might have suggested insurmountable obstacles, or a selfish prudence might have arrayed before her excited. imagination the cold suspicions and alienation of Joseph, the condemnation of the world, the death penalty for her supposed crime. But no sooner does she recognize the heavenly origin of the annunciation, than she leaves all the issues with God, bows submissively to His will, and says, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Throughout her entire life, in all her travels and trials, this same earnest faith is apparent. Under its influence, she hastens to the mountain home of her cousin Elizabeth, responds to her salutation in a lofty and poetic strain, alike creditable to her genius and heart-returns to meet, without a murmur, the temporary alienation of Joseph, then to pass through the crisis at Bethlehem-then to flee as a fugitive to Egypt-then to return, a homeless wanderer, back to Nazareth, and yet not a regret is in her heart, or a doubt to dim the lustre of her faith.

She was the first disciple of Jesus, and worshipped him as God, while she cherished him as her son. Neither did she desert him, when the world scorned him-when his own friends forsook him-when Judas betrayed him-when the chief priests adjudged him to

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be worthy of death-or when the great crisis of his agony came. But she was there to witness her son tread the wine-press of the wrath of God alone-to see the warm blood gush from those sacred temples, which she had once pillowed upon her own maternal bosom.

PANTHEA, WIFE OF ABRADATAS, KING OF THE

SUSIANS.

Her

When Cyrus the Great conquered the Assyrians, Panthea was among the captives of his sword. husband, Abradatas, was gone on an embassy to the King of the Bactrians, at the time the camp was taken by the Persians; and at this trying moment the poor queen had no one to whom she could fly for protection or sympathy.

Being the most beautiful woman in all Asia, Panthea was selected as a suitable present for the conquering Cyrus. When the Persian officers visited her tent, the gracefulness of her figure immediately attracted attention, although she was dressed in the same manner as her servants, and covered with a long veil. Perceiving her deep dejection, they said to her "Take courage,

woman; we have heard that your husband is indeed an excellent man; but we have chosen you for one who is not inferior to him in person, in understanding, or in power; for if there be a man in the world who deserves admiration, it is Cyrus; and to him henceforward you shall belong." As soon as the young queen heard this, she burst into a passion of grief, and refused all consolation; for her heart was with her husband.

When Cyrus heard the story, he refused even to see her, least he might be too much fascinated by her rare loveliness.

He ordered his friend Araspes to see that she was attended with the utmost respect, and nothing omitted, which could contribute to her happiness.

Araspes, dazzled by her beauty, and hearing continually of her excellence, became very much in love with her. For a long time, Panthea refrained from bringing any complaint against the friend of Cyrus ; but at last he grew so importunate and troublesome, that she was obliged to inform the king of his conduct

Cyrus, unwilling to treat his friend in an angry manner, yet anxious to place him out of the way of the charming captive, proposed to Araspes to proceed of the enemy's camp, as a pretended deserter, but real spy.

Araspes, who was conscious of deserving severe reproof, readily consented. When Panthea heard of his desertion, she sent a messenger to Cyrus, saying, "Do not be afflicted that Araspes has gone over to the enemy. If you allow me to send for my husband, I will engage that he will prove a much more faithful friend than Araspes. The prince who now reigns once attempted to part us from each other; Abradatas therefore considers him an unjust man. I know that he would joyfully revolt from him to such a man as you are."

Permission to send for her husband was readily granted; and when Abradatas heard how generously his wife had been treated by the conqueror, he cheerfully marched with two thousand horse to join the forces of Cyrus. When he came up with the Persian scouts, he sent to the king to tell him who he was; and Cyrus ordered him to be conducted immediately to his wife's tent.

This unexpected meeting was most affectionate and joyful. When Panthea recounted the kind and respectful attention she had received from Cyrus, Abradatas exclaimed, "What can I do to pay the debt I owe him!" In the warmth of his gratitude, he pressed the hand of Cyrus, and offered to be his friend, his servant,

and his ally, promising to serve him at all times to the utmost of his skill and power. Cyrus treated him like a prince and like a brother.

Preparations were then making for a battle with the Egyptians, and Abradatas caused a chariot to be fitted ip magnificently for the occasion.

When the time arrived, and he began to equip himself for the contest, Panthea brought him a golden helmet and arm-pieces, broad bracelets for his wrists, a long purple robe, and a crest dyed of a violet colour; she had taken measure of her husband's armour, and had these things prepared without his knowledge.

Much surprised at the costly gift, he exclaimed, "Have you made these for me by destroying your own ornaments?" "Not my most valuable one," replied Panthea, "for you are my greatest ornament." As she said this, she tried to put on the armour, and the tears flowed down her cheeks in spite of her efforts to conceal them.

Abradatas was a very handsome man, and when he was equipped in his rich armour, he looked extremely noble and beautiful.

As he took the reins, and was about to mount his chariot, Panthea said, "O, Abradatas, if ever there