Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/271

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
269

Poor ting! she did not live long to bless Robert," wiping his eyes as he spoke; "and having no friend left, my toughts den turned upon goot last Massa in England. All my wife's property became mine. I raised a handsome stone over her grave, and after wept sorely for her. Me had no spirit to go on wit de business; me determined to sell all off at once, and wit all de produce of it, come back to England, and search for Massa, hoping goot Providence would bless and reward my design; and while coming over in de ship, de words dat Massa used to say, when a youth, was always running in my head: 'Robert, when I grow up, and become rich, you shall share my fortunes.' Me became quite joyful at tinking it was about to come to pass; and dere Massa now is found, and Robert quite happy."

His simple story finished, the General endeavoured to chase the tears that, in spite of himself bedewed his eyes; turning them next upon Robert, "What a soul of brightness," thought he, "does that sable form inclose!" To suppress the further emotions that were rising, he arose from his seat, and laid his hand upon the heart of the negro.

"Robert," exclaimed he, "your reward will be found there—in that heart, where the bliss of angels and heaven already dwell! The sons of Afric are surely blessed above us, possessing such superior warmth of affection, and perhaps capacities of no meaner order. Well, Robert," he added, "you will