in describing the simple and useful life of MR. and MRS. MARTIN, from the
remembrance of many worthy couples in similar situations, who might have
sat for the resemblance. She has endeavoured, in relating the adventures
of JOHN TELFER, the Eskdale Herd-boy, to impress on the minds of her young
readers, the permanent advantages of early integrity and gratitude. In the
short and unfortunate life of WILLIAM MARTIN, she has attempted to show
the duty that is incumbent on all young people, to subdue that disobedient
and self-willed temper, which may otherwise undermine, not only their own
comfort and happiness, but those of their parents and friends, of all whom
they love, and of all to whom they are dear. The character of HELEN is
meant, on the contrary, to illustrate the inestimable value that a dutiful
daughter may be of, both to father and mother; the prudence, the
steadiness, and even the energy which Helen displays, on some trying
occasions, will not, it is hoped, appear to be overstrained, when her
conduct is considered as the result of an education conducted on these
steady principles, which insure the love and obedience of the child, by
inspiring a firm reliance on the justice and affection of the parent.




THE ESKDALE HERD-BOY




CHAP. I.


In the year 1807 there stood on the beautiful banks of the river Esk, in