THE COTTER'S SATURDAY NIGHT. The artist of the next group is one whom I have known and loved for many years; and his pictures are hung in one of the choicest corners of my gallery. All the scenes are taken from bonnie Scotland, that land of the moor and the mountain. The one in the centre of the group represents a family circle. It is Saturday night, and the father, a hard-working peasant, has come home after his week of toilsome labor. He sits beside his cozy fire, his lips parted in a happy smile as he dances upon his knee a prattling infant. Outside, the chill November wind blows loud; but the sound of its angry voice only adds to the warmth and cheer within. "His wee bit ingle1, blinkin' bonnilie2, His clean hearth-stane, his thrifty wifie's smile, Do all his weary, carking3 cares beguile, An' make him quite forget his labor an' his toil." 1 Wee bit ingle: small fire. 2 Blinkin' bonnilie: burning brightly. 3 Carking: consuming. 4 Near him is the "thriftie wifie," who, never idle, sits by her little table, with her needle and shears, making old clothes "look amaist as weel's the new.” Gathered about the father and mother are the children, the little ones playing about the floor, and the older boys and girls talking eagerly. These "elder bairns" are out at service among the neighboring farmers, and Saturday night is the only time when they all can be together. Is it any wonder, then, that their tongues wag merrily, as they tell of all that has happened during the past week? The parents cast loving glances upon them; the mother loses herself in a pleasant dream of anticipation, as she looks at Jenny, their eldest hope, now almost woman-grown; while from the father's earnest gaze, I know that he is ready to give them a gentle word of advice. "Their masters' an' their mistresses' command The younkers a' are warnéd to obey; An' mind their labors wi' an eydent hand, An' ne'er, tho' out of sight, to joke or play: 'An' oh! be sure to fear the Lord alway! 4 Amaist: almost. Eydent: diligent. An' mind your duty, duly, morn an' night! Lest in temptation's path ye gang astray, They never sought in vain that sought the Lord aright.' her We see It is only a small, plain room. The bare floor and meagre furniture show that Poverty has taken up abode there; but we do not think of that. only the sweet home-love that beams from every face; and, in its celestial light, the poor peasant's cottage becomes grander than the palace of a king. Shall I complete the picture by telling you how this happy family are going to spend their Saturday evening? As they sit talking, there is heard a gentle rap at the door. Jenny, wha kens the meaning o' the same, Sparkle in Jenny's e'e, and flush her cheek; Wi' heart-struck, anxious care, inquires his name, 6 While Jenny hafflins is afraid to speak; Weel pleased the mother hears it's nae wild, worthless rake. Haflins: partly. |