he seemed to me as if he cared not about the money - the small bit of card engrossed his whole thought. When he rose to go into his own room- "Charlie," said he, "here are the odd shillings for you: I am still your debtor." This was a white day for us all. I begged him to take the one I brought, He leaped for joy, then sank into a chair, and he gave me two shillings for it. I ran and remained silent for some time, gazing on to the artist with the money, and told him the card. The money he seemed not to care the order I had got, thinking he would re-for-it remained in his hand unlooked at: joice; for five shillings seemed to me a large sum. I expected to see him pleased-not so: he groaned, and buried his face in his hands. "Is it come to this?" said he. "How can I have mistaken my vocation so much?" At length he raised his head his eyes were damp: "My poverty, and not my will, consents." The picture was finished, true to the time, and I was despatched with it. It was on a small panel, for the artist was too poor to paint a large one, or time from his wants to spare he painted for bare life. When I reached the shop, almost breathless with the haste I made, there was a gentleman in conversation with the dealer. I have said I was not bashful; so I went boldly up to the counter, nor heeded the gestures the dealer made me to keep back and leave the shop. I was too anxious to get the money, and carry it to the artist; and placing it upon the counter before him, said: "You promised me five shillings; it is the same size as the other one. He would have covered the picture, but it was not yet dry. I pertinaciously stood by the counter, and insisted upon having the money. The gentleman looked at the picture, then at the dealer. 66 Why," said he, "this is the companion to the one I bought from you the other day, for which you charged me two guineas. What is the price, boy?" He That same day, the artist's garb was improved, and he came home with a larger canvas than I had ever seen him use before. He was in great spirits; and he set to work, and whistled or sung from daylight until twilight the canvas glowed under his brush as I stood by his side gazing in admiration. At length the picture was finished, and taken home. On his return, joy and hope shone in his countenance; he was most liberal to me. He painted only two or three more pictures in the garret, which he left for a more respectable lodging. He was at length known to fame, and no longer at the mercy of the dealers, who would now have offered pounds for the shillings they had given me. It will seem surprising that in a community like ours there was a miser! There was, indeed, a revolting character, a neighbor in the garret, the poorest of the poor inmates, for he was haunted by the demon of poverty, in the spirit of greed. He was always whining and complaining, yet the inmates affirmed that he had money, and could live better than he did. He was not an aged man, yet lean and haggard in his appearance, as if bowed down by years. He was always begging from the other inmates: he denied himself even neces"Isary food. He had a box of hardware, spectacles, and other goods; but, if we could believe him, he never made any sales: he begged from his neighbors a share of their scanty meals, and sat by their firesides until he was unwelcome. But he cared not for their hints to retire -even insult fell unheeded on his ears, so long as he enjoyed the comforts of a fire, a thing he never had in his own room. me "Five shillings, sir," was my answer. looked at the dealer, who was looking at as if he could have killed me on the spot. "For shame!" said he to the dealer. will deal with the artist himself. Here, poor boy, are the two guineas I was to have paid for it, and a shilling to yourself. Give this card to the artist, and tell him to call on me." I ran out of the shop, and reached home breathless from joy and the speed with which I had run up the long turnpike-stair to our garret. I ran first to Annie to give her my shilling a great sum to her, for she was now in bad health, and very frail, and unable to wander far at night or morning. The anxious artist heard my joyous voice as I told her my good-fortune: he came in hastily, and I gave him the two pound-notes and the two shillings, with the card, and told him what the gentleman had said. man, depending only on his labor, and having a phantasmagoria: Red Indians and scalpings little to bestow upon her father. Several haunted me in all their horrors; yet I loved times she came, to visit him, and bring a few to hear Thomas tell of them. comforts, such as she could spare from her poor home her father accepting everything, yet grumbling. He was always in wantthe pest of the whole garret. I will not dwell much longer on him. At length, after four days of continued absence, Annie and the neighbors became anxious to know what had become of this miserable being, for no one had heard him go out. I was sent to his daughter, and brought her with me. When the door was forced, I shall never forget the sight that presented itself. Upon the almost bare floor lay the emaciated body of the old man, his arm stretched towards a few crusts that lay before him, but not within his reach. All was misery within the room, and his time-worn clothes were on his person; but he was cold in death. He had evidently been taken ill, and, unable to help himself or call for aid, had died from want. When his daughter and Annie were stripping the body to dress the corpse, they were astonished at the weight of the vest and smallclothes; and on examining them, and opening up the quilting, for it was all lined and sewed over with rags, they found guineas, half-guineas, and crowns - I never heard how many -all concealed in the clothes. I only saw the heap upon the table. The old miser was buried, and the daughter's husband became a prosperous tradesman in the city. How different was rough Tom, as we called him- open and free, beloved by all the inmates, full of frolic and humor, yet often very annoying to Annie when in his cups; although he had a great regard for her, and I was his favorite. He had spent his youth in the army; for twenty-seven years he had served his king and country in many lands. It was my greatest pleasure to sit and listen to his marvellous tales, as he told me of his campaigns in America. He had been in the battle of Bunker's Hill, and was with Burgoyne when he surrendered. How my young blood curdled as he told of the fierce Red "Engins". their massacres and their scalpings of peaceful homes consumed, and blackened bodies. I trembled as I listened; yet there was a fascination that held me fast, or I would have fled. When I left his room, his stories flitted before my imagination like Of all the inmates of the garret, Tom was the most scrupulously clean. When he went out, his shoes, whether good or bad, were shining-black, and every article he wore was well brushed. He might with economy have starved comfortably enough through life, for he had a pension of ninepence a day for his service and wounds; but economy and Tom had never been acquainted, and when he drew his pension, which he did twice a year, it was a saturnalia in our garret until all was spent, for everybody must partake of his hospitality, and Tom was in his glory as the head and promoter of the feasting and revelry. When all was spent, then came want and suffering again. Tom would go out and ply as a porter on the streets for any light work he could get to do, for he was far from strong: age and hard service had shaken almost to a ruin a naturally iron frame. He was often as much pinched as any of us, but, like an old soldier, suffered without complaint: all he looked forward to in this world was next payday, as he called it. He took the world as it came, or, rather, as he made it. The other occupants of this garret-floor had never been but what they were, pure birds of prey-venders of matches and other smallwares, and never had a higher ambition; enjoying heartily any little good-fortune that fell to them in the course of the day's excursions. Annie and I were made partakers — for we of the garret were a commonwealth — often of misery, and sometimes of gleams of happiness between. To-morrow was a day we never thought of providing for. Want was ever at our side; and the present employed all our energies. The period of my abode with Annie was now drawing to a close. For six years she had cherished me as a son: she did all in her power to keep me free from vice; but I was too young to understand her admonitions. My memory was well stored with psalms, questions, and texts of Scripture, but I saw little around me save scenes of profanity and dissipation. Except in Annie, I saw no shade of self-restraint. I loved the soldier, notwithstanding, even in his cups; and Miss Jane in her sober moods; and likewise the Mourning Lady while she was with us, for Annie loved her. With all the others, I was on good. terms: I saw neither good nor evil in their forth and extend his rounds. With pleasure ways, save in their drunkenness when they I undertook the task: I felt I had advanced annoyed me. I was the pet of all. Young a step in life; poor Annie's had ended where as I was, I was their messenger; wily and mine began. I was no more urged forth besharp, and active as a kid; learned above fore the dawn, winter and summer, to grope my years, for I could write a goodish hand. in garbage for bare life. For this, I was indebted to Miss Jane, who taught me in order that I might write begging-letters to her friends; and often I brought her answers with money in them, if I might judge by their weight. Poor Annie, worn out with age and toil, was now unable to go her wonted rounds. My scanty gatherings were unable to support us; but the other inmates spared something from their scanty means, and Miss Jane nursed her as a daughter, and never got tipsy during her illness. Annie was calm and resigned, and even wished for death; her only regret was to leave me destitute. At length, the hour came. I was sitting by her side on the miserable bed, weeping; a few of the female inmates were in the room, for even to the vicious a death-bed is a solemn scene. Annie had lain for some time as if life had fled; no one spoke to disturb the passing spirit; a dead silence was in the room. She revived, as if by an effort; and placing her cold hand on my head, attempted to speak, but so indistinctly, I could not understand her. I thought I could distinguish the words, Trust in God: " her hand fell from my head; she gave a deep sigh-it was her last. By whom, or where, she was buried, I never knew. Four men came with a plain blackened coffin, and carried her to her silent grave: no mourner followed. Miss Jane got a bottle of whisky, and gave the neighbors a dram, and then commenced one of her drinking rambles. I was once again without a friend on earth. The little furniture she had was taken by the landlord for arrears of rent. For several nights, I slept alone in the empty room, almost dead with fear; for I had heard from Annie and the others fearful stories of ghosts and other unearthly things, which those who told of them firmly believed in., Darkness and solitude chilled my young heart more than the cold suffered; but dire necessity overcame my terrors. I went no more forth to gather. I got a morsel from the inmates for running their messages, and Miss Jane was very kind, for I was useful to her. CHAPTER II. Ar length Annie's room was taken possession of by a new tenant; an old blind fiddler, with his aged wife. I begged them to allow me to remain with them; and they cheerfully agreed to my request, for she was frail, and he required a boy to lead him I commenced my task next afternoon. I had no bashful feelings to subdue; I rather felt proud as, barefoot and in rags, I led Willie through the streets. We never begged, but took all the coppers that were given us as he played through the streets. He had a double object in view; for, blind as he was, he was an excellent violinist, and was often engaged for evening parties, where they wished a dance. As we wandered through the streets at night, we were at times taken away in haste to tradesmen's houses, where parties of young people were assembled, and who felt their enjoyment incomplete without a dance. I had now made a change, from want and suffering to luxury and comfort. As I led Willie home, warm, well-fed, and comfortable, the contrast was forced upon me as we walked along the same streets where Annie and I had a short time before, at the same hours, wandered cold, hungry, and dejected. These parties were our windfalls, and pretty frequent at New Years' time. Willie, after I had been a few weeks with him, was so pleased with me that he bought me a suit of second-hand clothes. I was no more clad in rags; but my old clothes were carefully kept as a check upon me, to be at once reassumed in the event of my misbehaving. We never went out until towards the afternoon; in the fore part of the day, he taught me to sing to his fiddle. My voice was not powerful, but sweet and flexible; and my ear was correct. I was now a great acquisition to him, for he took up the balladtrade. I sung, and the ballads went from us thick as snow-flakes for a time; but by and by the buisness slackened; yet it was still remunerating. In the winter months, our harvest lay in the city; but as soon as the month of June or July came round, we set off on our country rambles. It being war-time, we selected our songs accordingly; there is a tact even in balladsinging in the city. We sung such asThere was a Gallant Soldier, on Sentry he did stand; Fullerton's Light Horse; Come all ye Gallant Sailors bold; Behold Poor Will, just come from Drill; Hey, Bonny Lass, will you lie in a Barrack? these took well, relieved with a love-song now and then. Up among yon Cliffy Rocks; The Broom o' Cowdenknowes; Logie o' Buchan; and Come under my Plaidie-a new song and a favorite. Such as these were our town-stock, and we throve on them. Willie told me, that within his recollection the taste of the In a few minutes, a servant came for us. people had completely changed, for at one I sang the song twice: the boy hanging on time it was only garlands and long stories of his mother's gown, and she pleased and ghosts that attracted; now, these did not smiling at his enthusiasm. When I finished sell. In the country, however, such ditties the second time, he began to whisper to her, were still popular, and they sold well; such and I heard the words: "Dear mamma, you as-It is a Sailor of whom I write; Gregor don't know that he is undeserving. 0! Ghost; Molly Bawn; The Douglas Trage-mamma, he sings so prettily, and he is so dy; The Bonny House o' Airlie; Edom o' poor; pray do, mamma." She was a widow; Gordon. The love-songs were the same as this her only child. in the towns, but the tragical ballads sold We were taken into the kitchen, and best. This was the happiest period of my plentifully regaled: after which she called life; I had no care, I had no want: yet Ime to her, and questioned me. I told her my have sung for hours with no heart to sing, sad tale, and everything about good Annie, but compelled by the certainty of a sly blow and all her kindness to me. The lady put on the head from the end of Willie's bow, if some questions from the Scriptures, which I I slackened. He made me always stand at answered readily; repeating, likewise, a his right side, and he struck so dextrously, psalm to her. Thanks to Annie, my mind no one could see the blow; for he only drew was stored with such matters; although at a longer bow, that the end of it might reach this time the psalms and the ballads held equal rank in my mind. I was repeating a Blind as he was, he was sharp as a hawk: second psalm, when the boy interposed: I dared not leave his side for a minute; and "O! mamma," said he, "let him sing the at night he would hold my two hands in his, song again; I love it better than psalms; and while he searched my pockets, lest I had give him the last dress I wore. Pray do, concealed a half-penny, and made me chew mamma, and I will be a good boy for a very a piece of bread, lest I had one in my mouth. long time." She kissed her son, and I was He was not cruel, however, although he was dressed in the cast clothes from shoe to cap, jealous. I was strictly honest to him; and equipped like a butterfly new out of its mechanically said my prayers every night chrysalis, and as proud as boy could be. and morning: the old man listened, and I have always found that there is no pleascalled me a good boy, but never prayed him-ure without some pain, for until this hour, self. The strange associates with whom we I never had had a shoe upon my feet; my were often forced to mix in the low lodging- first pair, although they went easily on, houses often scoffed, but never interrupted me. me. We were in our wanderings through Fife; it was a summer evening; the clothes Willie had given me I had much outgrown, and they had been sorely pieced and patched by Mary his wife.. I was singing away-a crowd of people stood round-I was selling fast, for I had just finished The Guidwife o' Auchtermuchty, and I now began The Hunting of Cheviot Chase. For this, Willie had a tune peculiarly his own as the verses occurred, his music was fierce, and again it wailed every note was an echo of the song; no one could give its spirit-stirring strain better than he. All stood admiring; but I noticed a very genteel little boy, about my own size and age, who was close by me. His whole mind seemed engrossed; his features and arms were all in action unconsciously; he expressed every sentiment of the ballad; and when I finished, his eyes were filled with tears, while his face was flushed and his hands clenched. We were going to give over for the day, and were about to leave the place, when he said: "Please, do not go, until I bring mamma; you must sing that song to her, for I love it, and she will pay you well." 66 pinched me sorely for a time, and caused me great uneasiness; vanity, however, enabled me to bear it, for vanity feels no pain. I had another ordeal to undergo; for Willie was much displeased, and said my vanity would ruin him. He carefully groped me all over, and in anger ordered me to go back for my old dress and resume it, or I should be his destruction. For the first time I rebelled, and he grew warm; but I kept out of his reach, and threatened rather to run away and leave him, than relinquish my new dress. He murmured, but was forced to yield. He soon grew reconciled, for my smart dress rather increased his gains; the people pitied us more when they saw so well-dressed a boy forced to sing ballads with his aged father. I was so docile and obedient, everybody took me for his son. Willie himself was not in rags; his dress was plain, but not patched, for the fiddler scorned the name of beggar, and the idea of charity. I often heard him say, when roused by the taunt, his head crect, and his white sightless eyes rolling as he spurned the epithet: "I am no beggar, I am a musician; I give value for all I get: music is worth gold. if I am not paid with gold, the fault is not mine; merit is not always rewarded. For eign music I have no taste for: but name there; The Bride came in frae the Byre; any tune, reel or strathspey, or any lilt from Screw up your Pipes; Johnny Cooper, and Johnnie's Gray Breeks to Logie o' Buchan, my other wedding-songs. I was feasted, and and I will give you them in true Scottish got pence besides. It was far in the forestyle." Such was his opinion of himself; noon before my master awoke out of a deathand, I must own, he had a wild melody in like sleep, sick and oppressed with head-ache; his playing that charmed his hearers, al- but I got him breakfast, and he began to though a taught ear might have found many recover. The bride was to be conducted faults. At wedding, kirn, or banquet, Willie home at three o'clock: the strangers bad would have been preferred by the guests to a begun to arrive long before that hour, and I more correct performer without his spirit. was set to sing, Willie accompanying me. These displays of temper took place only I was singing If I had a wife was round as when circumstances compelled us to stop at a Plum when a shout arose from the night in the low haunts of vagrants, where audience of "The bride! the bride!" I I witnessed the same scenes as in our garret. took my master's hand, and led him forward Many of them were lazy impostors; others a few paces, when we struck up Fy, let us were objects of charity, aged or maimed, un-a' to the Bridal, for there will be lilting there, fit for work; but all were improvident, for and advanced until we reached the front of to-morrow seldom found them possessed of the procession. Close behind us came the any part of what they had obtained the day cart with the bride's plenishing, laden high, before. Meal in the country, their chief and on the top of all was her spinningalms, they found means to dispose of to the wheel, decorated with gaudy ribbons streamindustrious poor, who scorned to beg, but ing in the breeze: the horse was also decowere pinched by want: in the towns, they rated. Next followed the bride, led by her got in general money; but all complained maidens and relatives. When the procession that the begging-trade had much fallen off reached the door of the bridegroom, his since they first knew it. mother broke the bridal-cake over the head of the bride, kissed and welcomed her home, amidst loud huzzas and the firing of fowlingpieces. One day we got scent of a wedding that was to take place in a village a few miles from where we were performing. This was an occasion not to be let slip; so away we went, and arrived in the village the day before its occurrence, and were fortunate enough to be engaged. It was a pay or penny wedding- -a golden harvest for Willie, as well as for the young couple-for the object of a pay-wedding is to raise a sum of money for the bride and bridegroom. The admission to the wedding-feast was two shillings, the dancers paying the fiddler, and anybody who chose to come on these terms was made welcome. We reached the place on a Thursday afternoon; all was prepared, and a large barn fitted up with benches and tables for the guests, a space being cleared before the barn for the dancers. Here, as the evening came on, Willie began; he fiddled vigorously, for he was in high spirits, and the dancers seemed never to tire. The ale and whisky were not spared until it was growing late; I dare say they would have danced all night, but for the eccentricity of Willie's fiddle, which gradually began to emit strange sounds a mixture of discords, without tune or time. Willie, however, was in general a strictly sober man. The tables were soon loaded with the feast, and the guests sat down after grace was said; and a long one it was, for the aged elder who spoke it touched on many subjects. At length Amen came, and the clatter of spoons, knives and forks, was the only sound heard for a time. Willie and I were not overlooked. We sat in a corner, and had of the best as soon as the company were satisfied; and that was very speedily, for everybody ate as if it had been for a wager. The tables were then cleared, and preparations for the dance commenced; while the old people retired to another house, to enjoy themselves over their cups. Willie and I were perched upon a tabletop, and the dancing began with vigor: two reels on the floor at once. It was a stirring scene; such shouts, such whoops, such cracking of fingers, such noisy beating of time and stamping of feet, can only be heard at a harvest-home or a penny-wedding. But towards the termination, as the drink began to take effect, jealousies arose, and high words, and even blows, were exchanged; so Willie and I slipped off, and left the tumult behind. Next morning I was up betimes; all the For more than two years, I led blind Wilvillage dames were in full employment, cook- lie, and was happy and content, singing in ing the wedding-feast or preparing for it. the streets of my native city in winter and All was joy and gladness, and my vocal pow-spring, and wandering in the country during ers were in full requisition. I sang, Fy, let the summer months: yet our gains were not us a' to the Bridal, for there will be lilting great. We never wanted, but we never had |
