to the church; and that he should have considered it as sacrilege, had he suffered it, through a weakness of disposition, to fall into the hands of the enemy. LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY- DISINTERESTED POVERTY. In the hard frost of 1740, the benevolent Duke of Montague went out one morning in disguise, as was his favourite practice, in order to distribute his bounty to his afflicted fellow-creatures. He descended into one of those subterraneous dwellings, of which there are many in London, and, accosting an old woman, inquired how she lived in these hard times, and if she needed charity. "No," she replied; "I thank God I am not in want; but, if you have anything to bestow, there is a poor creature in the next room almost starving." The duke visited this poor object, made her a donation, and then inquired of the old woman, if any more of her neighbours were in want. 66 She said her left hand neighbour was very poor and very honest. Sure," replied the duke, "you are very generous and disinterested; pray, if it is no offence, let me know your own circumstances."-"I owe nothing," said the good woman, "and am worth thirty shillings.""Well, but I suppose a little addition would be acceptable?”"Yes, certainly, but I think it wrong to take what others want so much more than I do." The duke took out five guineas, and desired her acceptance of them. The poor creature was quite overcome by this mark of generosity, and, when able to express herself, exclaimed, "Oh, sir, you are not a man, but an angel!" LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-THIRD. THE AGED HEATHEN. My locks are white-yes, even now Short is the path that I shall tread, Oh, that the grave could speak, and tell Amid such darkness, that no light From hope's fair lamp can break the night! All that I know, is what I mourn― That those who go, shall not return. LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY- TRIAL OF GRATITUDE. Ali-ibu-Abbas, a favourite of the Caliph Mamoun, reiates a story that happened to himself. I was, said he, one evening with the caliph, when a man, bound hand and foot, was brought in. Mamoun ordered me to keep a watchful eye over the prisoner, and to bring him the next day. The caliph seemed greatly irritated, and the fear of exposing myself to his resentment induced me to confine the prisoner in my harem. I asked him of what country he was; he said Damascus, and that his habitation was in the quarter of the great mosque. May Heaven," cried I, "shower blessings on the city of Damascus, and particularly on your quarter-I owe my life to a man that lived there." These words excited his curiosity, and I thus proceeded: It is many years since the viceroy of Damascus was deposed. I accompanied his successor; and, when we were about to take possession, the deposed governor assaulted us with superior force. I escaped out of a window, and, observing a palace open, I supplicated the master to save my life. He conducted me into the apartment of his women, where I continued a month, in perfect security. One day, I was informed by my host, that a caravan was setting out for Bagdad; and that I could not wish a more favourable opportunity for returning home. I had no money, and I was ashamed to own it. He perceived my distress, but, in appearance, took no notice. How great was my surprise, when, on the day of my departure, a fine horse was brought me, a mule loaded with provisions, and a black slave to attend me. My generous host presented me, at the same time, with a purse of gold, and conducted me himself to the caravan, recommending me to several of the travellers, who were his friends. These kindnesses I received in your city, which rendered it dear to me. All my concern is, that I have not been able to discover my generous benefactor. I should die content, could I find an opportunity to testify my gratitude. "Your wishes are accomplished," cried my prisoner in transport, "I am he who received you in my palace." I embraced him with tears, took off his chains, and inquired by what fatality he had incurred the caliph's displeasure. "Some contemptible enemies," he replied, "have found means to asperse me unjustly to Mamoun. I was hurried from Damascus, and cruelly denied the consolation of embracing my wife and children. As I have reason to apprehend the worst, I request you to acquaint them with my misfortunes.” "No, no," said I " you shall not die; be at liberty from this moment. Depart immediately (presenting him with a thousand sequins in a purse); hasten to rejoin the precious objects of your affection; let the caliph's indignation fall upon me; I dread it not, if I preserve your life!""What a proposal do you make!" answered my prisoner; can you think me capable of accepting it? Shall I sacrifice that life now which I formerly saved? Endeavour to convince the caliph of my innocence, the only proof I will admit of your gratitude. If you cannot undeceive him, I will go myself and offer my head; let him dispose of my life, provided yours be safe." 66 I presented myself, next morning, before Mamoun. He was dressed in a crimson-coloured mantle, a symbol of his anger. He inquired where my prisoner was, and ordered the executioner to attend. My lord," said I, throwing myself at his feet, "something very extraordinary has happened with regard to him. Will your majesty permit me to explain it ?" These words threw him into a passion. "Thy head shall pay for it," said he, "if thou hast suffered the prisoner to escape.". "Both my life and his are at your majesty's disposal; but vouchsafe to hear me.""Speak," said he. I then related in what manner the prisoner had saved my life at Damascus; that, in gratitude, I had offered him his liberty, but that he had refused it, from the fear of exposing me to death. " 'My lord," added I, "he is not guilty. A man of such generous sentiments is incapable of committing an odious crime. Some base detractors have calumniated him; and he has become the unfortunate victim of their envy." The caliph was moved, and his great soul led him to admire the heroism of my friend. "I pardon him,” said Mamoun, "on thy account. Go, carry the good news, and bring him to me." The monarch ordered him to be clothed with a robe of honour, presented him with ten horses, ten mules, and ten camels out of his own stables. He added a purse of sequins for the expense of his journey, and gave him a letter of recommendation to the governor of Da mascus. LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH. THE SNOWDROP. First-born of youthful spring, And nursed upon dark winter's chilly breast, Come quit thy lowly bed! A voice breathes softly through the dewy air, Spring hovers o'er thee now; Her fostering breath shall wake thee into life; As in the wintry strife. Chill was the wintry blast That usher'd into life thy pallid form; She gave her vernal dye To tinge thy bosom in its snowy pride, Like hope within the breast, That blossoms even in affliction's hour, LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIXTH. AFFECTION AND DUTY. A grocer of the city of Smyrna had a son, who, with the help of the little learning the country could afford, rose to the post of naib, or deputy of the cadi, and, as such, visited the markets, and inspected the weights and measures of all retail dealers. One day, as this officer was going his rounds, the neighbours, who knew enough of his father's character to suspect that he might stand in need of the caution, advised him to remove his weights; but the old cheat, trusting to his relationship to the inspector, laughed at their advice. The naib, on coming to his shop, coolly said to him, "Good man, fetch out your weights, that we may examine them." Instead of obeying, the grocer endeavoured to evade the order with a laugh; but was soon convinced that his son was serious, by his ordering the officers to search his shop. The instruments of his fraud were soon discovered; and, after an impartial examination, openly condemned and broken to pieces. He was also sentenced to a fine of fifty piastres, and to receive a bastinado of as many blows on the soles of his feet. After this had been effected on the spot, the naib, leaping from his horse, threw himself at the feet of his father, and watering them with his tears, thus addressed him :-"Father, I have discharged my duty to my God, my sovereign, and my country, as well as to the station I hold; permit me now, by my respect and submission, to acquit the debt I owe a parent. Justice is blind; it is the power of God on earth; it has no regard to the ties of kindred. |