Page:Affecting history of an inn-keeper in Normandy.pdf/5

(5) the hints already advanced; or too faint an illuſtration of the deplorable conſequences, which now and then follow upon an unlimited indulgence even of the beſt of human paſſions.

An innkeeper at a town in Normandy had eight children. His wife, whom he loved with the utmoſt tenderneſs, died of a fever, after fourteen years cohabitation. He was inconſolable for a while; but at length he emerged from his grief, and transferred all his affection to the fruits of his marriagebed. The income ariſing from the profits of his buſineſs, was an incompetent maintenance for his family. Hence ſeveral of his ſons and daughters, when they had attained to a proper age, quitted their father's houſe, and entered into ſervitude. So ſtrong was the innholder's attachment to his children, that he regarded their departure in the light of a temporary baniſhment. However, there yet remained at home his eldeſt and his youngest ſon, who practiſed every filial duty to ſupply the deficiency of his abſent comforts. Prior to this period commenced the last war betwecnbetween [sic] France and Great Britain: In the progreſs whereof the French compelled into the ſervice a multitude of young fellows, who were averſe to the profeſſion of arms. It unhappily fell out, that the innkeeper's youngest boy, a lad about ſixteen years of age, was ſeized upon by a