in
occupations for which one is destined from the cradle, cannot be
explained or described. Perhaps they might appear to every one else
common, insignificant, and unpleasant; but they seemed to me necessary
as air to the lungs, or food to the stomach. My good master was pleased
at my inward delight, and promised me that, with such zeal and
attention, I should advance rapidly and become an able miner. With what
reverence did I behold for the first time in my life, on the sixteenth
of March, more than five-and-forty years ago, the king of metals in
small, delicate leaves between the fissures of the rocks! It seemed as
if, having been doomed here to close captivity, it glittered kindly
towards, the miner, who with so many dangers and labors breaks a way to
it through its strong prison-walls, that he may remove it to the light
of day, and exalt it to the honor of royal crowns, vessels, and holy
relics, and to dominion over the world in the shape of genuine coin,
adorned with emblems, cherished by all. From that time I remained at
Eula, and advanced gradually from the business of removing the hewn
pieces of ore in baskets, to the degree of hewer, who is the real
miner, and who performs the observations upon the stone."

The old man paused a moment in his narration, and drank, while the
attentive listeners pledged his good luck, as they drained their cups.
Henry was delighted with the old man's discourse, and was desirous to
hear still more from him.

His listeners related descriptions of the dangers and strangeness of
the miner's life, and had many marvels to tell, at which the old man
often smiled, and endeavored to correct their odd representations.

After a while Henry said, "you must have experienced much that is
wonderful since then, I hope you have never repented your selection of
a mode of life. Be kind enough to tell us how you have employed
yourself since, and why you are now travelling. You must have looked
farther into the world, and I am certain that you are now something
more than a common miner."

"I take great pleasure," said the old man, "in the recollection of past
times, in which I find cause to bless the divine mercy and goodness.
Fate has led me through a joyful and serene life, and not a day has
passed, at the close of which I could not retire to rest with a
thankful heart. I have always been fortunate in my undertakings, and
our common Father in Heaven has guarded me from evil, and brought me to
a