The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

Magnanimity of an Italian Peasant.

A great inundation having taken place in the north of Italy, owing to an excessive fall of snow, followed by a speedy thaw, the river Adige carried off a bridge near Verona, except the middle part, on which was the house of the toll-gatherer; and who, with his whole family, thus remained imprisoned by the waves, and in momentary expectation of certain destruction. They were discovered from the banks stretching forth their hands, screaming and imploring succor, while fragments of this only remaining arch were continually dropping into the impetuous torrent. In this extreme danger, a nobleman, Count Pulverini, who was a spectator, held out a purse of one hundred sequins, as a reward to any adventurer who would take a boat and save this unhappy family. But the risk was so great of being borne down by the rapidity of the stream, of being dashed against the fragments of the bridge, or of being crushed by the falling of the heavy stones, that not one of a vast number of lookers-on had courage enough to attempt such an exploit. A peasant passing along, was informed of the promised reward. Immediately jumping into a boat, he, by amazing strength, gained the middle of the river, brought his boat under the pile, when the whole terrified family safely descended by means of a rope. 'Courage (said he) you're safe!' By a still more strenuous effort, and great strength of arm, he brought the boat and family to shore. 'Brave fellow!' exclaimed the Count, (and handing the purse to him,) 'here is your promised recompense. 'I shall never expose my life for money, (answered the peasant,) my labor affords a sufficient livelihood for myself, my wife, and children;—give the purse to this poor family which has lost all!'