Life and Literature Part 75

1036

GRAt.i.tUDE OF AN INDIAN CHIEF.

A Scotch Highlander was taken prisoner by a tribe of Indians; his life was about to be sacrificed, when the chief adopted him as his son. They carried him into the interior; he learnt their language, a.s.sumed their habits, and became skillful in the use of their arms. After a season the same tribe began their route to join the French army, at that time opposed to the British. It was necessary to pa.s.s near to the British lines during the night. Very early in the morning, and it was spring, the old chief roused the young Highlander from his repose: he took him to an eminence, and pointed out to him the tents of his countrymen. The old man appeared to be dreadfully agitated, and there was a keen restlessness in his eye. After a pause--"I lost," said he, "my only son in a battle with your nation; are you the only son of your father? And do you think that your father is yet alive?" The young man replied, "I am the only son of my father, and I hope that my father is yet alive."

They stood close to a beautiful magnolia in full blossom. The prospect was grand and enchanting, and all its charms were crowned by the sun, which had fully emerged from the horizon. The old chief, looking steadfastly at his companion, exclaimed: "Let thy heart rejoice at the beauty of the scene! To me it is as the desert; but you are free; return to your countrymen, revisit your father that he may again rejoice when he sees the sun rise in the morning, and the trees blossom in the spring!"

1037

Little acts of kindness are stowed away in the heart, like bags of lavender in a drawer, to sweeten every object around them.

1038

A good man that has done a kindness never proclaims it, but does another as soon as he can; much like the vine which is satisfied by being fruitful in its kind, and bears a bunch of grapes without expecting thanks for it.

1039

There's no dearth of kindness In this world of ours; Only in our blindness We gather thorns for flowers.

--_Gerald Ma.s.sey._

1040

Money can be repaid-- Not kindness such as yours.

--_Shakespeare._

1041

_Returned Kindness._--When the country near Albany was newly settled, an Indian came to the inn at Lichfield, and asked for a night's shelter, at the same time confessing that from failure in hunting he had nothing to pay. The hostess drove him away with reproachful epithets, and as the Indian was retiring sorrowfully,--there being no other inn for many a weary mile,--a man who was sitting by directed the hostess to supply his wants, and promised to pay her. As soon as his supper was ended, the Indian thanked his benefactor, and said he would some day repay him.

Several years thereafter the settler was taken a prisoner by a hostile tribe, and carried off to Canada. However, his life was spared, though he himself was detained in slavery. But one day an Indian came to him, and giving him a musket, bade the captive follow him. The Indian never told where they were going, nor what was his object; but day after day the captive followed his mysterious guide, till one afternoon they came suddenly on a beautiful expanse of cultivated fields, with many houses rising amongst them. "Do you know that place?" asked the Indian. "Ah, yes--it is Lichfield!" and whilst the astonished exile had not recovered his surprise and amazement, the Indian exclaimed--"And I am the starving Indian on whom at this very place you took pity. And now that I have paid for my supper, I pray you go home!"

--_Dr. Dwight._

1042

KINDNESS TO INSECTS.

Let them enjoy their little day, Their humble bliss receive; Oh, do not lightly take away The life thou canst not give.

1043

Getting money is not all a man's business: to cultivate kindness, is a valuable part of the business of life.

--_Dr. Johnson._

1044

A more glorious victory cannot be gained over another man than this: that when the injury began on his part, the kindness shall begin on ours.

1045

If you grant a favor, forget it; If you receive one, remember it.

1046

Whoever knows how to return a kindness he has received must be a friend above all price.

--_Philoctetes._

1047

Write injuries in the dust and kindness in marble.

1048

DEFINITIONS OF A KISS.

The seal that stamps many a future.

A woman's most effective argument.

Woman's pa.s.sport to her husband's purse.

A wireless message from the lips to the heart.

1049

A kiss of the lips does not always touch the heart.

1050

Pleasant is the welcome kiss When the day's dull round is o'er; And sweet the music of the step That meets us at the door.