Original.

THE LOTTERY.

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH.

"WHY do you meddle with the lotteries ?" I said to a certain original of my acquaintance, who was in the habit, before every drawing, of emptying his purse at those offices spotted with figures of all sizes, which one meets in every street of Paris. "Your hopes are always doomed to disappointment. The millions you look for|| never arrive. Your revenue disappears with your capital, piece-meal, and you will soon find yourself reduced to the greatest shifts for a living."

That is the case now."

"He wakes, and finds the bright illusion o'er, But sleeps again-and struts a lord once more."

Go into a populous quarter of the capital, and place yourself near a lottery office on the evening before a drawing, (as that is the favorite time of buying, as their fates will be the sooner known.) Behold all the gossips of the neighborhood telling each other their dreams, and gravely discussing probabilities. Such a number has been in for fifty drawings, and of course must soon come out. Then the consulting of fortune-tellers, and the studying of dream books. Each old woman is furnished with a copy of this interesting work. It is the breviary of the Market-place. Their selection is made, and their turn arrived, (for they are arranged in file;) they ap

“How can a man of your great sense thus sacrifice proach the palace of fortune, purchase their ticket, and, himself and his future expectations!"

"It is for the future that I am working."

"But you always loose."

concealing the joy which hope brings to their hearts, they return home, sure, that to-morrow that old house, those old articles of furniture will be changed for better.

"I shall gather my profits by-and-bye. I sow now, The morrow arrives: what a disappointment!—the old but expect a glorious harvest hereafter."

number obstinately remains in the mahogany wheel, and the child whose eyes are closed by a black bandage, has drawn the one which had been put in but ten days before. "He will return to-morrow!" says the deserted fair one; and the faithless lover still is absent. "It will come up the next drawing!" is the comforting hope of the gossips of the quarter.

"Do you count hope for nothing? What could I do with six or seven acres of land, which is all my heritage. I rented them-I was not paid. I sold them-which has taken many cares off my shoulders. I was a solSince a law, or ordinance of Charles X. has fixed five dier, and by the honorable career of arms, only gained francs, instead of fifty centimes, as the minimum of a pension of eight hundred françs, and the rheumatism chances, the revenue of the Royal Lottery has not much to boot. How should I support myself? I had no esdiminished. Four, five or six persons will join together tate, and knew no trade whereby I might make a living in purchasing a ticket. And he who before could not When I am old, I shall require at least one domestic-have thought of taking a partnership in this speculation, comfortable apartments, regular and substantial living : was not now ashamed of putting in four or five sous, as and where is that to be obtained?, I have no rich uncle the sum of five françs was not in every one's power. This in America who can come forward in the fifth act and ordinance caused quite a sensation among the lower make a fine denouement in my favor." classes. The orange men were exasperated-the rag men exclaimed against despotism-the porters announced to their neighbors that this government could not stand-and if it had taken place in the season of ementes, God only knows what would have happened. It is certain that this measure rendered Charles X. very unpopular; and was, perhaps, one of the far off causes of the Revolution of July. What will be the consequence if the lottery should be suppressed? What is to become of all this crowd of speculators who now surround the temple of fortune? How will you procure them illuThere is sions, and bring them the blessings of hope? Should they work for their living, each day will provide its nourishment, its necessaries, and that is all; and then they must work, always work-they can gain nothing to lay up for the comforts of their old age. The lottery always promises the joys of wealth on the morrow; it is true the promise is broken, but they have the blessings of hope, which is much—is every thing.

"And so you look for fortune in the lottery?" "Certainly-I expect it, and I shall obtain it. There are others who by this means have attained to fortune." "You do not remember the thousands who have lost, and have been reduced to beggary."

"Oh, they did not know how to manage the business." "Do you know how?"

“Aye-let me alone. I have a way of playing, which in a given time, will bring the most happy results."

'My dear friend, that is impossible."

'Ah, you do not understand the matter. difficulty, I know, but not impossibility."

"You are one hundred thousand against one." "That may be still I have one chance."

"And upon this hope you would condemn yourself to the greatest privations."

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“Every time I give my five franç piece for a quarter ticket, I receive more satisfaction than if I had spent it They dare not suppress the lottery," said a watchat the Restaurateur, for I purchase the privilege of rais-seller to me, "we would all revolt. Ah, the government ing air castles for the next twenty-four hours." would have to look out then. We have but this sole pleasure, and you would deprive us of it. You rich people have balls and operas, which are, no doubt, very pleasing, and we pass our poor lives in the street; you wish to deprive us of fortune-you are not willing we

That last reflection silenced me. To buy the right of building castles in the air! That is an enjoyment in every one's power without purchasing a right. The porter who sleeps with his billet under his head, dreams he sleeps in the fairest apartment-and the next day-should become wealthy."

"You have much eloquence," I said to him, "but not || Paris; it was that which was on the place of the Basmuch logic." tille, opposite the garden of Beaumarchais: he traversed half Paris to take a chance there. When about to purchase a ticket he always wore an old green coat, because one day when he had gained, he had happened to have on this apparel; the whole world would not have induced him to dress otherwise or go elsewhere. Since then the house has been demolished to give place to a canal; this, he said, deranged all his calculations, and he was very much averse to the measure. He goes now to the end of the Street St. Jacques; he has had the luck to find an office, which, although not equal to the Bastille, still is tolerably well, and he manages to be contented with the change.

"It is certain that all this class of fruiters, porters and other ejusdems farinæ, will not know what to do with themselves when the lottery is suppressed. Notwith- || standing, it is with the intention of rendering them happier that this measure is agitated. There are so many different ways of seeking felicity, that one ought to have one's choice. Make laws on elections, upon the press; revise them a hundred times, these people care not; but the lottery law is very different: a million of copies was sold when it appeared—there was a general mourning in the Market-places-gloom reigned over la Vallée,|| and consternation was at its height in the Prouvair market. Do not imagine this class of society is alone griev ed: if the poor man seeks in the lottery the means of procuring the necessaries of life without working for them, how many of the better class search for means to satisfy their passion for luxury. The wish for superfluities is as strong with him as with a poorer man; they go to brilliant soirées, and wish to give them in their turn; they want handsome apartments, sumptuous furniture—their revenue is not sufficient—a lottery ticket promises relief, and they put in their hazard. It is for this sort of people that the secret entrances, the alleys and gates are opened, and offices at the end of courts. There, not fearing observation, they spend enormous sums without interest, in the hope of carrying off half the spoil. They make their calculations-they study algebra, they read old books, for they disdain not sometimes to consult even the dream book, and after a little while, accustomed to the idea, they do not doubt of success. If the lottery is dangerous, is it worse for the rich than the poor?-the first one ruined, while the latter only loses what would have been spent at the tavern perhaps. If it is without danger to the poor, of what consequence is the fate of the rich. Their education has given them the means of shunning the snare, and if they wish to drown themselves it cannot be helped, as they will seek some other way. And then, how many people would be without employment. That army of lottery office keepers and clerks, charged with keeping the result of all the dreams, and all lucubrations, will have to remain with their arms crossed for want of work; the couriers, who gallop with the news of the drawing to the country, will repose by the side of their ponies, as- || tonished at this long rest, In carrying soon the decrees of fate they avoid the intrigue of clandestine offices, who play for the moderate sum of five centimes. All the messengers who hasten to the receivers with the list of the drawing for two sous, will be stationed at the corners of the street, to increase the number of idlers. The telegraphs even, will find themselves reduced merely to report political news."

No one is so superstitious as a gambler, and above all, a gambler in the lottery; he has an address given him, and sets down the number: a hack passes, and he notes the figures, and resorts with them to his favorite office; for do not think they are indifferent where they place their hazard. Mr. D, the original of whom I have already spoken, only believed in one office in

He was once in the habit of visiting me every morning, to ask if I had dreamed of any numbers, and I must needs relate to him any thing I might have dreamed. Annoyed at his cross-questions, I gave him every morning four numbers, which I said I had dreamt; he was satisfied and I relieved from his further company. He absented himself one day, and for four months I saw him not. One day we met on the boulevard. "Why do you visit me no more?" I asked. "I sha'nt trouble myself to go "Why, pray?"

"You know well enough."

soon."

"You appear vexed at something."
"And so I am."

"Explain yourself, my dear sir."
"You have deceived me."
"I have deceived you?"
"Yes."

"When-how? In what?"

"You gave me numbers, telling me you had dreamt them. I am certain this is not true, for they did not come out."

Like all other gamblers, Mr. D—, had creditors who troubled him. "Come the fifth of next month and I will certainly pay you; or at least, on the fifteenth, or twenty-fifth. It is impossible but that my remittances will arrive by that time." These were the days on which the lotteries of Paris were drawn, and he counted on the appearance of certain lazy numbers."

Sometimes he gained petty sums, and then Vérg, Beauvilliers, or the provencel brothers, were sure of receiving visits from him; and when he was penniless, this odd man dined with some relations in the faubourgh Saint-Antonie. They were daily expecting a cousin who had married and settled in Bretagne, and whom Mr. D- had not seen for twenty years: they were brought up together, and anxious to see each other; and every day the approaching visit of his cousin was his constant theme of conversation.

The evening before a lottery drawing, after having made his accustomed visit to the office of Saint-Jacques Street, he set out to sleep in the country with some friends. He was obliged to remain there three days, as it was a party made up long since, and notwithstanding his violent desire of seeing the drawing, he was obliged to remain. He, however, took his measures to be informed of the event. The day before he set off he said

-; the

"We ask good prices then, as we gain nothing during the week."

"What is that to me, sir?"

"I shall of course be obliged to charge you two dollars, to set out immediately."

to a domestic in his relation's house: "To-morrow at ten o'clock, repair to the lottery office and see if these numbers, which I have here noted down, are drawn; if, as I hope, you see these figures put up on the window, send off a messenger to apprise me of it; he will be well paid for his pains. I am going four miles from Paris, at "You shall have four dollars if you will be quick." Cheneviers-Sur-Marne, at the house of Mr. This was without contradiction the most eloquent route is by Vincennes, Saint Maur and Champigny." argument he could make use of, and is of more effect The domestic promised to be exact, and he set out. in making one's self obeyed than all the phrases In an instant the people ran, Cheneviers is on an elevated situation from which is of the Academy. one to the stable, another to the coach-house, and the scen a vast extent of country. The next day, our gambler, armed with a spy-glass, looked out to see if he cabriolet was ready in the twinkling of an eye, and they set out for Paris. During the ride, Mr. D amused could espy the messenger of wealth arrive. Suddenly he saw a man walking at a rapid pace. If it should be himself chatting with the driver, complimenting him on he! Let us look again-gradually the object became the address with which he managed his sorry jade, and more distinct: what happiness!—he is no longer decei- asked him if he thought he was equal to taking charge ved. In short, he discovered the messenger who was of a coach and span at Paris. always stationed at the corner of the street where he dined when he was without money. "I have drawn a prize at last! Ah, I well knew that number would come up." He made his adieux. They wished to retain him, but he listened to nothing, and set out on foot to meet the messenger of fortune. He ran, he flew, and between Cheneviers and Champigny encountered him. "You are sent for me-are you not? I saw you far

off."

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'Certainly, sir-and it would not be the first time. You have have heard of Mr. Eutrecasteux ?" "Yes, I have heard of him."

"When I was a little boy, I had the honor of carrying his game-bag at the chase.”

"And what does that prove?"

"He had the best coachman in Paris, and I was his pupil."

"Will you enter into my service? I am going to "Yes, sir-I came to tell you, you are wanted im- purchase a carriage. I will give you a hundred françs and you will have board, lodging and your clothes washmediately in Paris." ed."

"Good-but who sent you?"

"Baptiste, the domestic in the boulevard Saint-An

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I suppose we must go en concon, with miserable horses."

"Yes, indeed. They say the inn-keeper here buys horses by the dozen, and they always give him in one for good measure."

"It is provoking we cannot get any thing good even by paying; but, thank fortune, I shall have my own soon."

"If we once get the horses going, they will trot on by the force of habit."

"I will give the coachman something extra." "Aye, then the horses will march, trot, gallop." They were now at the door of the inn-keeper. Come," ," cried Mr. D—, "horses immediately-the best horses and the best cabriolet, as I must go to Paris immediately."

"Monsieur wishes to go to Paris." "Yes-in haste."

"Does the gentleman recollect it is Sunday." "What of that?"

"Ah, Monsieur! it is like asking a drunkard if he will take a glass of wine."

"So then it is all understood. Here is my addresscome to-morrow and install yourself in your new office. Are you a good judge of horses?"

"I should think so, for I have lived twenty years among them."

“I want two, and they must be handsome and good horses. We will go together to choose them."

"You will be satisfied, for it will take a very subtile dealer to impose upon me."

"I think I had better buy three, as I do not like to put a horse in a cabriolet which has been used to go in a coach. He loses his step, and-"

"Sir, you are very right."

Upon second thoughts, I will buy four, for I must have a horse to ride on, and I cannot mount a coachhorse-they trot hard. And for the woods of Bologne." "L Oh, it wont do to take a coach-horse, it shakes one so-one must be in the habit. Without doubt you will have a Caléche ?"

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Oh, yes, and a landan also."

"A landan is useful for two purposes. But, sir, I cannot take care alone of four horses and five carriages."

"You are right," and addressing himself to the messenger, who was en lapin, Mr. D offered him the situation of groom, which he accepted with much gratitude. "I am a good master," he said to his people, "but must be well served. My horses must be kept in the finest order, my carriages neat and clean, and as my harness will be new it must be carefully kept. I like this country around here vastly, the air is very good.

Driver, do you know if there is a Chateau to be sold near here?"

"Yes, sir, there is a charming house near this with four hundred acres of enclosed land, and woods, and-" "I will buy it. Do you think there any land to be bought near it, as I wish to extend my estate a little more ?"

"Certainly, but you would have to pay well for it." 'Oh, that is nothing-I can pay all they ask." "There is a charming piece of land adjoining, which will please you."

"Who does it belong to ?"

"The Marquis D, but he will not sell."

"These great people are very vexatious sometimesretain their property merely because their ancestors possessed it. Is this Marquis rich ?"

Perhaps he has no ready money-but I must see about that, as it is nothing to have a park to walk in unless one has some grounds to hunt in when one has friends invited to spend some time."

"If you are fond of the chase, you will be suited here. On the other side of this river Marne, is the warren of St. Maur."

"Is there much game there?" "Oh, plenty, sir."

Ir was a stormy night in December: the wind blew furiously against a little hut, which from its decayed state and its approximation to the sea, whose waves almost washed it, appeared unfit for the habitation of any human being. Yet there one poor melancholy creature lived. The hovel was into two rooms, one of which was quite empty, and the other contained two chairs, a low stool and a table of the very meanest appearance. Although intensely cold, there were but a few dying embers in the grate, opposite to which was scated the living inhabitant-an old woman; very old and poor. Still, bowed down as she was by age, and want and sorrow, there was about her that indication of inward gentility which prosperity cannot give, nor misfortune take away. She was a strange, wayward being, and would wander sometimes for days together, without regard to season or weather, upon the rocks, and take no notice of any thing that might be said to her; and at other times, she would sit rocking herself on the low wooden seat, gazing upon vacancy, and muttering at intervals a few low indistinct words. Her appearance heightened her singularity; she had been tall and beautiful, but her features now had a hard, harsh outline, and except in You her eyes, which were large, black, and piercing, there was no trace of beauty left.

"I will buy it-Do you think I could have a bridge built across the river to connect my two estates?" 'Holy virgin! I can't tell."

"I think I can obtain permission-in this age money will carry us through any thing."

"There is a ferry-boat here."

"Oh, nothing is so vexatious as a ferry-boat-it is always out of order, when one wants it, it is sure of being on the other side of the river."

"That is very true, sir."

"In three months you will find a change here. would not know this country."

"That will be a fine thing for workmen, it will give them employment."

"I will occupy all the hands for ten miles around." In building these castles in the air, and buying all the lands he saw, Mr. D― arrived at the faubourg St. Antonie with his coachman and groom. As he alighted Baptiste was the first person he met.

She had unintentionally inspired the cottagers dwelling near her with a degree of awe, which gradually deepened into superstition. It was seldom that any one addressed her. She shunned them all, and the name of "Old Mary" was sufficient to terrify the children into good behavior: there was no cause for this fear, for she was gentle and even kind to those who did speak to her;

"You are a fine fellow," he said, " for having sent for but she was unfortunate, which is a sufficient reason for me so soon."

her want of friends. She had lately, however, been enlivened by the visits of a young girl whom she had known in infancy: she had left her native village while a child, and returned to it a blooming girl. Almost her first inquiry was for " Old Mary," who, when she came,

"Ah, I knew how pleased you would be." "You will be well rewarded, for now that I am rich, I shall not imitate some persons I could mention, but shall know how to spend my fortune like a gentleman." "So you have become rich," said Baptiste, "I am re-received her with a welcome such as only those can. joiced at that."

"Zounds man, I have gained 800,000 francs!" "When?"

"This morning!"

"Where-how?"

"At the lottery-you know that well."

"I know!"

"Did you not send the messenger to tell me of it?" "No, I forgot to go and look for your numbers."

give who feel that they are deserted and dreaded by all beside.

But to return. The old woman had sat in her desolate home with no companion but her own gloomy thoughts, when she heard a gentle tap at her door; she was unaccustomed to visitors, and her question of “who is there?" was asked sharply. 'Only me, only Rose," was the answer, and the girl entered. "It is a dreadful stormy night, and I thought you would feel lonely, so I