Rensselaer Gazette, Volume 2, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 July 1858 — Turning the Grindstone. [ARTICLE]

Turning the Grindstone.

When I was a little boy, says Dr. Franklin, I remember one cold winter’s morning I was accosted by a smilirijg man with an ax on his shoulder: “My pretty boy,”sa?d he, “has your father a grindstone!” “ Yes sir,” said I. “You are a fine little fellow,” said he, “will you let me griftd my ax on it?” Pleased with the compliment of ‘‘fine little fellow,” “O yes,” I tfns\vered,“ it is down in the shop.” “And will you, iny man,” said he, patting me on the head, “get a little hot water!” Could I refuse? I ran and soon brought a kettle full. “How old are you, and what’s your name!” continued he without waiting for a reply; “I am sure you are the finest little fellow I ever saw—will you just turn a few minutes for me!” Tickled at the flattery, like a fool I went to work, and bitterly did I rue the day. It was a new ax, and I toiled and struggled till I was almost tired to death. The school bell rung, and I could not get away; my hands were blistered, the ax was sharpened, and the man turned to me with, “Now, you little rascal, you’ve played truent; scud for school, or you’ll rue it.” Alas! it is hard enough to turn a grindstone this cold day. but to be called a,little rascal was too much. It sunk deep in my mind, and often have I thought of ihsince. When 1 see a merchant over-polite to his customers, begging them to take a little brandy, and throwing his goods on the counter, thinks I that man has an ax to grind. When I see a man flattering the people; making great, professions of attachment to liberty, who is in private life a tyrant, methinks look out, good people, that'fellow would set you turning a grindstone. When I see a man hoisted into office by a party spirit, without a single qualification to render him respectable or useful, alas! methinks, deluded people, you are doomed for a season to turn the grindstone for a booby.