MICHAEL THE UPRIGHT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXIV, 14 December 1895, Page 756

MICHAEL THE UPRIGHT.

More than two hundred years ago there lived in Holland a little boy named Michael. His parents were poor, and wished to bring him up to some trade ; but Michael’s heart was set upon being a sailor, and nothing else would do. So he was allowed to have his way ; and his father got a berth for him in a vessel about to sail for Morocco, on the coast of Africa. It belonged to a merchant who was in the habit of carrying out bales of cloth to sell to the natives of that place. As be went himself in the ship, he had full opportunity of testing the character of bis new * band,’ and he very soon found that be was something worth having. Not only was he quick to learn his duties, but, what was far better, he was a boy to be trusted. Whatever he had to do he did it in the best way he could, whether anyone was looking at him or not. * This is the boy I want,’ thought the merchant; and Michael rose rapidly. His industry, patience, and honesty were known and honoured by all. At last, one day the merchant fell sicK, and could not go with the vessel, which was laden ready to sail for Morocco. What conld he do ? He knew of only one person to whom he could entrust bis cargo. He sent for Michael and told him that he must go in his master’s stead. Michael was young, and the responsibility was great, but it was bis duty and he did not flinch from it. The ship sailed with Michael in charge, and in due time, he might have been seen arranging his cloth in the market place at Morocco. Now the city was governed by a despot called a Bey ; and so despotic was he that he could do what he liked with the lives of his people without anybody to call him to account. On this very morning he came into the market, and, after inspecting the various pieces of cloth in Michael’s keeping, he fixed on one and asked the price. • Michael named it. The Bey offered half the sum named. * Nay,’ said Michael, • I ask no more than it is worth; my master expects that price, and I am only his servant. I have no power to take less. The Bey’s face grew dark with anger, and the bystanders trembled, for they knew that it was certain death to oppose the wishes of the cruel governor. * I will give you till tomorrow to think about it,’ be cried, and he walked away. Michael put back the cloth and began calmly to wait on his customers. * I am in God’s hands,’ he said, when those around him begged him to give in and save his life. *He who is not true in small things, how shall he be true in great ? If my master loses one penny through me, I am not a faithful servant.’ The morrow came. The Bey appeared as before, only that besides his other servants the public executioner followed behind him. He asked the same question, and he got the same answer. ‘ Take my life if you will,’ added the brave Michael, * but I shall die with a clear conscience, and as a true servant of my master.’ It was an awful moment. Everybody expected to hear the order, * Strike off his head 1’ and in a moment it would have been done. But it was not done. The face of the Bey suddenly changed. * Thou art a noble soul,’ he cried. * Would that I had such a servant as thou art ! Give me thy hand. Christian, thou shalt be my friend. I will make of the cloth a robe of honour as a memorial of thy fidelity.’ And the Bey threw a purse of gold upon the table, took up the cloth, and departed. And the young man who was thus faithful over a few things did not go unrewarded. We do not lose sight of him there. He rose step by step till he became an admiral, and be fought the battles of his country as nobly as be sold his master’s cloth, and the name of Michael Ruyter, known at that time over the world, is still honoured and remembered in bis native country. And the thing about him which they love best is this, that in the very face of death he dared to do what was right !