LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-THIRD.

The Aged Heathen.

My locks are white-yes, even now
The snow of time is on my brow;

Fair youth no more shall light or warm,
With blooming glow, this wasted form.
Short is the path that I shall tread,
Ere life and joy to me are dead.
Well may I weep at such a doom,
And trample o'er the opening tomb-
Yon dark descent shall lead me-where?
To know might lessen my despair.
Oh, that the grave could speak, and tell
Its awful mysteries, which dwell
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-FOURTH.

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Trial of Gratitude.

Ali-ibu-Abbas, a favorite of the Caliph Mamoun, relates a story that happened to himself. "I was, says 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 haram. 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 favorable 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, 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."

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"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? Endeavor 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."

I presented myself, next morning, before Mamoun. He was dressed in a crimson-colored mantle, a symbol of his anger. He inquired where my prisoner "My

was, and ordered the executioner to attend. 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. "I aver," said he, "by the soul of my ancestors, that thy head shall pay for it, if thou hast suffered the prisoner to escape. "Both my life and his are at your majesty's disposal; but vouchsafe to hear me. 66 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 detracters 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

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news, and bring him to me." The monarch ordered him to be clothed with a robe of honor, 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 Damascus.

LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIFTH.
The Snow Drop.

First born of youthful spring,

And nursed upon dark winter's chilly breast,
Where still thy drooping form delights to cling,
Wrapped in its snowy vest,

Come quit thy lovely bed!

A voice breathes softly through the dewy air,
That bids thee lift thine unaspiring head,
And claim a parent's care.

Spring hovers o'er thee now;

Her fostering breath shall wake thee into life.
No longer shall thy fragile bosom bow

As in the wintry strife.

Chill was the wintry blast

That ushered into life thy pallid form;

But still a mother's robe was o'er thee cast,
To shield thee from the storm.

She gave her vernal dye

To tinge thy bosom in its snowy pride,
And make thee lovely to the gazer's eye,
With winter at thy side.

Like hope within the breast,

That blossoms even in affliction's hour;
Thou comest in thy vernal beauty dressed,
Ele storms have ceased to lower.

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 neighbors, 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 endeavored 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. Jus