The Abandoned Farmer Classic Reprint PDF Download

Excerpt from The Farmer of Inglewood Forest Under an aged oak, that grew on a pleasant hut lonely part of Inglewood Forest, one fine summer's evening, sat the venerable farmer Godwin, reading to his family, with a dignity, that might have graced a more distinguished rank; but it was a subject that ever raised his heart to the Most High, and made him feel that, however humble the state of probation, a life spent in innocence and integrity would one day entitle him to a place where virtue alone claims pre-eminence. On his knee lay the Bible; on his right hand sat his wife, who, though grey hairs shaded her temples, the beam of youthful affection was not extinguished in her eye; on his left sat his sons, William and Edwin; and at her mother's feet was placed their sister Emma, trimming a straw hat with pink ribbons for the ensuing fair. The lecture concluded, they adjourned to their humble mansion, which, though appertaining to some rich and highly-cultivated land, was nothing more than a spacious, convenient farmhouse; yet to those to whom cleanliness and comfort constitute luxury, this dwelling possessed every attribute. The frugal meal was soon prepared, and seasoned with innocent mirth, and the happy cheerfulness of hearts unconscious of guile might have outbalanced in pleasure far more sumptuous entertainments; for labour had given health, and health appetite; and for the corroding passions of envy, jealousy, pride, or malice, that so frequently embitter the feasts of the great, their hearts were too humble to entertain such overbearing intruders. The suppers removed, and the farmer's pipe, with a pitcher of ale, being placed on the table - "I wonder," said William, with a half-sigh, "whether Fanny Bernard is yet returned home?" - "Suppose we step down the lane and inquire?" replied Edwin; "it is a fine night, and Emma can go with us; we shall be back before my father has smoked his pipe." This motion was immediately adopted, as farmer Bernard's was only a quarter of a mile down a green lane, that was separated from a forest by a high-road crossing its entrance. It would hardly be possible to paint three more interesting figures than the brothers and sister tripping by a clear moonlight over the green. William had just attained his twenty-second year, his face and person forming a model from which a statuary might have envied to copy an Apollo, yet with a cast of reflection over his animated features, which to a common observer made them less striking than those of his brother Edwin, who was a year younger, and whose person, though less elegantly formed, was yet more fascinating, from the continual sprightliness that enlivened his features; Emma, innocent as the dove, playful as the Iamb, and fair as Milton's Eve, holding of each a hand, and chatting a hundred little minutias, to themselves only interesting. On reaching Bernard's farm, they entered without ceremony, the lifting of the latch alone announcing visiters. "Welcome, my lads," said the old man; "what, and my little girl too! are you there? Hark ye, Agnes," addressing his daughter, "replenish the pitcher, and look what hast got in the cupboard," - "We have supped," replied William; and looking anxiously round the room, "Fanny, I see, is not yet returned." - "No; Agnes and I have been wishing for her - she will be back in a day or two, I suppose; but, pies on't! About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com