made their attack, the greater part of the citizens fled into the caverns about the city, and the old men were left in it to perish by famine: for the food was reserved for the fighting men, who sustained the siege for a long time. At length three Roman soldiers got under a high tower, and undermined it, without making any noise. They stole gently towards it, rolled away five or six large stones from underneath it, and then went quickly away. The tower came down with a crash; and, while the Jews were in a great fright and consternation from the noise, the Romans attacked them. Joseph, one of the leaders, was killed by a dart'; and, at the very same time, their other leader Chares, who was ill, and in the hands of the physician, died likewise.

The Romans, however, were determined to be prudent this time, and not to enter the city too soon; they remained, therefore, till Titus . came, who with two hundred horsemen entered into the city without noise. The clamour raised by the watchmen, who saw him enter, soon told the tale in the city. Some of the citizens caught their wives and children in their arms, and fled

to the citadel; while others, not knowing what in the world to do, fell among the Roman guards, and were put to death.

Vespasian came with his army to the assistance of Titus; but was greatly hindered in his ascent up the rocky acclivity by the men of Gamala, who stood at the top and rolled stones down upon his troops, while they themselves stood too high to be touched by the darts of the Romans.

A storm however arose, and prevented the Jews from remaining any longer on the precipice; so that the Roman soldiers quickly surrounded them, and took away from them all hope of defending themselves any longer.

The Romans were by no means anxious to shed more blood than could be helped: but the despair of the Jews made them throw themselves from the rock; and many preferred seeing their whole families perish in this manner, rather than remain alive to be slaves to their hated foes.

Thus was Gamala added to the Roman conquests, after a vigorous defence, from which the inhabitants deserved better success.

The book was again shut, and the little party dispersed in groups to prepare for their early meal. Fanny and Anne were soon ready, and took a stroll into the little field, adjoining the house, which belonged to their Aunts. They were both rather inclined to be thoughtful. Their morning's employment had made a great impression upon them; for, though they had been in the habit of reading history, ever since they were old enough to understand it, yet it was generally in short lessons to their governess, and their feelings were less excited.

The fresh air, however, soon restored them to their gaiety; and they began to talk about their last night's walk, and to wonder where they should go, or what they should do that evening. One thing only they made sure of, though it by no means pleased them; which was, that they should not see their brothers that night; for it was the weekly meeting of the cricket club, and nothing could go on well without their assistance.

After dinner, Aunt Mary announced her intention of walking to the neighbouring village of Stoke, before they began to read again, to

visit some poor, of whom she would be obliged to give a report that evening, at the Dorcas meeting, which was to take place at their house. Fanny and Anne eagerly entreated to be allowed to accompany her, a request which she was not at all inclined to refuse; and Aunt Jane said she had her preserves to attend to, but she promised to be ready for the reading when they returned.

They sauntered, slowly, on the road till they got to the low and dirty village of Stoke. There was nothing pleasing in the appearance of this village, but the neighbourhood was pretty. The source of the Trent was to be found in the fields lying near to the church-yard; and into these fields Fanny and Anne were directed to stroll, while Aunt Mary visited the cottages of the poor.

They sat down by the little stream of the Trent, and after gathering a heap of violets, primroses, and stitchwort, amused themselves with plaiting garlands, with some rushes they found growing by the water.

While Anne was finishing her garland, Fanny collected a large bunch of flowering grasses, to