Young Oliver: or the Thoughtless Boy. A Tale

The Project Gutenberg eBook, Young Oliver: or the Thoughtless Boy, by Anonymous
O write upon my mem'ry, Lord, The texts and doctrines of thy word; That I may break thy laws no more, But love thee better than before.
A TALE.
Oh, that men should put an enemy into their mouths to steal away their brains! —Shakespeare.
WELLINGTON: Printed by F. Houlston and Son. Price Two-pence.

Little Oliver was born of respectable parents, who lived in a pleasant and fruitful part of the country. They had a small farm of their own, and were very industrious in cultivating it. Little Oliver used to drive the horses, while his father held the plough. Mrs. Oliver kept the house neat and clean, and made excellent butter and cheese, which were in great repute all the country round. Their daughter milked the cows, and assisted her mother in cleaning the house, and in doing any thing else that was wanted; for she was a dutiful girl, and so good-tempered, that all their neighbours directed their children to imitate the behaviour of Patty Oliver. But, notwithstanding all these prosperous circumstances, misfortunes, to which all are liable, came upon them, and they were reduced to poverty.
The fields of Old Oliver were frequently overrun with men and dogs employed to hunt and shoot.
The fences were broken down so often, it was impossible to keep them up. The hunting horses of the 'Squire over-topped the best that could be made. The corn was trod and eaten. Complaints were made in vain. Every day brought some fresh oppression. At last, the 'Squire wanted to buy it. What could the old people do? daily insulted, weary of life, they took what he chose to give them. It was not above one half the real value of the farm. Yet no other person would buy it, every body knew the proud temper of the 'Squire, and his contempt of those who were in lower circumstances than himself. No poor man ever found comfort under his roof. The very dogs about his house were taught to bite those whom poverty had clothed in mean garments. Old Oliver was particularly his aversion. The ground about, to the distance of ten miles, was all the 'Squire's, except that which belonged to Old Oliver, and he wished eagerly to have that likewise. He considered it disgraceful to have so mean looking a tenement on the border of his estate.