Young Oliver, or, the Thoughtless Boy: A Tale

Little Oliver was born of respectable parents, who lived in a pleasant and fruitful part of the country. They had a small farm of their own, and were very industrious in cultivating it. Little Oliver used to drive the horses, while his father held the plough. Mrs. Oliver kept the house neat and clean, and made excellent butter and cheese, which were in great repute all the country round. Their daughter milked the cows, and assisted her mother in cleaning the house, and in doing any thing else that was wanted; for she was a dutiful girl, and so good-tempered, that all their neighbours directed their children to imitate the behaviour of Patty Oliver. But, notwithstanding all these prosperous circumstances, misfortunes, to which all are liable, came upon them, and they were reduced to poverty.