Читать онлайн
Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. In Three Volumes. Vol. I.
Joseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. In Three Volumes. Vol. I
EPITAPH
"Here lies a little child, lost in the forest deeps. —
At midnight from the slumbering fold he strayed;
But the lost lamb was found by One who never sleeps,
And to his everlasting Father's fold conveyed."
These lines are written on a small cross, in the churchyard of the village where the scene of the following simple story is laid. This mournful inscription would have been applicable once more, if a merciful Providence had not watched over Joseph. He retained however through life the appellation of "Joseph in the Snow," for being lost in the storm was the cause of his eventual good fortune, and of his rescue from destitution and misery.
CHAPTER I.
IS IT NOT YET MORNING?
"Mother, is it morning yet?" asked the child, sitting up in bed.
"No, not nearly – why do you ask? Lie still, and go to sleep."
The child was quiet for a short time, but then repeated in a low voice: —
"Mother, is it morning yet?"
"What is the matter, Joseph? do be quiet – don't disturb me, and go to sleep. Say your prayers again, and then you will fall asleep."
The mother repeated the child's night prayers along with him, and then said, "Now, good night, Joseph."
The boy was silent for a while; but on hearing his mother turn in bed, he called to her in a whisper, "Mother!"
No answer.
"Mother! mother! mother!"
"What is it? what do you want?"