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Page 33
* * * * *
"Grandfather, this is not an agreeable story," observed Clara.
"No, Clara," replied Grandfather. "But it is right that you should know
what a dark shadow this disease threw over the times of our forefathers.
And now, if you wish to learn more about Cotton Mather, you must read
his biography, written by Mr. Peabody, of Springfield. You will find it
very entertaining and instructive; but perhaps the writer is somewhat
too harsh in his judgment of this singular man. He estimates him fairly,
indeed, and understands him well; but he unriddles his character rather
by acuteness than by sympathy. Now, his life should have been written by
one, who, knowing all his faults, would nevertheless love him."
So Grandfather made an end of Cotton Mather, telling his auditors that
he died in 1728, at the age of sixty-five, and bequeathed the chair to
Elisha Cooke. This gentleman was a famous advocate of the people's
rights.
The same year, William Burnet, a son of the celebrated Bishop Burnet,
arrived in Boston, with the commission of governor. He was the first
that had been appointed since the departure of Colonel Shute. Governor
Burnet took up his residence with Mr. Cooke, while the Province House
was undergoing repairs. During this period, he was always complimented
with a seat in Grandfather's chair; and so comfortable did he find it,
that on removing to the Province House, he could not bear to leave it
behind him. Mr. Cooke, therefore, requested his acceptance of it.
"I should think," said Laurence, "that the people would have petitioned
the king always to appoint a native-born New Englander to govern them."
"Undoubtedly it was a grievance," answered Grandfather, "to see men
placed in this station, who perhaps had neither talents nor virtues to
fit them for it, and who certainly could have no natural affection for
the country. The king generally bestowed the governorships of the
American colonies upon needy noblemen, or hangers-on at court, or
disbanded officers. The people knew that such persons would be very
likely to make the good of the country subservient to the wishes of the
king. The legislature, therefore, endeavored to keep as much power as
possible in their own hands, by refusing to settle a fixed salary upon
the governors. It was thought better to pay them according to their
deserts."
"Did Governor Burnet work well for his money?" asked Charley.
Grandfather could not help smiling at the simplicity of Charley's
question. Nevertheless, it put the matter in a very plain point of
view.
He then described the character of Governor Burnet, representing him as
a good scholar, possessed of much ability, and likewise of unspotted
integrity. His story affords a striking example, how unfortunate it is
for a man, who is placed as ruler over a country, to be compelled to aim
at any thing but the good of the people. Governor Burnet was so chained
down by his instructions from the king, that he could not act as he
might otherwise have wished. Consequently, his whole term of office was
wasted in quarrels with the legislature.
"I am afraid, children," said Grandfather, "that Governor Burnet found
but little rest or comfort in our old chair. Here he used to sit,
dressed in a coat which was made of rough, shaggy cloth outside, but of
smooth velvet within. It was said that his own character resembled that
coat, for his outward manner was rough, but his inward disposition soft
and kind. It is a pity that such a man could not have been kept free
from trouble. But so harassing were his disputes with the
representatives of the people, that he fell into a fever, of which he
died, in 1720. The legislature had refused him a salary, while alive;
but they appropriated money enough to give him a splendid and pompous
funeral."
And now Grandfather perceived that little Alice had fallen fast asleep,
with her head upon his footstool. Indeed, as Clara observed, she had
been sleeping from the time of Sir Hovenden Walker's expedition against
Quebec, until the death of Governor Burnet--a period of about eighteen
years. And yet, after so long a nap, sweet little Alice was a
golden-haired child, of scarcely five years old.
"It puts me in mind," said Laurence, "of the story of the enchanted
princess, who slept many a hundred years, and awoke as young and
beautiful as ever."
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