The History of Little Jack
This old man had one domestic. In his walks over the ommon, he one day found a little kid that had lost its mother, and was almost famished with hunger; he took it home to his cottage, fed it with the produce of his garden, and nursed it till it grew strong and vigorous. Little Nan (for that was the name he gave it) returned his cares with gratitude, and became as much attached to him as a dog. All day she browsed upon the herbage that grew around his hut, and at night reposed upon the same bed of straw with her master. Frequently did she divert him with her innocent tricks and gambols. She would nestle her little head in his bosom, and eat out of his hand part of his scanty allowance of bread, which he never failed to divide with his favourite. The old man often beheld her with silent joy, and, in the innocent effusions of his heart, would lift his hands to heaven, and thank the Deity that, even in the midst of poverty and distress, had raised him up one faithful friend.
One night, in the beginning of winter, the old man thought he heard the feeble cries and lamentations of a child. As he was naturally charitable, he arose and struck a light, and, going out of his cottage, examined on every side. It was not long before he discerned an infant, which had probably been dropped by some strolling beggar or gipsy. The old man stood amazed at the sight, and knew not what to do. 'Shall I,' said he, 'who find it so difficult to live at present, encumber myself with the care of an helpless infant, that will not for many years be capable of contributing to its own subsistence? And yet,' added he, softening with pity, 'can I deny assistance to a human being still more miserable than myself? Will not that Providence which feeds the birds of the wood and the beasts of the field, and which has promised to bless all those that are kind and charitable, assist my
2
