The North Star (Rochester)/1847/12/03/A kind-hearted child
A KIND-HEARTED CHILD.
There is nearly in front of our office, an old pump—a kind of town pump which every one mar use, and whose wet and bespattered base speaks plainer than sign boards could do, of water for man and horses; and a very excellent pump it is, too—never out of order, easily worked, and furnishing the purest, clearest, coolest water in the world. Many a thirsty school boy and omnibus driver has refreshed himself at that pump—the trackmen and draymen stop there and the old iron ladle that hangs by its side has been pressed to many a sweet and pretty lip. It is no unusual thing, just after school hours, to see some little fellow, with his satchel over his shoulder, working away at the handle for ten minutes at a time, till all who have gathered around it have been supplied with drink. But yesterday the pump was honored as though an angel had blessed it. A rosy cheeked girl, her face half hid in a flood of glorious curls, came bouncing by, driving her hoop, as the old, decrepid apple women, whom every body knows, and whom no one passes without giving her a penny, was endeavoring to obtain a drink. She had set down her basket, but bent nearly double by the weight of her years and sorrows, was still compelled to lean upon her staff. The little Hebe saw the difficulty, and was in an instant at the handle. Holding the ladle until it was filled, she carried it gently to the lips of the old lady, then filled it again, while the warm, grateful thanks of the poor woman called the crimson to her cheek, which as she hurried away was deepened by the consciousness that she was observed. We shall ever remember that girl, and the joyous satisfaction with which she performed a good and kind action to the aged. The scene, and the hearty thanks of the old lady, called forcibly to mind, and not altogether inappropriately, the beautiful thought in Talford's tragedy of Ion:
"It's a little thing
To give a cup of water, yet its draught
Of cool refreshment, drained by fevered lips,
May send a shock of pleasure to the soul,
More exquisite than when nectarious juice
Renews the life of joy in happiest hours."