" sobbed out the
agitated
child, *?
Childrens - Tales of the Hermitage
Winter ; " but I
believe the boys are all afraid of her,
for she has such a wondrous talent for
the ridiculous, that even her father, dur-
ing his satal illness, became the object
of her satire ; and one of her schoolfel-
lows, envious of her beauty, has circu-
lated the story round the room: and
though it certainly proved a corrupted
heart, I cannot help pitying the poor
girl's mortification. "
"Do you know the lady," replied
Mrs. Mordant, " who has been illibe-
ral enough to spread a report so com-
pletely detrimental ? for 1 really cannot
help doubting its veracity, and, like your-
self ,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 200 A CURE FOR . SATIRE.
self, participate in the embarrassment I
perceive she feels. " . . . . .
Mrs. Winter immediately pointed
her out, and Mrs. Mordant waited un-
til she reached the bottom of the set,
and then requested a few moments audi-
ence.
Miss Collet was not much delighted
with the idea of being drawn from an
amusement of which she was passion-
ately fond^ but when Mrs. vMordant
requested her to explain her motive for
prejudicing the party against her niece,
her confusion was so great, it was with
difficulty she could reply ; but as she
was rather encouraged, than repressed, by
the gentleness of Mrs. Mordant's man*
ner, she candidly owned that, in con-
sequence of Miss Pearcy's having ridi-
culed and caricatured her during the time
she
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? A CURE FOR SATIRE. 201
she was at school, she had always felt
an unconquerable aversion to her, which
had been greatly increased by having
heard that she had made a jest of her
. papers Infirmities.
*<< That you should be exasperated
against Miss Pearcy," said Mrs. Mor-
dant, " for indulging her vein for ridi-
cule at your expense, Miss Collet, I can
readily forgive; but that you should
adopt this paltry method of showing your
resentment, I most heartily despise, and
am inclined to think there is more of
ill-nature' than truth in the report you
have sabricated. "
" I did not fabricate it, Ma'am," said
she, colouring with resentment; " for
Miss Blisset, who is her particular
friend, has the caricature by her, which
she drew, and I am certain Miss Pearcy
assisted in the performance. '* .
<< Well,"
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? C02 A CURE FOR SATIRE,
" Well," continued Mrs. Mordant, <
" as it is necessary to investigate the
matter, you will do me a savour by ac-
companying me across the room to Miss
Blisset; and if my niece is a stranger to
the circumstance, you will certainly do
her the justice to contradict a report, so
much to her discredit. "
Miss Blisset was much less woiinded
by the mortification stie had received,
than the young lady, who much less de-
served it, and had actually proposed
that they should dance together; but
when Mrs. Mordant taxed her with
having caricatured the father of her
friend, her embarrassment became com-
pletely distressing, and bursting int>>
tears, stu acknowledged her culpability.
" What! " said Amanda, testifying
the utmost astonishment, " could you
think of ridiculing my dear papa, who
always
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? A CURE FOR SATIRE.
always was so good and kind to you r
Eliza, surely you never could be so un-
grateful '? " ,
" You perceive, Miss Collet," said
Mrs. Mordant, " my niece is not so des-
picable as you imagined ; and though Ihe
might in the height of girlish folly have
amused herself by satirizing your little
imperfections, she would have shuddered
at the idea of exposing her fathers infir-
mities ; and I must insist upon your pub-
licly acknowledging the injury you have
done. ".
" O my dear aunt," replied Amanda,
4? spare me the mortification, I beseech
you, of becoming an object es general
obseryation i we have already attracted
the attention of the party, and I entreat
you to susfer "me to leave the room. "
Lady Pearcy, whose attention had for
'some time been occupied by the sight of
an
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 204' A CURE FOR SATIRE.
an old friend, at this moment joined the
party, and perceiving her daughter's bath-
ed in tears, whilst her sister's countenance
was glowing with resentment, anxiously
inquired into the cause, and finding
Amanda's agitation had rendered heir
conspicuous, she led her to a different
apartment, and tried to sooth her into
more composure.
Mrs. Mordant was so extremely hurt
at the malignity of Miss Collet'. s coo-
duct, that she resolved to explain the
circumstance to Lady Darwin, who
had observed with astonishment the
pointed incivility Amanda had received,
and had been extremely displeased with
her son in consequence of it. Her in-
dignation was, if possible, superior to
Mrs. Mordant's, and she insisted upori
all the young gentlemen's offering am
apology;
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? A CURE FOR SATIRE. 205
apology; and entreated Amanda to re-
turn again to the ball-room : but the
mortification she had. received was too
painful for her to be capable of such an
exertion, and she requested her mamma
immediately to return.
As soon as they were all seated in the
carriage, Mrs. Mordant took her niece
tenderly by the hand, and conjured her
to let the incidents of the night make an
indelible impression upon her mind.
H Miss Collet" said she, " has certainly
acted most despicably, but you provoked
it by unjust severity ; we can most of us
bear to be told of our sailings, but few
of us can submit to having them ridi-
culed, and satire is certainly the most
dangerous of weapons. "
Amanda fest the truth of the observa-
tion, and promised to-fubdue the un-
t amiable
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2o6 A CORK FOR SATIRE.
amiable propensity ; and whenever, at a
future period, she felt inclined to be
severe, the recollection of Lady Dar-
win's ball completely checked it.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ( 207 )
THE
FAITHFUL SLAVE ;
LITTLE NEGRO BOY.
JL APA," said Julius Godfrey, ad-
dressing himself to his sather,. <<<< I wish
you would buy a little boy for me whom
ing ; for he says he has neiiher sather
nor mother in this country, and that he
is fearful of being starved to death. "
" Buy you a little buy ! ' Julius," said
. Mr. Godfrey; " if you had asked me to
OR, THI
I saw begging in the street. this morn-
have
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 208 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
have bought you a little dog, I should
not have been astonished; but boys are
neither to be bought nor fold in this hap-
py spot of earth. "
" O indeed, papa, they;are," replied
Julius ; " for Charles Henley's sather
bought him one, and he has such fun
with him, you cannot imagine. Some-
times he makes a horse of him, and
sometimes a harlequin, for his sisters
have made him a very pretty jacket;
and then if he won't jump over the
places Charles wants him, he whips the
wooden sword from his fide, and straps
him till he flies over like a racehorfe.
Oh, it is such fun, papa, you cannot
conceive! "
" And so," said Mr. Godfrey sternly,
" your only motive for wishing me to
save the boy from starving, was, that
ypu might have the gratification of kil^
ing
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVS. 200,
ing him with cruelty, and purchase
pleasure at the expense of the poor crea-
ture's pain. "
" No, papa," replied Julius, " 1"
would not hurt any body for the world;
but you know black people have no feel-
ing; for Charles Henley says, their skins
are as ihick as a lobster's shell, and if
they were to be boiled, they would be
as red. "
" Then Chart'js Henley is as weak as
he is wicked, and deserves boiling him-
self,"-said Mr. Godfrey. " But where
did you see the unfortunate child, whose
situation you have given me reason to
imagine is so peculiarly distressing, and
so very miserable ? "
Before Julius had time to reply to the
interrogation, a servant entered, and
informed Mr. Godfrey, a little negro
was at the door, who requested to
t 3 speak
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 210 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
speak with master Julius; and who was
crying and moaning in a most piteous
manner; <<* And really, fir," said the
man, " the poor boy seems almost starv-
ed. "
" Give him something to eat then,''
said the benevolent man, *<< and then
send him into my study ; for I flatter
myself I shall have the power of reliev-
ing his wants more completely than my
son. ?
As soon as the little fellow had sup-
plied the pressing calls of hunger, the
servant conducted him into his master's
study, where he related such an artless
tale of sorrow, as instantly made aji im-
pression upon Mr. Godfrey's feeling
heart. He told him he had been pur-
chased by a lieutenant in the navy, who .
had treated him both with asfection and
kindness j but that upon his arrival in
England,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 211
England, his master had been seized
with a putrid sever, and had died in a
few days; and that his mother, who
was a widow, was scarcely able to sup-
port herself, and therefore could not be
at the expense of keeping a servant.
The simple manner in which he describ-
ed his forlorn situation, and the sym-
pathetic one, in which he lamented the
death of the young man he served, con-
vinced Mr. Godfrey that his natural dis-
position was both attached and amiable ;
and he resolved immediately to become
his friend ; but without replying to the
account which had so completely inter-
ested his humanity, he opened the door,
and calling to his sen, addressed him in
the following language:
" As you know, my dear Julius, I
have a real gratification in complying'
with your desires, when they spring
from
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? >>I>> THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
from benevolence, or are founded upon
prudence, you will not be surprised at
bearing that I intend taking this little
fellow into my service, and placing him
entirely about your person, on condition,
. that you promise to treat him rather with
the good nature of a companion, tban
the sternness of a master, and always re-
collect, that there is something so pecu-
liarly attractive in kindness and ajftftion,
that the heart which is insensible to its
esfects, must either be cased in coldness,
corrupted by vice, or dead to the finest
feelings of nature. But as this unfor-
tunate child has proved. that he is capa-
ble both of fidelity and attachment, it
will be your duty to strengthen the
growth of both, and by uniform civility,
and uninterrupted good nature, cherish
those sensations he is inclined to feel.
" The impression* you seem to have
received
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 213
received from your friend Henley, are
an asfront to your understanding, and a
disgrace to your heart; for can you for
a moment suppose, that the colour of
a Jkiu can alter the acuteness of its feel-
ing; or that by being born in a fervid
climate, the natural sensations can be-
come condensed ? If any race of people
have a peculiar claim upon the compas-
sion of their fellow-creatures, it is those
who are born in a state of slavery and
subjection; who, tprn from those con-
nexions which made that state support-
able, are doomed to drag on a miserable
existence in a distant country, where the
tender sound of father, son, or brother,
can neyer reach their afflicted hearts. "
" O mine sather--mine poor dear fa-
ther !
" sobbed out the agitated child, *? no,
Yanko never see de more ! "--" You
shall find in me a father;" said Mr.
Godfrey,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 814 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
Godfrey, taking the little African by the
hand, " and in my son a brother; so
dry your eyes, my little man, and try to
merit our regard. "
" Yes, massar," said the grateful
child, ** me try to be good boy--me
vill love you all day long--and me vill
die for you ven you be sick . '--Q Yanko
vill be de very best of all de boys. "
Mr. Godsrey then informed his son,
that though it. was to be Yanko's business
to brush his clothes, clean his shoes,
attend him when he went a-filhing, and
become the partner os his general sports,
yet he was also to become his daily pu-
pil, and be taught the rudiments both
of reading and writing; *<< For though,"
said that benevolent man, " the in-
tellectual and moral powers of those
unfortunate people are generally to-
tally uncultivated, nature has been as
bounteous
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? TMt FAITHFUL SLATE. 215
bounteous to them as to any other of her
children, and they are equally capable
of becoming great, ntble, and difinter-
Julius promised to obey his father's
precepts; and instead of indulging the
idea of making Yanko subservient to
his pleasures, he only thought of pro-
moting his happiness; and reflected
upon Charles Henley's conduct with a
mixture of disgust, pain, and sympathy.
The. ease and composure os Yahko's
mind soon produced a wonderful esfect
upon his person; and those features
which had been funk by samine and
dejected by misfortune, acquired so
great a degree of liveliness and anima-
' tion, that it was impossible to look at
him without pleasure; and whilst Julius
received the highest gratification in in-
structing him, Yanko's rapid improve-
ment
.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2l6 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
ment under his tutelage proved the
quickness of his understanding and the
aciKeness of his perception.
As Mr. Godfrey was one day crossing
the yard, unperceived by Yanko (who
was beating one of his young master's
coats), his attention was called forth by
the harmonious sound of his voice, and
his mode of beating time upon the coat
to the tune he was singing; and drawing'
near, without being discovered, he dis-
tinctly heard the following words, which
at once proved the simplicity of his
taste, and the happiness of his feelings.
i YANKO's SONG.
Vakko happy--Yanko bright,
' Like de stars dat gild the night;
Yanko's bosom ever seem
Like the Niger's silver stream,
. Ever
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE IFAITHFUL SLAVE. 21
Ever flowing, ever free,
Ever full of joy and glee.
Yanko love his massar dear^
Love, because he can no fear.
When no cat-d'-nine-tails near.
Julius, who from a window had per-
ceived his father attentively listening
to what was going forward, immedi-
ately joined him, and was highly amus-
ed at the specimen he heard of his pu-
pil's talents for poetry, and eagerly
inquired of his sather, if he did not
think it very pretty ?
"1 think it very gratifying," said Mr.
Godfrey, " and seldom felt a sensation
of pleasure more delightful, than I ex-
perienced in hearing him repeat it; for
what, my dear fellow," said that amia-
ble man, looking at his son with an eye
of tenderness, " can asford the mind so.
refined a satissaction, as the knowing
u k " we
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2l8 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
we haveYescued a fellow-creature from
distress, and filled his breast with joy
and gladness ? and how disferent must
our feelings have been, had we heard
the poor fellow lamenting his misfor-
tunes, and execrating our severity I" .
" O papa," replied Julius, " how I
wish Charles Henley could have heard
him I it is very u. nlucky he has been in
the country ever since Yanko came ; or
perhaps, when he had seen how kindly
he was treated, he might have behaved
disferently to little Peter ; for I am sure
he does not think he hurts him, or he
would not use him so unkindly ; and his
papa is never angry with him for it. " '
<<* His papa," said Mr. Godfrey, " is
much more blameable than himself.
"But people in general,' vho have been
brought up in the West Indies, acquire
an arrogance of. imud, and a hardness of
heart,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 219
heart, that renders them dead to the
feelings of humanity ; and are apt to
consider those unhappy beings, whom
slavery has put within their power, as
created merely for their pleasures and
convenience. "
Mr. Godfrey was prevented from
continuing the subject, by the entrance
of the very boy of whom they had just
been speaking, who after shaking Julius
cordially by the hand, said, *<< So I see
your papa has bought little Mungo for
you ; he looks rather . disferent to what
he did the morning he solicited our cha-
rity/' ,
" Yes," replied Julius, with anima-
ted warmth, " he may well look differ-
ent, poor unhappy fellow ! for I believe
he then was almost starving, and had
pot a friend in the world to help him ;
v 2 and
v
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 220 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
and now he feels the comfort of kind
treatment. "
. *< Is he full of friths" said Charles,
" or? are you forced to flog him into
fun ? I long to have some sport with
him; for Peter's been so ill since we
have been gone, that he has never once
played harlequin ; and now my sather's '
going to fend him to the hospital, for
he will not be any longer plagued with
him ; he goes moping about the house
likex a hen turkey in a snowy day. " ''. . >
Though this conversation was spoken
in a half whisper, Mr. Godfrey had'
been so attentive to it, that he retained
the greatest part, and turning to Charles,
he said, " I am extremely sorry, young
gentleman, to hear you mention the
illness of a fellow-creature, with so little
sympathy, and such unfeeling indif-
ference.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. "221
serence. If you were to be suddenly
indisposed, the anguish of pain would
be softened by the tenderness of your
friends, and the attention of your ser-
vants ; yet though they might adminis-
ter to. your comforts, they could not
assuage your feelings, and you . would
still suffer from the acuteriess of dijepje.
But if you had no one to pity your ah-
guiih, administer to your wants, or
sooth your affliction-, how much more
lamentable would your situation be;
and how do you conceive you could sup-
port such an accumulation of misery ? "
"Support it, sir! " replied Charles;
" why, I am never likely to support. it,
for I have a sather who Java, and a
mother who do. . . ts upon me; and who
never leaves me one moment, if I have
but. a little head-ache. "
" And . pnr Peter," said Mr. God-
v 3 . frey
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 222 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
frey, in atone of tenderness, " was once,
perhaps, in that enviable situation ; blest
in the asfection of a sather, and cherish-
ed by the fondness of a mother ; and
yet how dreadful now the alteration !
This world, my dear Charles, is a
scene of changes and vicissitudes; the
morning fun is suddenly overshadowed
by clouds of darkness, and these clouds as
rapidly illumined by a cheerful sky. If,
therefore, your heart is so completely
adamantine, that you cannot feel from
. nature, endeavour to do so from pru-
dence ; and remember, that no one in
this life can be exempted from misfor-
tune, or shielded from transitions. You
are' too young to become callous; and
I hope the unfeeling indisference with
'which you named the unfortunate child
whose situation is so very pitiable, pro-
ceeded rather from want of thought, than
want
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 223
want of humanity ; and that, when you
go home, you will give proofs of that
compassion which ought to inhabit every
human breast. " So faying, Mr. God-
frey lest the room, whillt Charles apt-
peared not much flattered by the pre-
ceding conversation.
" What an odd man your sather is,
Julius ! " he exclaimed; " and yet there
was a great deal os truth in what he said
about me and Peter ; for, to be sure, if he
ever had a sather and mother as fond of
him, as my parents are of me, he must
be very unhappy now he has no one to
take notice of him. "
Julius repeated to his friend all the
excellent principles his sather had taken
such pains to inculcate ; and after en-
treating him to consider negroes as fel.
low-creatures, subject to the same pas-
' sions, and endowed with the same feel-
ings
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 224 THE' FAITHFUL SLAVE.
\
ings as themselves, he concluded his
oration by saying, that he never felt half
so much pleasure when they amused
themselves by making Peter perform
harlequin, as he had done in hearing
Yanko fmg an artless . ditty of his own
composing, expressive of his own hap-
piness, and his attachment to himself.
Although Mr. Godfrey was so amia-
ble a character, and delighted in pro-
moting both the interest and happiness
of his dependents, yet amongst the
number of them was one, whose de-
pravity of heart was artfully concealed
by a specious appearance, and, whilst he
appeared warmly attached to his master's
interest, was insidiously planning liis
future destruction.
This man, whose name was Robert,
the saithful Yanko had long regarded.
with a suspicious eye, in consequence ofc
, . . having
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 225
having accidentally overheard a few
words that passed between him and a
pretended brother, who spent the great-
est p^rt of' his time in Mr. Godfrey's
kitchen, and who, when they retired
to their country feat, also followed th;m
into Hampshire.
A large party were assembled at the
Grange, which was the name of the
respectable mansion Mr. Godfrey inha-
bited, and amongst the number,' ans
East Indian . samily, just arrived srom
Bengal, laden with the . treasure of that
rich soil': and Yanko, as he was water-
ing some flowers at the extremity of the
shrubbery, providentially heard Robert
and his companion arranging their plan,
not only for robbing the strangers of
their prize, but murdering them and his
generous master, it they attempted to
make the least resistance.
Shocked
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 226 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
Shocked at the atrocity of the inhu-
man design, and eager to frustrate its
execution, it was with the utmost diffi-
culty he could restrain himself from
breaking in upon their conversation,
and proving at once he was acquainted
with their villany; but a few moments
reflection checked his impetuosity, and
he concealed himself behind a tree until
the intended assassins Tiad departed. At
that moment, Mr. Godfrey, Julius,
and two of their friends, drew near the
spot of his concealment, when^the agi-
tated boy stepped forward, and . throw-
ing himself on his knees before Julius,
burst into a flood of tears, exclaiming,
" Oh, de vicked Robert would kill mine
own dear massar !
believe the boys are all afraid of her,
for she has such a wondrous talent for
the ridiculous, that even her father, dur-
ing his satal illness, became the object
of her satire ; and one of her schoolfel-
lows, envious of her beauty, has circu-
lated the story round the room: and
though it certainly proved a corrupted
heart, I cannot help pitying the poor
girl's mortification. "
"Do you know the lady," replied
Mrs. Mordant, " who has been illibe-
ral enough to spread a report so com-
pletely detrimental ? for 1 really cannot
help doubting its veracity, and, like your-
self ,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 200 A CURE FOR . SATIRE.
self, participate in the embarrassment I
perceive she feels. " . . . . .
Mrs. Winter immediately pointed
her out, and Mrs. Mordant waited un-
til she reached the bottom of the set,
and then requested a few moments audi-
ence.
Miss Collet was not much delighted
with the idea of being drawn from an
amusement of which she was passion-
ately fond^ but when Mrs. vMordant
requested her to explain her motive for
prejudicing the party against her niece,
her confusion was so great, it was with
difficulty she could reply ; but as she
was rather encouraged, than repressed, by
the gentleness of Mrs. Mordant's man*
ner, she candidly owned that, in con-
sequence of Miss Pearcy's having ridi-
culed and caricatured her during the time
she
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? A CURE FOR SATIRE. 201
she was at school, she had always felt
an unconquerable aversion to her, which
had been greatly increased by having
heard that she had made a jest of her
. papers Infirmities.
*<< That you should be exasperated
against Miss Pearcy," said Mrs. Mor-
dant, " for indulging her vein for ridi-
cule at your expense, Miss Collet, I can
readily forgive; but that you should
adopt this paltry method of showing your
resentment, I most heartily despise, and
am inclined to think there is more of
ill-nature' than truth in the report you
have sabricated. "
" I did not fabricate it, Ma'am," said
she, colouring with resentment; " for
Miss Blisset, who is her particular
friend, has the caricature by her, which
she drew, and I am certain Miss Pearcy
assisted in the performance. '* .
<< Well,"
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? C02 A CURE FOR SATIRE,
" Well," continued Mrs. Mordant, <
" as it is necessary to investigate the
matter, you will do me a savour by ac-
companying me across the room to Miss
Blisset; and if my niece is a stranger to
the circumstance, you will certainly do
her the justice to contradict a report, so
much to her discredit. "
Miss Blisset was much less woiinded
by the mortification stie had received,
than the young lady, who much less de-
served it, and had actually proposed
that they should dance together; but
when Mrs. Mordant taxed her with
having caricatured the father of her
friend, her embarrassment became com-
pletely distressing, and bursting int>>
tears, stu acknowledged her culpability.
" What! " said Amanda, testifying
the utmost astonishment, " could you
think of ridiculing my dear papa, who
always
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? A CURE FOR SATIRE.
always was so good and kind to you r
Eliza, surely you never could be so un-
grateful '? " ,
" You perceive, Miss Collet," said
Mrs. Mordant, " my niece is not so des-
picable as you imagined ; and though Ihe
might in the height of girlish folly have
amused herself by satirizing your little
imperfections, she would have shuddered
at the idea of exposing her fathers infir-
mities ; and I must insist upon your pub-
licly acknowledging the injury you have
done. ".
" O my dear aunt," replied Amanda,
4? spare me the mortification, I beseech
you, of becoming an object es general
obseryation i we have already attracted
the attention of the party, and I entreat
you to susfer "me to leave the room. "
Lady Pearcy, whose attention had for
'some time been occupied by the sight of
an
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 204' A CURE FOR SATIRE.
an old friend, at this moment joined the
party, and perceiving her daughter's bath-
ed in tears, whilst her sister's countenance
was glowing with resentment, anxiously
inquired into the cause, and finding
Amanda's agitation had rendered heir
conspicuous, she led her to a different
apartment, and tried to sooth her into
more composure.
Mrs. Mordant was so extremely hurt
at the malignity of Miss Collet'. s coo-
duct, that she resolved to explain the
circumstance to Lady Darwin, who
had observed with astonishment the
pointed incivility Amanda had received,
and had been extremely displeased with
her son in consequence of it. Her in-
dignation was, if possible, superior to
Mrs. Mordant's, and she insisted upori
all the young gentlemen's offering am
apology;
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? A CURE FOR SATIRE. 205
apology; and entreated Amanda to re-
turn again to the ball-room : but the
mortification she had. received was too
painful for her to be capable of such an
exertion, and she requested her mamma
immediately to return.
As soon as they were all seated in the
carriage, Mrs. Mordant took her niece
tenderly by the hand, and conjured her
to let the incidents of the night make an
indelible impression upon her mind.
H Miss Collet" said she, " has certainly
acted most despicably, but you provoked
it by unjust severity ; we can most of us
bear to be told of our sailings, but few
of us can submit to having them ridi-
culed, and satire is certainly the most
dangerous of weapons. "
Amanda fest the truth of the observa-
tion, and promised to-fubdue the un-
t amiable
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2o6 A CORK FOR SATIRE.
amiable propensity ; and whenever, at a
future period, she felt inclined to be
severe, the recollection of Lady Dar-
win's ball completely checked it.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ( 207 )
THE
FAITHFUL SLAVE ;
LITTLE NEGRO BOY.
JL APA," said Julius Godfrey, ad-
dressing himself to his sather,. <<<< I wish
you would buy a little boy for me whom
ing ; for he says he has neiiher sather
nor mother in this country, and that he
is fearful of being starved to death. "
" Buy you a little buy ! ' Julius," said
. Mr. Godfrey; " if you had asked me to
OR, THI
I saw begging in the street. this morn-
have
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 208 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
have bought you a little dog, I should
not have been astonished; but boys are
neither to be bought nor fold in this hap-
py spot of earth. "
" O indeed, papa, they;are," replied
Julius ; " for Charles Henley's sather
bought him one, and he has such fun
with him, you cannot imagine. Some-
times he makes a horse of him, and
sometimes a harlequin, for his sisters
have made him a very pretty jacket;
and then if he won't jump over the
places Charles wants him, he whips the
wooden sword from his fide, and straps
him till he flies over like a racehorfe.
Oh, it is such fun, papa, you cannot
conceive! "
" And so," said Mr. Godfrey sternly,
" your only motive for wishing me to
save the boy from starving, was, that
ypu might have the gratification of kil^
ing
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVS. 200,
ing him with cruelty, and purchase
pleasure at the expense of the poor crea-
ture's pain. "
" No, papa," replied Julius, " 1"
would not hurt any body for the world;
but you know black people have no feel-
ing; for Charles Henley says, their skins
are as ihick as a lobster's shell, and if
they were to be boiled, they would be
as red. "
" Then Chart'js Henley is as weak as
he is wicked, and deserves boiling him-
self,"-said Mr. Godfrey. " But where
did you see the unfortunate child, whose
situation you have given me reason to
imagine is so peculiarly distressing, and
so very miserable ? "
Before Julius had time to reply to the
interrogation, a servant entered, and
informed Mr. Godfrey, a little negro
was at the door, who requested to
t 3 speak
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 210 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
speak with master Julius; and who was
crying and moaning in a most piteous
manner; <<* And really, fir," said the
man, " the poor boy seems almost starv-
ed. "
" Give him something to eat then,''
said the benevolent man, *<< and then
send him into my study ; for I flatter
myself I shall have the power of reliev-
ing his wants more completely than my
son. ?
As soon as the little fellow had sup-
plied the pressing calls of hunger, the
servant conducted him into his master's
study, where he related such an artless
tale of sorrow, as instantly made aji im-
pression upon Mr. Godfrey's feeling
heart. He told him he had been pur-
chased by a lieutenant in the navy, who .
had treated him both with asfection and
kindness j but that upon his arrival in
England,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 211
England, his master had been seized
with a putrid sever, and had died in a
few days; and that his mother, who
was a widow, was scarcely able to sup-
port herself, and therefore could not be
at the expense of keeping a servant.
The simple manner in which he describ-
ed his forlorn situation, and the sym-
pathetic one, in which he lamented the
death of the young man he served, con-
vinced Mr. Godfrey that his natural dis-
position was both attached and amiable ;
and he resolved immediately to become
his friend ; but without replying to the
account which had so completely inter-
ested his humanity, he opened the door,
and calling to his sen, addressed him in
the following language:
" As you know, my dear Julius, I
have a real gratification in complying'
with your desires, when they spring
from
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? >>I>> THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
from benevolence, or are founded upon
prudence, you will not be surprised at
bearing that I intend taking this little
fellow into my service, and placing him
entirely about your person, on condition,
. that you promise to treat him rather with
the good nature of a companion, tban
the sternness of a master, and always re-
collect, that there is something so pecu-
liarly attractive in kindness and ajftftion,
that the heart which is insensible to its
esfects, must either be cased in coldness,
corrupted by vice, or dead to the finest
feelings of nature. But as this unfor-
tunate child has proved. that he is capa-
ble both of fidelity and attachment, it
will be your duty to strengthen the
growth of both, and by uniform civility,
and uninterrupted good nature, cherish
those sensations he is inclined to feel.
" The impression* you seem to have
received
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 213
received from your friend Henley, are
an asfront to your understanding, and a
disgrace to your heart; for can you for
a moment suppose, that the colour of
a Jkiu can alter the acuteness of its feel-
ing; or that by being born in a fervid
climate, the natural sensations can be-
come condensed ? If any race of people
have a peculiar claim upon the compas-
sion of their fellow-creatures, it is those
who are born in a state of slavery and
subjection; who, tprn from those con-
nexions which made that state support-
able, are doomed to drag on a miserable
existence in a distant country, where the
tender sound of father, son, or brother,
can neyer reach their afflicted hearts. "
" O mine sather--mine poor dear fa-
ther !
" sobbed out the agitated child, *? no,
Yanko never see de more ! "--" You
shall find in me a father;" said Mr.
Godfrey,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 814 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
Godfrey, taking the little African by the
hand, " and in my son a brother; so
dry your eyes, my little man, and try to
merit our regard. "
" Yes, massar," said the grateful
child, ** me try to be good boy--me
vill love you all day long--and me vill
die for you ven you be sick . '--Q Yanko
vill be de very best of all de boys. "
Mr. Godsrey then informed his son,
that though it. was to be Yanko's business
to brush his clothes, clean his shoes,
attend him when he went a-filhing, and
become the partner os his general sports,
yet he was also to become his daily pu-
pil, and be taught the rudiments both
of reading and writing; *<< For though,"
said that benevolent man, " the in-
tellectual and moral powers of those
unfortunate people are generally to-
tally uncultivated, nature has been as
bounteous
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? TMt FAITHFUL SLATE. 215
bounteous to them as to any other of her
children, and they are equally capable
of becoming great, ntble, and difinter-
Julius promised to obey his father's
precepts; and instead of indulging the
idea of making Yanko subservient to
his pleasures, he only thought of pro-
moting his happiness; and reflected
upon Charles Henley's conduct with a
mixture of disgust, pain, and sympathy.
The. ease and composure os Yahko's
mind soon produced a wonderful esfect
upon his person; and those features
which had been funk by samine and
dejected by misfortune, acquired so
great a degree of liveliness and anima-
' tion, that it was impossible to look at
him without pleasure; and whilst Julius
received the highest gratification in in-
structing him, Yanko's rapid improve-
ment
.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2l6 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
ment under his tutelage proved the
quickness of his understanding and the
aciKeness of his perception.
As Mr. Godfrey was one day crossing
the yard, unperceived by Yanko (who
was beating one of his young master's
coats), his attention was called forth by
the harmonious sound of his voice, and
his mode of beating time upon the coat
to the tune he was singing; and drawing'
near, without being discovered, he dis-
tinctly heard the following words, which
at once proved the simplicity of his
taste, and the happiness of his feelings.
i YANKO's SONG.
Vakko happy--Yanko bright,
' Like de stars dat gild the night;
Yanko's bosom ever seem
Like the Niger's silver stream,
. Ever
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE IFAITHFUL SLAVE. 21
Ever flowing, ever free,
Ever full of joy and glee.
Yanko love his massar dear^
Love, because he can no fear.
When no cat-d'-nine-tails near.
Julius, who from a window had per-
ceived his father attentively listening
to what was going forward, immedi-
ately joined him, and was highly amus-
ed at the specimen he heard of his pu-
pil's talents for poetry, and eagerly
inquired of his sather, if he did not
think it very pretty ?
"1 think it very gratifying," said Mr.
Godfrey, " and seldom felt a sensation
of pleasure more delightful, than I ex-
perienced in hearing him repeat it; for
what, my dear fellow," said that amia-
ble man, looking at his son with an eye
of tenderness, " can asford the mind so.
refined a satissaction, as the knowing
u k " we
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 2l8 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
we haveYescued a fellow-creature from
distress, and filled his breast with joy
and gladness ? and how disferent must
our feelings have been, had we heard
the poor fellow lamenting his misfor-
tunes, and execrating our severity I" .
" O papa," replied Julius, " how I
wish Charles Henley could have heard
him I it is very u. nlucky he has been in
the country ever since Yanko came ; or
perhaps, when he had seen how kindly
he was treated, he might have behaved
disferently to little Peter ; for I am sure
he does not think he hurts him, or he
would not use him so unkindly ; and his
papa is never angry with him for it. " '
<<* His papa," said Mr. Godfrey, " is
much more blameable than himself.
"But people in general,' vho have been
brought up in the West Indies, acquire
an arrogance of. imud, and a hardness of
heart,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 219
heart, that renders them dead to the
feelings of humanity ; and are apt to
consider those unhappy beings, whom
slavery has put within their power, as
created merely for their pleasures and
convenience. "
Mr. Godfrey was prevented from
continuing the subject, by the entrance
of the very boy of whom they had just
been speaking, who after shaking Julius
cordially by the hand, said, *<< So I see
your papa has bought little Mungo for
you ; he looks rather . disferent to what
he did the morning he solicited our cha-
rity/' ,
" Yes," replied Julius, with anima-
ted warmth, " he may well look differ-
ent, poor unhappy fellow ! for I believe
he then was almost starving, and had
pot a friend in the world to help him ;
v 2 and
v
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 220 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
and now he feels the comfort of kind
treatment. "
. *< Is he full of friths" said Charles,
" or? are you forced to flog him into
fun ? I long to have some sport with
him; for Peter's been so ill since we
have been gone, that he has never once
played harlequin ; and now my sather's '
going to fend him to the hospital, for
he will not be any longer plagued with
him ; he goes moping about the house
likex a hen turkey in a snowy day. " ''. . >
Though this conversation was spoken
in a half whisper, Mr. Godfrey had'
been so attentive to it, that he retained
the greatest part, and turning to Charles,
he said, " I am extremely sorry, young
gentleman, to hear you mention the
illness of a fellow-creature, with so little
sympathy, and such unfeeling indif-
ference.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. "221
serence. If you were to be suddenly
indisposed, the anguish of pain would
be softened by the tenderness of your
friends, and the attention of your ser-
vants ; yet though they might adminis-
ter to. your comforts, they could not
assuage your feelings, and you . would
still suffer from the acuteriess of dijepje.
But if you had no one to pity your ah-
guiih, administer to your wants, or
sooth your affliction-, how much more
lamentable would your situation be;
and how do you conceive you could sup-
port such an accumulation of misery ? "
"Support it, sir! " replied Charles;
" why, I am never likely to support. it,
for I have a sather who Java, and a
mother who do. . . ts upon me; and who
never leaves me one moment, if I have
but. a little head-ache. "
" And . pnr Peter," said Mr. God-
v 3 . frey
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 222 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
frey, in atone of tenderness, " was once,
perhaps, in that enviable situation ; blest
in the asfection of a sather, and cherish-
ed by the fondness of a mother ; and
yet how dreadful now the alteration !
This world, my dear Charles, is a
scene of changes and vicissitudes; the
morning fun is suddenly overshadowed
by clouds of darkness, and these clouds as
rapidly illumined by a cheerful sky. If,
therefore, your heart is so completely
adamantine, that you cannot feel from
. nature, endeavour to do so from pru-
dence ; and remember, that no one in
this life can be exempted from misfor-
tune, or shielded from transitions. You
are' too young to become callous; and
I hope the unfeeling indisference with
'which you named the unfortunate child
whose situation is so very pitiable, pro-
ceeded rather from want of thought, than
want
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 223
want of humanity ; and that, when you
go home, you will give proofs of that
compassion which ought to inhabit every
human breast. " So faying, Mr. God-
frey lest the room, whillt Charles apt-
peared not much flattered by the pre-
ceding conversation.
" What an odd man your sather is,
Julius ! " he exclaimed; " and yet there
was a great deal os truth in what he said
about me and Peter ; for, to be sure, if he
ever had a sather and mother as fond of
him, as my parents are of me, he must
be very unhappy now he has no one to
take notice of him. "
Julius repeated to his friend all the
excellent principles his sather had taken
such pains to inculcate ; and after en-
treating him to consider negroes as fel.
low-creatures, subject to the same pas-
' sions, and endowed with the same feel-
ings
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 224 THE' FAITHFUL SLAVE.
\
ings as themselves, he concluded his
oration by saying, that he never felt half
so much pleasure when they amused
themselves by making Peter perform
harlequin, as he had done in hearing
Yanko fmg an artless . ditty of his own
composing, expressive of his own hap-
piness, and his attachment to himself.
Although Mr. Godfrey was so amia-
ble a character, and delighted in pro-
moting both the interest and happiness
of his dependents, yet amongst the
number of them was one, whose de-
pravity of heart was artfully concealed
by a specious appearance, and, whilst he
appeared warmly attached to his master's
interest, was insidiously planning liis
future destruction.
This man, whose name was Robert,
the saithful Yanko had long regarded.
with a suspicious eye, in consequence ofc
, . . having
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? THE FAITHFUL SLAVE. 225
having accidentally overheard a few
words that passed between him and a
pretended brother, who spent the great-
est p^rt of' his time in Mr. Godfrey's
kitchen, and who, when they retired
to their country feat, also followed th;m
into Hampshire.
A large party were assembled at the
Grange, which was the name of the
respectable mansion Mr. Godfrey inha-
bited, and amongst the number,' ans
East Indian . samily, just arrived srom
Bengal, laden with the . treasure of that
rich soil': and Yanko, as he was water-
ing some flowers at the extremity of the
shrubbery, providentially heard Robert
and his companion arranging their plan,
not only for robbing the strangers of
their prize, but murdering them and his
generous master, it they attempted to
make the least resistance.
Shocked
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn2hdw Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 226 THE FAITHFUL SLAVE.
Shocked at the atrocity of the inhu-
man design, and eager to frustrate its
execution, it was with the utmost diffi-
culty he could restrain himself from
breaking in upon their conversation,
and proving at once he was acquainted
with their villany; but a few moments
reflection checked his impetuosity, and
he concealed himself behind a tree until
the intended assassins Tiad departed. At
that moment, Mr. Godfrey, Julius,
and two of their friends, drew near the
spot of his concealment, when^the agi-
tated boy stepped forward, and . throw-
ing himself on his knees before Julius,
burst into a flood of tears, exclaiming,
" Oh, de vicked Robert would kill mine
own dear massar !
