'\ AHMlHOKAa X H (1 T M A T 1 a. CI nPn,!IOIiiHI£MT) AHfilQ-PSfGCKArO G/IOBAPR, COCTABJlEHHAfl ©JIOTA KAITHTAITOMl. 1 -FO PAHFA A. ITayEepoM'B, HHCnEKTOPOMT. BOCnnTAHHrtKOBT. n KJACCOBTj HMHEPATOPCKArO AjIEKCAHrtPOBCKArO .THUER, ABTOPOMTj ,, AHrJIlfiCKOil MoPCKOfi Xpectomatiii", nETBOiy M3AAHII0, XpecTOMaTia 3Ta HMteT'L u.i.ibio ;^aTi> Ha^HHaiomHM'L ytiHTbC}! aHrjiiScKOMy muKj cpeACTBa ycBOHTL ceC'fe npaK- TH^iecKHMi, nyreMT, TaKoe mhcho cjiob%, BLipaiKeHm h 060- poTOB-B iisbiKa. Koropoe cocTaB.iaer'L jtocTaToiiHLiM Ma're- pia.111) M^ Toro, mv&b cbo6oaho BBipajKaTBca no aHrjiiScKH. JIjir AOCTHJKemii cero pyKOBOACTBO bto pasj^ifejieHO Ha 4 OTAtjieeia : 1) IlepBLia 15 cTpaHHu^B coji;epjKaT'B jierKie pasroBopBi H Jtpyrifl CTaTbH, snaKOMiimia yiiaiii,arocii cb 6o.iiBniHi\rB nmcjiowb c.aoB'L h BBipaiKeHiH. Kt BTOMy ot- At.iemio npHHaj^.iie/KHTi, iiOMtmeEHBifi bi, KOHU.'fe KHiirH oco6lih KpaTKif! cjosapb, bi, KOTopoMi), jyjiii odjierqema HaHHHaiomHjrB, ciOBa h ii.'fejiLia (|()pa3Bi pacnoJiomeHBi bi, TOM-B ;Ke 110pajl,rfe, BI KaKOM^B CJI'fejl.yiOT'B BI, TeKCTt. — 2) B'ropoe OTji.'fe.TieHie saKjiiO'iaeTi, bt. ce6t 88 cTaxeH nOBtCTBOBareJIbHOl! np03BI, K-B Ka>KJl,OH WS^b KOTOpBIX-B npHCoeji,HHeHLi Bonpocti. yiiamiica, npmcKaBi) OTBi^TBi Ha HHXl, BT) TeKCTt H BBiyimBt HXTj HaHSyCTB, yCBOHBaeTI) ce6t rjiaBHHe O'lepKH CTaxBH, KOTopyio oht, eotomi, nepe- AaeTi, yiHTe.TiH) Hsycmo, jj.onojiHaa ynoMHHVTBie OTBtTU co6cTBeHHBiMH BBipajKeniflMH. — 3) TpeTBe OTji:'fej[eHie co- CTaBJifliOTi, 20 jierKHX'B CTHXOTBopeHm, HasHaqeHHHXt j^jia BBiyqHBama HansycTB. — 4) ILocji^mQG OTji.'fejieHie cojiep- aCHTt nOJIHHH nOJipO^HBIH JIGKCHKOHl, BCfexi. CJIOBl. H BH- paiKemH, BCTptHaioni.Hxcfl bo Bcei KHHr'fe. Eo^TH BCfe CTaTBH 2-rO OTXkjieEm nOB'feCTBOBaTeJIBHH, j^jifl Toro. HToC-B CA'fejiaTB HXT, 6ojAe saHHMaTeJiBHBBm h — IV — yj!;o6hldih j^Jia pascKasLiBaHia. Owh noTm HCKjiionHTejibHO KacaiOTca ncTopm ii HapoAHaro 6LiTa AiimH. npejiiCTaB.iiflii TaKHMi, odpasoMi) xapaKiepHCTHMecKie onepim Toro Hapo;i,a, Koero HShiK'b Hsy^iaeTCii, h BM'fecT'fe ct dthmI) ji,ocTaBJifla aHrjiiffcKHM-L yimiejiiiMij (dojiLinaii 'qacTb KOTopBixi) npn- poji,HLie AHrjHqane) jiiocTaTOHHLiH laTepiaji'B ;ii.iia noyqn- Te.lbHLIX'L pasrOBOpOBl) TOMt, Tl'O HMl, 60J1'^G BCGTO 3HaKOMo H 6.iHJKe Ki) cep;i,D;y. nPEpCIOBIE KO BTOPOiy M3AAHIH). B'L HacToaiaeM'L BTopomi, HSAaHiH xpecTOMaxiH npn- CaBJieHBi MHorie oiptiBKH m'b Hcropm AHrjiin, H3B.ie- ^leHHBie HSt cotiEHeHiH jiyiiniHxi. nRvmiGKux'b hctophkob'b H pacno.3o;KeHHbie bi. xpoHOJiorn^iecpcoMt nopaji.K'fe. Bt jlonojiHeHie k^l cemy npHCoeAHHeHBi KpaTKie o^iepiiH Ah- vjiw, 3HaK0MHUJtie ytiainarocfl ct. coBpeMeHHLiM'B reorpa- ^wiecKEWb cocTOflHieMi) BpHTaHCKoi HMiiepiji. BTopoH O'vji'^jrb — noesia — TaEa:e sHa^mTejiBHo no- nOJIHeHt HOBLIMH CTEXOTBOpGHiaMH, B'L TOWb 4HCJlt fitKO-' TopiJMH jik)6hmbimh HapoAHBiMH aHrjiiHcKHMH daji.iaAaMH. C.iOBa „AJia Ha'iHHaiomHX'B" , croaBmia b^b 3ai\iaBm nepBaro HSjiaHia, BbinymeHLi, -raKi, KaK'L b-b nacToameMi. BEji'h yqedEHK-B btot'l Mo:f:eT'B 6biTB ynoTpedjiaeM'b b-l npOAOJ/KeHie HtCKO.lBKHX'L KypcOB'b. -^>®«i> COAEPEAHIE. Cxp. ITpeflHCJiOBie « . III. Elementary Senleuces . = . 1 Connected Phrases. General Remarks bu the World 6 Productions of Various Countries .......>..... 7 Of the Difference and Distance of a Mile in Different Countries. 8 Varieties of the Human Species — Useful Knowledge 9 Languages of the World 10 Anecdotes, ^arnitive and other Pieces. 1. Laconic Answers ............ . . 11 2. Friend Charles, Put on thy Hat — 3. The Duke of Marlborough ............ — 4. Hogs, the Only Gentlemen , 12 5. I Will no More Verses Make . . . . - — 6. The Origin of the Term Sandwich ■. . . . ~» 7. The Origin of the Term Grog 13 8. The First Smoker — 9. A Resolute Boy ... . . 14 10. Scarce Articles — 11. The Note of Interrogation , 15 12. Doctor Goldsmith . — 13. The Quaker 16 V\. Effect of Music . . . . , , — 15. Honesty the Best Policy . 17 16. An Enemy's Courtesy — 17. Humanity 18 18. The Bagpiper Revived 19 19. Newton's Command of His Temper — 20. Abstraction — 21. Oliver Cromwell . , . — 22. Canute's Reproof . . 21 23. Dr. Johnson and Mrs. Thrale 22 24. Shut the Door . .' — 25. Dean Swiff . 23 26. Swift Teaching. Good Manners — — VI — Cxp. 27. Jonathan Swift . . . 24' 28. Sir Walter Scott ... . 25 29. AValter Scott at School : . . . . 26 30. Sheridan . 27 31. The Value of Time — 32. Peter the Great 28 33. Newton and the Shepherd Boy 29 34. Almanac Weatlier Wisdom 30 35. Singular Cases of Inability to Distinguish Colours ... 31 36. Alick ........ ■ • ' . 32 37. Professor Porson . . . . — 38. The Travelling Library , 33 39. The National Debt of England . . . 34 40. Doing Jnstice to the Consonants 35 41. Vulgar Pronunciation . — 42. Lying Punished . ..... 36 43. Mr. Dock! 37 44. Private Prayer . — 45. The Praying Little Girl — 46. A Better Rule than «Expediency» ......... 38 47. The Missionary Money-box 39 48. Dr. Franklin on Prayer ............ — 49. Washington ^0 50. An Illustration of a Special Providence and of the Power of Prayer .,..,.. 41 51. The Bible a Shield for Soul and Body ....... 42 52. Honesty the Best Policy 43 53. Remarkable Escape from Danger 44 54. Newfoundland Dogs 45 55. A Priceless Dog 46 56. Canine Sagacity . . . . • . , . 48 57. More Faithful than Favoured . . , 49 58. Bill, the Fire-escape Dog 50 5 9. The Strictness of Discipline R.ewarded 52 60. Thomson and Quin . . 53 61. The Whistle 54 62 A Trait of Lord Byron's Generosity, Humanity, and Tender- heartedness ... 55 63. The Chimney-sweepers' Feast, or the Lost Child. Found 58 64. A Nobleman and his Noble Servant 60 65. Miss Burney 62 66. The Generous Cateran 64 67. Singular Instance of Generosity 65 68. Bradford the Innkeeper 68 _ VII - . Cxp. 69. Fingal outwitting the Scotch Giant 71 70. The Adventure of My Aunt 72 71. James V. Travelling in Disguise 75 72. James Chrichton 77 73. Sir Sidney Smith's Escape 80 74. A Dangerous Journey in Labrador . 82 75. Over the Rapids . ...... 85 76. A Visit to a Famous Island 91 77. The Sedar, and Leopard Hunt 96 78. A Princess Royal . . . '. 100 79. Anecdote of Rev. John Wesley 108 80. Nelson ' ..... 112 8 1 . The Loss of the Royal George 115 82. Anecdotes of Discoveries * 123 Historical Extracts. 1. Ancient England and the Romans 129 2. The Scots and Picts , 137 3. The Saxons 139 4. King Alfred the Great 143 5. The Story of Macbeth . " , 146 6. The Battle of Hastings 154 7. Bold Robin Hood 157 8. Death and Character of Richard I. 163 9. Chivalry . . . ., 165 10. Henry II. Conquest of Ireland 166 11. Magna Charta . . 169 12. Edward l.'s Conquest of Wales and Scotland .... 170 13. Robert Bruce 172 14. Battle of Crecy 176 15. The War of Roses 183 16. Henry "^W 187 17. Henry VIII 188 18. King Edward VI , . 191 19. The Invincible Armada 192 20. The Gunpowder Plot . '. 194 21. The Petition of Right ... 199 22. The Puritans . 200 23. Habeas Corpus Act (1679) , .203 24. Earl of Nithsdale 204 25. Stratagem Signally Defeated . , . . 206 26. The Country Gentlemen, Clergy, and Yeomanry . . 208 27. Difficulty of Travelling 220 28. England in 1685, and England in 1857 . . . . • 223 — VIII — . Sketches from the British Empire. cxp. I. General Physical Features of England 239 II. Civil and Ecclesiastical State 2^3 III. National Character— Language, Literature, Arts, and Sciences 245 IV. The City of London 247 V. The Streets of London 252 VI. The River Thames 251- VII. Life and Manners of the Inhabitants of Scotland . . . 256 VIII. Colonies and Dependencies of Great Britain .... 258 IX. Commerce and Manufactures of Great Britain .... 265 POETRY. 1. The Busy Bee 207 2. The Lazy Fly — 3. The Field Daisy , 268 4. The Little Coward. . .- . '. . . . . . . . — 5. The Evening Bells. ... . . — 6. The Disobedient Little Fish 269 7. The Idle Boy — 8. The Monkey . 270 9. Questions and Answers 271 10. A Morning Hymn . — Jl. An Evening Hymn 272 12. The Great Shepherd — 13. The Glow Worm 273 14. God Provideth for the Morrow ......... — 15. Paraphrase on Psalm XXIll . . . . ... . . 2.74 16. We are Seven 275 17. The Bundle of Sticks. 276 18. The Hare and the Tortoise . . • 279 19. Destruction of Sennacherib . 2'^0 20. Pity for Poor Africans ... ^ ....... 281 21. My Heart's in the Highlands 283 22. Rule Britannia — 23. The Inflicape Rock 284 24. Sir Lancelot du Lake. . 286 25. King Leir and His Three Daughters. 289 26. King John and the Abbot of Canterbury 294 27. Chevy.Chase " 298 28. The Diverting History of John Gilpin 301 29. The Cataract of Lodore 305 CjIOBapB T&'h nepBBIM'B 10 CTpaHHUjaM-B . . . . 313 AjI^aBHTHBIH CJIOBapL KO BCGH ICHHr-fe . . . . 325 ¥^. Elementary Sentences. 1. There is a knock at the door. — Somebody knocks at the door. — Go and see who it is. — Go and open the door. — It is Mr. B, — Good morning to you. — I am very glad to see you.— I am very happy to see you.— I have not seen you this age. — You are quite a stranger. — Pray be seated. — Do, pray, sit down.— Please to sit down. — Give a chair to Mr. B. —Fetch a seat. — Will you stay and take dinner with us? — I cannot stay. — I only came in to ask how you did. — I must go. — You are in a great hurry. — I have a good many things to do. — Surely you can stay a little longer. — I have many places to call. at. — I will stay longer another time. — I thank you for your visit. — I hope I shall see you soon again. II. Have you breakfasted? — Not yet. — You come Justin time. — You will breakfast with us . — Breakfast is ready . — Come to breakfast. — Do you drink tea or coffee? — Would you prefer chocolate?— I prefer coffee? — What shall I offer you? — Here are rolls and toast. — Which do you like best? — I will take a roll. — I prefer some toast. — How do you like the coffee? — I hope your coffee is as you like it. — Is the coffee strong enough? — It is rather too strong. — It is excellent. — It is sweet enough. — It is not clear. ^ If it is not, I beg you will say so. '"> . What time do we dine to-day? — We are to dine at four o'clock. — Dinner will not be ready before five o'clock. — Is any one coming to dinner, besides our own family? — Do you expect company? — I expect 1 Mr. T. — If the weather is fine, Mr. N. has promised to take dinner with us. — Have you given orders for dinner? — Whatliave you ordered for dinner? — What have we got for dinner? — Have you sent for any fish? — I could not get any fish. — Tliere was not any fish in the market. — I fear we sliall have a very plain dinner. — We must manage as well as we can. lY. What shall I help you to? — Would you like to taste the soup? — Will you take some soup? — 1 thank you, I will trouble you for a little beef. — It looks very nice. — What part do you like best? — Will you have it well done or underdone? — Rather well done, if you please. — 1 prefer it rather underdone, if you please. — I like it rather well done. Have I helped you as you like?— It is excellent. — Will you let me send you a piece of this pie? — I thank you, I perfer a piece of that pudding. — Try them both. — You had better take some of both. — Will you taste a slice of this mutton, what shall I send you? ~ Do you choose any of the fat? — Alittlo of the lean, if you please? — This piece, I hope, will suit ^our taste. V. You have no gravy. — You have no sauce on your plate. — I have plenty, I thank you. — I have as much as I wish for, I thank you. — How do you like the boiled veal? — It is delightful. — It is remarkably fine meat. — What will you take with your meat? — Shall I help you to some vegetables? — Here is some spinage and some brocoli, and there are new potatoes. — Will you have peas, or cauliflower? — The aspar- agus is extremely tender and very sweet. — Do you eat salad? — Here are both carrots and turnips. — Have you any bread? — We have both brown bread and white. — The brown bread is home-made. VI. Shall I help you to some of this? — Allow me to help you to a piece of this fish. — Shall I send you a slice of this leg of mutton? — It is very full of gravy. — You have not tasted any of this tart. — This ham is delicious. — Shall I help you to some of it? — I will thank you for a very small piece, just to taste it. — Give me but a little bit. — You have no appetite. — You eat nothing. — I beg your pardon, I have eaten very _ 3 — heartily. — A small piece of this partridge cannot hurt you. — Will you try the plum sauce? — Shall I give you a wing or a leg? ~ You have helped me rather too plentifully. — Will you please to cut it in two? — The half will be sufficient for me. YII. Have you carried in the tea things?— Every thing is on the table — Does the water boil? — Tea is quite ready. — They are waiting for you. — I am coming, — I will follow you. — You have not put a basin on the table. — We have not cups enough. — We want two Qups more. — Bring another spoon, and a saucer.— You have not brought in the sugar-tongs. — Do you take sugar? ~ Do you like cream? — I will thank you for a little more milk. — The tea is too strong. — Will you fill up my cup with water? — Shall I give you black tea or green? — I have both here. — What will you take to eat? — Here are cakes and muffins. — Do you prefer bread and batter? — I will take some. — Get some more bread and butter. — Will you take a small piece of cake? — Do pray. taste it. — Not any more, I thank you. ~ Had you rather not? — Much rather not, I assure you. tv ^>--^ ' i^ py^, itvf^- "^^.^tw . VIII. Will you be so kind as to pull the bell. — Pray ring the bell. - We want some more water. — Make more toast. — Bring it as soon as pos- sible. — Take the plate along with you. — Is your tea sweet enough? — Have I put sugar enough in your tea? — Do you find your tea sweet enough? — It is excellent, I do not like it so very sweet. — Your tea is very fine. — This is most excellent tea. — Where do you get it? — A friend has procured me a small chest. — It is the only way to get it good and cheap. — You will take another cup? — I will pour you out only half a cup. — I had much rather not, I thank you. — I never take more than three cups. — Call the servant to take everything away. IX. Will you stay and sup with us? — Pray take your bread and cheese with us. — I am much obliged to you, but I am afraid it will be too late. — We shall sup directly. — We have only a little cold meat to offer you, and a few oysters. — Are you fond of oysters? — I like them very much. — Here is some ham and cold beef; which shall I offer you first? — I will try a few oysters. — 1 hope they are quite fresh.— They _ 4 — are very good- — Pray take a few more, — No, I thank you, I will take a slice of cold ham. — Will you taste the apple pie? — It looks very good. — No, I have supped very heartily. — I have done ex- tremely well. X. • Will you take a glass of wine with me? — I thank you, with much pleasure. — Which do you prefer, claret or portwine or a glass of sherry? — A glass of white wine. — What do you drink with your dinner? — We have table beer, and porter, and Scotch ale. — I will taste a glass of porter. — The porter is extremely fine. — It is quite ripe. — How long has it been in the bottle? — I think I never drank better. XI. Have you written your exercise? — Where is your translation? — I am very sorry, but I have quite forgotten to make it. — I was prevented from making it, I had a very bad toothache. — Let me ::!ee your copy. — It is very badly written. — It is scarcely legible. — You must write it better, or I shall expect you to make it over again. — Have you learnt your vocabulary. — Repeat your dialogues. — Let me hear the irregular verbs. — Have you learnt the rules? — Repeat your lesson. — You hardly know a single word, you must learn it again after school.— I will have it said perfectly, without missing a word. XII. Where shall I sit? — Take your seat on that form. — Sit a little higher up. — Do not make such a noise. — Spell that word again. — Do not shake the table, I cannot write unless you sit still, — Lend me your knife, — I have lost my pen. — Can you lend me one? — I have none to spare. — I want to use mine myself. — I can't find my copy- book. — Where did you leave it? — Upon the desk, under my other books. — I put it into my desk. — I laid it on the shelf, just by my seat. -- Go and fetch it. — Have you got your slate? — Have you got it? — Look for it. —I have found it. — Where was it? — It was under the form. XIII, Do you know what o'clock it is?— I don't know exacfly. — I can't tell you to a quarter of an hour. —Look at your watch, — It is not wound up. — I forgot to wind it up. — It does not go. — It has stopped, — My watch does - 5 — not go well. — It loses a quarter of an hour every day . —Mine gains as much . — The main spring is broken. — It must be sent to the watchmaker.— 'Are you up already? — I have been up this hour. — You got up very early. — I generally rise early. — Have you slept well? — 1 never woke all night. — - I could not sleep a wink. — I never closed my eyes the whole night. — Oh ! what a fine morning. — What do you think of taking a short walk? — Shall we have time before breakfast? — They won't breakfast this hour. — We have full an hour before us. — The walk will give us an appetite. XIV. It begins to grow very late. — It is almost time to go to bed. — Mr. B. is not yet come home. — I hear a knock. — Very likely he is there already. — Go and see. — Ha, there he is! — I hope I have not kept you up. — Oh, not at all. — It is only ten o'clock. — Have you had a pleasant walk? — Very much so. — It is a charming evening.— Are you not tired? — Not much. — Pray sit on the sofa, and rest your- self a little, — I fear we shall have a very hot summer- — We have had no summer this year. — We have had a fire even in the month of July. — There will be a great deal of hay. — They have begun the harvest. — The crop will be plentiful. — There is wheat cut down already. — The corn will all be housed next week. — No wonder it is so warm, we are in the dog days. XV. The summer is over. — We must not expect many more fine days. — The leaves begin to fall. — The mornings are cold. — We have already begun fires. — A fire begins to be comfortable. — The days are very much shortened. — The evenings are long, we cannot see at five o'clock. — It is hardly day light at four in the afternoon. — It is soon dark. — The winter draws near, we shall have the shortest day in three weeks. — Christmas will soon be here. — I wish it were here already. — The days begin to lengthen. — The fire is very low. — Here is a poor fire. — Put some more turf and wood into the stove. — You have not kept up a good fire. — You have let the fire go out. — It must be lighted again. — What are you looking for? — I am looking for the tongs. — NoAV put in two or three pieces of wood. — It will soon draw up. 6 — XVI, Here is another new book. — What is it about? — A little of every thing, — Is it entertaining? — Yes, very, for young people; it is full of anecdotes, serious and sad, lively and laughable. —Very well, I am sure I shall like it; shall we read a page or two?— If you please, I have some time to spare before 1 go out. — Are you going to walk this evening? — Yes, if the weather continues fine, but I think it will rain, it is dark and cloudy. — Oh! I think not, the wind is too high. — Which way is the wind? — East, this morning it was west. — Thishasbeen a coldmonth. • I have taken a great deal of exercise, and I am now quite strong and well. Good morning! I was just wishing to meet with you, which way are you going? will you go home with me? — I have something very beau- tiful to show you. — Come! it is not late, I have not seen you for a long time, where have you been? I thought you had left.town, you never go out. — Why don't you oftener visit us? — We walk or ride into the country every day. — We sail or row up the river. — We went out shooting yesterday- — Next week we are going to the races, on Wednesday or on Thursday we shall see the balloon ascend. Connected Phrases. General Remarks on the World. The coldest country in the world is Greenland, and the hottest, the Burmese empire. The largest empire in Europe and the world, is Russia, and the smallest kingdom in Europe is Saxony. The tallest people in the world are the Patagonians, and the shortest people, the Laplanders. The most polished people in the world are in Europe, the most savage in Africa, the most numerous in Asia; and the thinnest population in the world is in America. The most numerous people in the world are the Chinese. The freest country in Europe is England, and the most enslaved is Turkey. The oldest empire in the world is China, and the newest is the Brazils. The most mountainous country in Europe is Norway, and the flattest is Russia. The highest mountain in Europe is Mount Blanc, in Savoy, in France; and the highest mountain in the world is MontEverest, . — 7 — one of the Himalaya mountains, in Asia. — The largest river in the world is the Maranon, or Amazon, in South America. Great Britain has the largest fleet of ships in Europe. France, Austria, and Russia have the largest ar- mies. England is the most trading country in ihe world, and the United States next to it. South America is remarkable for its gold and silver mines. Arabia is famed for fine horses. Egypt and Palestine were civilized, when Europe was all barbarous; now Europe is civilized, and they are in a rude state. Greece was once the mightiest of nations, and it is now the weakest. The Italians and Germans are the most musical people in the world, and the Chinese the least so. He who speaks the French language can travel all over Europe, and he who speaks the English can trade all over the world. Productious of Various Countries. Anchovies come from the Mediterranean. The best brandy is distilled in France. Butter is carried to England from Ireland, Holland, and Hol- stein. Carpets of the best sort are manufactured in Persia and Turkey. Cheese of one kind, called Dutch cheese, comes from Holland. Cocoa grows in the East Indies, and in Polynesia; coffee in Arabia, the East and West Indies, Persia, and America. Cork comes from France, Spain, and Italy. Cotton is brought from the United States, the East and West Indies, where it grows on a tree; it is also brought from Egypt, Cyprus, Smyrna, etc. Deal wood comes from Sweden, Norway, and America. Diamonds are found in Brazil and India. Figs grow in Turkey, chiefly Smyrna. Codfish is brought from Newfoundland. Gin, called Hollands, is distilled in Holland- Gloves of the best sort are made in France. Gold for the most part comes from Siberia, California, Australia, and South America. Ivory, made of elephants' teeth, is sent from Africa, but the best is from the island of Ceylon. The best lace is made in Belgium and France. Muslin of the best sort is manufactured in Bengal. Oil of the finest kind for eating is imported from Italy. Oranges grow in Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Cape Verd islands, Madeira, and the Azores. Pearls are found by diving near Ceylon. Plums and raisins are dried, and sent from Turkey and Spain. Rice is cultivated in China and the East Indies. Rum is made from sugar in Jamaica. Silk worms are bred in Italy, China, the Caucasus, and Persia. Silver is found in Mexico and South America. Spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, pepper etc. — 8 — . grow in Ceylon, and the Moluccas. Sponge is found in the Mediterranean Sea, near the Archipelago islands. Tallow comes from Russia. Timber chiefly comes from Sweden and the United States. Cigars of the best kind come from Cuba and Manilla, andtabaccofrom Virginia, and Turkey. Toys are mostly made in Germany. Whalebone is made out of the bone of whales, a huge fish caught off Greenland,' Whisky comes from Scotland and Ireland. Wines are made in Portugal, Madeira, Spain, France, Sicily, Cape of Good Hope etc. Wool of the finest kind comes from Saxony and Spain. Of the Difference and Distance of a Mile in Different Countries. Is the length of a mile the same in every country? No, very different; for the English mile is much less than the Indian; the Indian, than the Spanish; the Spanish, than the German. What is an English mile? An English statute mile consists of 5280 feet, or 1760 yards. What nations agree nearly in this measure? The Turkish, Italian and old Roman mile is nearly one English. What is a Russian verst? Very little more than three quarters of an English mile. What is an Indian mile? Three English miles. What is a Spanish, Polish, and Dutch mile? About three miles and a half English. What is a Scotch and Irish mile? About a mile and a half English. What is an Arabian mile? A mile and a quarter English. What is a German mile? Little more than four English miles. What is a Swedish, Danish, and Hungarian mile? From five to six English miles. Varieties of the Human Species. There are five grand varieties of the human race; but they impercept- ibly approach, and are lost in each other. First: the white and brownish nations of Europe, western Asia, and the north coast of Africa ; who, according to our notions of beauty, are the handsomest and best formed of the human race. Next: the yellow or olive coloured Chinese, Monguls, Calmucs, and other eastern nations of Asia, with whom may be reckoned the most northerly American Indian tribes, having flat foreheads, little eyes, and wide mouths. Thirdly: the copper coloured American Indians, dispersed over the entire continent; with broad faces, bristly hair, and stout masculine limbs. Fourthly: the jet black negroes and other Africans of various shades of black, having woolly hair, thick lips, flat noses, — 9 - prominent chins, and downy skins. Fifthly: the darli brown Australians, on the continent, and in the islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans, with large features, strong hair, broad nostrils and great mouths. But all men are the offspring of one common parent; and among the varieties, the swarthy negro and the delicate European are brethren, de- scended from the same ancestor. Useful lioowledge. One is often surprised, when talking with little boys, to find them so ignorant of many things, which they ought to have known as well as their own names. I was questioning one, at least eight years old, the other day, who knew neither the number of days, weeks, or months there are in the year. He could not tell whether the sun rose in the east or the west, and was equally ignorant whether his pocket was made of hemp, flax, or wool. There are things certainly more important for him to know than these, but he should make himself better acquainted with things of this nature. Every boy ought to know, that he has five senses, seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, and tasting; — that the year has four seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter; — that the earth turns round, and travels round the sun;— that the world is composed of land and water, and di- vided into six parts, Europe, Asia, Africa, America, Australia, Oceania or Polynesia; — that there are four cardinal points, east, west, north, and south;— that gold, silver and other metals, and coal are dug out of the earth; diamonds are found on the land, and pearls are found in the sea. That boy must be ignorant indeed, who does not know, that bread is made of the flower of wheat; butter from cream, and cheese from milk; that when flour is mingled with yeast, it makes leavened, or light bread, and that when no yeast is used, the bread is heavy or unleavened. The passover cakes of the Jews, the biscuits eaten by sailors, and the barley bread of Scotland are all unleavened. A boy ought, at an early age, to be acquainted with such things as are in common use; but I have frequently found it necessary to explain to young people, that sugar is made from the juice of the sugar cane in the Indies; that tea is the dried leaves of a shrub which grows in China, about the size of a currant bush; that coifee is the berry of a bush growing in Arabia and the West Indies; and 2 - 10 - that chocolate is manufactured from cacao and vanilla. Many boys know very well that ale and beer are made with malt and hops, cider from apples, and perry from pears; who do not know, that wine is the juice of the grape; that brandy is distilled from wine, rum from sugar, and gin from juniper berries. And they have been equally ignorant that oranges, citrons, and lemons grow in Spain and the western islands; and spices in in the East Indies, and other parts; that pepper and cloves are fruits of shrubs; nutmegs, the kernels of a fruit like a peach; cinnamon, the bark of a tree; and ginger and rhubarb, the roots of plants. A greatdeal of this kind of knowledge may be obtained in a little time by young people, if they keep their eyes and ears open, and now and then ask a question of those who are wiser than themselves. I know a father who is very anxious that his children should obtain useful knowledge, and I heard him explain to them the other day, that salt is sea water, or salt water dried; glue, the sinews, feet, and skins of animals, boiled down; cork, the bark of a tree; flax, the fibres of the stalk of a plant resembling a nettle; and tow, the refuse of hemp. He told them also, that paper is made prin- cipally from linen rags, torn to pieces, and formed into a pulp; and lastly, that glass is made of sand, flint, and alkaline salt. Languages of the World. According to the enunleration of Professor Adelung, there are in the world three thousand and sixty-four different languages ; of which five hundred and eighty-seven are spoken in Europe, nine hundred and thirty- seven in Asia, two hundred and seventy-six in Africa, and one thousand two hundred and sixty- four in America. The Professor probably includes in this enumeration many provincial (ig^|j|tions of the same general lan- guages. — 11 — Anecdotes, Narrative and other Pieces. 1. Laconic Answers. The following conversation is one that happened to take place in the backwoods of America. «What is the land?» «Bogs»- — «The atmosphere?» «Fogs.* — «What do you live on?» uHogsy>. — «What are your draught animals?" «[)ogsy>. — What do you build your houses of?» ->. — Is there any fish in the ponds?" aFrogs». — «What do you travel by? «Clogs». — Many honest people there? » «Rogues». 2. Friend Charles, Put on tby Hat. Mr. Penn, the proprietor of Pennsylvania, and the most considerable man among the Quakers, once went to Court to pay his respects to King Charles II. When that merry Monarch observed that the Quaker did not take off his hat, he took off his own, and stood uncovered before Penn. «Prithee, friend Charles*, said the Quaker, «put onthyhat». cNo, friend Penn », said the King, «it is usual for only one man to stand covered here». " Questions. 1. Who was Mr. Penn? — 2. Where did he once go? — 3. What did Charles II observe? — 4. What did he take off? 4. What did the Quaker say? — 6. What was the King's reply?. 3. The Duke of Marlborough. The Duke of Marlborough admiring the fine figure and warlike air of a French soldier taken prisoner in the battle of Ilochstett, said to him: «If the French had but fifty thousand such men as you, we should not have gained the battle so easily». — «Morbleu, Milord», said the solider, «we have plenty such men as I, we only want one like you». do estions. 1. What did the Duke of Marlborough admire? — 2. At what battle had this solider been taken prisoner? — 3. How was the figure a^d air of the soldier?— 4. What did the Duke of Marlborough say to him?— 5. What did the soldier answer? 12 4. Hogs, the Only GentlemeD. Dr= Franklin, when last in England, used to repeat an observation which was made by his negro servant, on a tour in Lancashire etc. «0h! Massa >; , said the negro, « every thing is working in this country: water works, wind works, fire works, smoke works, dogs work, men work, oxen work, horses work, asses work — every thing works here but the hog: it eats, it drinks, it sleeps, it does nothing all the day, but walks about like a gentleman ». Questions. - 1. What did Dr. Franklin use to repeat? 2. What did the negro say? 5. 1 Will no More Verses Make. It was so natural for Dr. Watts, when a child, to speak in rhyme, that even at the very time he wished to avoid it, he could not. His father was displeased with this propensity, and threatened to whip him, if he did not leave off making verses. One day, when he was about to beat his son for again speaking in rhyme, the child burst out into tears, fell on his knees, and said: «Pray, father, do some pity take, And I will no more verses make«. Questions. 1. What was natural for Dr. Watts, whea a child? — 2. Was his father pleased with this propensity? - 3. What did he threaten to do to the boy? -- 4. What was he about one day? — 5. What did the child do and say? 6. The Origin of the Term Sandwich. Not many years ago. Lord Sandwich, Minister of state, spent twenty- four hours in a gaming-house. He was so occupied by the passion of gaming, that during the whole time he had only some slices of fried beef between toas^, which he ate without leaving the gaming-table. This new kind of viand obtained the name of the Minister, who had invented it for the purpose of economizing his time. — 13 — QoestioDS. 1. Who spent twenty-four hours in a gaming house? — 2. What did he eat there during the whole time? 3. What name did this new kind of viand obtain? 7. The Origin of the Term Grog. Until the time of Admiral Vernon the British sailors had their allowance of brandy or rum served out to them unmixed with water. This plan was found to be attended with inconveniences on some occasions. The Admiral, therefore, ordered that in the fleet hecommanded, the spirit should be mixed with water before it was given to the men. This innovation, at first, gave great offence to the sailors, and ren- dered the Commander very unpopular. The Admiral, at that time, wore a grogram coat, and was nicknamed «01d Grog». This name was afterwards given to the mixed liquor he compelled them to take; and it has hence universally obtained the name of grog. Questions. 1 . How did the British sailors take their brandy or rum until the time of Admiral Vernon? 2. How did this plan prove? — 3. What order did the Admiral accordingly give? — 4. What was the consequence? 5. What did the Admiral wear, at that time, and how was he nicknamed? — 6. To what was this name afterwards given? 8. The First Smoker. Tobacco was first brought into repute in England by Sir Walter Raleigh. By the caution he took in smoking it privately, he did not intend it should be copied. But sitting one day, in deep meditation, with a pipe in his mouth, he inadvertently called to his man to bring him a tankard of smaUbeer. The fellow, coming into the room, threw aU the liquor into his master's face, and running downstairs, bawled out: «Fire! Help! Sir Walter has studied tiU his head is on fire, and the smoke bursts out at his mouth and nose!» Cluestions. 1. By whom was tobacco first brought into repute in England? ~ 2. Why did he smoke it privately? — 3. What was he doing one day? — 4. What did he tell his man to do? — 5. What was the consequence? — 14 - 9. A Resolute Boy. A boy, who had sold a cow at the fair of Hereford in the year 1766, was waylaid by a highwayman on horseback, who, at a convenient place, demanded the money. On this the boy took to his heels, and ran away. But being overtaken by the highwayman, who dismounted, the boy pulled the money out of his pocket, and strowed it about on the ground. While the robber was picking it up, the boy jumped upon the horse, and rode home. When he was searching the saddle-bags, there were found twelve pounds in cash, and two loaded pistols. Questions- 1. Who had sold a cow at the fair of Hereford? — 2, By whom was he waylaid, and what did the highwayman demand? 3. What did the boy do on this? — 4 When the boy was overtaken by the highwayman, what did he do with his money? 5. What followed? 10. Scarce Articles. George 1, King of England, being once on a journey to Hanover, stop- ped at a little village in Holland, and being hungry asked for two or three eggs, which he ate while the postillions Avere changing horses. When they were going away, the servant told his Majesty that the inn-keeper had charged two hundred florins; on which the King sent for him, and said: «How is it, Sir, that you charge me two hundred florins for three eggs? are they so scarce here?» «No», replied the host, «eggs are abundant enough, but Kings are excessively rare here, and we must make the most of them, when fortune does us the favour of throwing them into our way » . — The King smiled, bade the postillions drive on, telling the landlord, «quMl donnait ses oeufs pour avoir des boeufs». Glaestions. 1. On what journey was George 1? — 2. AVIiere did he stop?— 3. What did the king ask for? — 4. How many eggs did he eat? — 5. What did the servant tell his Majesty? — 6. Whom did the King send for, and what did he say to him? — 7. Were eggs very scarce in that country? — 8. What was there very rare? — 9. What did the King say to the landlord? - 15 - 11. The Note of Interrogatiou. When Pope was one evening at Burton's coffee house, and with Swift poring over a Greek manuscript of Aristophanes, they found one sentence which they could not comprehend. As they tallied pretty loud, a young officer, who stood by the fire, heard their conference, and begged leave to look at the passage. «0h», said Pope, sarcastically, «by all means! Pray, let the young gentleman look at it». Upon which the officer took up the book, and considering a while, said, there wanted only a note of interrogation, to make the whole intelligible. «And, pray Sir» , said Pope, piqued, perhaps, at being outdone by a red coat, «what is a note of interrogation? » «A note of interrogation » , rephed the youth, with a look of the utmost contempt, «is a little crooked thing that asks questi- ons*. (It must be remembered that Pope was slightly hump -backed). Questions. 1. Where was Pope one evening. — 2. With whom was he there? — 3. What were they doing? — 4. What did they find in that manuscript? ^ 5. How did they talk? — 6. What did a young officer do, when he heard their conference? — 7. What did Pope answer, and in what manner? — 8. What did the officer do, after he had taken up the book'^ — 9. What would make the whole intelligible? — 10. By whom was Pope outdone, and how did he feel on that account? — 11. What did he say. — 12. What was it the youth replied? 12. Doctor Goldsmith. A poor woman, understanding that Dr. Goldsmith was a physician, and hearing of his great humanity, solicited him, by letter, to send her something for her husband, who had lost his appetite, and was reduced to a most melancholy state. The good-natured poet waited on her instantly, and, after some discourse with his patient, found him sinking with sick- ness and poverty. The doctor told the honest pair that they should hear from him in an hour, when he would send him some pills which, he believed, would prove efficacious. He immediately went home, and put ten guineas into a pill-box, with the following label: «These must be used as necessities require: be patient and of good heart ». He sent his servant with this prescription to the comfortless mourner, who found it contained a remedy superior to any thing Galen, or his disciples, could ever administer. - 16 - Cluestions. 1. "Who believed Dr. Goldsmith to be a physician? — 2. Was he indeed a physician?— 3. What did this woman solicit from him by letter?- 4. What had her husband lost, and to what was he reduced?— 5. What did Dr. Goldsmith im- mediately do? — 6. How did he find his patient? -— What did Dr. Goldsmith tell the patient? — 8. What did he put into a pill-box, and how was this box labelled? — 9. How was this remedy found? 13. The Quaker. A Qaaker, driving in a one-horse chaise, happened to meet with a young fop, who was also in a one-horse chaise. There was not room enough for them to pass each- other, unless one of them would back his carriage., which they both refused. «I will not make way for you», said the fop, «no, Iwillnot». «I think lamoiderthan thou art», said theQua- ker, «and therefore have a right to expect thee to make way for me». «I will noti), resumed the first. He then pulled out a news-paper, and began to read, as he sat still in his chaise. The Quaker observing him, pulled a pipe and some tobacco from his pocket, and with a convenience which he carried about him, struck a light, lit his pipe, and sat and puffed away very comfortably. «Friend», said he, «when thou hast read that paper, I should be glad, if thou wouldst lend it me». Cluestions. 1. Whom did a Quaker happen to meet?— 2. How was this Quaker driving? — 3. Was there room enough for them to pass each other? — 4. What was necessary? — 5. Why was the youth not willing to make way? — 6. Which was the elder of them? — 7. What did the Quaker expect? — 8. What did the young blood pull out of his pocket? ~ 9. What did the Quaker pull out of his pocket? — 10. With what did he strike a light? -- 11. How did he smoke his pipe? — 12. What did the Quaker at last say to the young man? 14. ElTect of Music. A Scotch bag-piper, traversing the mountains of Ulster, was one eve- ning encountered by a starved Irish wolf. In his distress the poor man could think of nothing better, than to open his wallet, and try the effect of his hospitality; he did so, and the savage swallowed all that was thrown to him, with so improving a voracity, as if his appetite was but - 17 - just returning to him. Tlie whole stock of provisions was, of course, soon spent, and now his only recourse was to the virtues ofhis bag-pipe, which Jhe monster no sooner heard , than he took to the mountains with great precipitation. The poor piper could not so perfectly enjoy his deliverance, but that with an angry look at parting he shook his head, saying: «Ay, are these your tricks? Had I known your humour, you should have had your music before supper*. Qaestions. 1. Who was traversing the mountains of Ulster? — 2. By whom was he en- countered? — 3 . What did the poor man do in his distress? — 4. What did the savage do? —5. What was soon spent? — 6. To what had the bag-piper recourse now? — 7. What did the monster do, as soon as he heard the bag-pipe?— 8. What did the bag-piper say, as he shook his head? 15. Honesty the Best Policy. A nobleman travelling in Scotland , about six years ago , was asked for his alms in the High Street in Edinburgh by a little ragged boy. He said, he had no change; upon which the boy offered to procure it. His Lordship, in order to get rid of his importunity, gave him a piece of silver, which the boy conceiving to be changed, ran off for the purpose. On his return, not finding his benefactor, whom he expected to wait, he watched for several days in the place where he had received the money. At length, the nobleman happened again to pass that way; the boy accosted him, and put the change he had procured into his hand, counting it with great exactuesss. — His Lordship was so pleased with the boy's honesty, that he placed him at school, with the assurance of providing for him. Questions. 1. Where and when did a nobleman travel? — 2. Where was he asked for his alms, and by whom? — 3. Why did his Lordship give the boy a silver piece, and what was the consequence? — 4. When the nobleman happened again to pass that way, what did the boy do? — 5, What was the result of the boy's honesty? .-16. All Enemy's Courtesy. When the crusaders under King Richard of England defeated the Sa- racens, the Sultan seeing his troops fly, asked what was the number of 3 -IS- C' the Christians who were making all this slaughter? He was told, that it was only King Richard and his men, and that they were all on foot, ^Thens , said the Sultan, «God forbid, that such a noble fellow as King Kichard should march on foots! and sent him a noble charger. The messenger took it, and said: a Sire, the Sultan sends you this charger, that you may not' be on foot». The King was as cunning as his enemy, and ordered one of his squires to mount the horse in order to try him. The squire obeyed; but the animal proved fiery, and the squire being unable to hold him in, he set oifyfuU speed, to the Sultan's pavillion. The Sultan expect- ed, he had got King Richard, and was not a little mortified to discover his mistake. - Cluestions. 1. When the Sultan saw his troops fly, what did he ask'^ — 2. What was he told? — 3. What did the Sultan say and do? — 4. What were the words of the messenger? — 5. What did the King order one of his squires to do?— 6. What was the consequence? — 7. What did the Sultan expect, and how did he feel on discovering his mistake? [7. Hamanity, Sir Philip Sidney, at the battle near Zutphen, displayed the most un- daunted courage. He had two horses killed under him; and, while mounting a third, was wounded by a musket-shot out of the trenches, which broke the bone of his thigh. He returned about a mile and a half on horseback to the camp, and being faintwith the loss of blood, and, probably, parched with thirst through the heat of the weather, he called for drink. It was presently brought him; but, as he was putting the vessel to his mouth, a poor wounded soldier, who happened to be carried by him at that instant, fixed his eye eagerly upon it. The gallant and generous Sidney took the bottle from his mcuth just when he was going to drink, and delivered it to the soldier, saying: «Thy necessity is yet greater than mine»! Cluestions. 1. What did Sir Philip display at the battle near Zutphen? -— 2. What hap- pened to him, while mounting a third horse? — 3. What did he call for, and why? — 4. As he was putting the vessel to his mouth, what occurred? — 5. What did the generous Sidney do and say? 19 '■* '. 18 T!ie Bagpiper Revived. The following event happened in London during the great plague which, in 1665, carried off nearly 100,000 of the inhabitants. A Scotch bagpiper used to get his living by sitting and playing his bagpipes every day on the steps of St. Andrew's church, in Holborn. In order to escape the contagion he drank a great deal of gin; and, one day, having taken more than usual, he became so drunk that he fell'fast asleep on the steps. It was the custom, daring the prevalence of that terrible disease, to send carts about every night to collect the dead, and carry them to a common grave, or deep pit, of which several had been made in the environs of London. The men passing with the cart up Holborn-hill, and seeing the piper extended on the steps, naturally thought it was a dead body, and tossed him into the cart among the others, without observing that he had his bagpipes under his arm, and without paying any attention to his dog, which followed the cart, barking and howling most piteously. The rumbling of the cart over the stones, and th& cries of the poor dog, soon awoke the piper from his drunken lethargy, and, not being able to discover Avhere he was, he began squeezing his bag and playing a Scotch air, to the great astonishment and terror of the carters who im mediately fetched lights, and found the Scot sitting erect amid the dead bodies, playing his pipes. He was soon released, and restored to his faith- ful dog. The piper became, from this event, so celebrated, that one of the first sculptors of that epoch made a statue of him and his dog, which is still to be seen at London^ Questions. 1. How many people died of the plague in London in 1665? — 2. How did the Scotch bagpiper get his living? — 3. What did he do in order to escape the plague, and what were the consequences? — 4. What was the custom at that time in London? — 5., What did the men do with the piper? — 6. What awoke the piper? — 7. What did he do on awaking? — 8. What became of him after- wards? 19. Newton's Consmand of his Temper. Newton had a favorite little dog called «Diamond». One winter's morn- ing, while attending early service, he inadvertently left his dog shut up in his room. On returning from chapel, he found that the animal, by upset- — 20 — tiog a taper on his desk, had set fire to the papers on which he had written down his experiments; and thus he saw before him the labors of so many years reduced to ashes. It is said, that on first perceiving this great loss, he contented him.^elf by exclaiming: « Oh Diamond! Diamond! thou little knowest the mischief thou hast done». Cluestions. 1 . When had Newton inadvertently left his dog shut up in his room? — 2. What did the animal upset on his desk? — 3. What papers had the animal set fire to? — 4. To what was the labor of many years reduced? — 5. What did Newton content himself to exclaim? i^";^^ . 20. Abstraction. Sir Isaac Newton, finding himself extremely cold^one winter's evening, drew a chair very close to the grate, in which a fire had recently been lighted. By degrees the fire having completely kindled, Sir Isaac felt the heat intolerably intense, and rang his bell with unusual violence. His servant was not at hand in the moment, but soon made his appearance. By this time Sir Isaac was almost literally roasted. « Remove the grate, you lazy rascal »! he exclaimed in a tone of irritation, very uncommon with this amiable and mild philosopher, « remove the grate before I am burned to death »! On the servant's remarking that it would be easier for him to draw back his chair; «upon ray word^^ , said he, smiling, «I never thought of that» ! Clnestions. 1. How did Sir Isaac find himself one winter's evening, and what did he do? — 2. WHiat did he feel and do when the fire had completely kindled? — On the servant's appearing, what did Sir Isaac exclaim, and how? — 4. What remark did the servant make? — 5. What did Sir Isaac say? 21. Oliver Cromwell. Oliver Cromwell was born at Huntingdon, and of the younger branch of a good family. There is a curious story told of a narrow escape he had, when an infant, from the mischievous tricks of a monkey. He had been taken by his father and mother to his grandfather's, old Sir Henry Crom- well's at Hinchinbroke; and, while his nurse was out of the way, a great monkey, which was allowed to run loose about the house, snatched him . — 21 — out of the cradle, and ran with him to the roof of the house, where it was seen dancing about with the child in its arms, to the great terror of the whole family, particularly, as you may suppose, ofhis father and mother. It was impossible to attempt to catch the animal; the only thing that could be done was to place feather-beds and carpets all round the house, for the child to fall on in case the monkey should let him drop. However, after some time, the creature returned down into the house by the way it had got up, and brought the child back in safety. Questions. 1. Where was Oliver Croravell born? — 2. Of what is there a curious story told?— 3. To whom had he been taken by his parents? — 4. Who snatched young Oliver out of the cradle? — 5. What was this monkey allowed to do? — 6. Where was the nurse?— 7. Whither did the monkey run with the child in its arms? — 8. What was impossible? — 9. What was placed round the house, and why? — 10. Whither did the monkey return, and by what way? — 11. How was the child brought back? 22. Canute's Reproof. Canute, the greatest and most powerful monarch of his time, sovereign of Denmark and Norway as well as of England, could not fail of meeting with adulation from his courtiers, a tribute which is liberally paid even to the meanest and weakest princes. Some of his flatterers, breaking out one day in admiration of his grandeur, exclaimed that every thing was possible for him. Upon which the monarch ordered his chair to be set on the seashore while the tide was rising, and, as the waters approached, he commanded them to retire, and to obey the voice of him who was lord of the ocean.. — He feigned to sit some time in expectation of their sub- mission. — But when the sea still advanced towards him, and began to wash him with its billows, he turned to his courtiers , and remarked to them, that every creature in the universe was feeble and impotent — and that power resided with one Being alone , in whose hands were all the elements of nature; who could say to the ocean, thus far shalt thou go and no farther ; and who could level with his nod the most towering piles of human ambition. Q Q e s t i n s. •1. What did Canute's flatterers exclaim? — 2. What did the Monarch order to be done? — 3. When the sea advanced, what did Canute remark to his courtiers? __ 22 — . . 23. Dr, JobDsoii aud Mrs. Thrale. •The first time Johnson was in company with Mrs. Thrale, neither the elegance of his conversation, nor the depth of his knowledge could prevent that lady from being shocked at his manners. Among other pieces of in- decorum, his tea not being sweet enough, he dipped his fingers into the sugar-basin, and supplied himself with as little ceremony and concern, as if there had not been a lady at the table. Every well bred cheek was tinged with confusion; but Mrs. Thrale was so exasperated, that she ordered the sugar-basin immediately from the table, as if its contents had been contaminated by the Doctor's fingers The Doctor prudently took no notice, but peaceably swallowed, as usual, his dozen cups of tea. When he had done, instead of placing his cup and saucer upon the table, he threw them both calmly under the grate. The whole tea-table was thrown into confusion. Mrs. Thrale screamed out: «Why, Doctor, what have you done? You have spoiled the handsomest set of china I have in the world! » «I am very sorry for it, madam», answered Dr. Johnson, «but I assure you I did it out of good breeding; for from your treatment of the sugar- basin, I supposed you would never touch any thing again that I had once soiled with my fingers ». Questions. 1. At what was Mrs. Thrale shocked- — 2. Into what did Dr. Johnson dip his fingers? — 3. How didMrs. Thrale feel, and what did she order to be done? — 4. How did Dr. Johnson act? — 5. When the Doctor had finished his tea, what did he do? — 6. AVhat was Mrs. Thrale's exclamation, when Dr. Johnson threw the cup and saucer unter the grate ? — 7. Wiiat was the Doctor's reply? 24. Shut (lie Door. Dean Swift, though a good master, was very strict with his ser- vants. The task of hiring them was always entrusted to his housekeeper; but the only two positive commands he had for them , he generally de- livered himself: these were, to shut the door whenever they came into, or went out of a room. One of his maid- servants one day asked permission to go to her sister's wedding, at a place about ten jniles distant. Swift not only consented, but lent her one of his own horses, and ordered his servant to ride before her. The girl, in the ardour of joy for this favour, forgot to shut the door after her, when she left the room. In about a quarter - 23 — of.an hour after her departure, the Dean sent a servant after her, to order her immediate return. The poor girl obeyed; and enterning his presence, begged to know in what she had offen.ded, or what her master wished. <^:Only shut the door », said the Dean, «and then resume your journey». ftu e stions. 1. What was Dean Swift? — 2. What two positive commands had he for his servants? — 8. Where did one of his maidservants ask permission to go? — 4. How did the Dean grant this request? — 5. What did the girl forget to do? — 6. What was the consequence? — 7. On the girl's entering the Dean's presence, what did he say? 25. Beau Swiff. As the late Dean Swii't was ouce upon a journey, attended by a ser- vant, -they put up at an inn, where they lodged allnight. In the morning, the Dean called for his boots; the servant immediately took them to him. When'the Dean saw them, «How is this, Tom», says he, «my boots are not clean?)) ((No, Sir», replied Tom; «as you are going to ride, I thought they would soon be dirty again, so I did not clean them». Very well», said the Doctor, «go and get the horses ready». In the mean time the Dean ordered the landlord to let his servant have no breakfast. When the servant returned, he asked if the horses were ready. «Yes, Sir», was the answer. ((Go, bring them out> , said the Doctor, (d have not had my break- fast yet», replied tom. <^0h, no matter for that»,said his master, if you had, you would soon be hungry again». They mounted, and rode off. Uuestions 1. Where was the late Dean Swift once, and what did he do?— 2. For what did he call in the morning? — 3. What did he say to his servant? — 4. What was Tom's reply? — 5. What did the Doctor say to this, and what did he do in the mean time? — 6. What did the servant say, when the Doctor bade him bring out the horses? — 7. What was his master's reply? 26. Swii't Teacliiiig Good Manueis. A friend of Dean Swift one day sent him a turhot, as a present, by a servant who had frequently been on similar errands, but had never yet received the most trifling mark of the Dean's generosity. Having gained admission, he opened the door of the study, and abruptly putting down — 24 — the fish, cried very radely: «Master has sent you a turbot». «Heyda! young mau», said the Dean, rising from his easy chair, «isthat the way you deliver your message? Let me teach you better manners; sit down in my chair, we will change situations, and I will show you how to •behave in future ». The boy sat down, and the Dean, going to the door, came up to the table with a respectful pace, and making alow bow, said: «Sir, my master presents his kind compliments, hopes your Reverence is well, and begs your acceptance of aturbot». — «Does he», replied the boy. «Here John, take this honest lad down into the kitchen, and give him as much as he can eat and drink; then send him up to me, and 1 will give him half a crown » , Questions. 1. What present had a friend of Dean Swift sent him one day, and by whom? — 2. Had this servant •ever received any mark of the Dean's generosity? — 3. What did the servant do and say, when he had gained admission? — 4. What did the Dean say? ~ 5. Whither did the Dean go, when the boy was fitting down, and what did he say, when he had made a low bow? — 6. What did the boy reply? 27. Jonathan Swift. In one of his letters , Pope gives the following illustration of Dean Swift's eccentricity: Dean Swift has an odd, blunt way, that is mistaken by strangers for ill nature: it is so odd that there is no describing it but by facts. I'll tell you one that first comes into my head. One evening, Gay and I went to see him: you know how intimately we were all acquainted. On our coming in, "Heyday,' gentlemen », says the doctor, «whars the meaning of this visit? How came you to leave all the great lords that you are so fond of, to come hither to see a poor dean?» «Because we would rather see you than any of them». «Ay, any one that did not know you so well as I do might believe you. But since you have come I must get some supper for you, I suppose*. «No, doctor, we' have supped already». «Supped already? That's impossible: why, it is not eight o'clock yet. That's very strange: but if you had not supped, I must have got something for you. Let me see; what should I have had? A couple of lobsters? Ay, that would have done very well — two shillings; tarts, a shilling ». - 25 — «But you will drink a glass of wine with me, though you supped so much before your usual time, only to spare my pocket ». «No, we had rather talk with you than drink with you». «But if you had supped with me, as in all reason you ought to have done, you must then have drunk with me. A bottle of wine, two shillings. Two and two are four, and one is five; just two and sixpence a piece. There, Pope, there's half a crown for you; and there's another for you, Sir; for I won't save any thing by you, I am determined)). . - This was said and done with his usual seriousness on such occasions; and, in spite of every thing we could say to the contrary, he actually obliged us to take the money. Ctaestions. 1. What does Pope give in one of his letters? — 2. What had Dean Swift about him, and how can it only be described? 3. Where did Gay and Pope go one evening? — 4. What did the Doctor say on their coming in? — 5. What did the two poets answer? — 6. What did the Dean reply to this? — 7. What did he say when told that they had supped already? 8. How did he invite his friends to take a glass of wine with him? — 9. On being told that they had rather talk with him than drink with him, what did he say? 10. How was all this said and done, and what did he actually oblige thera to do? 28. Sir Walter Scott. When Sir Walter Scott was a schoolboy, between ten and eleven years of age, his mother one morning saw him standing still in the street , and looking at the sky, in the midst of a tremendous thunderstorm. She^called to him repeatedly, but he did not seem to hear: at length he returned into the house, and told his mother that if she would give him a pencil, he would tell her why he looked at the sky. She acceded to his request, 'and in a few minutes he laid on her lap the following lines: ((Loud o'er my head what awful thunders roll ! What vivid lightnings flash from pole to pole ! It is thy voice, God, that bids them fly; Thy voice directs them through the vaulted sky; Then let the good thy mighty power revere ; Let hardened ainuera thy just judgments fear.» — 26 — Questions. 1. When Walter Scott was between ten and eleven years of age, what did his mother see him doing? — 2. Did he take notice, when she called him? — 3. Wh€n he returned into the house, what did hetell his mother? — 4. What lines did he present to her a few minutes after? 29. Walter Scott at School. It appears that when this celebrated author was at school, though very laborious, his intelligence was not brilliant, and his great success in after-life was owing to his indefai^igable perseverance. The following anecdote is found in his autobiography published some years since. « There was», says Walter Scott, «a boy in my class, who stood al- ways at the top, and I could not with all my efforts supplant him. Day came after day, and still he kept his place; till at length 1 observed that, when a question was asked him , he always fumbled with his fingers at a particular button on the lower part of his waistcoat while seeking an answer. I thought, therefore, if 1 could remove the button slily, the sur- prise at not finding it might derange his ideas at the next interrogation of the class, and give me a chance of taking him down. The button was therefore removed without his perceiving it. Great was my anxietylo know the success of my measure, and it succeeded but too well. «The hour of interrogation arrived, and the boy was questioned: he sought, as usual, with his fingers, for the friendly button, but could not find it. Disconcerted he looked down, the talisman was gone, his ideas became confused, he could not reply. I seized the opportunity, answered the question, and took his place, which he never recovered, nor do I believe he ever suspected the author of the trick. «I have often met with him since we entered the world, and never without feeling my conscience reproach me. Frequently have I resolved to make him some amends by rendering him a service; but an opportu- nity did not present itself, and 1 fear 1 did not seek one with as much ardour as I sought to supplant him at school*. W. S, duestions. 1. To what was Sir Walter indebted for his great success ? — 2. What could Sir Walter not do with regard to a boy in his class ? — 3 . What did Sir — 27 — Walter observe regarding the boy above hlra in tlie class?— 4. What did Walter Scott do to the boy? — 5. What did the boy seek? — 6. What was the conse- quence, when the boy did not find the button? — 7. What did Walter Scott do, when the boy could not answer the question? — 8. What did Sir Walter feel, and what did he resolve to do? 30. Sheridan. Sheridan was one day much annoyed by, a fellow member of the House of Commons, who kept crying out every few minutes: «Hear! hear!» During the debate he took occasion to describe a political cotemporary who wished to play the rogue, but had only sense enough to.act the fool. « Where » , exclaimed he, with great emphasis, uwhere shall we find a more foolish knave or a more knavish fool than he?» «Hear! hear!» was shouted by the troublesome member, Sheridan turned round, and, thank- ing him for the prompt reply, sat down amid a general roar of laughter. QlaestioDS. 1. By whom was Sheridan one day much annoyed? 2. — 2. Whom did he describe during the debate? — 3. What did he exclaim? — 4. What was shouted by the troublesome member? — 5. What followed? 31. The Value of Time. King Alfred, who ascended the throne of England in 871 (eight hun- dred and seventy one), and who, lik^e Charlemagne, by his magnanimity and wise government, acquired the title of the Great, was a prudent econ- omist of time, well knowing that a moment lost can never be recovered. Alfred wished to divide the day into equal proportions, in order to nppro- priate a certain space of time to the accomplishment of the different objects he had in view. This was not an easy matter, as clocks were at that time nearly un- known in Europe, and quite so in England. It is true that in fine weather the flight of time could be marked, in some degree, by the course of the sun; but in the night, and when the sun was hidden by clouds, there were no means of judging. The. King, after much reflection, and many experiments, ordered a certain quantity of wax to be made into six candles of equal length and — 28 — thickness, which being lighted one after the other , as he had found by experience^ would last from mid- day to mid- day. On each of these candles, he marked twelve divisions or inches, so that he knew nearly hovv the day was going, as the consumption of each candle marked the expiration of a sixth part, or about four hours, and each division or inch denoted the lapse of twenty minutes. By these means Alfred obtained what he desired, an exact admeasure- ment of time; and the improvements which took place during his reign show that both the King and his people had learned to appreciate its value. Ctaestions. 1. When did King Alfred ascend the throne of England? — 2. What title has he acquired— 3. By what virtues has he aqiiired this title? — 4. Of what was he a prudent economist, and why? — 5. What did Alfred wish tq divide, and for what purpose? 6. Why was this not an easy matter? — 7. When can the flight of time be marked by the course of the sun, and when is it impossible to do so? 8. Wliat did the King, after many experiments, order to be made, and how long did the candles last? — 9. What did the King mark on each of the candles? — 10. What mas marked by the consumption of them? — 11. What was denoted by each division? — 12. What did Alfred obtain by these means? — 13. What do the improvements during his reign show? 32, Peter the Great. It was the custom of Peter the Great to visit the different workshops and manufactories, not only to encourage them, but also to judge what other useful establishments might be formed in his dominions. Among the places he visited frequently, were the forges of Mr. Muller at Istia, ninety versts from Moscow. The Czar once passed a whole month there, during which time, after giving due attention to the affairs of state, which he never neglected, he amused himself with seeing and examining every thing in the most minute manner, and even employed himself in learning the business of a blacksmith. He succeeded so well, that on one of the last days of his remaining there, he forged eighteen poods of iron, and put his own particular mark on each bar. The boyars, and other noblemen of his suite were employed in blowing the bellows, stirring the fire, car- rying coals, and performing the other duties of a blacksmith's assistant. When Peter had finished, he went to the proprietor, praised his ma- nufactory , and asked him how much he gave his workmen per pood. — 29 - «Three copeeks, or an altina», answered Muller. «Very well», replied the Czar, «I have then earned eighteen altinas». Muller fetched eighteen ducats, offered them to Peter, and told him, that he could not give a workman like his Majesty less per pood. Peter refused. «Keep your duc- ats « , said he, «I have not wrought better than any other man; give me what you would give to another; 1 want to buy a pair of shoes, of which I am in great need». At the same time he showed him his shoes, which had been once mended, and were again full of holes. Peter accepted the eighteen altinas, and bought himself a pair of new shoes, which he used to show with much pleasure, saying: ((These I earned with the sweat of my brow)). One of the bars of iron forged by Peter the Great , and authenticated by his mark, is still to be seen at Istia, in the forge of Muller. Another similar bar is preserved in the- cabinet of curiosities at St. Petersburgh. UuestiOQS. 1. What custom had Peter the Great? — 2. Why did he visit workshops and manufactories? — 3. Whose forges did Peter frequently visit? — 4. How long did the Czar stay at Istia? — 5. With what did he amuse himself during this time? — 6. What business did he learn? — 7. Did he neglect his affairs of state? — 8. How many poods of iron did Peter the Great forge in one of the last days of his remaining at Istia, and what did he put on each bar he had forged? — 9. What duties were the Boyars obliged to perform? 10. To whom did Peter go, when he had finished, and what did he praise? — 11. How much did Mr. Muller use to give his workmen per pood? — 12. How many altinas had the Czar earned? — 43. What did Mr. Muller tell the Czar? — 14. Did Peter accept the ducats? — 15. What did he say to Mr. Muller? — How Avere his shoes? — 17. What did Peter buy for his eighteen altinas? — 18. Why did he always show these shoes with so much pleasure? 19. What is still to be seen at Istia? — 20: Where is another similar bar preserved? 33, Newton and the Shepherd Boy. This Hlustrious philosopher was once riding over Salisbury plain, when a boy keeping sheep called to him: «Sir, you had better make haste on, or you will get a wet jacket*. Newton, looking around, and observing neither clouds nor a speck on the horizon, jogged on, taking very little notice of the rustic's information. He had made but a few miles, when a storm, suddenly arising, wet him to the skin. Surprised at the circum- — 30 — ^ stance, and determined, if possible, to ascertain how an ignorant boy had attained a precision and knowledge in the weather, of which the wisest philosopher would be proud, he rode back, wet as he was. «My lad», said Newton, «ril give thee a guinea, if thou wilt tell me how thou canst foretell the weather so truly». '^Will ye, Sir? I will, then», said the boy, scratching his head, and holding out his hand for the guinea. «Now,Sir» (having received the money, and pointing to the sheep), «when you see that black ram turn his tail towards the wind, 'tis a sure sign of rain within an hour». «What!« exclaimed the philosopher, «must I, in order to foretell the weather , stay here and watch which way that black ram turns his tail?» «Yes, Sir». Off rode Newton, quite satisfied with his dis- covery, but not much inclined to avail himself of it, or to recommend it to others. Questions. 1. Where was Newton once riding? — 2. What did a boy call to him? — 3 . Did Newton take any notice of the rustic's information? — 4 . When he had made but a few miles, what happened? — 5. What did the philosopher then do, and what did he say to the shepherd? — 6. What was the boy's reply? — 7. What did Newton exlaim? — S. What did he think of his discovery? 34. Almanac Weather Wisdom. An English paper tells a pleasing anecdote o f Partridge, the celebra- ted almanac maker, about one hundred years since. In travelling on horse- back into the country, he stopped for his dinner at an inn, and afterwards called for his horse, that he might reach the next town, where he intended to sleep. If you will take my advice, Sir,» said the hostler, as he was about to mount his horse, «you will stay where you are for the night, as you will surely be overtaken by a pelting rain » . "Nonsense, nonsense », exclaimed the almanac maker »; «thereisa six- pence for you, my honest fellow, and good afternoon to you». He proceeded on his journey, and sure enough he was well drenched in a heavy shower. Partridge was struck by the man's prediction, and being always intent on the interest of his almanac, he rode back on the instant, and was received by the hostler with a broad grin, tiWell, Sir, you see I was right after all». -_ SI — «Yes, my lad, you have been so, and here is a crown for you; but I give it to you on condition that you tell me how you knew of this rain ». «To be sure, Sir», replied the man; «why , the truth is we have an almanac at our house called Partridge's il/manac, and the fellow is such a notorious liar, that whenever he promises us a fine day, we always know that it will be the direct contrary. Now, your Honour, this day, the 21st of June, is put down in our almanac indoors as «settledfine weather; no rain». I looked at that before I brought your Honour's horse out, and so was enabled to put you oo your guard». Questions. 1. Of whom does an English paper tell a pleasant anecdote? — 2. When and why did he stop? — 3 . What did he do afterwards? 4. What did the hostler say to him, as he was about to mount his horse? 5. What did the almanac maker exclaim? 6. While proceeding on his journey, what happened? — 7 . What did Partridge do on the instant, and how was he received by the hostler? 8. What did the hostler say, and what was Patridge's answer? 9. What was the man's reply? 35. Singular Cases of Inability to Distinguish Colours. Mr. Harris, a shoemaker at Allonby, was unable from infancy to dis- tinguish the cherries of a cherrytree from its leaves, in so far as colours were concerned. Two of his brothers were equally defective in this re- spect, and always mistook orange for grass green, and light green for yellow. Harris himself could only distinguish black from white. Mr. Scott, who describes his own case in the « Philosophical Transactions », mistook pink for a pale blue, and afullr^rffor a full green. All kinds of yellows and blues, except sky blue, he could discern with great nicety. His father, his maternal uncle, one of his sisters, and her two sons, had all the same defect. A tailor at Plymouth, whose case is described by Mr. Harvey, regarded the solar spectrum as consisting only oi yellow md light blue., and he could distinguish with certainty only yellow, while, and green. He regarded indigo and Prussian blue as black, Ctaestions. 1. What was Mr. Harris from infancy unable to do? — 2. For what did his brothers mistake orange and light greenl — ,3. What could Harris himself only distinguish? — 4. For what did Mr, Scott mistake pink, and a full red? — 32 — — 5. What colours could he discern coirectly? — 6. Who had all the same defect? — How did a tailor at Plymouth regard the solar spectrum, and what could he distinguish with certainty? — 8. What did he regard as black? 36. Alick. There is still living at Stirling a blind old beggar, known to all the country round by the name of Alick, who possesses a memory of almost incalculable strength. It was observed with astonishment, that when he was a man, and obliged by the death of his parents to gain a livelihood by begging through the streets of his native town of Stirling, he knew the whole of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, by heart; from which you may repeat any passage, and he will tell you thechapter and verse; or you may tell him the chapter and verse, and he will repeat to you the passage, word for word. Not long since, a gentleman, to puzzle him, read, with a slight verbal alteration, averse of the Bible. Alick hesitated a moment, and then told where it was to be found, but said it had not been correctly delivered. He then gave it as it stood in the book, cor- recting the slight error that had been purposely introduced. The gentleman then asked him for the ninetieth verse of the seventh chapter of Numbers. Alick was again puzzled for a moment, but then said hastily: «You are fooling me, Sir! there is no such verse. That chapter has only eighty- nine verses ». Several other experiments of the sort were tried upon him with the same success. He has often been questioned the day after hearing any particular sermon or speech; and his examiners have invariably found that, had their patience aUowed, blind Alick would have given them the sermon or speech. duestions. 1. Who is still liviii:^ at Stirling, and what does he possess? — 2. What was observed with astonishment? — 3 . What did a gentleman do to puzzle him? — 4. What answer did Alick give? — 5. What did the gentleman then ask him for? — 6. What was Alick's reply? — 7. When questioning him the day after hearing any particular sermon or speech, what have his examiners invariably found? 37, Professor Por so II. Professor Porson, when a boy at Eton School, discovered tlie most astonishing powers of memory. In going up to a lesson one day, he was — 33 - • accosted by a boy on the same form, «Porson, wliat have you got there?* « Horace*. Let me look at it». Person handed the book to the boy, who, pretending to return it, dexterously substituted another in its place, with which Porson proceeded. Being called on by the master, he read and con- strued Carm. I, X. very regularly. Observing the class to laugh, the master said: « Porson, you seem to be reading on one side of the page, while I am looking at the other; pray, whose edition have you?)> Porson hesita- ted. «Let me see it», rejoined the master who, to his great surprise, found it to be an English Ovid. Porson was ordered to go on, which he did easily, correctly and promptly, to the end of the ode. duest ions. 1. What did Professor Porson discover when a boy? — 2. What did a boy on the same form say to thim? — 3. When Porson handed his « Horace » to him, what did the boy do with it? — 4. Being called on by the master, what did he read and construe? — 5. On observing the class to laugh, what did the master say? — 6. When the master had looked at the book, what did he find it to be? — 7. What was Porson ordered to do, and how did he succeed? 38. The Travelling Library. Professor Porson, the celebrated Grecian, was once travelling in a stage-coach, where a young Oxonian, fresh from coUege, was amusing the ladies with a variety of talk, and amongst other things, with a quo- ,tation, as he said, from Sophocles. A' Greek quotation, and in a coach ioo, roused the slumbering professor from a kind of dog-sleep, in a snug corner of the vehicle. Shaking his ears and rubbing his eyes, «I think, young gentleman « , said he, « you favoured us just now with a quotation from Sophocles; 1 do not happen to recollect it there ». «0, Sir», replied the tyro, «the quotation is word for word as I have repeated it, and from Sophocles, too; but I suspect. Sir, it is some time since you were at college*. The professor, applying his hand to his great-coat pocket, and taking out a smaH pocket edition of Sophocles, quietly asked him if he would be kind enough to show him the passage in question in that little book. After rummaging the pages for some time, he replied: «Upon second thoughts, I now recoHect that the passage is in Euripides*. «Then, perhaps, Sir», said the professor, putting his hand again into his pocket, and handing him a similar edition of Euripides, «you wiH be so good as to find it for 5 — 34 — me in that little book«. The young Oxonian again returned to his task, but with no better success, muttering, however, to himself a vow never again to quote Greek in a stage-coach. The tittering of the ladies informed him plainly that he had got into a hobble. At last, «Why, Sir», said he, «how dull I am! I recollect now; yes, now I perfectly remember that the passage is in Aeschylus». The inexorable professor returned to his inexhaustible pocket, and was in the act of handing him an Aeschylus, when our astonished freshman vociferated: «Coachman! holloa, coachman! let me out; I say instantly let me out! There's a fellow here has the whole Bodleian library in his pocket*. Questions. 1. Who was once travelling in a stage-coach? — 2. With what was a young Oxonian amusing the ladies? — 3. What effect had the Greek quotation on the professor? — 4. What did he say to the young gentleman? — 5. What did the tyro reply? — 6. What did the professor take out of his pocket, and what did he ask his fellow traveller? — 7. What did the latter reply? — 8. What did the professor then do and say? — 9. Had the young Oxonian better success now? — 10. Of what did the tittering of the ladies inform him? — 11. What did he say at last? — 12. What followed? 39. The National Debt of Euglaod. If a man was employed to count the national debt o1f England, suppos- ing he reckoned 100 pieces every minute for 12 hours a day, it would require 30 years to count it in sovereigns, 600 years to count it in silver, and 14,400 years to count it in copper. In shillings placed in a line, it would reach ten times round the earth, or once to the moon (240,000 miles). Its weight in gold is 5,625 tons, in silver 89,000 tons, in copper 2,140,000 tons. It would take 100 barges, 56 tons burden each, to carry it in gold, 1600 barges to carry it in silver, or 382,000 barges to carry it in copper. These wouldreach 5000 miles, if placed close to one another. To carry it in copper, it would take upwards of 2,100,000 of carts, each one ton; to carry it in silver, nearly 90,000 carts, and to carry it in gold, 5,625 carts. — 35 — Questions. 1. How many years would it take to count the national debt of England in sovereigns, in silver, and in copper? 2. If it were placed in a line in shillings, how far would that line reach? 3. What is its weight in gold, in silver, and in copper? 4. How many barges would it take to carry it in gold, in silver, and in cop- per? — 5. How far would these barges reach? 6. How many carts would be required to carry it in copper, in silver, and in gold. 40, Doing Justice io the Consonants. Mr. Jones, in his life of Bishop Home, speaking of Dr. Hiochcliffe, Bishop of Peterborough, says, that in the pulpit he spoke with the accent of a man of sense, such as he reaUy was in a superior degree; but it was remarkable, and, to those who did notknow the cause, mysterious, that there was not a corner of the church, in which he could not be heard distinctly. The reason whichMr. Jones assigned was, that he made it an invariable rule to do justice to every consonant, knowing that the vowels would speak for themselves. And thus he became the surest and clearest of speakers; his elocution was perfect, and never disappointed his audience. /I Question s. 1. What does Mr. Jones say of Dr. Hinchcliffe? — 2. What reason is as- signed, why the Bishop could be heard distinctly in every corner of the church? — 3. What did he thus become? — 4. How was his elocution? 41. Vulgar Pronunciation, One of the peculiarities of vulgar English pronunciation is to put the letter r at the end of words ending with a vowel. Some of the inhabitiints of London, if they had to speak the following sentence, «A fellow broke the window, and hit Isabella on the elbow, as she was playing a sonata on the piano », would give it in the following manner: «A fellor broke the windor, and hit Isabellar on the elbor, as she was playing a sonatar on the pianor». Others adopt the contrary plan, and leave out the r as often as they can. There are magistrates of high pretensions to education, who would say, «The conduct of the prisna' and his general characta' render — 36 — it propa' that he should no longa'bea memba' of this community*. Equally glaring is the taking away of h from places where it is required, and giving it where its absence is desirable. The termination of words ending ming with a /c, as somethink^ is not less incorrect or less disagreeable. It is worth while accasionally to point out these errors, as many must be disposed to correct them, on being made aware of their existence. Qlaestions. 1. Mention one of the peculiarities of vulgar English pronunciation? — 2. How would some of the inhabitants of London give the following sentence: «A fellow broke the window, and hit Isabella on the elbow, as she was playing a sonata on the piano ?» — 3. What plan do others adopt? — 4. What would magistrates of high presentions to education say? — 5. What mistake is equally glaring, and what not less incorrect? — Why is it worth while occasionally to p oint out these errors? 42. Lying Punished. One day there happened a tremendous storm of lightning and thunder as Archbishop Leighton was gcing from Glasgow to Dunblane. He was descried, when at a distance, by two men of bad character. They had not courage to rob him; but, wishing to fall on some method of extorting money from him, one said: «I will lie down by the wayside as if I were dead, and you shall inform the archbishop that I was killed by the light- ning, and beg money of him to bury rae». When the archbishop arrived at the spot, the wicked wretch told him the fabricated story. He sympa- thised with the surviver, gave him money, and proceeded on his journey. But, when the man returned to his companion, he found him really lifeless! Immediately he began to exclaim aloud: «0h, Sir, he is dead! Oh, Sir, he is dead! » On this the archbishop, discovering the fraud, left the man with this important reflection: «It is a dangerous thing to trifle with the judgments of God ! » Questions. 1. What happened one day, as Archbishop Leighton was going to Dunblane? — 2. By whom was he descried? — 3. What method did they find out of ex- torting money from the Archbishop? — 4. What did he do, when the fabricated story was told him? — 5. What did the man find on returning to his compan- ion, and what did he immediately exclaim? — 6. With what important reflection did the Archbishop leave the man? — 37 — 43. Mr. Dodd. Mr. Dodd, an eminent minister, being solicitedtoplay at cards, arose from his seat, and uncovered his head. The company asked him what he was going to do. He replied: « To crave Grod's blessings. They immediately exclaimed: « We never ask a blessing on such an occasion». «Then», said he, «I never engage in anything but what I beg of God to give his blessing". CiuestioBS. 1, What did Mr. Dodd do, when solicited to play at cards? — 2. What did the company ask him, and what was his reply?— 3. What did they immediately exclaim? — 4. What did he say? - 44. Private Prayer. <( Acknoivledge the Lord in all thy wat/s, and he shall direct thy paths)y. Prov. An English clergyman, preaching from this text, observed as follows: « Archbishop Cranmer, who died a martyr, said that the day he signed his recantation back to popery he omitted private prayer in the morning. This brought to my recollection the two memorable occurrences of my life, when I omitted private prayer, and went to my business. On each day I had an accident that nearly cost me my life; but in mercy I was spared to my family. Private prayer is a high privilege. I cannot neglect it any more than I can neglect my food, it is my grand stay for each day; and I feel that, unless I acknowledge God herein, I have no right to expect his guidance and protection «. (tuestions. - 1. From what text did an English clergyman preach? — 2. What did he ob- serve of Archbishop Cranmer? — 3. What two memorable occuwences did this circumstance bring to the clergyman's recollection? — 4. What is said of private prayer? 45. The Praying Little Girl. A little girl in London, about four years of age, was one day playing with her companions. Taking them by the hand, she led them to a shed in the yard, and asked them all to kneel down, as she was going to pray — 38 — to God Almighty; «but don't yoii tell my mamma >> , said she, «for she never prays, and would beat me, if she knew that I do». Instead of keeping the secret, one of her playmates went directly, and' told this little girl's mother, who was very much struck, bat for the pres- ent took no notice. Some time after, on her going in doors, her mother asked her what she had been doing in the yard; she tried to avoid giving a direct answer. The question being repeated, the answer was the same; when her mother, however, promised not to be angry with her, and press- ed the inquiry by very kind words, she said: «I have been praying to God Almighty». «But why do you pray to him» ? «Because I know he hears me, and I love to pray to him». «But how do you know he hears you»? This was a difficult question, indeed, but mark her reply; putting her little hand to her heart, she said: «0h, I know he does». This lan- guage pierced her mother's heart, who was a stranger to prayer, and she wept bitterly. Let good children, therefore, do as this little girl did, bow their knees before God Almighty; and, however short and feeble their little prayers, they may be sure he hears them if they are offered in earnest; for he says: «I love them that love me; and they that seek me early shall find me« . (luestions. 1. What was a little girl doing one day. — 2. Where did she lead thera, and what did she ask them to do? — 3 . Why were her companions not to tell her mamma? 4. What did one of her playmates do? — 5. What did her mother ask her some time after, and what did the little girl try to do? — 6. When the inquiry was pressed by very kind words, what did she say? — 7. Why did the little girl pray? — 8. When asked how she knew God heard her, what did she say? — 9. What effect had these words on her mother?— 10. What does God Almighty say? 46. A better Rule tlian «E xpediency». Lord Erskine, when at the bar, was always remarkable for the fear- lessness with which he contended against the bench. In a contest he had with Lord Kenyon , he explained the rule and conduct at the bar in the following terms: «It was» , said he, «the first command and council of my youth, always to do what my conscience told me to be my duty,an(l leave the consequences to God. I have hitherto followed it, and have no reason to complain that obedience to it has been even a temporal sacri- ^ 39 - fice; I have found it, on the contrary, the road to prosperity and wealth, and I shall point it out as such to my children*. Questions. 1. For what was Lord Erskine remarkable? — 2; With whom had he a con- test? — 3. In what terms did he explain his rule and conduct at the bar? 47. The Missionary Mouey-box. A few weeks since a trading vessel, laden with corn, from Cardigan, in Wales, was taken in the channel by an American privateer. When the captain went into the cabin to survey his prize, he espied a little box, with a hole in the top, similar to that which tradesmen have in their counters, through which they drop their money; and at the sight of it he seemed a little surprised, and said to the Welsh captain: «What is this? » pointing to the box with his stick. «0h», said the honest Cambrian, « 'tis all over now. » «What?» asked the American. «Why, the truth is», replied the Welsh captain, « that I and my poor fellows have been accustomed, every Monday, to drop a penny each into that box, for the purpose of sending out mis- sionaries to preach the gospel to the heathen^ but it is all over noW"! «Ah»! said the American, «that is very good»; and, after pausing a few minutes, he said: « Captain, Til not hurt a hair of your head, nor touch yourvesseb). The pious Welshman was accordingly allowed to pursue his voyage unmolested. Questions. 1 . What happened to a trading vessel from Cardigan? — 2 . Wliat did the captain of the privateer espy in the cabin? — 3, What explanation did the Welsh captain give, when asked what the box was? — 4. What did the American say to this, and what did he add after a few minutes? — 5. What followed? 48. Dr. Franklin on Prayer. When the American Convention was framing their constitution , Dr. Franklin asked them how it happened that, while groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth, they had not once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illumine their understandings. »I have lived, Sir», said he, «a long time, and the longer I live, the more con- vincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men; # - 40 -^ and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it pro- bable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that, except the Lord build the house, they la- bour in vain that build it. I firmly believe this; and I also believe that with- out his concurring aid we shall succeed in tliis political building no better than the builders of Babel. We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our project will be confounded, and we ourselves become a reproach and a byword down to future ages». He then moved that prayers should be performed in that assembly every morning before they proceeded to business. Questions. 1. WhatdidDr. Franklin asli the American Couvention? — 5. What statements did he make? — 3. What did he then move? 49. Washington. One Reuben Rouzy, of Virginia, owed the general about one thousand pounds. While President of the United States, one of his agents, brought an action for the money; judgment was obtained, and execution issued against the body of the defendant who was taken to jail. He had a con- siderable landed estate; but this kind of property cannot be sold in Virginia for debts unless at the discretion of the person. He had a large family, and for the sake of his children preferred lying in jail to selling his land. A friend hinted to him that probably General Washington did not know anything of the proceeding, and that it might be well to send him a pe- tition, with a statement of the circumstances. He did so, and the very next post from Philadelphia after the arrival of his petition in that city brought him an order for his immediate release, together with a full dis- charge, and a severe reprimand to the agent for having acted in such a manner. Poor Rouzy was, in consequence, restored to his family, who never laid down their heads at night without presenting prayers to Hea- ven for their «beloved Washington «. Providence smiled upon the la- bours of the grateful family, and in a few years Rouzy enjoyed the ex- quisite pleasure of being able to lay the one thousand pounds, with the interest, at the feet of this truly great man. Washington reminded him that the debt was discharged; Rouzy replied, the debt of his family to the father of their country and preserver of their parent could never be dis- charged; and the General, to avoid the pleasing importunity of the grateful — 41 — Virginian, who would not be denied, accepted the money, only, however, to divide it among Rouzy's children, which he immediately did. (luestions. 1. How much did Reuben Rouzy owe General Washington? — 2. What did one of the general's agents do, and what was the consequence? — 3. What did the defendant possess? — 4. Why did he not sell his property to pay his debts? — 5. What did a friend hint to him? — 6. What did the next post bring him? — 7. What was the consequence? — 8. What was Rouzy enabled to do in a few years? — 9. What followed? 50. An Illiislralioii of a Special Providence aod of the Power of Prayer. Captain H. and crew sailed some time since from the port of. — After haying been at sea for several days they were assailed by an unusually severe storm, which continued forty-five days and nights in succession. They were driven far from their course by the violence of the wind. Nature had become nearly exhausted by hard and long toiling; and, to add to their affliction, famine began to threaten them with a death far moreappalling than that of a watery grave. The captain had with him his wife, two daughters, and ten persons besides. As their provisions grew short, his wife became provident and careful of the pittance that fell to their family share. She would eat but little lest her husband should starve. The children would eat but little for fear the mother would suffer, and the captain refused to eat any, but left his portion for his suffering family. At length they were reduced to a scanty allowance for twenty-four hours, in the midst of a storm and one thousand miles from land . Captain H. was a man who feared God. In this his extremity he ordered his steward to bring the remaining provision on deck, and spread the same on the tarpawling which covers the hatch; and, falling down beside the fragments of bread and meat before him, he lifted up his voice in prayer to Him who heareth out of the deep, and said: «0 thou who didst feed Elijah by a raven while in the wilderness, and who com- maudedst that the widow's cruise of oil and barrel of meal should not fail, look .down upon us in our present distress, and grant that this food may be so multiplied that the lives now in jeopardy may be preserved*. After this he rose from his knees, went to the companion way, and found his 6 — 42 - wife and children engaged in the same holy exercise. He exhorted them to pray on, and assured them that God had answered his prayer, and that not one soul then on board should perish. Scarcely had he uttered these words when his mate , who had been at the masthead for some time on the look-out, exclaimed: «Sail ahoy, sail ahoy! » At this crisis the captain shouted with swelling gratitude: « What, has God sent the ravens already! » and in one hour from that time, through the friendly sail, barrels of bread and meat were placed upon the deck. Gluestions. 1. By what were Captain H..and crew assailed? — 2. What had nature become, and with what did famine threaten them? 3. Whom had the captain with him^ — 4. How did they care for each other? — 5. To what were they at length reduced? — 6. What was CaptainH., and what did he do in this extremity? — 8. Where did he go after his prayer, and how did he find his family? — 8. What did he assure them of? — 9. What happened immediately afterwards, and what exclamation did the captain make? 51. The Bible a Shield for Soul and Body. When Oliver Cromwell entered upon the command of the parliament's army against Charles 1, he ordered all his soldiers to carry a Bible in their pockets. Among the rest there was a wild, wicked young fellow, who ran away from his apprenticeship in London for the sake of plunder and dissipation. This fellow was obliged to be in the fashion. Being one day ordered out upon a skirmishing party, or to attack some fortress, he returned back to his quarters in the evening without hurt. When he was going to bed, pulling the Bible out of his pocket, he observed a hole in it. His curiosity led him to trace the depth of this hole into his Bible; he found a bullet was gone as far as Ecclesiastes XI, 9. He read the verse: « Rejoice, oh young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into judgments. The words were set home upon his heart by the Divine Spirit, so that he became a sound believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and lived in London many years after the civil wars. were over. He used pleasantly to observe to Dr. Evans, author of the Christian Temper, that the Bible was the means of saving both his soul and body. — 43 — Questions. What did Oliver Croravell order all his soldiers to do? — 2. What sort of person was there among the rest? — 3. Where was he ordered out one day, and in what condition did he return to his quarters? — 4. What did he observe, when he was going to bed?— 5. How far was the bullet gone into the Bible? — 6. What effect did the words produce on him?— 7. What did he iise to observe to Dr. Evans? 52. Houesty the Best Policy. Some years since there resided in a country village a poor but worthy clergyman who , Avith the small stipend of forty pounds per annum, supported himself, a wife, and seven children. At one time, walking and meditating in the fields, in much distress from the narrowness of his circumstances, he stumbled on a purse of gold- Looking round, in vain, to find its owner, he carried it home to his wife, who advised him to employ at least a part of it in extricating them from their present difficulty; but he conscientiously refused until he had used his utmost endeavours to find out its former proprietor, assuring her that honesty is always the best policy. After a short time it was owned by a gentleman who lived at some little distance, to whom the clergyman returned it without any other reward than thanks. On the good man's return, his wife could not help reproaching the gentleman with ingratitude, and censuring the over-scrupulous honesty of her husband; but he only replied as before, honesty is the best policy. A few months after this the curate received an invitation io dine with the aforesaid gentleman; who, after hospitably entertaining him, gave him the presentation to a living of three hundred pounds per annum, to which he added a bill of fifty pounds for present necessities. The curate, after making suitable acknowledgements to his benefactor, returned with joy to his wife and family, acquainting them with the happy change in his circumstances, and adding that he hoped she would now be convinced that honesty was the best policy^ to which she readily assented. (laestions. 1. Who resided in a country village? — 2. What was he doing one day, and on what did he stumble — 3 . On being advised to employ part of the money in extricating himself from his present difficulty, what did he reply? — _ 44 — 4. Was the purse owned by any one? — 5. Did the clergyman return the money, and what reward did he receive? — 6. What could the good man's wife, on his return, not help doing? — 7. What was his reply? — 8. What happened to the curate a few months after? -— 9. How did the curate feel, and what did he say to his family? 53. Remarkable Escape from Danger. There is a singular adventure, recorded by Ihe Captain of a Guinea- man, and as it is not very long, it will be here related in the Captain's own words, for the amusement and advantage of our readers. The ocean was very smooth, and the heat very great, which made us so languid, that almost a general wish overcame us on the approach of the evening, to bathe in the waters of the Congo. However, land Johnson were deterred from it by an apprehension of Sharks, many of which we had observed in the progress of our voyage, and those very large. — Camp- bell alone, who had been drinking too much, was obstinately bent on going over board, and although we us'ed every means in our power to persuade him to the contrary, he dashed into the water, and had swum some distance from the vessel, when we on board discovered an alligator, making towards him behind a rock that stood a short distance from the shore.— His escape I now considered impossible, and I applied to Johnson to know how we should act, who, like myself, affirmed the impossibility ofsavinghim, and instantly seized upon a loaded carbine, to shoot the poor fellow, ere he fell into the jaws of the monster. 1 did not, however, consent to this, but waited, with horror, the event; yet, willing to do all in my power, I or- dered the boat to be hoisted, and we fired two shot at the approaching alligator, but without effect; for they glided over his scaly covering, like hail stones on a tiled penthouse, and the progress of the creature was by no means impeded. The report of the piece, and the noise of the blacks from the sloop, soon made Campbell acquainted with his danger: he saw the creature making towards him, and with all the strength and skill he was master of, he made for the shore. And now the moment arrived, in which a scene was exhibited, beyond the power of my humble pen per- fectly to describe. On approaching within a very short distance of some canes and shrubs, that covered the banks, while closely pursued by the alligator, a fierce and ferocious tiger sprang towards him, at the instant the jaws of his first enemy were extended to devour him. —At this awful — 45 — moment Campbell was preserved. The eager tiger, by overleaping, fell into the gripe of the alligator. A horrible conflict then ensued. — The water was coloured with the blood of the tiger, whose efforts to tear the scaly covering of the alligator were unavailing, while the latter had also the advantage of keeping his adversary underwater, by which the victory was presently obtained; for the tiger's death was now effected. They both sunk to the bottom, and we saw no more of the alligator. Campbell was recovered, and instantly conveyed on board; he spoke not, while in the boat, though his danger had sobered him: but the moment he leaped on the deck, fell on his knees, and returned thanks to the Providence which had so protected him; and what is most singular, from that moment to the time I am now writing, he has never been seen the least intoxicated, nor has been heard to utter a single oath. (luestions. 1 . What general wish overcame the persons on board the Guineaman? — 2. What deterred the Captain and Johnson from bathing? — 3. On vfhat vpas Campbell obstinately bent, and what did he do?— 4. When he had swum some distance, what did those on board discover? — 5. What did Johnson seize upon, and for what purpose? — 6. What did the captain order to be done, and how many shot did they fire, and with what effect? — 7. With what was Campbell made acquainted, and what did he see? — 8. What happened on Campbell's approaching the bank? — 9. Describe the conflict between the tiger and the alligator? — 10 Where was Campbell conveyed, and what effect had his remark- able escape on him? k 54. Ncwi'ouudland Dogs. A vessel was once driven by a storm on the beach, in the county of Kent, in England. Eight men were calling for help, but not a boat could be got off for their assistance... at length a gentleman came on the beach accompanied by his Newfoundland dog.He directed the attention of the noble animal to the vessel, and put a short stick into his mouth. The intelligent and courageous dog at onco understood his meaning, and sprang into ihe sea, fighting his way through the foaming waves. He could not, however, get close enough to the vessel to deliver that with which he was charged, but the crew joyfully, made fast a rope to another piece of wood, and threw it towards him... The sagacious dog saw the whole business in an instant, he dropped his own piece, and immediately seized that which had been — 46 — cast tu him; and then, with a degree of strength and resolution almost incredible, he dragged it through the surge, and delivered it to his master. . . By this means a line ofcommunication was formed, and every man on board saved. Sometimes the dog is rather officious in his demonstrations of affec- tion, as the following story will show. —A boatman once plunged into the water to swim with another man for a wager. His Newfoundland dog, mistaking the purpose, and supposing that his master was in danger, plunged after him, and dragged him to the shore by his hair, to the great amusement of the spectators. Ciuestions. 1. Where was a vessel once driven by a storm? — 2. Who were calling for help, and why could they not be assisted? — 3. Who came on the beach? — 4. To what did the gentleman direct the attention of the dog, and what did he put into his mouth? — 5. What did the intelligent dog then do, and how did the crew act? — 6. What did the dog at once see, and what did he do with the rope thrown towards him? — 7. What followed? — 8. What is the New- foundland dog said sometimes to be? — 9. What is related of a boatman and his Newfoundland dog? 55. A Priceless Dog. A gentleman was lately returning from a visit to New - Orleans, in a steamer, with but a few passengers. Among the ladies, one especially interested him. She was the wife of a wealthy planter, returning with an only child to her father's house; and her devotion to this child was touching. While passing through the canal of Louisville, the steamer stopped for a lew moments at the quay. The nurse, wishing to see the city, was stepping ashore, when the child suddenly sprang from her arms into the terrible current that swept towards the falls, and disappeared immediately. The confusion which ensued attracted the attention of a gentleman who was sitting in the fore part of the boat, quietly reading. Rising hastily, he asked for some article the child had worn. The nurse handed him a tiny apron she had torn off in her efforts to save the child asitfell. Turn- ing to a splendid Newfoundland dog that was eagerly watching his coun- tenance the gentleman pointed first to the apron, and then to the spot where the child had sunk. — 47 - In an instant , the noble dog leapt into the water , and disappeared. By this time the excitement was intense, and some person on sliore sup- posing that the dog was lost, as well as the child, procured a boat, and started to search for the body. Just at this moment the dog was seen far away with something in his mouth. Bravely he struggled with the waves, but it was clear his strength was failing fast , and more than one breast gave a sigh of relief as the boat reached him, and it was announced that he was still alive. They were brought on board— the dog and the child. Giving a single glance to satisfy herself that the child was really living, the young mother rushed forward, and sinking beside the dog, threw her arm around his neck, and burst into tears. Not many could bear the sight unmoved , and as she caressed and kissed his shaggy head , she looked up to his owner, and said: «0h, sir, I must have this dog, take all I have- — everything — but give me my child's preserver ». The gentleman smiled, and patting his dog's head, said: «I am very glad , madam , he 4ias been of service to you , but nothing in the world could induce me to part with him». The dog looked as though he perfectly understood what they were talking about , and giving his sides a shake , laid himself down at his master's feet, with an expression in his large eyes, that said plainer than words: «No! nothing shall part us». Claestions. 1. From what place was a gentleman lately returning, and with whom? — 2. Who was the lady that especially interested him? — 3. What is said of her devotion to her only child? 4. Where did the steamer stop for a few moments? — 5. What happened as the child's nurse was stepping ashore? — 6. Whose attention did the confusion attract? — 7. What did the gentleman ask for? — 8. What did the nurse hand him? — 9. What did the gentleman then do? 10. On the dog's disappearing in the water, what did a person onshore do? • 11. Where was the dog at this moment seen, and with what? — 12. Were the child and the dog saved? 13. How did the young mother act on finding that her child was really alive? 14. What did she say to the owner of the dog? 15. What did the gentleman answer? 16. How did the dog look, and what did he do ? - 48 - 56. Caniue Sagacity. The following story, which illustrates in a singular manner the com- munication of ideas between dogs, was told by a clergyman, as an au- thentic anecdote. A surgeon of Leeds found a little spaniel who had been lamed. He carried the poor animal home, bandaged up his leg, and, after two or three days, turned him out. — The dog returned to the surgeon's house every morning, till his leg was perfectly well. At the end of several months, the spaniel again presented himself, in company with another dog, who had also been lamed; and he intimated, as well as piteous and intelligent looks could intimate, that he desired the same kind assistance to be rendered to his friend, as had been bestowed upon himself. A si- milar circumstance is stated to have occurred to Morant, a celebrated French surgeon. The following instance also affords a remarkable proof of the saga- city of these animals. — A British officer in the ^Mh regiment, who had occasion when in Paris, to pass one of the bridges across the Seine, had his boots, which had been previously well polished, dirtied by a poodle dog rubbing against them. — He in consequence, went to a man who was stationed on the bridge, and had them cleaned. — The same circumstance having occurred more than once, his curiosity was excited, and he watched the dog. He saw him roll himself in the mud of the river, and then watch for a person with well polished boots, against which he contrived to rub himself. — Finding that the shoe black was the owner of the dog, he taxed him with the artifice; and after a little hesitation, he confessed, that he had taught the dog the trick in order to procure customers for himself. The officer being much struck with the dog's sagacity, purchased him at a high price, and brought him to Eng- land. He kept him tied up in London for some time, and then released him. The dog remained with him a day or two, and then made his es- cape. A fortnight afterwards he was found again in Paris playing his old tricks on the bridge as before. duestions. 1. What does the above story illustrate? — 2. What did a surgeon of Leeds iind, and what did he do to the dog':' — 3. What did the dog do every morn- ing? — 4. Who presented himself again at the end of several months, and with whom? — 5. What did he intimate? — 49 — 6. What happened to a British officer on one of the bridges across the Seine? — 7. What did he do in consequence? — 8. What did he see on watch- ing the dog? — 9. What did the owner of the dog confess? — 10. What did the officer then do? — 11. How long did the dog, Avheu released, remain with the officer, and where was he found a fortnight afterwards? 57. More Faitliful than Favoured. Sir Harry Lee of Ditchley, in Oxfordshire, ancestor of the Earls of Lichfield, had a mastiff which guarded the house and yard, but had never met with the least particular attention from' his master, and was retained for his utility alone, and not from any particular regard. One night as his master was retiring to 4iis chamber, attended by his valet, an Italian, the mastiff silently followed him up stairs, which he had never been known to do before, and, to his master's astonishment, presented himself in his bedroom. Being deemed an intruder he was instantly ordered to be turned out; which being done, the poor animal began scratching at the door, and howling loudly for admission. The servant was sent to drive him away. Discouragement could not check his intended labour of love, or rather providential impulse; he returned again, and was more importunate than before to be let in. Sir Harry weary of opposition, bade the servant to open the door, that they might see what he wanted to do. 'This done the mastiff with a wag of his tail, and a look of affection at his Lord, deli- berately walked up, and crawling under the bed, laid himself down, as' if desirous to take up his night's lodging there. To save farther trouble, but not from any partiality for his company, the indulgence was allowed- About the solemn hour of midnight the chamber door was opened, and a person was heard stepping across the room: Sir Harry started from his sleep; the dog sprung from his covert, and seizing the unwelcome dis- turber, fixed him to the spot! All was dark; and Sir Harry rang his bell in great precipitation, in order to procure a light. The person who was pinned to the floor by the courageous mastiff, roared for assistance. It was found to be the valet, who little expected such a reception. He en- deavoured to apologize for his intrusion, and to make the reasons, which induced him to take this step, plausible; but the importunity of the dog, the time, the place, the manner of the valet, all raised suspicion in Sir Harry's mind; and he determined to refer the investigation of the business 7 — bo- te a magistrate. The perfidious Italian, alternately terrified by the dread- of punishment, and soothed with the hopes of pardon , at length confessed, that it was his intention to murder his master, and then rob the house, which design was only frustrated by the instinctive attachment of the dog to his master, which seemed to be directed on this occasion by the in- terference of Providence. A full length picture of the dog and his master, and the words «More faithful than favoured » are still to be seen at the family seat at Ditchley. Cluest-ion s. 1. What is said of Sir Harry's mastilf'^ — 2. What did he do one night? — 3. What followed? — 4. When Sir Harry bade the servant open the door, what did the mastiff do?— 5. What happened about the solemuhour of midnight? — 6. What did the perfidious Italian at last confess? — 7. What picture is stiUto be seen at the family seat at Ditchley, and what words are under it? 58. Bill, the Fire-escape Dog. There is a fine band of men in London, who have charge of the fire- escapes: which are immense movable ladder-machines, by which people descend of themselves, or are conveyed, from the windows of a house on fire. Samuel Wood, one of the bravest of those men, has saved more than one hundred men, women, and children, from the flames! Bluch of Wood's success, however, is justly due to his wonderful little dog «Bill». Around his neck the parishioners of Wliitechapel have placed a silver collar, in token of his valuable services during the nine years that he has filled the important post of « Fire-escape Dog». Bill, like his master, has to be very wakeful, and at his post of duty during the whole of the night, and therefore he sleeps during the day close to his master's bed. He never attempts to run out of doors un- til the hour approaches at which they must go to the «Station». Bill does not allow his master to sleep too long. He is sure to wake him, if he is likely to be late! How the dog knows the time is a puzzle, but know it he does! When the fire escape is wheeled out of the White- chapel Churchyard, at nine o'clock, Bill is promptly at his post. When an alarm of fire is heard, Bill, who is at other times very quiet, now begins to bark most furiously. Wood has no occasion to spring his rattle; for the policemen all around know Bill's bark so well that they at once come up to render help. — si- ll the alarm of fire takes place, when but few people are in the streets, Bill runs round to the coffee-honses near, and pushing open the doors, gives his well-known bark, as much as to say: «Come and help, men! come and help!» Bill has not to bark in vain. His call is cheer- fully obeyed. In dark nights the lantern has to be lit, when Bill seizes hold of it, and like a herald, runs on before his master. When the ladder is erected, Bill is at the top before his active master has reached half w^y! He jumps into the rooms, and amid thick smoke and the approaching flames, runs from room to room, helping his master to find and bring out the poor, inmates. On one occasion, the fire burned rapidly, and the smoke in the room became so thick, that Wood and another man were unable to find their way out. They feared that escape was now hopeless. Bill seemed at once to understand the danger, in which his kind master was placed, and he began to bark. Half suffocated, Wood and his comrade knowing this to be the signal «Follow me», at once crawled after Bill, and in a few mi- nutes they were led to the window, and thus their lives were saved. Richly does Bill deserve his silver collar. It bears this inscription : I am the Fire escape's man dog. My name is Bill. When «Fire)) is called, I'm never still. 1 bark for my master} all danger I brave, To bring tlm escape, man's life for to save. Poor Bill, like human beings, has had his trials and sufferings, as well as honours. At one fire, he fell through a hole burnt in the floor, into a tub of scalding water, from which he suffered dreadfully, and narrowly escaped a painful death. On three other occasions he had the misfortune to be run over; but, with careful doctoring, he was soon able to return to his duties *), Ctuestions. 1. What fine band of men is there in London? — 2. What are the fire- escapes? — 3 . What is said of Samuel Wood and of his little dog Bill ? 4 Where has Bill to be during the whole of the night, and where does he sleep during the day? «- *) This famous dog died in 1861. — 52 — 5. What is said of Bill's waking his master and knowing the time? — 6. When is Bill promptly at his post, and when does he begin to bark most furiously? — 7. Why has Wood no occasion to spring his rattle? 8. If the alarm of lire takes place, when but few people are in the streets, what does Bill do? — 9. Has he to bark in vain? 10. What is Bill's duty in dark nights? — 11. Where is Bill as soon as the ladder is erected? — 12. What does he then do? IB. What happened on one occasion, and how did Bill save his master and the other man? 14. What inscription does Bill's silver collar bear? 15. Describe some of poor Bill's trials and sufferings? 59. Tlie Strictness of Discipliuc Rewarded. The Empress Catherine being sick, the Czar went to the Fortress to perform his devotions; but it being midnight he found the gate shut. The sentinel cried out: «Who goes there?* « The Emperor !» «That is impos- sible; no one can know him at present, and we have strict orders not to allow any person whomsoever to come in». Peter at first did not recollect that this order had been given; he was not, however , displeased with the refusal of this brave soldier, and secretly congratulated himself, that discipline was so well attended to. «My friend», said he to the sentinel, ft it is true that the prohibition does exist, but as sovereign I can revoke it». «You endeavour in vain to persuade me: you shall not enter». The monarch was delighted with this perseverance, and asked: «Who gave you this order?» «My corporal". «Call hira». He came; the Prince, with- out saying who he was, ordered him to open the gate. «That is impos- sible; no one can enter, not even the emperor <>. «Who gave that order?*. «My officer*. «Let him be fetched; the Emperor wants to speak to him*. The officer of the guard appeared , and Peter desired him also to open the gate. He ordered the sentinel to hold a lantern to the face of the un- known , and being convinced of the presence of his master , he suffered him to pass. The Czar , without speaking ,, went forward , and said his prayers; on his return from the church he entered the guardhouse, and announced to the soldier, the corporal, and the officer, whose denial he had received, that he promoted each of them to a higher rank. tContinue, my friends » , said he on quitting them, uto observe the same strictness of discipline, and be assured you will always find me ready to recom- pense it». — 53 ~ Questions 1.. Where did the Czar go? — 2. What did the sentinel cry out, and what •was the answer?— 3. What did the sentinel reply to it? — 4. On what did the Czar secretly congratulate himself? — 5. What did he say to the sentinel? — 6. What was the sentinel's reply?— 7. Whom did the Prince order to call, and what did he bid him do ? — 8. To whom did the Emperor want to speak, and what did he desire him to do? - 9. How did the officer act? — 10, What did the Czar, on his return from the church, announce to the soldier, the corporal, and the officer, and what did he say on quitting them ? 60. Thomson and Quin. Thomson the poet, when he first came to London, was in very nar- row circumstances, and was very often at a loss, where, or how to pro- cure himself a dinner. Upon the publication of his Seasons, one of his creditors had him arrested, thinking that a proper opportunity to get his money. The report of this misfortune reached the ears of Quin, who had read the Seasons, but never s€en their author: and he was told that Thomson was in a Spunging-house in Holborn. Thither Quin went, and being admitted into his chamber: «Sir», said he, «you do not know me, but my name is Quin». Thomson said, «that, though he could not boast of the honour of a personal acquaintance, he was no stranger either to his name or his merit»; and invited him to sit down. Quin then told him he was come to sup with him, and that he had already ordered the cook to provide supper, which he hoped he would excuse. When supper was over, and the glass had gone briskly about, Mr. Quin told him «it was now time to enter upon business ». Thomson declared he was ready to serve him as far as his capacity would reach, in anything he might com- mand (thinking he was come about some affair relating to the drama). «Sir», says Quin, «you mistake me. I am in your debt. I owe you a hundred pounds, and I am come to pay you». Thomson, with a discon- solate air, replied, that, as he was a gentleman whom he bad never offended, he wondered he should seek an opportunity to banter with his misfortune. «No», said Quin, raising his voice: «I say I owe you a hun- dred pounds, and there it is» (laying a bank note of that amount before him). Thomson, astonished, begged he would explain himself. «Why», says Quin, «I will tell you. Soon after I had read your Seasons, I took it into my head, that, as I had something to leave behind me when — 54 — I died, I wouM make my Avill; and among the rest of my legatees T set down the author of the Seasons far a hundred pounds; and this dayhear- ling that you were in this house, I thought I might as well have the pleasure of paying the money myself, as order my executor to pay it, when perhaps you might have less need of it; and this, Mr. Thomson, is my business*. Of course Thomson left the house in company with his benefactor. Ctoestions. 1. For what was Thomson often at a loss? — 2. What happened to him after the publication of his Seasons? — 3. Who went to visit Thomson in the Spunging- house, and how did he introduce himself? — 4. What was Thom- son's reply? — 5. What did Quin order? — 6. After supper what did Quin say? — 7 . What did Thomson reply? — 8 . How much did Qnin say he owed Thomson? — 9. On Thomson's begging an explanation, what explanation did Quin give him? 61. The Whistle. A true story — Written to his Nephew by Dr. Franklin. When I was a child, at seven years old, my friends on a holiday filled my pockets Avith coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and, being charmed with the sound of a whistle, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered him all my money for one. I then came home, and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle, but disturbing the whole family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins unterstanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth. This put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and they laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation, and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure. This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression conti- nuing on my mind; so that often Avhen I was tempted to buy some un- necessary thing, I said to myself, Don'/ give too much for the whistle; and so I saved my money. As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I thought I met with many, very many, who gave too much for their whistle. — 55 — When I saw any one too ambitious of court favours, sacrifiGing his time in attendance on levees, his repose, his liberty, his virtue, and per- haps his friends, to attain it, I have said to myself: This man gives too much (or his whistle. When I saw another full of popularity, constantly employing himself in political bustles, neglecting his own affairs, and ruining them by that neglect: He pays indeed^ say I, too much for his whistle. If I knew a miser who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all the pleasures of doing good to others, ail the esteem of his fellow citizens, and the joys of benevolent friendship, for the sake of accumulating wealth: Poor man, say 1, you do indeed pay too much for your whistle. Whe 1 meet a man of pleasure, sacrificing every laudable improve- ment of the mind, or of his fortune, to mere corporeal sensations: Mis- taken man, say I, you are providing pain for yourself instead of pleasure — you give too much for your whistle. If I see one fond of fine clothes, fine furniture, fine equipages, all above his fortune, for which he contracts debts, and ends his career in prison: Alas! say I, he has paid dear, very dear, for his whistle. When I see a beautiful, sweet-tempered girl, married to an ill-na- tured brute of a husband: What a pity it is, say I, that she has paid so muck for a whistle. In short, I conceived that great part of the miseries of mankind were brought upon them by the false estimates they had made of the' value of things, and by their giving too much for their whistles. Questions. 1. When Franklin was a child, what did his friends do? — 2. What did F— do with the money? — 3. What did his brothers, etc. tell him? — 4. What did the observation of F — 's brothers, etc. put him in mind of? — 5. Wliat use did F. derive from the remarks of his brothers, etc.? — 6. What did F— say to himself when he saw an ambitious man? — 7. And what, when he saw a man full of popularity? — 8. And what to the miser? And what to the man of pleasure? 62. A Trait of Lord Byron's Generosity, Humanity, and Tender-heartedness. At Ellora, a sea-port very little known to Europeans, situate on the coast of Barbary, Lord Byron was leaning over the gangway of a vessel, looking at the sea serpents playing along-side, and enjoying the evening - 56 — rays of the sun: these animals are, to all appearance, from six to twelve feet long, and proportionably large in circumference. While in this situa- tion, his Lordship's gold watch fell from his jacket-pocket into the sea,, and was plainly seen at the bottom, although in five fathoms of water. His Lordship said, *he would not have lost it for ten times its value*. A sailor immediately undressed, and, diving down, succeeded in bringing up the watch, though sharks were very numerous round the vessel at the time, and so very ravenous, that several of them were caught with bait. Lord Byron was not aware of fhe man's intention, or he never would have allowed hirii to run such a risk; he offered the man thirty dollars and a gallon of rum; the sailor said, «He would take the rum to drink his Lordship's health, but he never would take money for going over- board in a calm, for the watch of a man who would jump overboard in a gale of wind, to save a poor fellow's life!» The honest tar recollected the following noble trait of his Lordship's humanity: The ship had encountered a severe gale of wind otf Cape Bon, that carried away her maintopmast in a heavy, deep, high rolling sea. A man stationed at the masthead fell with the mast, and, holding by one of the ropes floated about 20 fathoms from the ship's stern. He was hailed to hold fast, and the boat would be sent for him; the vessel, however, was nearly unmanageable, and the boat difficult to hoist out, being covered with part of the topmast. The man got weak, and at last called out that he could hold no longer, but must let go and submit. Every exertion to get out the boat seemed fruit- less, when Lord Byron stripped, and, taking a small rope in his hand, dashed into the waves, then running very high. Just as the poor fellow was sinking, he caught him by the hair of the head, and fastened the small rope round his arms; he was then hauled on board, and his life was saved. His Lordship, being an excellent swimmer, by help of the rope which the rescued man had hold of, made shift to get along side, and was taken on board quite exhausted. The exertion threw him into a high fever, and he was confined to his bed for a week in a doubtful state. The poor fellow, whose life he had saved, stood sentinel at his cabin door, wishing he had been drowned rather than anything should have happened to his preserver; and the vessel exhibited the extraordinary spectacle of a dejected British crew. Not a word was to be he'ard but in whispers; and every one offered up prayers for Lord Byron's recovery. When he became so well as to reappear upon deck, they bailed it as a day of ju- — 57 — bilee, and expressed their joy by tliree hearty cheers. The captain ordered them grog to drink his Lordship's health, and never did the cango merrier round. Every heart was filled with joy; and at the evening's dance, the preserved mariner presided, as master of the ceremonies, with grateful delight sparkling in his eyes. The heart of Lord Byron was peculiarly tender. When at Genoa, he was in the practice of going on board the Blossom, sloop of war, without ceremony, at all hours. One day he climbed up the side, the crew were all arranged, and Captaiq Stewart was directing the punishment of an of- fender against discipline. No sooner did the poor fellow's cries, and the sound of the lash, reach his Lordship's ears, than he tottered to a gun for support, and was seized with a violent sickness. The lash was sus- pended, and the officers crowded round, anxious to know the cause. When a little recovered, he inquired if the man's crime was theft, mutiny or lying. «Drunkenness!» was the reply. «Then let me beg of you to pardon him this time». Captain Stewart read the man a lecture, and complied with his Lordship's request, who privately sent him some mon- ey, and a message enjoining him sobriety in future. He was several days affected with this painful circumstance, and said «he would not have heard the punishment for a thousand pounds «. Ciuestions. 1. Where was Lord Byron? — 2. What was he doing? — 3. What is the length of the sea-serpents? — 4. What happened to Lord Byron? — 5. What did His Lordship say? — 6. What did a sailor do? 7. What did Lord Byron offer the man? — 8. What did the man say? — 9. What had happened to the ship off Cape Bon? — 10. What became of the man at the mast-head, and what did Lord Byron do? — 11. What were the consequences to Lord Byron? — 12. What were the poor fellow's thoughts, and what did the vessel exhibit? — 13. How did the crew, on Lord Byron's reappearance upon deck, express their joy, and what did the captain order? — 14. Who presided at the evening's dance, and in w-hat quality? 15. What did Lord Byron find, one day, on arriving on board «the Blos- som))? — 16. What happened to Lord Byron, when the poor fellow's cries and the sound of the lash reached his Lordship's ears? — 17. What did he inquire? — 18. What did he beg of the captain, and what was the consequen- ce? — 19. What did Lord Byron afterwards do, how did he feel, and what did he say? 8 - 58 — 63. The Chimney-sweepers' Feast, or the Lost Child Foand, There was formerly at London, on the first of May of every year, a superb feast given to the chimney-sweepers of the metropolis, at Mon- tagu-House, Cavendish-Square, the town residence of the Montagu family. The custom is said to have taken its origin from the following circum- stance : Lady Montagu, being at her country-seat as usual in the summer, used to send her little boy Edward to walk every day with the foot- man, who had strict orders never to lose sight of him. One day, however, the servant, meeting an old acquaintance, went into an alehouse to drink, and left the little boy running about by himself. After staying some time drinking, the footman came out to look for the child to take him home to dinner, but he could not find him. He wandered about till night, en- quiring at every house, but in vain, no Edward could be found. The poor mother, as may well be imagined, was in the greatest anxiety about the absence of her dear boy; but it Avould be impossible to describe her grief and despair, when the footman returned, and told her he did not know what had become of him. People were sent to seek him in all directions; advertisements were put in all the newspapers; bills were stuck up in London, and in most of the great towns of England, offering a considerable reward to any person who would bring him, or give any news of him. All endeavours were, however, unsuccessful, and it was concluded that the poor child had fallen into some pond, or that he had been stolen by gipsies, who would not bring him back for fear of being punished. Lady Montagu passed two long years in this miserable uncertainty: she did not return to London as usual in the winter, but passed her time in grief and solitude in the country. At length one of her sisters married, and, after many refusals. Lady Montagu consented to give a ball and sup- per on the occasion at her town-house. She arrived in London to super- intend the preparations, and while the supper was cooking, the whole house was alarmed by a cry of, fire! It appears that one of the cooks had overturned a saucepan, and set fire to the chimney. The chimney-sweepers were sent fur, and a little boy was sent up; but the smoke nearly suffocated him, and he fell into the fire-place. Lady Montagu came herself with some vinegar and a smell- — 59 - ing-bottle; she began to balhe his temples and his neck, when suddenly she screamed ont, Oh! Edward! — and fell senseless on the floor. She soon recovered, and taking the little sweep in her arms, pressed him to her bosom, crying: «It is my dear Edward! It is my lost boy»! It appears she had recognised him by a mark on his neck. The master-chimney-sweeper, on being asked where he had obtained the child, said he had bought him about a year before of a gipsy woman, who said he was her son. All that the boy could remember was, that some people had given him fruit, and told him they would take him home to his mamma; but that they took him a long way upon a donkey, and after keeping him a long while, they told him he must go and live with the chimney-sweep who was his father: that they had beaten him so much whenever he spoke of his mamma and of his fine house, that he was almost afraid to think of it. But he said his master, the chimney- sweeper, had treated him very well. Lady Montagu rewarded the man handsomely, and from that time she gave a feast to all the chimney-sweepers of the Metropolis on the first of May. the birth-day of little Edward, who always presided at the table, which was covered with the good old English fare, roast beef, plum pudding, and strong beer. This circumstance happened many, many years ago, and Lady Montagu and Edward are both dead; but the first of May is still celebrated as the chimney-sweepers' holiday, and you may see them on that day in all parts of London, dressed in ribbons and all sorts of finery, dancing to music at almost every door, and beating time with the implements of their trade. Questions. 1. What was formerly at London? — 2. What used Lady M. to do? — 3. What did the servant do, and what was the consequence? — 4. How did the poor mother feel? — 5. What was the result of all the endeavours to find the boy, and what was concluded? — 6. How did Lady M. pass her time, and how long? — 7. By what was the house alarmed? — 8. Who were sent for, and what was the consequence?— 9. What did Lady M. do? — 10. What happen- ed to Lady M., and what did she do afterwards? — 11. How did she recog- nise her son? — 12. What did the chimney-sweeper say about the child? — 13 What could the boy remember? — 14. How did LadyM. reward the man? — 15. What did she always give? — 16. Who presided at the feast, and of what did it consist? —17. How is the first of May still celebrated in London? 60 64. A Nobleman and his Noble Servant. A Russian nobleman was travelling in the early part of the winter over a bleak plain. His carriage rolled up to an inn, and he demanded a relay of horses to go on. The innkeeper entreated him not to proceed, for there was danger abroad; the wolves were out. He thought the object of the man was to keep him as a guest for the night; and saying it was too early in the season for wolves, ordered the horses to be put to. In spite of the continued warnings of the landlord, the carriage drove away, with the nobleman, his wife, and their only daughter. On the box of the carriage was a serf , who had been born on the nobleraan's estate, and who loved his master as he loved his life. They rolled on over the hardened sno^, and there seemed no signs of danger. The moon began to shed her light, so that the road appeared like polished silver. At length the little girl said to her father: «What is that strange dull sound that I just heard* ? Her father replied: «Nothing but the wind sighing through the trees of the forest we have just passed». The child shut her eyes, and was quieted for the time; but in a few minutes, with a face pale with affright , she turned to her father , and said: « Surely, that was not the wind; I heard it again, did you not hear it too? Listen! » The nobleman listened , and far , far away in the distance behind him, but distinct enough in the clear, frosty air, he heard a sound, which he knew the meaning of, though they did not. He put down the glass, and speaking to the serf, said: «I think they are after us; we must make haste; tell the post-boy to drive faster, and get your musket and pistols ready; I will do the same; we may yet escape »• The man drove faster; but the mournful howling, which the child had first heard, began to come nearer and nearer, and it was perfectly clear to the nobleman that a pack of wolves had got scent, and were in pursuit of them. Meanwhile he tried to calm the anxious fears of his wife and child. At last the baying of the pack was distinctly heard, and he said to his servant: «When they come up with us, single you out the leader, and fire; I will single out the next, and, as soon as one falls, the rest will stop to devour him: that will be some delay at least. By this time they could see the pack fast approaching with their long measured tread, a large dog-wolf leading. They singled out two, and they fell; the pack immediately turned on their fallen comrades, and soon tore — 61 — them to pieces. The taste of blood made the others advance with more fury, and they were again soon baying at the carriage. Again the noble- man and his servant tired, and two more fell, which were instantly de- voured as before; but the next post-house was still far distant. The nobleman then cried to the post-boy: «You must let one of the horses loose from the carriage, iu order that, when the wolves come up to him, their destruction of the horse may gain us a little time». This was done, and the horse was left on the road: «in a few minutes they heard the loud agonizing shriek of the poor animal as the wolves tore him down. Again they urged on the carriage, but again their enemies were in full pursuit. A second horse was sent adrift, and shared the same fate as his fellow. At length the servant said to his master: «I have served you since I was a child, and I love you as I love my own life; it is perfectly clear to me that we cannot all reach the post-house alive; I am quite prepared, and I ask you to let me die for you». «No)), said the master, «we will live together, or die together; it must not be son. But the entreaties of the man at length prevailed. «I shall leave my wife and children to you; you will be a father to them; you have been a father to me; when the wolves next reach us , I will jnmp down and do my best I can to arrest their progress ». The carriage rolls on as fast as the two remaining horses can drag it! the wolves are close on their track, and almost dash against the doors of the carriage. Presently is heard the discharge of the servant's pistols as he leaps from -his seat. Soon the door of the post-house is reached, and the family is safe. They went to the spot the following morning, where the wolves had pulled the devoted servant to pieces. There now stands a large wooden cross, erected by the nobleman, with this text upon it: « Greater love has no man than this, that one lay down his life for his friend ». Ouestions. 1. When and where was a Russian nobleman travelling? — 2. What did he demand, when arrived at the inn? — 3. What did the innkeeper entreat him not to do, and why? — 4. What did the nobleman think, and what followed? 5. Who was on the box of the carriage? — 6. What did the little girl say to her father? — 7. What did the father reply? — 8. What did the child do, a few minutes after, and what did she say? — 9. What did the nobleman hear? — 62 — 10. What did the nobleman then say to the serf? 1 1 . What did the nobleman tell his servant to do , when the baying of thtt pack was distinctly heard? 12. Describe the shooting of the four wolves? 13. What did the nobleman then cry to the post-boy, and what followed? 14. Mention the words, and describe the death of the devoted servant? 1 5. What words were written on the wooden cross erected by the nobleman to the memory of his servant? 65. Miss Burney. Miss Barney, afterwards Madame D'Arblay, wrote her celebrated novel oi Evelina when only seventeen years of age, and published it without the knowledge of her father who, having occasion to visit the metropolis, soon after it had issued from the press, purchased it as the work then most popular, and most likely to prove an acceptable treat to his family. When Dr. Burney had concluded his business in town, he went to Chessington, the seat of Mr. Crisp, where his family were on a visit. He had scarcely dismounted and entered the parlour, when the customary question of «What news»? was rapidly addressed to him by the several personages of the little party. «Nothing», said the worthy doctor, «but a great deal of noise about a novel which I have brought you». When the book was produced, and the title read, the surprised and conscious Miss Burney turned away her face to conceal the blushes and delighted confusion which otherwise would have betrayed her secret; but the bustle which usually attends the arrival of a friend in the coun- try, where the monotonous but peaceful tenor of life is agreeably disturb- ed by such a change, prevented the curious and happy group from ob- serving the agitation of their sister. After dinner, Mr. Crisp proposed that the book should be read. This was done with all due rapidity; when the gratifying comments made during its progress, and the acclamations which attended its conclusion, ratified the approbation of the public. The amiable author, whose anxiety and pleasure could with difficulty be concealed, was at length overcome by the delicious feeling of her heart; she burst into tears, and throwing herself on her father's neck, avowed herself the author of Evelina. The joy and surprise of her sisters, and still more of her father, cannot easily be expressed. Dr. Burney, conscious as he was of the ta- - 63 - lents of his daughter, never thought that such maturity of observation and judgment, such fertility of imagination and chasteness of style, could have been displayed by a girl of seventeen — by one who appeared a mere infant in artlessness and inexperience, and whose deep seclusion from Ihe world had excluded her from all visual knowledge of its ways. Soon after m^, she settled at Rome, and was admitted a member of the Academy of the Arcadi, under the name of Gorilla Olympica, and for some time continued to charm the inhabitants of Rome by her talents in improvisation. At length, when Pius YI became Pope, he determined that she should be solemnly crowned— an honour which had been grant- ed to Petrarch only. Twelve members of the Arcadian Academy were selected out of thirty, publicly to examine the new edition of the «Tenth Muse», which has so often been dedicated to ladies of poetical and literary talents. Three several days were allotted for this public exhibition of poetical powers, on the following subjects: — sacred history, revealed religion, moral philosophy, natural history, metaphysics, epic poetry, legislation, eloquence, mvthology, fine arts, and pastoral poetry. In the list of examiners appeared a prince, an archbishop, three monseigneurs, the Pope's physician, abati, avocati, all of high rank in literature and criticism.' These severally gave her subjects which, be- sides a readiness Si versification in all the measures of Italian poetry, required science, reading, and knowledge of every kind. In these severe trials she acquitted herself to the satisfaction and astonishment of all the personages, clergy, literati, and foreigners then resident at Rome. Among the latter was the brother of George III, the Duke of Gloucester. Nearly fifty sonnets, by different poets, with odes, canzoni, terze rime, attave, canzonetti, etc., produced on the subject of the event, are inserted at the end of a beautiful volume containing the description of the order and ceremonials of this splendid, honourable, and enthusiastic homage paid to poetry, classical taste, talents, litera- ture, and the fine arts. Qtuestions. 1. At what age did Miss Burney publish her Evelina, and without whose knowledge? — 2. What book did her father purchase, and why? ^ 64 -- 3. Where did Dr. Buniey go, when he had concluded his husHiess in town? — 4. What question was adressedto him, when he had entered the par- lour, and what was his answer? 5. When the book was produced, what effect had it on Miss Burney, and what prevented the happy group from observing the agitation of their sister? 6. What did Mr. Crisp propose after dinner, and how was the approb^ation of the public ratified? — 7. How did the amiable author feel, and what avowal did she make to her father? 8. What is said of the joy and surprise of her father and sisters? 9. Where did she settle soon after 1774, and of what was she admitted a member? 10. What did Pius VI determine? 11. Who were selected to examine the new edition of the uTenth Muse»? — 12. On what subjects did this public exhibition take place. 13. Who appeared in the list of examiners, and what did the subjects they gave her require? — 14. How did she acquit herself in these severe trials? 66. The Generous Cateran. Early in the la::;t century, John Gunn, a noted. Caterau, or Highland robber, infested Inverness-shire, up to the walls of the provincial capital. A garrison was then maintained in the castle of that town; and their pay was usually transmitted in specie , under the guard of a small escort. It chanced that the officer who commanded this little party was unexpectedly oWiged to halt, about thirty miles from Inverness," at a miserable inn. About night-faU, a stranger, in the Highland dress, and of a very prepos- sessing appearance , entered the same house. Separate accommodation being impossible, the Englishman offered the newly-arrived guest a part of his supper, which was accepted with reluctance. By the conversation he found his new acquaintance kneAV weH all the passes of the country, which induced him eagerly to request his company on the ensuing morn- ing. He neither disguised his business and charge, nor his apprehensions of that celebrated freebooter , John Gunn. The Highlander hesitated a moment , and then frankly consented to be his guide. Forth they set in the morning; and in travelling through a solitary and dreary glen, the discourse again turned on John Gunn. «Wouldyouliketo see him?» said his guide; and, without waiting for an answer to this alarming question, he whistled, and the English officer, with his small party, were surround- ed by a body of well armed Highlanders whose numbers put resistance — 65 - out of question. « Stranger » , resumed the guide , «I am that very John Gunn by whom you feared to be intercepted, and not without cause; for I was come to the inn last night with the express purpose of learning your route, tiiat I and my followers might ease you of your charge by the road. But I am incapable of betraying the trust you reposed in me, and having convinced you that you were in my power, I can only dismiss you un- plundered and uninjured ». He then gave the officer directions for his jour- ney, and disappeared with his party, as suddenly as they had presented themselves. (Walter Scott). Oluestions. 1. What did John Gunn infest? — 2. What was maintained in the castle of Inverness, and how was the pay of the garrison transmitted? — 3. What happened to the officer who commanded the little party? — 4. Who entered the inn at night-fall, and what did the Englishman offer the newly-arrived guest? — 5. What did the officer find, and whosB company did he requests — 6. Did the Highlander consent ? -^ 7. What did he say to the English officer, as they were travelling through a solitary glen, and what followed? — 8. What 'expla- nation did the guide then give to the stranger, and how did he act afterwards ? 67. Siugular Iiislance of Gcuerosity. About thirty years ago, Mr. B. having at that time newly commen- ced business in Edinburgh, was returning on horseback from the city to a cottage he had near Cramond. It was a wild night in November, and though he usuaUy took the shortest way home, he resolved, this even- ing, on account of the increasing darkness, to keep on the high road. When he had proceeded about three miles from the town, and had come to the loneliest part of the way, he was suddenly arrested by a man who sprang out of a small copse at the road side, and seized the bridle of his horse. Mr. B. was a man of great calmness and resolution, and asked the man the reason of his behaviour, without betraying the smallest symptoms of agitation. Not so that assailant. He held the bridle in his hand, but Mr. B. remarked that it trembled excessively. After remaining some time, as if irresolute what to do, and without uttering a word, he let go his hold of the bridle, and said in a trembling voice: «Pass on, Sir, pass on!» — and then he added: RThank God, I am yet free from crime*. Mr. B. was struck with the manner and appearance of the man, 9 — 66 — and said: «I fear you are in distress, is there any thing in which a stran- ger can assist you?» «Strangers may, perhaps», replied the man in a bitter tone: for nothing is to be hoped from friends ». « You speak, I hope, under some momentary feeling of disappointment ». «Pass on, pass on!» he said impatiently: «1 have no right to utter any complaints to you. Go home and thank God, that a better spirit withheld me from my first intention, when I heard you approach — or this might have been» — he suddenly paused. «Stranger», said Mr. B. in a tone of real kindness: «you say, you have no right to utter your complaints to me; I have cer- tainly no right to pry into your concerns, but I am interested, I confess, by your manner and appearance, and I frankly make you an offer of any assistance 1 can bestow*. «You know not», replied the stranger, «the person to whom you make this generous proposal — a wretch stained with vices — degraded from the station he once held, and on the eve of becoming a robber — aye», he added with a shudder, «perhaps a murderer*. I care not, I care not, for your former crimes, — sufficient for m'e that you repent them — tell me wherein I can stand your friend*. «For myself I am careless», replied the man; «but there is one who looks to me with eyes of quiet and still unchanged aifection, though she knows that I have brought her from a house of comfort to share the fate of an outcast and a beggar. I wished for her sake once more to become respectable, to leave a country where I am known, and to gain charac- ter, station, wealth ~ to all which she is so justly entitled — in a foreign land; but I have not a shilling in the world ». He here paused, and Mr. B. thought, he saw him weep. He drew out his pocket book, and unfolding a bank bill, he put it into the man's hand, and said: «Here is what 1 hope will ease you from present difficulties, it is a note for a hundred pounds ». The man started as he received the paper, and said in a low subdued tone: «I will not attempt to thank you, Sir — may I ask your name and address? » Mr. B, gave him what he required. «Fare well, SiD), said the stranger, «when I have expiated my fault, by a life of honesty and virtue, I will pray for you: till then, I darenot*. Saying these words, he bounded over the hedge and disappeared. Mr. B. rode home wondering at the occurrence; and he has often said since, that he never derived so much pleasure from a hundred pounds in his life. He related the adventure to several of his friends, but as they were not all endowed with the same liberality of spirit as himself, he was — 67 — rather laughed at for his simplicity; and in the course of a few years, an increasing and very prosperous business drove the transaction almost entirely from his mind. One day, however, about twelve years after the adventure, he was sitting with a few friends after dinner, when a note was put into his hand, and the servant told him, that the Leith carrier had brought a hogshead of claret into the hall. He opened the note, and found it to. contain an order for a hundred pounds, with interest up to that time, accompanied with the strongest expression of- gratitude for the service done to the writer long ago. It had no date, but informed him that he was happy, that he was respected, and that he was admitted partner in one of the first mercantile houses in the city where he lived. Every year the same present was continued, always accompanied by a letter. Mr. B., strange to say, made no great effort to discover his cor- respondent. At last he died, and the secret of, who the mysterious cor- respondent might be, seemed in a fair way of dying along with him. But the story is not yet done. When the funeral of Mr. B. had reached the Grey-friars church yard, the procession was joined by a gentleman, who got out of a very elegant carriage at the^door of the church. He was a tall, handsome man about five and forty years of age, dressed In the deepest mourning. There were no armoreal bearings on the panels of his carriage, he was totally unknown to all the family, and after the cere- mony, during which he appeared to be deeply affected, he went up to the chief mourner, and said: «I hope. Sir, you- will excuse the intrusion of a stranger; but I could not refrain from paying the last tribute of re- spect to an excellent gentleman who was, at one time, more my bene- factor than any person living ». Saying this he bowed, stepped quickly into his carriage, and disappeared. There can be no doubt, that this was the individual, who had been rescued, by the prompt benevolence of Mr. B. — from sin and misery. Questions. 1. What was Mr. B. doing about thirty years ago? — 2. Why did he keep on the high road? — 3 . What happened when he had come to the loneliest part of the way? — 4. What did Mr. B — ask the man, and what did the lat- ter say? — 5. What did Mr. B — then say, and what w^as the man's reply? — 6. Give a further account of their conversation? — 7. On receiving the bank note from Mr. B— ; what did the man say and do? — 8. What were Mr. B's feelings with regard to the hnndred pounds? — 9. What happened one day, — 68 — when Mr. B. was sitting with a few friends after dinner? — 10. What was every year continued? — 11. Describe the appearance of the gentleman who joined the funeral procession? — 12. "What did he do and say after the cere- mony ? 68. Bradford the Innkeeper. Jonathan Bradford kept an inn in Oxfordshire , on the London road to Oxford. He bore a respectable character. Mr. Hayes, a gentleman of fortune , being on his way to Oxford on a visit to a relation, put up at Bradford's. He there joined company with two gentlemen, with whom he supped, and in conversation unguardedly mentioned that he had then about him a considerable sum of money. In due time they retired to their re- spective chambers; the gentlemen to a two-bedded room , leaving, as is customary with many, a candle burning in the chimney corner. Some hours after they were in bed, one of the gentlemen being awake, thought he heard a deep groan in an adjoining chamber; and this being repeated, he softly awoke his friend. They listened together, and the groans increas- ing, as of one dying and in pain, they both instantly arose, and pro- ceeded silently to the door of the next chamber , from which the groans had seemed to come. The door being ajar, they saw a light in the room. They entered, but it is impossible to paint their consternation on perceiv- ing a person weltering in- his blood in the bed, and a man standing over him with a dark lantern in one hand, and a knife in the other! The man seemed as much petrified as themselves , but his terror carried with it all the appearance of guilt. The gentlemen soon discovered that the mur- dered person was the stranger , with whom they had that night supped, and that the man, who was standing over him, was their host. They seiz- ed Bradford directly, disarmed him of his knife, and charged him with being the murderer. He assumed by this time the air of innocence, posi- tively denied the crime , and asserted that he came there with the same humane intentions as themselves; for that , hearing a noise , which was succeeded by a groaning, he got out of bed, struck a light, armed him- self with a knife for his defence , and had but (hat minute entered the room before them. These assertions were of little avail: he was kept in close custody till the morning , and then taken before a neighbouring justice of the peace. Bradford still denied the murder , but with such — 69 — apparent indications of guilt , that the justice hesitated not to make use of this extraordinary expression, on writing his mittimus, «Mr. Bradford, either you or myself committed this murder ». This remarkable affair became a topic of conversation to the whole country. Bradford was condemned by the general voice of every company. Ill the midst of all this predetermination, came on the assizes at Oxford. Bradford was brought to trial; he pleaded not guilty. Nothing could be stronger than the evidence of the two gentlemen. They testified to the finding Mr. Hayes murdered in his bed, Bradford at the side of the body with a light and a knife , and that knife , and the hand whicli held it , bloody. They stated that, on their entering the room, he betrayed all the signs of a guilty man; and that, but a few minutes preceding, they had heard the groans of the deceased. Bradford's defence on his trial was the same as before: he had heard a noise; he suspected that some villainy was transacting; he struck a light, snatched up the knife, the only weapon at hand, to defend himself, and entered the room of the deceased. He averred that the terrors he betrayed were merely the feelings natural to innocence , as well as guilt , on be- holding so horrid a scene. The defence, however, could not but be con- sidered as weak, contrasted with the several powerful circumstances against him. Never was circumstancial evidence so strong, so far as it went. There was little need for comment from the judge in summing up the evidence, no room appeared for extenuation; and the prisoner was declared guilty by the jury, without their even leaving the box. Bradford was executed shortly after, still declaring that he was not the murderer, nor privy to the murder, of Mr. Hayes; but he died, dis- believed by all. Yet were these assertions not untrue! The murder was actually com- mitted by the footman of Mr. Hayes ; and the assassin , immediately on stabbing his master, rifled his pockets of his money , gold watch , and snuff-box , and then escaped back to his own room. This could scarcely have been effected, as after-circumstances showed, more than two seconds before Bradford's entering the unfortunate gentleman's chamber. The world owed this information to remorse of conscience on the part of the footman (eighteen monhts after the execution of Bradford) , when laid on a bed of sickness. It was a death bed repentance , and by that death the law lost its victim. _ 70 — It were to be wished that this account could close here, but there is more to be told. Bradford, though innocent of the murder, and not even privy to it , was nevertheless a murderer in design. He had heard , as well as the footman , what Mr. Hayes had declared at supper , having a sum of money about him ; and he went to the chamber of the deceased with the same intentions as the servant. He was struck with amazement on beholding himself anticipated in the crime. He could not believe his senses; and in turning back the bed clothes to assure himself of the fact, he in his agitation dropped his knife on the bleeding body , by which means both his hands and the weapon became bloody. These circumstan- ces Bradford acknowledged to the clergyman who attended him after sen- tence, but who, it is extremely probable, would not believe them at the time. Besides the graver lesson to be drawn from this extraordinary case, in which we behold the simple intention of crime so signally and won- derfully punished , these events furnish a striking warning against the careless , and , it may be , vain display of money or other property in strange places.. To heedlessness on this score the unfortunate Mr. Hayes fell a victim. The temptation , we have seen , proved tt)0 strong for two persons out of the few who heard his ill timed disclosure. Questions. I. Where did Jonathan Bradford keep an inn, and what character did he bear? — 2. What is said of Mr. Hayes? — 3. What did the two gentlemen do on hearing the groans in the abjoining chamber ? — 4. What did they per- ceive on entering the chamber? — 5. What is said of the man with the dark lantern and the knife? — 6. What did the gentlemen discover, and what fol- lowed? 7. When the assizes at Oxford came on, what did the two gentlemen testify and state ? 8. What is said of Bradford's defence on his trial, and what was he decla- red by the jury ? 9. By whom was the murder actually committed, and to what circumstance did the world owe this information ? 10. In what sense' was Bradford nevertheless a murderer, and what circum- stances did he acknowledge to the clergyman who attended him after sentence? II. What lesson may be drawn- from this extraordinary case , and what warning do these events furnish ? - 71 — 69. Fingai outwitting the Scotch Giant. Fingal was a giant, and no fool of one, and any one that affronted him was sure of a beating. But there was a giant in Scotland as tall as the mainmast, more or less, as we say when we a'n't quite sure. This Scotch giant heard of Fingal, and how he had beaten every body, and he said: «Who is this Fingal? I'll just walk over and see what he's made of». So he walked across the Irish channel, and landed within half a mile of Belfast, and I suspect that he was not dry-footed. When Fingal heard that this great chap was coming over, he was in a devil of a fright, for they told him that the Scotchman was taller by a few feet or so. So Fingal kept a sharp look-out for the Scotchman, and one fine morning, there he was, sure enough, coming up the hill to Fingal's house. If Fingal was afraid before, he had more reason to be afraid, when he saw the fellow; for he looked for all the world like the Monument '') upon a voyage of discovery. So Fingal ran into his house, and called to his wife Shaya, «myvourneen *'')», says he, « be quick now; there's that big bully of a Scotchman coming up the hill. Cover me up with the blankets, and if he asks who is in bed, tell him it's the child ». So Fingal lay down on the bed, and his wife had just time to cover him up, when in comes the Scothman, and though he stooped low, he broke his head against the portal. « Where's Fingal?)) says he, rubbing his forehead; show him to me, that I may give him a beating ». «Whist, whist » ! cries Shaya, «you'll wake the baby, and then him that you talk of beating will be the death of you, if he comes in». «Is that the baby?» cried de Scotchman with surprise, looking at the great carcass muffled up in the blankets. tSure it is», replied Shaya, «and Fingal's baby too; so don't you wake him, or Fingal will twist your neck in a minute ». «By the cross of St. Andrew* , replied the giant, then it's time for me to be off; for if that's his baby, I'll be but a mouthful to the fellow himself. Good morning to ye». So the Scotch giant ran out of the house, and never stopped to eat or drink until he got back to his own hills; foreby he was nearly drown- ed in having mistaken his passage across the Channel in his great hurry. Then Fingal got up and laughed, as well as he might, at his own acuteness; and so ends my story about Fingal. (Marryat). *) 3;^'fecb ^o;^pa3yM'feBaeTCfl MOHyMeHTTj, BOSflBHrHyTbift bT) JIoh;^oh'6 bt. na- MHTt BejHKaro noatapa BTb 1666 roAy. . The wind soom began to increase, and all cowered down in the boat to keep her balanced. The spray washed over them fearfully, and the sail shook so in the wind that, having let go all, they thought it would tear the mast out. At this time they were about three leagues from the -^ 94 --" south-east end of the island, which was the nearest point then in sight. As the clouds spread hy the attraction of the land, the whole island he- came wrapped in a dark mist, and in half an hour they could discern nothing but the gloom of the storm around them, as they bore down to- wards the darkest part. Their lamp was now quenched by a heavy sea, and being unable to distinguish the points of the compass, they were fearful that they should miss the island, and be carried off so far that they could never reach it again. Whenever there was a lull they tried to haul in their sheet, but a sudden flaw striking them once, the boat lay over till she buried her gunwales, and the sea broke heavily over the lee side; and the crew at the same time springing in a body to the weather- side to balance her, brought her over suddenly so that it was a miracle that they were not capsized, which, had it happened so far out at sea in the darkness, would have made an end of them. It was as much as they could do, by bailing continually, to keep her afloat, and every moment they expected to be submerged. They knew it was four hundred miles to the coast of Chili, and they had neither water nor provisions left At best their position was perilous. Ignorant of the bearings of the harbour, they were at a loss what to do, even if they should be able to reach the lee of the island, for they had seen that it was chiefly rock-bound and inaccessible to boats. About two in the morning, as well as they could judge, they found themselves close under the lee of a high cliff, upon the base of which the surf broke with a tremendous roar. Some of the party, reckless of the consequences, were in favour of running straight in, and attempting to gain the shore at all hazards. The more prudent protested against the folly of this course, well knowing that they would be inevitably capsized in the surf, and dashed to pieces upon the rocks. They accordingly en- deavoured to lay off and wait for daylight. It was a wild and awful place in the dead of the night, it being so dark that they scarcely knew where they steered. Once they stopped to listen, fancying they heard voices on the shore, but it was only the moaning of the tempest upon the cliffs, and the frightful beating of the surf below. Having pulled, as they be- lieved, about twelve miles along the shore, and seeing no sign of a cove or bay, they despaired of getting ashore before daylight, when they were startled by one of their number crying out that he saw a light. The light disappeared and appeared again. It seemed at first to be on the shore. — 95 — but finally they discovered that it hung in the rigging of a large vessel, which they were enabled to hail. To the inquiry, «Boat ahoy! where are you from?» the boat's crew replied, «The ship 'Anteus', bound for California: what ship is this?» The answer was «The 'Brooklyn', bound for California ». No longer able to suppress thfeir joy, the boat's crew gave three hearty cheers, and after a little while they found means of getting safely aboard the « Brooklyn », where they met with a kind wel- come from the master. Captain Richardson, and his crew. To endeavour to regain the ship by their boat was hopeless; and the adventurous boat's crew spent some days in exploring the island, which they found to be inhabited only by sixteen persons- consisting of an Ame- rican and four or five Chilian men with their wives and children. Mr. Ross Browne gives an interesting description of the condition of the island, and pleasantly interweaves with his narrative some fanciful adven- tures, such as may be supposed to haunt the dreams of cast-aways, full of the associations of the place. Fortunately for them, three days later the «Anteus») hove in sight of the island, and the boat's crew were once more enabled to resume their voyage with no worse result from their adventure than a reprimand from the captain for their rashness and dis- obedience to his orders. (The Temple Anecdotes), Questions. I. By what was the story of « Robinson Crusoe » suggested to De Foe? — 2. By what name is the island of Juan Fernandez known to sailors? 3. Where, when, and in what ship did Mr. Browne sail? — 4. How was the weather, and what desire did all on board feel? — 5. Of what was there every prospect, and what did a party of the passengers agree to do? — 6. What articles did they take with them. — 7. What warning did the captain give them, and what did he exclaim good-humouredly? 8. What does Mr. Browne say in excuse of the danger, to which the party was exposed? 9. What did they find with regard to distances at sea? — 10. What does Mr. Browne's narrative say? II. Give a further description of the weather, and of the state in which the boat was? 12. What happened when they had pulled about twelve miles along the shore? 13. How did the boat's crew spend some days, and of what does Mr. Browne give an interesting description? — 14. What happened three days later? — 96 — 77. The Sedar, and Leopard Hunt. I received a letter addressed to me at Calcutta, from a friend atBer- hampore, stating that several robberies had taken place in my household during my absence, and that my sedar-bearer, on whom I could rely, had begged of my friend to write to me to return as soon as possible. This information reached me as I lay on my couch, completely worn with the fatigues of the day previous; for I had been with some brother- officers to Barrackpore, to see a hunt by leopards — a sight the most curious that I ever beheld in India. These animals are so tame, that they range at large, and actually sleep beside their keeper. This I can vouch for, as I have seen it. They protect him with the same fidelity that a dog would defend his master, if any stranger should approach him during his slumbers. This I particularly know, as 1 unfortunately went to awake him, unaware of his faithful guardians, and nearly paid the penalty of my folly. The keeper, however, started up, and called them off. They obeyed with the docility of domestic animals, and fell behind at his word of command. They belong, I believe, to the Governor-General for the time being, and are kept in the park of the government-house. It was here that I saw them run down a deer. Never in my life have I beheld any- thing so graceful in their movements, or so rapid as their speed. Consi- derably swifter than greyhounds, they bounded- along, and soon brought down their game. Fatigued with the excitement of this beantiful sport, I returned to Calcutta, and, as I have mentioned, was lying on my couch when the information, conveyed by my friend atBerhampore arrived. No time, however, was to be lost; so starting up, 1 ordered my palanquin to be brought to the door , determined on travelling up the one hundred and sixteen miles by bearers. This mode of proceeding may appear strange to Europeans, who will scarcely believe the rapidity with which such a journey is accomplished. By the river, on account of the current, seven days are required to arrive at Berhampore; by land, it only takes twenty- eight hours. The bearers, like post-horses, are relived every twelve or fifteen miles. Each relay consists of eight men, who shift the burden to each other at the end of about every league. The others trot alongside to rest themselves, the whole party singing and jolting on at the rate of about four miles and a half an hour. During the night the disengaged bearers carry torches, to scare away the wild beasts. The fire-flies buz- zing about, like innumerable stars, add to the beauty of the picture, and > — 97 — render this scene most romantic and picturesque; though I must confess the uneasy motion, the broiling of the sun in this luxurious, coffin-like conveyance, and the fear of a voracious tiger, or other savage monster, take away, in my opinion , all the charms which would otherwise gild this mode of travelling. At day break on the second morning, (for I had halted a few hours at Aghardeep), I arrived in the cantonments, and entered my house, which stood in an extensive barrack-square. After breakfasting most luxuriously on Bombay ducks, (a small salt fish, something like the European caplin), the sable fish, (closely resem- bling our salmon) and snipes , which are here far more plentiful than •sparrows in England , I secretly sent for the wise man of the place to come and discover the thief; then, ordering the servants to fall in, in a row under the verandah, I quietly and confidently awaited his arrival. I had often seen his powers tested, and never knew them fail. lam aware that my country-men will smile at my credulity; but, as I have the con- viction from personal and constant observation, I do not hesitate to assert, that his manner of discovering crime, though the simplest, was the most wonderful that I ever beheld. The present instance served to strengthen my belief. In every bazaar or village in India exists a tciss man^ a sort of half- priest, half conjurer, who' predicts events, tells fortunes, secures families, and discovers crimes. These individuals are looked upon with great awe by the natives, and are often found useful in the last instance by Euro- peans. On the arrival of the magician, he made the men form circle around him; then uttering some prayers , he produced a small bag of rice , and taking out a handful, gave it to the man nearest to him, and desired him to chew it, while he continued to recite certain prayers or incantations. In a moment or two he held a plate to the man, and desired him to spit out the grain. He did so; it was well chewed, and the man instantly de- clared innocent. Another and another succeeded. At length , he came to one of my favourite servants — one whom I never suspected. On taking the rice, the man seemed dreadfully convulsed. He ground his teeth, and worked hard to masticate it; but all in vain. When he rendered it on the plate, the grain was uncrushed, unchewed. The M'zse maw instantly pro- claimed him to be the thief: upon which, the servant falling on his knees, 13 — 98 — . confessed the crime and detailed a series of tliefts, for wliich 1 liad sus- pected, and even punislied, otliers. By iiis own sliowing, he must have been the greatest rascal, the greatest scoundrel alive. He had, however, lived long with me; so I contented myself with instantly dismissing him. In the evening I was sitting at whist, when I was called out by my sedar -bearer, whom I before mentioned as one ofthe most faithful creatures in existence. He begged of me instantly to set out for Moorshedabad — a distance of about ten miles , in order to see a cousin of mine , who had sent me a verbal message by a punee (a foot - runner) , requesting my instant attendance, as he had met with a serious accident. When I asked to see the servant, I found he was already gone; and, when I expressed my astonishment that he had not even sent me a chit (note), my bearer assured me the accident had deprived him of the power of writing; but that he earnestly solicited me to lose no time in setting out. Of course I did not hesitate ordering my palanquin out once more. Though sadly tired, I started off , after making an apology to my friends for thus abruptly leaving them. On my arrival at Moorshedabad, I hurried to the bungalow of my relative. Here I found the world fast asleep; and, amongst others, my cousin. He was perfectly well, and slumbering most comfortably. On being awoke , he positively denied having sent any messenger whatever to me, and had met with no accident, nor was ever better in his life. The deception thus practised on me staggered me so much, that, in spite of every remonstrance , I borrowed a relay of bearers , and set out on my instant return home. On re-entering my quarter I folind all quiet and stiH as the grave. I aroused some of the sleeping servants; and, having obtained a light, asked for the sedar-bearer , determined to make an example of the rascal for having thus played off a practical joke on me. None ofthe others, however, knew where he was; so I proceeded to my bed-room, resolved to punish him in the morning. As I passed through my dressing-room, I perceived my drawers open; I examined them, and found that a suit of my clothes had been extracted; and, by a turban I found lying near, I discovered that they had been taken by the sedar. That a man, whom I had hitherto looked upon as incorruptibly honest, should thus act, was a matter of the greatest surprise. That one, who had ever been considered as the most faithful of my servants, should thus, suddenly turn thief, annoyed, and disappointed me. But , what puzzled me more than all was , that my people declared _ 99 -- he had been seen to enter this room early in the evening, but most po^ sitively had not passed out again. Tired with conjecture, 1 went into my sleeping apartment. I started back with surprise. Upon the bed lay a figure, the very counterpart of myself! My heart misgave me as I rushed forward, and tore a handkerchief from the features of ray other self, who so closely resembled me , as he appeared stretched on my bed , that my followers kept staring at me , and at the figure before them , as if doubtful of my identity. As the covering was removed , I perceived the countenance of my sedar. He was fast asleep. I attempted in anger to awake him. He was a corpse. Stone dead before me -was stretched my late favourite servant. On a close examination I found a sharp-pointed instrument (probably poi- soned) thrust into his heart, from which it was still undrawn. I cuuld not decipher the dreadful mystery. Presently one of my kidmutgars rushed up. He held a leaf in his hand on which some characters in Hindoostanee had been traced (as usual) with a pin. I sent for my munchee (interpreter) , who thus translated them : « Beloved master ! a plot was formed this day by the man whom you this day discovered to be a thief, to murder you. It was too well planned for you to escape. I was too solemnly sworn to dare to reveal it to you! Pardon me , beloved master ! but I ventured to deceive you. I took your place: and have felt happy to die for you ! May the God of the white man make you happy » ! The riddle was solved. The delinquent , thinking he had completed his deed of blood , had fled. I provided for the family of my attached servant. Not one of his fellows, however, seemed astonished at the act. They appeared to look upon such devotion as a matter of course. For myself, I never can, I never w^ill, forget the fidelity of my devoted « sedar ». H, R. Addison. Claestions. 1. What did the letter Avhich Mr. A, received state? — 2. Where had Mr. A, been, and what had he seen? — 3. AVhere did the leopards sleep, and what do they do?— 4. How long does it take from Calcutta to Berhampore by water, and how long by land?— 5. Describe the mode of travelling by bearers? — 6. What takes away the charms of travelling? — 7, Whom did Mr, Addison send — 100 — for? — 8. Who exists in every bazaar or village? — 9. What did the magician do on his arrival, and what did he give to the man next him? — 10. How did the favourite servant act on taking the rice? — 11 . When the wise man proclaimed him to be the thief, what dicVhe do? — 12. What happened in the evening as Mr. Addison was sitting at Avhist? — 13. What did Mr. Addison find on arriving at Moorshedabad? — 14. What did he find on returning to his quarters, and what did he determine to do? — 15. What did he perceive on passing through his dressing room? — 16. What did Mr. A. do on entering his sleeping apartment? — 17. What lay upon the bed, and what did Mr. A. do?— 18. What did Mr. A. perceive when the covering was removed? — 19. What did he find on a close examination? — 20. What did the kidmudgar bring? — 21. What were the contents of the letter?— 22. How^ did the other servants regard this act? 78. A Priucess Royal. I remember to have fallen in once with certain American captains, and colonels, and men-at-arms, in a small place on the Brazos river, a few miles north of Jose Maria, in Texas. I had paid a visit to this place, near which a dear companion of my youth had been murdered. We were school- fellows, and for five years we had been brother officers in the same regiment. He went to \\i% United States just when the war broke out with Mexico, and became captain of a company of Kentucky rifle- men. A few months after the battle of Vera Cruz, he was deputed by the officers of his brigade to present to General Taylor — who was on leave of absence at New- Orleans — a gold medal as token of their re- spect. Choosing the nearest way from the camp across the country, he set out on his errand with a guide and two servants, all on horseback, armed to the teeth. In Jose Maria, my poor friend unwisely exhibited the medal to a crowd of respectable-looking persons, calling themselves colonels, majors, and captains, who seemed to take great pleasure in studying its engravings. He did not then remark in what a hurry some of those colonels were to start before him. But the medal has, in ten years, never more been heard of, and my old comrade and two of his companions were found shot dead in a ravine. It was near this place that I also fell among colonels. There was one of them who took a great liking to my horse, when he saw me giving it to the ostler. He tapped it repeatedly on the neck, declaring it, with an — 101 — oath, to be a nice hanimal and no mistake — which assertion he repeated afterwards over and over again to his fellow-men in the coffeeroom, who, when they had been out to satisfy their curiosity, agreed with him upon the matter, «Now, would'nt that be a nag for you, major? » he said to a tall, powerful man, with a rough beprd and disgusting features, who sat a little apart from the rest, "and wore a large grey coat. The major said nothing, but stalked out of the room, soon afterwards, followed by the colonel. The others had again taken up their old topic of conversation, and were talking politics, rather vehemently as I thought, when the waiter — a German — came up to me, and told me in our own lan- guage, that I had better take care, as those two ruffians outside had set eyes upon my horse, and would be sure to steal it, if I gave them the slightest chance. Annoyed at this intelligence, I asked my countryman what he thought it would be best for me to do. " «Why», said he, «you have fallen in with a bad set, and, if you want to keep your horse, I should advise you to escape as soon as pos- sible*. After a little reflection, I resolved to start at once, and made for the stable. There I found the colonel again, most urgently talking to the ostler, who only looked at me in a rather impudent manner, when I told him to bring out my horse, and paid me no further attention. I therefore began to bridle for myself. «I say, captain! » said the colonel, coming up to me after a while, and tapping me on the shoulder. «Sir!» «>■ «Come on, man! don't make a fool of yourself! I want to buy that 'ere 'osse, captain!* «Do you?» Thank heaven'! I was in the saddle by that time. «D,o I? Am I the man to be put out of my way by one of these 'ere chawed up Germans? » He laid both his hands upon the bridle of my horse. My blood gene- rally boils at an insulting word against my countrymen, especially when I am far from home in foreign lands. In a trice, the stick of the riding- whip came down upon the colonel's head, whilst the horse urged to a powerful leap, threw him ten yards away upon the ground. As I knew very well that, according to the customs of the country, this was a re- volver affair now, and as I had no wish to become entangled in such a — 102 — - business, I did not wait until the colonel had picked himself up, but rode forward without delay. I was stopped by the waiter, whom 1 heard calling after me, and who was out of breath when he came up to me at last. The honest fellow gave me a direction, which I was afterwards glad to have followed. He said that the colonel, though a coward, was'a most desperate villain, not at all likely to give way so soon, but that the worst of the whole set was that tall fellow, the major, whom he suspected to have gone in search of some of his companions. «You will be chased by a couple of these ro- gues", he said, «as sure as I am a Saxon! Let me advise you. Follow your way. up to the north until you are out of sight, then do you turn back to the south, as far as Jose Maria. At the ravine south-east of that place turn to the left, and, following the course of the brook, ride for your life. Twenty miles up the stream you will come to a settlement, called the Wood Creek. Old Delamotte lives there, and he's the man for you to trust », I offered the waiter a few pieces of money, but he would not take them, then a hearty shake of the hand, and this he took most cordially. «Stop!» he said when I had already set spurs to my horse. He lifted up each of the horse's legs, and looked carefully at the shoeing. «All right», he said; «I thought the ostler might have played you one of his tricks, but he has not yet had time, I suppose. Now, go a head, and don't forget the Frenchman! » I darted off. It was eleven o'clock in the morning. I had to make twenty miles to the ravine which my countryman had pointed out to me. But my horse was worthy of the colonel's admiration, and, in spite not only of the round-about way I had taken in accordance with my friend's advice, and halfan-hour's delay for rest at Jose Maria, it was but five in the evening, when I reached this melancholy spot. I stoppe «Well, my Lord; Mr. Wesley had often been urged to have his picture taken, but he always refused, alleging as a reason that he thought it nothing but vanity; indeed, so frequently had he been pressed on this point that his friends were reluctantly compelled to give up the idea. One — 109 — day he called on me on the business of our church. I began the old sub ject of entreating him to allow me to take off his likeness. «Well», said I, "knowing you value money for the means of doing good, if you will grant my request, I will engage to give you ten guineas for the first ten minutes that you sit, and for every minute that exceeds that time you shall receive a guinea*. «What», said Mr. Wesley, udo lunterstand you aright, that you will give me ten guineas for having my picture taken! Well, I agree to it». He then stripped off his coat, and lay on the sofa, and in eight minutes I had the most perfect bust I had ever taken. He then washed his face, and 1 counted to him ten guineas into his hand. «Well», said he, turning to his companion, «I never till now earned money so speedily; but what shall wedowithit?» They then wished me a good morning, and proceeded over Westminster Bridge. The first object that presented itself to their view was a poor woman crying bitterly, with three children hanging round her, each sobbing, though apparently too young to understand their mother's grief. On inquiring the cause of her distress, Mr. Wesley learned that the creditors of her husband were drag- ging him to prison, after having sold their effects which were inadequate to pay the debt by eighteen shillings, which the creditors declared should be paid. One guinea made her happy! They then proceeded on, followed by the blessings of the now happy mother. On Mr. Wesley's inquiring of Mr. Barton, his friend, where their charity was most needed, he replied he knew of no place where his money would be more acceptable than in Giltspur-street Compter. They accordingly repaired thither, and on asking the turnkey to point out the most miserable object under his care, he answered, if they were come in search of poverty, they need not go far. The first ward they entered they were struck with the appearance of a poor wretcli who was greedily eating some potato skins. On being ques- tioned, he inform*^ d them that he had been in that situation, supported by the casual alms of compassionate strangers, for several months, with- out any hope of release, and that he was confined for the debt of half a guinea. On hearing this, Mr. Wesley gave him a guinea, which he received with the utmost gratitude; and he had the pleasure of seeing him liber- ated with half a guinea in his pocket. The poor man, on leaving his place of confinement, said: « Gentlemen, as you come here in search of poverty, pray go up stairs, ifitbe nottoolate». They instantly proceeded thither, and beheld a sight which called forth all their compassion. On — 110 — a low stool, with his back towards them, sat a man, or rather a skeleton, for he was literally nothing hut skin and hone; his hand supported his head, and his eyes seemed to be riveted to the opposite corner of the chamber, where lay stretched out on a pallet of straw, a young woman, in the last stage of consumption, apparently lifeless, with an infant by her side, which was quite dead. Mr. Wesley immediately sent for med- ical assistance; but it was too late for the unfortunate female, who expired a few hours afterwards from starvation, as the doctor declared. You may imagine, my Lord, that the remaining eight guineas would not go far in aiding such distress as this. No expense was spared for the relief of the now only surviving sufferer. But so extreme was the weak- ness to which he was reduced, that six weeks elapsed before he could speak sufficiently to relate his own history. It appeard that he had been a reputable merchant, and had married a beautiful young lady, eminently accomplished, whom he almost idolized. They lived happily together for some time, until, by failure of a speculation in which this whole pro- perty was embarked, he was completely ruined. No sooner did he become acquainted with his misfortune than he called all his creditors together, and laid before them the state of his affairs, showing them his books which were in the most perfect order. They all willingly signed the di- vidend, except the lawyer who owed his rise in the world to this mer- chant: the sura was two hundred and fifty pounds, for which he obstinately declared he should be sent to jail. It was in vain the creditors urged him to pity his forlorn condition, and to consider his great respectability: that feeling was a stranger to his breast, and, in spite of all their remon- strances, he was hurried away to prison, followed by his weeping wife. As she was very accomplished, she continued to maintain herself by the use of her pencil in painting small ornaments on cards; and thus they managed to put a little aside for the time of her confinement. But so long an illness succeeded this event, that shew^as completely incapacitated from exerting herself for their subsistence, and their scanty savings were soon expended by procuring the necessaries which her situation then required. They were driven to pawn their clothes, and their resources failing, they found themselves at last reduced to absolute starvation. The poor infant had just expired from want, and the hapless mother was about to follow it to the grave when Mr. Wesley and his friend entered; and, as I before said, the husband was so reduced from the same cause, that, without the — m — utmost care, he must have fallen a sacrifice; and as Mr. Wesley, who was not for doing things by halves, had acquainted himself with this case of extreme misery, he went to the creditors and informed them of it. They were beyond measure astonished to learn what he had to name to them; for so long a time had elapsed without hearing anything of the merchant, or his family, that some supposed him to be dead, and others that he had left the country. Among the rest he called on the lawyer, and painted to him, in the most glowing colours, the wretchedness he had beheld, and which he (the lawyer) had been instrumental in causing; but even this could not move him to compassion. He declared the mer- chant should not leave the prison without paying him every farthing! Mr. Wesley repeated his visit to the other creditors who, considering the case of the sufferer, agreed to raise the sum and release him. Some gave one hundred pounds, others two hundred pounds, and another three hundred pounds. The affairs of the merchant took a different turn : God seemed to prosper him, and in the second year he called his creditors together, thanked them for their kindness, and paid the sum so gener- ously obtained. Success continuing to attend him, he was enabled to pay all his debts, and afterwards realized considerable property. His af- flictions made such a deep impression upon his mind, that he determined to remove the possibility of others suffering from the same cause, and for this purpose advanced a considerable sum as a foundation fund for the relief o"f small debtors. And the very first person who partook of the same was ihe inexorable lawyer/ » This remarkable fact so entirely convinced Lord Shelbourne of the mistaken opinion he had formed of Mr. Wesley, that he immediately or- dered a dozen of busts to embellish the grounds of his beautiful residence. Questions. 1. With whom was Mr. Dudley one evening taking tea? — 2. Where did Mr. Culy conduct him? — 3. Whose bust particularly attracted Mr. Dudley's attention?— 4. What did Mr. Culy say?— 5. What exclamation did Lord Shel- bourne make, when asked whether he had heard of John Wesley? — 6. Give an account of Mr. Culy's persuading Mr. Wesley to have his bust taken? — 7. On leaving Mr. Culy, who was the first object that presented itself to Mr. Wesley and his companion? — 8. What was the cause of the poor woman's distress, and how did Mr. Wesley make her happy? — 9. On entering the first ward in Uiltspur- street Conipter, with what was Mr. Wesley struck?— 10. Of — 112 — what did the poor wretch inform him, and how did Mr. Wesley relieve him? — 11. What did the poor man say, on leaving his place of confinement? — 12. What sight did Mr. Wesley and his companion next behold'^ — 13. Give the story of the merchant? — 14. What effect had the above remarkable fact on Lord Shelbourne? 80. Nelson. This darling hero of his country, when eighteen years of age, was obliged to return from sea, on account of the bad state of his health, and leave his brother officers, then, like himself, beginning their career, in the full enjoyment of health and hope. This depressed his spirit very much; and long afterwards, when the fame of Nelson was known as that of England itself, he spoke of the fe&lings, which he at that time endu- red. «I felt impressed)), said he, «thcit I should never rise in my pro- fession. My mind was staggered with a view of the difficulties which I had to surmount, and the little interest I possessed. I could discover no means of reaching the object of my ambition. After a long and gloomy reverie, in which I almost wished myself over board, a sudden glow of patriotism was kindled within me, and presented my King and country as my patrons» — «Well then»,I exclaimed: «Iwill be a hero; and con- fiding in Providence, I will brave every danger». From that hour, as he often declared to captain Hardy, a radiant orb was suspended before his mind's eye, which urged him on to renown; and he spoke of these aspi- rations of his youth, as if they had in them a character of divinity, as if — «the light which led him on, was light from Heaven». Although the promotion of Nelson was as rapid as it could be, yet it was much too slow fur his ardent ambition. He was never happy for a moment, when not on actual service. In a letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, in 1792, requesting a ship he adds: «if your Lordships will only be pleased to appoint me to a cockle boai^ I shall feel grateful ». After the sieges of Calvi and Bastia, in 17 93, in which Nelson dis- played military talents which would not have disgraced a general, his services, by an unpardonable omission, were altogether overlooked; his name did not even appear in the list of wounded, although he had lost an eye. «One hundred and ten days», said he: c< I have been actually engaged at sea and on shore against the enemy; three actions against — Ii3 — sliips, two against Bastia in my own ship, four boat actions, two villages taken, and twelve sail of vessels taken. I do not know tliat any one lias , done more; I have had the comfort to be always applauded by my own commander in chief, but never to be rewarded; and, what is more mort- ifying, for service in which I have been wounded, others have been praised, who, at the same time, were actually in bed, far from the scene of action. They have not done me justice; but never mind — I'll have a gazette of my own». How amply was this second sight of glory realized! Previous to his attack on Teneriife, after having failed in an attempt to take it before, he wrote to his commander in chief; «This night I command the whole force destined to land under the batteries of the town; and to-morrow my head will probably be crowned either with lau- rel or cypress*. Perfectly aware how desperate a service this was likely to prove, he called his son in-law, Lieutenant Nisbet, into his cabin, that he might assist in arranging and burning his mother's letters. Perceiving that the young man was armed, he earnestly begged him to remain be- hind. — «Should we both fall, Josiah», said he, «what will become of your poor mother? The care of the Theseus falls to you; stay, therefore, and take care of her». Nisbet replied: «Sir, the ship must take care of herself. I will go with you to-night, if I never go again". The boats landed amidst powerful discharges of forty or fifty pieces of cannon, with musketry from one end of the town to the other. Nelson, when in the act of stepping out of the boat, received a shot through the right elbow, and fell; Nisbet, who was close to him, placed him at the bottom of the boat. He then examined the wound, and taking a silk handkerchief from his neck, bound it above the lacerated vessels, which saved his life. One of the bargemen tore his shirt into shreds, and made a sling for the wounded arm; Nisbet took one of the oars, and collecting four or five seamen, rowed back towards the vessel. Nelson desired to be raised up, that he «might look a httle about hiin»; when a general shriek was heard from the Fux, which had received a shot under water, and gone down. Ninety seven men sank with her, and eighty three were saved, many by Nelson himself, whose exertions on this occasion mate- rially increased the pain and danger of the wound. The first ship which the boat could reach, happened to be the Seahorse; but nolhing could induce him to go on board, though he was assured that the attempt to row to another ship might be at the risk of his life. > and u down foresail*, every minute. However, the men considered him more of a troublesome officer than a good one; and, from a habit he had of moving his fingers about when walking the quarter-deck, the men said he was an organ-player from London, but I have no reason to suppose that that was the case. The admiral was either in the cabin or in his steerage, I do not know which; and the barber, who had'been to shave him, had just left. The admiral was a man up- wards of seventy years of age; he was a thin tall man who stooped a good deal. As I have already stated, the carpenter left the quarter-deck and went below. In a very short time he came up again, and asked the lieutenant of the watch to right the ship, and said again that the ship could not bear it; but the lieutenant replied: aD— ye, sir, if you can manage the ship better than I can, you had better take the command*. Myself and a good many more were at the waist of the ship and at the gangways, and heard what passed, and as we knew the danger, we began to feel aggrieved; for there were some capital seamen on board, who knew what they were about quite as well as the officers. In a very short time, a minute or two I should think, the lieutenant ordered the drummer to be called to beat to right ship. The drummer was called in a moment, and the ship was then just beginning to sink. I jumped off the gangway as soon as the drummer was called. There was no time for him to beat his drums, and I don't know that he had even time to get it. I ran down to my station, and by the time I had got there, the men were tumbling down the hatchways one over another to get to their stations as soon as possible to right ship. My station was at the third gun from the head of the ship on the starboard side of the — 118 — lower gun -deck, close by where the cable passes, indeed it was just abaft the bight of the cable. I said to the lieutenant of our gun, whose name was Carrel, for every gun has a captain and a lieutenant (though they are only sailors): «Let us try to bouse our gun out without waiting for the drum, as it will help to right ship». We pushed the gun, but it ran back upon us. and we could not start it. The water then rushed in at nearly all the port-holes of the larboard side of the lower gun-deck, and 1 directly said to Carrel: «Ned, lay hold of the ring bolt, and Jump out at the porthole; the ship is sinking, and we shall all be drowned*. He laid hold of the ring bolt, and jumped out at the port-hole into the sea: I believe he was drowned, for I never saw him afterwards. I immediately got out at the same port -hole, which was the third from the head of the ship on the starhord side of the lower gun -deck, and when I had done so, I saw the port hole as full of heads as it could cram, all trying to get out. I caught hold of the best bower-anchor, which was just above me, to prevent my falling back again into the port-hole, and seized hold of a woman who was trying to get out at the same place, — I dragged her out. The ship was full of Jews, w^omen, and people selling all sorts of things. I threw the woman from me, — and saw all the heads drop back again in at the port-hole; for the ship had got so much on her larboard side, that the starboard port-holes were as upright as if the men had tried to get out at the top of a chimney with nothing for their legs and feet to act upon. I threw the woman from me, and just the moment ,after the air that was between decks drafted out at the port- holes very quickly. It was quite a huff of wind, and it blew my hat off, for I had all my clothes on, including my hat. The ship then sank in a moment. I tried to swim, but I could not swim a stroke, although I plunged as hard as I could with both hands and feet. The sinking of the ship drew me down, — indeed I think I must have gone down within a yard as Ioav as the ship did. When the ship touched the bottom, the water boiled up a great deal, and 1 felt that I could swim. When I was about half way up to the top of the water, I put my right hand on the head of a man that was nearly exhausted. He Avore long hair, as many of the men at Ihat time did; he tried to grapple me, and he put his four fingers into my right shoe alongside the outer edge of my foot. I succeeded in kicking my shoe off, and, putting my hand on his shoulder, i shoved him away, — 1 then rose to the surface of the water. — 119 — At tho time the ship was sinking, (here was a barrel of tar on tlie starboard side of her deck, and that had rolled to the larboard and staved as the ship went down; and when 1 rose to the top of the water, the tar was floating like fat on the top of a boiler. I got the tar about my hair and face, but I struck it away as well as I could, and when my head became above water, I heard the cannon ashore firing for distress. I looked about me, and at the distance of eight or ten yards from me, I saw the main-topsail-halyard-block above water; — the water was about thirteen fathoms deep, and at that time the tide was coming in. I swam to the maiu-topsail-halyard-block, got on it, and sat upon it, and there I rode. The fore, main, and mizen tops were all above water, as were part of the bowsprit and part of the ensign staff, with the ensign upon it. Ill going down, the main-yard of the Royal George caught the boom of the rum-lighter and sunk her, and there is no doubt that this made the Royal George more upright in the water when sunk than she other- wise would have been, as she did not lie much more on her beam- ends than small vessels often do when left dry on a bank of mud. When I got on the main-topsail-halyard-block I saw the admiral's baker in the shrouds of the mizen-topmast, and directly after that the woman whom I had pulled out of the port-hole came rolling by. I said to the baker, who was an Irishman named Robert Cleary: «Bob, reach out your hand and catch hold of that woman; — that is the woman I pulled out at the port-hole. I dare say she is not dead». He said: «I dare say she is dead enough; it is of no use to catch hold of her*. I replied, «I dare say she is not dead". He caught hold of the woman and hung her head over one of the ratlins of the mizen -shrouds, and there she hung by her chin, which was hitched over the ratlin; but a surf came and knocked her backwards, and away she went rolling over and over. A captain of a frigate which was lying at Spithead came up in a boat as fast as he could. I dashed out my left hand in a direction towards the woman as a sign to him. He saw it, and saw the woman. His men left off rowing, and they pulled the woman aboard their boat, and laid her on one of the thwarts. The captain of the frigate called out to me: «BIy man, I must take care of those that are in more danger than you». I said: «I am safely moored now, Sir». There was a seaman, named Ilibbs, lianging by his two hands from the main-stay; and as he hung there, the sea washed over him every — . 120 — now and then as much as a yard deep over his head; and when he saw it coining he roared out: however, he was but a fool for that; for if he had kept himself quiet, he would not have wasted his strength, and would have been able to take the chance of holding on so much the longer. The captain of tlie frigate had his boat rowed to the main-stay; but they got the stay over part of the head of the boat, and were in great danger be- fore they got Hibbs on board. The captain of the frigate got then all the men that were in the different parts of the rigging, including myself and the baker, into his boat,, and took us on board the Victory, where the doc- tors recovered the woman; but she was very ill for three or four days. On board the Victory I saw the body of the carpenter, lying on the hearth before the galley fire; some women were trying to recover him, but he was quite dead. The captain of the Royal George, who could not swim, was picked up and saved by one of our seamen. The lieutenant of the watch — who was the principal cause of the misfortune — I believe was drowned. The number of persons who lost their lives I cannot state with any degree of accuracy, because of there being so many Jews, women and other persons on board, who did not belong to the ship. The complement of the ship was nominally 1000 men, but it was not quite full. Some were ashore, and sixty marines had gone ashore that morning. The government allowed L5 each of the seamen who were on board, and not droAvned, for the loss of their things. 1 saw the list, and there were only seventy-five. A vast number of the best men were in the hold stowing away the rum casks: they must all have perished, and so must many of the-men who were slinging the casks in the sloop. Two of the three brothers belonging to the sloop perished, the other was saved. I have no doubt that the men caught hold of each other, forty or fifty to- gether, and drowned one another — those who could not swim catching hold of those who could; and there is also little doubt that as many got into the launch as could cram into her, hoping to save themselves in that way, and went down in her altogether. In a few" days after the Royal George sunk, dead bodies would come up, thirty or forty nearly at a time. Nothing was more frightful than, when at a little distance, when the moon shed her tender beams over the placid water, where so many brave men had lost their. lives, to see the heads popping up from under the water. A body would sometimes . --121 — rise up so suddenly as to make one's hair stand on end. The watermen, there is no doubt, made a good business of it: they took from the bodies of the men their buckles, money and watches, and then made fast a rope to their heels, and towed them to land. The water- cock ought to have been put to rights before the great quantity of shot was put on board; but if the lieutenant of the watch had given the order to right ship a couple of minutes earlier, when the car- penter first spoke to him, nothing amiss would have happened; as three or four men at each tackle of the starboard guns would very soon have boused the guns all out and righted the ship. At the time this happened, the Royal George was anchored by two anchors from the head. The wind was rather from the north-west, — not much of it, — only a bit of a breeze; and there was no sudden gust or puff of wind, which made her heel just before she sunk; it was the weight of metal, and the water which had dashed in through the port-holes, which sunk her, and not the effect of wind upon her. Indeed, I do not recollect that she had even what is called a stitch of canvass, to keep her head steady as she lay at anchor. I am now seventy-five years of age, and was about twenty-four when this happened. The foregoing curious and highly interesting narrative has been com- municated by Mr. James Ingram^ who was on board at the time the Royal George sunk. We have considered it better to give it in his own simple language, as affording a more graphic description of this extra- ordinary and melancholy catastrophe than more beautiful language could do. At the same time it may serve the young reader as an exercise in sea terms. J. S. S. Rothwell. The following interesting lines have been written on the above unhappy event, by which 800 souls, with the unfortunate Admiral Kem- penfeldt, perished: «Toll for the brave ! The brave that are no more, All sunk beneath the wave Fast by their native shore. 16 — 1^2 -- •(Eight hundred of the brave, Whose courage well was tried. Had made the vessel heel, And laid her on her side. '