VILLAGE ANNALS,
CONTAINING
AUSTERUS AND HUMANUS.
EMBELLISHED WITH FINE ENGRAVINGS.
PHILADELPHIA:
PUBLISHED BY JOHNSON & WARNER,
No. 147, market street.
Griggs & Dickinsons, Printers.
1814.
VILLAGE ANNALS.
IT was in that season of the yearwhen nature wears an universal gloom,and the pinching frost arrests the runningstream in its course, and gives a[6]massy solidity to the lake that latelycurled with every breeze, that Sir FilmerHopewell, having lost his road inthe Dale of Tiviot, was met by twoyouths that swiftly skimmed the surfaceof the slippery brook, and sought anantidote against the inclement cold inthe wholesome though dangerous exerciseof skaiting. Of these hale andruddy young villagers he enquired hisroad, or where he might meet with alodging for the night, for the sun wasdeclining in the shades of evening fastencompassing the dale. They directedhim to the summit of a neighbouringhill, on the declivity of which therestood a small village, where probably[7]
[8]
[9]he might meet with accommodation.Though wearied and fatigued, this informationgave him vigour, and he hastenedup the hill, and soon beheld withpleasure, beheld the sign of the Lionand Dog; that on a lofty post invitedto the village ale-house. He entered ita seasonable and salutary asylum fromthe wintry blast, and was conductedinto a neat little parlour, with a cheerfulfire. Being seated, his host quicklymade his appearance, with such refreshmentas his house afforded. Sir Filmer,on his first entering, immediately perceivedthere was character in his countenance;a quick dark eye and sharpfeatures that gave him that appearance[10]of intellect, which is seldom found tobe belied upon further acquaintance.He therefore gave him an invitation tospend an hour or two with him; whichhe accepted without hesitation: andafter taking a bumper to the health ofhis guest, entertained him with numerousanecdotes of the village.
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