PAGE. RURAL Probity, an interesting narrative- The History of Honestus, a pleasing tale- On the Government of the Passions- The History of Damon and Pythias PERRIN, a rural swain, was born in a small village in Devonshire; when he came into the world, Poverty received him into her cold embraces; he lost both his father and mother before he could pronounce their names; he owed his maintenance to public charity; he learned to read and write; this was the utmost extent of his education. At the age of fifteen he hired himself to a farmer; he was entrusted with the care of a flock. Lucetta, a young girl of the neighbourhood, at the same time tended her father's sheep. She led them to pastures, where she often met Perrin, who B paid her all the little services, and assiduities that were possible at his age, and his situation. Their custom of being together, their quiet occupations, their innocence and goodness of heart, their officious attention to each other, produced a mutual attachment. They were fond of each others company; they waited with impatience for the hour at which they usually met in the meadow; they quitted it with regret, because when they were to leave it, they were to separate. Their young hearts were susceptible; they already felt the passion of love, though they were ignorant of its nature and tendency. Five years glided away in innocent amusements; their sentiments grew more animated and ardent; they never met without the warmest emotions, which were heightened by the artless expressions of their love. Lucetta frequently checked Perrin's passion, not without regretting the constraint to which she was subjected by her conscious and ingenuous modesty; Perrin sighed, and imitated her cautious behaviour. They both wished to be united by wedlock, and communicated to each other their mutual desire.* Marriage is the final object of rural love. Seducement is not known in the innocent village; the coquette and the man of intrigue are characters not to be met with there. Perrin intended to ask Lucetta of her father; he communicated his intention to his mistress, who blushed at the proposal, yet frankly acknowledged that it gave her a very sensible pleasure. She did not, however, chuse to be present at the interview between him and her father; she told her lover she was going to the neighbouring town next day, desired him to avail him self of her absence, and to acquaint her, in the evening, with his success. The young man at the appointed time, flew to Lucetta's father. He opened his mind to him without reserve. Studied persuasion and art are not the talents of rustic orators. He frankly told him that he loved Lucetta. -You love my daughter, answered the old man abruptly! You would marry her! * Virtuous love dwells only in innocent and virtuous minds; but vicious desires are the baneful offspring of contaminated affections. Are you in earnest, Perrin? How do you propose to live? Have you cloaths to give her? Have you a roof to cover her? Have you food to support her? You are a servant, you have nothing. Lucetta is not rich enough to maintain herself and you. Perrin, you are not in a condition to keep a wife and family. I have hands, replied Perrin, I have health and strength. A man who loves his wife never wants employment; and what industry would I not exert to maintain Lucetta? Hitherto, I have gained eight pounds every year; I have saved twenty; they will defray the expences of the wedding. I will work more diligently; my savings will augment; I shall be able to take a little farm; the richest inhabitants of our village have begun as poorly as I shall set off in life; why may I not succeed as well as they? Very true, Perrin, you are young, you must wait for some time yet; when I find you are a rich man, my daughter is your's;* but till then, make me no more such absurd and romantic proposals. This is too much the language of fathers in the present day; a prudent care is necessary, but riches cannot secure happiness. |
