294 TWENTY-FIRST EVENING.

Mr. EB. I suspose, notwithstanding your industry,
you live rather hardly sometimes ? . .

Jac. To be sure, sir, we are somewhat pinched in
dear times and hard weather; but, thank God, J have
constant work, and my children begin to be some help
to us, so that we fare better than some of our neigh-
bours. If I do but keep my health, I don’t fear but
we shall make a shift to live. |

Mr. E. Keep such a contented mind, my friend,
and you will have few to envy. Good morning to
you, and if any sickness or accident should befal you,
remember you have a friend in your neighbour at the
hall.

Jac. 1 will sir, and thank you.

Ch. Good morning to you.

Jac. The same to you, master.

[ Zhey leave the cottage.

Mr. BH. Well, Charles, what do you think of our
visit ?

Ch. Tam highly pleased with it, sir. I shall have
a better opinion of a poor cottager as long as I live.

Mr. FE. 1am glad of it. You see, when we com-
pare ourselves with this weaver, all the advantage is
not on our side. Heis possessed of an art, the utility
of which secures him a livelihood, whatever may be
the changes of the times. All his family are brought
up to industry, and show no small ingenuity in their
several occupations. They are not without instruction,
and especially seem to be in no want of that best of
all,—the knowledge of their duty. They understand
something of the cultivation and uses of plants, and
are capable of receiving enjoyment from the beauties
of nature. They partake of the pleasures of home
and neighbourhood. Above all, they seem content
with their lot, and free from anxious cares and repin-
ings. I view them as truly respectable members of
society, acting well the part allotted to them, and that
a part most of all necessary to the well-being of the
whole. They may, from untoward accidents, be ren-