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diff --git a/1905-h/1905-h.htm b/1905-h/1905-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2df8bcc --- /dev/null +++ b/1905-h/1905-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6122 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Governess;, by Sarah Fielding + </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%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Governess, by Sarah Fielding + +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 Governess + The Little Female Academy + +Author: Sarah Fielding + +Release Date: October 10, 2008 [EBook #1905] +Last Updated: November 6, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOVERNESS *** + + + + +Produced by Pat Pflieger, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE GOVERNESS; + </h1> + <h2> + OR, THE LITTLE FEMALE ACADEMY (1749) + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Sarah Fielding + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + There lived in the northern parts of England, a gentlewoman who undertook + the education of young ladies; and this trust she endeavoured faithfully + to discharge, by instructing those committed to her care in reading, + writing, working, and in all proper forms of behaviour. And though her + principal aim was to improve their minds in all useful knowledge; to + render them obedient to their superiors, and gentle, kind, and + affectionate to each other; yet did she not omit teaching them an exact + neatness in their persons and dress, and a perfect gentility in their + whole carriage. + </p> + <p> + This gentlewoman, whose name was Teachum, was the widow of a clergyman, + with whom she had lived nine years in all the harmony and concord which + forms the only satisfactory happiness in the married state. Two little + girls (the youngest of which was born before the second year of their + marriage was expired) took up a great part of their thoughts; and it was + their mutual design to spare no pains or trouble in their education. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Teachum was a very sensible man, and took great delight in improving + his wife; as she also placed her chief pleasure in receiving his + instructions. One of his constant subjects of discourse to her was + concerning the education of children: so that, when in his last illness + his physicians pronounced him beyond the power of their art to relieve + him, he expressed great satisfaction in the thought of leaving his + children to the care of so prudent a mother. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum, though exceedingly afflicted by such a loss, yet thought it + her duty to call forth all her resolutions to conquer her grief, in order + to apply herself to the care of these her dear husband’s children. But her + misfortunes were not here to end: for within a twelvemonth after the death + of her husband, she was deprived of both her children by a violent fever + that then raged in the country; and, about the same time, by the + unforeseen breaking of a banker, in whose hands almost all her fortune was + just then placed, she was bereft of the means of her future support. + </p> + <p> + The Christian fortitude with which (through her husband’s instructions) + she had armed her mind, had not left it in the power of any outward + accident to bereave her of her understanding, or to make her incapable of + doing what was proper on all occasions. Therefore, by the advice of all + her friends, she undertook what she was so well qualified for; namely, the + education of children. But as she was moderate in her desires, and did not + seek to raise a great fortune, she was resolved to take no more scholars + than she could have an eye to herself without the help of other teachers; + and instead of making interest to fill her school, it was looked upon as a + great favour when she would take any girl. And as her number was fixed to + nine, which she on no account would be prevailed on to increase, great + application was made, when any scholar went away, to have her place + supplied; and happy were they who could get a promise for the next + vacancy. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum was about forty years old, tall and genteel in her person, + though somewhat inclined to fat. She had a lively and commanding eye, + insomuch that she naturally created an awe in all her little scholars; + except when she condescended to smile, and talk familiarly to them; and + then she had something perfectly kind and tender in her manner. Her temper + was so extremely calm and good, that though she never omitted + reprehending, and that pretty severely, any girl that was guilty of the + smallest fault proceeding from an evil disposition; yet for no cause + whatsoever was she provoked to be in a passion; but she kept up such a + dignity and authority, by her steady behavior, that the girls greatly + feared to incur her displeasure by disobeying her commands; and were + equally pleased with her approbation, when they had done anything worthy + her commendation. + </p> + <p> + At the time of the ensuing history, the school (being full) consisted of + the nine following young ladies: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Miss JENNY PEACE. + Miss NANNY SPRUCE. + Miss SUKEY JENNETT. + Miss BETTY FORD. + Miss DOLLY FRIENDLY. + Miss HENNY FRET. + Miss LUCY SLY. + Miss POLLY SUCKLING. + Miss PATTY LOCKIT. +</pre> + <p> + The eldest of these was but fourteen years old, and none of the rest had + yet attained their twelfth year. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> AN ACCOUNT OF A FRAY, </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> A DIALOGUE BETWEEN MISS JENNY PEACE AND MISS + SUKEY JENNETT; </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> A SCENE OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, QUITE THE + REVERSE OF THE BATTLE, </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS JENNY PEACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE LIFE OF MISS JENNY PEACE. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> <b>MONDAY. THE FIRST DAY</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE STORY OF THE CRUEL GIANT BARBARICO, THE + GOOD GIANT BENEFICO, </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY OF THE GIANTS. + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> <b>TUESDAY. THE SECOND DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS SUKEY JENNETT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> THE LIFE OF MISS SUKEY JENNETT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> THE LIFE OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> <b>WEDNESDAY. THE THIRD DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THE STORY OF CAELIA AND CHLOE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS LUCY SLY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> THE LIFE OF MISS LUCY SLY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> <b>THURSDAY. THE FOURTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS PATTY LOCKIT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> THE LIFE OF MISS PATTY LOCKIT. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> <b>FRIDAY. THE FIFTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> THE PRINCESS HEBE. A FAIRY TALE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> <b>SATURDAY. THE SIXTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> <b>SUNDAY. THE SEVENTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS NANNY SPRUCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> THE LIFE OF MISS NANNY SPRUCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS BETTY FORD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> THE LIFE OF MISS BETTY FORD. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> <b>MONDAY. THE EIGHTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS HENNY FRET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> THE LIFE OF MISS HENNY FRET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS POLLY SUCKLING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> THE LIFE OF MISS POLLY SUCKLING. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> <b>TUESDAY. THE NINTH DAY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> THE ASSEMBLY OF THE BIRDS. A FABLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> THE END OF THE NINTH DAY. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + AN ACCOUNT OF A FRAY, + </h2> + <h3> + BEGUN AND CARRIED ON FOR THE SAKE OF AN APPLE: IN WHICH ARE SHOWN THE SAD + EFFECTS OF RAGE AND ANGER. + </h3> + <p> + It was on a fine summer’s evening when the school-hours were at an end, + and the young ladies were admitted to divert themselves for some time, as + they thought proper, in a pleasant garden adjoining to the house, that + their governess, who delighted in pleasing them, brought out a little + basket of apples, which were intended to be divided equally amongst them; + but Mrs. Teachum being hastily called away (one of her poor neighhours + having had an accident which wanted her assistance), she left the fruit in + the hands of Miss Jenny Peace, the eldest of her scholars, with a strict + charge to see that every one had an equal share of her gift. + </p> + <p> + But here a perverse accident turned good Mrs. Teachum’s design of giving + them pleasure into their sorrow, and raised in their little hearts nothing + but strife and anger: for, alas! there happened to be one apple something + larger than the rest, on which the whole company immediately placed their + desiring eyes, and all at once cried out, ‘Pray, Miss Jenny, give me that + apple.’ Each gave her reasons why she had the best title to it: the + youngest pleaded her youth, and the eldest her age; one insisted on her + goodness, another from her meekness claimed a title to preference; and + one, in confidence of her strength, said positively, she would have it; + but all speaking together, it was difficult to distinguish who said this, + or who said that. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny begged them all to be quiet, but in vain; for she could not be + heard: they had all set their hearts on that fine apple, looking upon + those she had given them as nothing. She told them they had better be + contented with what they had, than be thus seeking what it was impossible + for her to give to them all. She offered to divide it into eight parts, or + to do anything to satisfy them; but she might as well have been silent; + for they were all talking and had no time to hear. At last as a means to + quiet the disturbance, she threw this apple, the cause of their + contention, with her utmost force over a hedge into another garden, where + they could not come at it. + </p> + <p> + At first they were all silent, as if they were struck dumb with + astonishment with the loss of this one poor apple, though at the same time + they had plenty before them. + </p> + <p> + But this did not bring to pass Miss Jenny’s design: for now they all began + again to quarrel which had the most right to it, and which ought to have + had it, with as much vehemence as they had before contended for the + possession of it; and their anger by degrees became so high, that words + could not vent half their rage; and they fell to pulling of caps, tearing + of hair, and dragging the clothes off one another’s backs: though they did + not so much strike, as endeavour to scratch and pinch their enemies. + </p> + <p> + Miss Dolly Friendly as yet was not engaged in the battle; but on hearing + her friend Miss Nanny Spruce scream out, that she was hurt by a sly pinch + from one of the girls, she flew on this sly pincher, as she called her, + like an enraged lion on its prey; and not content only to return the harm + her friend had received, she struck with such force, as felled her enemy + to the ground. And now they could not distinguish between friend and + enemy; but fought, scratched, and tore, like so many cats, when they + extend their claws to fix them in their rival’s heart. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny was employed in endeavouring to part them. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this confusion appeared Mrs. Teachum, who was returning in + hopes to see them happy with the fruit she had given them; but she was + some time there before either her voice or presence could awaken them from + their attention to the fight; when on a sudden they all faced her, and + fear of punishment began now a little to abate their rage. Each of the + misses held in her right hand, fast clenched, some marks of victory; for + they beat and were beaten by turns. One of them held a little lock of hair + torn from the head of her enemy; another grasped a piece of a cap, which, + in aiming at her rival’s hair, had deceived her hand, and was all the + spoils she could gain; a third clenched a piece of an apron; a fourth, of + a frock. In short, everyone unfortunately held in her hand a proof of + having been engaged in the battle. And the ground was spread with rags and + tatters, torn from the backs of the little inveterate combatants. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum stood for some time astonished at the sight; but at last she + enquired of Miss Jenny Peace, who was the only person disengaged, to tell + her the whole truth, and to inform her of the cause of all this confusion. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny was obliged to obey the commands of her governess; though she + was so good natured that she did it in the mildest terms; and endeavoured + all she could to lessen, rather than increase, Mrs. Teachum’s anger. The + guilty persons now began all to excuse themselves as fast as tears and + sobs would permit them. + </p> + <p> + One said, ‘Indeed, madam, it was none of my fault; for I did not begin; + for Miss Sukey Jennett, without any cause in the world (for I did nothing + to provoke her), hit me a great slap in the face, and made my tooth ache; + the pain DID make me angry; and then, indeed, I hit her a little tap; but + it was on her back; and I am sure it was the smallest tap in the world and + could not possibly hurt her half so much as her great blow did me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Law, miss!’ replied Miss Jennett, ‘how can you say so? when you know that + you struck me first, and that yours was the great blow, and mine the + little tap; for I only went to defend myself from your monstrous blows.’ + </p> + <p> + Such like defences they would all have made for themselves, each insisting + on not being in fault, and throwing the blame on her companion; but Mrs. + Teachum silenced them by a positive command; and told them, that she saw + they were all equally guilty, and as such would treat them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum’s method of punishing I never could find out. But this is + certain, the most severe punishment she had ever inflicted on any misses, + since she had kept a school, was now laid on these wicked girls, who had + been thus fighting, and pulling one another to pieces, for a sorry apple. + </p> + <p> + The first thing she did was to take away all the apples; telling them, + that before they had any more instances of such kindness from her, they + should give her proofs of their deserving them better. And when she had + punished them as much as she thought proper, she made them all embrace one + another, and promise to be friends for the future; which, in obedience to + her commands, they were forced to comply with, though there remained a + grudge and ill-will in their bosoms; every one thinking she was punished + most, although she would have it, that she deserved to be punished least; + and they continued all the sly tricks they could think on to vex and tease + each other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A DIALOGUE BETWEEN MISS JENNY PEACE AND MISS SUKEY JENNETT; + </h2> + <p> + WHEREIN THE LATTER IS AT LAST CONVINCED OF HER OWN FOLLY IN BEING SO + QUARRELSOME; AND, BY HER EXAMPLE, ALL HER COMPANIONS ARE BROUGHT TO SEE + AND CONFESS THEIR FAULT. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Miss Jenny Peace used her utmost endeavours to bring her + schoolfellows to be heartily reconciled, but in vain: for each insisted on + it, that she was not to blame; but that the whole quarrel arose from the + faults of others. At last ensued the following dialogue between Miss Jenny + Peace and Miss Sukey Jennett, which brought about Miss Jenny’s designs; + and which we recommend to the consideration of all our young readers. + </p> + <p> + MISS JENNY. Now pray, Miss Sukey, tell me, what did you get by your + contention and quarrel about that foolish apple? + </p> + <p> + MISS SUKEY. Indeed, ma’am, I shall not answer you; I know that you only + want to prove, that you are wiser than I, because you are older. But I + don’t know but some people may understand as much at eleven years old as + others at thirteen: but, because you are the oldest in the school, you + always want to be tutoring and governing. I don’t like to have more than + one governess; and if I obey my mistress, I think that is enough. + </p> + <p> + MISS JENNY. Indeed, my dear, I don’t want to govern you, nor to prove + myself wiser than you; I only want that instead of quarrelling, and making + yourself miserable, you should live at peace and be happy. Therefore, pray + do answer my question, whether you get anything by your quarrel? + </p> + <p> + MISS SUKEY. No I cannot say I got anything by it: for my mistress was + angry, and punished me; and my hair was pulled off, and my clothes torn in + the scuffle; neither did I value the apple; but yet I have too much spirit + to be imposed on. I am sure I had as good a right to it as any of the + others; and I would not give up my right to anyone. + </p> + <p> + MISS JENNY. But don’t you know, Miss Sukey, it would have shown much more + spirit to have yielded the apple to another, than to have fought about it? + Then indeed you would have proved your sense; for you would have shown, + that you had too much understanding to fight about a trifle. Then your + clothes had been whole, your hair not torn from your head, your mistress + had not been angry, nor had your fruit been taken away from you. + </p> + <p> + MISS SUKEY. And so, miss, you would fain prove, that it is wisest to + submit to everybody that would impose upon one? But I will not believe ii, + say what you will. + </p> + <p> + MISS JENNY. But is not what I say true? If you had not been in the battle, + would not your clothes have been whole, your hair not torn, your mistress + pleased with you, and the apples your own? + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Sukey paused for some time: for as Miss Jenny was in the right + and had truth on her side, it was difficult for Miss Sukey to know what to + answer. For it is impossible, without being very silly, to contradict + truth; and yet Miss Sukey was so foolish, that she did not care to own + herself in the wrong; though nothing could have been so great a sign of + her understanding. + </p> + <p> + When Miss Jenny saw her thus at a loss for an answer, she was in hopes of + making her companion happy; for, as she had as much good nature as + understanding, that was her design. She therefore pursued her discourse in + the following manner: + </p> + <p> + MISS JENNY. Pray, Miss Sukey, do answer me one question more. Don’t you + lie awake at nights, and fret and vex yourself, because you are angry with + your school-fellows? Are not you restless and uneasy, because you cannot + find a safe method to be revenged on them, without being punished + yourself? Do tell me truly, is not this your case? + </p> + <p> + MISS SUKEY. Yes it is. For if I could but hurt my enemies, without being + hurt myself, it would be the greatest pleasure I could have in the world. + </p> + <p> + MISS JENNY. Oh fie, Miss Sukey! What you have now said is wicked. Don’t + you consider what you say every day in your prayers’? And this way of + thinking will make you lead a very uneasy life. If you would hearken to + me, I could put you into a method of being very happy, and making all + those misses you call your enemies, become your friends. + </p> + <p> + MISS SUKEY. You could tell me a method, miss? Do you think I don’t know as + well as you what is fit to be done? I believe I am as capable of finding + the way to be happy, as you are of teaching me. + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Sukey burst into tears, that anybody should presume to tell her + the way to be happy. + </p> + <p> + MISS JENNY. Upon my word, my dear, I don’t mean to vex you; but only, + instead of tormenting yourself all night in laying plots to revenge + yourself, I would have you employ this one night in thinking of what I + have said. Nothing will show your sense so much, as to own that you have + been in the wrong. Nor will anything prove a right spirit so much as to + confess your fault. All the misses will be your friends, and perhaps + follow your example. Then you will have the pleasure of having caused the + quiet of the whole school; your governess will love you; and you will be + at peace in your mind, and never have any more foolish quarrels, in which + you all get nothing but blows and uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + Miss Sukey began now to find, that Miss Jenny was in the right, and she + herself in the wrong; but yet she was so proud she would not own it. + Nothing could be so foolish as this pride; because it would have been both + good and wise in her to confess the truth the moment she saw it. However, + Miss Jenny was so discreet as not to press her any farther that night; but + begged her to consider seriously on what she had said, and to let her know + her thoughts the next morning and then left her. + </p> + <p> + When Miss Sukey was alone she stood some time in great confusion. She + could not help seeing how much hitherto she had been in the wrong; and + that thought stung her to the heart. She cried, stamped, and was in as + great an agony as if some sad misfortune had befallen her. At last, when + she had somewhat vented her passion by tears, she burst forth into the + following speech: + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very true what Miss Jenny Peace says; for I am always uneasy. I + don’t sleep in quiet because I am always thinking, either that I have not + my share of what is given us, or that I cannot be revenged on any of the + girls that offend me. And when I quarrel with them, I am scratched and + bruised; or reproached. And what do I get by all this? Why, I scratch, + bruise, and reproach them in my turn. Is not that gain enough? I warrant I + hurt them as much as they hurt me. But then indeed, as Miss Jenny says, if + I could make these girls my friends, and did not wish to hurt them, I + certainly might live a quieter, and perhaps a happier, life. But what + then, have I been always in the wrong all my lifetime? for I always + quarrelled and hated everyone who had offended me. Oh! I cannot bear that + thought! It is enough to make me mad! when I imagined myself so wise and + so sensible, to find out that I have been always a fool. If I think a + moment longer about it, I shall die with grief and shame. I must think + myself in the right; and I will too. But, as Miss Jenny says, I really am + unhappy; for I hate all my schoolfellows; and yet I dare not do them any + mischief; for my mistress will punish me severely if I do. I should not so + much mind that neither; but then those I intend to hurt will triumph over + me, to see me punished for their sakes. In short, the more I reflect, the + more I am afraid Miss Jenny is in the right; and yet it breaks my heart to + think so.’ + </p> + <p> + Here the poor girl wept so bitterly, and was so heartily grieved, that she + could not utter one word more; but sat herself down, reclining her head + upon her hand, in the most melancholy posture that could be; nor could she + close her eyes all night, but lay tossing and raving with the thought how + she should act, and what she should say to Miss Jenny the next day. + </p> + <p> + When the morning came, Miss Sukey dreaded every moment, as the time drew + nearer when she must meet Miss Jenny. She knew it would not be possible to + resist her arguments; and yet shame for having been in fault overcame her. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Miss Jenny saw Miss Sukey with her eyes cast down, and + confessing, by a look of sorrow, that she would take her advice, she + embraced her kindly; and, without giving her the trouble to speak, took it + for granted, that she would leave off quarreling, be reconciled to her + schoolfellows, and make herself happy. + </p> + <p> + Miss Sukey did indeed stammer out some words, which implied a confession + of her fault; but they were spoke so low they could hardly be heard; only + Miss Jenny, who always chose to look at the fairest side of her + companions’ actions, by Miss Sukey’s look and manner guessed her meaning. + </p> + <p> + In the same manner did this good girl, Jenny, persuade, one by one, all + her schoolfellows to be reconciled to each with sincerity and love. + </p> + <p> + Miss Dolly Friendly, who had too much sense to engage the battle for the + sake of an apple, and who was provoked to strike a blow only for + friendship’s sake, easily saw the truth of what Miss Jenny said; and was + therefore presently convinced, that the best part she could have acted for + her friend, would have been to have withdrawn her from the scuffle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A SCENE OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, QUITE THE REVERSE OF THE BATTLE, + </h2> + <p> + WHEREIN ARE SHOWN THE DIFFERENT EFFECTS OF LOVE AND GOODNESS FROM THOSE + ATTENDING ANGER, STRIFE, AND WICKEDNESS: WITH THE LIFE OF MISS JENNY + PEACE. + </p> + <p> + After Miss Jenny had completed the good work of making all her companions + friends, she drew them round her in a little arbour, in that very garden + which had been the scene of their strife, and consequently of their + misery; and then spoke to them the following speech; which she delivered + in so mild a voice, that it was sufficient to charm her hearers into + attention, and to persuade them to be led by her advice, and to follow her + example in the paths of goodness. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear friends and schoolfellows, you cannot imagine the happiness it + gives me to see you thus all so heartily reconciled. You will find the + joyful fruits of it. Nothing can show so much sense as thus to own + yourselves in fault; for could anything have been so foolish as to spend + all your time in misery, rather than at once to make use of the power you + have of making yourselves happy? Now if you will use as many endeavours to + love as you have hitherto done to hate each other, you will find that + every one amongst you, whenever you have anything given you, will have + double, nay, I may say eight times (as there are eight of you) the + pleasure, in considering that your companions are happy. What is the end + of quarrels, but that everyone is fretted and vexed, and no one gains + anything! Whereas by endeavouring to please and love each other, the end + is happiness to ourselves, and joy to everyone around us. I am sure, if + you will speak the truth, none of you have been so easy since you + quarrelled, as you are now you are reconciled. Answer me honestly, if this + is not truth.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Jenny was silent, and waited for an answer. But the poor girls, + who had in them the seeds of goodwill to each other, although those seeds + were choked and overrun with the weeds of envy and pride; as in a garden + the finest strawberries will be spoiled by rank weeds, if care is not + taken to root them out; these poor girls, I say, now struck with the force + of truth, and sorry for what they had done, let drop some tears, which + trickled down their cheeks, and were signs of meekness, and sorrow for + their fault. Not like those tears which burst from their swollen eyes, + when anger and hatred choked their words, and their proud hearts laboured + with stubbornness and folly; when their skins reddened, and all their + features were changed and distorted by the violence of passion, which made + them frightful to the beholders, and miserable to themselves;— No! + Far other cause had they now for tears, and far different were the tears + they shed; their eyes, melted with sorrow for their faults, let fall some + drops, as tokens of their repentance; but, as soon as they could recover + themselves to speak, they all with one voice cried out, ‘Indeed, Miss + Jenny, we are sorry for our fault, and will follow your advice; which we + now see is owing to your goodness.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny now produced a basket of apples, which she had purchased out of + the little pocket-money she was allowed, in order to prove, that the same + things may be a pleasure or a pain, according as the persons to whom they + are given are good or bad. + </p> + <p> + These she placed in the midst of her companions, and desired them to eat, + and enjoy themselves; and now they were so changed, that each helped her + next neighbour before she would touch any for herself; and the moment they + were grown thus good natured and friendly, they were as well-bred, and as + polite, as it is possible to describe. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny’s joy was inexpressible, that she had caused this happy change; + nor less was the joy of her companions, who now began to taste pleasures, + from which their animosity to each other had hitherto debarred them. They + all sat looking pleased on their companions; their faces borrowed beauty + from the calmness and goodness of their minds; and all those ugly frowns, + and all that ill-natured sourness, which when they were angry and cross + were but too plain in their faces, were now entirely fled; jessamine and + honeysuckles surrounded their seats, and played round their heads, of + which they gathered nosegays to present each other with. They now enjoyed + all the pleasure and happiness that attend those who are innocent and + good. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny, with her heart overflowing with joy at this happy change, + said, ‘Now, my dear companions, that you may be convinced what I have said + and done was not occasioned by any desire of proving myself wiser than + you, as Miss Sukey hinted while she was yet in her anger, I will, if you + please, relate to you the history of my past life; by which you will see + in what manner I came by this way of thinking; and as you will perceive it + was chiefly owing to the instructions of a kind mamma, you may all + likewise reap the same advantage under good Mrs. Teachum, if you will obey + her commands, and attend to her precepts. And after I have given you the + particulars of my life, I must beg that every one of you will, some day or + other, when you have reflected upon it, declare all that you can remember + of your own; for, should you not be able to relate anything worth + remembering as an example, yet there is nothing more likely to amend the + future part of anyone’s life, than the recollecting and confessing the + faults of the past.’ + </p> + <p> + All our little company highly approved of Miss Jenny’s proposal, and + promised, in their turns, to relate their own lives; and Miss Polly + Suckling cried out, ‘Yes indeed, Miss Jenny, I’ll tell all when it comes + to my turn; so pray begin, for I long to hear what you did, when you was + no bigger than I am now.’ Miss Jenny then kissed little Polly, and said + she would instantly begin. + </p> + <p> + But as in the reading of any one’s story, it is an additional pleasure to + have some acquaintance with their persons; and as I delight in giving my + little readers every pleasure that is in my power; I shall endeavour, as + justly as I can, by description, to set before their eyes the picture of + this good young creature: and in the same of every one of our young + company, as they begin their lives. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS JENNY PEACE. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Jenny Peace was just turned of fourteen, and could be called neither + tall nor short of her age; but her whole person was the most agreeable + that can be imagined. She had an exceeding fine complexion, with as much + colour in her cheeks as is the natural effect of perfect health. Her hair + was light brown, and curled in so regular and yet easy a manner, as never + to want any assistance from art. Her eyebrows (which were not of that + correct turn as to look as if they were drawn with a pencil) and her + eyelashes were both darker than her hair; and the latter being very long, + gave such a shade to her eyes as made them often mistaken for black, + though they were only a dark hazel. To give any description of her eyes + beyond the colour and size, which was perfectly the medium, would be + impossible; except by saying they were expressive of everything that is + amiable and good; for through them might be read every single thought of + the mind; from whence they had such a brightness and cheerfulness, as + seemed to cast a lustre over her whole face. She had fine teeth, and a + mouth answering to the most correct rules of beauty; and when she spoke + (though you were at too great a distance to hear what she said) there + appeared so much sweetness, mildness, modesty and good nature, that you + found yourself filled more with pleasure than admiration in beholding her. + The delight which everyone took in looking on Miss Jenny was evident in + this, that though Miss Sukey Jennett and Miss Patty Lockit were both what + may be called handsomer girls (and if you asked any persons in company + their opinion, they would tell you so) yet their eyes were a direct + contradiction to their tongues, by being continually fixed on Miss Jenny; + for, while she was in the room, it was impossible to fix them anywhere + else. She had a natural ease and gentility in her shape; and all her + motions were more pleasing, though less striking than what is commonly + acquired by the instruction of dancing masters. + </p> + <p> + Such was the agreeable person of Miss Jenny Peace, who, in her usual + obliging manner, and with an air pleasing beyond my power to express, at + the request of her companions began to relate the history of her life, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS JENNY PEACE. + </h2> + <p> + ‘My father dying when I was but half a year old, I was left to the care of + my mamma, who was the best woman in the world, and to whose memory I shall + ever pay the most grateful honour. From the time she had any children, she + made it the whole study of her life to promote their welfare, and form + their minds in the manner she thought would best answer her purpose of + making them both good and happy; for it was her constant maxim, that + goodness and happiness dwelt in the same bosoms, and were generally found + to life so much together, that they could not easily be separated. + </p> + <p> + ‘My mother had six children born alive; but could preserve none beyond the + first year, except my brother, Harry Peace, and myself. She made it one of + her chief cares to cultivate and preserve the most perfect love and + harmony between us. My brother is but a twelvemonth older than I; so that, + till I was six years old (for seven was the age in which he was sent to + school) he remained at home with me; in which time we often had little + childish quarrels; but my mother always took care to convince us of our + error in wrangling and fighting about nothing, and to teach us how much + more pleasure we enjoyed whilst we agreed. She showed no partiality to + either, but endeavoured to make us equal in all things, any otherwise than + that she taught me I owed a respect to my brother as the eldest. + </p> + <p> + ‘Before my brother went to school, we had set hours appointed us, in which + we regularly attended to learn whatever was thought necessary for our + improvement; my mamma herself daily watching the opening of our minds, and + taking great care to instruct us in what manner to make the best use of + the knowledge we attained. Whatever we read she explained to us, and made + us understand, that we might be the better for our lessons. When we were + capable of thinking, we made it so much a rule to obey our parent, the + moment she signified her pleasure, that by that means we avoided many + accidents and misfortunes; for example: my brother was running one day + giddily round the brink of a well; and if he had made the least false + step, he must have fallen to the bottom, and been drowned; my mamma, by a + sign with her finger that called him to her, preserved him from the + imminent danger he was in of losing his life; and then she took care that + we should both be the better for this little incident, by laying before us + how much our safety and happiness, as well as our duty, were concerned in + being obedient. + </p> + <p> + ‘My brother and I once had a quarrel about something as trifling as your + apple of contention; and, though we both heartily wished to be reconciled + to each other, yet did our little hearts swell so much with stubbornness + and pride, that neither of us would speak first; by which means we were so + silly as to be both uneasy, and yet would not use the remedy that was in + our own power to remove that uneasiness. My mamma found it out, and sent + for me into her closet, and said, “She was sorry to see her instructions + had no better effect on me; for,” continued she, “indeed, Jenny, I am + ashamed of your folly, as well as wickedness, in thus contending with your + brother.” A tear, which I believe flowed from shame, started from my eyes + at this reproof; and I fixed them on the ground, being too much + overwhelmed with confusion to dare to lift them up on mamma. On which she + kindly said, “She hoped my confusion was a sign of my amendment. That she + might indeed have used another method, by commanding me to seek a + reconciliation with my brother; for she did not imagine I was already so + far gone in perverseness, as not to hold her commands as inviolable; but + she was willing, for my good, first to convince me of my folly.” As soon + as my confusion would give me leave to speak, on my knees I gave her a + thousand thanks for her goodness, and went immediately to seek my brother. + He joyfully embraced the first opportunity of being reconciled to me; and + this was one of the pleasantest hours of my life. This quarrel happened + when my brother came home at a breaking-up, and I was nine years old. + </p> + <p> + ‘My mamma’s principal care was to keep up a perfect amity between me and + my brother. I remember once, when Harry and I were playing in the fields, + there was a small rivulet stopped me in my way. My brother, being nimbler + and better able to jump than myself, with one spring leaped over, and left + me on the other side of it; but seeing me uneasy that I could not get over + to him, his good nature prompted him to come back and to assist me; and, + by the help of his hand, I easily passed over. On this my good mamma bid + me remember how much my brother’s superior strength might assist me in his + being my protector; and that I ought to return to use my utmost endeavours + to oblige him; and that then we should be mutual assistants to each other + throughout life. Thus everything that passed was made use of to improve my + understanding and amend my heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe no child ever spent her time more agreeably than I did; for I + not only enjoyed my own pleasures, but also those of others. And when my + brother was carried abroad, and I was left at home, that HE was pleased, + made me full amends for the loss of any diversion, the contentions between + us (where our parent’s commands did not interfere) were always exerted in + endeavours each to prefer the other’s pleasures to our own. My mind was + easy and free from anxiety; for as I always took care to speak truth, I + had nothing to conceal from my mamma, and consequently had never any fears + of being found in a lie. For one lie obliges us to tell a thousand others + to conceal it; and I have no notion of any conditions being so miserable, + as to live in a continual fear of detection. Most particularly, my mamma + instructed me to beware of all sorts of deceit; so that I was accustomed, + not only in words to speak truth, but also not to endeavour by any means + to deceive. + </p> + <p> + ‘But though the friendship between my brother and me was so strongly + cultivated, yet we were taught, that lying for each other, or praising + each other when it was not deserved, was not only a fault, but a very + great crime; for this, my mamma used to tell us, was not love, but hatred; + as it was encouraging one another in folly and wickedness. And though my + natural disposition inclined me to be very tender of everything in my + power, yet was I not suffered to give way even to THIS in an unreasonable + degree. One instance of which I remember. + </p> + <p> + ‘When I was about eleven years old, I had a cat that I had bred up from a + little kitten, that used to play round me, till I had indulged for the + poor animal a fondness that made me delight to have it continually with me + wherever I went; and, in return for my indulgence, the cat seemed to have + changed its nature, and assumed the manner that more properly belongs to + dogs than cats; for it would follow me about the house and gardens, mourn + for my absence, and rejoice at my presence. And, what was very remarkable, + the poor animal would, when fed by my hand, lose that caution which cats + are known to be possessed of, and eat whatever I gave it, as if it could + reflect that I meant only its good, and no harm could come from me. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was at last so accustomed to see this little Frisk (for so I called it) + playing round me, that I seemed to miss part of myself in its absence. But + one day the poor little creature followed me to the door; when a parcel of + schoolboys coming by, one of them catched her up in his arms, and ran away + with her. All my cries were to no purpose; for he was out of sight with + her in a moment, and there was no method to trace his steps. The cruel + wretches, for sport, as they called it, hunted it the next day from one to + the other, in the most barbarous manner; till at last it took shelter in + that house that used to be its protection, and came and expired at my + feet. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was so struck with the sight of the little animal dying in that manner, + that the great grief of my heart overflowed at my eyes, and I was for some + time inconsolable. + </p> + <p> + ‘My indulgent mamma comforted without blaming me, till she thought I had + sufficient time to vent my grief; and then, sending for me into her + chamber, spoke as follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘“Jenny, I have watched you ever since the death of your little favourite + cat; and have been in hopes daily, that your lamenting and melancholy on + that account would be at an end. But I find you still persist in grieving, + as if such a loss was irreparable. Now, though I have always encouraged + you in all sentiments of good nature and compassion; and am sensible, that + where those sentiments are strongly implanted, they will extend their + influence even to the least animal; yet you are to consider, my child, + that you are not to give way to any passions that interfere with your + duty; for whenever there is any contention between your duty and your + inclinations, you must conquer the latter, or become wicked and + contemptible. If, therefore, you give way to this melancholy, how will you + be able to perform your duty towards me, in cheerfully obeying my + commands, and endeavouring, by your lively prattle and innocent gaiety of + heart, to be my companion and delight? Nor will you be fit to converse + with your brother, whom (as you lost your good papa when you were too + young to know that loss) I have endeavoured to educate in such a manner, + that I hope he will be a father to you, if you deserve his love and + protection. In short, if you do not keep command enough of yourself to + prevent being ruffled by every accident, you will be unfit for all the + social offices of life, and be despised by all those whose regard and love + are worth your seeking. I treat you, my girl, as capable of considering + what is for your own good; for though you are but eleven years of age, yet + I hope the pains I have taken in explaining all you read, and in answering + all your questions in search of knowledge, has not been so much thrown + away, but that you are more capable of judging, than those unhappy + children are, whose parents have neglected to instruct them. And + therefore, farther to enforce what I say, remember, that repining at any + accident that happens to you, is an offence to that God to whom I have + taught you daily to pray for all the blessings you can receive, and to + whom you are to return humble thanks for every blessing.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“I expect therefore, Jenny, that you now dry up your tears, and resume + your usual cheerfulness. I do not doubt but your obedience to me will make + you at least put on the appearance of cheerfulness in my sight. But you + will deceive yourself, if you think that is performing your duty; for if + you would obey me as you ought, you must try heartily to root from your + mind all sorrow and gloominess. You may depend upon it, this command is in + your power to obey; for you know I never require anything of you that is + impossible.” + </p> + <p> + ‘After my mamma had made this speech, she went out to take a walk in the + garden, and left me to consider of what she had said. + </p> + <p> + ‘The moment I came to reflect seriously, I found it was indeed in my power + to root all melancholy from my heart, when I considered it was necessary, + in order to perform my duty to God, to obey the best of mothers, and to + make myself a blessing and a cheerful companion to her, rather than a + burden, and the cause of her uneasiness, by my foolish melancholy. + </p> + <p> + ‘This little accident, as managed by my mamma, has been a lesson to me in + governing my passions ever since. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be endless to repeat all the methods this good mother invented + for my instruction, amendment, and improvement. It is sufficient to + acquaint you, that she contrived that every new day should open to me some + new scene of knowledge; and no girl could be happier than I was during her + life. But, alas! when I was thirteen years of age, the scene changed. My + dear mamma was taken ill of a scarlet fever. I attended her day and night + whilst she lay ill, my eyes starting with tears to see her in that + condition; and yet I did not dare to give my sorrows vent, for fear of + increasing her pain.’ + </p> + <p> + Here a trickling tear stole from Miss Jenny’s eyes. She suppressed some + rising sobs that interrupted her speech, and was about to proceed in her + story, when, casting her eyes on her companions, she saw her sorrow had + such an effect upon them all, that there was not one of her hearers who + could refrain from shedding a sympathising tear. She therefore thought it + was more strictly following her mamma’s precepts to pass this part of her + story in silence, rather than to grieve her friends; and having wiped away + her tears, she hastened to conclude her story; which she did as follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘After my mamma’s death, my Aunt Newman, my father’s sister, took the care + of me; but being obliged to go to Jamaica, to settle some affairs relating + to an estate she is possessed of there, she took with her my Cousin + Harriet, her only daughter, and left me under the care of the good Mrs. + Teachum till her return. And since I have been here, you all know as much + of my history as I do myself.’ + </p> + <p> + As Miss Jenny spoke these words, the bell summoned them to supper into the + presence of their governess, who having narrowly watched their looks ever + since the fray, had hitherto plainly perceived, that though they did not + dare to break out again into an open quarrel, yet their hearts had still + harboured unkind thoughts of one another. She was surprised NOW, as she + stood at a window in the hall that overlooked the garden, to see all her + scholars walk towards her hand in hand, with such cheerful countenances, + as plainly showed their inward good humour. And as she thought proper to + mention to them her pleasure in seeing them thus altered, Miss Jenny Peace + related to her governess all that had passed in the arbour, with their + general reconciliation. Mrs. Teachum gave Miss Jenny all the applause due + to her goodness, saying, she herself had only waited a little while, to + see if their anger would subside, and love take its place in their bosoms, + without her interfering again; for THAT she certainly should otherwise + have done, to have brought about what Miss Jenny had so happily effected. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny thanked her governess for her kind approbation, and said, that + if she would give them leave, she would spend what time she was pleased to + allow them from school in this little arbour, in reading stories, and such + things as she should think a proper and innocent amusement. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum not only gave leave, but very much approved of this proposal; + and desired Miss Jenny, as a reward for what she had already done, to + preside over these diversions, and to give her an account in what manner + they proceeded. Miss Jenny promised in all things to be guided by good + Mrs. Teachum. And now, soon after supper, they retired to rest, free from + those uneasy passions which used to prevent their quiet; and as they had + passed the day in pleasure, at night they sunk in soft and sweet repose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MONDAY. + </h2> + <p> + THE FIRST DAY AFTER THEIR REPENTANCE; AND, CONSEQUENTLY, THE FIRST DAY OF + THE HAPPINESS OF MISS JENNY PEACE AND HER COMPANIONS. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning, as soon as Miss Jenny arose, all her companions + flocked round her; for they now looked on her as the best friend they had + in the world; and they agreed, when they came out of school, to adjourn + into their arbour, and divert themselves till dinner-time; which they + accordingly did. When Miss Jenny proposed, if it was agreeable to them to + hear it, to read them a story which she had put in her pocket for that + purpose; and as they now began to look upon her as the most proper person + to direct them in their amusements, they all replied, What was most + agreeable to her would please them best. She then began to read the + following story, with which we shall open their first day’s amusement. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE STORY OF THE CRUEL GIANT BARBARICO, THE GOOD GIANT BENEFICO, + </h2> + <h3> + AND THE LITTLE PRETTY DWARF MIGNON. + </h3> + <p> + A great many hundred years ago, the mountains of Wales were inhabited by + two giants; one of whom was the terror of all his neighbours and the + plague of the whole country. He greatly exceeded the size of any giant + recorded in history; and his eyes looked so fierce and terrible, that they + frightened all who were so unhappy as to behold them. + </p> + <p> + The name of this enormous wretch was Barbarico. A name which filled all + who heard it with fear and astonishment. The whole delight of this + monster’s life was in acts of inhumanity and mischief; and he was the most + miserable as well as the most wicked creature that ever yet was born. He + had no sooner committed one outrage, but he was in agonies till he could + commit another; never satisfied, unless he could find an opportunity of + either torturing or devouring some innocent creature. And whenever he + happened to be disappointed in any of his malicious purposes, he would + stretch his immense bulk on the top of some high mountain, and groan, and + beat the earth, and bellow with such a hollow voice, that the whole + country heard and trembled at the sound. + </p> + <p> + The other giant, whose name was Benefico, was not so tall and bulky as the + hideous Barbarico. He was handsome, well proportioned, and of a very + good-natured turn of mind. His delight was no less in acts of goodness and + benevolence than the other’s was in cruelty and mischief. His constant + care was to endeavour if possible to repair the injuries committed by this + horrid tyrant, which he had sometimes an opportunity of doing; for though + Barbarico was much larger and stronger than Benefico, yet his coward mind + was afraid to engage with him, and always shunned a meeting; leaving the + pursuit of any prey, if he himself was pursued by Benefico: nor could the + good Benefico trust farther to this coward spirit of his base adversary, + than only to make the horrid creature fly; for he well knew that a close + engagement might make him desperate; and fatal to himself might be the + consequence of such a brutal desperation; therefore he prudently declined + any attempt to destroy this cruel monster, till he should gain some sure + advantage over him. + </p> + <p> + It happened on a certain day, that as the inhuman Barbarico was prowling + along the side of a craggy mountain overgrown with brambles and briery + thickets, taking most horrid strides, rolling his ghastly eyes around in + quest of human blood, and having his breast tortured with inward rage and + grief, that he had been so unhappy as to live one whole day without some + act of violence, he beheld, in a pleasant valley at a distance, a little + rivulet winding its gentle course through rows of willows mixed with + flowery shrubs. Hither the giant hasted; and being arrived, he gazed about + to see if in this sweet retirement any were so unhappy as to fall within + his power; but finding none, the disappointment set him in a flame of + rage, which, burning like an inward furnace, parched his throat. And now + he laid him down on the bank, to try if in the cool stream, that murmured + as it flowed, he could assuage or slack the fiery thirst that burnt within + him. + </p> + <p> + He bent him down to drink; and at the same time casting his baleful eyes + towards the opposite side, he discovered within a little natural arbour + formed by the branches of a spreading tree, within the meadow’s flowery + lawn, the shepherd Fidus and his loved Amata. + </p> + <p> + The gloomy tyrant no sooner perceived this happy pair, than his heart + exulted with joy; and, suddenly leaping up on the ground, he forgot his + thirst, and left the stream untasted. He stood for a short space to view + them in their sweet retirement; and was soon convinced that, in the + innocent enjoyment of reciprocal affection, their happiness was complete. + His eyes, inflamed with envy to behold such bliss, darted a fearful glare; + and his breast swelling with malice and envenomed rage, he with gigantic + pace approached their peaceful seat. + </p> + <p> + The happy Fidus was at that time busy in entertaining his loved Amata with + a song which he had that very morning composed in praise of constancy; and + the giant was now within one stride of them, when Amata, perceiving him, + cried out in a trembling voice, ‘Fly, Fidus, fly, or we are lost for ever; + we are pursued by the hateful Barbarico!’ She had scarce uttered these + words, when the savage tyrant seized them by the waist in either hand, and + holding up to his nearer view, thus said: ‘Speak, miscreants; and, if you + would avoid immediate death, tell me who you are, and whence arises that + tranquility of mind, which even at a distance was visible in your + behaviour.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Fidus, with looks that would have melted the hardest heart, + innocently replied, that they were wandering that way without designing + offence to any creature on earth. That they were faithful lovers; and, + with the consent of all their friends and relations, were soon to be + married; therefore he entreated him not to part them. + </p> + <p> + The giant now no sooner perceived, from the last words of the affrighted + youth, what was most likely to give them the greatest torment, than with a + spiteful grin which made his horrible face yet more horrible, and in a + hollow voice, as loud as thunder, he tauntingly cried out, ‘Ho-hoh! You’d + not be parted, would you? For once I’ll gratify thy will, and thou shalt + follow this thy whimpering fondling down my capatious maw.’ So saying, he + turned his ghastly visage on the trembling Amata who, being now no longer + able to support herself under his cruel threats, fainted away, and + remained in his hand but as a lifeless corpse. When lifting up his eyes + towards the hill on the opposite side, he beheld Benefico coming hastily + towards him. This good giant having been that morning informed that + Barbarico was roaming in the mountains after prey, left his peaceful + castle, in hopes of giving protection to whatever unfortunate creature + should fall into the clutches of this so cruel a monster. + </p> + <p> + Barbarico, at the sight of the friendly Benefico, started with fear; for + although in bulk and stature he was, as we have said, the superior: yet + that cowardice, which ever accompanies wickedness, now wrought in him in + such a manner that he could not bear to confront him, well knowing the + courage and fortitude that always attend the good and virtuous; and + therefore instantly putting Fidus into the wallet that hung over his + shoulder, he flung the fainting Amata, whom he took to be quite expired, + into the stream that ran hard by, and fled to his cave, not daring once to + cast his eyes behind him. + </p> + <p> + The good Benefico perceiving the monster’s flight, and not doubting but he + had been perpetrating some horrid mischief, immediately hastened to the + brook; where he found the half-expiring Amata floating down the stream, + for her clothes had yet borne her up on the surface of the water. He + speedily stepped in and drew her out, and taking her in his arms, pressed + her to his warm bosom; and in a short space perceiving in her face the + visible marks of returning life, his heart swelled with kind compassion, + and he thus bespoke the tender maid: ‘Unhappy damsel, lift up thy gentle + eyes, and tell me by what hard fate thou hast fallen into the power of + that barbarous monster, whose savage nature delights in nothing but ruin + and desolation. Tremble not thus, but without fear or terror behold one + who joys in the thought of having saved thee from destruction, and will + bring thee every comfort his utmost power can procure.’ + </p> + <p> + The gentle Amata was now just enough recovered to open her eyes: but + finding herself in a giant’s arms, and still retaining in her mind the + frightful image of the horrid Barbarico, she fetched a deep sigh, crying + out in broken accents, ‘Fly, Fidus, fly;’ and again sunk down upon the + friendly giant’s breast. On hearing these words, and plainly seeing by the + anguish of her mind that some settled grief was deeply rooted at her + heart, and therefore despairing to bring her to herself immediately, the + kind Benefico hastened with her to his hospitable castle; where every + imaginable assistance was administered to her relief, in order to recover + her lost sense, and to reconcile her to her wretched fate. + </p> + <p> + The cruel Barbarico was no sooner arrived at his gloomy cave, than he + called to him his little page; who, trembling to hear the tyrant now again + returned, quickly drew near to attend his stern commands: when drawing out + of the wallet the poor Fidus, more dead than alive, the monster cried out, + ‘Here, caitiff, take in charge this smoothed-faced miscreant; and, d’ye + hear me? see that his allowance be no more than one small ounce of mouldy + bread and half a pint of standing water, for each day’s support, till his + now blooming skin be withered, his flesh be wasted from his bones, and he + dwindle to a meagre skeleton.’ So saying he left them, as he hoped, to + bewail each other’s sad condition. But the unhappy Fidus, bereft of his + Amata, was not to be appalled by any of the most horrid threats; for now + his only comfort was the hopes of a speedy end to his miserable life, and + to find a refuge from his misfortunes in the peaceful grave. With this + reflection the faithful Fidus was endeavouring to calm the inward troubles + of his mind, when the little page, with looks of the most tender + compassion, and in gentle words, bid him be comforted, and with patience + endure his present affliction; adding that he himself had long suffered + the most rigorous fate, yet despaired not but that one day would give them + an opportunity to free themselves from the wicked wretch, whose sole + delight was in others’ torments. ‘As to his inhuman commands,’ continued + he, ‘I will sooner die than obey them; and in a mutual friendship perhaps + we may find some consolation, even in this dismal cave.’ + </p> + <p> + This little page the cruel Barbarico had stolen from his parents at five + years old; ever since which time he had tortured and abused him, till he + had now attained the age of one-and-twenty. His mother had given him the + name of Mignon; by which name the monster always called him, as it + gratified his insolence to make use of that fond appellation whilst he was + abusing him, only when he said Mignon he would in derision add the word + Dwarf; for, to say the truth, Mignon was one of the least men that was + ever seen, though at the same time one of the prettiest: his limbs, though + small, were exactly proportioned; his countenance was at once sprightly + and soft; and whatever his head thought, or his heart felt, his eyes by + their looks expressed; and his temper was as sweet as his person was + amiable. Such was the gentle creature Barbarico chose to torment. For + wicked giants, no less than wicked men and women, are constantly tormented + at the appearance of those perfections in another, to which they + themselves have no pretensions. + </p> + <p> + The friendship and affection of Fidus and Mignon now every day increased; + and the longer they were acquainted, the mere delight they took in each + other’s company. The faithful Fidus related to his companion the story of + his loved Amata, whilst the tender Mignon consoled his friend’s inward + sorrows, and supplied him with necessaries, notwithstanding the venture he + run of the cruel tyrant’s heavy displeasure. The giant ceased not every + day to view the hapless Fidus, to see if the cruelty of his intentions had + in any degree wrought its desired effect; but perceiving in him no + alteration, he now began to be suspicious that the little Mignon had not + punctually obeyed his savage command. In order therefore to satisfy his + wicked curiosity, he resolved within himself narrowly to watch every + occasion these poor unhappy captives had of conversing with each other. + Mignon, well knowing the implacable and revengeful disposition of this + barbarous tyrant, had taken all the precautions imaginable to avoid + discovery; and therefore generally sought every opportunity of being alone + with Fidus, and carrying him his daily provisions at those hours he knew + the giant was most likely to be asleep. + </p> + <p> + It so befell that, on a certain day, the wicked giant had, as was his + usual custom, been abroad for many hours in search of some unhappy + creature on whom to glut his hateful inhumanity; when, tired with + fruitless roaming, he returned to his gloomy cave, beguiled of all his + horrid purposes; for he had not once that day espied so much as the track + of man, or other harmless animal, to give him hopes even to gratify his + rage or cruelty; but now raving with inward torment and despair, he laid + him down upon his iron couch, to try if he could close his eyes and quiet + the tumultuous passions of his breast. He tossed and tumbled and could get + no rest, starting with fearful dreams, and horrid visions of tormenting + furies. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the gentle Mignon had prepared a little delicate repast, and + having seen the monster lay himself at length, and thinking now that a fit + occasion offered in which to comfort and refresh his long-expecting + friend, was hastening with it to the cell where the faithful Fidus was + confined. At the fatal moment the giant, rearing himself up on his couch, + perceived the little Mignon just at the entrance of the cell; when calling + to him in a hollow voice, that dismally resounded through the cave, he so + startled the poor unhappy page, that he dropped the cover from his + trembling hand and stood fixed and motionless as a statue. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come hither, Mignon, caitiff, dwarf,’ said then the taunting homicide: + but the poor little creature was so thunderstruck he was quite unable to + stir one foot. Whereat the giant, rousing himself from off his couch, with + one huge stride reached out his brawny arm, and seized him by the waist; + and, pointing to the scattered delicates, cried out, ‘Vile miscreant! is + it thus thou hast obeyed my orders? Is this the mouldy bread and muddy + water, with which alone it was my command thou shouldst sustain that puny + mortal? But I’ll—’ Here raising him aloft, he was about to dash him + to the ground, when suddenly revolving in his wicked thoughts, that if at + once he should destroy his patient slave, his cruelty to him must also + have an end, he paused—and then recovering, he stretched out his + arm, and bringing the little trembler near his glaring eyes, he thus + subjoins: ‘No; I’ll not destroy thy wretched life; but thou shalt waste + thy weary days in a dark dungeon, as far remote from the least dawn of + light as from thy loved companion. And I myself will carefully supply you + both so equally with mouldy bread and water, that each by his own + sufferings shall daily know what his dear friend endures.’ So saying, he + hastened with him to his deepest dungeon; and having thrust him in, he + doubly barred the iron door. And now again retiring to his couch, this + new-wrought mischief, which greatly gratified his raging mind, soon sunk + him down into a sound and heavy sleep. The reason this horrid monster had + not long ago devoured his little captive (for he thought him a delicious + morsel) was, that he might never want an object at hand to gratify his + cruelty. For though extremely great was his voracious hunger, yet greater + still was his desire of tormenting; and oftentimes when he had teased, + beat, and tortured the poor gentle Mignon, so as to force from him tears, + and sometimes a soft complaint, he would, with a malicious sneer, + scornfully reproach him in the following words: ‘Little does it avail to + whine, to blubber, or complain; for, remember, abject wretch, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I am a giant, and I can eat thee: + Thou art a dwarf, and thou canst not eat me.’ +</pre> + <p> + When Mignon was thus alone, he threw himself on the cold ground, bemoaning + his unhappy fate. However, he soon recollected that patience and + resignation were his only succour in this distressful condition; not + doubting but that, as goodness cannot always suffer, he should in time + meet with some unforeseen deliverance from the savage power of the inhuman + Barbarico. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the gentle Mignon was endeavouring to comfort himself in his + dungeon with these good reflections, he suddenly perceived, at a little + distance from him, a small glimmering light. Immediately he rose from the + ground, and going towards it, found that it shone through a little door + that had been left at jar, which led him to a spacious hall, wherein the + giant hoarded his immense treasures. Mignon was at first dazzled with the + lustre of so much gold and silver, and sparkling jewels as were there + heaped together. But casting his eyes on a statue that was placed in the + middle of the room, he read on the pedestal, written in very small + letters, the following verses: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Wouldst thou from the rage be free + Of the tyrant’s tyranny, + Loose the fillet which is bound + Twice three times my brows around; + Bolts and bars shall open fly, + By a magic sympathy. + Take him in his sleeping hour; + Bind his neck and break his pow’r. + Patience bids, make no delay: + Haste to bind him, haste away. +</pre> + <p> + Mignon’s little heart now leapt for joy, that he had found the means of + such a speedy deliverance; and eagerly climbing up the statue, he quickly + unbound the magic fillet; which was no sooner done, but suddenly the bolts + and bars of the brazen gates through which the giant used to pass to this + his treasury, were all unloosed, and the folding-doors of their own accord + flew open, grating harsh thunder on their massy hinges. At the same + instant, stretched on his iron couch in the room adjoining to the hall, + the giant gave a deadly groan. Here again the little Mignon’s trembling + heart began to fail; for he feared the monster was awakened by the noise, + and that he should now suffer the cruellest torments his wicked malice + could invent. Wherefore for a short space he remained clinging round the + statue, till he perceived that all again was hushed and silent; when, + getting down, he gently stole into the giant’s chamber, where he found him + still in a profound sleep. + </p> + <p> + But here, to the great mortification of Miss Jenny’s attentive hearers, + the hour of entertaining themselves being at an end, they were obliged to + leave the poor little Mignon in the greatest distress and fright lest the + giant should awake before he could fulfil the commands of the oracle, and + to wait for the remainder of the story till another opportunity. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, as soon as school was over, the little company again met + in their arbour, and nothing could be greater than their impatience to + hear the event of Mignon’s hazardous undertaking. Miss Dolly Friendly said + that if the poor little creature was destroyed, she should not sleep that + night. But they all joined in entreating Miss Jenny to proceed; which she + did in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A CONTINUATION OF THE STORY OF THE GIANTS. + </h2> + <p> + Now, thought Mignon, is the lucky moment to fulfil the instructions of the + oracle. And then cautiously getting up the side of the couch, with + trembling hands he put the fillet round the monster’s neck, and tied it + firmly in a threefold knot; and again softly creeping down, he retired + into a corner of the room to wait the wished event. In a few minutes the + giant waked; and opening his enormous eyes, he glared their horrid orbs + around (but without the least motion of his head or body) and spied the + little Mignon where he lay, close shrinking to avoid his baleful sight. + </p> + <p> + The giant no sooner perceived his little page at liberty, but his heart + sorely smote him, and he began to suspect the worst that could befall; + for, recollecting that he had carelessly left open the little door leading + from the dungeon to the great hall wherein was placed the fatal magic + statue, he was now entirely convinced that Mignon had discovered the + secret charm on which his power depended; for he already found the magic + of the fillet round his neck fully to operate, his sinews all relax, his + joints all tremble; and when he would by his own hand have tried to free + himself, his shivering limbs he found refused obedience to their office. + Thus bereft of all his strength, and well nigh motionless, in this + extremity of impotence he cast about within himself by what sly fraud (for + fraud and subtlety were now his only refuge) he best might work upon the + gentle Mignon to lend his kind assistance to unloose him. Wherefore with + guileful words and seeming courtesy, still striving to conceal his cursed + condition, he thus bespake his little captive: + </p> + <p> + ‘Come hither Mignon; my pretty gentle boy, come near me. This fillet thou + has bound around my neck, to keep me from the cold, gives me some pain. I + know thy gentle nature will not let thee see thy tender master in the + least uneasiness, without affording him thy cheerful aid and kind relief. + Come hither, my dear child, I say, and loose the knot which in thy kind + concern (I thank thee for thy care) thou hast tied so hard, it somewhat + frets my neck.’ + </p> + <p> + These words the insidious wretch uttered in such a low trembling tone of + voice, and with such an affectation of tenderness, that the little page, + who had never before experience from him any such kind of dialect, and but + too well knew his savage nature to believe that anything but guile or want + of power could move him to the least friendly speech, or kind affection, + began now strongly to be persuaded that all was as he wished, and that the + power of the inhuman tyrant was at an end. He knew full well, that if the + giant had not lost the ability of rising from the couch, he should ere now + too sensibly have felt the sad effects of his malicious resentment, and + therefore boldly adventured to approach him, and coming near the couch, + and finding not the least effort in the monster to reach him, and from + thence quite satisfied of the giant’s total incapacity of doing farther + mischief, he flew with raptures to the cell where Fidus lay confined. + </p> + <p> + Poor Fidus all this time was quite disconsolate; nor could he guess the + cause why his little friend so long had kept away; one while he thought + the giant’s stern commands had streightened him of all subsistence; + another while his heart misgave him for his gentle friend, lest unawares + his kind beneficence towards him had caused him to fall a sacrifice to the + tyrant’s cruel resentment. With these and many other like reflections the + unhappy youth was busied, when Mignon, suddenly unbarred the cell, flew to + his friend, and eagerly embraced him, cried out, ‘Come Fidus, haste, my + dearest friend; for thou and all of us are from this moment free. Come and + behold the cruel monster, where he lies, bereft of all his strength. I + cannot stay to tell thee now the cause; but haste, and thou shall see the + dreadful tyrant stretched on his iron couch, deprived of all his wicked + power. But first let us unbar each cell, wherein is pent some wretched + captive, that we may share a general transport for this our glad + deliverance.’ + </p> + <p> + The faithful Fidus, whose heart had known but little joy since he had lost + his loved Amata, now felt a dawning hope that he might once more chance to + find her, if she had survived their fatal separation; and, without one + word of answer, he followed Mignon to the several cells, and soon released + all the astonished captives. + </p> + <p> + Mignon first carried them to behold their former terror, now, to + appearance, almost a lifeless corpse; who on seeing them all surround his + couch, gave a most hideous roar, which made them tremble, all but the + gentle Mignon, who was convinced of the impotence of his rage, and begged + them to give him their attendance in the hall; where they were no sooner + assembled than he showed them the statue, read them the oracle, and told + them every circumstance before related. + </p> + <p> + They now began to bethink themselves of what method was to be taken to + procure their entire liberty; for the influence of the magic fillet + extended only to the gates of the hall; and still they remained imprisoned + within the dismal cave; and though they knew from the oracle, as well as + from what appeared, that the monster’s power was at an end, yet still were + they to seek the means of their escape from this his horrid abode. At + length Mignon again ascended the couch to find the massy key, and spying + one end of it peep out from under the pillow, he called to Fidus, who + first stepped up to his friend’s assistance; the rest by his example + quickly followed; and now, by their united force, they dragged the + ponderous key from under the monster’s head; and then descending they all + went to the outer door of the cave, where, with some difficulty, they set + wide open the folding iron gates. + </p> + <p> + They now determined to dispatch a messenger to the good Benefico with the + news, which they knew would be so welcome to him and all his guests, and + with one voice agreed that Fidus should bear the joyful tidings; and then + returned to observe the monster, and to wait the coming of Benefico. The + nimble Fidus soon reached the giant’s dwelling, where, at a little + distance from the castle, he met the good Benefico with a train of happy + friends, enjoying the pleasures of the evening, and the instructive and + cheerful conversation of their kind protector. Fidus briefly told his + errand; and instantly Benefico, with all his train, joyfully hastened to + behold the wonders he had related; for now many hearts leapt for joy, in + hopes of meeting some friend of whom they had been bereft by the cruelty + of the savage Barbarico. + </p> + <p> + They were not long before they arrived at the horrid cave, where Benefico, + proceeding directly to the monster’s chamber, suddenly appeared to him at + the side of his couch. Barbarico, on seeing him, gave a hideous yell, and + rolled his glaring eyes in such a manner as expressed the height of rage + and envious bitterness. + </p> + <p> + Benefico, turning to all the company present, thus spoke, ‘How shall I + enough praise and admire the gentle Mignon for having put in my power to + justice on this execrable wretch, and freeing you all from an insufferable + slavery, and the whole country from their terror?’ Then reaching the + monster’s own sword, which hung over his couch, his hand yet suspended + over the impious tyrant, he thus said, ‘Speak, wretch, if yet the power of + speech is left thee; and with thy latest breath declare, what advantage + hast thou found of all thy wicked life?’ + </p> + <p> + Barbarico well knew that too bad had been that life, to leave the least + room for hope of mercy; and therefore, instead of an answer, he gave + another hideous yell, gnashing his horrid teeth, and again rolling his + ghastly eyes on all around. + </p> + <p> + Benefico seeing him thus impenitent and sullen, lifted on high the mighty + sword, and with one blow severed his odious head from his enormous body. + </p> + <p> + The whole assembly gave a shout for joy; and Benefico holding in his hand + the monster’s yet grinning head, thus addressed his half-astonished + companions: ‘See here, my friends, the proper conclusion of a rapacious + cruel life. But let us hasten from this monster’s gloomy cave; and on the + top of one of our highest mountains, fixed on a pole, will I set up this + joyful spectacle, that all the country round may know themselves at + liberty to pursue their rural business or amusements, without the dread of + any annoyance from a devouring vile tormentor. And when his treasures, + which justly all belong to the good patient Mignon, are removed, we will + shut up the mouth of this abominable dwelling; and, casting on the door a + heap of earth, we’ll hope, in time, that both place and remembrance of + this cruel savage may in time be lost.’ + </p> + <p> + Every one readily cried out, that to Benefico, the good Benefico, alone + belonged the tyrant’s treasures; that Benefico should ever be, as + heretofore, their governor, their father, and their kind protector. + </p> + <p> + The beneficent heart of the good giant was quite melted with this their + kind confidence and dependence upon him, and assured them, he should ever + regard them as his children: and now, exulting in the general joy that + must attend the destruction of this savage monster, when the whole country + should find themselves freed from the terror his rapine and desolation, he + sent before to his castle, to give intelligence to all within that happy + place of the grim monster’s fall, and little Mignon’s triumph; giving in + charge to the harbinger of these tidings, that it should be his first and + chiefest care to glad the gentle bosom of a fair disconsolate (who kept + herself retired and pent up within her own apartment) with the knowledge + that the inhuman monster was no more; and that henceforth sweet peace and + rural innocence might reign in all their woods and groves. The hearts of + all within the castle bounded with joy, on hearing the report of the + inhuman monster’s death, and the deliverance of all his captives, and with + speedy steps they hastened to meet their kind protector; nor did the + melancholy fair one, lest she should seem unthankful for the general + blessing, refuse to join the train. + </p> + <p> + It was not long after the messenger that Benefico, and those his joyful + friends, arrived: but the faithful Fidus alone, of all this happy company, + was tortured with the inward pangs of a sad grief he could not conquer, + and his fond heart remained still captivated to a melting sorrow: nor + could even the tender friendship of the gentle Mignon quite remove, though + it alleviated, his sadness; but the thoughts of his loved lost amata + embittered every joy, and overwhelmed his generous soul with sorrow. + </p> + <p> + When the company from the castle joined Benefico, he declared to them in + what manner their deliverance was effected; and, as a general shout of joy + resounded through the neighbouring mountains, Fidus, lifting up his eyes, + beheld in the midst of the multitude, standing in a pensive posture, the + fair disconsolate. Her tender heart was at the instant overflowing in soft + tears, caused by a kind participation of their present transport, yet + mixed with the deep sad impression of a grief her bosom was full fraught + with. Her face, at first, was almost hid by her white handkerchief, with + which she wiped away the trickling drops, which falling, had bedewed her + beauteous cheeks: but as she turned her lovely face to view the joyful + conquerors, and to speak a welcome to her kind protector, what words can + speak the raptures, the astonishment, that swelled the bosom of the + faithful youth, when in this fair disconsolate he saw his loved, his + constant, his long-lost Amata! Their delighted eyes in the same instant + beheld each other, and, breaking on each side from their astonished + friends, they flew like lightning into each other’s arms. + </p> + <p> + After they had given a short account of what had passed in their + separation, Fidus presented to his loved Amata the kind, the gentle + Mignon, with lavish praises of his generous friendship, and steady + resolution, in hazarding his life by disobeying the injunctions of the + cruel tyrant. No sooner had Amata heard the name of Mignon, but she cried + out, ‘Surely my happiness is now complete, and all my sorrows, by this + joyful moment, are more than fully recompensed; for, in the kind preserver + of my Fidus, I have found my brother. My mother lost her little Mignon + when he was five years old; and pining grief, after some years vain + search, ended her wretched life.’ + </p> + <p> + The generous hearts of all who were present shared the raptures of the + faithful Fidus, the lovely Amata, and gentle Mignon, on this happy + discovery; and in the warmest congratulations they expressed their joy. + </p> + <p> + Benefico now led all the delighted company into his castle, where freedom + was publicly proclaimed; and every one was left a liberty either to remain + there with Benefico, or, loaded with wealth sufficient for their use, to + go where their attachments or inclinations might invite them. + </p> + <p> + Fidus, Amata, and the little Mignon, hesitated not one moment to declare + their choice of staying with the generous Benefico. + </p> + <p> + The nuptials of the faithful Fidus, and his loved Amata, were solemnized + in the presence of all their friends. + </p> + <p> + Benefico passed the remainder of his days in pleasing reflections on his + well-spent life. + </p> + <p> + The treasures of the dead tyrant were turned into blessings by the use + they were now made of: little Mignon was loved and cherished by all his + companions. Peace, harmony and love reigned in every bosom; dissension, + discord, and hatred were banished from this friendly dwelling; and that + happiness, which is the natural consequence of goodness, appeared in every + cheerful countenance throughout the castle of the good Benefico; and as + heretofore affright and terror spread itself from the monster’s hateful + cave, so now from this peaceful castle was diffused tranquility and joy + through all the happy country round. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the story of the two giants: and Miss Jenny being tired with + reading, they left the arbour for that night, and agreed to meet there + again the next day. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they had supped, Mrs. Teachum sent for Miss Jenny Peace into + her closet, and desired an exact account from her of this their first + day’s amusement, that she might judge from thence how far they might be + trusted with the liberty she had given them. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny showed her governess the story she had read; and said, ‘I hope, + madam, you will not think it an improper one; for it was given me by my + mamma; and she told me, that she thought it contained a very excellent + moral.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum, having looked it over, thus spoke: ‘I have no objection, + Miss Jenny, to your reading any stories to amuse you, provided you read + them with the proper disposition of mind not to be hurt by them. A very + good moral may indeed be drawn from the whole, and likewise from almost + every part of it; and as you had this story from your mamma, I doubt not + but you are very well qualified to make the proper remarks yourself upon + the moral of it to your companions. But here let me observe to you (which + I would have you communicate to your little friends) that giants, magic, + fairies, and all sorts of supernatural assistances in a story, are only + introduced to amuse and divert: for a giant is called so only to express a + man of great power; and the magic fillet round the statue was intended + only to show you, that by patience you will overcome all difficulties. + Therefore, by no means let the notion of giants or magic dwell upon your + minds. And you may farther observe, that there is a different style + adapted to every sort of writing; and the various sounding epithets given + to Barbarico are proper to express the raging cruelty of his wicked mind. + But neither this high-sounding language, nor the supernatural contrivances + in this story, do I so thoroughly approve, as to recommend them much to + your reading; except, as I said before, great care is taken to prevent + your being carried away, by these high-flown things, from that simplicity + of taste and manners which it is my chief study to inculcate.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Jenny looked a little confounded; and, by her down-cast eye, + showed a fear that she had incurred the disapprobation, if not the + displeasure, of her governess: upon which Mrs. Teachum thus proceeded: + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not intend by this, my dear, to blame you for what you have done; + but only to instruct you how to make the best use of even the most + trifling things: and if you have any more stories of this kind, with an + equal good moral, when you are not better employed, I shall not be against + your reading them; always remembering the cautions I have this evening + been giving you.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny thanked her governess for her instructions, and kind indulgence + to her, and promised to give her an exact account of their daily + amusements; and, taking leave, retired to her rest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TUESDAY. THE SECOND DAY. + </h2> + <p> + That Miss Jenny’s meeting with her companions in the morning, after + school, she asked them how they liked the history of the giants? They all + declared they thought it a very pretty diverting story. Miss Jenny + replied, though she was glad they were pleased, yet she would have them + look farther than the present amusement: ‘for,’ continued she, ‘my mamma + always taught me to understand what I read; otherwise, she said, it was to + no manner of purpose to read ever so many books, which would only stuff my + brain, without being any improvement to my mind.’ + </p> + <p> + The misses all agreed, that certainly it was of no use to read, without + understanding what they read; and began to talk of the story of the + giants, to prove they could make just remarks on it. + </p> + <p> + Miss Sukey Jennett said, ‘I am most pleased with that part of the story + where the good Benefico cuts off the monster’s head, and puts an end to + his cruelty, especially as he was so sullen he would not confess his + wickedness; because, you know, Miss Jenny, if he had had sense enough to + have owned his error, and have followed the example of the good giant, he + might have been happy.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Lucy Sly delivered the following opinion: ‘My greatest joy was whilst + Mignon was tying the magic fillet round the monster’s neck, and conquering + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now I (said Miss Dolly Friendly) am most pleased with that part of the + story, were Fidus and Amata meet the reward of their constancy and love, + when they find each other after all their sufferings.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Polly Suckling said, with some eagerness, ‘My greatest joy was in the + description of Mignon; and to think that it should be in the power of that + little creature to conquer such a great monster.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Patty Lockit, Miss Nanny Spruce, Miss Betty Ford, and Miss Henny + Fret, advanced no new opinions; but agreed some to one, and some to + another, of those that were already advanced. And as every one was eager + to maintain her own opinion, an argument followed, the particulars of + which I could never learn: only thus much I know, that it was concluded by + Miss Lucy Sly, saying, with an air and tone of voice that implied more + anger than had been heard since the reconciliation, that she was sure Miss + Polly Suckling only liked that part about Mignon, because she was the + least in the school; and Mignon being such a little creature, put her in + mind of herself. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny Peace now began to be frighted, lest this contention should + raise another quarrel; and therefore begged to be heard before they went + any farther. They were not yet angry enough to refuse hearing what she had + to say: and then Miss Jenny desired them to consider the moral of the + story, and what use they might make of it, instead of contending which was + the prettiest part: ‘For otherwise,’ continued she, ‘I have lost my breath + in reading to you; and you will be worse, rather than better, for what you + have heard. Pray observe, that Benefico’s happiness arose entirely from + his goodness: he had less strength, and less riches, than the cruel + monster; and yet, by the good use he made of what he possessed, you see + how he turned all things to his advantage. But particularly remember, that + the good little Mignon, in the moment that he was patiently submitting to + his sufferings, found a method of relieving himself from them, and of + overcoming a barbarous monster, who had so cruelly abused him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Our good governess last night not only instructed me in this moral I am + now communicating to you, but likewise bid me warn you by no means to let + the notion of giants or magic to dwell upon your minds; for by a giant is + meant no more than a man of great power; and the magic fillet round the + head of the statue was only intended to teach you, that by the assistance + of patience you may overcome all difficulties. + </p> + <p> + ‘In order therefore to make what you read of any use to you, you must not + only think of it thus in general, but make the application to yourselves. + For when (as now) instead of improving yourselves by reading, you make + what you read a subject to quarrel about, what is this less than being + like the monster Barbarico, who turned his very riches to a curse? I am + sure it is not following the example of Benefico, who made everything a + blessing to him. Remember, if you pinch and abuse a dog or cat, because it + is in your power, you are like the cruel Monster, when he abused the + little Mignon, and said, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I am a giant, and I can eat thee; + Thou art a dwarf, and thou canst not eat me. +</pre> + <p> + ‘In short, if you will reap any benefit from this story towards rendering + you happy, whenever you have any power, you must follow the example of the + giant Benefico, and do good with it: and when you are under any + sufferings, like Mignon, you must patiently endure them till you can find + a remedy: then, in one case, like Benefico, you will enjoy what you + possess; and, in the other, you will in time, like Mignon, overcome your + sufferings: for the natural consequence of indulging cruelty and revenge + in the mind, even where there is the highest power to gratify it, is + misery.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Sukey Jennet interrupted Miss Jenny, saying, that she herself + had experienced the truth of that observation in the former part of her + life: for she never had known either peace or pleasure, till she had + conquered in her mind the desire of hurting and being revenged on those + who she thought did not by their behaviour show the same regard for her, + that her own good opinion of herself made her think she deserved. Miss + Jenny then asked her, if she was willing to lead the way to the rest of + her companions, by telling her past life? She answered, she would do it + with all her heart; and, by having so many and great faults to confess, + she hoped she should, by her true confessions, set them an example of + honesty and ingenuity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS SUKEY JENNETT. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Sukey Jennett, who was next in years to Miss Jenny Peace, was not + quite twelve years old; but so very tall of her age, that she was within a + trifle as tall as Miss Jenny Peace; and, by growing so fast, was much + thinner: and though she was not really so well made, yet, from an assured + air in her manner of carrying herself, she was called much the genteelest + girl. There was, on first view, a great resemblance in their persons. Her + face was very handsome, and her complexion extremely good; but a little + more inclined to pale than Miss Jenny’s. Her eyes were a degree darker, + and had a life and fire in them which was very beautiful: but yet her + impatience on the least contradiction often brought a fierceness into her + eyes, and gave such a discomposure to her whole countenance, as + immediately took off your admiration. But her eyes had now, since her + hearty reconciliation with her companions, lost a great part of their + fierceness; and with great mildness, and an obliging manner, she told her + story as follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS SUKEY JENNETT. + </h2> + <p> + ‘My mamma died when I was so young that I cannot remember her; and my papa + marrying again within half a year after her death, I was chiefly left to + the care of an old servant, that had lived many years in the family. I was + a great favourite of hers, and in everything had my own way. When I was + but four years old, if ever anything crossed me, I was taught to beat it, + and be revenged of it, even though it could not feel. If I fell down and + hurt myself, the very ground was to be beat for hurting the sweet child: + so that, instead of fearing to fall, I did not dislike it; for I was + pleased to find, that I was of such consequence, that everything was to + take care that I came by no harm. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had a little playfellow, in a child of one of my papa’s servants, who + was to be entirely under my command. This girl I used to abuse and beat, + whenever I was out of humour; and when I had abused her, if she dared to + grumble, or make the least complaint, I thought it the greatest impudence + in the world; and, instead of mending my behaviour to her, I grew very + angry that she should dare to dispute my power: for my governess always + told her, that she was but a servant’s girl, and I was a gentleman’s + daughter; and that therefore she ought to give way to me; for that I did + her great honour in playing with her. Thus I thought the distance between + us was so great, that I never considered that she could feel: but whilst I + myself suffered nothing, I fancied everything was very right; and it never + once came into my head, that I could be in the wrong. + </p> + <p> + ‘This life I led till I came to school, when I was eleven years old. Here + I had nobody in my power; for all my schoolfellows thought themselves my + equals: so that I could only quarrel, fight, and contend for everything: + but being liable to be punished, when I was trying to be revenged on any + of my enemies, as I thought them, I never had a moment’s ease or pleasure, + till Miss Jenny was so good to take the pains to convince me of my folly, + and made me be reconciled to you, my dear companions.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Sukey ceased; and Miss Jenny smiled with pleasure, at the + thoughts that she had been the cause of her happiness. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum being now come into the arbour, to see in what manner her + little scholars passed their time, they all rose up and do her reverence. + Miss Jenny gave her an account how they had been employed; and she was + much pleased with their innocent and useful entertainment; but especially + with the method they had found out of relating their past lives. She took + little Polly Suckling by the hand, and bidding the rest follow, it being + now dinner time, she walked towards the house, attended by the whole + company. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum had a great inclination to hear the history of the lives of + all her little scholars: but she thought, that being present at those + relations might be a balk to the narration, as perhaps they might be + ashamed freely to confess their past faults before her; and therefore, + that she might not be any bar in this case to the freedom of their speech, + and yet might be acquainted with their stories (though this was not merely + a vain curiosity, but a desire by this means to know their different + dispositions), she called Miss Jenny Peace to her parlour after dinner, + and told her, she would have her get the lives of her companions in + writing, and bring them to her; and Miss Jenny readily promised to obey + her commands. + </p> + <p> + In the evening our little company again met in their charming arbour; + where they were no sooner seated, with that calmness and content which now + always attended them, than the cries and sobs of a child, at a little + distance from their garden, disturbed their tranquility. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny, ever ready to relieve the distressed, ran immediately to the + place whence the sound seemed to come, and was followed by all her + companions: when, at a small distance from Mrs. Teachum’s garden-wall, + over which from the terrace our young company looked, they saw, under a + large spreading tree, part of the branches of which shaded a seat at the + end of that terrace, a middle-aged woman beating a little girl, who looked + to be about eight years old, so severely, that it was no wonder her cries + had reached their arbour. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny could not forbear calling out to the woman, and begging her to + forbear: and little Polly Suckling cried as much as the girl, and desired + she might not be beat any more. The woman, in respect to them, let the + child go; but said, ‘Indeed, young ladies, you don’t know what a naughty + girl she is: for though you now see me correct her in this manner, yet am + I in all respects very kind to her, and never strike her but for lying. I + have tried all means, good and bad, to break her of this vile fault; but + hitherto all I have done has been in vain: nor can I ever get one word of + truth out of her mouth. But I am resolved to break her of this horrid + custom, or I cannot live with her: for though I am but poor, yet I will + breed up my child to be honest, both in word and deed.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny could not but approve of what the poor woman said. However, + they all joined in begging forgiveness for the girl this time, provided + she promised amendment for the future: and then our little society + returned to their arbour. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny could not help expressing her great detestation of all lying + whatsoever; when Miss Dolly Friendly, colouring, confessed she had often + been guilty of this fault, though she never scarcely did it but for her + friend. + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Jenny, interrupting her, said, that even that was no sort of + excuse for lying; besides that the habit of it on any occasion, even with + the appearance of a good intention, would but too likely lead to the use + of it on many others: and as she did not doubt, by Miss Dolly’s blushing, + that she was now very sensible of the truth of what she had just been + saying, she hoped she would take this opportunity of obliging them with + the history of her past life: which request she made no hesitation to + grant, saying, the shame of her past faults should by o means induce her + to conceal them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Dolly Friendly was just turned of eleven years of age. Her person was + neither plain nor handsome: and though she had not what is properly called + one fine feature in her face, yet the disposition of them were so suitable + to each other, that her countenance was rather agreeable than otherwise. + She had generally something very quiet, or rather indolent, in her look, + except when she was moved by anger; which seldom happened, but in defense + of some favourite or friend; and she had then a fierceness and eagerness + which altered her whole countenance: for she could not bear the least + reflection or insult on those she loved. This disposition made her always + eager to comply with her friends’ requests; and she immediately began, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS DOLLY FRIENDLY. + </h2> + <p> + ‘I was bred up, till I was nine years of age, with a sister, who was one + year younger than myself. The chief care of our parents was to make us + love each other; and, as I was naturally inclined to have very strong + affections, I became so fond of my sister Molly, which was her name, that + all my delight was to please her; and this I carried to such a height, + that I scrupled no lies to excuse her faults: and whatever she did, I + justified, and thought right, only because she did it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was ready to fight her quarrels, whether right or wrong; and hated + everybody that offended her. My parents winked at whatever I did in + defence of my sister; and I had no notion that any thing done for her + could be unreasonable. In short, I made it my study to oblige and please + her, till I found at last it was out of my power; for she grew so very + humoursome, that she could not find out what she had most mind to have; + and I found her always miserable; for she would cry only because she did + not know her own mind. + </p> + <p> + ‘She never minded what faults she committed, because she knew I would + excuse her; and she was forgiven in consideration of our friendship, which + gave our parents great pleasure. + </p> + <p> + ‘My poor little sister grew very sickly, and she died just before I came + to school: but the same disposition still continued; and it was my + friend’s outcries of being hurt, that drew me into that odious quarrel, + that we have all now repented.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Dolly Friendly ceased; and Miss Jenny said, she hoped Miss Dolly + would remember, for the rest of her life, what HER good mamma had always + taught her; namely, that it was not the office of friendship, to justify + or excuse our friend when in the wrong; for that was the way to prevent + their ever being in the right: that it was rather hatred, or contempt, + than love, when the fear of another’s anger made us forego their good, for + the sake of our own present pleasure; and that the friends who expected + such flattery were not worth keeping. + </p> + <p> + The bell again summoned our little company to supper: but, before they + went in, Miss Dolly Friendly said, if Miss Jenny approved of it, she would + the next morning read them a story given her by an uncle of hers, that, + she said, she was sure would please her, as its subject was friendship. + Miss Jenny replied, that she was certain it would be a great pleasure to + them all, to hear any story Miss Dolly thought proper to read them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WEDNESDAY. THE THIRD DAY. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as school was over in the morning, our little company were + impatient to go into the arbour, to hear Miss Dolly’s story: but Mrs. + Teachum told them they must be otherwise employed; for their + writing-master, who lived some miles off; and who was expected in the + afternoon, was just then come in, and begged that they would give him + their attendance, though out of school-time; because he was obliged to be + at home again before the afternoon, to meet a person who would confer some + favour on him, and would be highly disobliged should he not keep his + appointment: ‘And I know (said Mrs. Teachum) my little dears, you would + rather lose your own amusement, than let any one suffer a real + inconvenience on your accounts.’ They all readily complied, and cheerfully + set to their writing; and in the afternoon Mrs. Teachum permitted them to + leave off work an hour sooner than usual, as a reward for their readiness + to lose their amusement in the morning: and being met in their arbour, + Miss Dolly read as follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE STORY OF CAELIA AND CHLOE. + </h2> + <p> + Caelia and Chloe were both left orphans, at the tender age of six years. + Amanda their aunt, who was very rich, and a maiden, took them directly + under her care, and bred them up as her own children. Caelia’s mother was + Amanda’s sister; and Chloe’s father was her brother; so that she was + equally related to both. + </p> + <p> + They were left entirely unprovided for; were both born on the same day; + and both lost their mothers on the day of their birth: their fathers were + soldiers of fortune; and both killed in one day, in the fame engagement. + But their fortunes were not more similar than their persons and + dispositions. They were both extremely handsome; and in their Childhood + were so remarkable for liveliness of parts, and sweetness of temper, that + they were the admiration of the whole country where they lived. + </p> + <p> + Their aunt loved them with a sincere and equal affection, and took the + greatest pleasure imaginable in their education, and particularly to + encourage that love and friendship which she with pleasure perceived + between them. Amanda being (as was said) very rich, and having no other + relations, it was supposed that these her nieces would be very great + fortunes; and as soon as they became women, they were addressed by all the + men of fortune and no fortune round the neighbourhood. But as the love of + admiration, and a desire of a large train of admirers, had no place in + their minds, they soon dismissed, in the most civil and obliging manner, + one after another, all these lovers. + </p> + <p> + The refusing such numbers of men, and some such as by the world were + called good offers, soon got them the name of jilts; and by that means + they were freed from any farther importunity, and for some years enjoyed + that peace and quiet they had long wished. Their aunt, from being their + mother and their guardian, was now become their friend. For, as she + endeavoured not in the least to force their inclinations, they never kept + anything concealed from her; and every action of their lives was still + guided by her advice and approbation. + </p> + <p> + They lived on in this way, perfectly happy in their own little community, + till they were about two-and-twenty years old when there happened to be a + regiment quartered in the neighbouring town, to which their house was + nearly situated; and the lieutenant-colonel, a man about four-and-thirty + years old, hearing their names, had a great desire to see them. For when + he was a boy of sixteen, he was put into the Army under the care of + Chloe’s father, who treated him with the greatest tenderness; and (in that + fatal engagement in which he lost his life) received his death’s wound by + endeavouring to save him from being taken by the enemy. And gratitude to + the memory of so good a friend was as great an inducement to make him + desire to see his daughter, as the report he had heard both of hers and + her cousin’s great beauty. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius (for so this Colonel was called) was a very sensible, + well-bred, agreeable man; and from the circumstances of his former + acquaintance, and his present proper and polite behaviour, he soon became + very intimate in the family. The old lady was particularly pleased with + him; and secretly wished, that before she died she might be so happy as to + see one of her nieces married to Sempronius. She could not from his + behaviour see the least particular liking to either, though he showed an + equal and very great esteem and regard for both. + </p> + <p> + He in reality liked them both extremely; and the reason of making no + declaration of love was, his being so undetermined in any preference that + was due to either. He saw plainly that he was very agreeable to both; and + with pleasure he observed, that they made use of none of those arts which + women generally do to get away a disputed lover: and this sincere + friendship which subsisted between them raised in him the highest degree + of love and admiration. However he at last determined to make the + following trial: + </p> + <p> + He went first to Chloe, and (finding her alone) told her, that he had the + greatest liking in the world to her cousin; and had really a mind to + propose himself to her: but as he saw a very great friendship between + them, he was willing to ask her advice in the matter; and conjured her to + tell him sincerely, whether there was anything in Caelia’s temper (not + discoverable by him) which as a wife would make him unhappy? He told her, + that, if she knew any such thing, it would be no treachery, but rather + kind in her to declare it, as it would prevent her friend’s being unhappy; + which must be the consequence, in marriage, of her making him so. + </p> + <p> + Chloe could not help seeing very plainly, that if Caelia was removed she + stood the very next in Sempronius’s favour. Her lover was present—her + friend was absent—and the temptation was too strong and agreeable to + be resisted. She then answered, that since he insisted upon the truth, and + had convinced her that it was in reality acting justly and kindly by her + friend, she must confess, that Caelia was possessed (though in a very + small degree) of what she had often heard him declare most against of + anything in the world; and that was, an artfulness of temper, and some few + sparks of envy. + </p> + <p> + Chloe’s confused manner of speaking, and frequent hesitation, as unwilling + to pronounce her friend’s condemnation (which, as being unused to + falsehood, was really unaffected) he imputed to tenderness and concern for + Caelia; but he did not in the least doubt, but on his application to her + he should soon be convinced of the truth of what Chloe had said. + </p> + <p> + He then went directly to the arbour at the end of the garden, and there to + his wish he found Caelia quite alone; and he addressed her exactly in the + same manner concerning her cousin, as he had before spoke to Chloe + concerning her. Caelia suddenly blushed (from motives I leave those to + find out who can put themselves in her circumstances) and then fetched a + soft sigh, from the thought that she was hearing a man she loved declare a + passion of which she was not the object. But after some little pause, she + told him, that if Chloe had any faults, they were to her yet undiscovered, + and she really and sincerely believed her cousin would make him extremely + happy. Sempronius then said, that of all other things, TREACHERY and ENVY + were what he had the greatest dislike to: and he asked her, if she did not + think her cousin was a little tainted with these?—Here Caelia could + not help interrupting, and assuring him, that she believed her totally + free from both. And, from his casting on her friend an aspersion which her + very soul abhorred, forgetting all rivalship, she could not refrain from + growing quite lavish in her praise. ‘Suppose then (said Sempronius) I was + to say the same to your cousin concerning my intentions towards you as I + have to you concerning her, do you think she would say as many fine things + in your praise as you have done in hers?’ + </p> + <p> + Caelia answered, that she verily believed her cousin would say as much for + her as she really deserved; but whether that would be equal to what with + justice she could say of Chloe, her modesty left her in some doubt of. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius had too much penetration not to see the real and true + difference in the behaviour of these two women, and could not help crying + out, ‘O Caelia! your honest truth and goodness in every word and look are + too visible to leave me one doubt of their reality. But, could you believe + it? this friend of yours is false. I have already put her to the trial, by + declaring to her my sincere and unalterable passion for you. When, on my + insisting, as I did to you, upon her speaking the truth, she accused you + of what nothing should now convince me you are guilty of. I own, that + hitherto my regard, esteem, and love, have been equal to both; but now I + offer to the sincere, artless, and charming Caelia, my whole heart, love, + and affection, and the service of every minute of my future life; and from + this moment I banish from my mind the false and ungrateful Chloe.’ + </p> + <p> + Caelia’s friendship for Chloe was so deeply rooted in her breast, that + even a declaration of love from Sempronius could not blot it one moment + from her heart; and on his speaking the words ‘false Chloe,’ she burst + into tears, and said, ‘Is it possible that Chloe should act such a part + towards her Caelia! You must forgive her, Sempronius: it was her violent + passion for you, and fear of losing you, which made her do what hitherto + her nature has ever appeared averse to.’ + </p> + <p> + Sempronius answered, ‘that he could not enough admire her goodness to her + friend Chloe; but such proofs of passion, he said, were to him at the same + time proofs of its being such a passion as he had no regard for; since it + was impossible for any one to gain or increase his love by an action which + at the same time lessened his esteem.’ This was so exactly Caelia’s own + way of thinking, that she could not but assent to what he said. + </p> + <p> + But just as they were coming out of the arbour, Chloe, unseen by them, + passed by; and from seeing him kiss her hand, and the complacency of + Caelia’s look, it was easy for her to guess what had been the result of + their private conference. She could not however help indulging her + curiosity, so far as to walk on the other side of a thick yew hedge, to + listen to their discourse; and as they walked on, she heard Sempronius + entreat Caelia to be cheerful, and think no more of her treacherous + friend, whose wickedness he doubted not would sufficiently punish itself. + She then heard Caelia say, ‘I cannot bear, Sempronius, to hear you speak + so hardly of my Chloe. Say that you forgive her, and I will indeed be + cheerful.’ + </p> + <p> + Nothing upon earth can be conceived so wretched as poor Chloe, for on the + first moment that she suffered herself to reflect on what she had done, + she thoroughly repented, and heartily detested herself for such baseness. + She went directly into the garden in hopes of meeting Sempronius, to have + thrown herself at his feet, confessed her treachery, and to have begged + him never to have mentioned it to Caelia; but now she was conscious her + repentance would come too late; and he would despise her, if possible + still more, for such a recantation, after her knowledge of what had passed + between him and Caelia. + </p> + <p> + She could indeed have gone to him, and not have owned what she had seen or + heard; but now her abhorrence of even the appearance of treachery or + cunning was so great, that she could not bear to add the smallest grain of + falsehood or deceit to the weight of her guilt, which was already almost + insupportable: and should she tell him of her repentance, with a + confession of her knowledge of his engagement with Caelia, it would (as + has been before observed) appear both servile and insincere. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could now appear so altered as the whole face of this once happy + family. Sempronius as much as possible shunned the sight of Chloe; for as + she was the cause of all the confusion amongst them, he had almost an + aversion to her. Though he was not of an implacable temper, yet, as the + injury was intended to one he sincerely loved, he found it much harder to + forgive it, than if it had even succeeded against himself; and as he still + looked upon Chloe as the cause of melancholy in his dear Caelia, he could + hardly have any patience with her. + </p> + <p> + No words can describe the various passions which were expressed in the sad + countenance of Chloe, when first she met her friend. They were both afraid + of speaking. Shame, and the fear of being (and with too good reason) + suspected of insincerity, withheld Chloe; and an unwillingness to accuse + or hurt her friend withheld the gentle Caelia. She sometimes indeed + thought she saw repentance in Chloe’s face, and wished for nothing more + than to seal her pardon. But till it was asked, she was in doubt (from + what had passed) whether such pardon and proffered reconciliation might + not be rejected. She knew that her friend’s passions were naturally + stronger than hers; and she therefore trembled at the consequences of + coming to an explanation. + </p> + <p> + But there was hardly a greater sufferer in this scene of confusion than + the poor old Lady Amanda. She saw a sort of horror and wildness in the + face of Chloe; and in Caelia’s a settled melancholy, and such an unusual + reserve in both towards each other, as well as to herself, as quite + astonished her. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius came indeed to the house as often as usual; but in his + countenance she could perceive a sort of anger and concern which perfectly + frightened her. But as they did not speak to her, she could not bring + herself to ask the cause of this woeful change, for fear of hearing + something too bad to bear. + </p> + <p> + Caelia had absolutely refused granting to Sempronius leave to ask her + aunt’s consent, till she should come to some explanation with Chloe, which + seemed every day farther off than ever. + </p> + <p> + The great perturbation of Chloe’s mind threw her into a disorder not many + degrees short of madness; and at last she was seized with a violent fever + so as to keep her bed. She said she could not bear to look on Amanda; but + begged Caelia to be with her as much as possible; which she did, in hopes + of bringing herself to ease her mind, by speaking to her of what had given + them all this torment. + </p> + <p> + Caelia watched with her night and day for three days, when the physician + who attended her pronounced that there was no hope of her life. Caelia + could not any longer bear to stay in the room, and went downstairs, + expecting every moment to hear she was expired. + </p> + <p> + Chloe soon perceived by Caelia’s abrupt leaving the room, and the looks of + those who were left in it, that her fate was pronounced; which, instead of + sinking her spirits, and making her dejected, gave a tranquillity to her + mind; for she thought within herself, ‘I shall now make my dear cousin + happy, by removing out of her way an object that must embitter all her + joy; and now likewise, as she is convinced I am on my death-bed, she will + once more believe me capable of speaking truth; and will, in the manner I + could wish, receive my sincere repentance.’ Then sending for Caelia up to + her bedside, she in a weak voice, with hardly strength for utterance, + spoke in this manner: ‘My dear Caelia, though you know me to be a + worthless base wretch, yet do not think so hardly of me, as to imagine I + would deceive you with my last breath. Believe me then when I tell you, + that I sincerely repent of my treachery towards you; and as sincerely + rejoice that it has in reality been the cause of your happiness with + Sempronius. Tell him this; and then, perhaps, he will not hate my memory.’ + Here she fainted away, and they forced Caelia out of the room, thinking + her breath was for ever flown. But in some time she came again to herself, + and cried out, ‘What! would not my dear Caelia say that she forgave me? + Methinks I would not die, till I had obtained her pardon. She is too good + to refuse her friend this last request.’ Her attendants then told her, + that seeing her faint away, they had forced Caelia out of the room; and + they begged her to try to compose herself, for they were sure that seeing + her friend again, at this time, would only disturb her mind, and do her an + injury. + </p> + <p> + Chloe, from the vent she had given her grief in speaking to Caelia, found + herself something more easy and composed; and desiring the room to be made + perfectly quiet, she fell into a gentle sleep, which lasted two hours; and + when she awaked she found herself so much better, that those about her + were convinced, from her composed manner of speaking, that she was now + able to bear another interview. + </p> + <p> + They again called for Caelia, and told her of her cousin’s amendment. She + flew with all speed to her chamber; and the moment she entered, Chloe + cried out, ‘Can you forgive me, Caelia?’ ‘Yes, with the greatest joy and + sincerity imaginable, my dearest Chloe,’ answered Caelia, ‘and never let + it be again mentioned or remembered.’ + </p> + <p> + The sudden recovery of Chloe was almost incredible; for in less than a + week she was able to quit both her bed and room, and go into her aunt’s + chamber. The good old lady shed tears of joy, to see such a return of + Chloe’s health, and of cheerfulness in the family; and was perfectly + contented, now she saw their melancholy removed, not to inquire into the + late cause of it, for fear of renewing their trouble even one moment by + the remembrance of it. + </p> + <p> + Sempronius, in the meantime, upon some affairs of his duty in the army, + had been called away, and was absent the whole time of Chloe’s illness, + and was not yet returned. Caelia spent almost her whole time with Chloe; + but three weeks passed on, and they were often alone; yet they had never + once mentioned the name of Sempronius, which laid Caelia still under the + greatest difficulty how to act, so as to avoid giving her friend any + uneasiness, and yet not disoblige Sempronius; for she had promised him at + his departure, that she would give him leave to ask her aunt’s consent + immediately upon his return. But the very day he was expected, she was + made quite easy by what passed between her and her friend. + </p> + <p> + Chloe, in this time, by proper reflections, and a due sense of Caelia’s + great goodness and affection to her, had so entirely got the better of + herself in this affair, that she found she could now, without any + uneasiness, see them married; and calling Caelia to her, she said with a + smile, ‘I have, my dear friend, been so long accustomed to read in that + intelligible index, your countenance, all your most inmost thoughts, that + I have not been unobserving of those kind fears you have had on my + account; and the reason I have so long delayed speaking was, my + resolution, if possible, never again to deceive you. I can with pleasure + now assure you, that nothing can give me so much joy as to see your + wedding with Sempronius. I make no doubt, but if you ask it, you will have + my aunt’s consent; and, if any intercession should be wanting towards + obtaining it, I will (if you can trust me) use all my influence in your + behalf. Be assured, my dear Caelia, I have now no farther regard left for + Sempronius, than as your husband; and that regard will increase in + proportion as he is the cause of your happiness.’ + </p> + <p> + They were interrupted in their discourse by news being brought of the + arrival of Sempronius, and Chloe received him with that ease and + cheerfulness as convinced Caelia her professions were unfeigned. + </p> + <p> + Caelia related to Sempronius all that had passed between her and Chloe; + and by her continued cheerfulness of behaviour, the peace and tranquillity + of the family was perfectly restored, and their joy greatly increased by + Amanda’s ready consent to the marriage of Sempronius and Caelia, having + first settled all her fortune to be divided at her death equally between + her nieces; and in her lifetime there was no occasion of settlements, or + deeds of gift, for they lived all together, and separate property was not + so much as mentioned or thought on in this family of harmony and peace. + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Dolly ceased reading; and all her hearers sat some little time + silent, and then expressed their great joy that Caelia and Chloe were at + last happy; for none of them had been able to refrain from tears whilst + they were otherwise. On which Miss Jenny Peace begged them to observe from + this story, the miserable effects that attend deceit and treachery: ‘For,’ + continued she, ‘you see you could not refrain from tears, only by + imagining what Chloe must feel after her wickedness (by which indeed she + lost the very happiness she intended treacherously to gain); nor could she + enjoy one moment’s peace, till by confessing her fault, and heartily + repenting of it, her mind was restored to its former calm and + tranquility.’ Miss Dolly thanked Miss Jenny for her remarks; but Miss Lucy + Sly was most sensibly touched with this story, as cunning had formerly + entirely possessed HER mind; and said, that if her companions were not + weary at present of their arbour, she would now recount to them the + history of her life, as this story was a proper introduction to it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS LUCY SLY. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Lucy Sly was of the same age as Miss Dolly Friendly; but shorter, at + least, by half the head. She was generally called a pretty girl, from + having a pair of exceeding fine black eyes, only with the allay of + something cunning in their look. She had a high forehead, and very good + curling black hair. She had a sharp high nose, and a very small mouth. Her + complexion was but indifferent, and the lower part of her face ill-turned, + for her chin was too long for due proportion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS LUCY SLY. + </h2> + <p> + From the time I was two years old, (said Miss Lucy) my mamma was so + sickly, that she was unable to take any great care of me herself, and I + was left to the care of a governess, who made it her study to bring me to + do what she had a mind to have done, without troubling her head what + induced me so to do. And whenever I did anything wrong, she used to say it + was the foot-boy, and not miss, that was naughty. Nay, she would say, it + was the dog, or the cat, or anything she could lay the blame upon, sooner + than own it was me. I thought this pure, that I was never in fault; and + soon got into a way of telling any lies, and of laying my own faults on + others, since I found I should be believed. I remember once, when I had + broken a fine china-cup, that I artfully got out of the scrape, and hid + the broken cup in the foot-boy’s room. He was whipped for breaking it; and + the next day whilst I was at play about the room, I heard my governess say + to a friend who was with her, “Yesterday Miss Lucy broke a china-cup; but + the artful little hussy went and hid it in the foot-boy’s room, and the + poor boy was whipped for it. I don’t believe there was ever a girl of her + age that had half her cunning and contrivance.” I knew by her tone of + voice, and her manner of speaking, that she did not blame me in her heart, + but rather commended my ingenuity. And I thought myself so wise, that I + could thus get off the blame from myself, that I every day improved in new + inventions to save myself, and have others punished in my place. + </p> + <p> + ‘This life of endeavouring to deceive I led till I came to school. But + here I found that I could not so well carry on my little schemes; for I + was found out and punished for my own faults; and this created in me a + hatred to my companions. For whatever Miss I had a mind to serve as I used + to serve our foot-boy, in laying the blame falsely upon her, if she could + justify herself, and prove me in the wrong, I was very angry with her, for + daring to contradict me, and not submitting as quietly to be punished + wrongfully, as the foot-boy was forced to do. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is all I know of my life hitherto.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus ended Miss Lucy Sly: and Miss Jenny Peace commended Miss Lucy for her + free confession of her faults, and said, ‘She doubted not but she would + find the advantage of amending, and endeavouring to change a disposition + so very pernicious to her own peace and quiet, as well as to that of all + her friends;’ but they now obeyed the summons of the supper-bell, and soon + after retired to rest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THURSDAY. THE FOURTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + Our little company, as soon as the morning school-hours were over, + hastened to their arbour, and were attentive to what Miss Jenny Peace + should propose to them for their amusement till dinner-time; when Miss + Jenny, looking round upon them, said, ‘that she had not at present any + story to read; but that she hoped, from Miss Dolly Friendly’s example + yesterday, some of the rest might endeavour sometimes to furnish out the + entertainment of the day.’ Upon which Miss Sukey Jennett said, ‘that + though she could not promise them such an agreeable story as Miss Dolly’s; + yet she would read them a letter she had received the evening before from + her Cousin Peggy Smith, who lived at York; in which there was a story that + she thought very strange and remarkable. They were all very desirous of + it, when Miss Sukey read as follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear cousin,—I promised, you know, to write to you when I had + anything to tell you; and as I think the following story very + extraordinary, I was willing to keep my word. + </p> + <p> + ‘Some time ago there came to settle in this city, a lady, whose name was + Dison. We all visited her: but she had so deep a melancholy, arising, as + it appeared, from a settled state of ill health, that nothing we could do + could afford her the least relief, or make her cheerful. In this condition + she languished amongst us five years, still continuing to grow worse and + worse. + </p> + <p> + ‘We all grieved at her fate. Her flesh was withered away; her appetite + decayed by degrees, till all food became nauseous to her sight; her + strength failed her; her feet could not support her tottering body, lean + and worn away as it was; and we hourly expected her death. When, at last, + she one day called her most intimate friends to her bedside, and, as well + as she could, spoke to the following purpose: “I know you all pity me; + but, alas! I am not so much the object of your pity, as your contempt; for + all my misery is of my own seeking, and owing to the wickedness of my own + mind. I had two sisters, with whom I was bred up; and I have all my + lifetime been unhappy, for no other cause but for their success in the + world. When we were young, I could neither eat nor sleep in peace, when + they had either praise or pleasure. When we grew up to be women, they were + both soon married much to their advantage and satisfaction. This galled me + to the heart; and, though I had several good offers, yet as I did not + think them in all respects equal to my sisters, I would not accept them; + and yet was inwardly vexed to refuse them, for fear I would get no better. + I generally deliberated so long that I lost my lovers, and then I pined + for that loss. I never wanted for anything; and was in a situation in + which I might have been happy, if I pleased. My sisters loved me very + well, for I concealed as much as possible from them my odious envy; and + yet never did any poor wretch lead so miserable a life as I have done; for + every blessing they enjoyed was as so many daggers to my heart. ‘Tis this + envy that has caused all my ill health, has preyed upon my very vitals, + and will now bring me to my Grave.” + </p> + <p> + ‘In a few days after this confession she died; and her words and death + made such a strong impression on my mind, that I could not help sending + you this relation; and begging you, my dear Sukey, to remember how careful + we ought to be to curb in our minds the very first risings of a passion so + detestable, and so fatal, as this proved to poor Mrs. Dison. I know I have + no particular reason for giving you this caution; for I never saw anything + in you, but what deserved the love and esteem of + </p> + <p> + ‘Your very affectionate cousin, + </p> + <p> + ‘M. SMITH.’ + </p> + <p> + As soon as Miss Sukey had finished her letter, Miss Patty Lockit rose up, + and, flying to Miss Jenny Peace, embraced her, and said, ‘What thanks can + I give you, my dear friend, for having put me into a way of examining my + heart, and reflecting on my own actions; by which you have saved me, + perhaps, from a life as miserable as that of the poor woman in Miss + Sukey’s letter!’ Miss Jenny did not thoroughly understand her meaning; but + imagining it might be something relating to her past life, desired her to + explain herself; which she said she would do, telling now, in her turn, + all that had hitherto happened to her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS PATTY LOCKIT. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Patty Lockit was but ten years old; tall, inclined to fat. Her neck + was short; and she was not in the least genteel. Her face was very + handsome; for all her features were extremely good. She had large blue + eyes; was exceeding fair; and had a great bloom on her cheeks. Her hair + was the very first degree of light brown; was bright and shining; and hung + in ringlets half way down her back. Her mouth was rather too large; but + she had such fine teeth, and looked so agreeably when she smiled, that you + was not sensible of any fault in it. + </p> + <p> + This was the person of Miss Patty Lockit, who was slow to relate her past + life; which she did, in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS PATTY LOCKIT. + </h2> + <p> + I lived, till I was six years old, in a very large family; for I had four + sisters, all older than myself, and three brothers. We played together, + and passed our time much in the common way: sometimes we quarrelled, and + sometimes agreed, just as accident would have it. Our parents had no + partiality to any of us; so we had no cause to envy one another on that + account; and we lived tolerably well together. + </p> + <p> + ‘When I was six years old, my grandmother by my father’s side (and who was + also my godmother) offering to take me to live with her, and promising to + look upon me as her own child, and entirely to provide for me, my father + and mother, as they had a large family, very readily accepted her offer, + and sent me directly to her house. + </p> + <p> + ‘About half a year before this, she had taken another goddaughter, the + only child of my Aunt Bradly, who was lately dead, and whose husband was + gone to the West Indies. My cousin, Molly Bradly, was four years older + than I; and her mother had taken such pains in her education, that the + understood more than most girls of her age; and had so much liveliness, + good humour, and ingenuity, that everybody was fond of her; and wherever + we went together, all the notice was taken of my cousin, and I was very + little regarded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Though I had all my life before lived in a family where every one in it + was older, and knew more than myself, yet I was very easy; for we were + generally together in the nursery; and nobody took much notice of us, + whether we knew anything, or whether we did not. But now, as I lived in + the house with only one companion, who was so much more admired than + myself, the comparison began to vex me, and I found a strong hatred and + aversion for my cousin arising in my mind; and yet, I verily believe I + should have got the better of it, and been willing to have learnt of my + cousin, and should have loved her for teaching me, if any one had told me + it was right; and if it had not been that Betty, the maid who took care of + us, used to be for ever teasing me about the preference that was shown to + my cousin, and the neglect I always met with. She used to tell me, that + she wondered how I could bear to see Miss Molly so caressed; and that it + was want of spirit not to think myself as good as she was; and, if she was + in my place, she would not submit to be taught by a child; for my Cousin + Molly frequently offered to instruct me in anything she knew; but I used + to say (as Betty had taught me) that I would not learn of her; for she was + but a child, though she was a little older; and that I was not put under + her care, but that of my grandmamma. But she, poor woman, was so old and + unhealthy, that she never troubled her head much about us, but only to + take care that we wanted for nothing. I lived in this manner three years, + fretting and vexing myself that I did not know so much, nor was not so + much liked, as my Cousin Molly, and yet resolving not to learn anything + she could teach me; when my grandmamma was advised to send me to school; + but, as soon as I came here, the case was much worse; for, instead of one + person to envy, I found many; for all my schoolfellows had learned more + than I; and, instead of endeavouring to get knowledge, I began to hate all + those who knew more than myself; and this, I am now convinced, was owing + to that odious envy, which, if not cured, would always have made me as + miserable as Mrs. Dison was and which constantly tormented me, till we + came to live in that general peace and good-humour we have lately enjoyed: + and as I hope this wicked spirit was not natural to me, but only blown up + by that vile Betty’s instigations, I don’t doubt but I shall now grow very + happy, and learn something every day, and be pleased with being + instructed, and that I shall always love those who are so good as to + instruct me.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Patty Lockit ceased; and the dinner-bell called them from their + arbour. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum, as soon as they had dined, told them, that she thought it + proper they would use some bodily exercise, that they might not, by + sitting constantly still, impair their health. Not but that she was + greatly pleased with their innocent and instructive manner of employing + their leisure hours; but this wise woman knew that the faculties of the + mind grow languid and useless, when the health of the body is lost. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they understood their governess’s pleasure, they readily + resolved to obey her commands, and desired that, after school, they might + take a walk as far as the dairy house, to eat some curds and cream. Mrs. + Teachum not only granted their request, but said she would dispense with + their school-attendance that afternoon, in order to give them more time + for their walk, which was between two and three miles; and she likewise + added, that she herself would go with them. They all flew like lightning + to get their hats, and to equip themselves for their walk; and, with + cheerful countenances, attended Mrs. Teachum in the schoolroom. This good + gentlewoman, so far from laying them under a restraint by her presence, + encouraged them to run in the fields, and to gather flowers; which they + did, each miss trying to get the best to present to her governess. In this + agreeable manner, with laughing, talking, and singing, they arrived at the + dairy-house, before they imagined they had walked a mile. + </p> + <p> + There lived at this dairy-house an old woman, near seventy years of age. + She had a fresh colour in her face; but was troubled with the palsy, that + made her head shake a little. She was bent forward with age, and her hair + was quite grey: but she retained much good-humour, and received this + little party with hearty welcome. + </p> + <p> + Our little gentry flocked about this good woman, asking her a thousand + questions. Miss Polly Suckling asked her, ‘Why she shook her head so?’ and + Miss Patty Lockit said, ‘She hoped her hair would never be of such a + colour.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny Peace was afraid they would say something that would offend the + old woman, and advised them to turn their discourse. ‘Oh! let the dear + rogues alone,’ says the old woman; ‘I like their prattle;’ and, taking + Miss Polly by the hand, said, ‘Come, my dear, we will go into the dairy, + and skim the milk pans.’ At which words they all run into the dairy, and + some of them dipped their fingers in the cream; which when Mrs. Nelly + perceived (who was the eldest daughter of the old woman, and who managed + all the affairs) she desired they would walk out of the dairy, and she + would bring them what was fit for them: upon which Miss Dolly Friendly + said, ‘she had rather be as old and good-natured as the mother, than as + young and ill-natured as the daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + The old woman desired her company to sit down at a long table, which she + soon supplied with plenty of cream, strawberries, brown bread, and sugar. + Mrs. Teachum took her place at the upper end, and the rest sat down in + their usual order, and eat plentifully of these good things. After which, + Mrs. Teachum told them they might walk out and see the garden and orchard, + and by that time it would be proper to return home. + </p> + <p> + The good old woman showed them the way into the garden; and gathered the + finest roses and pinks she could pick, and gave them to Miss Polly, to + whom she had taken a great Fancy. + </p> + <p> + At their taking leave, Mrs. Teachum rewarded the good old woman for her + trouble; who, on her part, expressed much pleasure in feeing so many + well-behaved young ladies; and said, she hoped they would come often. + </p> + <p> + These little friends had not walked far in their way home, before they met + a miserable ragged fellow, who begged their charity. Our young folks + immediately gathered together about this poor creature, and were + hearkening very earnestly to his story, which he set forth in a terrible + manner, of having been burnt out of his house, and, from one distress to + another, reduced to that miserable state they saw him in, when Mrs. + Teachum came up to them. She was not a little pleased to see all the + misses’ hands in their pockets, pulling out half-pence, and some + sixpences. She told them, she approved of their readiness to assist the + poor fellow, as he appeared to them; but oftentimes those fellows made up + dismal stories without much foundation, and because they were lazy, and + would not work. Miss Dolly said, indeed she believed the poor man spoke + truth; for he looked honest; and, besides, he seemed almost starved. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum told them it would be late before they could get home; so, + after each of them had given what they thought proper, they pursued their + walk, prattling all the way. + </p> + <p> + They got home about nine o’clock; and, as they did not choose any supper, + the bell rang for prayers; after which our young travellers retired to + their rest, where we doubt not but they had a good repose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FRIDAY. THE FIFTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum, in the morning, inquired how her scholars did after their + walk, and was pleased to hear they were all very well. They then performed + their several tasks with much cheerfulness; and, after the school-hours, + they were hastening, as usual, to their arbour, when Miss Jenny desired + them all to go thither without her, and she would soon follow them; which + they readily consented to; but begged her not to deprive them long of the + pleasure of her sweet company. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny then went directly into her governess’s parlour, and told her + that she had some thoughts of reading to her companions a fairy tale, + which was also given her by her mamma; and though it was not in such a + pompous style, nor so full of wonderful images, as the giant-story; yet + she would not venture to read anything of that kind without her + permission; but, as she had not absolutely condemned all that sort of + writing, she hoped she was not guilty of a fault in asking that + permission. Mrs. Teachum, with a gracious smile, told her, that she seemed + so thoroughly well to understand the whole force of her Monday night’s + discourse to her, that she might be trusted almost in anything; and + desired her to go and follow her own judgment and inclinations in the + amusement of her happy friends. Miss Jenny, overjoyed with this kind + condescension in her governess, thanked her, with, a low courtesy, and + said, she hoped she should never do anything unworthy of the confidence + reposed on her; and, hastening to the arbour, she there found all her + little companions quite impatient of this short absence. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny told them, that she had by her a fairy-tale, which, if they + liked it, she would read; and, as it had pleased her, she did not doubt + but it would give them equal pleasure. + </p> + <p> + It was the custom now so much amongst them to assent to any proposal that + came from Miss Jenny, that they all with one voice desired her to read it; + till Miss Polly Suckling said, ‘that although she was very unwilling to + contradict anything Miss Jenny liked, yet she could not help saying, she + thought it would be better if they were to read some true history, from + which they might learn something; for she thought fairy-tales were fit + only for little children. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny could not help smiling at such an objection’s coming from the + little dumpling, who was not much above seven years of age; and then said, + ‘I will tell you a story, my little Polly, of what happened to me whilst I + was at home. + </p> + <p> + ‘There came into our village, when I was six years old, a man who carried + about a raree-show, which all the children of the parish were fond of + seeing; but I had taken it into my head, that it was beneath my wisdom to + see raree-shows; and therefore would not be persuaded to join my + companions to see this sight; and although I had as great an inclination + as any of them to see it, yet I avoided it, in order to boast of my own + great sense, in that I was above such trifles. + </p> + <p> + ‘When my mamma asked me, why I would not see the show, when she had given + me leave? I drew up my head, and said, “Indeed I did not like raree-shows. + That I had been reading; and I thought that much more worth my while, than + to lose my time at such foolish entertainments.” My mamma, who saw the + cause of my refusing this amusement was only a pretence of being wise, + laughed, and said, “She herself had seen it, and it was really very + comical and diverting.” On hearing this, I was heartily vexed to think I + had denied myself a pleasure, which I fancied was beneath me, when I found + even my mamma was not above seeing it. This in a great measure cured me of + the folly of thinking myself above any innocent amusement. And when I grew + older, and more capable of hearing reason, my mamma told me, “She had + taken this method of laughing at me, as laughing is the proper manner of + treating affectation; which of all things, she said, she would have me + carefully avoid; otherwise, whenever I was found out, I should become + contemptible.”’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Jenny ceased speaking; and Miss Polly Suckling, blushing that + she had made any objection to what Miss Jenny had proposed, begged her to + begin the fairy tale; when just at that instant, Mrs. Teachum, who had + been taking a walk in the garden, turned into the arbour to delight + herself with a view of her little school united in harmony and love, and + Miss Jenny, with great good humour, told her mistress the small contest + she had just had with Miss Polly about reading a fairy tale, and the + occasion of it. Mrs. Teachum kindly chucking the little dumpling under the + chin, said, she had so good an opinion of Miss Jenny, as to answer for + her, that she would read nothing to them but what was proper; and added, + that she herself would stay and hear this fairy tale which Miss Jenny, on + her commands, immediately began. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PRINCESS HEBE. A FAIRY TALE. + </h2> + <p> + Above two thousand years ago, there reigned over the kingdom of Tonga, a + king, whose name was Abdallah. He was married to a young princess, the + daughter of a king of a neighbouring country, whose name was Rousignon. + Her beauty and prudence engaged him so far in affection to her, that every + hour he could possibly spare from attending the affairs of his kingdom he + spent in her apartment. They had a little daughter, to whom they gave the + name of Hebe, who was the darling and mutual care of both. + </p> + <p> + The king was quiet in his dominion, beloved by his subjects, happy in his + family, and all his days rolled on in calm content and joy. The king’s + brother Abdulham was also married to a young princess, named Tropo, who in + seven years had brought him no children; and she conceived so mortal a + hatred against the queen (for she envied her the happiness of the little + Princess Hebe) that she resolved to do her some mischief. It was + impossible for her, during the king’s lifetime, to vent her malice without + being discovered, and therefore she pretended the greatest respect and + friendship imaginable for the unsuspecting queen. + </p> + <p> + Whilst things were in this situation, the king fell into a violent fever, + of which he died; and during the time that the queen was in the height of + her affliction for him, and could think of nothing but his loss, the + Princess Tropo took the opportunity of putting in execution her malicious + intentions. She inflamed her husband’s passions, by setting forth the + meanness of his spirit, in letting a crown be ravished from his head by a + female infant, till ambition seized his mind, and he resolved to wield the + Tongian sceptre himself. It was very easy to bring this about, for, by his + brother’s appointment, he was protector of the realm, and guardian to the + young princess his niece; and the queen taking him and the princess his + wife for her best friends, suspected nothing of their designs, but in a + manner gave herself up to their power. + </p> + <p> + The protector Abdulham, having the whole treasure of the kingdom at his + command, was in possession of the means to make all his schemes + successful; and the Princess Tropo, by lavishly rewarding the instruments + of her treachery, contrived to make it generally believed, that the queen + had poisoned her husband, who was so much beloved by his subjects, that + the very horror of the action, without any proof of her guilt, raised + against the poor unhappy Queen a universal clamour, and a general aversion + throughout the whole kingdom. The princess had so well laid her scheme, + that the guards were to seize the queen, and convey her to a place of + confinement, till she could prove her innocence; which, that she might + never be able to do, proper care was taken by procuring sufficient + evidence to accuse her on oath; and the Princess Hebe, her daughter, was + to be taken from her, and educated under the care of her uncle. But the + night before this cruel design was to have been put in execution, a + faithful attendant of the queen’s, named Loretta, by the assistance of one + of the Princess Tropo’s confidants (who had long professed himself her + lover) discovered the whole secret, of which she immediately informed her + royal mistress. + </p> + <p> + The horrors which filled the queen’s mind at the relation of the Princess + Tropo’s malicious intentions, were inexpressible, and her perturbation so + great, that she could not form any scheme that appeared probable to + execute for her own preservation. Loretta told her that the person who had + given her this timely notice, had also provided a peasant who knew the + country, and would meet her at the western gate of the city, and, carrying + the young Princess Hebe in his arms, would conduct her to some place of + safety; but she must consent to put on a disguise, and escape that very + night from the palace, or she would be lost for ever. Horses or mules, she + said, it would be impossible to come at without suspicion; therefore she + must endeavour (though unused to such fatigue) to travel afoot till she + got herself concealed in some cottage from her pursuers, if her enemies + should think of endeavouring to find her out. Loretta offered to attend + her mistress, but she absolutely forbad her going any farther than to the + western gate; where delivering the little Princess Hebe into the arms of + the peasant, who was there waiting for them, she reluctantly withdrew. + </p> + <p> + The good queen, who saw no remedy to this her terrible disgrace, could + have borne this barbarous usage without much repining, had she herself + been the only sufferer by it; for the loss of the good king her husband so + far exceeded all her other misfortunes, that every everything else was + trifling in comparison of so dreadful an affliction. But the young + Princess Hebe, whom she was accustomed to look on as her greatest + blessing, now became to her an object of pity and concern; for, from being + heiress to a throne, the poor infant, not yet five years old, was, with + her wretched mother, become a vagabond, and knew not whither to fly for + protection. + </p> + <p> + Loretta had prevailed on her royal mistress to take with her a few little + necessaries, besides a small picture of the king, and some of her jewels, + which the queen contrived to conceal under her night-clothes, in the midst + of that hair they were used to adorn, when her loved husband delighted to + see it displayed in flowing ringlets round her snowy neck. This lady, + during the life of her fond husband, was by his tender care kept from + every inclemency of the air, and preserved from every inconvenience that + it was possible for human nature to suffer. What then must be her + condition now, when through bypaths and thorny ways, she was obliged to + fly with all possible speed, to escape the fury of her cruel pursuers: for + she too well knew the merciless temper of her enemies, to hope that they + would not pursue her with the utmost diligence, especially as she was + accompanied by the young Princess Hebe; whose life was the principal cause + of their disquiet, and whose destruction they chiefly aimed at. + </p> + <p> + The honest peasant, who carried the Princess Hebe in his arms, followed + the queen’s painful steps; and seeing the day begin to break, he begged + her, if possible, to hasten on to a wood which was not far off, where it + was likely she might find a place of safety. But the afflicted queen, at + the sight of the opening morn (which once used to fill her mind with + rising joy) burst into a flood of tears, and, quite overcome with grief + and fatigue, cast herself on the ground, crying out in the most affecting + manner, ‘The end of my misfortunes is at hand. My weary limbs will no + longer support me. My spirits fail me. In the grave alone must I seek for + shelter.’ The poor princess, seeing her mother in tears, cast her little + arms about her neck, and wept also, though she knew not why. + </p> + <p> + Whilst she was in this deplorable condition, turning round her head, she + saw behind her a little girl, no older in appearance than the Princess + Hebe; who, with an amiable and tranquil countenance, begged her to rise + and follow her, and she would lead her where she might refresh and repose + herself. + </p> + <p> + The queen was surprised at the manner of speaking of this little child, as + she took her to be; but soon thought it was some kind fairy sent to + protect her, and was very ready to submit herself to her guidance and + protection. + </p> + <p> + The little fairy (for such indeed was the seeming child who had thus + accosted them) ordered the peasant to return back, and said that she would + take care of the queen, and her young daughter; and he, knowing her to be + the good fairy Sybella, very readily obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Sybella then striking the ground three times with a little wand, there + suddenly rose up before them a neat plain car, and a pair of milk-white + horses; and placing the queen with the Princess Hebe in her lap by her + side, she drove with excessive swiftness full westward for eight hours; + when (just as the sun began to have power enough to make the queen almost + faint with the heat and her former fatigue) they arrived at the side of a + shady wood; upon entering of which, the fairy made her horses slacken in + their speed, and having travelled about a mile and a half, through rows of + elms and beech trees, they came to a thick grove of firs, into which there + seemed to be no entrance. For there was not any opening to a path, and the + underwood consisting chiefly of rose-bushes, white-thorn, eglantine, and + other flowering shrubs, was so thick, that it appeared impossible to + attempt forcing through them. But alighting out of the car (which + immediately disappeared) the fairy (bidding the queen follow her) pushed + her way through a large bush of jessamine, whose tender branches gave way + for their passage and then closed again, so as to leave no traces of an + entrance into this charming grove. + </p> + <p> + Having gone a little way through an extreme narrow path, they came into an + opening (quite surrounded by these firs and sweet underwood) not very + large, but in which was contained everything that is necessary towards + making life comfortable. At the end of a green meadow was a plain neat + house, built more for convenience than beauty, fronting the rising sun; + and behind it was a small garden, stored only with fruits and useful + herbs. Sybella conducted her guests into this her simple lodging; and as + repose was the chief thing necessary for the poor fatigued queen, she + prevailed with her to lie down on a couch. Some hours’ sound sleep, which + her weariness induced, gave her a fresh supply of spirits; the ease and + safety from her pursuers, in which she then found herself, made her for a + short time tolerably composed; and she begged the favour of knowing to + whom she was so greatly obliged for this her happy deliverance; but the + fairy seeing her mind too unsettled to give any due attention to what she + should say, told her that she would defer the relation of her own life + (which was worth her observation) till she had obtained a respite from her + own sorrows; and in the meantime, by all manner of obliging ways, she + endeavoured to divert and amuse her. + </p> + <p> + The queen, after a short interval of calmness of mind, occasioned only by + her so sudden escape from the terrors of pursuit, returned to her former + dejection, and for some time incessantly wept at the dismal thought, that + the princess seemed now, by this reverse of fate, to be for ever excluded + all hopes of being seated on her father’s throne; and, by a strange + perverse way of adding to her own grief, she afflicted herself the more, + because the little princess was ignorant of her misfortune; and whenever + she saw her diverting herself with little childish plays, instead of being + pleased with such her innocent amusement, it added to her sorrow, and made + her tears gush forth in a larger stream than usual. She could not divert + her thoughts from the palace from which she had been driven, to fix them + on any other object; nor would her grief suffer her to reflect, that it + was possible for the princess to be happy without a crown. + </p> + <p> + At length time, the great cure of all ills, in some measure abated her + Sorrows; her grief began to subside; in spite of herself, the reflection + that her misery was only in her own fancy, would sometimes force itself on + her mind. She could not avoid seeing, that her little hostess enjoyed as + perfect a state of happiness as is possible to attain in this world; that + she was free from anxious cares, undisturbed by restless passions, and + mistress of all things that could be of any use to make life easy or + agreeable. The oftener this reflection presented itself to her thoughts, + the more strength it gained; and, at last, she could even bear to think, + that her beloved child might be as happy in such a situation, as was her + amiable hostess. Her countenance now grew more cheerful; she could take + the Princess Hebe in her arms, and thinking the jewels she had preserved + would secure her from any fear of want, look on her with delight; and + began even to imagine, that her future life might be spent in calm content + and pleasure. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the voice of reason had gained this power over the queen, + Sybella told her, that now her bosom was so free from passion, she would + relate the history of her life. The queen, overjoyed that her curiosity + might now be gratified, begged her not to delay giving her that pleasure + one moment; on which our little fairy began in the following manner. + </p> + <p> + But there Mrs. Teachum told Miss Jenny that the bell rung for dinner; on + which she was obliged to break off. But meeting again in the same arbour + in the evening, when their good mistress continued to them the favour of + her presence, Miss Jenny pursued her story. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. + </h2> + <p> + ‘My father,’ said the fairy, ‘was a magician: he married a lady for love, + whose beauty far outshone that of all her neighbours; and by means of that + beauty, she had so great an influence over her husband, that she could + command the utmost power of his art. But better had it been for her, had + that beauty been wanting; for her power only served to make her wish for + more, and the gratification of every desire begot a new one, which often + it was impossible for her to gratify. My father, though he saw his error + in thus indulging her, could not attain steadiness of mind enough to mend + it, nor acquire resolution enough to suffer his beloved wife once to + grieve or shed a tear to no purpose, though in order to cure her of that + folly which made her miserable. + </p> + <p> + ‘My grandfather so plainly saw the temper and disposition of his son + towards women, that he did not leave him at liberty to dispose of his + magic art to any but his posterity, that it might not be in the power of a + wife to tease him out of it. But his caution was to very little purpose; + for although my mother could not from herself exert any magic power, yet + such was her unbounded influence over her husband, that she was sure of + success in every attempt to persuade him to gratify her desires. For if + every argument she could invent happened to fail, yet the shedding but one + tear was a certain method to prevail with him to give up his reason, + whatever might be the consequence. + </p> + <p> + ‘When my father and mother had been married about a year, she was brought + to bed of a daughter, to whom she gave the name of Brunetta. Her first + request to my father was, that he would endow this infant with as much + beauty as she herself was possessed of, and bestow on her as much of his + art as should enable her to succeed in all her designs. My father foresaw + the dreadful tendency of granting this request, but said he would give it + with this restriction, that she should succeed in all her designs that + were not wicked; for, said he, the success of wicked designs always turns + out as a punishment to the person so succeeding. In this resolution he + held for three days, till my mother (being weak in body after her + lying-in) worked herself with her violent passions to such a degree, that + the physicians told my father, they despaired of her life, unless some + method could be found to make her mind more calm and easy. His fondness + for his wife would not suffer him to bear the thoughts of losing her, and + the horror with which that apprehension had but for a moment possessed his + mind, prevailed with him to bestow on the little Brunetta (though + foreseeing it would make her miserable) the fatal gift in its full extent. + But one restriction it was out of his power to take off, namely, that all + wicked designs ever could and should be rendered ineffectual by the virtue + and perseverance of those against whom they were intended, if they in a + proper manner exerted that virtue. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was born in two years after Brunetta, and was called Sybella: but my + mother was so taken up with her darling Brunetta, that she gave herself + nut the least concern about me; and I was left wholly to the care of my + father. In order to make the gift she had extorted from her fond husband + as fatal as possible to her favourite child, she took care in her + education (by endeavouring to cultivate in her the spirit of revenge and + malice against those who had in the least degree offended her) to turn her + mind to all manner of mischief; by which means she lived in a continual + passion. + </p> + <p> + ‘My father, as soon as I was old enough to hearken to reason, told me of + the gift he had conferred on my sister; said he could not retract it; and + therefore, if she had any mischievous designs against me, they must in + some measure succeed; but she would endow me with a power superior to this + gift of my sister’s, and likewise superior to any thing else that he was + able to bestow, which was strength and constancy of mind enough to bear + patiently any injuries I might receive; and this was a strength, he said, + which would not decay, but rather increase, by every new exercise of it; + and, to secure me in the possession of this gift, he likewise gave me a + perfect knowledge of the true value of everything around me, by which + means I might learn, whatever outward accidents befell me, not to lose the + greatest blessing in this world, namely, a calm and contented mind. He + taught me so well my duty, that I cheerfully obeyed my mother in all + things, though she seldom gave me a kind word, or even a kind look; for my + spiteful sister was always telling some lies to make her angry with me. + But my heart overflowed with gratitude to my father, that he would give me + leave to love him, whilst he instructed me that it was my duty to pay him + the most strict obedience. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brunetta was daily encouraged by her mother to use me ill, and chiefly + because my father loved me; and although she succeeded in all her designs + of revenge on me, yet was she very uneasy, because she could not take away + the cheerfulness of my mind; for I bore with patience whatever happened to + me: and she would often say, “must I with all my beauty, power, and wisdom + (for so she called her low cunning) be suffering perpetual uneasiness? and + shall you, who have neither beauty, power, nor wisdom, pretend to be happy + and cheerful?” Then would she cry and stamp, and rave like a mad creature, + and set her invention at work to make my mother beat me, or lock me up, or + take from me some of my best clothes to give to her; yet still could not + her power extend to vex my mind: and this used to throw her again into + such passions, as weakened her health, and greatly impaired her so much + boasted beauty. + </p> + <p> + ‘In this manner we lived, till on a certain day, after Brunetta had been + in one of her rages with me for nothing, my father came in and chid her + for it; which, when my mother heard, she threw herself into such a violent + passion, that her husband could not pacify her. And, being big with child, + the convulsions, caused by her passions, brought her to her grave. Thus my + father lost her, by the same uncontrollable excesses, the fatal effects of + which he had before ruined his daughter to preserve her from. He did not + long survive her; but, before he died, gave me a little wand, which, by + striking three times on the ground, he said, would at any time produce me + any necessary or convenience of life, which I really wanted, either for + myself, or the assistance of others; and this he gave me, because he was + very sensible, he said, that as soon as he was dead, my sister would never + rest till she had got from me both his castle, and everything that I had + belonging to me, in it. “But,” continued he, “whenever you are driven from + thence, bend your course directly into the pleasant wood Ardella; there + strike with your wand, and everything you want, will be provided for you. + But keep this wand a profound secret, or Brunetta will get it from you; + and then (though you can never, while you preserve your patience, be + unhappy) you will not have it in your power to be of so much use as you + would wish to be, to those who shall stand in need of your assistance.” + Saying these words, he expired, as I kneeled by his bedside, attending his + last commands, and bewailing the loss of so good a father. + </p> + <p> + ‘In the midst of this our distress, we sent to my Uncle Sochus, my + father’s brother, to come to us, and to assist us in an equal division of + my deceased father’s effects; but my sister soon contrived to make him + believe, that I was the wickedest girl alive, and had always set my father + against her by my art, which she said I pretended to call my wisdom; and + by several handsome presents she soon persuaded him (for he did not care a + farthing for either of us) to join with her in saying, that, as she was + the eldest sister, she had a full right to the castle, and everything in + it; but she told me I was very welcome to stay there, and live with her, + if I pleased; and while I behaved myself well, she should be very glad of + my company. + </p> + <p> + ‘As it was natural for me to love every one that would give me leave to + love them, I was quite overjoyed at this kind offer of my sister’s, and + never once thought on the treachery she had so lately been guilty of; and + I have since reflected, that happy was it for me, that passion was so much + uppermost with her, that she could not execute any plot, that required a + dissimulation of any long continuance; for had her good humour lasted but + one four-and-twenty hours, it is very probable that I should have opened + my whole heart to her; should have endeavoured to have begun a friendship + with her, and perhaps have betrayed the secret of my wand; but just as it + was sunset, she came into the room where I was, in the most violent + passion in the world, accusing me to my uncle of ingratitude to her great + generosity, in suffering me to live in her castle. She said, “that she had + found me out, and that my crimes were of the blackest dye,” although she + would not tell me either what they were, or who were my accusers. She + would not give me leave to speak, either to ask what my offence was, or to + justify my innocence; and I plainly perceived, that her pretended kindness + was only designed to make my disappointment the greater; and that she was + now determined to find me guilty, whether I pleaded, or not. And after she + had raved on for some time, she said to me with a sneer, “Since you have + always boasted of your calm and contented mind, you may now try to be + contented this night with the softness of the grass for your bed; for here + in my castle you shall not stay one moment longer.” And so saying, she and + my uncle led me to the outer court, and thrusting me with all their force + from them, they shut up the gates, bolting and barring them as close as if + to keep out a giant; and left me, at that time of night, friendless, and, + as they thought, destitute of any kind of support. + </p> + <p> + ‘I then remembered my dear father’s last words, and made what haste I + could to this wood, which is not above a mile distant from the castle; and + being, as I thought, about the middle of it, I struck three times with my + wand, and immediately up rose this grove of trees, which you see, this + house, and all the other conveniences, which I now enjoy; and getting that + very night into this my plain and easy bed, I enjoyed as sweet a repose as + ever I did in my life, only delayed, indeed, a short time, by a few sighs, + for the loss of so good a parent, and the unhappy state of a + self-tormented sister, whose slumbers (I fear) on a bed of down, were more + restless and interrupted that night than mine would have been, even had + not my father’s present of the wand prevented me from the necessity of + using the bed of grass, which she, in her wrath, allotted me. In this + grove, which I call Placid Grove, is contained all that I want; and it is + so well secured from any invaders, by the thick briars and thorns which + surround it, having no entrance but through that tender jessamine, that I + live in no apprehensions of any disturbance, though so near my sister’s + castle. But once, indeed, she came with a large train, and, whilst I was + asleep, set fire to the trees all around me; and waking, I found myself + almost suffocated with smoke, and the flames had reached one part of my + House. I started from my bed, and striking on the ground three times with + my wand, there came such a quantity of water from the heavens, as soon + extinguished the fire; and the next morning, by again having recourse to + my wand, all things grew up into their convenient and proper order. When + my sister Brunetta found that I had such a supernatural power at my + command, though she knew not what it was, she desisted from ever + attempting any more by force to disturb me; and now only uses all sorts of + arts and contrivances to deceive me, or any persons whom I would wish to + secure. One of my father’s daily lessons to me was, that I should never + omit any one day of my life endeavouring to be as serviceable as I + possibly could to any person in distress. And I daily wander, as far as my + feet will carry me, in search of any such, and hither I invite them to + peace and calm contentment. But my father added also this command, that I + should never endeavour doing any farther good to those whom adversity had + not taught to hearken to the voice of reason, enough to enable them so to + conquer their passions as not to think themselves miserable in a safe + retreat from noise and confusion. This was the reason I could not gratify + you in relating the history of my life, whilst you gave way to raging + passions, which only serve to blind your eyes, and shut your ears from + truth. But now, great queen (for I know your state, from what you vented + in your grief), I am ready to endow this little princess with any gift in + my power, that I know will tend really to her good; and I hope your + experience of the world has made you too reasonable to require any other.’ + </p> + <p> + The queen considered a little while, and then desired Sybella to endow the + princess with that only wisdom which would enable her to see and follow + what was her own true good, to know the value of everything around her, + and to be sensible that following the paths of goodness and performing her + duty was the only road to content and happiness. + </p> + <p> + Sybella was overjoyed at the queen’s request, and immediately granted it, + only telling the Princess Hebe, that it was absolutely necessary towards + the attainment of this great blessing, that she should entirely obey the + queen her mother, without ever pretending to examine her commands; for + ‘true obedience (said she) consists in submission; and when we pretend to + choose what commands are proper and fit for us, we don’t obey, but set up + our own wisdom in opposition to our governors—this, my dear Hebe, + you must be very careful of avoiding, if you would be happy.’ She then + cautioned her against giving way to the persuasions of any of the young + shepherdesses thereabouts, who would endeavour to allure her to + disobedience, by striving to raise in her mind a desire of thinking + herself wise, whilst they were tearing from her what was indeed true + wisdom. ‘For (said Sybella) my sister Brunetta, who lives in the castle + she drove me from (about a mile from this wood) endows young shepherdesses + with great beauty, and everything that is in appearance amiable, and + likely to persuade, in order to allure away and make wretched, those + persons I would preserve: and all the wisdom with which I have endowed the + Princess Hebe will not prevent her falling into my sister’s snares, if she + gives the least way to temptation; for my father’s gift to Brunetta, in + her infancy, enables her (as I told you) to succeed in all her designs, + except they are resisted by the virtue of the person she is practising + against. Many poor wretches has my sister already decoyed away from me, + whom she now keeps in her castle; where they live in splendor and seeming + joy, but in real misery, from perpetual jars and tumults, railed by envy, + malice, and all the train of tumultuous and tormenting passions.’ + </p> + <p> + The Princess Hebe said, she doubted not but she should be able to + withstand any of Brunetta’s temptations. Her mother interrupting her, + cried out, ‘Oh, my dear child, though you are endowed with wisdom enough + to direct you in the way to virtue, yet if you grow conceited and proud of + that wisdom, and fancy yourself above temptation, it will lead you into + the worst of all evils.’ Here the fairy interposed, and told the Princess + Hebe, that if she would always carefully observe and obey her mother, who + had learned wisdom in that best school, adversity, she would then, indeed, + be able to withstand and overcome every temptation, and would likewise be + happy herself, and able to dispense happiness to all around her. Nothing + was omitted by the fairy to make this retirement agreeable to her royal + guests; and they had now passed near seven years in this delightful grove, + in perfect peace and tranquillity; when one evening, as they were walking + in the pleasant wood which surrounded their habitation, they espied under + the shade, and leaning against the bark of a large oak, a poor old man, + whose limbs were withered and decayed, and whose eyes were hollow, and + sunk with age and misery. They stopped as soon as they saw him, and heard + him in the anguish of his heart, with a loud groan, utter these words: + ‘When will my sorrows end? Where shall I find the good fairy Sybella?’ The + fairy immediately begged to know his business with her; and said, if his + sorrows would end on finding Sybella, he might set his heart at ease; for + she stood now before him, and ready to serve him, if his distresses were + such as would admit of relief, and he could prove himself worthy of her + friendship. The old Man appeared greatly overjoyed at having found the + fairy, and began the following story: + </p> + <p> + ‘I live from hence a thousand leagues. All this tiresome way have I come + in search of you. My whole life has been spent in amassing wealth, to + enrich one only son, whom I doted on to distraction. It is now five years + since I have given him up all the riches I had laboured to get, only to + make him happy. But, alas how am I disappointed! His wealth enables him to + command whatever this world produces; and yet the poorest wretch that begs + his bread cannot be more miserable. He spends his days in riot and luxury; + has more slaves and attendants than wait in the palace of a prince; and + still he sighs from morning till night, because, he says, there is nothing + in this world worth living for. All his dainties only sate his palate, and + grow irksome to his sight. He daily changes his opinion of what is + pleasure; and, on the trial, finds none that he can call such; and then + falls to sighing again, for the emptiness of all that he has enjoyed. So + that, instead of being my delight, and the comfort of my old age, + sleepless nights, and anxious days, are all the rewards of my past labours + for him. But I have had many visions and dreams to admonish me, that if I + would venture with my old frame to travel hither a-foot in search of the + fairy Sybella, she had a glass, which if she showed him, he would be cured + of this dreadful melancholy, and I have borne the labour and fatigue of + coming this long tiresome way, that I may not breathe my last with the + agonizing reflection, that all the labours of my life have been thrown + away. But what shall I say to engage you to go with me? Can riches tempt, + or praise allure you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, (answered the fairy) neither of them has power to move me; but I + compassionate your age; and if I thought I could succeed, would not refuse + you. The glass which I shall bid him look in, will show him his inward + self; but if he will not open both his eyes and heart enough to truth, to + let him understand, that the pleasures he pursues not only are not but + cannot be satisfactory, I can be of no sort of service to him. And know, + old man, that the punishment you now feel is the natural result of your + not having taught him this from his infancy; for, instead of heaping up + wealth, to allure him to seek for happiness from such deceitful means, you + should have taught him, that the only path to it was to be virtuous and + good.’ + </p> + <p> + The old man said, he heartily repented of his conduct, and on his knees so + fervently implored Sybella’s assistance, that at last she consented to go + with him. Then striking on the ground three times with her wand, the car + and horses rose up, and placing the old Man by her, after taking leave of + the queen, and begging the Princess Hebe to be careful to guard against + all temptations to disobedience, she set out on her journey. + </p> + <p> + It being now come to the latest hour that Mrs. Teachum thought proper for + her little scholars to stay out in the air, she told Miss Jenny that she + must defer reading the remaining part of her story till the next day. Miss + Jenny always with great cheerfulness obeyed her governess, and immediately + left off reading; and said she was ready to attend her; and the whole + company rose up to follow her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum had so much judgment, that, perceiving such a ready obedience + to all her commands, she now endeavoured, by all means she could think of; + to make her scholars throw off that reserve before her, which must ever + make it uneasy to them for her ever to be present whilst they were + following their innocent diversions; for such was the understanding of + this good woman, that she could keep up the authority of the governess in + her school, yet at times become the companion of her scholars. And as she + now saw, by their good behaviour, they deserved that indulgence, she took + the little dumpling by the hand, and, followed by the rest, walked towards + the house, and discoursed familiarly with them the rest of the evening, + concerning all their past amusements. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SATURDAY. THE SIXTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + It was the custom on Saturdays to have no school in the afternoon, and it + being also their writing day from morning-school till dinner, Mrs. + Teachum, knowing how eager Miss Jenny’s hearers were for the rest of the + story, accompanied them into the arbour, early in the afternoon, when Miss + Jenny went on as follows: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. + </h2> + <p> + The queen and the Princess Hebe remained, by the good fairy’s desire, in + her habitation during her absence. They spent their time in serenity and + content; the princess daily improving herself in wisdom and goodness, by + hearkening to her mother’s instructions, and obeying all her commands, and + the queen in studying what would be of most use to her child. She had now + forgot her throne and palace, and desired nothing for her, than her + present peaceful retreat. One morning, as they were sitting in a little + arbour at the corner of a pleasant meadow, on a sudden they heard a voice, + much sweeter than they had ever heard, warble through the following song: + </p> + <p> + A SONG. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Virtue, soft balm of every woe, + Of ev’ry grief the cure, + ‘Tis thou alone that canst best bestow + Pleasures unmix’d and pure. + + The shady wood, the verdant mead, + Are Virtue’s flow’ry road; + Nor painful are the steps which lead + To her divine abode. + + ‘Tis not in palaces of halls, + She or their train appear; + Far off she flies from pompous walls; + Virtue and Peace dwell here. +</pre> + <p> + The queen was all attention, and at the end of the song she gazed around + her, in hopes of seeing the person whose enchanting voice she had been so + eagerly listening to, when she espied a young shepherdess, not much older + than the Princess Hebe, but possessed of such uncommon and dazzling + beauty, that it was some time before she could disengage her eyes from so + agreeable an object. As soon as the young shepherdess found herself + observed, she seemed modestly to offer to withdraw; but the queen begged + her not to go till she had informed them who she was, that, with such a + commanding aspect, had so much engaged them in her favour. + </p> + <p> + The shepherdess coming forward, with a bashful blush, and profound + obedience, answered, that her name was Rozella, and she was the daughter + of a neighbouring shepherd and shepherdess, who lived about a quarter of a + mile from thence; and, to confess the truth, she had wandered thither, in + hopes of seeing the young stranger, whose fame for beauty and wisdom had + filled all that country round. + </p> + <p> + The Princess Hebe, well knowing of whom she spoke, conceived from that + moment such an inclination fur her acquaintance, that she begged her to + stay and spend that whole day with them in Placid Grove. Here the queen + frowned upon her, for she had, by the fairy’s desire, charged her never to + bring any one, without her permission, into that peaceful grove. + </p> + <p> + The young Rozella answered, that nothing could be more agreeable to her + inclinations; but she must be at home by noon, for so in the morning had + her father commanded her, and never yet in her life had she either + disputed or disobeyed her parent’s commands. Here the young princess + looked on her mother with eyes expressive of her joy at finding a + companion, which she, and even the fairy herself, could not disapprove. + </p> + <p> + When Rozella took her leave, she begged the favour that the little Hebe + (for so she called her, not knowing her to be a princess) might come to + her father’s small cottage, and there partake such homely fare as it + afforded; a welcome, she said, she could insure her; and though poor, yet + from the honesty of her parents, who would be proud to entertain so rare a + beauty, she was certain no sort of harm could happen to the pretty Hebe, + from such a friendly visit; and she would be in the same place again + tomorrow, to meet her, in hopes, as she said, to conduct her to her humble + habitation. + </p> + <p> + When Rozella was gone, the queen, though highly possessed in her favour, + both by her beauty and modest behaviour, yet pondered some time on the + thought, whether or no she was a fit companion for her daughter. She + remembered what Sybella had told her, concerning Brunetta’s adorning young + shepherdesses with beauty, and other excellences, only to enable them the + better to allure and entice others into wickedness. Rozella’s beginning + her acquaintance too with the princess, by flattery, had no good aspect; + and the sudden effect it had upon her, so as to make her forget, or + wilfully disobey, her commands, by inviting Rozella to Placid Grove, were + circumstances which greatly alarmed her. But, by the repeated entreaties + of the princess, she gave her consent that she should meet Rozella the + next day, and walk with her in that meadow, and in the wood, but upon no + account should she go home with her, or bring Rozella back with her. The + queen then, in gentle terms, chid the princess for her invitation to the + young shepherdess, which was contrary to an absolute command; and said, + ‘You must, my dear Hebe, be very careful to guard yourself extremely well + against those temptations which wear the face of virtue. I know that your + sudden affection to this apparent good girl, and your desire of her + company, to partake with you the innocent pleasures of this happy place, + arise from a good disposition; but where the indulgence of the most + laudable passion, even benevolence and compassion itself, interferes with, + or runs counter to your duty, you must endeavour to suppress it, or it + will fare with you, as it did with that hen, who, thinking that she heard + the voice of a little duckling in distress, flew from her young ones, to + go and give it assistance, and following the cry, came at last to a hedge, + out of which jumped a subtle and wicked fox, who had made that noise to + deceive her, and devoured her in an instant. A kite at the same time, + taking advantage of her absence, carried away, one by one, all her little + innocent brood, robbed of that parent who should have been their + protector.’ The princess promised her mother that she would punctually + obey all her commands, and be very watchful and observant of everything + Rozella said and did, till she had approved herself worthy of her + confidence and friendship. + </p> + <p> + The queen the next morning renewed her injunctions to her daughter, that + she should by no means go farther out of the wood than into the meadow, + where she was to meet Rozella, and that she should give her a faithful + account of all that should pass between them. + </p> + <p> + They met according to appointment, and the princess brought home so good + an account of their conversation, which the queen imagined would help to + improve, rather than seduce her child, that she indulged her in the same + pleasure as often as she asked it. They passed some hours every day in + walking round that delightful wood, in which were many small green + meadows, with little rivulets running through them, on the banks of which, + covered with primroses and violets, Rozella, by the side of her sweet + companion, used to sing the most enchanting songs in the world: the words + were chiefly in praise of innocence and a country life. + </p> + <p> + The princess came home every day more and more charmed with her young + shepherdess, and recounted, as near as she could remember, every word that + had passed between them. The queen very highly approved of their manner of + amusing themselves; but again enjoined her to omit nothing that passed in + conversation, especially if it had the least tendency towards alluring her + from her duty. + </p> + <p> + One day, as the princess Hebe and Rozella were walking alone, and talking, + as usual, of their own happy state, and the princess was declaring how + much her own happiness was owing to her thorough obedience to her mother, + Rozella, with a tone of voice as half in jest, said, ‘But don’t you think, + my little Hebe, that if I take a very great pleasure in any thing that + will do me no hurt, though it is forbidden, I may disobey my parents in + enjoying it, provided I don’t tell them of it to vex them with the thought + that I have disobeyed them? And then, my dear, what harm is done?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Great harm (answered the princess, looking grave and half angry): I am + ashamed to hear you talk so, Rozella. Are you not guilty of treachery, as + well as disobedience? Neither ought you to determine that no harm is done, + because you do not feel the immediate effects of your transgression; for + the consequence may be out of our narrow inexperienced view; and I have + been taught whenever my mother lays any commands on me, to take it for + granted, she has some reason for so doing; and I obey her, without + examining what those reasons are; otherwise, it would not be obeying her, + but setting up my own wisdom, and doing what she bid me, only when I + thought proper.’ + </p> + <p> + They held a long argument on this head, in which Rozella made use of many + a fallacy to prove her point; but the princess, as she had not yet + departed from Truth, nor failed in her duty, could not be imposed upon. + Rozella, seeing every attempt to persuade her was in vain, turned all her + past discourse into a jest; said she had only a mind to try her; and was + overjoyed to find her so steady in the cause of truth and virtue. The + princess resumed her usual cheerfulness and good humour. Rozella sung her + a song in praise of constancy of mind; and they passed the rest of the + time they stayed together, as they used to do. + </p> + <p> + But, just before they parted, Rozella begged she would not tell her mother + of the first part of the conversation that had passed between them. The + princess replied, that it would be breaking through one of her mother’s + commands, and therefore she dared not grant her request. Then, said + Rozella, ‘Here I must for ever part with my dear little Hebe. Your mother, + not knowing the manner in which I spoke, will have an ill opinion of me, + and will never trust you again in my company. Thus will you be torn from + me; and loss will be irreparable.’ These words she accompanied with a + flood of tears, and such little tendernesses, as quite melted the princess + into tears also. But she still said, that she could not dare to conceal + from her mother anything that had happened, though she could not but own, + she believed their separation would be the consequence. ‘Well then (cried + Rozella) I will endeavour to be contented, as our separation will give you + less pain than what you call this mighty breach of your duty: and though I + would willingly undergo almost any torments that could be invented, rather + than be debarred one moment the company of my dearest Hebe, yet I will not + expect that she should suffer the smallest degree of pain, or uneasiness, + to save me from losing what is the whole pleasure of my life.’ + </p> + <p> + The princess could not bear the thought of appearing ungrateful to such a + warm friendship as Rozella expressed; and, without farther hesitation, + promised to conceal what she had said, and to undergo anything, rather + than lose so amiable a friend. + </p> + <p> + After this they parted. But when the princess entered the Grove, she did + not, as usual, run with haste and joy into the presence of her indulgent + mother; for her mind was disturbed: she felt a conscious shame on seeing + her, and turned away her face, as wanting to shun the piercing look of + that eye, which she imagined would see the secret lurking in her bosom. + Her mother observed with concern her downcast look, and want of + cheerfulness. And asking her what was the matter, she answered, her walk + had fatigued her, and she begged early to retire to rest. Her kind mother + consented; but little rest had the poor princess that whole night, for the + pain of having her mind touched with guilt, and the fear she was under of + losing her dear companion, kept her thoughts in one continued tumult and + confusion. The fairy’s gift now became her curse; for the power of seeing + what was right, as she had acted contrary to her knowledge, only tormented + her. + </p> + <p> + She hastened the next morning to meet Rozella, and told her all that had + passed in her own mind the preceding night; declaring that she would not + pass such another for the whole world; but yet would not dispense with her + promise to her, without her consent; and therefore came to ask her leave + to acquaint her good mother with all that had passed: ‘For (said she) my + dear Rozella, we must, if we would be happy, do always what is right, and + trust for the consequences.’ Here Rozella drew her features into the most + contemptuous sneer imaginable, and said, ‘Pray what are all these mighty + pains you have suffered? Are they not owing only to your want of sense + enough to know, that you can do your mother no harm, by concealing from + her this, or anything else that will vex her? and, my dear girl (continued + she) when you have once entered into this way of thinking, and have put + this blind duty out of your head, you will spend no more such restless + nights, which you must see was entirely owing to your own imaginations.’ + </p> + <p> + This startled the princess to such a degree, that she was breaking from + her, but, putting on a more tender air, Rozella cried, ‘And can you then, + my dear Hebe, determine to give me up for such a trifling consideration?’ + Then raising her voice again, in a haughty manner, she said, ‘I ought to + despise and laugh at you for your folly, or at best pity your ignorance, + rather than offer a sincere friendship to one so undeserving.’ + </p> + <p> + The princess, having once swerved from her duty, was now in the power of + every passion that should attack her. + </p> + <p> + Pride and indignation, at the thought of being despised, bore more sway + with her, than either her duty or affection to her fond mother; and she + was now determined, she said, to think for herself, and make use of her + own understanding, which she was convinced would always teach her what was + right. Upon this Rozella took her by the hand, and, with tears of joy, + said, ‘Now, my dearest girl, you are really wise, and cannot therefore + (according to your own rule) fail of being happy. But to show that you are + in earnest in this resolution, you shall this morning go home with me to + my father’s cot; it is not so far off, but you will be back by the time + your mother expects you; and as that will be obeying the chief command, it + is but concealing from her the thing that would vex her, and there will be + no harm done.’ Here a ray of truth broke in upon our young princess; but + as a false shame, and fear of being laughed at, had now got possession of + her, she, with a soft sigh, consented to the proposal. + </p> + <p> + Rozella led the way. But just as they were turning round the walk, which + leads out of the wood, a large serpent darted from one side out of a + thicket, directly between them, and turning its hissing mouth towards the + princess, as seeming to make after her, she fled hastily back, and ran + with all her speed towards the grove, and panting for breath, flew into + the arms of her ever kind protectress. + </p> + <p> + Her mother was vastly terrified to see her tremble, and look so pale; and + as soon as she was a little recovered, asked her the occasion of her + fright, and added (with tears running down her cheeks) ‘I am afraid, my + dear Hebe, some sad disaster has befallen you, for, indeed, my child, I + but too plainly saw last night—’ + </p> + <p> + Here the princess was so struck with true shame and confusion, for her + past behaviour, that she fell down upon her knees, confessed the whole + truth, and implored forgiveness for her fault. + </p> + <p> + The queen kindly raised her up, kissed and forgave her. ‘I am overjoyed, + my dear child (said she) at this your sweet repentance, though the effect + of mere accident, as it appears but sent, without doubt, by some good + fairy, to save you from destruction; and I hope you are thoroughly + convinced, that the serpent which drove you home, was not half so + dangerous as the false Rozella.’ + </p> + <p> + The princess answered, that she was thoroughly sensible of the dangers she + had avoided, and hoped she never should again, by her own folly and + wickedness, deserve to be exposed to the danger from which she had so + lately escaped. + </p> + <p> + Some days passed, without the princess’s offering to stir out of the + grove; and in that time she gave a willing and patient ear to all her + mother’s instructions, and seemed thoroughly sensible of the great + deliverance she had lately experienced. But yet there appeared in her + countenance an uneasiness, which the queen wishing to remove, asked her + the cause of. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is, dear madam,’ answered the princess, ‘because I have not yet had it + in my power to convince you of my repentance, which (though I know it to + be sincere) you have had no proof of, but in words only; and, indeed, my + heart longs for an occasion to show you, that I am now able to resist any + allurement which would tempt me from my duty; and I cannot be easy till + you have given me an opportunity of showing you the firmness of my + resolution; and if you will give me leave to take a walk in the wood + alone, this evening, I shall return to you with pleasure, and will promise + not to exceed any bounds that you shall prescribe.’ + </p> + <p> + The queen was not much pleased with this request; but the princess was so + earnest with her to grant it, that she could not well refuse, without + seeming to suspect her sincerity; which she did not, but only feared for + her safety, and, giving her a strict charge, not to stir a step out of the + wood, or to speak to the false Rozella, if she came in her way, she + reluctantly gave her consent. + </p> + <p> + The princess walked through all the flowery labyrinths, in which she had + so often strayed with Rozella; but she was so shocked with the thoughts of + her wickedness, that she hardly gave a sigh for the loss of a companion + once so dear to her; and as a proof that her repentance was sincere, + though she heard Rozella singing in an arbour (purposely perhaps to decoy + her) she turned away without the least emotion, and went quite to the + other side of the wood; where looking into the meadow, in which she first + beheld that false friend, she saw a girl about her own age, leaning + against a tree, and crying most bitterly. But the moment she came in + sight, the young shepherdess (for such by her dress she appeared to be) + cried out, ‘O help, dear young lady, help me; for I am tied here to this + tree, by the spiteful contrivance of a wicked young shepherdess called + Rozella: my hands too, you see, are bound behind me, so that I cannot + myself unloose the knot; and if I am not released, here must I lie all + night and my wretched parents will break their hearts, for fear some sad + accident should have befallen their only child, their poor unhappy + Florimel!’ + </p> + <p> + The Princess, hearing her speak of Rozella in that manner, had no + suspicion of her being one of that false girl’s deluding companions; but + rather thought that she was a fellow-sufferer with herself; and therefore, + without any consideration of the bounds prescribed, she hastened to + relieve her, and even thought that she should have great pleasure in + telling her mother, that she had saved a poor young shepherdess from + Rozella’s malice, and restored her to her fond parents. But as soon as she + had unloosed the girl from the tree, and unbound her hands, instead of + receiving thanks for what she had done, the wicked Florimel burst into a + laugh, and suddenly snatching from the Princess Hebe’s side her father’s + picture, which she always wore hanging in a ribbon, she ran away with it, + as fast as she could, over the meadow. + </p> + <p> + The Princess was so astonished at this strange piece of ingratitude and + treachery, and was so alarmed for fear of losing what she knew her mother + so highly valued, that hardly knowing what she was about, she pursued + Florimel with all her speed, begging and entreating her not to bereave her + so basely and ungratefully of that picture, which she would not part with + for the world: but it was all to no purpose for Florimel continued her + flight, and the princess her pursuit, till they arrived at Brunetta’s + castle-gate; where the fairy herself appeared dressed and adorned in the + most becoming manner, and, with the most bewitching smile that can come + from dazzling beauty, invited the princess to enter her castle (into which + Florimel was run to hide herself) and promised her, on that condition, to + make the idle girl restore the picture. + </p> + <p> + It was now so late, that it was impossible for the princess to think of + returning home that night; and the pleasing address of Brunetta, together + with the hopes of having her picture restored, soon prevailed with her to + accept of the fairy’s invitation. + </p> + <p> + The castle glittered with gaudy furniture; sweet music was heard in every + room; the whole company, who were all of the most beautiful forms that + could be conceived, strove who should be most obliging to this their new + guest. They omitted nothing that could amuse and delight the senses. And + the Princess Hebe was so entranced with joy and rapture, that she had not + time for thought, or for the least serious reflection; and she now began + to think, that she had attained the highest happiness upon earth. + </p> + <p> + After they had kept her three days in this round of pleasure and delight, + they began to pull of the mask; nothing was heard but quarrels, jars, and + galling speeches. Instead of sweet music, the apartments were filled with + screams and howling; for every one giving way to the most outrageous + passions, they were always doing each other some malicious turn, and only + universal horror and confusion reigned. + </p> + <p> + The princess was hated by all, and was often asked, with insulting sneers, + why she did not return to her peaceful grove, and condescending mother? + But her mind having been thus turned aside from what was right, could not + bear the thoughts of returning; and though by her daily tears, she showed + her repentance, shame prevented her return: but this again was not the + right sort of shame; for then she would humbly have taken the punishment + due to her crime; and it was rather a stubborn pride, which, as she knew + herself so highly to blame, would not give her leave to suffer the + confusion of again confessing her fault; and till she could bring herself + to such a state of mind, there was no remedy for her misery. + </p> + <p> + Just as Miss Jenny had read these words, Mrs. Teachum remembering some + orders necessary to give in her family, left them, but bid them go on, + saying she would return again in a quarter of an hour. But she was no + sooner gone from them, than our little company, hearing the sound of + trumpets and kettle-drums, which seemed to be playing at some little + distance from Mrs. Teachum’s house, suddenly started from their seats, + running directly to the terrace; and, looking over the garden wall, they + saw a troop of soldiers riding by, with these instruments of music playing + before them. + </p> + <p> + They were highly delighted with the gallant and splendid appearance of + these soldiers, and watched them till they were out of sight, and were + then returning to their arbour, where Miss Jenny had been reading; but + Miss Nanny Spruce espied another such troop coming out of the lane from + whence the first had issued, and cried out, ‘O! here is another fine + sight; let us stay, and see these go by too.’ ‘Indeed (said Miss Dolly + Friendly) I am in such pain for the poor princess Hebe, while she is in + that sad castle, that I had rather hear how she escaped (for that I hope + she will) than see all the soldiers in the world; and besides, it is but + seeing the same thing we have just looked at before.’ Here some were for + staying, and others for going back; but as Miss Dolly’s party was the + strongest, the few were ashamed to avow their inclinations; and they were + returning to the arbour, when they met Mrs. Teachum, who informed them + their dancing master was just arrived, and they must attend him; but in + the evening they might finish their story. + </p> + <p> + They were so curious (and especially Miss Dolly Friendly) to know what was + to become of the princess, that they could have wished not to have been + interrupted; but yet, without one word of answer, they complied with what + their governess thought most proper; and in the evening, hastening to + their arbour, Mrs. Teachum herself being present, Miss Jenny went on in + the following manner: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FAIRY TALE CONTINUED. + </h2> + <p> + The queen, in the meantime, suffered for the loss of her child more than + words can express, till the good fairy Sybella returned. The queen burst + into tears at the sight of her; but the fairy immediately cried out, ‘You + may spare yourself, my royal guest, the pain of relating what has + happened. I know it all; for that old man, whom I took such pity on, was a + phantom, raised by Brunetta, to allure me hence, in order to have an + opportunity, in my absence, of seducing the princess from her duty. She + knew nothing but a probable story could impose on me, and therefore raised + that story of the misery of the old man’s son (from motives which too + often, indeed, cause the misery of mortals); as knowing I should think it + my duty to do what I could to relieve such a wretch. I will not tell you + all my journey, nor what I have gone through. I know your mind is at + present too much fixed on the princess, to attend to such a relation I’ll + only tell you what concerns yourself. When the phantom found, that by no + distress he could perturb my mind, he said he was obliged to tell the + truth, what was the intention of my being deluded from home, and what had + happened since; and then vanished away.’ Here the fairy related to the + queen everything that had happened to the princess, as has already been + written; and concluded with saying, that she would wander about the castle + walls (for Brunetta had no power over her); and if she could get a sight + of the princess, she would endeavour to bring her to a true sense of her + fault, and then she might again be restored to happiness. + </p> + <p> + The queen blessed the fairy for her goodness; and it was not long before + Sybella’s continual assiduity got her a sight of the princess; for she + often wandered a little way towards that wood she had once so much + delighted in, but never could bring herself to enter into it: the thought + of seeing her injured mother made her start back, and run half wild into + the fatal castle. Rozella used frequently to throw herself in her way; and + on hearing her sighs, and seeing her tears, would burst into a sneering + laugh at her folly; to avoid which laugh, the poor princess first suffered + herself to throw off all her principles of goodness and obedience, and was + now fallen into the very contempt she so much dreaded. + </p> + <p> + The first time the fairy got a sight of her, she called to her with the + most friendly voice; but the princess, stung to the soul with the sight of + her, fled away, and did not venture out again in several days. The kind + Sybella began almost to despair of regaining her lost child; but never + failed walking round the castle many hours every day. And one evening, + just before the sun set, she heard within the gates a loud tumultuous + noise, but more like riotous mirth, than either the voice either of rage + or anger; and immediately she saw the princess rush out at the gate, and + about a dozen girls, laughing and shouting, running after her. The poor + princess flew with all her speed till she came to a little arbour, just by + the side of the wood; and her pursuers, as they intended only to tease + her, did not follow her very close; but, as soon as they lost sight of + her, turned all back again to the castle. + </p> + <p> + Sybella went directly into the arbour, where she found the little trembler + prostrate on the ground, crying and sobbing as if her heart was breaking. + The fairy seized her hand, and would not let her go till she had prevailed + with her to return to the Placid Grove, to throw herself once more at her + mother’s feet, assuring her, that nothing but this humble state of mind + could cure her misery and restore her wonted peace. + </p> + <p> + The queen was filled with the highest joy to see her child; but restrained + herself so much, that she showed not the least sign of it, till she had + seen her some time prostrate at her feet, and had heard her with tears + properly confess, and ask pardon for, all her faults. She then raised, and + once more forgave her; but told her that she must learn more humility and + distrust of herself, before she should again expect to be trusted. + </p> + <p> + The princess answered not, but with a modest downcast look which expressed + her concern and true repentance, and in a short time recovered her former + peace of mind; and as she never afterwards disobeyed her indulgent mother, + she daily increased in wisdom and goodness. + </p> + <p> + After having lived on in the most innocent and peaceful manner for three + years (the princess being just turned of eighteen years old) the fairy + told the queen that she would now tell her some news of her kingdom, which + she had heard in her journey; namely, that her sister-in-law was dead, and + her brother-in-law had made proclamation throughout the kingdom, of great + rewards to any one who should produce the queen and the Princess Hebe, + whom he would immediately reinstate on the throne. + </p> + <p> + The Princess Hebe was by when she related this, and said she begged to + lead a private life, and never more be exposed to the temptation of + entering into vice, for which she already had so severely smarted. + </p> + <p> + The fairy told her, that, since she doubted herself, she was now fit to be + trusted; for, said she, ‘I did not like your being so sure of resisting + temptation, when first I conferred on you the gift of wisdom. But you + will, my princess, if you take the crown, have an opportunity of doing so + much good, that, if you continue virtuous, you will have perpetual + pleasures; for power, if made a right use of, is indeed a very great + blessing.’ + </p> + <p> + The princess answered, that if the queen, her mother, thought it her duty + to take the crown, she would cheerfully submit, though a private life + would be otherwise her choice. + </p> + <p> + The queen replied, that she did not blame her for choosing a private life; + but she thought she could not innocently refuse the power that would give + her such opportunities of doing good, and making others happy; since, by + that refusal, the power might fall into hands that would make an ill use + of it. + </p> + <p> + After this conversation, they got into the same car in which they + travelled to the wood of Ardella; arrived safely at the city of Algorada; + and the Princess Hebe was seated, with universal consent, on her father’s + throne; where she and her people were reciprocally happy, by her great + wisdom and prudence; and the queen-mother spent the remainder of her days + in peace and joy, to see her beloved daughter prove a blessing to such + numbers of human creatures; whilst she herself enjoyed that only true + content and happiness this world can produce; namely, a peaceful + conscience, and a quiet mind. + </p> + <p> + When Miss Jenny had finished her story, Mrs. Teachum left them for the + present, that they might with the utmost freedom make their own + observations; for she knew she should be acquainted with all their + sentiments from Miss Jenny afterwards. + </p> + <p> + The little hearts of all the company were swelled with joy, in that the + Princess Hebe was at last made happy; for hope and fear had each by turns + possessed their bosoms for the fate of the little princess; and Miss Dolly + Friendly said, that Rozella’s artful manner was enough to have drawn in + the wisest girl into her snares; and she did not see how it was possible + for the Princess Hebe to withstand it, especially when she cried for fear + of parting with her. + </p> + <p> + Miss Sukey Jennett said, that Rozella’s laughing at her, and using her + with contempt, she thought was insupportable, for who could bear the + contempt of a friend? + </p> + <p> + Many and various were the remarks made by Miss Jenny’s hearers on the + story she had read to them. But now they were so confirmed in goodness, + and every one was so settled in her affection for her companions, that, + instead of being angry at any opposition that was made to their judgments, + every one spoke her opinion with the utmost mildness. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny sat some time silent to hear their conversation on her fairy + tale. But her seeing them so much altered in their manner of talking to + each other, since the time they made their little remarks on her story of + the giants, filled her whole mind with the most sincere pleasure; and with + a smile peculiar to herself, and which diffused a cheerfulness to all + around her, she told her companions the joy their present behaviour had + inspired her with; but saying that it was as late as their governess chose + they should stay out, she rose, and walked towards the house, whither she + was cheerfully followed by the whole company. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum after supper, again, in a familiar manner, talked to them on + the subject of the fairy tale, and encouraged them, as much as possible, + to answer her freely in whatever she asked them; and at last said, ‘My + good children, I am very much pleased when you are innocently amused; and + yet I would have you consider seriously enough of what you read, to draw + such morals from your books, as may influence your future practice; and as + to fairy tales in general, remember, that the fairies, as I told Miss + Jenny before of giants and magic, are only introduced by the writers of + those tales, by way of amusement to the reader. For if the story is well + written, the common course of things would produce the same incidents, + without the help of fairies. + </p> + <p> + ‘As for example, in this of the Princess Hebe, you see the queen her + mother was not admitted to know the fairy’s history, till she could calm + her mind enough to hearken to reason; which only means, that whilst we + give way to the raging of our passions, nothing useful can ever sink into + our minds. For by the fairy Sybella’s story you find, that by our own + faults we may turn the greatest advantages into our own misery, as + Sybella’s mother did her beauty, by making use of the influence it gave + her over her husband, to tease him into the ruin of his child; and as also + Brunetta did, by depending on her father’s gift, to enable her to complete + her desires, and therefore never endeavouring to conquer them. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may observe also on the other side, that no accident had any power to + hurt Sybella, because she followed the paths of virtue, and kept her mind + free from restless passions. + </p> + <p> + ‘You see happiness in the good Sybella’s peaceful grove, and misery in the + wicked Brunetta’s gaudy castle. The queen desiring the fairy to endow her + child with true wisdom, was the cause that the Princess Hebe had it in her + power to be happy. But take notice, that when she swerved from her duty, + all her knowledge was of no use, but only rendered her more miserable, by + letting her see her own folly in the stronger light. Rozella first tempted + the princess to disobedience, by moving her tenderness, and alarming her + friendship, in fearing to part with her; and then by persuading her to set + up her own wisdom, in opposition to her mother’s commands, rather than be + laughed at, and despised by her friends. You are therefore to observe, + that if you would steadily persevere in virtue, you must have resolution + enough to stand the sneers of those who would allure you to vice; for it + is the constant practice of the vicious, to endeavour to allure others to + follow their example, by an affected contempt and ridicule of virtue. + </p> + <p> + ‘By the Princess Hebe’s being drawn at last beyond the prescribed bounds, + by the cries and entreaties of that insidious girl, you are to learn, that + whatever appearance of virtue any action may be attended with, yet if it + makes you go contrary to the commands of those who know better what is for + your good, than you do your selves, and who can see farther into the + consequences of actions than can your tender years, it will certainly lead + you into error and misfortune; and you find, as soon as the princess had + once overleaped the bounds, another plausible excuse arose to carry her + on; and by a false fear of incurring her mother’s displeasure, she really + deserved that displeasure, and was soon reduced into the power of her + enemy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The princess, you see, could have no happiness till she returned again to + her obedience, and had confessed her fault. And though in this story all + this is brought about by fairies, yet the moral of it is, that whenever we + give way to our passions, and act contrary to our duty, we must be + miserable. + </p> + <p> + ‘But let me once more observe to you, that these fairies are only intended + to amuse you; for remember that the misery which attended the Princess + Hebe, on her disobedience, was the natural consequence of that + disobedience, as well as the natural consequence of her amendment and + return to her duty, was content and happiness for the rest of her life.’ + </p> + <p> + Here good Mrs. Teachum ceased, and Miss Jenny, in the name of the company, + thanked her for her kind instructions, and promised that they would + endeavour, to the utmost of their power, to imprint them on their memory + for the rest of their lives. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SUNDAY. THE SEVENTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + This morning our little society rose very early, and were all dressed with + neatness and elegance, in order to go to church. Mrs. Teachum put Miss + Polly Suckling before her, and the rest followed, two and two, with + perfect regularity. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum expressed great approbation, that her scholars, at this + solemn place, showed no sort of childishness, notwithstanding their tender + age; but behaved with decency and devotion suitable to the occasion. + </p> + <p> + They went again in the same order, and behaved again in the same manner, + in the afternoon; and when they returned from church, two young ladies, + Lady Caroline and Lady Fanny Delun, who had formerly known Miss Jenny + Peace, and who were at present in that neighbourhood with their uncle, + came to make her a visit. + </p> + <p> + Lady Caroline was fourteen years of age, tall and genteel in her person, + of a fair complexion, and a regular set of features so that, upon the + whole, she was generally complimented with being very handsome. + </p> + <p> + Lady Fanny, who was one year younger than her sister, was rather little of + her age, of a brown complexion, her features irregular; and, in short, she + had not the least real pretensions to beauty. + </p> + <p> + It was but lately that their father was, by the death of his eldest + brother, become Earl of Delun; so that their titles were new, and they had + not been long used to your ladyship. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny Peace received them as her old acquaintance: however, she paid + them the deference due to their quality, and, at the same time, took care + not to behave as if she imagined they thought of anything else. + </p> + <p> + As it was her chief delight to communicate her pleasures to others, she + introduced her new-made friends to her old acquaintance, and expected to + have spent a very agreeable afternoon. But to describe the behaviour of + these two young ladies is very difficult. Lady Caroline, who was dressed + in a pink robe, embroidered thick with gold, and adorned with very fine + jewels, and the finest Mechlin lace, addressed most of her discourse to + her sister, that she might have the pleasure every minute of uttering + ‘Your ladyship,’ in order to show what she herself expected. And as she + spoke, her fingers were in perpetual motion, either adjusting her tucker, + placing her plaits of her robe, or fiddling with a diamond cross, that + hung down on her bosom, her eyes accompanying her fingers as they moved, + and then suddenly being snatched off, that she might not be observed to + think of her own dress; yet was it plain, that her thoughts were employed + on only that and her titles. Miss Jenny Peace, although she would have + made it her choice always to have been in company who did not deserve + ridicule, yet had she humour enough to treat affectation as it deserved. + And she addressed herself to Lady Caroline with so many ladyships, and + such praises of her fine clothes, as she hoped would have made her + ashamed; but Lady Caroline was too full of her own vanity, to see her + design, and only exposed herself ten times the more, till she really got + the better of Miss Jenny, who blushed for her, since she was incapable of + blushing for herself. + </p> + <p> + Lady Fanny’s dress was plain and neat only, nor did she mention anything + about it; and it was very visible her thoughts were otherwise employed, + neither did she seem to take any delight in the words ‘Your ladyship’: but + she tossed and threw her person about into so many ridiculous postures, + and as there happened unfortunately to be no looking-glass in the room + where they sat, she turned and rolled her eyes so many different ways, in + endeavouring to view as much of herself as possible, that it was very + plain to the whole company she thought herself a beauty, and admired + herself for being so. + </p> + <p> + Our little society, whose hearts were so open to each other, that they had + not a thought they endeavoured to conceal, were so filled with contempt at + Lady Caroline and Lady Fanny’s behaviour, and yet so strictly obliged, by + good manners, not to show that contempt, that the reserve they were forced + to put on, laid them under so great a restraint, that they knew not which + way to turn themselves, or how to utter one word; and great was their joy + when Lady Caroline, as the eldest, led the way, and with a swimming + curtsey, her head turned half round on one shoulder, and a disdainful eye, + took her leave, repeating two or three times the word ‘misses,’ to put + them in mind, that she was a lady. She was followed by her sister Lady + Fanny, who made a slow distinct curtsey to every one in the room, that she + might be the longer under observation. And then taking Miss Jenny by the + hand, said, ‘Indeed, Miss, you are very pretty,’ in order to put them in + mind of her own beauty. + </p> + <p> + Our little society, as soon as they were released, retired to their + arbour, where, for some time, they could talk of nothing but this visit. + Miss Jenny Peace remarked how many shapes vanity would turn itself into, + and desired them to observe, how ridiculously Lady Caroline Delun turned + her whole thoughts on her dress, and condition of life; and how absurd it + was in Lady Fanny, who was a very plain girl, to set up for a beauty, and + to behave in a manner which would render her contemptible, even if she had + that beauty her own vanity made her imagine herself possessed of. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nanny Spruce said, ‘She was greatly rejoiced that she had seen her + folly; for she could very well remember when she had the same vanity of + dress and superiority of station with Lady Caroline, though she had not, + indeed, a title to support it; and in what manner, she said, she would + tell them in the story of her life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS NANNY SPRUCE. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Nanny Spruce was just nine years old, and was the very reverse of + Patty Lockit, in all things; for she had little limbs, little features, + and such a compactness in her form, that she was often called the little + fairy. She had the misfortune to be lame in one of her hips; but by good + management, and a briskness and alacrity in carrying herself, it was a + very small blemish to her, and looked more like an idle childish gait, + than any real defect. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS NANNY SPRUCE. + </h2> + <p> + ‘My delight,’ said Miss Nanny Spruce, ‘ever since I can remember, has been + in dress and finery; for whenever I did as I was bid, I was promised fine + coats, ribbons, and laced caps; and when I was stubborn and naughty, then + my fine things were all to be locked up, and I was to wear only an old + stuff coat; so that I thought the only reward I could have was to be + dressed fine and the only punishment was to be plainly dressed. By this + means I delighted so much in fine clothes, that I never thought of + anything but when I should have something new to adorn myself in; and I + have sat whole days considering what should be my next new coat; for I had + always my choice given me of the colour. + </p> + <p> + ‘We lived in a country parish, my papa being the only gentleman, so that + all the little girls in the parish used to take it as a great honour to + play with me. And I used to delight to show them my fine things, and to + see that they could not come at any but very plain coats. However, as they + did not pretend to have anything equal with me, I was kind enough to them. + As to those girls whose parents were so very poor that they went in rags, + I did not suffer them to come near me. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whilst I was at home, I spent my time very pleasantly, as no one + pretended to be my equal; but as soon as I came to school, where other + misses were as fine as myself, and some finer, I grew very miserable. + Every new coat, every silver ribbon, that any of my schoolfellows wore, + made me unhappy. Your scarlet damask, Miss Betty Ford, cost me a week’s + pain; and I lay awake, and sighed and wept all night, because I did not + dare to spoil it. I had several plots in my head, to have dirtied it, or + cut it, so as to have made it unfit to wear; by some accident my plots + were prevented; and then I was so uneasy, I could not tell what to do with + myself; and so afraid, lest any body should suspect me of such a thing, + that I could not sleep in peace, for fear I should dream of it, and in my + sleep discover it to my bedfellow. I would not go through the same dreads + and terrors again for the world. But I am very happy now, in having no + thoughts but what my companions may know; for since that quarrel, and Miss + Jenny Peace was so good as to show me what I’m sure I never thought of + before, that is, that the road to happiness is by conquering such foolish + vanities, and the only way to be pleased is to endeavour to please others, + I have never known what it was to be uneasy.’ + </p> + <p> + As soon as Miss Nanny had finished speaking, Miss Betty Ford said, that + she heartily forgave her all her former designs upon her scarlet coat; + but, added she, Lady Fanny Delun put me no less in mind of my former life, + than Lady Caroline did you of yours; and if Miss Jenny pleases, I will now + relate it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS BETTY FORD. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Betty Ford was of the same age with Miss Nanny Spruce, and much of + the same height, and might be called the plainest girl in the school; for + she had nothing pleasing either in her person or face, except an exceeding + fair skin, and tolerable good black eyes; but her face was ill-shaped and + broad, her hair very red, and all the summer she was generally very full + of freckles; and she had also a small hesitation in her speech. But + without preamble, she began her life as follows. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS BETTY FORD. + </h2> + <p> + ‘My life,’ said Miss Betty Ford, ‘has hitherto passed very like that of + Miss Nanny Spruce, only with this difference, that as all her thoughts + were fixed on finery, my head ran on nothing but beauty. I had an elder + sister, who was, I must own, a great deal handsomer than me; and yet, in + my own mind, at that time, I did not think so, though I was always told it + was not for me to pretend to the same things with pretty Miss Kitty (which + was the name of my sister); and in all respects she was taken so much more + notice of than I was, that I perfectly hated her, and could not help + wishing that, by some accident, her beauty might be spoiled: whenever any + visitors came to the house, their praises of her gave me the greatest + vexation; and as I had made myself believe I was a very great beauty, I + thought that it was prejudice and ill-nature in all around me, not to view + me in that light. My sister Kitty was very good natured; and though she + was thus cried up for her beauty, and indulged most on that account, yet + she never insulted me, but did all in her power to oblige me. But I could + not love her, and sometimes would raise lies against her, which did not + signify, for she could always justify herself. I could not give any reason + for hating her, but her beauty, for she was very good; but the better she + was, I thought the worse I appeared. I could not bear her praises without + teasing and vexing myself. At last, little Kitty died of a fever, to my + great joy, though, as everybody cried for her, I cried too for company, + and because I would not be thought ill-natured. + </p> + <p> + ‘After Kitty’s death, I lived tolerably easy, till I came to school. Then + the same desire of beauty returned, and I hated all the misses who were + handsomer than myself, as much as I had before hated my sister, and always + took every opportunity of quarrelling with them, till I found my own peace + was concerned, in getting the better of this disposition; and that, if I + would have any content, I must not repine at my not being so handsome as + others.’ + </p> + <p> + When Miss Betty Ford ceased, Miss Jenny said, ‘Indeed, my dear, it is well + you had not at that time the power of the eagle in the fable; for your + poor sister might then, like the peacock, have said in a soft voice, “You + are, indeed, a great beauty; but it lies in your beak and your talons, + which make it death to me to dispute it.”’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Betty Ford rejoiced, that her power did not extend to enable her to + do mischief, before she had seen her folly. And now this little society, + in good humour and cheerfulness, attended their kind governess’s summons + to supper; and then, after the evening prayers, they retired to their + peaceful slumbers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MONDAY. THE EIGHTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + Early in the morning, after the public prayers which Mrs. Teachum read + every day, our little company took a walk in the garden whilst the + breakfast was preparing. + </p> + <p> + The fine weather, the prospects round them, all conspired to increase + their pleasure. They looked at one another with delight; their minds were + innocent and satisfied; and therefore every outward object was pleasing in + their sight. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny Peace said, she was sure they were happier than any other + society of children whatever, except where the same harmony and love were + preserved, as were kept up in their minds: ‘For (continued she) I think + now, my dear companions, I can answer for you all, that no mischievous, no + malicious plots disturb the tranquility of your thoughts; plots, which in + the end, constantly fall on the head of those who invent them, after all + the pains they cost in forming, and endeavouring to execute.’ + </p> + <p> + Whilst Miss Jenny Peace was talking, Miss Dolly Friendly looked at her + very earnestly. She would not interrupt her; but the moment she was + silent, Miss Dolly said, ‘My dear Miss Jenny, what is the matter with you? + your eyes are swelled, and you look as if you had been crying. If you have + any grief that you keep to yourself, you rob us of the share we have a + right to demand in all that belongs to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed (answered Miss Jenny), I have nothing that grieves me; though, + if I had, I should think it increased, rather than lessened, by your being + grieved too; but last night, after I went upstairs, I found amongst my + books the play of the Funeral, or, Grief-a-la-mode; where the faithful and + tender behaviour of a good old servant, who had long lived in his lord’s + family, with many other passages in the play (which I cannot explain, + unless you knew the whole story) made me cry, so that I could hardly stop + my tears.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, Miss Jenny, let us hear this play, that had such an effect on you,’ + was the general request; and Miss Jenny readily promised, when they met in + their arbour, to read it to them. + </p> + <p> + They eagerly ran to their arbour as soon as school was over, and Miss + Jenny performed her promise, and was greatly pleased to find such a + sympathy between her companions and herself; for they were most of them + affected just in the same manner, and with the same parts of the play, as + had before affected her. + </p> + <p> + By the time they had wiped their eyes, and were rejoicing at the turn at + the end of the play, in favour of the characters with which they were most + pleased, Mrs. Teachum entered the arbour, and inquired what they had been + reading. Miss Jenny immediately told her, adding, ‘I hope, Madam, you will + not think reading a play an improper amusement for us; for I should be + very sorry to be guilty myself, or cause my companions to be guilty, of + any thing that would meet with your disapprobation.’ Mrs. Teachum + answered, that she was not at all displeased with her having read a play, + as she saw by her fear of offending, that her discretion was to be trusted + to. ‘Nay (continued this good woman), I like that you should know + something of all kinds of writings, where neither morals nor manners are + offended; for if you read plays, and consider them as you ought, you will + neglect and despise what is light and useless, whilst you will imprint on + your mind’s every useful lesson that is to be drawn from them. I am very + well acquainted with the play you have been reading; but that I may see + whether you give the proper attention to what you have heard, I desire, my + little girls, that one of you will give me an account of the chief + incidents in the play, and tell me the story, just as you would do to one + of your companions that had happened to have been absent.’ + </p> + <p> + Here they all looked upon Miss Jenny Peace, as thinking her the most + capable of doing what their governess required. But Mrs. Teachum, reading + their thoughts in their looks, said, ‘I exclude Miss Jenny in this case; + for as the play was of her choosing to read to you, I doubt not but she is + thoroughly enough acquainted with every part of it; and my design was to + try the memory and attention of some of the others.’ + </p> + <p> + They all remained silent, and seemed to wait for a more particular + command, before any one would offer at the undertaking; not through any + backwardness to comply with Mrs. Teachum’s request, but each from a + diffidence of herself to perform it. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny Peace then said, that she had observed a great attention in + them all; and she did not doubt but every one was able to give a very good + account of what they had heard. ‘But, as Miss Sukey Jennet is the eldest, + I believe, madam, (continued she), if you approve it, they will all be + very ready to depute her as their speaker.’ + </p> + <p> + Each smiled at being so relieved by Miss Jenny; and Mrs. Teachum, taking + Miss Sukey Jennet by the hand, said, ‘Come, my dear, throw off all fear + and reserve; imagine me one of your companions, and tell me the story of + the play you have been reading.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Sukey, thus encouraged by her kind governess, without any hesitation, + spoke in the following manner: + </p> + <p> + ‘If I understand your commands, madam, by telling the story of the play, + you would not have me tell you the acts and scenes as they followed one + another for that I am afraid I can hardly remember, as I have heard it + only once but I must describe the chief people in the play, and the plots + and contrivances that are carried on amongst them.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum nodded her head, and Miss Sukey thus proceeded: + </p> + <p> + ‘There is an old Lord Brumpton, who had married a young wife, that had + lived with him some years, and by her deceitful and cunning ways had + prevailed with him to disinherit his only son Lord Hardy (who was a very + sensible good young man) and to leave him but a shilling. And this Lord + Brumpton was taken in a fit, so that all the house thought he was dead, + and his lady sent for an undertaker, one Mr. Sable, to bury him. But + coming out of his fit, when nobody but this Mr. Sable, and an old servant, + called Trusty, were by, he was prevailed upon by the good old Trusty to + feign himself still dead (and the undertaker promises secrecy) in order to + detect the wickedness of his wife, which old Trusty assures him is very + great; and then he carries his lord where he overhears a discourse between + the widow (as she thinks herself) and her maid Tattleaid; and he bears his + once beloved wife rejoicing in his supposed death, and in the success of + her own arts to deceive him. Then there are two young ladies, Lady + Charlotte and Lady Harriet Lovely, to whom this Lord Brumpton was + guardian; and he had also left them in the care of this wicked woman. And + this young Lord Hardy was in love with Lady Charlotte; and Mr. Camply, a + very lively young gentleman, his friend, was in love with Lady Harriet and + Lady Brumpton locked the two young ladies up, and would not let them be + seen by their lovers. But there at last they contrived, by the help of old + Trusty, who had their real guardian’s consent for it, both to get away; + and Lady Harriet married Mr. Camply directly; but Lady Charlotte did not + get away so soon, and so was not married till the end of the play. This + Mr. Camply was a very generous man, and was newly come to a large fortune; + and in the beginning of the play he contrives, in a very genteel manner, + to give his friend Lord Hardy, who very much wanted it, three hundred + pounds; but he takes care to let us know, that my lord had formerly, when + he waited his assistance, been very kind to him. And there at last, when + Lady Brumpton finds out that the two young ladies are gone, she goes away + in a rage to Lord Hardy’s lodgings, and in an insulting manner she pays + all due legacies, as she calls it, that is, she gives Lord Hardy the + shilling, which, by her wicked arts, was all his father had left him; and + she was insulting the young ladies, and glorying in her wickedness, when + honest old Trusty came in, and brought in old Lord Brumpton, whom they + imagined to be dead, and all but Lady Brumpton were greatly overjoyed to + see him alive; but when he taxed her with her falsehood, she defied him, + and said that she had got a deed of gift under his hand, which he could + not revoke, and she WOULD enjoy his fortune in spite of him. Upon which + they all looked sadly vexed, till the good old Trusty went out and came in + again, and brought in a man called Cabinet, who confessed himself the + husband to the pretended Lady Brumpton, and that he was married to her + half a year before she was married to my Lord Brumpton; but as my lord + happened to fall in love with her, they agreed to keep their marriage + concealed, in order that she should marry my lord, and cheat him in the + manner she had done; and the reason that Cabinet came to confess all this + was, that he looked into a closet and saw my lord writing, after he + thought he was dead, and, taking it for his ghost, was by that means + frightened into this confession, which he first made in writing to old + Trusty, and therefore could not now deny it. They were all rejoiced at + this discovery, except the late pretended Lady Brumpton, who sneaked away + with Cabinet her husband; and my Lord Brumpton embraced his son, and gave + his consent, that he should marry Lady Charlotte; and they were all + pleased and happy.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Sukey ceased, and Mrs. Teachum told her she was a very good + girl, and had remembered a great deal of the play. ‘But (said she) in + time, with using yourself to this way of repeating what you have read, you + will come to a better manner, and a more regular method of telling your + story, which you was now so intent upon finishing, that you forgot to + describe what sort of women those two young ladies were, though, as to all + the rest, you have been particular enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, madam, (said Miss Sukey), I had forgot that, but Lady Charlotte + was a very sensible, grave young lady, and lady Harriet was extremely gay + and coquettish; but Mr. Camply tells her how much it misbecomes her to be + so and she having good sense, as well as good nature, is convinced of her + folly, and likes him so well for his reproof, that she consents to marry + him.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum, addressing herself to them all, told them, that this was a + method she wished they would take with whatever they read; for nothing so + strongly imprinted anything on the memory as such a repetition; and then + turning to Miss Jenny Peace, she said, ‘And now, Miss Jenny, I desire you + will speak freely what you think is the chief moral to be drawn from the + play you have just read.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny being thus suddenly asked a question of this nature, considered + some time before she gave an answer; for she was naturally very diffident + of her own opinion in anything where she had not been before instructed by + some one she thought wiser than herself. At last, with a modest look, and + an humble voice, she said, ‘Since, madam, you have commanded me to speak + my sentiments freely, I think by what happened to each character in this + play, the author intended to prove what my good mamma first taught me, and + what you, madam, since have so strongly confirmed me in; namely, that + folly, wickedness, and misery, all three, as constantly dwell together, as + wisdom, virtue, and happiness do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis very true (answered Mrs. Teachum); but this moral does not arise + only from the happy turn in favour of the virtuous characters in the + conclusion of the play, but is strongly inculcated, as you see all along, + in the peace of mind that attends the virtuous, even in the midst of + oppression and distress, while the event is yet doubtful, and apparently + against them; and, on the contrary, in the confusion of mind which the + vicious are tormented with, even whilst they falsely imagine themselves + triumphant.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum then taking the book out of Miss Jenny’s hands, and turning + to the passage, said, ‘How does Lady Brumpton show us the wretched + condition of her own mind, when she says, + </p> + <p> + ‘“How miserable ‘tis to have one one hates always about one! And when one + can’t endure one’s own reflections upon some actions, who can bear the + thoughts of another upon them?” + </p> + <p> + ‘Then with what perturbation of mind does she proceed, to wish it was in + her power to increase her wickedness, without making use enough of her + understanding, to see that by that means she would but increase her own + misery. + </p> + <p> + ‘On the other hand, what a noble figure does Lord Hardy make, when, by + this wicked woman’s contrivances, he thinks himself disinherited of his + whole fortune, ill-treated, and neglected by a father, he never had in + thought offended! He could give an opportunity to a sincere friend, who + would not flatter him, to say, + </p> + <p> + ‘“No; you are, my lord, the extraordinary man, who, on the loss of an + almost princely fortune, can be master of a temper that makes you the envy + rather than pity, of your more fortunate, not more happy friends.” + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a fine distinction between fortunate and happy; and intimates + this happiness must dwell in the mind, and depends upon no outward + accidents. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fortune, indeed, is a blessing, if properly used; which Camply shows, + when by that means he can assist and relieve his worthy friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘With what advantage does Lady Charlotte appear over her sister, when the + latter is trifling and dancing before the glass, and the former says, + </p> + <p> + ‘“If I am at first so silly as to be a little taken with myself, I know it + is a fault, and take pains to correct it.” + </p> + <p> + ‘And on Lady Harriet’s saying, very giddily, that it was too soon for her + to think at that rate, Lady Charlotte properly adds, + </p> + <p> + ‘“They that think it too soon to understand themselves, will very soon + find it too late.” + </p> + <p> + ‘In how ridiculous a light does Lady Harriet appear, while she is + displaying all that foolish coquetry! And how different a figure does she + make, when she has got the better of it? + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lady Brumpton, when alarmed with the least noise, breaks out into all + the convulsive starts natural to conscious guilt. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Ha! what noise is that—that noise of fighting?—Run, I say.—Whither + are you going?—What, are you mad?—Will you leave me alone?—Can’t + you stir?—What, you can’t take your message with you!—Whatever + ‘tis, I suppose you are not in the plot, not you—nor that now + they’re breaking open my house for Charlotte—Not you.—Go see + what’s the matter, I say; I have nobody I can trust.—One minute I + think this wench honest, and the next false.—Whither shall I turn + me?” + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a picture of the confused, the miserable mind of a close, + malicious, cruel, designing woman, as Lady Brumpton was, and as Lady + Harriet very properly calls her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Honesty and faithfulness shine forth in all their lustre, in the good old + Trusty. We follow him throughout with anxious wishes for his success, and + tears of joy for his tenderness. And when he finds that he is likely to + come at the whole truth, and to save his lord from being deceived and + betrayed into unjustly ruining his noble son, you may remember that he + makes this pious reflection: + </p> + <p> + All that is ours, is to be justly bent; And Heaven in its own time will + bless th’ event. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the natural thought that proceeds from innocence and goodness; + and surely this state of mind is happiness. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have only pointed out a few passages, to show you, that though it is + the nature of comedy to end happily, and therefore the good characters + must be successful in the last act; yet the moral lies deeper, and is to + be deduced from a proof throughout this play, that the natural consequence + of vice is misery within, even in the midst of an apparent triumph; and + the natural consequence of goodness is a calm peace of mind, even in the + midst of oppression and distress. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have endeavoured, my little dears, to show you, as clearly as I can, + not only what moral is to be drawn from this play, but what is to be + sought for in all others; and where that moral is not to be found, the + writer will have it to answer for, that he has been guilty of one of the + worst of evils; namely, that he has clothed vice in so beautiful a dress, + that, instead of deterring, it will allure and draw into its snares the + young and tender mind. And I am sorry to say, that too many of our + dramatic performances are of this latter cast; which is the reason, that + wise and prudent parents and governors in general discourage in very young + people the reading of plays. And though by what I have said (if it makes a + proper impression) I doubt not but you will all have a just abhorrence of + such immoral plays, instead of being pleased with them, should they fall + in your way; yet I would advise you rather to avoid them, and never to + read any but such as are approved of; and recommended to you by those who + have the care of your education.’ + </p> + <p> + Here good Mrs. Teachum ceased, and left her little scholars to reflect on + what she had been saying; when Miss Jenny Peace declared, for her part, + that she could feel the truth of her governess’s observations; for she had + rather be the innocent Lord Hardy, though she was to have but that one + shilling in the world which was so insolently offered him as his father’s + last legacy, than be the Lady Brumpton, even though she had possessed the + fortune she so treacherously endeavoured to obtain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay (said Miss Dolly Friendly) I had rather have been old Trusty, with + all the infirmities of age, following my Lord Hardy through the world, had + his poverty and distress been ever so great, than have been the malicious + Lady Brumpton, in the height of her beauty, surrounded by a crowd of + lovers and flatterers.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Henny Fret then declared how glad she was that she had now no malice + in her mind; though she could not always have said so, as she would inform + them in the history of her past life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS HENNY FRET. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Henny Fret was turned of nine years old. She was very prettily made, + and remarkably genteel. All her features were regular. She was not very + fair, and looked pale. Her upper lip seemed rather shorter than it should + be; for it was drawn up in such a manner, as to show her upper teeth; and + though this was in some degree natural, yet it had been very much + increased by her being continually on the fret for every trifling accident + that offended her, or on every contradiction that was offered to her. When + you came to examine her face, she had not one feature but what was pretty; + yet, from that constant uneasiness which appeared in her countenance, it + gave you so little pleasure to look at her, that she seldom had common + justice done her, but had generally hitherto passed for a little + insignificant plain girl, though her very face was so altered since she + was grown good natured, and had got the better of that foolish fretfulness + she used to be possessed of, that she appeared from her good-humoured + smiles quite a different person; and, with a mild aspect, thus began her + story: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS HENNY FRET. + </h2> + <p> + ‘I had one brother,’ said Miss Henny, ‘as well as Miss Jenny Peace; but my + manner of living with him was quite the reverse to that in which she lived + with her brother. All my praise or blame was to arise from my being better + or worse than my brother. If I was guilty of any fault, it was immediately + said, “Oh! fie, miss! Master George (that was my brother’s name) would not + be guilty of such a thing for the world.” If he was carried abroad, and I + stayed at home, then I was bemoaned over, that poor Miss Henny was left at + home, and her brother carried abroad. And then I was told, that I should + go abroad one of these days, and my brother be left at home so that + whenever I went abroad, my greatest joy was, that he was left at home; and + I was pleased to see him come out to the coach-door with a melancholy air + that he could not go too. If my brother happened to have any fruit given + him, and was in a peevish humour, and would not give me as much as I + desired, the servant that attended me was sure to bid me take care, when I + had anything he waited, not to give him any. So that I thought, if I did + not endeavour to be revenged of him, I should show a want of spirit, which + was of all things what I dreaded most. I had a better memory than my + brother, and whenever I learnt anything, my comfort was to laugh at him + because he could not learn so fast; by which means I got a good deal of + learning, but never minded what I learnt, nor took any pains to keep it; + so that what I was eager to learn one day, to show George how much I knew + more than he, I forgot the next. And so I went on learning, and forgetting + as fast as I learnt; and all the pains I took served only to show that I + COULD learn. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was so great a favourite, that I was never denied any thing I asked + for; but I was very unhappy for the same reason that Miss Dolly Friendly’s + sister was so; and I have often sat down and cried, because I did not know + what I would have, till at last I own I grew so peevish and humoursome, + that I was always on the fret, and harboured in my mind a kind of malice + that made me fancy whatever my brother got, I lost; and in this unhappy + condition I lived, till I came to school, and here I found that other + misses wanted to have their humours as well as myself. This I could not + bear, because I had been used to have my own will, and never to trouble + myself about what others felt. For whenever I beat or abused my brother, + his pain did not make me cry; but I believe it was thinking wrong made me + guilty of these faults; for I don’t find I am ill-natured; for now I have + been taught to consider that my companions can feel as well as myself, I + am sorry for their pain, and glad when they are pleased, and would be glad + to do anything to oblige them.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Henny ceased, and Miss Jenny Peace then told her how glad she + was to hear that she had subdued all malice in her mind, adding, ‘These + weeds, my dear, unless early plucked up, are (as I have heard our good + governess observe upon a like occasion) very apt to take such deep root, + as to choke every good seed around them; and then who can tell whether, + with the same opportunities, they might not become Lady Brumptons before + the end of their lives?’ + </p> + <p> + Little Polly Suckling remembered that all the company had told the story + of their past lives, except herself; and she thought she would not be left + out; but yet she had a mind to be asked to tell it, hoping that her + companions thought her of consequence enough not to leave her out of any + scheme; therefore, addressing herself to Miss Jenny, she said she thought + it was very pleasant to hear anybody tell the history of their own lives. + Miss Jenny saw her meaning, and answered, ‘So it is, my little dear; and + now, if you please, you shall oblige us with relating the history of + yours.’ Polly smiled at this request, and said she was ready to comply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE DESCRIPTION OF MISS POLLY SUCKLING. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Polly Suckling was just turned of eight years old, but so short of + her age, that few people took her to be above five. It was not a dwarfish + shortness; for she had the most exact proportioned limbs in the world, + very small bones, and was as fat as a little cherub. She was extremely + fair, and her hair quite flaxen. Her eyes a perfect blue, her mouth small, + and her lips quite plump and red. She had the freshness of a milkmaid; and + when she smiled and laughed, she seemed to show an hundred agreeable + dimples. She was, in short, the very picture of health and good-humour, + and was the plaything and general favorite of the whole school. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LIFE OF MISS POLLY SUCKLING. + </h2> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said little Polly, ‘I will tell you all my whole history. I hardly + remember anything before I came to school, for I was but five years old + when I was brought hither. + </p> + <p> + ‘All I know is, that I don’t love quarrelling, for I like better to live + in peace and quietness. But I have been always less than any of my + companions, ever since I have been here; and so I only followed the + example of the rest; and as I found they contended about everything, I did + so too. Besides, I have been always in fear that my schoolfellows wanted + to impose on me, because I was little; and so I used to engage in every + quarrel, rather than be left out, as if I was too little to give any + assistance; but, indeed, I am very glad now we all agree, because I always + came by the worst of it. And, besides, it is a great pleasure to me to be + loved, and every Miss is kind and good to me, and ready to assist me + whenever I ask them. And this is all I know of my whole life.’ + </p> + <p> + When little Polly ceased, she was kissed and applauded by the whole + company, for the agreeable simplicity of her little history. + </p> + <p> + And thus ended the eighth day’s amusement. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TUESDAY. THE NINTH DAY. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Jenny rose early in the morning, and, having collected the lives of + her companions (which she had wrote down each day, as they related them) + she carried them, after morning school, according to her promise, to her + governess. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum, when she had perused them, was much pleased; and said that + she perceived, by the manner in which her scholars had related their + lives, how much they were in earnest in their design of amendment. ‘For + (continued she) they have all confessed their faults without reserve; and + the untowardly bent of their minds, which so strongly appeared before the + quarrel, has not broke out in these their little histories; but, on the + contrary, they all seem, according to their capacities, to have + endeavoured at imitating your style, in the account you gave of your own + life. I would have you continue to employ your leisure hours in the manner + you have lately done, only setting apart a proper time for exercise; and + today I will dispense with your attendance in the school-room and indulge + you this afternoon in another walk, either to the dairy house, or to the + cherry-garden, whichever you all agree on. But as I shall not go with you + myself, and shall only find a servant to take care of you, I hope to hear + from you, Miss Jenny, so good an account of the behaviour of your little + friends and companions, that I shall have no cause to repent my + indulgence.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny Peace respectfully took leave of her governess, and hastened to + the arbour, where her little friends were met, in expectation of her + coming. She told them how well pleased their governess was with them all, + for the ingenuous confession of their faults in their past lives; and she + then declared Mrs. Teachum’s kind permission to them to take another walk + that afternoon. + </p> + <p> + As no one had at present any story to read or relate, they employed their + time till dinner, some in walking and running about the garden; others in + looking after and tending some plant or flower, that they had taken + particularly under their care, which Mrs. Teachum both permitted and + encouraged them in, whilst Miss Jenny Peace, Miss Sukey Jennett, and Miss + Dolly Friendly, remained in the arbour, the two latter asking a thousand + questions of the former, both concerning all the instructions she had ever + learned from her mamma, and by what means they should best be able to + preserve that friendship and happiness, which had of late subsisted + amongst them; saying, how pleased their friends and relations would be, to + see such a change in their temper and behaviour, and how much they should + be beloved by every one. + </p> + <p> + When they met at dinner, Mrs. Teachum asked them, whether they had + determined upon the choice she had given them in their afternoon’s walk; + and they were all desirous of going to the dairy house; for little Polly + said, she longed to see the good-humoured old woman again, and, indeed, + she would not now say anything to her of her shaking head, or her grey + hair. Mrs. Teachum was pleased, that little Polly so gratefully remembered + the old woman, who had been so kind to her; and readily consented to their + choice, and approved of their determination. + </p> + <p> + Being soon equipped for their walk, they set out, attended by two + maidservants; and as soon as they arrived, the good old woman expressed + the highest joy on seeing them, and told little Polly, that she should + have plenty of cream and strawberries, for her daughter had been that day + in the wood, and had brought home three baskets of very fine ones. Mrs. + Nelly, her daughter, said very crossly, that she supposed there would be + fine work amongst them, now their governess was not with them; but ‘twas + her mother’s way, to let all children be as rude as they pleased. Miss + Sukey Jennett, with some indignation in her look, was going to answer her; + but Miss Jenny Peace, fearing she would say something less mild than she + wished, gave her a nod; and, turning to the young woman, with great + modesty and temper, thus said: ‘You shall see, Mrs. Nelly, that our good + governess’s instructions are of more force with us, than to lose all their + effect when we are out of her presence; and I hope you will have no cause, + when we go away, to complain of the ill behaviour of any of us.’ + </p> + <p> + The good old woman declared she never saw such sweet-tempered children in + all her life; and after they had eat their strawberries and cream, and + were loaded with pinks and roses by the good woman’s bounty (for they did + not gather one without her permission), they took their leave with the + utmost civility, and Miss Jenny handsomely rewarded the old woman for her + good cheer. Mrs. Nelly herself was so pleased with their regular and + inoffensive behaviour, that she could not help telling Miss Jenny, that + she, and all her companions, had, indeed, behaved as well as if their + governess had been with them: on which Miss Jenny (as they were walking + home) observed to Miss Sukey Jennett (whom she had prevented from making + any reply to Mrs. Nelly’s speech) how much better it was to gain another’s + good will by our own endeavours to be obliging, than to provoke them to be + more cross, by our angry answers and reproaches. + </p> + <p> + When this little company, employed in pleasing talk and lively + observations, were come within about a mile of Mrs. Teachum’s house, and + within view of a nobleman’s fine seat, Miss Jenny said, that the next time + their governess permitted them to walk out, she would ask her leave, that + they might go and see that fine house; for some time ago she had told + them, that they should go thither when the family were absent. Mrs. + Wilson, the housekeeper, who by chance was walking that way, and heard + what Miss Jenny said, came up to them, and told Miss Jenny that her lord + and lady were now both absent, having set out, one for London, and the + other for another fine seat, forty miles off, that very morning; and as + she knew them to be Mrs. Teachum’s well-regulated family, they should be + welcome to see the house and gardens now, if they liked it. Miss Jenny + thanked her, and said, as it was near two hours sooner than their + governess expected them home, she would accept of her kind offer. The + housekeeper led them through an avenue of tall elm-trees into this + magnificent house, in which were many spacious apartments, furnished with + the utmost grandeur and elegance. Some of the rooms were adorned with fine + pictures, others were hung with tapestry almost as lively as those + paintings, and most of the apartments above stairs were furnished with the + finest sorts of needle-work. Our little company were struck into a sort of + silent wonder and admiration at the splendid appearance of everything + around them; nor could they find words to express the various reflections + that passed in their minds, on seeing such a variety of dazzling gaudy + things: but when they came to the needlework, Miss Jenny could not help + smiling, to see how every one seemed most fixed in attention upon that + sort of work, which she herself was employed in, and she saw in every face + a secret wish, that their own piece of work might be finished with equal + neatness and perfection. The housekeeper was greatly pleased to see them + so much delighted, and answered all their questions concerning the stories + that were represented in the pictures and tapestry as fully as the time + would permit; but Miss Jenny, being fearful of exceeding the hour in which + they would be expected home, told them they must not now stay any longer, + but if their governess would give them leave, and it would not be + troublesome to Mrs. Wilson, they would come another time. She answered, + that it was so far from being troublesome, that she never had more + pleasure in her life, than to see so many well-behaved young ladies, who + all seemed not only pleased with what they saw, but doubly delighted, and + happy, in seeing each other so; and for her part, she could wish they were + to stay with her all their lives; and, in short, they should not go till + they had been in her room, and eat some sweetmeats of her own making. The + good woman seemed to take so much delight in giving them any pleasure, + that Miss Jenny could not refuse accepting her offer; and, when they were + all in her room, Polly Suckling said, ‘Well, this is a most charming + house; I wish we could all live here for ever. How happy must the lord and + lady of this fine place be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, my little Polly,’ said Miss Jenny, ‘you may be very much + mistaken; for you know our good governess has taught us, that there is no + happiness but in the content of our own minds; and perhaps we may have + more pleasure in viewing these fine things, than the owners have in the + possession of them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very true,’ said the housekeeper, ‘for my lord and lady have no + delight in all this magnificence; for, by being so accustomed to it, they + walk through all these apartments, and never so much as observe or amuse + themselves with the work, the pictures, or anything else, or if they + observe them at all, it is rather with a look that denotes a sort of + weariness, at seeing the same things continually before them, than with + any kind of pleasure.’ And then, with a deep sigh, she added, ‘You are, + indeed, young lady, perfectly in the right, when you say grandeur and + happiness do not always go together.’ But turning off the discourse, Mrs. + Wilson forced them to take as many dried sweetmeats as they could carry + away with them, and insisted upon their promise (with Mrs. Teachum’s + consent) that they should come another time to see the gardens. They then + took their leave with many thanks, and the greatest civility; and + discoursed all the way home, on the fine things they had seen. Miss Betty + Ford said, that the fine gilding, and so many glittering looking-glasses, + made her think herself in Barbarico’s great hall, where he kept all his + treasure. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ says Miss Nancy Spruce, ‘it was not half so much like that, as it + was like Brunetta’s fine castle; and I could not help thinking myself the + Princess Hebe, and how much I should have been pleased with such a fine + place at first, just as she was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed,’ says Miss Betty Ford, ‘you are in the right of it, Miss Nanny; + for ‘twas much more like the description of Brunetta’s castle, than what I + said myself.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny was pleased to hear Miss Betty so ready to own herself + mistaken; and said to Miss Nanny Spruce, ‘I am glad, my dear, to find that + you so well remember what you read; for it is by recalling frequently into + our memories the things we have read, that they are likely to be of any + service to us.’ + </p> + <p> + Being now come home, they entered into the presence of their governess + with that pleasure, and proper confidence, which ever attends innocence + and goodness; and Mrs. Teachum received them with a pleasing smile. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny gave her governess a faithful account of all that had passed, + with the agreeable entertainment they had accidentally met with, of seeing + Lord X——‘s fine house, and the great civility of Mrs. Wilson, + ‘Which I hope, madam,’ said Miss Jenny, ‘I did not do wrong in accepting.’ + ‘You did very properly, my dear,’ said Mrs. Teachum, ‘for when any person + is willing to oblige you, without any inconvenience to themselves, it is + always right to accept their offer, as you thereby gratify them, by + putting it in their power to give you pleasure.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny then with great cheerfulness and freedom, told her governess + all that had paled in conversation, both in their walk to the dairy house, + and at Lord X—‘s, what little Polly had said in the housekeeper’s + room, as also Mrs. Wilson’s answer; and said, by Mrs. Wilson’s downcast + look, she was afraid that poor Lord X—— and his lady were not + so happy as might be wished. ‘But,’ continued she, ‘I did not ask Mrs. + Wilson any questions, because you have taught me, madam, carefully to + avoid the least appearance of impertinent curiosity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You was very right, my dear,’ said Mrs. Teachum, ‘in asking no farther + questions; nor would she, I dare say, as she is a prudent woman, have + gratified you if you had; for though the unhappy story is too well known + all over the country, yet it would have been very unbecoming in one of the + family to have published it.’ Mrs. Teachum saw in her little scholars’ + eyes, a secret wish of knowing what this story was; and, after a short + pause, she said, ‘Since I find you disposed, my good girls, to make the + proper use of what you hear, I will indulge your curiosity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord X—— and his lady have been married seven years; Lord X—— + is the wretchedest creature breathing, because he has no children, and + therefore no heir to his title and large estate. He was naturally of a + haughty impetuous temper, and impatient of any the least disappointment; + and this disposition not being subdued in his youth, has led him into all + sort of excesses. His lady is not much better tempered than himself, and + valuing herself highly upon her beauty, and the large fortune she brought + him, greatly resents his sometimes insolent, and always neglectful usage + of her. They have hitherto lived on in the most jarring, disputing manner, + and took no care to conceal their quarrels from the world; but at last + they have agreed to part by consent, and the different journeys they this + morning took, I suppose, was with an intent of final separation. + </p> + <p> + ‘That grandeur and happiness do not always go together (as Mrs. Wilson + observed to you) is seen by this story, which I was the more willing to + tell you, as it was a proper introduction to a fable I have been + collecting together from others, for your use. You know that all my + endeavours to make you good, are only intended to make you happy; and if + you thoroughly reflect upon the truth of this maxim, which I so often + endeavour to inculcate, you will doubtless reap no small advantage from + it.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Mrs. Teachum ceased speaking, and, giving Miss Jenny Peace a paper, + she bid her read it aloud; which she did, and it contained the following + fable: + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE ASSEMBLY OF THE BIRDS. A FABLE. + </h2> + <p> + In ancient days, there was a great contention amongst the birds, which, + from his own perfections, and peculiar advantages, had the strongest title + to happiness; and at last they agreed to refer the decision of the debate + to the eagle. + </p> + <p> + A day was appointed for their meeting; the eagle took his seat, and the + birds all attended to give in their several pleas. + </p> + <p> + First spoke the parrot. Her voice so dearly resembling human speech, and + which enabled her to converse with such a superior race, she doubted not + (she said) would have its just weight with the eagle, and engage him to + grant a decree in her favour; and to this plea she also added, that she + dwelt in a fine cage adorned with gold, and was fed every day by the hands + a fair lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘And pray, Mrs. Poll,’ said the eagle, ‘how comes it, since you fare so + sumptuously, that you are so lean and meagre, and seem scarcely able to + exert that voice you thus make your boast of?’ ‘Alas!’ replied the parrot, + ‘poor Poll’s lady has kept her bed almost this week; the servants have all + forgot to feed me; and I am almost starved.’ ‘Pray observe,’ said the + eagle, ‘the folly of such pride! Had you been able to have conversed only + with your own kind, you would have fared in common with them; but it is to + this vaunted imitation of the human voice, that you owe your confinement, + and consequently (though living in a golden cage) your dependence upon the + will and memory of others, even for common necessary food.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus reproved, the parrot, with shame, hastily retired from the assembly. + </p> + <p> + Next stood forth the daw, and, having tricked himself in all the gay + feathers he could muster together, on the credit of these borrowed + ornaments, pleaded his beauty, as a title to the preference in dispute. + Immediately the birds agreed to divest the silly counterfeit of all his + borrowed plumes; and, more abashed than the parrot, he secretly slunk + away. + </p> + <p> + The peacock, proud of native beauty, now flew into the midst of the + assembly. He displayed before the sun his gorgeous tail. ‘Observe (said + he) how the vivid blue of the sapphire glitters in my neck; and when thus + I spread my tail, a gemmy brightness strikes the eye from a plumage varied + with a thousand glowing colours.’ At this moment, a nightingale began to + chant forth his melodious lay; at which the peacock, dropping his expanded + tail, cried out, ‘Ah what avails my silent unmeaning beauty, when I am so + far excelled in voice by such a little russet-feathered wretch as that!’ + And, by retiring, he gave up all claim to the contended-for preference. + </p> + <p> + The nightingale was so delighted with having got the better of the + peacock, that he exerted his little voice, and was so lost in the conceit + of his own melody, that he did not observe a hawk, who flew upon him, and + carried him off in his claws. + </p> + <p> + The eagle then declared, ‘That as the peacock’s envy had taken away all + his claim, so no less had the nightingale’s self-conceit frustrated all + his pretensions; for those who are so wrapped up in their own perfections, + as to mind nothing but themselves, are forever liable to all sorts of + accidents.’ And, besides, it was plain, by the exultation the nightingale + expressed on his imagined glory over the peacock, that he would have been + equally dejected on any preference given to another. + </p> + <p> + And now the owl, with an affected gravity, and whooting voice, pleaded his + well-known wisdom; and said, ‘He doubted not but the preference would be + granted to him without contest, by all the whole assembly for what was so + likely to produce happiness as wisdom?’ + </p> + <p> + The eagle declared, ‘That, if his title to wisdom could be proved, the + justice of his claim should be allowed; and then asked him, how he could + convince them of the truth of what he had advanced?’ The owl answered, + ‘That he would willingly appeal to the whole assembly for their decision + in this point; for he was positive nobody could deny his great superiority + as to wisdom.’ Being separately asked, they most of them declared, that + they knew no one reason, either from his words or actions, to pronounce + him a wise bird; though it was true, that by an affected solemnity in his + looks, and by frequent declarations of his own, that he was very wife, he + had made some very silly birds give him that character; but, since they + were called upon to declare their opinions, they must say, that he was + ever the object of contempt to all those birds who had any title to common + understanding. The eagle then said, ‘He could by no means admit a plea, + which as plainly appeared to be counterfeit, as were the jay’s borrowed + feathers.’ The owl, thus disappointed, flew away, and has ever since + shunned the light of the sun, and has never appeared in the daytime, but + to be scorned and wondered at. + </p> + <p> + It would be endless to repeat all the several pleas brought by the birds, + each desiring to prove, that happiness ought to be his own peculiar lot. + But the eagle observing that the arguments made use of to prove their + point were chiefly drawn from the disadvantages of others, rather than + from any advantage of their own, told them, ‘There was too much envy and + malice amongst them, for him to pronounce any of them deserving or capable + of being happy; but I wonder,’ says he, ‘why the dove alone is absent from + this meeting?’ ‘I know of one in her nest hard by,’ answered the + redbreast, ‘shall I go and call her?’ ‘No,’ says the eagle, ‘since she did + not obey our general summons, ‘tis plain she had no ambition for a public + preference; but I will take two or three chosen friends, and we will go + softly to her nest, and see in what manner she is employing herself; for + from our own observations upon the actions of any one, we are more likely + to form a judgment of them, than by any boasts they can make.’ + </p> + <p> + The eagle was obeyed, and, accompanied only by the linnet, the lark, the + lapwing, and the redbreast for his guide, he stole gently to the place + where the dove was found hovering over her nest, waiting the return of her + absent mate; and, thinking herself quite unobserved, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] While o’er her callow brood she hung, + She fondly thus address’d her young: + ‘Ye tender objects of my care, + Peace! peace! ye little helpless pair. + Anon! he comes, your gentle sire, + And brings you all your hearts require; + For us, his infants and his bride, + For us, with only love to guide, + Our lord assumes an eagle’s speed, + And, like a lion, dares to bleed: + Nor yet by wintry skies confin’d, + He mounts upon the rudest wind, + From danger tears the vital spoil, + And with affection sweetens toil. + Ah! cease, too vent’rous, cease to dare; + In thine, our dearer safety spare. + From him, ye cruel falcons stray; + And turn, ye fowlers, far away, + —All-giving Pow’r, great source of life, + Oh! hear the parent, hear the wife: + That life thou lendest from above, + Though little, make it large in love. + Oh! bid my feeling heart expand + To ev’ry claim on ev’ry hand, + To those, from whom my days I drew, + To these in whom those days renew, + To all my kin, however wide, + In cordial warmth as blood allied. + To friends in steely fetters twin’d + And to the cruel not unkind; + But chief the lord of my desire, + My life, myself, my soul, my sire, + Friends, children, all that wish can claim, + Chaste passion clasp, and rapture name. + Oh! spare him, spare him, gracious Pow’r: + Oh! give him to my latest hour, + Let me my length of life employ, + To give my sole enjoyment joy. + His love let mutual love excite; + Turn all my cares to his delight, + And ev’ry needless blessing spare, + Wherein my darling wants a share. + —Let one unruffled calm delight + The loving and belov’d unite; + One pure desire our bosoms warm; + One will direct, one wish inform; + Through life one mutual aid sustain; + In death one peaceful grave contain.’ + While, swelling with the darling theme, + Her accents pour’d an endless stream. + The well-known wings a sound impart + That reach’d her ear, and touch’d her heart. + Quick dropp’d the music of her tongue, + And forth, with eager joy, she sprung. + As swift her ent’ring consort flew, + And plum’d, and kindled at the view. + Their wings, their souls, embracing, meet, + Their hearts with answ’ring measure beat, + Half lost in sacred sweets, and bless’d + With raptures felt, but ne’er express’d. + Strait to her humble roof she led + The partner of her spotless bed; + Her young, a flutt’ring pair, arise, + Their welcome sparkling in their eyes, + Transported, to their sire they bound, + And hang, with speechless action, round. + In pleasure wrapt, the parents stand, + And see their little wings expand; + The sire his life sustaining prize + To each expecting bill applies; + There fondly pours the wheaten spoil, + With transport giv’n, though won with toil; + While, all collected at the sight, + And silent through supreme delight, + The fair high heav’n of bliss beguiles, + And on her lord and infants smiles. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] These verses are a quotation from that tender fable of + the Sparrow and the Dove, in the ‘Fables for the Female + Sex.’ +</pre> + <p> + The eagle now, without any hesitation, pronounced the dove to be + deservedly the happiest of the feathered kind; and however unwilling the + rest of the birds were to assent to the judgment given, yet could they not + dispute the justice of the decree. + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Jenny ceased reading, and all the little company expressed by + their looks, that they were overjoyed at the eagle’s determination; for + they had all in their own minds forestalled the eagle’s judgment, of + giving the preference to the dove. ‘Now, my good children,’ said Mrs. + Teachum, ‘if you will pass through this life with real pleasure, imitate + the dove; and remember, that innocence of mind, and integrity of heart, + adorn the female character, and can alone produce your own happiness, and + diffuse it to all around you.’ + </p> + <p> + Our little company thanked their governess for her fable; and, just at + that instant, they heard a chariot drive into the court, and Mrs. Teachum + went out to see what visitor could be arrived so late in the evening; for + it was near eight o’clock. + </p> + <p> + They all remained in the room where their governess left them; for they + had been taught never to run out to the door, or to the windows, to look + at any strangers that came, till they knew whether it was proper for them + to see them or not. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum soon returned with a letter open in her hand, and remained + some little time silent; but cast on every one round such a tender and + affectionate look, a tear almost starting from her eye, that the + sympathising sorrow seemed to spread through the whole company, and they + were all silent, and ready to cry, though they knew not for what reason. + ‘I am sorry, my little dears,’ said Mrs. Teachum, ‘to give your tender + bosoms the uneasiness I fear the contents of this letter will do, as it + will deprive you of that your hearts so justly hold most dear.’ And, so + saying, she delivered to Miss Jenny Peace, the following letter:— + </p> + <p> + ‘To Miss Jenny Peace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Monday night, June 24. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear niece,—I arrived safe at my own house, with your cousin + Harriet, last Saturday night, after a very tedious voyage by sea, and a + fatiguing journey by land. I long to see my dear Jenny as soon as + possible, and Harriet is quite impatient for that pleasure. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have ordered my chariot to be with you tomorrow night; and I desire you + would set out on Wednesday morning, as early as your inclination shall + prompt you to come to + </p> + <p> + ‘Your truly affectionate aunt, + </p> + <p> + ‘M. NEWMAN. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have writ a letter of thanks to your kind governess, for her care of + you.’ + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to describe the various sensations of Miss Jenny’s mind, + on the reading this letter. Her rising joy at the thoughts of seeing her + kind aunt safely returned from a long and tedious voyage, was suppressed + by a sorrow, which could not be resisted, on parting with such dear + friends, and so good a governess; and the lustre which such a joy would + have given to her eye, was damped by rising tears. Her heart for some time + was too full for utterance. At last, turning to her governess, she said, + ‘And is the chariot really come, to carry me to my dear aunt?’ Then, after + a pause, the tears trickling down her cheeks, ‘And must I so soon leave + you, madam, and all my kind companions?’ Mrs. Teachum, on seeing Miss + Jenny’s tender struggles of mind, and all her companions at once bursting + into tears, stood up, and left the room, saying, ‘She would come to them + again after supper.’ For this prudent woman well knew, that it was in vain + to contend with the very first emotions of grief on such an occasion, but + intended, at her return, to show them how much it was their duty and + interest to conquer all sorts of extravagant sorrow. + </p> + <p> + They remained some time silent, as quite struck dumb with concern, till at + last Miss Dolly Friendly, in broken accents, cried out, ‘And must we lose + you, my dear Miss Jenny, now we are just settled in that love and esteem + for you, which your goodness so well deserves?’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny endeavoured to dry up her tears, and then said, ‘Although I + cannot but be pleased, my dear companions, at every mark of your affection + for me; yet I beg that you would not give me the pain to see that I make + so many dear friends unhappy. Let us submit cheerfully to this separation + (which, believe me, is as deeply felt by me as any of you) because it is + our duty so to do; and let me entreat you to be comforted, by reflecting, + how much my good aunt’s safe return must be conducive to my future + welfare; nor can you be unhappy, while you continue with so good a + governess, and persist in that readiness to obey her, which you have + lately shown. She will direct who shall preside over your innocent + amusements in my place. I will certainly write to you, and shall always + take the greatest delight in hearing from each of you, both while you + continue here, and when your duty and different connections shall call you + elsewhere. We may some, and perhaps all, of us, happen often to meet + again; and I hope a friendship, founded on so innocent and so good a + foundation as ours is, will always subsist, as far as shall be consistent + with our future situations in life.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny’s friends could not answer her but by sobs and tears; only + little Polly Suckling, running to her, clung about her neck, and cried, + ‘Indeed, indeed, Miss Jenny, you must not go; I shall break my heart, if I + lose you: sure we shan’t, nor we can’t, be half so happy, when you are + gone, though our governess was ten times better to us than she is.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny again entreated them to dry up their tears, and to be more + contented with the present necessity; and begged, that they would not let + their governess see them so overwhelmed in sorrow on her return; for she + might take it unkindly, that they should be so afflicted at the loss of + one person, while they still remained under her indulgent care and + protection. + </p> + <p> + It was with the utmost difficulty, that Miss Jenny refrained from shedding + tear for tear with her kind companions; but as it was her constant maxim + to partake with her friends all her pleasure, and to confine her sorrows + as much as possible within her own bosom, she chose rather to endeavour, + by her own cheerfulness and innocent talk, to steal insensibly from the + bosoms of her little companions half their sorrow; and they begin to + appear tolerably easy. + </p> + <p> + After supper, Mrs. Teachum returned; and, seeing them all striving who + should most conceal their grief, for fear of giving uneasiness to the + rest, yet with a deep dejection fixed in every countenance, and little + Polly still sobbing behind Miss Jenny’s chair, she was so moved herself + with the affecting scene, that the tears stole from her eyes; and the + sympathising company once more eased their almost bursting hearts, by + another general flow of melting sorrow. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear children,’ said Mrs. Teachum, ‘I am not at all surprised at your + being so much concerned to part with Miss Jenny. I love her myself with a + motherly affection (as I do all of you, and shall ever continue to do so + while you so well deserve it); and I could wish, for my own sake, never to + part with her as long as I live; but I consider, that it is for her + advantage, and I would have you all remember, in her absence, to let her + example and friendship fill your hearts with joy, instead of grief. It is + now pretty late in the evening, and as Miss Jenny is to set out very early + in the morning, I must insist upon shortening your pain (for such is your + present situation), and desire you would take your leave of this your + engaging friend.’ + </p> + <p> + They none of them attempted to speak another word, for their hearts were + still too full for utterance; and Miss Jenny took every one by the hand as + they went out of the room, saluted them with the tenderest affection, + mingling tears with those which flowed from every streaming eye; and, + wishing them all happiness and joy till their next meeting, they all, with + heavy hearts, retired to rest. + </p> + <p> + Miss Jenny returned the warmest and most grateful acknowledgments to her + good governess, for all her care of her; and said, ‘I shall attribute + every happy hour, madam, that I may hereafter be blessed with, to your + wise and kind instruction, which I shall always remember with the highest + veneration, and shall ever consider you as having been to me no less than + a fond and indulgent mother.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum kept Miss Jenny in the room with her no longer than to assure + her how sincerely she should regret her absence, and confessed how much of + the regularity and harmony of her school she owed to her good example, for + sweetness of temper, and conformity to rules. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE END OF THE NINTH DAY. + </h2> + <h3> + THE CONCLUSION OF THE HISTORY OF MRS. TEACHUM, &C. + </h3> + <p> + Although Miss Jenny Peace did not return any more to school; yet she ever + gratefully remembered the kindness of her governess, and frequently + corresponded with all her companions. And as they continued their innocent + amusements and meetings in the arbour, whenever the weather would permit, + there was no day thought to be better employed than that in which they + received a letter from their absent instructive friend, whose name was + always mentioned with gratitude and honour. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Teachum continued the same watchful care over any young persons who + were entrusted to her management; and she never increased the number of + her scholars, though often entreated so to do. All quarrels and + contentions were banished her house; and if ever any such thing was likely + to arise, the story of Miss Jenny Peace’s reconciling all her little + companions was told to them; so that Miss Jenny, though absent, still + seemed (by the bright example which she left behind her) to be the cement + of union and harmony in this well-regulated society. And if any girl was + found to harbour in her breast a rising passion, which it was difficult to + conquer, the name and story of Miss Jenny Peace soon gained her attention, + and left her without any other desire than to emulate Miss Jenny’s + virtues. + </p> + <p> + In short, Mrs. Teachum’s school was always mentioned throughout the + country, as an example of peace and harmony; and also by the daily + improvement of all her girls, it plainly appeared how early young people + might attain great knowledge, if their minds were free from foolish + anxieties about trifles, and properly employed on their own improvement; + for never did any young lady leave Mrs. Teachum, but that her parents and + friends were greatly delighted with her behaviour, as she had made it her + chief study to learn always to pay to her governors the most exact + obedience, and to exert towards her companions all the good effects of a + mind filled with benevolence and love. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Governess, by Sarah Fielding + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOVERNESS *** + +***** This file should be named 1905-h.htm or 1905-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/0/1905/ + +Produced by Pat Pflieger, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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