firmed me in the opinion which I have often entertained, that you never loved your father. Oh, Harry, it is sad to leave the world with such a thought! I feel as if my heart had been pierced, and your conduct is the sharp weapon. that has given the bleeding wound. Go, leave me! And oh, England, when there sits on your throne, a monarch who is a lover and encourager of riot, folly, and dissipation, and who cannot govern himself, what will be your fate, my poor kingdom?'

6

'Father,' replied the Prince, if my grief and shame and tears, had not checked my words, I should have stayed your lips from uttering this deep and agonizing rebuke. You must not say, I do not love you. My conduct was truly an act of folly of weakness; but it arose not from want of affection for you, though appearances are indeed against me. Father, there is your crown; God grant that you may long live to wear it; and, oh, forgive your erring son.' And Harry fell on his knees before his father, covered his pale, thin hand with kisses, and

seemed so truly sorry for his heedless act, that the King forgave him, and then said,

'Come hither, Harry, sit upon my bed, and hear the last words of advice that I shall ever The crown will very shortly be

give you. yours; in a few hours probably you will be proclaimed King of England. My son, imagine not that a monarch is totally free from trials. This life is a mixed state of good and evil to all, and the sovereign on the throne has his crosses and troubles to endure as well as his lowliest subject. Think not that riches and honours can alone ensure happiness, but value wealth and power chiefly as a means of doing good to others, and strive to attain that perfect peace which is the fruit of a life of religion and virtue. Keep a conscience void of offence towards God and man, and cultivate those qualities which are worthy of a king, as an example for imitation to your subjects. Courage and bravery, military fame, victories and conquest, may render a monarch famous; but fame floats on the breath of the multitude,

while honour and esteem rest on the judgments of the thinking. True honour consists in principles of rectitude and integrity, unaffected piety, and wisdom; in firmness and constancy of purpose. With these qualifications a sovereign must be respected and beloved while on earth; and they will render him worthy of possessing a crown of glory hereafter, when the honours of this world, which resemble the feeble twinkling flame of a taper, compared with the brightness of the stars of the firmament, shall have passed away for ever.'

These were almost the last words that King Henry spoke, and they were never forgotten by his son. He resolved that they should be the rule for his future conduct, and in order to lead a new life, the first act of his reign, was to dismiss from his society all those evil associates with whom he had formerly mixed.

Many of them thought that, now Harry had become King, he would promote them to great riches and honours, and when they heard of