten them out of their wits. And
+as I came by, nothing would serve him but throwing a great dab of mud
+all over the sleeve of my coat. So I said, "Why, Master Sam, you need
+not have done that; I did nothing to offend you; and however amusing you
+may think it to insult poor people, I assure you it is very wicked, and
+what no good person in the world would be guilty of." He then set up
+a great rude laugh, and I walked on and said no more. But if all
+gentlefolk were to behave like that family, I had rather be poor as I
+am, than have all their riches, if that would make me act like them.'
+'Very true, Abraham,' replied his wife, 'that is what I say, and what I
+told Master George this morning; for to be poor, if people do not become
+so through their own extravagance, is no disgrace to any body: but to be
+haughty, cruel, cross, and mischievous, is a disgrace to all who are so,
+let their rank be as exalted as it may.'
+
+Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a man, who
+begged Mr. Flood to assist him in unloading his cart of flour, as his
+man was gone out, and he could not do it by himself. 'Well, I will come
+and help you, with all my heart,' said Flood; 'and so shall Tom too:
+will you, my lad? I cannot live without help myself; and if I do not
+assist others, I am sure I shall not deserve any when I want it.' So
+saying, he left his house; and his wife, after cleaning and putting in
+their proper places those things which had been used at dinner, again
+sat down to her sewing.
+
+Soon after the clock had struck six, the man and his son returned; and,
+sitting round the fire, they passed the evening in social conversation,
+till they went to bed, which was a little after eight; and they
+convinced me, by their talk and behaviour, that happiness in this world
+depends far more upon the temper and disposition of the heart, than upon
+any external possessions; and that virtue, and a desire to be useful
+to others, afford far greater satisfaction and peace of mind than
+any riches and grandeur can possibly supply without such necessary
+qualifications. After they were all fallen asleep, we crept out; and,
+leaving the candle unmolested, which was again placed on the tinder-box
+by the bed-side, we hastened into the closet, where we regaled heartily,
+and devoured that part of the plum-cake which Tom had very generously
+left for his sister Polly, who we found was expected home the next day.
+
+We then retired to our safe retreat, and thought we might venture to
+stay for one more night's provisions without running any danger from our
+too frequent return to the same place. But in the morning we found our
+scheme frustrated; for, on the woman's going to the closet to get
+her breakfast, she observed the robbery which we had committed, and
+exclaimed, 'Some teasing mice have found their way into the closet: I
+will borrow neighbour Savewell's trap to-night, and catch some of the
+little toads; that I will!' After hearing this, it would have been
+madness to make any further attempts: we therefore agreed to watch for
+an opportunity, and escape on the very first that offered. Accordingly,
+about noon, when Mrs. Flood was busily employed in making some pancakes,
+we slipped by her unobserved, and crept out at the same hole by which we
+first entered. But no sooner were we in the open road, than we repented
+our haste, and wished that we had continued where we were till
+the darkness of the night might better have concealed us from the
+observation of anyone. We crept as close to the wall of the house (as
+far as it reached, which was but a few paces) as we possibly could, and
+then stepped into a little ditch, which we were soon obliged to leave
+again, as the water ran in some parts of it almost up to the edge.
+
+At length we reached a little cottage, which we were just entering, when
+a cat that was sleeping unnoticed by us upon a chair, jumped down, and
+would certainly have destroyed me (who happened to go first) had she not
+at the same moment tried to catch my brother, and by that means missed
+her aim, and so given us both an opportunity to escape, which we did by
+scrambling behind a brick that a child had been playing with by the side
+of the door. Fortunately, the brick lay too close to the house for the
+cat to get her paw behind it, so as to be able to reach us; though to
+avoid it we were obliged to use the greatest precaution, as she could
+thrust it in a little way, so that if we had gone one inch too near
+either end, she would certainly have dragged us out by her talons. In
+this dreadful situation did we spend some hours, incessantly moving
+from one end of the brick to the other; for the moment she had, by the
+entrance of her paw at one end, driven us to the other, she stepped
+over, and again made us retreat. Think with what dreadful terror our
+little hearts must have been oppressed, to see our mortal enemy so
+closely watching us, expecting every moment when she shook the brick
+with her two forepaws in searching, and with her mouth endeavoured to
+lift it up, that she would be so far able to effect her purpose, as to
+make it impossible for us to escape her jaws. But, happily for us, it
+had somehow or other got so wedged that she could not move it to any
+distance; though it kept momentarily increasing our terrors, by shaking
+as she strove to turn it.
+
+From this state of horror, however, we were at length delivered by a
+little boy of about two years old, who came out of the house, and taking
+the cat up round its body with both hands, tottered away with it, and
+shut the door.
+
+Finding ourselves thus unexpectedly once more at liberty, we determined
+to make use of it, by seeking some safer retreat, at least, till night
+should better hide us from public view. Terrified almost out of our
+senses, we crept from behind the brick, and, after running a few yards,
+slipped under the folding doors of a barn, and soon concealed ourselves
+amidst a vast quantity of threshed corn. This appeared to us the most
+desirable retreat that we had yet found; not only as it afforded such
+immense plenty of food, but also as we could so easily hide ourselves
+from the observation of any one: beside, as it did not appear to be a
+dwelling-house, we could in security reside, free from any danger of
+traps, or the cruelty of man. We therefore congratulated each other, not
+more on account of the wonderful escape which we had, than upon our good
+fortune in coming to a Spot so blessed with peace and plenty.
+
+After we were a little recovered from the fatigue of mind, as well as
+of body, which we had lately gone through, we regaled very heartily upon
+the corn that surrounded us, and then fell into a charming sleep, from
+which we were awakened the next morning by the sound of human voices.
+We very distinctly heard that of a boy, saying, 'Let us mix all the
+threshed corn with the rest that is not threshed, and that will make
+a fine fuss, and set John and Simon a swearing like troopers when they
+come and find all their labour lost, and that they must do all their
+work over again.' 'And do you think there is anything so agreeable in
+giving people trouble, and hearing them swear,' replied another voice,
+'that you can wish to do it? For my part. I think it is so wicked a
+thing, that I hate to hear anybody guilty of it, much less would I be
+the cause of making them commit so great a sin; and as for giving them
+all their trouble over again, so far would it be from affording me any
+pleasure, that on the contrary it would give me great pain; for however
+you may think of it, Will, I assure you, it always gives me much
+uneasiness to see people labouring and working hard. I always think how
+much I should dislike to be obliged to do so myself, and therefore
+very sincerely pity those who must. On no account therefore will I do
+anything to add to their labour, or that shall give them unnecessary
+work.'
+
+'Pooh!' answered Will, 'you are wonderfully wise; I, for my part, hate
+such super-abundant wisdom; I like to see folk fret, and stew, and
+scold, as our maids did last week when I cut the line, and let all the
+sheets, and gowns, and petticoats, and frocks, and shirts, and aprons,
+and caps, and what not, fall plump into the dirt. O! how I did laugh!
+and how they did mutter and scold! And do you know, that just as the
+wash ladies were wiping their coddled hands, and comforted themselves
+with the thought of their work being all over, and were going to sip
+their tea by the fireside, I put them all to the scout; and they were
+obliged to wash every rag over again. I shall never forget how cross
+they looked, nay, I verily believe Susan cried about it; and how I did
+laugh!'
+
+'And pray,' rejoined the other boy, 'should you have laughed equally
+hearty if, after you had been at school all day, and had with much
+difficulty just got through all your writing, and different exercises,
+and were going to play, should you laugh, I say, if somebody was to
+run away with them all, and your master oblige you to do them all over
+again? Tell me, Will, should you laugh, or cry and look cross? And even
+that would not be half so bad for you, as it was for the maids to be
+obliged to wash their clothes over again; washing is very hard labour,
+and tires people sadly, and so does threshing too. It is very unkind,
+therefore, to give them such unnecessary trouble; and everything that
+is unkind, is wicked; and I would not do it upon any account, I assure
+you.' 'Then I assure you,' replied Will, 'you may let it alone; I can
+do it without your assistance.' He then began mixing the grain and the
+chaff together, the other boy strongly remonstrating against it, to
+which he paid no attention; and whilst he was so employed, two men,
+Simon and John, entered the barn.
+
+'Why, how now, Master Billy,' said Simon; 'what are you about? What
+business have you to be here? You are always doing some mischief or
+other! I wish, with all my heart, that you were kept chained like a dog,
+and never suffered to be at liberty, for you do more harm in an hour,
+than a body can set right again in a month!' Will then took up hats full
+of the corn and chaff, and threw it in the two men's faces; afterwards
+taking up a flail, he gave Simon a blow across his back, saying, at the
+same time, 'I will show you the way to thresh, and separate the flesh
+from the bones.' 'O! will you so, young squire?' said John; 'I will
+show you the way to make naughty boys good.' He then left the barn, but
+presently returned accompanied by a gentleman, upon the sight of whom
+Will let fall the flail, which he was till then brandishing over Simon's
+head, and was going away, when the gentleman taking hold of his hand,
+said, 'You do not stir from this place, Master William, nor have one
+mouthful of breakfast, till you have asked the men pardon for your
+behaviour, and likewise sifted every grain of corn from the chaff which
+you have mixed with it. When you have done that, you may have some
+food, but not before; and afterward you may spend the rest of the day in
+threshing, then you will be a better judge, my boy, of the fatigue and
+labour of it, and find how you should like, after working hard all day,
+to have it rendered useless by a mischievous boy. Remember, William,
+what I have now said to you, for I do insist upon being minded; and I
+promise you, that if you offer to play, or do anything else today, you
+shall be punished very severely.' The gentleman then went away. Will
+muttered something, I could not exactly hear what, began to sift the
+corn, and so much had he mixed together, that he did not go in for his
+breakfast till after I had heard the church clock strike one, though
+it was before eight when he came into the barn. In about an hour he
+returned, and the other boy with him, who addressed him, saying, 'Ah!
+Will, you had better have taken my advice, and not have done so: I
+thought what you would get by your nice fun as you called it. I never
+knew any good come of mischief; it generally brings those who do it into
+disgrace; or if they should happen to escape unpunished, still it
+is always attended with some inconvenience: it is an ill-natured
+disposition which can take pleasure in giving trouble to any one.' 'Do
+hold your tongue, James,' replied Will; 'I declare I have not patience
+to hear you preach, you are so prodigiously wise, and prudent, and
+sober; you had better go indoors and sew with your mamma, for you talk
+just as if you were a girl, and not in the least like a boy of spirit.'
+'Like a girl!' resumed James. 'Are girls then the only folk who have any
+sense, or good nature? Or what proof does it shew of spirit to be fond
+of mischief, and giving people trouble? It is like a monkey of spirit
+indeed; but I cannot say, that I see either spirit or sense in making
+the clean clothes fall into the dirt, or mixing the corn and chaff, for
+the sake of making the poor servants do them all over again: if these
+things are a sign of any spirit. I am sure it is of an evil one, and not
+at all such as I wish to possess, though I no more want to sit still,
+or work with a needle, than you do; but I hope there are other ways of
+showing my spirit, as you call it, than by doing mischief, and being
+ill-natured. I do not think my papa ever seems to be effeminate, or want
+sufficient spirit; but he would scorn to give unnecessary trouble to
+anybody: and so will Tom Vaulter, though no boy in the world loves play
+better than he does; he plays at cricket the best of any boy in the
+school, and I am sure none can beat him at tennis; and as for skipping,
+I never saw a boy skip so well in all my life; and I am sure he would
+beat you, with all your spirit, out and out twenty times, either at
+running, or sliding, or swimming, or climbing a tree. And yet he
+never gives trouble to anybody for the sake of fun; he is one of the
+best-tempered boys in the world; and whether it is like a girl or not,
+he always does what he knows to be right and kind; and if that is being
+like girls, why, with all my heart; I like girls well enough, and if
+they behave well I do not see why you should speak so contemptuously of
+them. My papa always says that he loves girls just as well as boys, and
+none but foolish and naughty boys despise and tease them.' Just as he
+said these words, Simon and John entered the barn, and seeing Will stand
+idle, 'Come, come, young gentleman,' said John, 'take up your flail and
+go to work, sir, to work! to work! night will be here presently, and
+you have done nothing yet.' Presently after the gentleman returned, and
+enforced John's advice for him to mind his work.
+
+After Master Will had continued his employment some little time, he
+began to cry, saying, his arms ached ready to drop off, and his hand was
+so sore he could not bear it. 'Then doubtless,' replied his father, 'you
+would prodigiously like, after you have been labouring all day, to have
+your work to do over again, for the sake of diverting a foolish boy. But
+go on, William, I am determined that you shall, for one day, know what
+it is to work hard, and thereby be taught to pity, and help, not add to
+the fatigue of those who do.' The boy then went on with his business,
+though not without making great complaints, and shedding many tears. At
+length, however, evening came; and the gentleman, his son, and the two
+men, all went away, leaving Longtail and myself to enjoy our abundance.
+We passed another night in the sweetest undisturbed repose, and in the
+day had nothing to alarm our fears. In short, our situation was every
+way so perfectly happy and desirable, that we thought, although our
+mother had charged us not to return frequently to the same place, yet
+she could not mean that we should not take up our abode in a spot so
+secure and comfortable. We therefore determined to continue where we
+were, till we should find some cause for removing. And happy had it been
+for us if we had kept to this resolution, and remained contented when we
+had everything requisite to make us so. Instead of which, after we had
+thus, free from care, passed our time about seven months, like fools as
+we were, we began to grow weary of our retirement, and of eating nothing
+but the same food; and agreed that we would again venture forth and seek
+for some other lodging, at the same time resolving, in case we could
+find no habitation that suited us, to return to the barn where we had
+enjoyed so many days of plenty and repose.
+
+Accordingly, one fine moonlight Monday night, after securing our supper
+on the corn, we set forth, and travelled for some distance without any
+further molestation than our own natural fears created. At length we
+came to a brick house, with about five or six windows in front, and made
+our way into it through a small latticed window which gave air into
+the pantry; but on our arrival here we had no opportunity of so much as
+observing what it contained, for on our slipping down a cat instantly
+flew at us, and by the greatest good luck in the world, there chanced to
+be a hole in one of the boards of the floor close to the spot where we
+stood, into which we both were happy enough to pop, before she could
+catch us. Here we had time to reflect, and severely blame ourselves
+for not being satisfied with our state in the barn. 'When,' said I,
+addressing myself to my brother, 'when shall we grow wise, and learn
+to know that certain evil always attends every deviation from what is
+right. When we disobeyed the advice of our mother, and, tempted by cakes
+and other dainties, frequently returned to the same dangerous place, how
+severely did we suffer for it? And now, by our own discontent, and not
+being satisfied when so safely though more humbly lodged, into what
+trouble have we not plunged ourselves? How securely have we lived in
+the barn for the last seven months, and how happily might we still have
+continued there, had it not been for our restless dispositions? Ah! my
+brother, we have acted foolishly. We ought to have been contented
+when we were at peace, and should have considered that if we had not
+everything we could wish for, we had every thing that was necessary;
+and the life of a mouse was never designed for perfect happiness. Such
+enjoyment was never intended for our lot; it is the portion only of
+beings whose capacities are far superior to ours. We ought then to have
+been contented; and had we been so, we should have been as happy as our
+state of life would have admitted of.' 'What you say is certainly very
+true,' replied Longtail, 'and I sincerely wish that we had thought of
+these things before. But what must we now do? we said we would return to
+the barn in case of difficulties, but that is now impossible, as, if
+we attempt to retreat, the cat that drove us in here, will certainly
+destroy us; and yet in proceeding, what difficulties must we encounter,
+what dangers may we not run! Oh! my beloved Nimble,' continued he, 'what
+a life of hazard is ours! to what innumerable accidents are we hourly
+exposed! and how is every meal that we eat at the risk of our very
+existence!'
+
+'It undoubtedly is,' replied I; 'but with all its troubles we still are
+very desirous of preserving it: let us not then, my brother, indulge
+our hearts with murmuring and finding fault with that life, which,
+notwithstanding all its evils, we value so highly. Rather let us
+endeavour to learn experience, and, by conducting ourselves better,
+escape many of those troubles which we now suffer.' So saving, I advised
+him to follow me: 'for,' added I, 'it is impossible for us to exist in
+the spot in which we are at present; we must therefore strive to work
+our way into some other house or apartment, where we can at least find
+some food.' To this Longtail agreed; the rest of the night, and all the
+next day, we spent in nibbling and finding our way into a closet in
+the house, which richly repaid us for all our toil, as it contained
+sugar-plums, rice, millet, various kinds of sweetmeats, and what we
+liked better than all the rest, a paper of nice macaroons. On these we
+feasted most deliciously till our hunger was fully satisfied, and then
+creeping into a little hole, just big enough to contain us both, behind
+one of the jars of sweetmeats, reposed ourselves with a nap, after our
+various and great fatigues which we had gone through. I never was
+a remarkably sound sleeper, the least noise disturbs me, and I was
+awakened in the morning by the servant-maid's coming into the room to
+sweep it, and get it ready for the reception of her mistress and family,
+who soon after entered. As I wanted to know from whom the voices I heard
+proceeded, I stepped softly from behind the jar and just peeped under
+the door into the room, where I discovered a gentleman, two ladies, and
+a little boy and girl.
+
+As I was totally unacquainted with all places of retreat, and did not
+know how soon any of them might have occasion to open the closet door, I
+instantly returned to my brother; and, awaking him, told him it was time
+for us to be upon our guard, as the family were all up and about.
+
+Whilst we were thus situated, the first words I heard distinctly were
+those of the gentleman, saying, 'No, Frank, I can never have a good
+opinion of him; the boy who could once deceive may, for aught I know,
+do so again; he has, by breaking his word, forfeited the only dependence
+one could possibly have in him. A person who has once lost his honour
+has no means left of gaining credit to his assertions. By honour, Frank,
+I would be understood to speak of veracity, of virtue, of scorning
+to commit a mean action, and not that brutish sense in which some
+understand it, as if it consisted in a readiness to fight and resent an
+injury; for so far am I from considering such behaviour as any proof of
+honour, that, on the contrary, I look upon it as a sure sign of want of
+proper spirit and true honour. Fools, bullies, and even cowards, will
+fight; whereas none but men of sense and resolution and true magnanimity
+know how to pardon and despise an insult.' 'But, indeed, sir,' replied
+the boy, 'at school, if one did not fight, they would laugh at one so,
+there would be no such thing as bearing it.' 'And for that very reason
+it is, my dear, that I say, to pass by and pardon an insult requires
+more resolution and courage than mere fighting does. When I wish you
+to avoid quarrelling and fighting, I by no means want you to become a
+coward, for I as much abhor a dastardly spirit as any boy in your school
+can possibly do; but I would wish you to convince them that you merited
+not that appellation, by showing through the whole of your behaviour,
+a resolution that despised accidental pain, and avoided revenging an
+affront for no other reason than because you were convinced it shewed a
+much nobler spirit to pardon than to resent. And you may be assured, my
+dear, few are the days that pass without affording us some opportunity
+of exerting our patience, and showing that, although we disdain
+quarrelling, still we are far from being cowards.
+
+'I remember, when I was at school, there was one boy, who, from his
+first coming, declined upon all occasions engaging in any battle;
+he even gave up many of his just rights to avoid quarrelling, which
+conduct, instead of gaining (as it justly deserved) the approbation of
+his companions, drew upon him the insult and abuse of the whole school;
+and they were perpetually teasing him with the opprobrious title of
+coward. For some time he bore it with great good-humour, and endeavoured
+to laugh it off; but, finding that had no effect, he one day thus
+addressed us:--"If you suppose that I like to be called a coward, you
+are all very much mistaken; or if you think me one, I assure you that
+you are not less so; for no boy in the school should, if put to the
+trial, show greater resolution than myself. Indeed, I think it no small
+proof of patience that I have borne your repeated insults so long;
+when I could, by behaving more like a savage beast, and less like a
+reasonable creature, have established my character at once; but I abhor
+quarrelling, my soul detests to treat my fellow-creatures as if they
+were brutes, from whose fangs I must defend myself; but if nothing else
+but fighting will convince you that I possess not less courage than
+yourselves, I will now offer, in cold blood, to engage with the biggest
+boy in the school. If I conquer him, it will be a sign that I know how
+to defend myself; and if he conquers me, I will, by my behaviour, give
+a proof that I am not wanting in resolution to suffer pain, although I
+never will so far demean the character of a reasonable creature and a
+Christian, as to fight upon every trifling disagreement or insult."
+No sooner had he uttered these words, than every boy present was
+loud either in his commendation or condemnation. One quarter of
+them, convinced of the justness of his arguments, highly extolled his
+forbearance; whilst the other three parts, with still greater noise,
+only called him a bully and a mean-spirited coward, who dared not fight,
+and for that reason made such a fine speech, hoping to intimidate them.
+"Well then," said he, "if such is your opinion, why will none of you
+accept my offer? you surely cannot be afraid, you who are such brave
+fellows, of such true courage, and such noble spirits, cannot be afraid
+of a coward and a bully! Why, therefore, does not one of you step
+forward, and put my fine speech to the test? Otherwise, after I have
+thus challenged you all, I hope none for the future will think they have
+any right to call me coward; though I again declare my fixed resolution
+against fighting."
+
+'Just as he said this, a voice calling for help, was heard from a lane
+adjoining to the play-yard. Immediately we all flocked to the
+side nearest whence it proceeded; and, clambering upon benches,
+watering-pots, or whatever came first in our way, peeped over the wall,
+where we discovered two well-grown lads, about seventeen or eighteen,
+stripping a little boy of his clothes, and beating him for his outcries
+in a most cruel manner; and at a little distance farther down the lane,
+sat a company of gypsies, to whom the two lads evidently belonged. At
+the sight of this we were all much distressed, and wished to relieve the
+boy; though, discovering so large a party, we were too much afraid to
+venture, till Tomkins (the boy I before spoke about) instantly jumped
+from the wall, and only saying, "Has nobody courage to follow me?" ran
+toward them as fast as possible, and with uncommon strength and agility
+placed himself between them and the boy, and began defending himself
+in the best manner he could; which he did for some time with great
+dexterity, none of his fighting schoolfellows having courage to go to
+his assistance. At length, however, seeing it impossible for him to
+stand out any longer against two so much stronger than himself, the
+boys agreed to secure themselves by numbers, and to sally forth to his
+assistance altogether. This scheme succeeded, and very shortly rescued
+Tomkins from his antagonists. He thanked them for their assistance,
+saying, at the same time, "I hope you will no longer doubt my courage,
+or my abilities to fight, when it is necessary or in a good cause."
+After so signal a proof of his viler, his greatest enemies could no
+longer doubt it; and, without ever engaging in foolish battles, he
+passed through school as much respected as any boy, and his magnanimity
+was never again called in question.'
+
+As the gentleman stopped speaking, the little girl called out, 'O, papa,
+the coach is at the door.' 'Is it, my dear?' returned the father. 'Well
+then, stop, my love,' said one of the ladies, 'I have got a few cakes
+for you: stay, and take them before you go.' She then unlocked the
+closet where we were, and took down the paper of macaroons, among which
+we had so comfortably regaled ourselves; when, observing the hole in the
+paper through which we entered, 'O dear!' she exclaimed, 'the mice have
+actually got into my cupboard. I will move all the things out this very
+morning, and lock the cat up in it; for I shall be undone if the mice
+once get footing here; they will soon spoil all my stores, and that
+will never do.' She then kissed both the children; and, giving them
+the cakes, they, the gentleman, and another lady, all departed; and she
+instantly began to move the boxes and jars from the closet; whilst we,
+terrified almost out of our wits, sat trembling behind one of them, not
+daring to stir, yet dreading the cat's approach every moment.
+
+We were soon, however, obliged to move our quarters, for the lady taking
+down the very jar which concealed us, we were forced (without knowing
+where we were) to jump down instantly. In vain we sought all round the
+room for some avenue whereat we might escape; the apartment was too well
+fitted up to admit the smallest crack; and we must then certainly have
+been destroyed, had we not, with uncommon presence of mind, ran up the
+back of the lady's gown, by which means she lost sight of us, and gave
+us an opportunity to make our escape, as she opened the door to order
+the cat to be brought in. We seized the lucky moment, and, dropping
+from her gown, fled with the utmost haste out at the house door, which
+happened to be wide open; and I, without once looking behind me, ran on
+till I discovered a little crack in the brick wall, which I entered, and
+which, after many turnings and windings, brought me to this house, where
+I have now continued skulking about in its different apartments for
+above a month; during which time I have not heard the least tidings of
+my beloved brother Longtail. Whether, therefore, any mischief befell him
+as he followed me, or whether he entered the crack with me and then lost
+sight of me, I know not; but in vain have I sought him every day since
+my arrival within these walls, and so anxious am I to learn what is
+become of him, that I am now come forth, contrary to my nature, to
+engage your compassion, and to beseech you, in case--
+
+
+
+At this moment, the door of my room opened, and my servant coming
+hastily in, the mouse jumped from my table, and precipitately retreated
+to the same hole from whence it first addressed me; and though I have
+several times peeped into it, and even laid little bits of cake to
+entice it back again, yet have I never been able to see it any where
+since. Should either that, or any other, ever again favour me so far
+with their confidence, as to instruct me with their history, I will
+certainly communicate it with all possible speed to my little readers;
+who I hope have been wise enough to attend to the advice given them
+in the preceding pages, although it was delivered to them by one as
+insignificant as a MOUSE.
+
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+It is now some months ago since I took leave of my little readers,
+promising, in case I should ever hear any further tidings of either
+Nimble or Longtail, I would certainly communicate it to them; and, as I
+think it extremely wrong not to fulfil any engagement we enter into,
+I look upon myself bound to give them all the information I have since
+gained, relating to those two little animals; and I doubt not but they
+will be glad to hear what happened to them, after Nimble was frightened
+from my writing table by the entrance of my servant. If I recollect
+right, I have already told you, that I frequently peeped into the hole
+in the skirting-board, and laid bits of cake to try to entice my little
+companion back, but all to no purpose: and I had quite given over all
+hopes of ever again seeing him, when one day, as I was putting my hand
+into a large jar, which had some Turkey figs in it, I felt something
+soft at the bottom, and taking it out, found it to be a poor little
+mouse, not quite dead, but so starved and weak, that upon my placing it
+upon the table, it had not strength sufficient to get from me. A little
+boy happened to be standing by me, who, upon the sight of the mouse,
+began to beg me to give it to the cat, or kill it, 'for I don't like
+mice,' said he; 'pray, ma'am, put it away.' 'Not like mice,' replied I;
+'what can be your objection to such a little soft creature as this?'
+and taking advantage of its weakness, I picked it up, and held it in
+the palm of one hand, whilst I stroked it with the fingers of my right.
+'Poor little mouse,' said I, 'who can be afraid of such a little object
+as this? Do you not feel ashamed of yourself, Joe, to fear such a little
+creature as this? Only look at it, observe how small it is, and then
+consider your own size, and surely, my dear, you will blush to think of
+being no more of a man than to fear a mouse! Look at me, Joe,' continued
+I, 'see, I will kiss it, I am not at all afraid that it will hurt me.'
+When, lifting it up toward my face, I heard it say, in the faintest
+voice possible, 'Do you not know me?' I instantly recollected my little
+friend Nimble, and rejoiced at so unexpectedly finding him. 'What, is it
+you, little Nimble,' exclaimed I, 'that I again behold? Believe me, I
+am heartily rejoiced once more to find you; but tell me, where have you
+been, what have you done, whom have you seen, and what have you learned
+since you last left me?' 'Oh!' replied he, in a voice so low I could
+scarcely hear him, 'I have seen many things; but I am so faint and weak
+for want of food and fresh air, that I doubt I shall never live to tell
+you; but, for pity's sake have compassion on me, either put me out of
+my present misery by instantly killing me, or else give me something
+to eat; for, if you knew my sufferings, I am sure it would grieve your
+heart.' 'Kill you!' returned I, 'no, that I will not: on the contrary, I
+will try by every method to restore you to health, and all the happiness
+a mouse is capable of feeling.' I then instantly sent for some bread,
+and had the satisfaction of seeing him eat very heartily of it, after
+which he seemed much refreshed, and began to move about a little more
+suitable to his name; for, in truth, when I first found him, no living
+creature in the world could appear less deserving of the appellation of
+Nimble. I then fetched him a little milk, and gave him a lump of sugar
+to nibble; after eating of which he begged to retire into some safe
+little hole to take a nap, from whence he promised to return as soon as
+he should wake; and accordingly, in about an hour he again appeared on
+my table, and began as follows.
+
+
+
+I was frightened away from you just as I was going to implore your
+compassion for any unfortunate mouse that might happen to fall within
+your power; lest you should destroy my dear and only surviving brother,
+Longtail; but somebody entering the room, prevented me, and after I had
+regained my hiding place, I resolved to quit the house, and once
+more set out in search of my beloved brother. Accordingly, with great
+difficulty I made my way out of the house; but my distress was much
+increased upon finding the snow so deep upon the ground, that it was
+impossible for me to attempt to stir, as upon stepping one foot out to
+try, I found it far too deep for me to fathom the bottom. This greatly
+distressed me. 'Alas!' said I to myself, 'what shall I do now? To
+proceed is impossible; and to return is very melancholy, without any
+tidings of my dear, dear Longtail.' But I was interrupted in the midst
+of these reflections, by the appearance of two cats, who came running
+with such violence as to pass by without observing me: however, it
+put me in such consternation, that regardless where I went, I sprung
+forward, and sunk so deep in the snow that I must inevitably soon have
+perished, had not a boy come to the very place where I was, to gather
+snow for making snowballs to throw at his companions. Happily for me, he
+took me up in his hand, in the midst of the snow, which not less alarmed
+me, when I considered the sufferings I had before endured, and the cruel
+death of my brother Brighteyes, from the hands of boys. Oh! thought I to
+myself, what new tortures shall I now experience? Better had I perished
+in the cold snow, than be spared only to be tormented by the cruel hands
+of unthinking children.
+
+Scarcely had I made this reflection, when the boy called out, upon
+seeing me move, 'Lud! what have I got here?' at the same instant tossing
+the handful of snow from him in a violent hurry, without attempting
+to press it into a ball. Over I turned head and heels, wondering what
+further would be my fate, when I was happy to find I fell unhurt upon
+some hay, which was laid in the yard to fodder the cows and horses. Here
+I lay some time, so frightened by my adventure, as to be unable to move,
+and my little heart beat as if it would have burst its way through my
+breast; nor were my apprehensions at all diminished by the approach of a
+man, who gathered the hay up in his arms, and carried it (with me in the
+midst of it) into the stable; where, after littering down the horses, he
+left me once more to my own reflections.
+
+After he had been gone some time, and all things were quiet, I began
+to look about me, and soon found my way into a corn bin, where I made
+a most delicious supper, and slept free from any disturbance till the
+morning, when fearing I might be discovered, in case he should want any
+of the oats for his horses, I returned by the same place I had entered,
+and hid myself in one corner of the hayloft, where I passed the whole
+of the day more free from alarm than often falls to the lot of any of my
+species, and in the evening again returned to regale myself with corn,
+as I had done the night before. The great abundance with which I was
+surrounded, strongly tempted me to continue where I was; but then the
+thoughts of my absent brother embittered all my peace, and the advice of
+my mother came so much across my mind, that I determined before the next
+morning I would again venture forth and seek my fortune and my brother.
+Accordingly, after having eaten a very hearty meal, I left the bin, and
+was attempting to get out of the stable, when one of the horses being
+taken suddenly ill, made so much noise with his kicking and struggling,
+as to alarm the family, and the coachman entering with a lantern in his
+hand, put me into such consternation, that I ran for shelter into the
+pocket of a great coat, which hung up upon a peg next the harness of the
+horses. Here I lay snug for some hours, not daring to stir, as I smelt
+the footsteps of a cat frequently pass by, and heard the coachman extol
+her good qualities to a man who accompanied him into the stable; saying
+she was the best mouser in the kingdom. 'I do not believe,' added he, 'I
+have a mouse in the stable or loft, she keeps so good a lookout. For the
+last two days I lent her to the cook, to put into her pantry, but I have
+got her back again, and I would not part with her for a crown; no, not
+for the best silver crown that ever was coined in the Tower.' Then,
+through a little moth hole in the lining of the coat, I saw him lift her
+up, stroke her, and put her upon the back of one of the horses, where
+she stretched herself out, and went to sleep.
+
+In this situation I did not dare to stir, I had too often seen how eager
+cats are to watch mice, to venture out of the pocket, whilst she was so
+near me, especially as I did not at all know the holes or cracks round
+the stable, and should, therefore, had she jumped down, been quite at a
+loss where to run. So I determined to continue where I was till either
+hunger forced me, or the absence of the cat gave a better opportunity
+of escaping. But scarce had I taken up this resolution when the coachman
+again entered, and suddenly taking the coat from the peg, put it on, and
+marched out with me in his pocket.
+
+It is utterly impossible to describe my fear and consternation at this
+event, to jump out whilst in the stable exposed me to the jaws of the
+cat, and to attempt it when out of doors was but again subjecting myself
+to be frozen to death, for the snow continued still on the ground; yet
+to stay in his pocket was running the chance of suffering a still more
+dreadful death by the barbarous hands of man; and nothing did I expect,
+in case he should find me, but either to be tortured like Softdown, or
+given to be the sport of his favorite cat--a fate almost as much dreaded
+as the other. However it was soon put out of my power to determine, for
+whilst I was debating in my own mind what course I had better take, he
+mounted the coachbox, and drove away with me in his pocket, till he came
+to a large house, about a mile distant from this place; there he put
+down the company he had in the coach, and then drove into the yard. But
+he had not been there many moments before the coachman of the family he
+was come to, invited him into the kitchen to warm himself, drink a mug
+of ale, and eat a mouthful of cold meat. As soon as he entered, and
+had paid the proper compliments to the Mrs. Betties and Mollies at the
+place, he pulled off his great coat, and hung it across the back of his
+chair. I instantly seized the first opportunity and whilst they were all
+busy assembling round the luncheon table, made my escape, and ran under
+a cupboard door close to the chimney, where I had an opportunity of
+seeing and hearing all that passed, part of which conversation I will
+relate to you.
+
+'Well, Mr. John,' said a footman, addressing himself to the man whose
+pocket I had just left, 'how fare you? Are you pretty hearty? You look
+well, I am sure.' 'Aye, and so I am, replied he. 'I never was better in
+all my life; I live comfortably, have a good master and mistress, eat
+and drink bravely, and what can a man wish for more? For my part I am
+quite contented, and if I do but continue to enjoy my health, I am sure
+I shall be very ungrateful not to be so.' 'That's true,' said the other,
+'but the misfortune of it is, people never know when they are well off,
+but are apt to fret and wish and wish and fret, for something or other
+all their lives, and so never have any enjoyment. Now for my own part,
+I must needs confess, that I cannot help wishing I was a gentleman, and
+think I should be a deal happier if I was.' 'Pshaw!' replied John, 'I
+don't like now to hear a man say so; it looks as if you are discontented
+with the state in which you are placed, and depend upon it, you are in
+the one that is fittest for you, or you would not have been put into it.
+And as for being happier if you were a gentleman, I don't know what
+to say to it. To be sure, to have a little more money in one's pocket,
+nobody can deny that it would be very agreeable; and to be at liberty
+to come in and go out when one pleased, to be sure would be very
+comfortable. But still, Bob, still you may assure yourself, that no
+state in this world is free from care, and if we were turned into lords,
+we should find many causes for uneasiness. So here's your good health,'
+said he, lifting the mug to his mouth, 'wishing, my lad, you may
+be contented, cheerful, and good humoured; for without these three
+requisites, content, cheerfulness, and good humour, no one person upon
+earth, rich or poor, old or young, can ever feel comfortable or happy;
+and so here's to you, I say.' 'And here's the same good wishes to you,'
+said a clean decent cook-woman servant, who took up the mug upon John's
+putting it down. 'Content, cheerfulness, and good humour, I think was
+the toast.' Then wiping her mouth, as she began her speech, she added,
+'and an excellent one it is: I wish all folks would mind it, and
+endeavour to acquire three such good qualifications.' 'I am sure,'
+rejoined another female servant, whose name I heard was Sally, 'I wish
+so too: at least I wish Miss Mary would try to gain a little more of the
+good humour; for I never came near such a cross crab in my life as it
+is. I declare I hate the sight of the girl, she is such a proud little
+minx she would not vouchsafe to speak to a poor servant for the world;
+as if she thought because we are poorer, we were therefore not of the
+same nature: her sisters, I think are worth ten of her, they always
+reply so civilly if a body speaks to them, and say, "Yes, if you please,
+Mrs. Sally, or No, thank you, Mr. Bob;" or "I should be obliged to you
+if you would do so and so, Mrs. Nelly," and not plain yes or no, as she
+does; and well too if you can get even that from her; for sometimes I
+declare she will not deign to give one any answer at all.' 'Aye, that is
+a sure thing she won't,' replied the maid servant who first drank, 'it
+is a sad thing she should behave so; I can't think, for my part, where
+she learns it; I am sure neither her papa nor mamma set her the example
+of it, for they always speak as pretty and as kind as it is possible
+to do; and I have heard, with my own ears, my mistress tell her of it
+twenty and twenty times, but she will do so. I am sure it is a sad thing
+that she should, for she will always make people dislike her. I am sure,
+if young gentlemen and ladies did not know how it makes people love them
+to speak civilly and kind, they would take great care not to behave like
+Miss Mary. Do you know, the other day, when Mrs. Lime's maid brought
+little Miss Peggy to see my mistress, when she went away, she made a
+courtesy to Miss Mary, and said, "Good morning to you, Miss." And would
+you think it, the child stood like a stake, and never returned it so
+much as by a nod of the head, nor did she open her lips. I saw by her
+looks the maid took notice of it, and I am sure I have such a regard for
+the family, that I felt quite ashamed of her behaviour.' 'Oh! she served
+me worse than that,' resumed Sally, 'for, would you believe it, the
+other day I begged her to be so kind as to let her mamma know I wanted
+to speak with her; and I did not choose to go into the room myself,
+because I was dirty, and there was company there; but for all I desired
+her over and over only just to step in (and she was at play close to the
+door) yet, could you suppose it possible, she was ill-natured enough to
+refuse me, and would not do it at last.' 'Well, if ever I heard the like
+of that!' exclaimed John, whose pocket I had been in. 'I think that was
+being cross indeed, and if a child of mine was to behave in that surly
+manner, I would whip it to death almost. I abominate such unkind doings,
+let everyone, I say, do as they like to be done by, and that is the only
+way to be happy, and the only way to deserve to be so; for if folks will
+not try to be kind, and oblige others, why should anybody try to please
+them? And if Miss Mary was my girl, and chose to behave rude and cross
+to the servants, if I was her papa, I would order them to refuse doing
+anything for her. I would soon humble her pride I warrant you, for
+nobody should make her puddings, or cut her bread, or do anything for
+her till she learned to be kind, and civil, and thankful too, for all
+that was done for her. I have no notion, for my part, for a child to
+give herself such airs for nothing; and because her parents happen to
+have a little more money in their pockets, for that reason to think she
+may be rude to poor folks; but though servants are poor, still surely
+they are richer than she is; I should like to ask her how much she has
+got? and which way she came by it? A child I am sure is no richer than a
+beggar, for they have not a farthing that is not given them through mere
+bounty; whereas a servant who works for his living, has a right and just
+claim to his wages, and may truly call them his own; but a child has
+not one farthing that is not its parents. So here's my service to you,
+Miss,' said he, (again lifting the ale-mug to his mouth) 'and wishing
+her a speedy reformation of manners, I drink to her very good health.'
+
+John drank to the bottom of the mug, and then shaking the last drop
+into the ashes under the grate, he told the following story, as he sat
+swinging the mug by its handle across his two forefingers, which he had
+joined for that purpose.
+
+'When my father was a young man he lived at one Mr. Speedgo's, as upper
+footman: they were vastly rich. Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and by good
+luck he gathered gold as fast as his neighbours would pick up stones (as
+a body may say). So they kept two or three carriages, there was a coach,
+and a chariot, and a phaeton, and I can't tell what besides, and a power
+of servants you may well suppose to attend them all; and very well they
+lived, with plenty of victuals and drink. But though they wanted for
+nothing still they never much loved either their master or mistress,
+they used to give their orders in so haughty and imperious a manner; and
+if asked a civil question, answer so shortly, as if they thought their
+servants not worthy of their notice: so that, in short, no one loved
+them, nor their children either, for they brought them up just like
+themselves, to despise everyone poorer than they were; and to speak as
+cross to their servants as if they had been so many adders they were
+afraid would bite them.
+
+'I have heard my father say, that if Master Speedgo wanted his horse
+to be got ready, he would say, "Saddle my horse!" in such a displeasing
+manner as made it quite a burthen to do anything for him. Or if the
+young ladies wanted a piece of bread and butter, or cake, they would
+say, "Give me a bit of cake;" or, if they added the word pray to
+it, they spoke in such a grumpy way, as plainly showed they thought
+themselves a deal better than their servants; forgetting that an honest
+servant is just as worthy a member of society as his master, and whilst
+he behaves well, as much deserving of civility as anybody. But to go
+on with my story. I have already told you Mr. Speedgo was very rich and
+very proud, nor would he on any account suffer anyone to visit at his
+house whom he thought below him, as he called it; or at least, if he
+did, he always took care to behave to them in such a manner, as plainly
+to let them know he thought he showed a mighty favour in conversing with
+them.
+
+'Among the rest of the servants there was one Molly Mount, as good a
+hearted girl, my father says, as ever lived: she had never received much
+education, because her parents could not afford to give her any, and
+she learned to read after she was at Mr. Speedgo's from one of the
+housemaids, who was kind enough to teach her a little; but you may
+suppose, from such sort of teaching, she was no very good scholar.
+However, she read well enough to be able to make out some chapters in
+the Bible; and an excellent use she made of them, carefully fulfilling
+every duty she there found recommended as necessary for a Christian
+to practice. She used often to say she was perfectly contented in her
+station, and only wished for more money that she might have it in
+her power to do more good. And sometimes, when she was dressing and
+attending the young ladies of the family, she would advise them to
+behave prettier than they did; telling them, "That by kindness and
+civility they would be so far from losing respect, that, on the
+contrary, they would much gain it. For we cannot (she would very truly
+say) have any respect for those people who seem to forget their human
+nature, and behave as if they thought themselves superior to the rest of
+their fellow-creatures. Young ladies and gentlemen have no occasion
+to make themselves very intimate or familiar with their servants; but
+everybody ought to speak civilly and good-humouredly, let it be to whom
+it may: and if I was a lady I should make it a point never to look cross
+or speak gruffly to the poor, for fear they should think I forgot I was
+of the same human nature as they were." By these kind of hints, which
+every now and then she would give to the misses, they were prodigiously
+offended, and complained of her insolence, as they called it, to their
+mamma, who very wrongly, instead of teaching them to behave better,
+joined with them in blaming Molly for her freedom, and, to show her
+displeasure at her conduct, put on a still haughtier air, whenever she
+spoke to her, than she did to any other of the servants. Molly, however,
+continued to behave extremely well, and often very seriously lamented
+in the kitchen the wrong behaviour of the family. "I don't mind it," she
+would say, "for my own part; I know that I do my duty, and their cross
+looks and proud behaviour can do me no real harm: but I cannot help
+grieving for their sakes; it distresses me to think that people who
+ought to know better, should, by their ill conduct, make themselves so
+many enemies, when they could so easily gain friends--I am astonished
+how anybody can act so foolishly."
+
+'In this sensible manner she would frequently talk about the sin as
+well as the folly of pride. And one day, as she was talking to her
+fellow-servants, rather louder than in prudence she ought to have done,
+her two young ladies overheard her; and the next time she went to dress
+them, they enquired what it was she had been saying to the other maids.
+"Indeed, ladies," said she, "I hope you will excuse my telling you. I
+think, if you give yourselves time to reflect a little, you will not
+insist upon knowing, as it is beneath such rich ladies as you are, to
+concern yourselves with what poor servants talk about." This answer did
+not, however, satisfy them, and they positively commanded her to let
+them know. Molly was by far too good a woman to attempt to deceive
+anyone; she therefore replied, "If, ladies, you insist upon knowing what
+I said, I hope you will not take anything amiss that I may tell you,
+thus compelled as I am by your commands. You must know then, Miss Betsy
+and Miss Rachael, that I was saying how sad a thing it was for people to
+be proud because they are rich; or to fancy, because they happen to have
+a little more money, that for that reason they are better than their
+servants, when in reality the whole that makes one person better than
+another is, having superior virtues, being kinder and more good natured,
+and readier to assist and serve their fellow-creatures; these are the
+qualifications, I was saying, that make people beloved, and not being
+possessed of money. Money may, indeed, procure servants to do their
+business for them, but it is not in the power of all the riches in the
+world to purchase the love and esteem of anyone. What a sad thing then
+it is, when gentlefolks behave so as to make themselves despised; and
+that will ever be the case with all those who, like (excuse me, ladies,
+you insisted upon my telling you what I said) Miss Betsy, and Miss
+Rachael, and Master James, show such contempt to all their inferiors.
+Nobody could wish children of their fortunes to make themselves too
+free, or play with their servants; but if they were little kings and
+queens, still they ought to speak kind and civil to everyone. Indeed our
+king and queen would scorn to behave like the children of this family,
+and if--" She was going on, but they stopped her, saying, "If you say
+another word, we will push you out of the room this moment, you
+rude, bold, insolent woman; you ought to be ashamed of speaking so
+disrespectfully of your betters; but we will tell our mamma, that we
+will, and she won't suffer you to allow your tongue such liberties."
+"If," replied Molly, "I have offended you, I am sorry for it, and beg
+your pardon, ladies; I am sure I had no wish to do so; and you should
+remember that you both insisted upon my telling you what I had been
+saying." "So we did," said they, "but you had no business to say it all;
+and I promise you my mamma shall know it."
+
+'In this manner they went on for some time; but, to make short of my
+story, they represented the matter in such a manner to their mother,
+that she dismissed Molly from her service, with a strict charge never to
+visit the house again. "For," said Mrs. Speedgo, "no servant who behaves
+as you have done, shall ever enter my doors again, or eat another
+mouthful in my house." Molly had no desire so suddenly to quit her
+place; but as her conscience perfectly acquitted her of any wilful
+crime, after receiving her wages, respectfully wishing all the family
+their health, and taking a friendly leave of her fellow-servants, she
+left the house, and soon engaged herself as dairy-maid in a farmer's
+family, about three miles off; in which place she behaved so extremely
+well, and so much to the satisfaction of her master and mistress, that,
+after she had lived there a little more than two years, with their
+entire approbation, she was married to their eldest son, a sober, worthy
+young man, to whom his father gave a fortune not much less than three
+thousand pounds, with which he bought and stocked a very pretty farm in
+Somersetshire, where they lived as happy as virtue and affluence could
+make them. By industry and care they prospered beyond their utmost
+expectations, and, by their prudence and good behaviour, gained the
+esteem and love of all who knew them.
+
+'To their servants (for they soon acquired riches enough to keep three
+or four, I mean household ones, besides the number that were employed in
+the farming business) they behaved with such kindness and civility, that
+had they even given less wages than their neighbours, they would never
+have been in want of any; everyone being desirous of getting into a
+family where they were treated with such kindness and condescension.
+
+'In this happy manner they continued to live for many years, bringing
+up a large family of children to imitate their virtues; but one great
+mortification they were obliged to submit to, which was that of putting
+their children very early to boarding school, a circumstance which
+the want of education in Mrs. and indeed I may add Mr. Flail, rendered
+absolutely necessary.
+
+'But I am afraid, Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, you will be tired, as I
+have but half told my story; but I will endeavour to make short work
+of it, though indeed it deserves to be noticed, for it will teach one
+a great deal, and convince one how little the world's riches are to be
+depended on.
+
+'I have said, you know, that Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and a very rich
+one too. It is unknown what vast sums of money he used to spend! when,
+would you think it, either through spending it too fast, or some losses
+he met with in trade, he broke all to nothing, and had not a farthing to
+pay his creditors. I forgot how many thousand pounds it was he owed;
+but it was a vast great many. Well! this you may be sure was a great
+mortification to them; they begged for mercy from their creditors; but
+as in their prosperity they had never shown much mercy themselves to
+those they thought beneath them, so now they met with very little from
+others: the poor saying they deserved it for their pride; the rich
+condemning them for their presumption, in trying to vie with those of
+superior birth; and those who had been less successful in business,
+blaming them for their extravagance, which, they said, had justly
+brought on them their misfortunes.
+
+'In this distress, in vain it was they applied for assistance to those
+they had esteemed their friends; for as they never had been careful to
+form their connections with people of real merit, only seeking to be
+acquainted with those who were rich and prosperous, so now they could no
+longer return their civilities, they found none were ready to show them
+any, but everyone seemed anxious to keep from them as much as possible.
+Thus distressed, and finding no one willing to help them, the young
+squire, Master James, was obliged to go to sea: while Miss Betsy and
+Miss Rachael were even forced to try to get their living by service,
+a way of life they were both ill qualified to undertake, for they had
+always so accustomed themselves to be waited on and attended, that they
+scarcely knew how to help themselves, much less how to work for others.
+The consequence of which was, they gave so little satisfaction to their
+employers, that they staid but a little time in a place, and from so
+frequently changing, no family, who wished to be well settled, would
+admit them, as they thought it impossible they could be good servants
+whom no one thought worthy of keeping.
+
+'It is impossible to describe the many and great mortifications those
+two young ladies met with. They now frequently recollected the words of
+Molly Mount, and earnestly wished they had attended to them whilst it
+was in their power, as by so doing they would have secured to themselves
+friends. And they very forcibly found, that, although they were poor and
+servants, yet they were as sensible of kind treatment and civility, as
+if they had been richer.
+
+'After they had been for some years changing from place to place, always
+obliged to put up with very low wages, upon account of their being so
+ill qualified for servants, it happened that Miss Betsy got into service
+at Watchet, a place about three miles distant from Mr. Flail's farm.
+Here she had a violent fit of illness, and not having been long enough
+in the family to engage their generosity to keep her, she was dismissed
+upon account of her ill health rendering her wholly incapable of doing
+her business for which she was hired. She then, with the very little
+money she had, procured a lodging in a miserable little dirty cottage;
+but through weakness being unable to work, she soon exhausted her whole
+stock, and was even obliged to quit this habitation, bad as it was, and
+for some days support herself wholly by begging from door to door, often
+meeting with very unkind language for so idle an employment; some people
+telling her to go to her parish, when, alas! her parish was many miles
+distant, and she, poor creature, had no means of getting there.
+
+'At last she wandered, in this distressful situation, to the house of
+Mr. Flail, and walked into the farm yard just at the time the cows were
+being milked. She, who for a long time had tasted nothing but bits of
+broken bread, and had no drink besides water she had scooped up in her
+hands, looked at the quantity of fresh milk with a most wishful eye;
+and, going to the women who were milking, she besought them in a moving
+manner to give her a draught, as she was almost ready to perish. "For
+pity's sake," said she, "have compassion upon a poor wretch, dying with
+sickness, hunger, and thirst; it is a long time since I have tasted
+a mouthful of wholesome victuals, my lips are now almost parched with
+thirst, and I am so faint for want, that I can scarcely stand; my
+sufferings are very great indeed, it would melt a heart of stone to hear
+the story of my woes. Oh! have pity upon a fellow-creature then, and
+give me one draught of that milk, which can never be missed out of so
+vast a quantity as you have there, and may you never, never, know what
+it is to suffer as I now do." To this piteous request, she received for
+answer, the common one of "Go about your business, we have nothing for
+you, so don't come here." "We should have enough to do indeed," said one
+of the milkers, "if we were to give every idle beggar who would like a
+draught of this delicious milk; but no, indeed, we shall not give you a
+drop; so go about your business, and don't come plaguing us here." Mrs.
+Flail, who happened to be in the yard, with one of her children who was
+feeding the chickens, overheard enough of this to make her come
+forward, and enquire what was the matter. "Nothing, ma'am," replied the
+milk-maid, "only I was sending away this nasty dirty creature, who was
+so bold as to come asking for milk indeed! But beggars grow so impudent
+now-a-days there never was the like of it." "Oh fie!" returned Mrs.
+Flail, shocked at her inhuman way of speaking, "fie upon you, to speak
+in so unkind a manner of a poor creature in distress." Then turning to
+the beggar, she inquired what she wanted, in so mild a tone of voice,
+that it encouraged her to speak and tell her distress.
+
+'Mrs. Flail listened with the greatest attention, and could not help
+being struck with her speech and appearance; for though she was clothed
+in rags (having parted with all her better clothes to pay for lodging
+and food) still there was a something in her language and manner which
+discovered that she was no common beggar. Betsy had stood all the time
+with her eyes fixed upon the ground, scarcely once lifting them to
+look at the face of Mrs. Flail; and she was so changed herself by her
+troubles and sickness, that it was impossible for any one who had ever
+seen Miss Speedgo, to recollect her in her present miserable state. Mrs.
+Flail, however, wanted no farther inducement to relieve her than to hear
+she was in want. "Every fellow-creature in distress," she used to say,
+"was a proper object of her bounty; and whilst she was blessed with
+plenty she thought it her duty to relieve, as far as she prudently
+could, all whom she knew to be in need." She therefore fetched a mug,
+and, filling it with milk herself, gave it to the poor woman to drink.
+"Here," said she, "take this, good woman, and I hope it will refresh and
+be of service to you." Betsy held out her hand for it, and, lifting her
+eyes up to look at Mrs. Flail, whilst she thanked her for her kindness,
+was greatly astonished to discover in her benefactress, the features
+of her old servant, Molly Mount. "Bless me!" said she, with an air
+of confusion, "What do I see? Who is it? Where am I? Madam, pardon my
+boldness, but pray forgive me, ma'am, but is not your name Mount?" "It
+was," replied Mrs. Flail, "but I have been married for thirteen years to
+a Mr. Flail, and that is my name now. But, pray, where did you ever see
+me before? or how came you to know anything of me?" Poor Betsy could
+return no answer, her shame at being seen by her servant that was, in
+her present condition, and the consciousness of having so ill-treated
+that very servant, to whose kindness she was now indebted; all together
+were too much for her in her weak state, and she fell senseless at Mrs.
+Flail's feet.
+
+'This still added to Mrs. Flail's surprise, and she had her carried into
+the house and laid upon a bed, where she used every means to bring her
+to herself again; which, after a considerable time, succeeded; and she
+then (covered with shame and remorse) told her who she was, and how
+she came into that miserable condition. No words can describe the
+astonishment Mrs. Flail was in, at hearing the melancholy story of her
+sufferings; nor is it possible to tell with what generosity and kindness
+she strove to comfort her, telling her to compose herself, for she
+should no longer be in want of any thing. "I have, thank Heaven," said
+she, "a most worthy good man for my husband, who will rejoice with me in
+having it in his power to relieve a suffering fellow-creature. Do not,
+therefore, any longer distress yourself upon what passed between us
+formerly. I had, for my part, forgotten it, if you had not now told it
+me; but, however I might then take the liberty to censure you for too
+much haughtiness. I am sure I have no occasion to do so now. Think no
+more, therefore, I beseech you, upon those times which are now past; but
+be comforted, and make yourself as happy as in my humble plain manner of
+living you can possibly do."
+
+'She then furnished her with some of her own clothes, till she could
+procure her new ones, and sent immediately for a physician from the next
+town; by following of whose prescription, together with good nursing,
+and plenty of all necessaries, she soon recovered her health; but she
+was too deeply affected with the thoughts of her former misconduct ever
+to feel happy in her situation, though Mrs. Flail used every method in
+her power to render her as comfortable as possible. Nor did she confine
+her goodness only to this one daughter, but sent also for her sister and
+mother (her father being dead), and fitted up a neat little house
+for them near their own. But as the Flails could not afford wholly to
+maintain them for nothing, they entrusted the poultry to their care;
+which enabled them to do with one servant less; and by that means they
+could, without any great expense, afford to give them sufficient to make
+their lives comfortable, that is, as far as their own reflections would
+let them; for the last words Mrs. Speedgo said to Molly, when she parted
+from her, dwelt continually upon her mind, and filled her with shame and
+remorse.
+
+'"I told her," said she, "that she should never again come into my
+doors, or eat another mouthful in my house; and now it is her bounty
+alone which keeps us all from perishing. Oh! how unworthy are we of such
+goodness! True, indeed, was what she told you, that kindness and virtue
+were far more valuable than riches. Goodness and kindness no time or
+change can take from us; but riches soon fly as it were away, and then
+what are we the better for having been once possessed of them?"'
+
+Here Mr. John stopped, and jumping hastily up, and turning round to Mrs.
+Sally, Mrs. Nelly, and Mr. Bob, exclaimed, rubbing his hands--'There
+ladies, I have finished my story; and, let me tell you, so long
+preaching has made my throat dry, so another mug of ale, if you please,
+Master Bobby (tapping him at the same time upon the shoulder), another
+mug of ale, my boy; for faith, talking at the rate I have done,
+is enough to wear a man's lungs out, and, in truth, I have need of
+something to hearten me after such fatigue.'
+
+'Well, I am sure,' replied Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, in the same
+breath, 'we are greatly obliged to you for your history; and I am sure
+it deserves to be framed and glazed, and it ought to be hung up in the
+hall of every family, that all people may see the sad effects of pride,
+and how little cause people have, because they are rich, to despise
+those who are poor; since it frequently happens, that those who this
+year are like little kings, may the next be beggars; and then they will
+repent, when it is too late, of all their pride and unkindness they
+showed to those beneath them.'
+
+Here the conversation was put a stop to by the bell ringing, and John
+being ordered to drive to the door. I, who during the whole of the
+history had been feasting upon a mince-pie, now thought it safer to
+conceal myself in a little hole in the wainscot of the closet, where,
+finding myself very safe, I did not awake till midnight. After the
+family were all retired to rest, I peeped out of the hole, and there saw
+just such another frightful trap as that which was the prelude to
+poor Softdown's sufferings. Startled at the sight, I retreated back as
+expeditiously as possible, nor ever stopped till I found my way into a
+bed-chamber, where lay two little girls fast asleep.
+
+I looked about for some time, peeping into every hole and corner before
+I could find any thing to eat, there being not so much as a candle in
+the room with them. At last I crept into a little leathern trunk, which
+stood on a table, not shut down quite close: here I instantly smelt
+something good: but was obliged to gnaw through a great deal of linen
+to get at it; it was wrapped up in a lap-bag, amongst a vast quantity of
+work. However, I made my way through half a hundred folds, and at last
+was amply repaid, by finding out a nice piece of plum-cake, and the pips
+of an apple, which I could easily get at, one half of it having been eat
+away. Whilst I was thus engaged I heard a cat mew, and not knowing how
+near she might be, I endeavoured to jump out; but in the hurry I somehow
+or other entangled myself in the muslin, and pulled that, trunk and all,
+down with me; for the trunk stood half off the table, so that the least
+touch in the world overset it, otherwise my weight could never have
+tumbled it down.
+
+The noise of the fall, however, waked the children, and I heard one say
+to the other,--'Bless me! Mary, what is that noise?--What can it be? I
+am almost frightened out of my wits; do, pray, sister, hug me close!'
+'Pooh!' replied the other, 'never mind it! What in the world need you
+be frightened at? What do you suppose will hurt you? It sounded as if
+something fell down; but as it has not fallen upon us, and I do not hear
+anybody stirring, or speaking as if they were hurt, what need we care
+about it? So pray, Nancy, let us go to sleep again; for as yet I have
+not had half sufficient, I am sure; I hope morning is not coming yet,
+for I am not at all ready to get up.' 'I am sure,' answered the other,
+'I wish it was morning, and daylight now, for I should like to get up
+vastly, I do not like to lay here in the dark any longer; I have a great
+mind to ring the bell, and then mamma or somebody will come to us with
+a candle.' 'And what in the world,' rejoined Mary, 'will be the use of
+that? Do you want a candle to light you to look for the wounds the noise
+has given you; or what can you wish to disturb my mamma for? Come,
+let me cuddle you, and do go to sleep, child, for I cannot think what
+occasion there is for us to keep awake because we heard a noise; I never
+knew that noise had teeth or claws to hurt one with; and I am sure this
+has not hurt me; and so, whether you choose to lie awake or not, I will
+go to sleep, and so good-bye to you, and pray do not disturb me any
+more, for I cannot talk any longer.' 'But, Mary,' again replied the
+other, 'pray do not go to sleep yet, I want to speak to you.' 'Well,
+what do you want to say?' inquired Mary. 'Why, pray have you not very
+often,' said Nancy, 'heard of thieves breaking into people's houses and
+robbing them; and I am sadly afraid that noise was some rogues coming
+in; so pray, Mary, do not go to sleep, I am in such a fright and tremble
+you cannot think. Speak, Mary, have not you, I say, heard of thieves?'
+'Yes,' replied Mary, in a very sleepy voice, 'a great many times.'
+'Well, then, pray sister, do not go to sleep,' said Nancy, in a peevish
+accent, 'suppose, I say that noise I heard should be thieves, what
+should we do? What will become of us? O! what shall we do?'--'Why, go
+to sleep, I tell you,' said Mary, 'as fast as you can; at least, do pray
+let me, for I cannot say I am in the smallest fear about house-breakers
+or house-makers either; and of all the robberies I ever heard of in all
+my life, I never heard of thieves stealing little girls; so do, there's
+a dear girl, go to sleep again, and do not so foolishly frighten
+yourself out of your wits for nothing.' 'Well,' replied Nancy, 'I will
+not keep you awake any longer; but I am sure I shall not be able to get
+another wink of sleep all night.'
+
+Here the conversation ended, and I could not help thinking how foolish
+it was for people to permit themselves to be terrified for nothing. Here
+is a little girl, now, thought I, in a nice clean room, and covered up
+warm in bed, with pretty green curtains drawn round her, to keep the
+wind from her head, and the light in the morning from her eyes; and yet
+she is distressing herself, and making herself really uncomfortable, and
+unhappy, only because I, a poor, little, harmless mouse, with scarcely
+strength sufficient to gnaw a nutshell, happened to jump from the table,
+and throw down, perhaps, her own box.--Oh! what a pity it is that people
+should so destroy their own comfort! How sweetly might this child have
+passed the night, if she had but, like her sister, wisely reflected that
+a noise could not possibly hurt them; and that, had any of the family
+occasioned it, by falling down, or running against anything in the dark
+which hurt them, most likely they would have heard some more stirring
+about.
+
+And upon this subject the author cannot help, in human form (as well as
+in that of a mouse), observing how extremely ridiculous it is for people
+to suffer themselves to be terrified upon every trifling occasion that
+happens; as if they had no more resolution than a mouse itself, which is
+liable to be destroyed every meal it makes. And, surely, nothing can
+be more absurd than for children to be afraid of thieves and
+house-breakers; since, as little Mary said, they never want to seek
+after children. Money is all they want; and as children have very seldom
+much of that in their possession, they may assure themselves they are
+perfectly safe, and have therefore no occasion to alarm themselves if
+they hear a noise, without being able to make out what it is; unless,
+indeed, like the child I have just been writing about, they would be
+so silly as to be frightened at a little mouse; for most commonly the
+noises we hear, if we lay awake in the night, are caused by mice running
+about and playing behind the wainscot: and what reasonable person would
+suffer themselves to be alarmed by such little creatures as those? But
+it is time I should return to the history of my little make-believe
+companion, who went on, saying--
+
+The conversation I have been relating I overheard as I lay concealed in
+a shoe that stood close by the bedside, and into which I ran the moment
+I jumped off the table, and where I kept snug till the next morning;
+when, just as the clock was striking eight, the same Mrs. Nelly, whom I
+saw the day before in the kitchen, entered the apartment, and accosted
+the young ladies, saying, 'Good morning to you, ladies, do you know that
+it is time to get up?' 'Then, pray, Nelly, lace my stays, will you?'
+said Miss Nancy. 'But lace mine first, and give me my other shoes; for
+those I wore yesterday must be brushed, because I stepped in the dirt,
+and so when you go down you must remember, and take and brush them, and
+then let me have them again,' said Mary; 'but come and dress me now.'
+
+Well, thought I, this is a rude way of speaking, indeed, something like
+Miss Nancy Artless, at the house where my poor dear Softdown was so
+cruelly massacred; I am sure I hope I shall not meet with the like fate
+here, and I wish I was safe out of this shoe; for, perhaps, presently it
+will be wanted to be put on Mary's foot; and I am sure I must not expect
+to meet any mercy from a child who shows so bad a disposition as to
+speak to a servant in so uncivil a manner, for no good-natured person
+would do that.
+
+With these kind of reflections I was amusing myself for some little
+time, when, all on a sudden, they were put an end to, by my finding the
+shoe in which I was concealed, hastily taken up; and before I had time
+to recollect what I had best do, I was almost killed by some violent
+blows I received, which well nigh broke every bone in my skin. I crept
+quite up to the toe of the shoe, so that I was not at all seen, and the
+maid, when she took up the shoes, held one in one hand, and the other in
+the other, by their heels, and then slapped them hard together, to beat
+out of some of the dust which was in them. This she repeated three or
+four times, till I was quite stunned; and how or which way I tumbled or
+got out, I know not; but when I came to myself. I was close up behind
+the foot of a table, in a large apartment, where were several children,
+and a gentleman and a lady, all conversing together with the greatest
+good humour and harmony.
+
+The first words I heard distinctly enough to remember, were those of
+a little boy, about five years old, who, with eagerness exclaimed--'I
+forget you! no that I never shall. If I was to go a hundred thousand
+miles off, I am sure I shall never forget you. What! do you think I
+should ever, as long as I live, if it is a million of years, forget my
+own dear papa and mamma? No; that I should not, I am very, very sure
+I never should.' 'Well, but Tom,' interrupted the gentleman, 'if in a
+million of years you should not forget us, I dare say, in less than two
+months you will forget our advice, and before you have been at school
+half that time, you will get to squabbling with and tricking the other
+boys, just as they do with one another; and instead of playing at all
+times with the strictest openness and honour, you will, I sadly fear,
+learn to cheat, and deceive, and pay no attention to what your mother
+and I have been telling you.' 'No', that I am sure I sha'n't!' replied
+the boy. 'What! do you think I shall be so wicked as to turn a thief,
+and cheat people?' 'I dare say, my dear,' resumed the father, 'you will
+not do what we call thieving; but as I know there are many naughty boys
+in all schools, I am afraid they will teach you to commit dishonourable
+actions, and to tell you there is no harm in them, and that they are
+signs of cleverness and spirit, and qualifications very necessary for
+every boy to possess.' 'Aye, that's sure enough,' said the boy, who
+appeared about ten years old, 'for they almost all declare, that if
+a boy is not sharp and cunning, he might almost as well be out of the
+world as in it. But, as you say, papa, I hate such behaviour, I am sure
+there is one of our boys, who is so wonderfully clever and acute, as
+they call him, that I detest ever having any thing to do with him; for
+unless one watches him as a cat would watch a mouse, he is sure to cheat
+or play one some trick or other.' 'What sort of tricks do you mean?'
+inquired the little boy. 'Why, I will tell you,' replied the other. 'You
+know nothing of the games we have at school, so if I was to tell you how
+he plays at them, you would not understand what I meant. But you know
+what walking about blindfold is, don't you? Well! one day, about a dozen
+boys agreed to have a blind race, and the boy who got nearest the goal,
+which was a stick driven in the ground with a shilling upon the top of
+it, was to win the shilling, provided he did it fairly without seeing.'
+'I suppose,' interrupted Tom, 'you mean the boy who got to the stick
+first.' 'No, I do not,' replied his brother, 'I mean what I say, the boy
+who got nearest it, no matter whether he came first or last; the fun
+was to see them try to keep in a straight path, with their eyes tied
+up, whilst they wander quite in the wrong, and not to try who could run
+fastest. Well! when they, were all blinded, and twisted round three or
+four times before they were suffered to set off, they directed their
+steps the way they thought would directly conduct them to the goal; and
+some of them had almost reached it, when Sharply (the boy I mentioned)
+who had placed a shilling upon the stick, for they drew lots who should
+do that, and he who furnished the money was to stand by it, to observe
+who won it by coming nearest; well, Sharply, I say, just as they came
+close to it, moved away softly to another place, above three yards
+distant from any of them (for I should have told you, that if none of
+them got within three yards, the shilling was to remain his, and they
+were each to give him a penny.) So then he untied their eyes, and
+insisted upon it they had all of them lost. But two or three of us
+happened to be by, and so we said he had cheated them, and ought not
+to keep the money, as it had fairly been won by Smyth. But he would not
+give it up, so it made a quarrel between him and Smyth, and at last they
+fought, and Mr. Chiron confined them both in the school all the rest of
+the afternoon, and when he heard what the quarrel was about, he took
+the shilling from Sharply, and called him a mean-spirited cheat; but he
+would not let Smyth have it, because he said he deserved to lose it for
+fighting about such a trifle, and so it was put into the forfeit-money.'
+
+'But pray do not you think Sharply behaved extremely wrong?' 'Shamefully
+so, indeed,' said the gentleman. 'I never could have any opinion of a
+boy 'who could act so dishonourably,' said the lady, 'let his cleverness
+be what it would.' 'Pray, Frank, tell me some more,' said the little
+boy. 'More!' replied Frank, 'I could tell you an hundred such kind of
+things. One time, as Peter Light was walking up the yard, with some
+damsons in his hat, Sharply ran by, and as he passed, knocked his hat
+out of his hand, for the sake of scrambling for as many as he could get
+himself. And sometimes, after the pie-woman has been there, he gets such
+heaps of tarts you cannot think, by his different tricks: perhaps he
+will buy a currant tart himself; then he would go about, calling out,
+"Who'll change a cheesecake for a currant tart?" and now-and-then he
+will add, "and half a bun into the bargain!" Then two or three of the
+boys call out, "I will, I will!" and when they go to hold out their
+cheesecakes to him, he snatches them out of their hands before they are
+aware, and runs away in an instant; and whilst they stand for a moment
+in astonishment, he gets so much ahead of them that he eats them up
+before they can again overtake him. At other times, when he sees a boy
+beginning to eat his cake, he will come and talk carelessly to him for
+a few moments, and then all of a sudden call out, "Look! look!
+look!-there!" pointing his finger as if to show him something wonderful;
+and when the other, without suspecting any mischief, turns his head to
+see what has so surprised him, away he snatches the cake, and runs off
+with it, cramming it into his mouth in a moment.
+
+'And when he plays at Handy-dandy, Jack-a-dandy, which will you have,
+upper hand or lower? if you happen to guess right, he slips whatever you
+are playing with into his other hand; and that you know is not playing
+fair; and so many of the boys tell him; but he does not mind any of us.
+And as he is clever at his learning, and always does his exercise quite
+right, Mr. Chiron (who indeed does not know of his tricks) is very fond
+of him, and is for ever saying what a clever fellow he is, and proposing
+him as an example to the rest of the boys; and I do believe many of
+them imitate his deceitful, cheating tricks, only for the sake of being
+thought like him.'
+
+'Aye! it is a sad thing,' interrupted the gentleman, 'that people who
+are blessed with sense and abilities to behave well, should so misuse
+them as to set a bad, instead of a good example to others, and by that
+means draw many into sin, who otherwise, perhaps, might never have
+acted wrong. Was this Sharply, you have been speaking of, a dunce and
+blockhead at his book, he would never gain the commendations that Mr.
+Chiron now bestows upon him; and, consequently, no boy would wish to be
+thought like him; his bad example, therefore, would not be of half the
+importance it now is.
+
+'Only think, then, my dear children, how extremely wicked it is, for
+those who are blessed with understandings capable of acting as they
+should do, and making people admire them, at the same time to be guilty
+of such real and great sin. For, however children at play may like to
+trick and deceive each other, and call it only play or fun, still, let
+me tell you, they are much mistaken if they flatter themselves there is
+no harm in it. It is a very wrong way of behaviour; it is mean, it
+is dishonorable, and it is wicked; and the boy or girl who would ever
+permit themselves to act in so unjustifiable a manner, however they
+may excel in their learning, or exterior accomplishments, can never be
+deserving of esteem, confidence, or regard. What esteem or respect could
+I ever entertain of a person's sense or learning, who made no better use
+of it than to practise wickedness with more dexterity and grace than he
+otherwise would be enabled to do? Or, what confidence could I ever
+place in the person who, I knew, only wanted a convenient opportunity
+to defraud, trick, and deceive me? Or, what regard and love could I
+possibly entertain for such a one, who, unless I kept a constant watch
+over, as I must over a wild beast, would, like a wild beast, be sure
+to do me some injury? Would it be possible, I say, to love such a
+character, whatever shining abilities or depth of learning he might
+possess? Ask your own hearts, my dears, whether you think you could?'
+
+To this they all answered at once, 'No, that I could not,' and 'I am
+sure I could not.' 'Well, then,' resumed the father, 'only think how
+odious that conduct must be, which robs us of the esteem, confidence,
+and love of our fellow-creatures; and that too, notwithstanding we may
+at the same time be very clever, and have a great deal of sense and
+learning. But, for my part, I confess I know not the least advantage of
+our understanding or our learning, unless we make a proper use of them.
+Knowing a great deal, and having read a great many books, will be of
+no service to us, unless we are careful to make a proper use of that
+knowledge, and to improve by what we read, otherwise the time we so
+bestow is but lost, and we might as well spend the whole of our lives in
+idleness.
+
+'Always remember, therefore, my loves, that the whole end of our taking
+the trouble to instruct you, or putting ourselves to the expense of
+sending you to school, or your attending to what is taught you, is,
+that you may grow better men and women than you otherwise would be; and
+unless, therefore, you do improve, we might as well spare ourselves the
+pains and expense, and you need not take the trouble of learning; since,
+if you will act wickedly, all our labour is but thrown away to no manner
+of purpose.
+
+'Mr. and Mrs. Sharply, how I pity them! What sorrow must they endure,
+to behold their son acting in the manner you have described; for nothing
+can give so much concern to a fond parent's heart, as to see their
+children, for whom they have taken so much pains, turn out naughty;
+and to deceive and cheat! What can be worse than that? I hope, my dear
+children, you will never, any of you, give us that dreadful misery! I
+hope, my dear Tom, I hope you will never learn any of those detestable
+ways your brother has been telling you of. And if it was not that
+you will often be obliged to see such things when you mix with other
+children, I should be sorry you should even hear of such bad actions,
+as I could wish you to pass through life without so much as knowing
+such wickedness ever existed; but that is impossible. There are so many
+naughty people in the world, that you will often be obliged to see and
+hear of crimes which I hope you will shudder to think of committing
+yourselves; and being warned of them beforehand, I hope it will put you
+more upon your guard, not to be tempted, upon any consideration, to give
+the least encouragement to them, much less to practise them yourselves.
+
+'Perhaps, Tom, if your brother had not, by telling us of Sharply's
+tricks, given me an opportunity of warning you how extremely wrong and
+wicked they are, you might when you were at school, have thought them
+very clever, and marks of genius; and therefore, like others of the
+boys, have tried to imitate them, and by that means have become as
+wicked, mean, and dishonourable yourself. And only think how it would
+have grieved your mamma and me, to find the next holidays, our dear
+little Tom, instead of being that honest, open, generous-hearted boy
+he now is, changed into a deceiver, a cheat, a liar, one whom we could
+place no trust or confidence in; for, depend upon it, the person who
+will, when at play, behave unfair, would not scruple to do so in even
+other action of his life. And the boy who will deceive for the sake of a
+marble, or the girl who would act ungenerously, for the sake of a doll's
+cap or a pin, will, when grown up, be ready to cheat and over-reach
+in their trades, or any affairs they may have to transact. And you may
+assure yourselves that numbers of people who are every year hanged,
+began at first to be wicked by practising those little dishonourable
+mean actions, which so many children are too apt to do at play, without
+thinking of their evil consequences.
+
+'I think, my dear,' said he, turning to his wife, 'I have heard you
+mention a person who you were acquainted with when a girl, who at last
+was hanged for stealing, I think, was not she?' 'No,' replied the lady,
+'she was not hanged, she was transported for one-and-twenty years.'
+'Pray, madam, how transported? what is that?' inquired one of the
+children. 'People, my dear,' resumed the lady, 'are transported when
+they have committed crimes, which, according to the laws of our land,
+are not thought quite wicked enough to be hanged for; but still too bad
+to suffer them to continue amongst other people. So, instead of hanging
+them, the judge orders that they shall be sent on board a ship, built on
+purpose to hold naughty people, and carried away from all their friends,
+a great many miles distant, commonly to America, where they are sold as
+slaves, to work very hard for as many years as they are transported for.
+And the person your papa mentioned was sold for twenty-one years;
+but she died before that time was out, as most of them do: they are
+generally used very cruelly, and work very hard; and besides, the heat
+of the climate seldom agrees with anybody who has been used to live in
+England, and so they generally die before their time is expired, and
+never have an opportunity of seeing their friends any more, after they
+are once sent away. How should any of you, my dears, like to be sent
+away from your papa and me, and your brothers and sisters, and uncles
+and aunts, and all your friends, and never, never see us any more; and
+only keep company with naughty, cross, wicked people, and labour
+very hard, and suffer a great deal of sickness, and such a number of
+different hardships, you cannot imagine? Only think how shocking it must
+be! How should you like it?' 'Oh', not at all, not at all,' was echoed
+from everyone in the room.
+
+'But such,' rejoined their mother, 'is the punishment naughty people
+have; and such was the punishment the person your papa spoke of had;
+who, when she was young, no more expected to come to such an end than
+any of you do. I was very well acquainted with her, and often used to
+play with her, and she (like the boy Frank has been talking of) used to
+think it a mark of cleverness to be able to deceive; and for the sake
+of winning the game she was engaged in, would not scruple committing any
+little unfair action, which would give her the advantage.
+
+'I remember one time, at such a trifling game as pushpin, she gave me a
+very bad opinion of her; for I observed, instead of pushing the pin as
+she ought to do, she would try to lift it up with her finger a little,
+to make it cross over the other.
+
+'And when we were all at cards, she would peep, to find out the pictured
+ones, that she might have them in her own hand.
+
+'And when we played at any game which had forfeits, she would try, by
+different little artifices, to steal back her own before the time of
+crying them came; or, if she was the person who was to cry them, as
+you call it, she would endeavour to see whose came next, that she might
+order the penalty accordingly.
+
+'Or if we were playing at hide and seek, she would put what we had to
+hide either in her own pocket, or throw it into the fire, so that it
+would be impossible to find it; and then, after making her companions
+hunt for it for an hour, till their patience was quite tired, and they
+gave out; she would burst out in a loud laugh! and say she only did it
+for fun. But, for my part, I never could see any joke in such kind of
+things: the meanness, the baseness, the dish on our (sic), which
+attendedit always, in my opinion, took off all degree of cleverness,
+or pleasure from such actions.
+
+'There was another of her sly tricks which I forgot to mention, and that
+was, if at tea, or any other time, she got first to the plate of cake
+or bread, she would place the piece she liked best where she thought
+it would come to her turn to have it: or if at breakfast she saw her
+sisters' basin have the under crust in it, and they happened not to be
+by, or to see her, she would take it out, and put her own, which she
+happened not to like so well, in the stead.
+
+'Only think, my dears, what frightful, sly, naughty tricks to be guilty
+of! And from practising these, which she said there was no harm in, and
+she only did them in play, and for a bit of fun, at last she came, by
+degrees, to be guilty of greater. She two or three different times, when
+she was not seen, stole things out of shops; and one day, when she
+was upon a visit, and thought she could do it cleverly, without being
+discovered, put a couple of table spoons into her pocket. The footman
+who was waiting happened to see her; but fearing to give offence, he
+took no notice of it till after she was gone home, when he told his
+master, who, justly provoked at being so ill-treated, by a person to
+whom he had shown every civility, went after her, called in her own two
+maids, and his footman, as witnesses, and then insisted upon examining
+her pockets, where he indeed found his own two spoons. He then sent for
+proper officers to secure her, had her taken into custody, and for that
+offence it was that she was transported.
+
+'Thus, my dear children, you see the shocking consequence of ever
+suffering such vile habits to grow upon us; and I hope the example
+of this unhappy woman (which I assure you is a true story) will be
+sufficient to warn you for ever, for a single time, being guilty of
+so detestable a crime, lest you should, like her, by degrees come to
+experience her fatal punishment.'
+
+Just as the lady said these words a bell rang, and all getting up
+together, they went out of the room, the young one calling out, 'To
+dinner! to dinner! to dinner! here we all go to dinner!'
+
+And I will seek for one too, said I to myself, (creeping out as soon
+as I found I was alone) for I feel very faint and hungry. I looked and
+looked about a long while, for I could move but slow, on account of the
+bruises I had received in the shoe. At last under the table, round which
+the family had been sitting, I found a pincushion, which, being stuffed
+with bran, afforded me enough to satisfy my hunger, but was excessively
+dry and unsavoury; yet, bad as it was, I was obliged to be content at
+that time with it; and had nearly done eating when the door opened, and
+in ran two or three of the children. Frightened out of my senses almost,
+I had just time to escape down a little hole in the floor, made by one
+of the knots in the wood slipping out, and there I heard one of the
+girls exclaim--
+
+'O dear! who now has cut my pincushion? it was you did it, Tom.' 'No,
+indeed I did not,' replied he. 'Then it was you, Mary.' 'No, I know
+nothing of it,' answered she. 'Then it was you, Hetty.' 'That I am sure
+it was not,' said she; 'I am sure, I am certain it was not me; I am
+positive it was not.' 'Ah,' replied the other, 'I dare say it was.'
+'Yes, I think it is most likely,' said Mary. 'And so do I too,' said
+Tom. 'And pray why do you all think so?' inquired Hetty, in an angry
+tone. 'Because,' said the owner of the pincushion, 'you are the only one
+who ever tells fibs; you told a story, you know, about the fruit; you
+told a story too about the currant jelly; and about putting your fingers
+in the butter, at breakfast; and therefore there is a very great reason
+why we should suspect you more than anybody else.' 'But I am sure,' said
+she, bursting into tears, 'I am very sure I have not meddled with it.'
+'I do not at all know that,' replied the other, 'and I do think it was
+you; for I am certain if any one else had done it they would not deny
+it; and it could not come into this condition by itself, somebody must
+have done it; and I dare say it was you; so say no more about it.'
+
+Here the dispute was interrupted by somebody calling them out of the
+room; and I could not help making some reflections on what had passed.
+How dreadful a crime, thought I, is lying and falsity; to what sad
+mortifications does it subject the person who is ever wicked enough to
+commit it; and how does it expose them to the contempt of everyone, and
+make them to be suspected of faults they are even perfectly free from.
+Little Hetty now is innocent, with respect to the pincushion with which
+her sister charges her, as any of the others; yet, because she has
+before forfeited her honour, she can gain no credit: no one believes
+what she says, she is thought to be guilty of the double fault of
+spoiling the pincushion, and what is still worse, of lying to conceal
+it; whilst the other children are at once believed, and their words
+depended upon.
+
+Surely, surely, thought I, if people would but reflect upon the
+contempt, the shame, and the difficulties which lies expose them to,
+they would never be guilty of so terrible a vice, which subjects them
+to the scorn of all they converse with, and renders them at all times
+suspected, even though they should, as in the case of Hetty, really
+speak the truth. Such were my reflections upon falsehood, nor could
+I help altogether blaming the owner of the pincushion for her hasty
+judgment relating to it. Somebody, she was certain, must have done it;
+it was impossible it could come so by itself. That, to be sure, was very
+true; but then she never recollected that it was possible a little mouse
+might put it in that condition. Ah! thought I to myself, what pity is
+it, that human creatures, who are blest with understanding and faculties
+so superior to any species, should not make better use of them; and
+learn, from daily experience, to grow wiser and better for the future.
+This one instance of the pincushion, may teach (and surely people
+engaged in life must hourly find more) how dangerous it is to draw hasty
+conclusions, and to condemn people upon suspicion, as also the many,
+great, and bad consequences of lying.
+
+Scarcely had I finished these soliloquies when a great knock at the
+house door made me give such a start that I fell off the joist on which
+I was standing, and then ran straight forwards till I came out at a
+little hole I found in the bricks above the parlour window: from that
+I descended into the road, and went on unmolested till I reached a
+malt-house, about whose various apartments, never staying long in
+the same, I continued to live; till one night, all on a sudden, I
+was alarmed by fire, which obliged me to retreat with the greatest
+expedition.
+
+I passed numberless rats and mice in my way, who, like myself, were
+driven forth by the flames; but, alas! among them I found not my
+brother. Despairing, therefore, of ever seeing him again, I determined,
+if possible, to find my way back to you, who before had shown me
+such kindness. Numberless were the fatigues and difficulties I had to
+encounter in my journey here; one while in danger from hungry cats, at
+another almost perished with cold and want of food.
+
+But it is needless to enumerate every particular; I should but tire your
+patience was I to attempt it; so I will hasten to a conclusion of my
+history, only telling you how you came to find me in that melancholy
+condition from which your mercy has now raised me.
+
+I came into your house one evening concealed in the middle of a
+floor-cloth, which the maid had rolled up and set at the outside of the
+back door, whilst she swept the passage, and neglected to take it in
+again till the evening, In that I hid myself, and upon her laying it
+down, ran with all speed down the cellar-stairs, where I continued till
+the family were all gone to bed. Then I returned back, and came into
+your closet, where the scent of some figs tempted me to get into the jar
+in which you found me. I concealed myself among them, and after feasting
+most deliciously, fell asleep, from which I was awakened by hearing a
+voice say, "Who has left the cover off the fig-jar?" and at the
+same time I was involved in darkness by having it put on. In vain I
+endeavoured to remove it, the figs were so low, that when I stood on
+them I could but just touch it with my lips, and the jar being stone I
+could not possibly fasten my nails to hang by the side.
+
+In this dismal situation therefore I was constrained to stay, my
+apprehensions each day increasing as my food diminished, till at last,
+after feeding very sparingly for some days, it was quite exhausted; and
+I had endured the inexpressible tortures of hunger for three days and
+three nights, when you happily released me, and by your compassion
+restored me once more to life and liberty. Condescend, therefore,
+to preserve that life you have so lengthened, and take me under your
+protection.
+
+'That most gladly,' interrupted I, 'I will do: you will live in this
+large green-flowered tin canister, and run in and out when you please,
+and I will keep you constantly supplied with food. But I must now shut
+you in, for the cat has this moment entered the room.'
+
+
+
+And now I cannot take leave of all my little readers, without once more
+begging them, for their own sakes, to endeavour to follow all the good
+advice the mouse has been giving them; and likewise warning them to shun
+all those vices and follies, the practice of which renders children so
+contemptible and wicked.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse, by 
+Dorothy Kilner
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+*END*THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END*
+
+
+
+
+
+This Etext prepared by Pat Pflieger
+feste@keystonenet.com
+
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE AND PERAMBULATIONS OF A MOUSE (1783-1784)
+by Dorothy Kilner
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+During a remarkably severe winter, when a prodigious fall of snow
+confined everybody to their habitations, who were happy enough to
+have one to shelter them from the inclemency of the season, and
+were hot obliged by business to expose themselves to its rigour, I
+was on a visit to Meadow Hall; where had assembled likewise a
+large party of young folk, who all seemed, by their harmony and
+good humour, to strive who should the most contribute to render
+pleasant that confinement which we were all equally obliged to
+share.  Nor were those further advanced in life less anxious to
+contribute to the general satisfaction and entertainment.
+
+After the more serious employment of reading each morning was
+concluded, we danced, we sung, we played at blind-man's-buff,
+battledore and shuttlecock, and many other games equally diverting
+and innocent; and when tired of them, drew our seats round the
+fire, while each one in turn told some merry story to divert the
+company.
+
+At last, after having related all that we could recollect worth
+reciting, and being rather at a loss what to say next, a sprightly
+girl in company proposed that every one should relate the history
+of their own lives; 'and it must be strange indeed,' added she,
+'if that will not help us out of this difficulty, and furnish
+conversation for some days longer; and by that time, perhaps, the
+frost will break, the snow will melt, and set us all at liberty. 
+But let it break when it will, I make a law, that no one shall go
+from Meadow Hall till they have told their own history:  so take
+notice, ladies and gentlemen, take notice, everybody, what you
+have to trust to.  And because,' continued she, 'I will not be
+unreasonable, and require more from you than you can perform, I
+will give all you who may perhaps have forgotten what passed so
+many years ago, at the beginning of your lives, two days to
+recollect and digest your story; by which time if you do not
+produce something pretty and entertaining, we will never again
+admit you to dance or play among us.'  All this she spoke with so
+good-humoured a smile, that every one was delighted with her, and
+promised to do their best to acquit themselves to her
+satisfaction; whilst some (the length of whose lives had not
+rendered them forgetful of the transactions which had passed)
+instantly began their memoirs, as they called them:  and really
+some related their narratives with such spirit and ingenuity, that
+it quite distressed us older ones, lest we should disgrace
+ourselves when it should fall to our turns to hold forth. 
+However, we were all determined to produce something, as our fair
+directress ordered.  Accordingly, the next morning I took up my
+pen, to endeavour to draw up some kind of a history, which might
+satisfy my companions in confinement.  I took up my pen, it is
+true, and laid the paper before me; but not one word toward my
+appointed task could I proceed. The various occurrences of my life
+were such as, far from affording entertainment, would, I was
+certain, rather afflict; or, perhaps, not interesting enough for
+that, only stupefy, and render them more weary of the continuation
+of the frost than they were before I began my narration.  Thus
+circumstanced, therefore, although by myself, I broke silence by
+exclaiming, 'What a task his this sweet girl imposed upon me!  One
+which I shall never be able to execute to my own satisfaction or
+her amusement.  The adventures of my life (though deeply
+interesting to myself) will be insipid and unentertaining to
+others, especially to my young hearers:  I cannot, therefore,
+attempt it.'--'Then write mine, which may be more diverting,' said
+a little squeaking voice, which sounded as if close to me.  I
+started with surprise, not knowing any one to be near me; and
+looking round, could discover no object from whom it could
+possibly proceed, when casting my eyes upon the ground, in a
+little hole under the skirting-board, close by the fire, I
+discovered thehead of a mouse peeping out.  I arose with a design
+to stop the hole with a cork, which happened to lie on the table
+by me; and I was surprised to find that it did not run away, but
+suffered me to advance quite close, and then only retreated a
+little into the hole, saying in the same voice as before, 'Will
+you write my history?'  You may be sure that I was much surprised
+to be so addressed by such an animal; but, ashamed of discovering
+any appearance of astonishment, lest the mouse should suppose it
+had frightened me, I answered with the utmost composure, that I
+would write it willingly if it would dictate to me.  'Oh, that I
+will do,' replied the mouse, 'if you will not hurt me.'--'Not for
+the world,' returned I; 'come, therefore, and sit upon my table,
+that I may hear more distinctly what you have to relate.'  It
+instantly accepted my invitation, and with all the nimbleness of
+its species, ran up the side of my chair, and jumped upon my
+table; when, getting into a box of wafers, it began as follows.
+
+
+
+But, before I proceed to relate my new little companion's history,
+I must beg leave to assure my readers that, in earnest, I never
+heard a mouse speak in all my life; and only wrote the following
+narrative as being far more entertaining, and not less
+instructive, than my own life would have been:  and as it met with
+the high approbation of those for whom it was written, I have sent
+it to Mr. Marshall, for him to publish it, if he pleases, for the
+equal amusement of his little customers.
+
+
+
+PART I.
+
+Like all other newborn animals, whether of the human, or any other
+species, I can not pretend to remember what passed during my
+infant days.  The first circumstance I can recollect was my
+mother's addressing me and my three brothers, who all lay in the
+same nest, in the following words:-'I have, my children, with the
+greatest difficulty, and at the utmost hazard of my life, provided
+for you all to the present moment; but the period is arrived, when
+I can no longer pursue that method:  snares and traps are
+everywhere set for me, nor shall I, without infinite danger, be
+able to procure sustenance to support my own existence, much less
+can I find sufficient for you all; and, indeed, with pleasure I
+behold it as no longer necessary, since you are of age now to
+provide and shift for yourselves; and I doubt not but your agility
+will enable you to procure a very comfortable livelihood.  Only
+let me give you this one caution--never (whatever the temptation
+may be) appear often in the same place; if you do, however you may
+flatter yourselves to the contrary, you will certainly at last be
+destroyed.'  So saying, she stroked us all with her fore paw as a
+token of her affection, and then hurried away, to conceal from us
+the emotions of her sorrow, at thus sending us into the wide
+world.
+
+She was no sooner gone, than the thought of being our own
+directors so charmed our little hearts, that we presently forgot
+our grief at parting from our kind parent; and, impatient to use
+our liberty, we all set forward in search of some food, or rather
+some adventure, as our mother had left us victuals more than
+sufficient to supply the wants of that day.  With a great deal of
+difficulty, we clambered up a high wall on the inside of a
+wainscot, till we reached the story above that we were born in,
+where we found it much easier to run round within the
+skirting-board, than to ascend any higher.
+
+While we were there, our noses were delightfully regaled with the
+scent of the most delicate food that we had ever smelt; we were
+anxious to procure a taste of it likewise, and after running round
+and round the room a great many times, we at last discovered a
+little crack, through which we made our entrance.  My brother
+Longtail led the way; I followed; Softdown came next; but
+Brighteyes would not be prevailed upon to venture.  The apartment
+which we entered was spacious and elegant; at least, differed so
+greatly from anything we had seen, that we imagined it the finest
+place upon earth.  It was covered all over with a carpet of
+various colours, that not only concealed some bird-seeds which we
+came to devour, but also for some time prevented our being
+discovered; as we were of much the same hue with many of the
+flowers on the carpet.  At last a little girl, who was at work in
+the room, by the side of her mamma, shrieked out as if violently
+hurt.  Her mamma begged to know the cause of her sudden alarm. 
+Upon which she called out, 'A mouse! a mouse!  I saw one under the
+chair!'  'And if you did, my dear,' replied her mother, 'is that
+any reason for your behaving so ridiculously?  If there were
+twenty mice, what harm could they possibly do? You may easily hurt
+and destroy then,; but, poor little things! they cannot, if they
+would, hurt you.'  'What, could they not bite me?' inquired the
+child.  'They may, indeed, be able to do that; but you may be very
+sure that they have no such inclination,' rejoined the mother.  'A
+mouse is one of the most timorous things in the world; every noise
+alarms it:  and though it chiefly lives by plunder, it appears as
+if punished by its fears for the mischiefs which it commits among
+our property.  It is therefore highly ridiculous to pretend to be
+alarmed at the sight of a creature that would run from the sound
+of your voice, and wishes never to come near you, lest, as you are
+far more able, you should also be disposed to hurt it.'  'But I am
+sure, madam,' replied the little girl, whose name I afterwards
+heard was Nancy, 'they do not always run away; for one day, as
+Miss Betsy Kite was looking among some things which she had in her
+box, a mouse jumped out and ran up her frock sleeve--she felt it
+quite up on her arm.'  'And what became of it then?' inquired the
+mother.  'It jumped down again,' replied Nancy, 'and got into a
+little hole in the window-seat; and Betsy did not see it again.' 
+'Well, then, my dear,' resumed the lady, 'what harm did it do her?
+Is not that a convincing proof of what I say, that you have no
+cause to be afraid of them, and that it is very silly to be so? 
+It is certainly foolish to be afraid of any thing, unless it
+threatens us with immediate danger; but to pretend to be so at a
+mouse, and such like inoffensive things, is a degree of weakness
+that I can by no means suffer any of my children to indulge.' 
+'May I then, madam,' inquired the child, 'be afraid of cows and
+horses, and such great beasts as those?'  'Certainly not,'
+answered her mother, 'unless they are likely to hurt you.  If a
+cow or an horse runs after you, I would have you fear them so much
+as to get out of the way; but if they are quietly walking or
+grazing in a field, then to fly from them, as if you thought they
+would eat you instead of the grass, is most absurd, and discovers
+great want of sense.  I once knew a young lady, who, I believe,
+thought it looked pretty to be terrified at everything, and scream
+if dog or even a mouse looked at her:  but most severely was she
+punished for her folly, by several very disagreeable accidents she
+by those means brought upon herself.
+
+'One day when she was drinking tea in a large company, on the door
+being opened, a small Italian greyhound walked into the
+drawing-room.  She happened to be seated near the mistress of the
+dog, who was making tea:  the dog, therefore, walked toward her,
+in order to be by his favourite; but, upon his advancing near her,
+she suddenly jumped up, without considering what she was about,
+overturned the water-urn, the hot iron of which rolling out, set
+fire to her clothes, which instantly blazed up, being only muslin,
+and burnt her arms, face, and neck, most dreadfully:  she was so
+much hurt as to be obliged to be put immediately to bed; nor did
+she recover enough to go abroad for many months.  Now, though
+every one was sorry for her sufferings, who could possibly help
+blaming her for her ridiculous behaviour, as it was entirely owing
+to her own folly that she was so hurt? When she was talked to upon
+the subject, she pleaded for her excuse, that she was so
+frightened she did not know what she did, nor whither she was
+going; but as she thought that the dog was coming to her she could
+not help jumping up, to get out of his way.  Now what ridiculous
+arguing was this! Why could not she help it?  And if the dog had
+really been going to her, what harm would it have done?  Could she
+suppose that the lady whose house she was at, would have suffered
+a beast to walk about the house loose, and go into company, if he
+was apt to bite and hurt people?  Or why should she think he would
+more injure her, than those he had before passed by?  But the real
+case was, she did not think at all; if she had given herself time
+for that, she could not have acted so ridiculously.  Another time,
+when she was walking, from the same want of reflection, she very
+nearly drowned herself.  She was passing over a bridge, the
+outside rails of which were in some places broken down:  while she
+was there, some cows, which a man was driving, met her: 
+immediately, without minding whither she went, she shrieked out,
+and at the same time jumped on one side just where the rail
+happened to be broken, and down she fell into the river; nor was
+it without the greatest difficulty that she was taken out time
+enough to save her life.  However, she caught a violent cold and
+fever, and was again, by her own foolish fears, confined to her
+bed for some weeks.  Another accident she once met with, which
+though not quite so bad as the two former, yet might have been
+attended with fatal consequences.  She was sitting in a window,
+when a wasp happened to fly toward her; she hastily drew back her
+head, and broke the pane of glass behind her, some of which stuck
+in her neck.  It bled prodigiously; but a surgeon happily being
+present, made some application to it, which prevented its being
+followed by any other ill effects than only a few days weakness,
+occasioned by the loss of blood.  Many other misfortunes of the
+like kind she frequently experienced; but these which I have now
+related may serve to convince you how extremely absurd it is for
+people to give way to and indulge themselves in such groundless
+apprehensions, and, by being afraid when there is no danger,
+subject themselves to real misfortunes and most fatal accidents. 
+And if being afraid of cows, dogs, and wasps (all of which, if
+they please, can certainly hurt us) is so ridiculous, what must be
+the folly of those people who are terrified at a little silly
+mouse, which never was known to hurt anybody?'
+
+Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of some
+gentlemen and ladies; and we having enjoyed a very fine repast
+under one of the chairs during the time that the mother and
+daughter had held the above discourse, on the chairs being removed
+for some of the visitors to sit upon, we thought it best to
+retire:  highly pleased with our meal, and not less with the kind
+goodwill which the lady had, we thought, expressed towards us.  We
+related to our brother Brighteyes all that had passed, and assured
+him he had no reason to apprehend any danger from venturing
+himself with us.  Accordingly he promised, if such was the case,
+that the next time we went and found it safe, if we would return
+back and call him, he would certainly accompany us.  'In the mean
+time, do pray, Nimble,' said he, addressing himself to me, 'come
+with me to some other place, for I long to taste some more
+delicate food than our mother has provided for us:  besides, as
+perhaps it may be a long while before we shall be strong enough to
+bring anything away with us, we had better leave that, in case we
+should ever be prevented from going abroad to seek for fresh
+supplies.'  'Very true,' replied I; 'what you say is quite just
+and wise, therefore I will with all my heart attend you now, and
+see what we can find.'  So saying, we began to climb; but not
+without difficulty, for very frequently the bits of mortar which
+we stepped upon gave way beneath our feet, and tumbled us down
+together with them lower than when we first set off.  However, as
+we were very light, we were not much hurt by our falls; only
+indeed poor Brighteyes, by endeavouring to save himself, caught by
+his nails on a rafter, and tore one of them from off his right
+fore-foot, which was very sore and inconvenient.  At length we
+surmounted all difficulties, and, invited by a strong scent of
+plum-cake, entered a closet, where we found a fine large one,
+quite whole and entire.  We immediately set about making our way
+into it, which we easily effected, as it was most deliciously
+nice, and not at all hard to our teeth.
+
+Brighteyes, who had not before partaken of the bird-seed, was
+overjoyed at the sight.  He almost forgot the pain of his foot,
+and soon buried himself withinside the cake; whilst I, who had
+pretty well satisfied my hunger before, only ate a few of the
+crumbs, and then went to take a survey of the adjoining apartment. 
+I crept softly under the door of the closet into a room, as large
+as that which I had before been in, though not so elegantly
+furnished; for, instead of being covered with a carpet, there was
+only a small one round the bed; and near the fire was a cradle,
+with a cleanly-looking woman sitting by it, rocking it with her
+foot, whilst at the same time she was combing the head of a little
+boy about four years old.  In the middle of the room stood a
+table, covered with a great deal of litter; and in one corner was
+the little girl whom I had before seen with her mamma, crying and
+sobbing as if her heart would break.  As I made not the least
+noise at my entrance, no one observed me for some time; so
+creeping under one of the beds, I heard the following discourse:--
+
+'It does not signify, miss,' said the woman, who I found was the
+children's nurse, 'I never will put up with such behaviour:  you
+know that I always do everything for you when you speak prettily;
+but to be ordered to dress you in such a manner, is what I never
+will submit to:  and you shall go undressed all day before I will
+dress you, unless you ask me as you ought to do.'  Nancy made no
+reply, but only continued crying.  'Aye! you may cry and sob as
+much as you please,' said the nurse; 'I do not care for that:  I
+shall not dress you for crying and roaring, but for being good and
+speaking with civility.'  Just as she said these words, the door
+opened, and in came the lady whom I before saw, and whose name I
+afterwards found was Artless.  As soon as she entered, the nurse
+addressed her, saying, 'Pray, madam, is it by your desire that
+Miss Nancy behaves so rudely, and bids me dress her directly, and
+change the buckles in her shoes, or else she will slap my face? 
+Indeed she did give me a slap upon my hand; so I told her, that I
+would not dress her at all; for really, madam, I thought you would
+not wish me to do it, whilst she behaved so; and I took the
+liberty of putting her to stand in the corner.'  'I do not think,'
+replied Mrs. Artless, 'that she deserves to stand in the room at
+all, or in the house either, if she behaves in that manner:  if
+she does not speak civilly when she wants to be assisted, let her
+go without help, and see what will become of her then.  I am quite
+ashamed of you, Nancy!  I could not have thought you would behave
+so; but since you have, I promise that you shall not be dressed
+today, or have any assistance given you, unless you speak in a
+very different manner.'
+
+Whilst Mrs. Artless was talking, nurse went out of the room.  Mrs.
+Artless then took her seat by the cradle, and looking into it,
+found the child awake, and I saw her take out a fine little girl,
+about five months old:  she then continued her discourse, saying,
+'Look here, Nancy, look at this little baby, see how unable it is
+to help itself; were we to neglect attending to it, what do yon
+think would become of it?  Suppose I were now to put your sister
+upon the floor, and there leave her, tell me what do you think she
+could do, or what would become of her?'  Nancy sobbed out, that
+she would die.  'And pray, my dear,' continued Mrs. Artless, 'if
+we were to leave you to yourself, what would become of you?  It is
+true, you talk and run about better than Polly:  but not a bit
+better could you provide for, or take care of yourself.  Could you
+buy or dress your own victuals? could you light your own fire?
+could you clean your own house, or open and shut the doors and
+windows? could you make your own clothes, or even put them on
+without some assistance, when made?  And who do you think will do
+anything for you, if you are not good, and do not speak civilly? 
+Not I, I promise you, neither shall nurse, nor any of the
+servants; for though I pay them wages to help to do my business
+for me, I never want them to do anything unless they are desired
+in a pretty manner.  Should you like, if when I want you to pick
+up my scissors, or do any little job, I were to say, "Pick up my
+scissors this moment, or I will slap your face?"  Should not you
+think that it sounded very cross and disagreeable?'  'Yes, madam,'
+replied Nancy.  'Then why,' rejoined Mrs. Artless, 'should you
+speak cross to anybody, particularly to servants and poor people?
+for to behave so to them, is not only cross, but insolent and
+proud:  it is as if you thought that because they are rather
+poorer, they are not so good as yourself, whereas, I assure you,
+poverty makes no difference in the merit of people; for those only
+are deserving of respect who are truly good; and a beggar who is
+virtuous, is far better than a prince who is wicked.'  I was
+prevented from hearing any more of this very just discourse, by
+the little boy's opening the door and letting in a cat; which,
+though it was the first that I had ever seen in my life, I was
+certain was the same destructive animal to our race, which I had
+frequently heard my mother describe.  I therefore made all
+possible haste back to the closet, and warning Brighteyes of our
+danger, we instantly returned by the same way which we came, to
+our two brothers, whom we found waiting for us, and wondering at
+our long absence.  We related to them the dainty cheer which we
+had met with, and agreed to conduct them thither in the evening. 
+Accordingly, as soon as it grew towards dusk, we climbed up the
+wall, and all four together attacked the plum-cake, which no one
+had touched since we left it; but scarcely had we all seated
+ourselves round it, than on a sudden the closet-door opened, and a
+woman entered.  Away we all scampered as fast as possible, but
+poor Brighteyes, who could not move quite so fast on account of
+his sore toe, and who likewise having advanced farther into the
+cake, was discovered before he could reach the crack by which we
+entered.  The woman, who had a knife in her hand, struck at him
+with it, at the same time exclaiming, 'Bless me, nurse, here is a
+mouse in the closet!'  Happily, she missed her aim, and he only
+received a small wound on the tip of his tail.  This interruption
+sadly alarmed us, and it was above an hour before we could have
+courage to venture back, when finding everything quiet, except
+Mrs. Nurse's singing to her child, we again crept out, and once
+more surrounded the cake.  We continued without any further alarm
+till we were perfectly satisfied, and then retired to a little
+distance behind the wainscot, determined there to sleep, and to
+breakfast on the cake the next day.
+
+Early in the morning I waked, and calling my brothers, we all
+marched forward, and soon arrived at the delightful cake, where we
+highly enjoyed ourselves without the least disturbance, till our
+appetites were fully satisfied.  We then retired, took a little
+run round some other parts of the house, but met with nothing
+worth relating.  At noon we again made our way into the closet,
+intending to dine on the dish on which we breakfasted; but, to our
+no small mortification, the delicious dainty was removed.  This
+you may be sure was a sad disappointment; yet as we were not
+extremely hungry, we had time to look about for more.  We were not
+long in finding it; for upon the same shelf from which the cake
+was removed, there was a round tin box, the lid of which was not
+quite close shut down; into this we all crept, and were highly
+regaled with some nice lumps of sugar.  But it would be endless to
+enumerate all the various repasts which we met with in this
+closet, sometimes terrified by the entrance of people, and
+sometimes comfortably enjoying ourselves without alarm:  it is
+sufficient to inform you, that, unmindful of our mother's advice,
+we continued to live upon the contents of the same cupboard for
+above a week; when, one evening, as we were as usual hastening to
+find our suppers, Softdown, who happened to be first, ran eagerly
+to a piece of cheese, which he saw hanging before him.  'Come
+along,' said he, 'here is some nice cheese, it smells most
+delightfully good!'  Just as he spoke these words, before any of
+us came up to him, a little wooden door on a sudden dropped down,
+and hid him and the cheese from our sight.
+
+It is impossible to describe our consternation and surprise upon
+this occasion, which was greatly increased when we advanced near
+the place, at seeing him (through some little wire bars) confined
+in a small box, without any visible way for him to get out, and
+hearing him in the most moving accents beg us to assist him in
+procuring his liberty.  We all ran round and round his place of
+confinement several times; but not the least crack or opening
+could we discover, except through the bars, which being of iron,
+it was impossible for us to break or bend.  At length we
+determined to try to gnaw through the wood-work close at the edge,
+which being already some little distance from one of the bars, we
+hoped, by making the opening a little wider, he would escape: 
+accordingly we all began, he on the inside, and we all on the out,
+and by our diligence had made some very considerable progress,
+when we were interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Nurse with the
+child in her arms.
+
+Upon the sight of her, though much grieved to leave our brother in
+his distress, yet fearing instant death would be the fate of all
+of us if we stayed, to preserve our own existence, we retired as
+quick as possible, but not without her seeing some of us, for we
+heard her say to herself, or to the babe in her arms, 'I declare,
+this closet swarms with mice, they spoil everything one puts
+here.'  Then taking up the box in which was poor Softdown (and
+which I afterwards learned was called a trap) she carried it intO
+the room.  I crept softly after her, to see what would be the fate
+of my beloved brother.  But what words can express my horror, when
+I saw her holding it in one hand close to the candle, whilst in
+the other she held the child, singing to her with the utmost
+composure, and bidding her to look at the mousy! mousy!
+
+What were the actions or sensations of poor Softdown at that
+dreadful moment I know not:  but my own anguish, which it is
+impossible to describe, was still augmented every moment by seeing
+her shake the trap almost topsy-turvy, then blow through the trap
+at one end, at which times I saw the dear creature's tail come out
+between the wires on the contrary side, as he was striving, I
+suppose, to retreat from her.  At length, after she had thus
+tortured him for some time, she set the trap on the table, so
+close to a large fire, that I am sure he must have been much
+incommoded by the heat, and began to undress her child.
+
+Then hearing somebody go by the door, she cried out, 'Who is
+there? is it you, Betty? if it is, I wish you would come and take
+down the mouse-trap, for I have caught a mouse.'  Betty instantly
+obeyed her call, and desired to know what she wanted.  'I want you
+to take down the mouse-trap,' she replied, 'for I cannot leave the
+child.  I am glad that I have got it, I am sure, for the closet
+swarms so, there is no such thing as bearing it.  They devour
+everything:  I declare they have eaten up a whole pound of sugar,
+which cost me elevenpence, sugar is now so monstrously dear!
+indeed the man made a favour to let me have it for that; only, he
+said, as our family were good customers, and I was but a servant,
+he would take no more.  And enough too I thought it was, to have
+only a penny back in change out of a whole shilling for one pound
+of sugar:  and then to think of the poison mice to have it all;
+but I will break their filthy necks.  Do, Betty, pray take the
+trap down, and return with it as soon as you can, and I will set
+it again:  for I dare say I shall catch another before I go to
+bed, for I heard some more rustling among the things.'  'O lauk!'
+replied Betty, 'yon do not think that I will take down the trap,
+do you? I would not touch it for twenty pounds.  I am always
+frightened, and ready to die at the sight of a mouse.  Once, when
+I was a girl, I had one thrown in my face, and ever since I have
+always been scared out of my wits at them; and if ever I see one
+running loose, as I did one night in the closet below stairs,
+where the candles are kept, I scream as if I was being killed.' 
+'Why then,' answered Nurse, 'I think you behave like a great fool,
+for what harm could a mouse do to you?'  'O la! I hate them,'
+returned she, and then ran away without the trap.  Greatly was I
+rejoiced at her departure, as I hoped that, by some means,
+Softdown might still be able to make his escape.  But, alas! no
+such good fortune attended him.  Some person again passing the
+door, Nurse once more called out, 'Who is there? John is it you?' 
+'Yes,' replied a man's voice.  'Then do you step in, will you, for
+a moment?' rejoined Mrs. Nurse:  and instantly entered a man whom
+I had never before seen.  'What do you want, Nurse?' said he.  'I
+only want to get rid of a mouse,' returned she; 'and, do you know,
+Betty is such a fool that she is afraid of taking it, and I want
+the trap to set it again, for they swarm here like bees in a hive,
+one can have no peace for them:  they devour and spoil every
+thing; I say sometimes that I believe they will eat me up at
+last.'  While she was saying this, John took the trap in his hand,
+held it up once more to the candle, then taking a piece of thread
+out of a paper, that lay bound round with a dirty blue ribbon upon
+the table, he shook the trap about till he got my brother's tail
+through the wires, when catching hold of it, he tied the thread
+tight round it and dragged him by it to the door of the trap,
+which he opened, and took him out, suspending the weight of his
+body upon his tail.
+
+Softdown, who till the thread was tied had patiently continued
+perfectly quiet, could no longer support the pain without dismal
+cries and anguish:  he squeaked as loud as his little throat would
+let him, exerting at the same time the utmost of his strength to
+disengage himself.  But in such a position, with his head
+downward, in vain were all his efforts to procure relief; and the
+barbarous monster who held him discovered not the smallest
+emotions of pity for his sufferings.  Oh! how at that moment did I
+abhor my own existence, and wish that I could be endowed with size
+and strength sufficient, at once both to rescue him, and severely
+punish his tormentors.  But my wish was ineffectual, and I had the
+inexpressible affliction of seeing the inhuman wretch hold him
+down upon the hearth, whilst, without remorse, he crushed him
+beneath his foot, and then carelessly kicked him into the ashes,
+saying, 'There!  The cat will smell it out when she comes up.'  My
+very blood runs cold within me at the recollection of seeing
+Softdown's as it spurted from beneath the monster's foot; whilst
+the crunch of his bones almost petrified me with horror.  At
+length, however, recollecting the impossibility of restoring my
+beloved brother to life, and the danger of my own situation, I,
+with trembling feet and palpitating heart, crept softly back to my
+remaining two brothers, who were impatiently expecting me behind
+the closet.  There I related to them the horrid scene which had
+passed before my eyes, whilst the anguish it caused in their
+gentle bosoms far exceeds my power to describe.
+
+After having mingled our lamentations for some time, I thus
+addressed them:  'We have this night, my brothers, tasted the
+severest affliction in the cruel death of our dear brother,
+companion, and friend; let us not, however, only mourn his loss,
+but also gather wisdom from our misfortune, and return to that
+duty which we have hitherto neglected.  Recollect, my dear
+friends, what were the last words which our good mother spoke to
+us at parting.  She charged us, upon no account, for no temptation
+whatever, to return frequently to the same place:  if we did, she
+forewarned us that death and ruin would certainly await us.  But
+in what manner have we obeyed this her kind advice?  We have not
+even so much as once recollected it since she left us; or, if we
+thought of it for a moment, we foolishly despised it as
+unnecessary.  Now, therefore, we sincerely feel the consequence of
+our disobedience; and, though our sufferings are most distressing,
+yet we must confess that we amply deserve them.  Let us therefore,
+my brothers, instantly fly from a place which has already cost us
+the life of our beloved Softdown, lest we should all likewise fall
+a sacrifice to our disobedience.'--And here the writer cannot help
+observing how just were the reflections of the mouse on the crime
+which they had been guilty of; and begs every reader will be
+careful to remember the fatal consequences that attended their
+disobedience of their mother's advice, since they may be assured
+that equal if not the same misfortune will always attend those who
+refuse to pay attention to the advice of their parents.  But, to
+return to the history.
+
+To this proposal (continued the mouse) my brothers readily agreed;
+and we directly descended to the place we were in when we
+discovered the crack that led us to the room in which we feasted
+on bird-seed.  Here we determined to wait, and when the family
+were all quiet in bed, to go forth in search of provision, as we
+began to be rather hungry, not having eaten anything a long while. 
+Accordingly we stayed till after the clock struck twelve, when
+peeping out, we saw that the room was empty:  we then ventured
+forth, and found several seeds, though not enough to afford a very
+ample meal for three of us.
+
+After we had cleared the room, we again returned to our
+hiding-place, where we continued till after the family had
+finished their breakfast.  They all then went to take a walk in
+the garden, and we stepped out to pick up the crumbs which had
+fallen from the table.  Whilst we were thus employed, at a
+distance from our place of retreat, we were alarmed by the
+entrance of two boys, who appeared to be about twelve or thirteen
+years of age.  We directly ran towards the crack; but alas! we
+were not quick enough to escape their observation; for, seeing us,
+they both at once exclaimed, 'Some mice! some mice!' and at the
+same time took off their hats, and threw at us.  Longtail happily
+eluded the blow, and safely got home, but poor Brighteyes and
+myself were less fortunate; and though we for a considerable time,
+by our quickness, prevented their catching us, at length, being
+much disabled by a blow that one of them gave me with a book which
+he threw at me, I was unable any longer to run, and hobbling very
+slowly across the room, he picked me up.  At the same moment
+Brighteyes was so entangled in a handkerchief which the other boy
+tossed over him, that he likewise was taken prisoner.  Our little
+hearts now beat quick with fear of those tortures we expected to
+receive; nor were our apprehensions lessened by hearing the boys
+consult what they should do with us, 'I,' said one, 'will throw
+mine into the pond, and see how he will swim out again.'  'And I,'
+said the other, 'will keep mine and tame it.'  'But where will you
+keep it?' inquired his companion.  'Oh,' replied he, 'I will keep
+it under a little pan till I can get a house made for it.'  He
+then, holding me by the skin at the back of my neck, ran with me
+into the kitchen to fetch a pan.  Here I was not only threatened
+with death by three or four of the servants, who all blamed Master
+Peter for keeping me; but likewise two or three cats came round
+him, rubbing themselves backward and forward against his legs, and
+then standing upon their hind feet to endeavour to make themselves
+high enough to reach me.  At last, taking a pan in his hand, he
+returned to his brother with one of the cats following him. 
+Immediately upon our entrance, the boy exclaimed, 'Oh, now I know
+what I will do:  I will tie a piece of string to its tail, and
+teach the cat to jump for it.'  No sooner did this thought present
+itself than it was put into practice, and I again was obliged to
+sustain the shocking sight of a brother put to the torture.  I, in
+the mean time, was placed upon the table, with a pan put over me,
+in which there was a crack, so that I could see as well as hear
+all that passed:  and from this place it was that I beheld my
+beloved Brighteyes suspended at one end of a string by his tail;
+one while swinging backward and forward, at another pulled up and
+down, then suffered to feel his feet on the ground, and again
+suddenly snatched up as the cat advanced, then twisted round and
+round as fast as possible at the full length of the string:  in
+short, it is impossible to describe all his sufferings of body, or
+my anguish of mind.  At length a most dreadful conclusion was put
+to them, by the entrance of a gentleman booted and spurred, with a
+whip in his hand.  'What in the world, Charles!' said he, as he
+came in, 'are you about?  What have you got there?'  'Only a
+mouse, sir,' replied the boy.  'He is teaching the cat to jump,
+sir,' said Peter, 'that is all.'
+
+Brighteyes then gave a fresh squeak from the violence of his pain. 
+The gentleman then turning hastily round, exclaimed eagerly,
+'What, is it alive?'  'Yes, sir,' said the boy.  'And how can you,
+you wicked, naughty, cruel boy,' replied the gentleman, 'take
+delight in thus torturing a little creature that never did you any
+injury?  Put it down this moment,' said he, at the same time
+giving him a severe stroke with his horse-whip across that hand by
+which he held my brother.  'Let it go directly,' and again
+repeated the blow:  the boy let go the string, and Brighteyes fell
+to the ground; and was instantly snapped up by the cat, who
+growling, ran away with him in her mouth, and, I suppose, put a
+conclusion to his miseries and life together, as I never from that
+moment have heard any account of him.
+
+As soon as he was thus taken out of the room, the gentleman sat
+down, and, taking hold of his son's hand, thus addressed him: 
+'Charles, I had a much better opinion of you, than to suppose you
+were capable of so much cruelty.  What right, I desire to know,
+have you to torment any living creature?  If it is only be cause
+you are larger, and so have it in your power, I beg you will
+consider, how you would like, that either myself, or some great
+giant, as much larger than you as you are bigger than the mouse,
+should hurt and torment you?  And I promise you, the smallest
+creature can feel as acutely as you, nay, the smaller they are,
+the more susceptible are they of pain, and the sooner they are
+hurt:  a less touch will kill a fly than a man, consequently a
+less wound will cause it pain; and the mouse which you have now
+been swinging by the tail over the cat's mouth, has not, you may
+assure yourself, suffered less torment or fright than you would
+have done, had you been suspended by your leg, either over water,
+which would drown you, or over stones, where if you fell you must
+certainly be dashed to pieces.  And yet you could take delight in
+thus torturing and distressing a poor inoffensive animal.  Fie
+upon it, Charles! fie upon it!  I thought you had been a better
+boy, and not such a cruel, naughty, wicked fellow.'  'Wicked!'
+repeated the boy, 'I do not think that I have been at all wicked.' 
+'But I think you have been extremely so,' replied his father;
+'every action that is cruel, and gives pain to any living
+creature, is wicked, and is a sure sign of a bad heart.  I never
+knew a man, who was cruel to animals, kind and compassionate
+towards his fellow-creatures:  he might not perhaps treat them in
+the same shocking manner, because the laws of the land would
+severely punish him if he did; but if he is restrained from bad
+actions by no higher motive than fear of present punishment, his
+goodness cannot be very great.  A good man, Charles, always takes
+delight in conferring happiness on all around him; nor would he
+offer the smallest injury to the meanest insect that was capable
+of feeling.  'I am sure,' said the boy, 'I have often seen you
+kill wasps, and spiders too; and it was but last week that you
+bought a mouse-trap yourself to catch mice in, although you are so
+angry now with me.'  'And pray,' resumed his father, 'did you ever
+see me torment as well as kill them?  Or did I ever keep them in
+pain one moment longer than necessary? I am not condemning people
+for killing vermin and animals, provided they do it expeditiously,
+and put them to death with as little pain as possible; but it is
+putting them to needless torment and misery that I say is wicked. 
+Had you destroyed the mouse with one blow, or rather given it to
+somebody else to destroy it (for I should not think a
+tender-hearted boy would delight in such operations himself), I
+would not have condemned you; but, to keep it hanging the whole
+weight of its body upon its tail, to swing it about, and, by that,
+to hold it terrifying over the cat's jaws, and to take pleasure in
+hearing it squeak, and seeing it struggle for liberty, is such
+unmanly, such detestable cruelty, as calls for my utmost
+indignation and abhorrence.  But, since you think pain so very
+trifling an evil, try.  Charles, how you like that,' said he,
+giving him at the same time some severe strokes with his
+horsewhip.  The boy then cried, and called out, 'I do not like it
+at all, I do not like it at all.'  'Neither did the mouse,'
+replied his father, 'like at all to be tied to a string, and swung
+about by his tail:  he did not like it, and told you so in a
+language which you perfectly well understood; but you would not
+attend to his cries; you thought it pleasure to hear it squeak,
+because you were bigger, and did not feel its torture.  I am now
+bigger than you.  and do not feel your pain.  I therefore shall
+not yet leave off; as I hope it will teach you not to torment
+anything another time.' Just as he said these words, the boy,
+endeavouring to avoid the whip, ran against the table on which I
+was placed, and happily threw down the pan that confined me.  I
+instantly seized the opportunity, jumped down, and once more
+escaped to the little hole by which I first entered.  There I
+found my only brother waiting for me, and was again under the
+dreadful necessity of paining his tender heart with the recital of
+the sufferings which I had been witness to in our dear Brighteyes,
+as well as the imminent danger I myself had been exposed to. 
+'And, surely,' said I, 'we have again drawn this evil upon
+ourselves by our disobedience to our mother's advice; she,
+doubtless, intended that we should not continue in the same house
+long together; whereas from the day of her leaving us, we have
+never been in any other but this, which has occasioned us such
+heavy affliction.  Therefore, upon no account, let us continue
+another night under this roof; but, as soon as the evening begins
+to grow dark enough to conceal us from the observation of any one,
+we will set off, and seek a lodging in some other place; and
+should any misfortune befall us on our passage, we shall at least
+have the consolation of thinking.  that we were doing our duty by
+following the advice of our parent.'  'It is true,' said my
+brother, 'we have been greatly to blame; for the future we will be
+more careful of our conduct; but do, my dear Nimble,' continued
+he, 'endeavour to compose yourself, and take a little rest, after
+the pain and fatigue which you have gone through, otherwise you
+may be sick; and what will become of me, if any mischief should
+befall you?  I shall then have no brother to converse with, no
+friend to advise me what to do.'  Here he stopped, overpowered
+with his grief for the loss of our two murdered brothers, and with
+his tender solicitude for my welfare.  I endeavoured all in my
+power to comfort him, and said I hoped that I should soon recover
+from the bruises I had received both from the boy's hat and book,
+as well as the pinches in my neck with his finger and thumb, by
+which he held me, and promised to compose myself.  This promise I
+fulfilled by endeavouring to sleep; but the scene that I had so
+lately been witness to was too fresh in my imagination to suffer
+me to close my eyes:  however, I kept for some time quiet.
+
+The rest of the day we spent in almost total silence, having no
+spirits for conversation, our hearts being almost broken with
+anguish.  When it grew toward evening, we agreed to find our way
+out of that detested house, and seek for some other habitation,
+which might be more propitious.  But we found more difficulty in
+this undertaking than we were at all aware of; for though we could
+with tolerable ease go from room to room within the house, still,
+when we attempted to quit it, we found it every way surrounded
+with so thick a brick wall, that it was impossible for us to make
+our way through it:  we therefore ran round and round it several
+times, searching for some little crevice through which we might
+escape; but all to no purpose, not the least crack could we
+discover:  and we might have continued there till this time, had
+we not at length, after the family were in bed, resolved to
+venture through one of the apartments into the hall, and so creep
+out under the house door.  But the dangers we exposed ourselves to
+in this expedition were many and great; we knew that traps were
+set for us about the house, and where they might chance to be
+placed we could not tell.  I had likewise been eye-witness to no
+less than four cats, who might, for ought we knew to the contrary,
+at that hour of darkness, be prowling in search of some of our
+unhappy species.
+
+But, in spite of every difficulty and hazard, we determined to
+venture rather than continue in opposition to our mother's
+commands; and, to reward our obedience, we escaped with trembling
+hearts, unobserved, at least unmolested, by any one.  And now, for
+the first time since our birth, we found ourselves exposed to the
+inclemency of the weather.  The night was very dark and
+tempestuous; the rain poured down in torrents; and the wind blew
+so exceedingly high, that, low upon the ground as we were, it was
+with difficulty that we could keep our legs:  added to which, even
+step we took, we were in water up to our stomachs.  In this
+wretched condition we knew not which way to turn ourselves, or
+where to seek for shelter.  The spattering of the rain, the
+howling of the wind, together with the rattling and shaking of the
+trees, all contributed to make such a noise as rendered it
+impossible for us to hear whether any danger was approaching us or
+not.
+
+In this truly melancholy situation we waded on for a considerable
+time, till at length we reached a small house, and very easily
+gained admittance through a pretty large hole on one side of the
+door.  Most heartily did we rejoice at finding ourselves once more
+under shelter from the cold and rain, and for some time only
+busied ourselves in drying our hair, which was as thoroughly wet
+as if we had been served as the boy threatened my brother
+Brighteyes, and we had really been drawn through a pond.  After we
+had done this, and had a little rested ourselves, we began to look
+about in search of food, but we could find nothing.  except a few
+crumbs of bread and cheese in a man's coat pocket, and a piece of
+tallow-candle stuck on the top of a tinder-box.  This, however,
+though not such delicate eating as we had been used to, yet served
+to satisfy our present hunger; and we had just finished the candle
+when we were greatly alarmed by the sight of a human hand (for we
+mice can see a little in the dark) feeling about the very chair on
+which we stood.  We jumped down in an instant, and hid ourselves
+in a little hole behind a black trunk that stood in one corner of
+the room.
+
+We then heard very distinctly a man say, 'Betty, did you not put
+the candle by the bedside?'  'Yes, that I am very sure I did,'
+replied a female voice.  'I thought so,' answered the man; 'but I
+am sure it is not here now.  Tom! Tom! Tom!' continued he.  'What,
+father?' replied a boy, starting up, 'what is the matter?'  'Why,
+do you know anything of the candle?  I cannot find it, my dear,
+and I want it sadly, for I fancy it is time we should be up and be
+jogging.  Dost know any thing of it, my lad?'  'Not I, truly,
+father,' said the boy, 'I only know that I saw mother stick it in
+the box-lid last night, and put it upon the chair, which she set
+by the bedside, after you had put your clothes upon the back of
+it; I know I saw her put it there, so it must be there now, I
+fancy.'  'Well, I cannot find it,' replied the father; so we must
+e'en get up in the dark, for I am sure it must be time.' The
+father and son then both dressed themselves, and the man, taking a
+shilling out of his pocket, laid it upon the chair, saying at the
+same time, 'There, Betty.  I have left a shilling for you; take
+care it does not go after the candle, for where that is I cannot
+tell any more than the carp at the bottom of the squire's
+fish-pond.' He then unlocked the door, and went away, accompanied
+by his son.
+
+After their departure, we again came out, and took another walk
+round the room, and found our way into a little cupboard, which we
+had not before observed.  Here we discovered half a loaf of bread,
+a piece of cold pudding, a lump of salt butter, some soft sugar in
+a basin, and a fine large slice of bacon.  On these dainties we
+feasted very amply, and agreed that we should again hide ourselves
+behind the black trunk all day, and at night, when the family were
+in bed, return to take another meal on the plenty of nice
+provision which we so happily discovered.  Accordingly, we crept
+back just as the woman went to fill her teakettle at a pump, which
+stood between her house and the next neighbour's.  When she
+returned, she put it upon the fire she had just lit, and, taking a
+pair of bellows in her hand, sat down to blow it.
+
+While she was so employed, a young gentleman, about ten years of
+age, very genteelly dressed, entered the room, and in a familiar
+manner asked her how she did.  'I am very well, thank you, my
+dear,' replied she:  'and pray, Master George, how does your mamma
+and papa do; and all your brothers and sisters?'  'They are all
+very well, thank you,' returned the boy:  'And I am come to bring
+you a slice of cake, which my grandpapa gave me yesterday.' Then
+throwing his arms round her neck, he went on saying, 'Oh! my dear,
+dear Betty Flood, how I do love you!  I would do anything in the
+world to serve you.  I shall save all my Christmas-boxes to give
+to you; and when I am a man, I will give you a great deal of
+money.  I wish you were a lady, and not so poor.'  'I am much
+obliged to you, my dear,' said she, 'for your kind good-wishes;
+but, indeed, love, I am very well contented with my station:  I
+have a good husband, and three good children, and that is more
+than many a lady can say; and riches, Master George, unless people
+are good, and those one lives with are kind and obliging, will
+never make anybody happy.  What comfort, now, do you think a body
+could ever have at Squire Stately's?  I declare, if it was put to
+my choice, I would rather a thousand times be as I am.  To be
+sure, they are very rich; but what of that? they cannot eat gold;
+neither can gold ease their hearts when they are bursting almost
+with pride and ill-nature.  They say, indeed, that Madam Stately
+would be kind enough, if they would let her rest; but what with
+the Squire's drinking and swearing, and the young gentleman's
+extravagance, and her daughter's pride and quarrelling, she is
+almost tired out of her life.  And so, Master George, I say I had
+rather be poor Betty Flood, with honest Abraham for my husband,
+than the finest lady in the land, if I must live at such a rate. 
+To be sure, nobody can deny but that money is very desirable, and
+people that are rich can do many agreeable things which we poor
+ones cannot; but yet, for all that, money does not make people
+happy.  Happiness, Master George, depends greatly upon people's
+own tempers and dispositions:  a person who is fretful and cross
+will never be happy, though he should be made king of all England;
+and a person who is contented and good-humoured will never be
+wretched, though he should be as poor as a beggar.  So never fret
+yourself, love, because Betty Flood is poor; for though I am poor,
+I am honest; and whilst my husband and I are happy enough to be
+blessed with health, and the use of our limbs, we can work for our
+living; and though we have no great plenty, still we have
+sufficient to support us.  So pray, dear, eat your cake yourself,
+for I would not take it from you for ever so much.'  They then
+disputed for some time who should have it:  at last, George
+scuffled away from her, and put it into the closet, and then,
+nodding his head at her, ran away, saying, he must go to school
+that moment.
+
+Betty Flood then ate her breakfast; and we heard her say something
+about the nasty mice, but what we could not make out, as she
+muttered softly to herself.  She then came to the trunk behind
+which we lay, and taking out of it a roll of new linen, sat down
+to needlework.  At twelve o'clock her husband and son returned; so
+moving her table out of the way, she made room for them at the
+fire, and, fetching the frying pan, dressed some rashers of the
+nice bacon we had before tasted in the cupboard.  The boy, in the
+mean time, spread a cloth on the table, and placed the bread and
+cold pudding on it likewise:  then, returning to the closet for
+their plates, he cried out, 'Lauk! father, here is a nice hunch of
+plum-cake; can you tell how it came?'  'Not I, indeed, Tom,'
+replied his father; 'I can tell no more than the carp at the
+bottom of the squire's fish-pond.'  'Oh, I will tell you.' said
+Mrs. Flood; 'I know how it came.  Do you know, that dear child,
+Master George Kendall, brought it for me; he called as he went to
+school this morning.  I told him I would not have it; but the dear
+little soul popped it into the cupboard, and ran away without it. 
+Bless his little heart!  I do think he is the sweetest child that
+ever was born.  You may laugh at me for saying so; but I am sure I
+should have thought the same if I had not nursed him myself.' 
+'Indeed,' replied her husband, 'I do not laugh at you for saying
+so, for I think so too, and so must everyone who knows him; for
+when young gentlemen behave as he does, everybody must love and
+admire them.  There is nothing I would not do to help and serve
+that child, or any of his family; they always are so kind, and
+speak as civilly to us poor folk as if we were the first lords or
+ladies in the land.  I am sure, if it were needful, I would go
+through fire and water for their sakes; and so would every man in
+the parish, I dare say.  But I wonder who would do as much to help
+Squire Stately or any of his family, if it was not that I should
+think it my duty (and an honest man ought always to do that,
+whether he likes it or not); but I say, if it was not that it
+would be my duty to help my fellow-creature, I would scarcely be
+at the trouble of stepping over the threshold to serve them, they
+are such a set of cross, good-for-nothing gentry.  I declare, it
+was but as we came home to dinner now, that we saw Master Sam
+throwing sticks and stones at Dame Frugal's ducks, for the sake of
+seeing them waddle; and then, when they got to the pond, he sent
+his dog in after them to bark and frighten them out of their wits. 
+And as I came by, nothing would serve him but throwing a great dab
+of mud all over the sleeve of my coat.  So I said, "Why, Master
+Sam, you need not have done that; I did nothing to offend you; and
+however amusing you may think it to insult poor people, I assure
+you it is very wicked, and what no good person in the world would
+be guilty of."  He then set up a great rude laugh, and I walked on
+and said no more.  But if all gentlefolk were to behave like that
+family, I had rather be poor as I am, than have all their riches,
+if that would make me act like them.'  'Very true, Abraham,'
+replied his wife, 'that is what I say, and what I told Master
+George this morning; for to be poor, if people do not become so
+through their own extravagance, is no disgrace to any body:  but
+to be haughty, cruel, cross, and mischievous, is a disgrace to all
+who are so, let their rank be as exalted as it may.'
+
+Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a man,
+who begged Mr. Flood to assist him in unloading his cart of flour,
+as his man was gone out, and he could not do it by himself. 
+'Well, I will come and help you, with all my heart,' said Flood;
+'and so shall Tom too:  will you, my lad?  I cannot live without
+help myself; and if I do not assist others, I am sure I shall not
+deserve any when I want it.'  So saying, he left his house; and
+his wife, after cleaning and putting in their proper places those
+things which had been used at dinner, again sat down to her
+sewing.
+
+Soon after the clock had struck six, the man and his son returned;
+and, sitting round the fire, they passed the evening in social
+conversation, till they went to bed, which was a little after
+eight; and they convinced me, by their talk and behaviour, that
+happiness in this world depends far more upon the temper and
+disposition of the heart, than upon any external possessions; and
+that virtue, and a desire to be useful to others, afford far
+greater satisfaction and peace of mind than any riches and
+grandeur can possibly supply without such necessary
+qualifications.  After they were all fallen asleep, we crept out;
+and, leaving the candle unmolested, which was again placed on the
+tinder-box by the bed-side, we hastened into the closet, where we
+regaled heartily, and devoured that part of the plum-cake which
+Tom had very generously left for his sister Polly, who we found
+was expected home the next day.
+
+We then retired to our safe retreat, and thought we might venture
+to stay for one more night's provisions without running any danger
+from our too frequent return to the same place.  But in the
+morning we found our scheme frustrated; for, on the woman's going
+to the closet to get her breakfast, she observed the robbery which
+we had committed, and exclaimed, 'Some teasing mice have found
+their way into the closet:  I will borrow neighbour Savewell's
+trap to-night, and catch some of the little toads; that I will!'
+After hearing this, it would have been madness to make any further
+attempts:  we therefore agreed to watch for an opportunity, and
+escape on the very first that offered.  Accordingly, about noon,
+when Mrs. Flood was busily employed in making some pancakes, we
+slipped by her unobserved, and crept out at the same hole by which
+we first entered.  But no sooner were we in the open road, than we
+repented our haste, and wished that we had continued where we were
+till the darkness of the night might better have concealed us from
+the observation of anyone.  We crept as close to the wall of the
+house (as far as it reached, which was but a few paces) as we
+possibly could, and then stepped into a little ditch, which we
+were soon obliged to leave again, as the water ran in some parts
+of it almost up to the edge.
+
+At length we reached a little cottage, which we were just
+entering, when a cat that was sleeping unnoticed by us upon a
+chair, jumped down, and would certainly have destroyed me (who
+happened to go first) had she not at the same moment tried to
+catch my brother, and by that means missed her aim, and so given
+us both an opportunity to escape, which we did by scrambling
+behind a brick that a child had been playing with by the side of
+the door.  Fortunately, the brick lay too close to the house for
+the cat to get her paw behind it, so as to be able to reach us;
+though to avoid it we were obliged to use the greatest precaution,
+as she could thrust it in a little way, so that if we had gone one
+inch too near either end, she would certainly have dragged us out
+by her talons.  In this dreadful situation did we spend some
+hours, incessantly moving from one end of the brick to the other;
+for the moment she had, by the entrance of her paw at one end,
+driven us to the other, she stepped over, and again made us
+retreat.  Think with what dreadful terror our little hearts must
+have been oppressed, to see our mortal enemy so closely watching
+us, expecting every moment when she shook the brick with her two
+forepaws in searching, and with her mouth endeavoured to lift it
+up, that she would be so far able to effect her purpose, as to
+make it impossible for us to escape her jaws.  But, happily for
+us, it had somehow or other got so wedged that she could not move
+it to any distance; though it kept momentarily increasing our
+terrors, by shaking as she strove to turn it.
+
+From this state of horror, however, we were at length delivered by
+a little boy of about two years old, who came out of the house,
+and taking the cat up round its body with both hands, tottered
+away with it, and shut the door.
+
+Finding ourselves thus unexpectedly once more at liberty, we
+determined to make use of it, by seeking some safer retreat, at
+least, till night should better hide us from public view. 
+Terrified almost out of our senses, we crept from behind the
+brick, and, after running a few yards, slipped under the folding
+doors of a barn, and soon concealed ourselves amidst a vast
+quantity of threshed corn.  This appeared to us the most desirable
+retreat that we had yet found; not only as it afforded such
+immense plenty of food, but also as we could so easily hide
+ourselves from the observation of any one:  beside, as it did not
+appear to be a dwelling-house, we could in security reside, free
+from any danger of traps, or the cruelty of man.  We therefore
+congratulated each other, not more on account of the wonderful
+escape which we had, than upon our good fortune in coming to a
+Spot so blessed with peace and plenty.
+
+After we were a little recovered from the fatigue of mind, as well
+as of body, which we had lately gone through, we regaled very
+heartily upon the corn that surrounded us, and then fell into a
+charming sleep, from which we were awakened the next morning by
+the sound of human voices.  We very distinctly heard that of a
+boy, saying, 'Let us mix all the threshed corn with the rest that
+is not threshed, and that will make a fine fuss, and set John and
+Simon a swearing like troopers when they come and find all their
+labour lost, and that they must do all their work over again.' 
+'And do you think there is anything so agreeable in giving people
+trouble, and hearing them swear,' replied another voice, 'that you
+can wish to do it?  For my part.  I think it is so wicked a thing,
+that I hate to hear anybody guilty of it, much less would I be the
+cause of making them commit so great a sin; and as for giving them
+all their trouble over again, so far would it be from affording me
+any pleasure, that on the contrary it would give me great pain;
+for however you may think of it, Will, I assure you, it always
+gives me much uneasiness to see people labouring and working hard. 
+I always think how much I should dislike to be obliged to do so
+myself, and therefore very sincerely pity those who must.  On no
+account therefore will I do anything to add to their labour, or
+that shall give them unnecessary work.'
+
+'Pooh!' answered Will, 'you are wonderfully wise; I, for my part,
+hate such super-abundant wisdom; I like to see folk fret, and
+stew, and scold, as our maids did last week when I cut the line,
+and let all the sheets, and gowns, and petticoats, and frocks, and
+shirts, and aprons, and caps, and what not, fall plump into the
+dirt.  O! how I did laugh! and how they did mutter and scold!  And
+do you know, that just as the wash ladies were wiping their
+coddled hands, and comforted themselves with the thought of their
+work being all over, and were going to sip their tea by the
+fireside, I put them all to the scout; and they were obliged to
+wash every rag over again.  I shall never forget how cross they
+looked, nay, I verily believe Susan cried about it; and how I did
+laugh!'
+
+'And pray,' rejoined the other boy, 'should you have laughed
+equally hearty if, after you had been at school all day, and had
+with much difficulty just got through all your writing, and
+different exercises, and were going to play, should you laugh, I
+say, if somebody was to run away with them all, and your master
+oblige you to do them all over again? Tell me, Will, should you
+laugh, or cry and look cross?  And even that would not be half so
+bad for you, as it was for the maids to be obliged to wash their
+clothes over again; washing is very hard labour, and tires people
+sadly, and so does threshing too.  It is very unkind, therefore,
+to give them such unnecessary trouble; and everything that is
+unkind, is wicked; and I would not do it upon any account, I
+assure you.'  'Then I assure you,' replied Will, 'you may let it
+alone; I can do it without your assistance.'  He then began mixing
+the grain and the chaff together, the other boy strongly
+remonstrating against it, to which he paid no attention; and
+whilst he was so employed, two men, Simon and John, entered the
+barn.
+
+'Why, how now, Master Billy,' said Simon; 'what are you about?
+What business have you to be here?  You are always doing some
+mischief or other!  I wish, with all my heart, that you were kept
+chained like a dog, and never suffered to be at liberty, for you
+do more harm in an hour, than a body can set right again in a
+month!'  Will then took up hats full of the corn and chaff, and
+threw it in the two men's faces; afterwards taking up a flail, he
+gave Simon a blow across his back, saying, at the same time, 'I
+will show you the way to thresh, and separate the flesh from the
+bones.'  'O! will you so, young squire?' said John; 'I will show
+you the way to make naughty boys good.'  He then left the barn,
+but presently returned accompanied by a gentleman, upon the sight
+of whom Will let fall the flail, which he was till then
+brandishing over Simon's head, and was going away, when the
+gentleman taking hold of his hand, said, 'You do not stir from
+this place, Master William, nor have one mouthful of breakfast,
+till you have asked the men pardon for your behaviour, and
+likewise sifted every grain of corn from the chaff which you have
+mixed with it.  When you have done that, you may have some food,
+but not before; and afterward you may spend the rest of the day in
+threshing, then you will be a better judge, my boy, of the fatigue
+and labour of it, and find how you should like, after working hard
+all day, to have it rendered useless by a mischievous boy. 
+Remember, William, what I have now said to you, for I do insist
+upon being minded; and I promise you, that if you offer to play,
+or do anything else today, you shall be punished very severely.' 
+The gentleman then went away.  Will muttered something, I could
+not exactly hear what, began to sift the corn, and so much had he
+mixed together, that he did not go in for his breakfast till after
+I had heard the church clock strike one, though it was before
+eight when he came into the barn.  In about an hour he returned,
+and the other boy with him, who addressed him, saying, 'Ah! Will,
+you had better have taken my advice, and not have done so:  I
+thought what you would get by your nice fun as you called it.  I
+never knew any good come of mischief; it generally brings those
+who do it into disgrace; or if they should happen to escape
+unpunished, still it is always attended with some inconvenience: 
+it is an ill-natured disposition which can take pleasure in giving
+trouble to any one.'  'Do hold your tongue, James,' replied Will;
+'I declare I have not patience to hear you preach, you are so
+prodigiously wise, and prudent, and sober; you had better go
+indoors and sew with your mamma, for you talk just as if you were
+a girl, and not in the least like a boy of spirit.'  'Like a
+girl!' resumed James.  'Are girls then the only folk who have any
+sense, or good nature?  Or what proof does it shew of spirit to be
+fond of mischief, and giving people trouble?  It is like a monkey
+of spirit indeed; but I cannot say, that I see either spirit or
+sense in making the clean clothes fall into the dirt, or mixing
+the corn and chaff, for the sake of making the poor servants do
+them all over again:  if these things are a sign of any spirit.  I
+am sure it is of an evil one, and not at all such as I wish to
+possess, though I no more want to sit still, or work with a
+needle, than you do; but I hope there are other ways of showing my
+spirit, as you call it, than by doing mischief, and being
+ill-natured.  I do not think my papa ever seems to be effeminate,
+or want sufficient spirit; but he would scorn to give unnecessary
+trouble to anybody:  and so will Tom Vaulter, though no boy in the
+world loves play better than he does; he plays at cricket the best
+of any boy in the school, and I am sure none can beat him at
+tennis; and as for skipping, I never saw a boy skip so well in all
+my life; and I am sure he would beat you, with all your spirit,
+out and out twenty times, either at running, or sliding, or
+swimming, or climbing a tree.  And yet he never gives trouble to
+anybody for the sake of fun; he is one of the best-tempered boys
+in the world; and whether it is like a girl or not, he always does
+what he knows to be right and kind; and if that is being like
+girls, why, with all my heart; I like girls well enough, and if
+they behave well I do not see why you should speak so
+contemptuously of them.  My papa always says that he loves girls
+just as well as boys, and none but foolish and naughty boys
+despise and tease them.'  Just as he said these words, Simon and
+John entered the barn, and seeing Will stand idle, 'Come, come,
+young gentleman,' said John, 'take up your flail and go to work,
+sir, to work! to work! night will be here presently, and you have
+done nothing yet.'  Presently after the gentleman returned, and
+enforced John's advice for him to mind his work.
+
+After Master Will had continued his employment some little time,
+he began to cry, saying, his arms ached ready to drop off, and his
+hand was so sore he could not bear it.  'Then doubtless,' replied
+his father, 'you would prodigiously like, after you have been
+labouring all day, to have your work to do over again, for the
+sake of diverting a foolish boy.  But go on, William, I am
+determined that you shall, for one day, know what it is to work
+hard, and thereby be taught to pity, and help, not add to the
+fatigue of those who do.'  The boy then went on with his business,
+though not without making great complaints, and shedding many
+tears.  At length, however, evening came; and the gentleman, his
+son, and the two men, all went away, leaving Longtail and myself
+to enjoy our abundance.  We passed another night in the sweetest
+undisturbed repose, and in the day had nothing to alarm our fears. 
+In short, our situation was every way so perfectly happy and
+desirable, that we thought, although our mother had charged us not
+to return frequently to the same place, yet she could not mean
+that we should not take up our abode in a spot so secure and
+comfortable.  We therefore determined to continue where we were,
+till we should find some cause for removing.  And happy had it
+been for us if we had kept to this resolution, and remained
+contented when we had everything requisite to make us so.  Instead
+of which, after we had thus, free from care, passed our time about
+seven months, like fools as we were, we began to grow weary of our
+retirement, and of eating nothing but the same food; and agreed
+that we would again venture forth and seek for some other lodging,
+at the same time resolving, in case we could find no habitation
+that suited us, to return to the barn where we had enjoyed so many
+days of plenty and repose.
+
+Accordingly, one fine moonlight Monday night, after securing our
+supper on the corn, we set forth, and travelled for some distance
+without any further molestation than our own natural fears
+created.  At length we came to a brick house, with about five or
+six windows in front, and made our way into it through a small
+latticed window which gave air into the pantry; but on our arrival
+here we had no opportunity of so much as observing what it
+contained, for on our slipping down a cat instantly flew at us,
+and by the greatest good luck in the world, there chanced to be a
+hole in one of the boards of the floor close to the spot where we
+stood, into which we both were happy enough to pop, before she
+could catch us.  Here we had time to reflect, and severely blame
+ourselves for not being satisfied with our state in the barn. 
+'When,' said I, addressing myself to my brother, 'when shall we
+grow wise, and learn to know that certain evil always attends
+every deviation from what is right.  When we disobeyed the advice
+of our mother, and, tempted by cakes and other dainties,
+frequently returned to the same dangerous place, how severely did
+we suffer for it?  And now, by our own discontent, and not being
+satisfied when so safely though more humbly lodged, into what
+trouble have we not plunged ourselves?  How securely have we lived
+in the barn for the last seven months, and how happily might we
+still have continued there, had it not been for our restless
+dispositions? Ah! my brother, we have acted foolishly.  We ought
+to have been contented when we were at peace, and should have
+considered that if we had not everything we could wish for, we had
+every thing that was necessary; and the life of a mouse was never
+designed for perfect happiness.  Such enjoyment was never intended
+for our lot; it is the portion only of beings whose capacities are
+far superior to ours.  We ought then to have been contented; and
+had we been so, we should have been as happy as our state of life
+would have admitted of.'  'What you say is certainly very true,'
+replied Longtail, 'and I sincerely wish that we had thought of
+these things before.  But what must we now do? we said we would
+return to the barn in case of difficulties, but that is now
+impossible, as, if we attempt to retreat, the cat that drove us in
+here, will certainly destroy us; and yet in proceeding, what
+difficulties must we encounter, what dangers may we not run!  Oh!
+my beloved Nimble,' continued he, 'what a life of hazard is ours!
+to what innumerable accidents are we hourly exposed! and how is
+every meal that we eat at the risk of our very existence!'
+
+'It undoubtedly is,' replied I; 'but with all its troubles we
+still are very desirous of preserving it:  let us not then, my
+brother, indulge our hearts with murmuring and finding fault with
+that life, which, notwithstanding all its evils, we value so
+highly.  Rather let us endeavour to learn experience, and, by
+conducting ourselves better, escape many of those troubles which
+we now suffer.'  So saving, I advised him to follow me:  'for,'
+added I, 'it is impossible for us to exist in the spot in which we
+are at present; we must therefore strive to work our way into some
+other house or apartment, where we can at least find some food.' 
+To this Longtail agreed; the rest of the night, and all the next
+day, we spent in nibbling and finding our way into a closet in the
+house, which richly repaid us for all our toil, as it contained
+sugar-plums, rice, millet, various kinds of sweetmeats, and what
+we liked better than all the rest, a paper of nice macaroons.  On
+these we feasted most deliciously till our hunger was fully
+satisfied, and then creeping into a little hole, just big enough
+to contain us both, behind one of the jars of sweetmeats, reposed
+ourselves with a nap, after our various and great fatigues which
+we had gone through.  I never was a remarkably sound sleeper, the
+least noise disturbs me, and I was awakened in the morning by the
+servant-maid's coming into the room to sweep it, and get it ready
+for the reception of her mistress and family, who soon after
+entered.  As I wanted to know from whom the voices I heard
+proceeded, I stepped softly from behind the jar and just peeped
+under the door into the room, where I discovered a gentleman, two
+ladies, and a little boy and girl.
+
+As I was totally unacquainted with all places of retreat, and did
+not know how soon any of them might have occasion to open the
+closet door, I instantly returned to my brother; and, awaking him,
+told him it was time for us to be upon our guard, as the family
+were all up and about.
+
+Whilst we were thus situated, the first words I heard distinctly
+were those of the gentleman, saying, 'No, Frank, I can never have
+a good opinion of him; the boy who could once deceive may, for
+aught I know, do so again; he has, by breaking his word, forfeited
+the only dependence one could possibly have in him.  A person who
+has once lost his honour has no means left of gaining credit to
+his assertions.  By honour, Frank, I would be understood to speak
+of veracity, of virtue, of scorning to commit a mean action, and
+not that brutish sense in which some understand it, as if it
+consisted in a readiness to fight and resent an injury; for so far
+am I from considering such behaviour as any proof of honour, that,
+on the contrary, I look upon it as a sure sign of want of proper
+spirit and true honour.  Fools, bullies, and even cowards, will
+fight; whereas none but men of sense and resolution and true
+magnanimity know how to pardon and despise an insult.'  'But,
+indeed, sir,' replied the boy, 'at school, if one did not fight,
+they would laugh at one so, there would be no such thing as
+bearing it.'  'And for that very reason it is, my dear, that I
+say, to pass by and pardon an insult requires more resolution and
+courage than mere fighting does.  When I wish you to avoid
+quarrelling and fighting, I by no means want you to become a
+coward, for I as much abhor a dastardly spirit as any boy in your
+school can possibly do; but I would wish you to convince them that
+you merited not that appellation, by showing through the whole of
+your behaviour, a resolution that despised accidental pain, and
+avoided revenging an affront for no other reason than because you
+were convinced it shewed a much nobler spirit to pardon than to
+resent.  And you may be assured, my dear, few are the days that
+pass without affording us some opportunity of exerting our
+patience, and showing that, although we disdain quarrelling, still
+we are far from being cowards.
+
+'I remember, when I was at school, there was one boy, who, from
+his first coming, declined upon all occasions engaging in any
+battle; he even gave up many of his just rights to avoid
+quarrelling, which conduct, instead of gaining (as it justly
+deserved) the approbation of his companions, drew upon him the
+insult and abuse of the whole school; and they were perpetually
+teasing him with the opprobrious title of coward.  For some time
+he bore it with great good-humour, and endeavoured to laugh it
+off; but, finding that had no effect, he one day thus addressed
+us:--"If you suppose that I like to be called a coward, you are
+all very much mistaken; or if you think me one, I assure you that
+you are not less so; for no boy in the school should, if put to
+the trial, show greater resolution than myself.  Indeed, I think
+it no small proof of patience that I have borne your repeated
+insults so long; when I could, by behaving more like a savage
+beast, and less like a reasonable creature, have established my
+character at once; but I abhor quarrelling, my soul detests to
+treat my fellow-creatures as if they were brutes, from whose fangs
+I must defend myself; but if nothing else but fighting will
+convince you that I possess not less courage than yourselves, I
+will now offer, in cold blood, to engage with the biggest boy in
+the school.  If I conquer him, it will be a sign that I know how
+to defend myself; and if he conquers me, I will, by my behaviour,
+give a proof that I am not wanting in resolution to suffer pain,
+although I never will so far demean the character of a reasonable
+creature and a Christian, as to fight upon every trifling
+disagreement or insult."  No sooner had he uttered these words,
+than every boy present was loud either in his commendation or
+condemnation.  One quarter of them, convinced of the justness of
+his arguments, highly extolled his forbearance; whilst the other
+three parts, with still greater noise, only called him a bully and
+a mean-spirited coward, who dared not fight, and for that reason
+made such a fine speech, hoping to intimidate them.  "Well then,"
+said he, "if such is your opinion, why will none of you accept my
+offer? you surely cannot be afraid, you who are such brave
+fellows, of such true courage, and such noble spirits, cannot be
+afraid of a coward and a bully!  Why, therefore, does not one of
+you step forward, and put my fine speech to the test?  Otherwise,
+after I have thus challenged you all, I hope none for the future
+will think they have any right to call me coward; though I again
+declare my fixed resolution against fighting."
+
+'Just as he said this, a voice calling for help, was heard from a
+lane adjoining to the play-yard.  Immediately we all flocked to
+the side nearest whence it proceeded; and, clambering upon
+benches, watering-pots, or whatever came first in our way, peeped
+over the wall, where we discovered two well-grown lads, about
+seventeen or eighteen, stripping a little boy of his clothes, and
+beating him for his outcries in a most cruel manner; and at a
+little distance farther down the lane, sat a company of gypsies,
+to whom the two lads evidently belonged.  At the sight of this we
+were all much distressed, and wished to relieve the boy; though,
+discovering so large a party, we were too much afraid to venture,
+till Tomkins (the boy I before spoke about) instantly jumped from
+the wall, and only saying, "Has nobody courage to follow me?" ran
+toward them as fast as possible, and with uncommon strength and
+agility placed himself between them and the boy, and began
+defending himself in the best manner he could; which he did for
+some time with great dexterity, none of his fighting schoolfellows
+having courage to go to his assistance.  At length, however,
+seeing it impossible for him to stand out any longer against two
+so much stronger than himself, the boys agreed to secure
+themselves by numbers, and to sally forth to his assistance
+altogether.  This scheme succeeded, and very shortly rescued
+Tomkins from his antagonists.  He thanked them for their
+assistance, saying, at the same time, "I hope you will no longer
+doubt my courage, or my abilities to fight, when it is necessary
+or in a good cause."  After so signal a proof of his viler, his
+greatest enemies could no longer doubt it; and, without ever
+engaging in foolish battles, he passed through school as much
+respected as any boy, and his magnanimity was never again called
+in question.'
+
+As the gentleman stopped speaking, the little girl called out, 'O,
+papa, the coach is at the door.'  'Is it, my dear?' returned the
+father.  'Well then, stop, my love,' said one of the ladies, 'I
+have got a few cakes for you:  stay, and take them before you go.' 
+She then unlocked the closet where we were, and took down the
+paper of macaroons, among which we had so comfortably regaled
+ourselves; when, observing the hole in the paper through which we
+entered, 'O dear!' she exclaimed, 'the mice have actually got into
+my cupboard.  I will move all the things out this very morning,
+and lock the cat up in it; for I shall be undone if the mice once
+get footing here; they will soon spoil all my stores, and that
+will never do.'  She then kissed both the children; and, giving
+them the cakes, they, the gentleman, and another lady, all
+departed; and she instantly began to move the boxes and jars from
+the closet; whilst we, terrified almost out of our wits, sat
+trembling behind one of them, not daring to stir, yet dreading the
+cat's approach every moment.
+
+We were soon, however, obliged to move our quarters, for the lady
+taking down the very jar which concealed us, we were forced
+(without knowing where we were) to jump down instantly.  In vain
+we sought all round the room for some avenue whereat we might
+escape; the apartment was too well fitted up to admit the smallest
+crack; and we must then certainly have been destroyed, had we not,
+with uncommon presence of mind, ran up the back of the lady's
+gown, by which means she lost sight of us, and gave us an
+opportunity to make our escape, as she opened the door to order
+the cat to be brought in.  We seized the lucky moment, and,
+dropping from her gown, fled with the utmost haste out at the
+house door, which happened to be wide open; and I, without once
+looking behind me, ran on till I discovered a little crack in the
+brick wall, which I entered, and which, after many turnings and
+windings, brought me to this house, where I have now continued
+skulking about in its different apartments for above a month;
+during which time I have not heard the least tidings of my beloved
+brother Longtail.  Whether, therefore, any mischief befell him as
+he followed me, or whether he entered the crack with me and then
+lost sight of me, I know not; but in vain have I sought him every
+day since my arrival within these walls, and so anxious am I to
+learn what is become of him, that I am now come forth, contrary to
+my nature, to engage your compassion, and to beseech you, in
+case--
+
+
+
+At this moment, the door of my room opened, and my servant coming
+hastily in, the mouse jumped from my table, and precipitately
+retreated to the same hole from whence it first addressed me; and
+though I have several times peeped into it, and even laid little
+bits of cake to entice it back again, yet have I never been able
+to see it any where since.  Should either that, or any other, ever
+again favour me so far with their confidence, as to instruct me
+with their history, I will certainly communicate it with all
+possible speed to my little readers; who I hope have been wise
+enough to attend to the advice given them in the preceding pages,
+although it was delivered to them by one as insignificant as a
+MOUSE.
+
+
+
+PART II.
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+It is now some months ago since I took leave of my little readers,
+promising, in case I should ever hear any further tidings of
+either Nimble or Longtail, I would certainly communicate it to
+them; and, as I think it extremely wrong not to fulfil any
+engagement we enter into, I look upon myself bound to give them
+all the information I have since gained, relating to those two
+little animals; and I doubt not but they will be glad to hear what
+happened to them, after Nimble was frightened from my writing
+table by the entrance of my servant.  If I recollect right, I have
+already told you, that I frequently peeped into the hole in the
+skirting-board, and laid bits of cake to try to entice my little
+companion back, but all to no purpose:  and I had quite given over
+all hopes of ever again seeing him, when one day, as I was putting
+my hand into a large jar, which had some Turkey figs in it, I felt
+something soft at the bottom, and taking it out, found it to be a
+poor little mouse, not quite dead, but so starved and weak, that
+upon my placing it upon the table, it had not strength sufficient
+to get from me.  A little boy happened to be standing by me, who,
+upon the sight of the mouse, began to beg me to give it to the
+cat, or kill it, 'for I don't like mice,' said he; 'pray, ma'am,
+put it away.'  'Not like mice,' replied I; 'what can be your
+objection to such a little soft creature as this?' and taking
+advantage of its weakness, I picked it up, and held it in the palm
+of one hand, whilst I stroked it with the fingers of my right. 
+'Poor little mouse,' said I, 'who can be afraid of such a little
+object as this?  Do you not feel ashamed of yourself, Joe, to fear
+such a little creature as this? Only look at it, observe how small
+it is, and then consider your own size, and surely, my dear, you
+will blush to think of being no more of a man than to fear a
+mouse!  Look at me, Joe,' continued I, 'see, I will kiss it, I am
+not at all afraid that it will hurt me.' When, lifting it up
+toward my face, I heard it say, in the faintest voice possible,
+'Do you not know me?'  I instantly recollected my little friend
+Nimble, and rejoiced at so unexpectedly finding him.  'What, is it
+you, little Nimble,' exclaimed I, 'that I again behold?  Believe
+me, I am heartily rejoiced once more to find you; but tell me,
+where have you been, what have you done, whom have you seen, and
+what have you learned since you last left me?'  'Oh!' replied he,
+in a voice so low I could scarcely hear him, 'I have seen many
+things; but I am so faint and weak for want of food and fresh air,
+that I doubt I shall never live to tell you; but, for pity's sake
+have compassion on me, either put me out of my present misery by
+instantly killing me, or else give me something to eat; for, if
+you knew my sufferings, I am sure it would grieve your heart.' 
+'Kill you!' returned I, 'no, that I will not:  on the contrary, I
+will try by every method to restore you to health, and all the
+happiness a mouse is capable of feeling.'  I then instantly sent
+for some bread, and had the satisfaction of seeing him eat very
+heartily of it, after which he seemed much refreshed, and began to
+move about a little more suitable to his name; for, in truth, when
+I first found him, no living creature in the world could appear
+less deserving of the appellation of Nimble.  I then fetched him a
+little milk, and gave him a lump of sugar to nibble; after eating
+of which he begged to retire into some safe little hole to take a
+nap, from whence he promised to return as soon as he should wake;
+and accordingly, in about an hour he again appeared on my table,
+and began as follows.
+
+
+
+I was frightened away from you just as I was going to implore your
+compassion for any unfortunate mouse that might happen to fall
+within your power; lest you should destroy my dear and only
+surviving brother, Longtail; but somebody entering the room,
+prevented me, and after I had regained my hiding place, I resolved
+to quit the house, and once more set out in search of my beloved
+brother.  Accordingly, with great difficulty I made my way out of
+the house; but my distress was much increased upon finding the
+snow so deep upon the ground, that it was impossible for me to
+attempt to stir, as upon stepping one foot out to try, I found it
+far too deep for me to fathom the bottom.  This greatly distressed
+me.  'Alas!' said I to myself, 'what shall I do now?  To proceed
+is impossible; and to return is very melancholy, without any
+tidings of my dear, dear Longtail.'  But I was interrupted in the
+midst of these reflections, by the appearance of two cats, who
+came running with such violence as to pass by without observing
+me:  however, it put me in such consternation, that regardless
+where I went, I sprung forward, and sunk so deep in the snow that
+I must inevitably soon have perished, had not a boy come to the
+very place where I was, to gather snow for making snowballs to
+throw at his companions.  Happily for me, he took me up in his
+hand, in the midst of the snow, which not less alarmed me, when I
+considered the sufferings I had before endured, and the cruel
+death of my brother Brighteyes, from the hands of boys.  Oh!
+thought I to myself, what new tortures shall I now experience? 
+Better had I perished in the cold snow, than be spared only to be
+tormented by the cruel hands of unthinking children.
+
+Scarcely had I made this reflection, when the boy called out, upon
+seeing me move, 'Lud! what have I got here?' at the same instant
+tossing the handful of snow from him in a violent hurry, without
+attempting to press it into a ball.  Over I turned head and heels,
+wondering what further would be my fate, when I was happy to find
+I fell unhurt upon some hay, which was laid in the yard to fodder
+the cows and horses.  Here I lay some time, so frightened by my
+adventure, as to be unable to move, and my little heart beat as if
+it would have burst its way through my breast; nor were my
+apprehensions at all diminished by the approach of a man, who
+gathered the hay up in his arms, and carried it (with me in the
+midst of it) into the stable; where, after littering down the
+horses, he left me once more to my own reflections.
+
+After he had been gone some time, and all things were quiet, I
+began to look about me, and soon found my way into a corn bin,
+where I made a most delicious supper, and slept free from any
+disturbance till the morning, when fearing I might be discovered,
+in case he should want any of the oats for his horses, I returned
+by the same place I had entered, and hid myself in one corner of
+the hayloft, where I passed the whole of the day more free from
+alarm than often falls to the lot of any of my species, and in the
+evening again returned to regale myself with corn, as I had done
+the night before.  The great abundance with which I was
+surrounded, strongly tempted me to continue where I was; but then
+the thoughts of my absent brother embittered all my peace, and the
+advice of my mother came so much across my mind, that I determined
+before the next morning I would again venture forth and seek my
+fortune and my brother.  Accordingly, after having eaten a very
+hearty meal, I left the bin, and was attempting to get out of the
+stable, when one of the horses being taken suddenly ill, made so
+much noise with his kicking and struggling, as to alarm the
+family, and the coachman entering with a lantern in his hand, put
+me into such consternation, that I ran for shelter into the pocket
+of a great coat, which hung up upon a peg next the harness of the
+horses.  Here I lay snug for some hours, not daring to stir, as I
+smelt the footsteps of a cat frequently pass by, and heard the
+coachman extol her good qualities to a man who accompanied him
+into the stable; saying she was the best mouser in the kingdom. 
+'I do not believe,' added he, 'I have a mouse in the stable or
+loft, she keeps so good a lookout.  For the last two days I lent
+her to the cook, to put into her pantry, but I have got her back
+again, and I would not part with her for a crown; no, not for the
+best silver crown that ever was coined in the Tower.'  Then,
+through a little moth hole in the lining of the coat, I saw him
+lift her up, stroke her, and put her upon the back of one of the
+horses, where she stretched herself out, and went to sleep.
+
+In this situation I did not dare to stir, I had too often seen how
+eager cats are to watch mice, to venture out of the pocket, whilst
+she was so near me, especially as I did not at all know the holes
+or cracks round the stable, and should, therefore, had she jumped
+down, been quite at a loss where to run.  So I determined to
+continue where I was till either hunger forced me, or the absence
+of the cat gave a better opportunity of escaping.  But scarce had
+I taken up this resolution when the coachman again entered, and
+suddenly taking the coat from the peg, put it on, and marched out
+with me in his pocket.
+
+It is utterly impossible to describe my fear and consternation at
+this event, to jump out whilst in the stable exposed me to the
+jaws of the cat, and to attempt it when out of doors was but again
+subjecting myself to be frozen to death, for the snow continued
+still on the ground; yet to stay in his pocket was running the
+chance of suffering a still more dreadful death by the barbarous
+hands of man; and nothing did I expect, in case he should find me,
+but either to be tortured like Softdown, or given to be the sport
+of his favorite cat--a fate almost as much dreaded as the other. 
+However it was soon put out of my power to determine, for whilst I
+was debating in my own mind what course I had better take, he
+mounted the coachbox, and drove away with me in his pocket, till
+he came to a large house, about a mile distant from this place;
+there he put down the company he had in the coach, and then drove
+into the yard.  But he had not been there many moments before the
+coachman of the family he was come to, invited him into the
+kitchen to warm himself, drink a mug of ale, and eat a mouthful of
+cold meat.  As soon as he entered, and had paid the proper
+compliments to the Mrs. Betties and Mollies at the place, he
+pulled off his great coat, and hung it across the back of his
+chair.  I instantly seized the first opportunity and whilst they
+were all busy assembling round the luncheon table, made my escape,
+and ran under a cupboard door close to the chimney, where I had an
+opportunity of seeing and hearing all that passed, part of which
+conversation I will relate to you.
+
+'Well, Mr. John,' said a footman, addressing himself to the man
+whose pocket I had just left, 'how fare you?  Are you pretty
+hearty?  You look well, I am sure.'  'Aye, and so I am, replied
+he.  'I never was better in all my life; I live comfortably, have
+a good master and mistress, eat and drink bravely, and what can a
+man wish for more?  For my part I am quite contented, and if I do
+but continue to enjoy my health, I am sure I shall be very
+ungrateful not to be so.'  'That's true,' said the other, 'but the
+misfortune of it is, people never know when they are well off, but
+are apt to fret and wish and wish and fret, for something or other
+all their lives, and so never have any enjoyment.  Now for my own
+part, I must needs confess, that I cannot help wishing I was a
+gentleman, and think I should be a deal happier if I was.' 
+'Pshaw!' replied John, 'I don't like now to hear a man say so; it
+looks as if you are discontented with the state in which you are
+placed, and depend upon it, you are in the one that is fittest for
+you, or you would not have been put into it.  And as for being
+happier if you were a gentleman, I don't know what to say to it. 
+To be sure, to have a little more money in one's pocket, nobody
+can deny that it would be very agreeable; and to be at liberty to
+come in and go out when one pleased, to be sure would be very
+comfortable.  But still, Bob, still you may assure yourself, that
+no state in this world is free from care, and if we were turned
+into lords, we should find many causes for uneasiness.  So here's
+your good health,' said he, lifting the mug to his mouth,
+'wishing, my lad, you may be contented, cheerful, and good
+humoured; for without these three requisites, content,
+cheerfulness, and good humour, no one person upon earth, rich or
+poor, old or young, can ever feel comfortable or happy; and so
+here's to you, I say.'  'And here's the same good wishes to you,'
+said a clean decent cook-woman servant, who took up the mug upon
+John's putting it down.  'Content, cheerfulness, and good humour,
+I think was the toast.'  Then wiping her mouth, as she began her
+speech, she added, 'and an excellent one it is:  I wish all folks
+would mind it, and endeavour to acquire three such good
+qualifications.'  'I am sure,' rejoined another female servant,
+whose name I heard was Sally, 'I wish so too:  at least I wish
+Miss Mary would try to gain a little more of the good humour; for
+I never came near such a cross crab in my life as it is.  I
+declare I hate the sight of the girl, she is such a proud little
+minx she would not vouchsafe to speak to a poor servant for the
+world; as if she thought because we are poorer, we were therefore
+not of the same nature:  her sisters, I think are worth ten of
+her, they always reply so civilly if a body speaks to them, and
+say, "Yes, if you please, Mrs. "Sally, or "No, thank you, Mr.
+Bob;" or "I should be obliged to you if you would do so and so,
+Mrs. Nelly," and not plain yes or no, as she does; and well too if
+you can get even that from her; for sometimes I declare she will
+not deign to give one any answer at all.'  'Aye, that is a sure
+thing she won't,' replied the maid servant who first drank, 'it is
+a sad thing she should behave so; I can't think, for my part,
+where she learns it; I am sure neither her papa nor mamma set her
+the example of it, for they always speak as pretty and as kind as
+it is possible to do; and I have heard, with my own ears, my
+mistress tell her of it twenty and twenty times, but she will do
+so.  I am sure it is a sad thing that she should, for she will
+always make people dislike her.  I am sure, if young gentlemen and
+ladies did not know how it makes people love them to speak civilly
+and kind, they would take great care not to behave like Miss Mary. 
+Do you know, the other day, when Mrs. Lime's maid brought little
+Miss Peggy to see my mistress, when she went away, she made a
+courtesy to Miss Mary, and said, "Good morning to you, Miss."  And
+would you think it, the child stood like a stake, and never
+returned it so much as by a nod of the head, nor did she open her
+lips.  I saw by her looks the maid took notice of it, and I am
+sure I have such a regard for the family, that I felt quite
+ashamed of her behaviour.'  'Oh! she served me worse than that,'
+resumed Sally, 'for, would you believe it, the other day I begged
+her to be so kind as to let her mamma know I wanted to speak with
+her; and I did not choose to go into the room myself, because I
+was dirty, and there was company there; but for all I desired her
+over and over only just to step in (and she was at play close to
+the door) yet, could you suppose it possible, she was ill-natured
+enough to refuse me, and would not do it at last.'  'Well, if ever
+I heard the like of that!' exclaimed John, whose pocket I had been
+in.  'I think that was being cross indeed, and if a child of mine
+was to behave in that surly manner, I would whip it to death
+almost.  I abominate such unkind doings, let everyone, I say, do
+as they like to be done by, and that is the only way to be happy,
+and the only way to deserve to be so; for if folks will not try to
+be kind, and oblige others, why should anybody try to please them? 
+And if Miss Mary was my girl, and chose to behave rude and cross
+to the servants, if I was her papa, I would order them to refuse
+doing anything for her.  I would soon humble her pride I warrant
+you, for nobody should make her puddings, or cut her bread, or do
+anything for her till she learned to be kind, and civil, and
+thankful too, for all that was done for her.  I have no notion,
+for my part, for a child to give herself such airs for nothing;
+and because her parents happen to have a little more money in
+their pockets, for that reason to think she may be rude to poor
+folks; but though servants are poor, still surely they are richer
+than she is; I should like to ask her how much she has got? and
+which way she came by it?  A child I am sure is no richer than a
+beggar, for they have not a farthing that is not given them
+through mere bounty; whereas a servant who works for his living,
+has a right and just claim to his wages, and may truly call them
+his own; but a child has not one farthing that is not its parents. 
+So here's my service to you, Miss,' said he, (again lifting the
+ale-mug to his mouth) 'and wishing her a speedy reformation of
+manners, I drink to her very good health.'
+
+John drank to the bottom of the mug, and then shaking the last
+drop into the ashes under the grate, he told the following story,
+as he sat swinging the mug by its handle across his two
+forefingers, which he had joined for that purpose.
+
+'When my father was a young man he lived at one Mr. Speedgo's, as
+upper footman:  they were vastly rich.  Mr. Speedgo was a
+merchant, and by good luck he gathered gold as fast as his
+neighbours would pick up stones (as a body may say).  So they kept
+two or three carriages, there was a coach, and a chariot, and a
+phaeton, and I can't tell what besides, and a power of servants
+you may well suppose to attend them all; and very well they lived,
+with plenty of victuals and drink.  But though they wanted for
+nothing still they never much loved either their master or
+mistress, they used to give their orders in so haughty and
+imperious a manner; and if asked a civil question, answer so
+shortly, as if they thought their servants not worthy of their
+notice:  so that, in short, no one loved them, nor their children
+either, for they brought them up just like themselves, to despise
+everyone poorer than they were; and to speak as cross to their
+servants as if they had been so many adders they were afraid would
+bite them.
+
+'I have heard my father say, that if Master Speedgo wanted his
+horse to be got ready, he would say, "Saddle my horse!" in such a
+displeasing manner as made it quite a burthen to do anything for
+him.  Or if the young ladies wanted a piece of bread and butter,
+or cake, they would say, "Give me a bit of cake;" or, if they
+added the word pray to it, they spoke in such a grumpy way, as
+plainly showed they thought themselves a deal better than their
+servants; forgetting that an honest servant is just as worthy a
+member of society as his master, and whilst he behaves well, as
+much deserving of civility as anybody.  But to go on with my
+story.  I have already told you Mr. Speedgo was very rich and very
+proud, nor would he on any account suffer anyone to visit at his
+house whom he thought below him, as he called it; or at least, if
+he did, he always took care to behave to them in such a manner, as
+plainly to let them know he thought he showed a mighty favour in
+conversing with them.
+
+'Among the rest of the servants there was one Molly Mount, as good
+a hearted girl, my father says, as ever lived:  she had never
+received much education, because her parents could not afford to
+give her any, and she learned to read after she was at Mr.
+Speedgo's from one of the housemaids, who was kind enough to teach
+her a little; but you may suppose, from such sort of teaching, she
+was no very good scholar.  However, she read well enough to be
+able to make out some chapters in the Bible; and an excellent use
+she made of them, carefully fulfilling every duty she there found
+recommended as necessary for a Christian to practice.  She used
+often to say she was perfectly contented in her station, and only
+wished for more money that she might have it in her power to do
+more good.  And sometimes, when she was dressing and attending the
+young ladies of the family, she would advise them to behave
+prettier than they did; telling them, "That by kindness and
+civility they would be so far from losing respect, that, on the
+contrary, they would much gain it.  For we cannot (she would very
+truly say) have any respect for those people who seem to forget
+their human nature, and behave as if they thought themselves
+superior to the rest of their fellow-creatures.  Young ladies and
+gentlemen have no occasion to make themselves very intimate or
+familiar with their servants; but everybody ought to speak civilly
+and good-humouredly, let it be to whom it may:  and if I was a
+lady I should make it a point never to look cross or speak gruffly
+to the poor, for fear they should think I forgot I was of the same
+human nature as they were."  By these kind of hints, which every
+now and then she would give to the misses, they were prodigiously
+offended, and complained of her insolence, as they called it, to
+their mamma, who very wrongly, instead of teaching them to behave
+better, joined with them in blaming Molly for her freedom, and, to
+show her displeasure at her conduct, put on a still haughtier air,
+whenever she spoke to her, than she did to any other of the
+servants.  Molly, however, continued to behave extremely well, and
+often very seriously lamented in the kitchen the wrong behaviour
+of the family.  "I don't mind it," she would say, "for my own
+part; I know that I do my duty, and their cross looks and proud
+behaviour can do me no real harm:  but I cannot help grieving for
+their sakes; it distresses me to think that people who ought to
+know better, should, by their ill conduct, make themselves so many
+enemies, when they could so easily gain friends--I am astonished
+how anybody can act so foolishly."
+
+'In this sensible manner she would frequently talk about the sin
+as well as the folly of pride.  And one day, as she was talking to
+her fellow-servants, rather louder than in prudence she ought to
+have done, her two young ladies overheard her; and the next time
+she went to dress them, they enquired what it was she had been
+saying to the other maids.  "Indeed, ladies," said she, "I hope
+you will excuse my telling you.  I think, if you give yourselves
+time to reflect a little, you will not insist upon knowing, as it
+is beneath such rich ladies as you are, to concern yourselves with
+what poor servants talk about."  This answer did not, however,
+satisfy them, and they positively commanded her to let them know. 
+Molly was by far too good a woman to attempt to deceive anyone;
+she therefore replied, "If, ladies, you insist upon knowing what I
+said, I hope you will not take anything amiss that I may tell you,
+thus compelled as I am by your commands.  You must know then, Miss
+Betsy and Miss Rachael, that I was saying how sad a thing it was
+for people to be proud because they are rich; or to fancy, because
+they happen to have a little more money, that for that reason they
+are better than their servants, when in reality the whole that
+makes one person better than another is, having superior virtues,
+being kinder and more good natured, and readier to assist and
+serve their fellow-creatures; these are the qualifications, I was
+saying, that make people beloved, and not being possessed of
+money.  Money may, indeed, procure servants to do their business
+for them, but it is not in the power of all the riches in the
+world to purchase the love and esteem of anyone.  What a sad thing
+then it is, when gentlefolks behave so as to make themselves
+despised; and that will ever be the case with all those who, like
+(excuse me, ladies, you insisted upon my telling you what I said)
+Miss Betsy, and Miss Rachael, and Master James, show such contempt
+to all their inferiors.  Nobody could wish children of their
+fortunes to make themselves too free, or play with their servants;
+but if they were little kings and queens, still they ought to
+speak kind and civil to everyone.  Indeed our king and queen would
+scorn to behave like the children of this family, and if--"  She
+was going on, but they stopped her, saying, "If you say another
+word, we will push you out of the room this moment, you rude,
+bold, insolent woman; you ought to be ashamed of speaking so
+disrespectfully of your betters; but we will tell our mamma, that
+we will, and she won't suffer you to allow your tongue such
+liberties."  "If," replied Molly, "I have offended you, I am sorry
+for it, and beg your pardon, ladies; I am sure I had no wish to do
+so; and you should remember that you both insisted upon my telling
+you what I had been saying."  "So we did," said they, "but you had
+no business to say it all; and I promise you my mamma shall know
+it."
+
+'In this manner they went on for some time; but, to make short of
+my story, they represented the matter in such a manner to their
+mother, that she dismissed Molly from her service, with a strict
+charge never to visit the house again.  "For," said Mrs. Speedgo,
+"no servant who behaves as you have done, shall ever enter my
+doors again, or eat another mouthful in my house." Molly had no
+desire so suddenly to quit her place; but as her conscience
+perfectly acquitted her of any wilful crime, after receiving her
+wages, respectfully wishing all the family their health, and
+taking a friendly leave of her fellow-servants, she left the
+house, and soon engaged herself as dairy-maid in a farmer's
+family, about three miles off; in which place she behaved so
+extremely well, and so much to the satisfaction of her master and
+mistress, that, after she had lived there a little more than two
+years, with their entire approbation, she was married to their
+eldest son, a sober, worthy young man, to whom his father gave a
+fortune not much less than three thousand pounds, with which he
+bought and stocked a very pretty farm in Somersetshire, where they
+lived as happy as virtue and affluence could make them.  By
+industry and care they prospered beyond their utmost expectations,
+and, by their prudence and good behaviour, gained the esteem and
+love of all who knew them.
+
+'To their servants (for they soon acquired riches enough to keep
+three or four, I mean household ones, besides the number that were
+employed in the farming business) they behaved with such kindness
+and civility, that had they even given less wages than their
+neighbours, they would never have been in want of any; everyone
+being desirous of getting into a family where they were treated
+with such kindness and condescension.
+
+'In this happy manner they continued to live for many years,
+bringing up a large family of children to imitate their virtues;
+but one great mortification they were obliged to submit to, which
+was that of putting their children very early to boarding school,
+a circumstance which the want of education in Mrs. and indeed I
+may add Mr. Flail, rendered absolutely necessary.
+
+'But I am afraid, Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, you will be tired, as
+I have but half told my story; but I will endeavour to make short
+work of it, though indeed it deserves to be noticed, for it will
+teach one a great deal, and convince one how little the world's
+riches are to be depended on.
+
+'I have said, you know, that Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and a
+very rich one too.  It is unknown what vast sums of money he used
+to spend! when, would you think it, either through spending it too
+fast, or some losses he met with in trade, he broke all to
+nothing, and had not a farthing to pay his creditors.  I forgot
+how many thousand pounds it was he owed; but it was a vast great
+many.  Well! this you may be sure was a great mortification to
+them; they begged for mercy from their creditors; but as in their
+prosperity they had never shown much mercy themselves to those
+they thought beneath them, so now they met with very little from
+others:  the poor saying they deserved it for their pride; the
+rich condemning them for their presumption, in trying to vie with
+those of superior birth; and those who had been less successful in
+business, blaming them for their extravagance, which, they said,
+had justly brought on them their misfortunes.
+
+'In this distress, in vain it was they applied for assistance to
+those they had esteemed their friends; for as they never had been
+careful to form their connections with people of real merit, only
+seeking to be acquainted with those who were rich and prosperous,
+so now they could no longer return their civilities, they found
+none were ready to show them any, but everyone seemed anxious to
+keep from them as much as possible.  Thus distressed, and finding
+no one willing to help them, the young squire, Master James, was
+obliged to go to sea:  while Miss Betsy and Miss Rachael were even
+forced to try to get their living by service, a way of life they
+were both ill qualified to undertake, for they had always so
+accustomed themselves to be waited on and attended, that they
+scarcely knew how to help themselves, much less how to work for
+others.  The consequence of which was, they gave so little
+satisfaction to their employers, that they staid but a little time
+in a place, and from so frequently changing, no family, who wished
+to be well settled, would admit them, as they thought it
+impossible they could be good servants whom no one thought worthy
+of keeping.
+
+'It is impossible to describe the many and great mortifications
+those two young ladies met with.  They now frequently recollected
+the words of Molly Mount, and earnestly wished they had attended
+to them whilst it was in their power, as by so doing they would
+have secured to themselves friends.  And they very forcibly found,
+that, although they were poor and servants, yet they were as
+sensible of kind treatment and civility, as if they had been
+richer.
+
+'After they had been for some years changing from place to place,
+always obliged to put up with very low wages, upon account of
+their being so ill qualified for servants, it happened that Miss
+Betsy got into service at Watchet, a place about three miles
+distant from Mr. Flail's farm.  Here she had a violent fit of
+illness, and not having been long enough in the family to engage
+their generosity to keep her, she was dismissed upon account of
+her ill health rendering her wholly incapable of doing her
+business for which she was hired.  She then, with the very little
+money she had, procured a lodging in a miserable little dirty
+cottage; but through weakness being unable to work, she soon
+exhausted her whole stock, and was even obliged to quit this
+habitation, bad as it was, and for some days support herself
+wholly by begging from door to door, often meeting with very
+unkind language for so idle an employment; some people telling her
+to go to her parish, when, alas! her parish was many miles
+distant, and she, poor creature, had no means of getting there.
+
+'At last she wandered, in this distressful situation, to the house
+of Mr. Flail, and walked into the farm yard just at the time the
+cows were being milked.  She, who for a long time had tasted
+nothing but bits of broken bread, and had no drink besides water
+she had scooped up in her hands, looked at the quantity of fresh
+milk with a most wishful eye; and, going to the women who were
+milking, she besought them in a moving manner to give her a
+draught, as she was almost ready to perish.  "For pity's sake,"
+said she, "have compassion upon a poor wretch, dying with
+sickness, hunger, and thirst; it is a long time since I have
+tasted a mouthful of wholesome victuals, my lips are now almost
+parched with thirst, and I am so faint for want, that I can
+scarcely stand; my sufferings are very great indeed, it would melt
+a heart of stone to hear the story of my woes.  Oh! have pity upon
+a fellow-creature then, and give me one draught of that milk,
+which can never be missed out of so vast a quantity as you have
+there, and may you never, never, know what it is to suffer as I
+now do."  To this piteous request, she received for answer, the
+common one of "Go about your business, we have nothing for you, so
+don't come here."  "We should have enough to do indeed," said one
+of the milkers, "if we were to give every idle beggar who would
+like a draught of this delicious milk; but no, indeed, we shall
+not give you a drop; so go about your business, and don't come
+plaguing us here."  Mrs. Flail, who happened to be in the yard,
+with one of her children who was feeding the chickens, overheard
+enough of this to make her come forward, and enquire what was the
+matter.  "Nothing, ma"am," replied the milk-maid, "only I was
+sending away this nasty dirty creature, who was so bold as to come
+asking for milk indeed!  But beggars grow so impudent now-a-days
+there never was the like of it."  "Oh fie!" returned Mrs. Flail,
+shocked at her inhuman way of speaking, "fie upon you, to speak in
+so unkind a manner of a poor creature in distress."  Then turning
+to the beggar, she inquired what she wanted, in so mild a tone of
+voice, that it encouraged her to speak and tell her distress.
+
+'Mrs. Flail listened with the greatest attention, and could not
+help being struck with her speech and appearance; for though she
+was clothed in rags (having parted with all her better clothes to
+pay for lodging and food) still there was a something in her
+language and manner which discovered that she was no common
+beggar.  Betsy had stood all the time with her eyes fixed upon the
+ground, scarcely once lifting them to look at the face of Mrs.
+Flail; and she was so changed herself by her troubles and
+sickness, that it was impossible for any one who had ever seen
+Miss Speedgo, to recollect her in her present miserable state. 
+Mrs. Flail, however, wanted no farther inducement to relieve her
+than to hear she was in want.  "Every fellow-creature in
+distress," she used to say, "was a proper object of her bounty;
+and whilst she was blessed with plenty she thought it her duty to
+relieve, as far as she prudently could, all whom she knew to be in
+need." She therefore fetched a mug, and, filling it with milk
+herself, gave it to the poor woman to drink.  "Here," said she,
+"take this, good woman, and I hope it will refresh and be of
+service to you."  Betsy held out her hand for it, and, lifting her
+eyes up to look at Mrs. Flail, whilst she thanked her for her
+kindness, was greatly astonished to discover in her benefactress,
+the features of her old servant, Molly Mount.  "Bless me!" said
+she, with an air of confusion, "What do I see?  Who is it?  Where
+am I?  Madam, pardon my boldness, but pray forgive me, ma"am, but
+is not your name Mount?"  "It was," replied Mrs. Flail, "but I
+have been married for thirteen years to a Mr. Flail, and that is
+my name now.  But, pray, where did you ever see me before? or how
+came you to know anything of me?"  Poor Betsy could return no
+answer, her shame at being seen by her servant that was, in her
+present condition, and the consciousness of having so ill-treated
+that very servant, to whose kindness she was now indebted; all
+together were too much for her in her weak state, and she fell
+senseless at Mrs.  Flail's feet.
+
+'This still added to Mrs. Flail's surprise, and she had her
+carried into the house and laid upon a bed, where she used every
+means to bring her to herself again; which, after a considerable
+time, succeeded; and she then (covered with shame and remorse)
+told her who she was, and how she came into that miserable
+condition.  No words can describe the astonishment Mrs. Flail was
+in, at hearing the melancholy story of her sufferings; nor is it
+possible to tell with what generosity and kindness she strove to
+comfort her, telling her to compose herself, for she should no
+longer be in want of any thing.  "I have, thank Heaven," said she,
+"a most worthy good man for my husband, who will rejoice with me
+in having it in his power to relieve a suffering fellow-creature. 
+Do not, therefore, any longer distress yourself upon what passed
+between us formerly.  I had, for my part, forgotten it, if you had
+not now told it me; but, however I might then take the liberty to
+censure you for too much haughtiness.  I am sure I have no
+occasion to do so now.  Think no more, therefore, I beseech you,
+upon those times which are now past; but be comforted, and make
+yourself as happy as in my humble plain manner of living you can
+possibly do."
+
+'She then furnished her with some of her own clothes, till she
+could procure her new ones, and sent immediately for a physician
+from the next town; by following of whose prescription, together
+with good nursing, and plenty of all necessaries, she soon
+recovered her health; but she was too deeply affected with the
+thoughts of her former misconduct ever to feel happy in her
+situation, though Mrs. Flail used every method in her power to
+render her as comfortable as possible.  Nor did she confine her
+goodness only to this one daughter, but sent also for her sister
+and mother (her father being dead), and fitted up a neat little
+house for them near their own.  But as the Flails could not afford
+wholly to maintain them for nothing, they entrusted the poultry to
+their care; which enabled them to do with one servant less; and by
+that means they could, without any great expense, afford to give
+them sufficient to make their lives comfortable, that is, as far
+as their own reflections would let them; for the last words Mrs.
+Speedgo said to Molly, when she parted from her, dwelt continually
+upon her mind, and filled her with shame and remorse.
+
+'"I told her," said she, "that she should never again come into my
+doors, or eat another mouthful in my house; and now it is her
+bounty alone which keeps us all from perishing.  Oh! how unworthy
+are we of such goodness!  True, indeed, was what she told you,
+that kindness and virtue were far more valuable than riches. 
+Goodness and kindness no time or change can take from us; but
+riches soon fly as it were away, and then what are we the better
+for having been once possessed of them?"'
+
+Here Mr. John stopped, and jumping hastily up, and turning round
+to Mrs.  Sally, Mrs. Nelly, and Mr. Bob, exclaimed, rubbing his
+hands--'There ladies, I have finished my story; and, let me tell
+you, so long preaching has made my throat dry, so another mug of
+ale, if you please, Master Bobby (tapping him at the same time
+upon the shoulder), another mug of ale, my boy; for faith, talking
+at the rate I have done, is enough to wear a man's lungs out, and,
+in truth, I have need of something to hearten me after such
+fatigue.'
+
+'Well, I am sure,' replied Mrs. Sally and Mrs. Nelly, in the same
+breath, 'we are greatly obliged to you for your history; and I am
+sure it deserves to be framed and glazed, and it ought to be hung
+up in the hall of every family, that all people may see the sad
+effects of pride, and how little cause people have, because they
+are rich, to despise those who are poor; since it frequently
+happens, that those who this year are like little kings, may the
+next be beggars; and then they will repent, when it is too late,
+of all their pride and unkindness they showed to those beneath
+them.'
+
+Here the conversation was put a stop to by the bell ringing, and
+John being ordered to drive to the door.  I, who during the whole
+of the history had been feasting upon a mince-pie, now thought it
+safer to conceal myself in a little hole in the wainscot of the
+closet, where, finding myself very safe, I did not awake till
+midnight.  After the family were all retired to rest, I peeped out
+of the hole, and there saw just such another frightful trap as
+that which was the prelude to poor Softdown's sufferings. 
+Startled at the sight, I retreated back as expeditiously as
+possible, nor ever stopped till I found my way into a bed-chamber,
+where lay two little girls fast asleep.
+
+I looked about for some time, peeping into every hole and corner
+before I could find any thing to eat, there being not so much as a
+candle in the room with them.  At last I crept into a little
+leathern trunk, which stood on a table, not shut down quite close: 
+here I instantly smelt something good:  but was obliged to gnaw
+through a great deal of linen to get at it; it was wrapped up in a
+lap-bag, amongst a vast quantity of work.  However, I made my way
+through half a hundred folds, and at last was amply repaid, by
+finding out a nice piece of plum-cake, and the pips of an apple,
+which I could easily get at, one half of it having been eat away. 
+Whilst I was thus engaged I heard a cat mew, and not knowing how
+near she might be, I endeavoured to jump out; but in the hurry I
+somehow or other entangled myself in the muslin, and pulled that,
+trunk and all, down with me; for the trunk stood half off the
+table, so that the least touch in the world overset it, otherwise
+my weight could never have tumbled it down.
+
+The noise of the fall, however, waked the children, and I heard
+one say to the other,--'Bless me!  Mary, what is that noise?--What
+can it be?  I am almost frightened out of my wits; do, pray,
+sister, hug me close!'  'Pooh!' replied the other, 'never mind it! 
+What in the world need you be frightened at?  What do you suppose
+will hurt you?  It sounded as if something fell down; but as it
+has not fallen upon us, and I do not hear anybody stirring, or
+speaking as if they were hurt, what need we care about it?  So
+pray, Nancy, let us go to sleep again; for as yet I have not had
+half sufficient, I am sure; I hope morning is not coming yet, for
+I am not at all ready to get up.'  'I am sure,' answered the
+other, 'I wish it was morning, and daylight now, for I should like
+to get up vastly, I do not like to lay here in the dark any
+longer; I have a great mind to ring the bell, and then mamma or
+somebody will come to us with a candle.'  'And what in the world,'
+rejoined Mary, 'will be the use of that?  Do you want a candle to
+light you to look for the wounds the noise has given you; or what
+can you wish to disturb my mamma for?  Come, let me cuddle you,
+and do go to sleep, child, for I cannot think what occasion there
+is for us to keep awake because we heard a noise; I never knew
+that noise had teeth or claws to hurt one with; and I am sure this
+has not hurt me; and so, whether you choose to lie awake or not, I
+will go to sleep, and so good-bye to you, and pray do not disturb
+me any more, for I cannot talk any longer.'  'But, Mary,' again
+replied the other, 'pray do not go to sleep yet, I want to speak
+to you.'  'Well, what do you want to say?' inquired Mary.  'Why,
+pray have you not very often,' said Nancy, 'heard of thieves
+breaking into people's houses and robbing them; and I am sadly
+afraid that noise was some rogues coming in; so pray, Mary, do not
+go to sleep, I am in such a fright and tremble you cannot think. 
+Speak, Mary, have not you, I say, heard of thieves?'  'Yes,'
+replied Mary, in a very sleepy voice, 'a great many times.' 
+'Well, then, pray sister, do not go to sleep,' said Nancy, in a
+peevish accent, 'suppose, I say that noise I heard should be
+thieves, what should we do?  What will become of us?  O! what
+shall we do?'--'Why, go to sleep, I tell you,' said Mary, 'as fast
+as you can; at least, do pray let me, for I cannot say I am in the
+smallest fear about house-breakers or house-makers either; and of
+all the robberies I ever heard of in all my life, I never heard of
+thieves stealing little girls; so do, there's a dear girl, go to
+sleep again, and do not so foolishly frighten yourself out of your
+wits for nothing.'  'Well,' replied Nancy, 'I will not keep you
+awake any longer; but I am sure I shall not be able to get another
+wink of sleep all night.'
+
+Here the conversation ended, and I could not help thinking how
+foolish it was for people to permit themselves to be terrified for
+nothing.  Here is a little girl, now, thought I, in a nice clean
+room, and covered up warm in bed, with pretty green curtains drawn
+round her, to keep the wind from her head, and the light in the
+morning from her eyes; and yet she is distressing herself, and
+making herself really uncomfortable, and unhappy, only because I,
+a poor, little, harmless mouse, with scarcely strength sufficient
+to gnaw a nutshell, happened to jump from the table, and throw
+down, perhaps, her own box.--Oh! what a pity it is that people
+should so destroy their own comfort! How sweetly might this child
+have passed the night, if she had but, like her sister, wisely
+reflected that a noise could not possibly hurt them;  and that,
+had any of the family occasioned it, by falling down, or running
+against anything in the dark which hurt them, most likely they
+would have heard some more stirring about.
+
+And upon this subject the author cannot help, in human form (as
+well as in that of a mouse), observing how extremely ridiculous it
+is for people to suffer themselves to be terrified upon every
+trifling occasion that happens; as if they had no more resolution
+than a mouse itself, which is liable to be destroyed every meal it
+makes.  And, surely, nothing can be more absurd than for children
+to be afraid of thieves and house-breakers; since, as little Mary
+said, they never want to seek after children.  Money is all they
+want; and as children have very seldom much of that in their
+possession, they may assure themselves they are perfectly safe,
+and have therefore no occasion to alarm themselves if they hear a
+noise, without being able to make out what it is; unless, indeed,
+like the child I have just been writing about, they would be so
+silly as to be frightened at a little mouse; for most commonly the
+noises we hear, if we lay awake in the night, are caused by mice
+running about and playing behind the wainscot:  and what
+reasonable person would suffer themselves to be alarmed by such
+little creatures as those?  But it is time I should return to the
+history of my little make-believe companion, who went on, saying--
+
+The conversation I have been relating I overheard as I lay
+concealed in a shoe that stood close by the bedside, and into
+which I ran the moment I jumped off the table, and where I kept
+snug till the next morning; when, just as the clock was striking
+eight, the same Mrs. Nelly, whom I saw the day before in the
+kitchen, entered the apartment, and accosted the young ladies,
+saying, 'Good morning to you, ladies, do you know that it is time
+to get up?'  'Then, pray, Nelly, lace my stays, will you?' said
+Miss Nancy.  'But lace mine first, and give me my other shoes; for
+those I wore yesterday must be brushed, because I stepped in the
+dirt, and so when you go down you must remember, and take and
+brush them, and then let me have them again,' said Mary; 'but come
+and dress me now.'
+
+Well, thought I, this is a rude way of speaking, indeed, something
+like Miss Nancy Artless, at the house where my poor dear Softdown
+was so cruelly massacred; I am sure I hope I shall not meet with
+the like fate here, and I wish I was safe out of this shoe; for,
+perhaps, presently it will be wanted to be put on Mary's foot; and
+I am sure I must not expect to meet any mercy from a child who
+shows so bad a disposition as to speak to a servant in so uncivil
+a manner, for no good-natured person would do that.
+
+With these kind of reflections I was amusing myself for some
+little time, when, all on a sudden, they were put an end to, by my
+finding the shoe in which I was concealed, hastily taken up; and
+before I had time to recollect what I had best do, I was almost
+killed by some violent blows I received, which well nigh broke
+every bone in my skin.  I crept quite up to the toe of the shoe,
+so that I was not at all seen, and the maid, when she took up the
+shoes, held one in one hand, and the other in the other, by their
+heels, and then slapped them hard together, to beat out of some of
+the dust which was in them.  This she repeated three or four
+times, till I was quite stunned; and how or which way I tumbled or
+got out, I know not; but when I came to myself.  I was close up
+behind the foot of a table, in a large apartment, where were
+several children, and a gentleman and a lady, all conversing
+together with the greatest good humour and harmony.
+
+The first words I heard distinctly enough to remember, were those
+of a little boy, about five years old, who, with eagerness
+exclaimed--'I forget you! no that I never shall.  If I was to go a
+hundred thousand miles off, I am sure I shall never forget you. 
+What! do you think I should ever, as long as I live, if it is a
+million of years, forget my own dear papa and mamma? No; that I
+should not, I am very, very sure I never should.'  'Well, but
+Tom,' interrupted the gentleman, 'if in a million of years you
+should not forget us, I dare say, in less than two months you will
+forget our advice, and before you have been at school half that
+time, you will get to squabbling with and tricking the other boys,
+just as they do with one another; and instead of playing at all
+times with the strictest openness and honour, you will, I sadly
+fear, learn to cheat, and deceive, and pay no attention to what
+your mother and I have been telling you.'  'No', that I am sure I
+sha'n't!' replied the boy.  'What! do you think I shall be so
+wicked as to turn a thief, and cheat people?'  'I dare say, my
+dear,' resumed the father, 'you will not do what we call thieving;
+but as I know there are many naughty boys in all schools, I am
+afraid they will teach you to commit dishonourable actions, and to
+tell you there is no harm in them, and that they are signs of
+cleverness and spirit, and qualifications very necessary for every
+boy to possess.'  'Aye, that's sure enough,' said the boy, who
+appeared about ten years old, 'for they almost all declare, that
+if a boy is not sharp and cunning, he might almost as well be out
+of the world as in it.  But, as you say, papa, I hate such
+behaviour, I am sure there is one of our boys, who is so
+wonderfully clever and acute, as they call him, that I detest ever
+having any thing to do with him; for unless one watches him as a
+cat would watch a mouse, he is sure to cheat or play one some
+trick or other.'  'What sort of tricks do you mean?' inquired the
+little boy.  'Why, I will tell you,' replied the other.  'You know
+nothing of the games we have at school, so if I was to tell you
+how he plays at them, you would not understand what I meant.  But
+you know what walking about blindfold is, don't you?  Well! one
+day, about a dozen boys agreed to have a blind race, and the boy
+who got nearest the goal, which was a stick driven in the ground
+with a shilling upon the top of it, was to win the shilling,
+provided he did it fairly without seeing.'  'I suppose,'
+interrupted Tom, 'you mean the boy who got to the stick first.' 
+'No, I do not,' replied his brother, 'I mean what I say, the boy
+who got nearest it, no matter whether he came first or last; the
+fun was to see them try to keep in a straight path, with their
+eyes tied up, whilst they wander quite in the wrong, and not to
+try who could run fastest.  Well! when they, were all blinded, and
+twisted round three or four times before they were suffered to set
+off, they directed their steps the way they thought would directly
+conduct them to the goal; and some of them had almost reached it,
+when Sharply (the boy I mentioned) who had placed a shilling upon
+the stick, for they drew lots who should do that, and he who
+furnished the money was to stand by it, to observe who won it by
+coming nearest; well, Sharply, I say, just as they came close to
+it, moved away softly to another place, above three yards distant
+from any of them (for I should have told you, that if none of them
+got within three yards, the shilling was to remain his, and they
+were each to give him a penny.)  So then he untied their eyes, and
+insisted upon it they had all of them lost.  But two or three of
+us happened to be by, and so we said he had cheated them, and
+ought not to keep the money, as it had fairly been won by Smyth. 
+But he would not give it up, so it made a quarrel between him and
+Smyth, and at last they fought, and Mr. Chiron confined them both
+in the school all the rest of the afternoon, and when he heard
+what the quarrel was about, he took the shilling from Sharply, and
+called him a mean-spirited cheat; but he would not let Smyth have
+it, because he said he deserved to lose it for fighting about such
+a trifle, and so it was put into the forfeit-money.'
+
+'But pray do not you think Sharply behaved extremely wrong?' 
+'Shamefully so, indeed,' said the gentleman.  'I never could have
+any opinion of a boy 'who could act so dishonourably,' said the
+lady, 'let his cleverness be what it would.'  'Pray, Frank, tell
+me some more,' said the little boy.  'More!' replied Frank, 'I
+could tell you an hundred such kind of things.  One time, as Peter
+Light was walking up the yard, with some damsons in his hat,
+Sharply ran by, and as he passed, knocked his hat out of his hand,
+for the sake of scrambling for as many as he could get himself. 
+And sometimes, after the pie-woman has been there, he gets such
+heaps of tarts you cannot think, by his different tricks:  perhaps
+he will buy a currant tart himself; then he would go about,
+calling out, "Who'll change a cheesecake for a currant tart?" and
+now-and-then he will add, "and half a bun into the bargain!"  Then
+two or three of the boys call out, "I will, I will!" and when they
+go to hold out their cheesecakes to him, he snatches them out of
+their hands before they are aware, and runs away in an instant;
+and whilst they stand for a moment in astonishment, he gets so
+much ahead of them that he eats them up before they can again
+overtake him.  At other times, when he sees a boy beginning to eat
+his cake, he will come and talk carelessly to him for a few
+moments, and then all of a sudden call out, "Look! look!
+look!-there!" pointing his finger as if to show him something
+wonderful; and when the other, without suspecting any mischief,
+turns his head to see what has so surprised him, away he snatches
+the cake, and runs off with it, cramming it into his mouth in a
+moment.
+
+'And when he plays at Handy-dandy, Jack-a-dandy, which will you
+have, upper hand or lower? if you happen to guess right, he slips
+whatever you are playing with into his other hand; and that you
+know is not playing fair; and so many of the boys tell him; but he
+does not mind any of us.  And as he is clever at his learning, and
+always does his exercise quite right, Mr. Chiron (who indeed does
+not know of his tricks) is very fond of him, and is for ever
+saying what a clever fellow he is, and proposing him as an example
+to the rest of the boys; and I do believe many of them imitate his
+deceitful, cheating tricks, only for the sake of being thought
+like him.'
+
+'Aye! it is a sad thing,' interrupted the gentleman, 'that people
+who are blessed with sense and abilities to behave well, should so
+misuse them as to set a bad, instead of a good example to others,
+and by that means draw many into sin, who otherwise, perhaps,
+might never have acted wrong.  Was this Sharply, you have been
+speaking of, a dunce and blockhead at his book, he would never
+gain the commendations that Mr. Chiron now bestows upon him; and,
+consequently, no boy would wish to be thought like him; his bad
+example, therefore, would not be of half the importance it now is.
+
+'Only think, then, my dear children, how extremely wicked it is,
+for those who are blessed with understandings capable of acting as
+they should do, and making people admire them, at the same time to
+be guilty of such real and great sin.  For, however children at
+play may like to trick and deceive each other, and call it only
+play or fun, still, let me tell you, they are much mistaken if
+they flatter themselves there is no harm in it.  It is a very
+wrong way of behaviour; it is mean, it is dishonorable, and it is
+wicked; and the boy or girl who would ever permit themselves to
+act in so unjustifiable a manner, however they may excel in their
+learning, or exterior accomplishments, can never be deserving of
+esteem, confidence, or regard.  What esteem or respect could I
+ever entertain of a person's sense or learning, who made no better
+use of it than to practise wickedness with more dexterity and
+grace than he otherwise would be enabled to do?  Or, what
+confidence could I ever place in the person who, I knew, only
+wanted a convenient opportunity to defraud, trick, and deceive me? 
+Or, what regard and love could I possibly entertain for such a
+one, who, unless I kept a constant watch over, as I must over a
+wild beast, would, like a wild beast, be sure to do me some
+injury?  Would it be possible, I say, to love such a character,
+whatever shining abilities or depth of learning he might possess?
+Ask your own hearts, my dears, whether you think you could?'
+
+To this they all answered at once, 'No, that I could not,' and 'I
+am sure I could not.'  'Well, then,' resumed the father, 'only
+think how odious that conduct must be, which robs us of the
+esteem, confidence, and love of our fellow-creatures; and that
+too, notwithstanding we may at the same time be very clever, and
+have a great deal of sense and learning.  But, for my part, I
+confess I know not the least advantage of our understanding or our
+learning, unless we make a proper use of them.  Knowing a great
+deal, and having read a great many books, will be of no service to
+us, unless we are careful to make a proper use of that knowledge,
+and to improve by what we read, otherwise the time we so bestow is
+but lost, and we might as well spend the whole of our lives in
+idleness.
+
+'Always remember, therefore, my loves, that the whole end of our
+taking the trouble to instruct you, or putting ourselves to the
+expense of sending you to school, or your attending to what is
+taught you, is, that you may grow better men and women than you
+otherwise would be; and unless, therefore, you do improve, we
+might as well spare ourselves the pains and expense, and you need
+not take the trouble of learning; since, if you will act wickedly,
+all our labour is but thrown away to no manner of purpose.
+
+'Mr. and Mrs. Sharply, how I pity them!  What sorrow must they
+endure, to behold their son acting in the manner you have
+described; for nothing can give so much concern to a fond parent's
+heart, as to see their children, for whom they have taken so much
+pains, turn out naughty; and to deceive and cheat! What can be
+worse than that?  I hope, my dear children, you will never, any of
+you, give us that dreadful misery!  I hope, my dear Tom, I hope
+you will never learn any of those detestable ways your brother has
+been telling you of.  And if it was not that you will often be
+obliged to see such things when you mix with other children, I
+should be sorry you should even hear of such bad actions, as I
+could wish you to pass through life without so much as knowing
+such wickedness ever existed; hut that is impossible.  There are
+so many naughty people in the world, that you will often be
+obliged to see and hear of crimes which I hope you will shudder to
+think of committing yourselves; and being warned of them
+beforehand, I hope it will put you more upon your guard, not to be
+tempted, upon any consideration, to give the least encouragement
+to them, much less to practise them yourselves.
+
+'Perhaps, Tom, if your brother had not, by telling us of Sharply's
+tricks, given me an opportunity of warning you how extremely wrong
+and wicked they are, you might when you were at school, have
+thought them very clever, and marks of genius; and therefore, like
+others of the boys, have tried to imitate them, and by that means
+have become as wicked, mean, and dishonourable yourself.  And only
+think how it would have grieved your mamma and me, to find the
+next holidays, our dear little Tom, instead of being that honest,
+open, generous-hearted boy he now is, changed into a deceiver, a
+cheat, a liar, one whom we could place no trust or confidence in;
+for, depend upon it, the person who will, when at play, behave
+unfair, would not scruple to do so in even other action of his
+life.  And the boy who will deceive for the sake of a marble, or
+the girl who would act ungenerously, for the sake of a doll's cap
+or a pin, will, when grown up, be ready to cheat and over-reach in
+their trades, or any affairs they may have to transact.  And you
+may assure yourselves that numbers of people who are every year
+hanged, began at first to be wicked by practising those little
+dishonourable mean actions, which so many children are too apt to
+do at play, without thinking of their evil consequences.
+
+'I think, my dear,' said he, turning to his wife, 'I have heard
+you mention a person who you were acquainted with when a girl, who
+at last was hanged for stealing, I think, was not she?'  'No,'
+replied the lady, 'she was not hanged, she was transported for
+one-and-twenty years.'  'Pray, madam, how transported? what is
+that?' inquired one of the children.  'People, my dear,' resumed
+the lady, 'are transported when they have committed crimes, which,
+according to the laws of our land, are not thought quite wicked
+enough to be hanged for; but still too bad to suffer them to
+continue amongst other people.  So, instead of hanging them, the
+judge orders that they shall be sent on board a ship, built on
+purpose to hold naughty people, and carried away from all their
+friends, a great many miles distant, commonly to America, where
+they are sold as slaves, to work very hard for as many years as
+they are transported for.  And the person your papa mentioned was
+sold for twenty-one years; but she died before that time was out,
+as most of them do:  they are generally used very cruelly, and
+work very hard; and besides, the heat of the climate seldom agrees
+with anybody who has been used to live in England, and so they
+generally die before their time is expired, and never have an
+opportunity of seeing their friends any more, after they are once
+sent away.  How should any of you, my dears, like to be sent away
+from your papa and me, and your brothers and sisters, and uncles
+and aunts, and all your friends, and never) never see us any more;
+and only keep company with naughty, cross, wicked people, and
+labour very hard, and suffer a great deal of sickness, and such a
+number of different hardships, you cannot imagine?  Only think how
+shocking it must be! How should you like it?'  'Oh', not at all,
+not at all,' was echoed from everyone in the room.
+
+'But such,' rejoined their mother, 'is the punishment naughty
+people have; and such was the punishment the person your papa
+spoke of had; who, when she was young, no more expected to come to
+such an end than any of you do.  I was very well acquainted with
+her, and often used to play with her, and she (like the boy Frank
+has been talking of) used to think it a mark of cleverness to be
+able to deceive; and for the sake of winning the game she was
+engaged in, would not scruple committing any little unfair action,
+which would give her the advantage.
+
+'I remember one time, at such a trifling game as pushpin, she gave
+me a very bad opinion of her; for I observed, instead of pushing
+the pin as she ought to do, she would try to lift it up with her
+finger a little, to make it cross over the other.
+
+'And when we were all at cards, she would peep, to find out the
+pictured ones, that she might have them in her own hand.
+
+'And when we played at any game which had forfeits, she would try,
+by different little artifices, to steal back her own before the
+time of crying them came; or, if she was the person who was to cry
+them, as you call it, she would endeavour to see whose came next,
+that she might order the penalty accordingly.
+
+'Or if we were playing at hide and seek, she would put what we had
+to hide either in her own pocket, or throw it into the fire, so
+that it would be impossible to find it; and then, after making her
+companions hunt for it for an hour, till their patience was quite
+tired, and they gave out; she would burst out in a loud laugh! and
+say she only did it for fun.  But, for my part, I never could see
+any joke in such kind of things:  the meanness, the baseness, the
+dish on our, which attended it always, in my opinion, took off all
+degree of cleverness, or pleasure from such actions.
+
+'There was another of her sly tricks which I forgot to mention,
+and that was, if at tea, or any other time, she got first to the
+plate of cake or bread, she would place the piece she liked best
+where she thought it would come to her turn to have it:  or if at
+breakfast she saw her sisters' basin have the under crust in it,
+and they happened not to be by, or to see her, she would take it
+out, and put her own, which she happened not to like so well, in
+the stead.
+
+'Only think, my dears, what frightful, sly, naughty tricks to be
+guilty of!  And from practising these, which she said there was no
+harm in, and she only did them in play, and for a bit of fun, at
+last she came, by degrees, to be guilty of greater.  She two or
+three different times, when she was not seen, stole things out of
+shops; and one day, when she was upon a visit, and thought she
+could do it cleverly, without being discovered, put a couple of
+table spoons into her pocket.  The footman who was waiting
+happened to see her; but fearing to give offence, he took no
+notice of it till after she was gone home, when he told his
+master, who, justly provoked at being so ill-treated, by a person
+to whom he had shown every civility, went after her, called in her
+own two maids, and his footman, as witnesses, and then insisted
+upon examining her pockets, where he indeed found his own two
+spoons.  He then sent for proper officers to secure her, had her
+taken into custody, and for that offence it was that she was
+transported.
+
+'Thus, my dear children, you see the shocking consequence of ever
+suffering such vile habits to grow upon us; and I hope the example
+of this unhappy woman (which I assure you is a true story) will be
+sufficient to warn you for ever, for a single time, being guilty
+of so detestable a crime, lest you should, like her, by degrees
+come to experience her fatal punishment.'
+
+Just as the lady said these words a bell rang, and all getting up
+together, they went out of the room, the young one calling out,
+'To dinner! to dinner! to dinner! here we all go to dinner!'
+
+And I will seek for one too, said I to myself, (creeping out as
+soon as I found I was alone) for I feel very faint and hungry.  I
+looked and looked about a long while, for I could move but slow,
+on account of the bruises I had received in the shoe.  At last
+under the table, round which the family had been sitting, I found
+a pincushion, which, being stuffed with bran, afforded me enough
+to satisfy my hunger, but was excessively dry and unsavoury; yet,
+bad as it was, I was obliged to be content at that time with it;
+and had nearly done eating when the door opened, and in ran two or
+three of the children.  Frightened out of my senses almost, I had
+just time to escape down a little hole in the floor, made by one
+of the knots in the wood slipping out, and there I heard one of
+the girls exclaim--
+
+'O dear! who now has cut my pincushion? it was you did it, Tom.' 
+'No, indeed I did not,' replied he.  'Then it was you, Mary.' 
+'No, I know nothing of it,' answered she.  'Then it was you,
+Hetty.'  'That I am sure it was not,' said she; 'I am sure, I am
+certain it was not me; I am positive it was not.'  'Ah,' replied
+the other, 'I dare say it was.'  'Yes, I think it is most likely,'
+said Mary.  'And so do I too,' said Tom.  'And pray why do you all
+think so?' inquired Hetty, in an angry tone.  'Because,' said the
+owner of the pincushion, 'you are the only one who ever tells
+fibs; you told a story, you know, about the fruit; you told a
+story too about the currant jelly; and about putting your fingers
+in the butter, at breakfast; and therefore there is a very great
+reason why we should suspect you more than anybody else.'  'But I
+am sure,' said she, bursting into tears, 'I am very sure I have
+not meddled with it.'  'I do not at all know that,' replied the
+other, 'and I do think it was you; for I am certain if any one
+else had done it they would not deny it; and it could not come
+into this condition by itself, somebody must have done it; and I
+dare say it was you; so say no more about it.'
+
+Here the dispute was interrupted by somebody calling them out of
+the room; and I could not help making some reflections on what had
+passed.  How dreadful a crime, thought I, is lying and falsity; to
+what sad mortifications does it subject the person who is ever
+wicked enough to commit it; and how does it expose them to the
+contempt of everyone, and make them to be suspected of faults they
+are even perfectly free from.  Little Hetty now is innocent, with
+respect to the pincushion with which her sister charges her, as
+any of the others; yet, because she has before forfeited her
+honour, she can gain no credit:  no one believes what she says,
+she is thought to be guilty of the double fault of spoiling the
+pincushion, and what is still worse, of lying to conceal it;
+whilst the other children are at once believed, and their words
+depended upon.
+
+Surely, surely, thought I, if people would but reflect upon the
+contempt, the shame, and the difficulties which lies expose them
+to, they would never be guilty of so terrible a vice, which
+subjects them to the scorn of all they converse with, and renders
+them at all times suspected, even though they should, as in the
+case of Hetty, really speak the truth.  Such were my reflections
+upon falsehood, nor could I help altogether blaming the owner of
+the pincushion for her hasty judgment relating to it.  Somebody,
+she was certain, must have done it; it was impossible it could
+come so by itself.  That, to be sure, was very true; but then she
+never recollected that it was possible a little mouse might put it
+in that condition.  Ah! thought I to myself, what pity is it, that
+human creatures, who are blest with understanding and faculties so
+superior to any species, should not make better use of them; and
+learn, from daily experience, to grow wiser and better for the
+future.  This one instance of the pincushion, may teach (and
+surely people engaged in life must hourly find more) how dangerous
+it is to draw hasty conclusions, and to condemn people upon
+suspicion, as also the many, great, and bad consequences of lying.
+
+Scarcely had I finished these soliloquies when a great knock at
+the house door made me give such a start that I fell off the joist
+on which I was standing, and then ran straight forwards till I
+came out at a little hole I found in the bricks above the parlour
+window:  from that I descended into the road, and went on
+unmolested till I reached a malt-house, about whose various
+apartments, never staying long in the same, I continued to live;
+till one night, all on a sudden, I was alarmed by fire, which
+obliged me to retreat with the greatest expedition.
+
+I passed numberless rats and mice in my way, who, like myself,
+were driven forth by the flames; but, alas! among them I found not
+my brother.  Despairing, therefore, of ever seeing him again, I
+determined, if possible, to find my way back to you, who before
+had shown me such kindness.  Numberless were the fatigues and
+difficulties I had to encounter in my journey here; one while in
+danger from hungry cats, at another almost perished with cold and
+want of food.
+
+But it is needless to enumerate every particular; I should but
+tire your patience was I to attempt it; so I will hasten to a
+conclusion of my history, only telling you how you came to find me
+in that melancholy condition from which your mercy has now raised
+me.
+
+I came into your house one evening concealed in the middle of a
+floor-cloth, which the maid had rolled up and set at the outside
+of the back door, whilst she swept the passage, and neglected to
+take it in again till the evening, In that I hid myself, and upon
+her laying it down, ran with all speed down the cellar-stairs,
+where I continued till the family were all gone to bed.  Then I
+returned back, and came into your closet, where the scent of some
+figs tempted me to get into the jar in which you found me.  I
+concealed myself among them, and after feasting most deliciously,
+fell asleep, from which I was awakened by hearing a voice say,
+"Who has left the cover off the fig-jar?" and at the same time I
+was involved in darkness by having it put on.  In vain I
+endeavoured to remove it, the figs were so low, that when I stood
+on them I could but just touch it with my lips, and the jar being
+stone I could not possibly fasten my nails to hang by the side.
+
+In this dismal situation therefore I was constrained to stay, my
+apprehensions each day increasing as my food diminished, till at
+last, after feeding very sparingly for some days, it was quite
+exhausted; and I had endured the inexpressible tortures of hunger
+for three days and three nights, when you happily released me, and
+by your compassion restored me once more to life and liberty. 
+Condescend, therefore, to preserve that life you have so
+lengthened, and take me under your protection.
+
+'That most gladly,' interrupted I, 'I will do:  you will live in
+this large green-flowered tin canister, and run in and out when
+you please, and I will keep you constantly supplied with food. 
+But I must now shut you in, for the cat has this moment entered
+the room.'
+
+
+
+And now I cannot take leave of all my little readers, without once
+more begging them, for their own sakes, to endeavour to follow all
+the good advice the mouse has been giving them; and likewise
+warning them to shun all those vices and follies, the practice of
+which renders children so contemptible and wicked.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg Etext The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse
+
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