Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 44045-h.htm or 44045-h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44045/44045-h/44045-h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44045/44045-h.zip) Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See https://archive.org/details/youngoliverortho00welliala FRONTISPIECE. [Illustration: (open book)] O write upon my mem'ry, Lord, The texts and doctrines of thy word; That I may break thy laws no more, But love thee better than before. [Illustration: (decorative)] YOUNG OLIVER: OR THE _Thoughtless Boy_. A TALE. Oh, that men should put an enemy into their mouths to steal away their brains! --SHAKESPEARE. [Illustration: (decorative)] Wellington: Printed by F. Houlston and Son. Price Two-pence. [Illustration: (decorative border)] YOUNG OLIVER. [Illustration: (decorative)] 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. [Illustration: (ploughing)] [Illustration: (milking cow)] The fields of Old Oliver were frequently overrun with men and dogs employed to hunt and shoot. [Illustration: (dog chasing deer)]