At length, he pronounced tremblingly those
terrible words, "Commissioners," and "Cellar-rats," which he explained
by giving me to understand that he concealed his wine because of the
excise, and his bread on account of the tax imposed on it; adding,
he should be an undone man, if it was suspected he was not almost
perishing with want. What he said to me on this subject (of which I
had not the smallest idea) made an impression on my mind that can
never be effaced, sowing seeds of that inextinguishable hatred which
has since grown up in my heart against the vexations these unhappy
people suffer, and against their oppressors. This man, though in
easy circumstances, dare not eat the bread gained by the sweat of
his brow, and could only escape destruction by exhibiting an outward
appearance of misery!- I left his cottage with as much indignation
as concern, deploring the fate of those beautiful countries, where
nature has been prodigal of her gifts, only that they may become the
prey of barbarous exactors.
The incident which I have just related, is the only one I have a
distinct remembrance of during this journey: I recollect, indeed, that
on approaching Lyons, I wished to prolong it by going to see the banks
of the Lignon; for among the romances I had read with my father,
Astrea was not forgotten, and returned more frequently to my
thoughts than any other. Stopping for some refreshment (while chatting
with my hostess), I inquired the way to Forez, and was informed that
country was an excellent place for mechanics, as there were many
forges, and much iron work done there.
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