99 That you with music, I with light, That brother should not war with brother, The gifts of nature and of grace. 3. Philip, king of Macedon, is celebrated for an act of private justice, which does greater honour to his memory than all his public victories. A certain soldier, in the Macedonian army, had, in various instances, distinguished himself by extraordinary acts of valour, and had received many marks of Philip's approbation and favour. On a particular occasion, he embarked on board a vessel, which was wrecked in a violent storm, and he himself cast on the shore naked and helpless, with scarcely any signs of life. A Macedonian, whose lands were contiguous to the sea, came opportunely to be witness of his distress, and with all possible tenderness flew to the relief of the unhappy stranger. He bore him to his house, laid him on his bed, revived, cherished, and comforted him; and, for forty days, supplied him freely with all the necessaries and conveniences, which his languishing condition could require. The soldier, thus happily rescued from death, was incessant in the warmest expressions of gratitude to his benefactor, and assured him of his interest with the king, and of his resolution to obtain for him, from the royal bounty, the noble returns which such extraordinary benevolence deserved. He was at length completely recovered, and was supplied by his kind host with money to pursue his journey. Some time after, he presented himself before the king; he recounted his misfortunes, magnified his services, and, having looked with an eye of envy on the possessions of the man who had preserved his life, was so devoid of every feeling of gratitude, as to request the king to bestow upon him the houses and lands where he had been so kindly and so tenderly entertained. Unhappily, Philip, without examination, inconsiderately granted his infamous request. The soldier then returned to his preserver, and repaid his kindness by driving him from his settlement, and taking immediate possession of all the fruits of his honest industry. The poor man, stung with this instance of unparalleled ingratitude, boldly determined to seek relief; and, in a letter addressed to Philip, represented his own and the soldier's conduct in a lively and affecting manner. The king was instantly fired with indignation: he ordered that justice should be done without delay; that the possessions should be immediately restored to the man, whose charitable offices had been thus horribly repaid; and that the soldier should be seized, and have these words branded on his forehead, "The Ungrateful Guest." 4. Oft has it been my lot to mark A proud, conceited, talking spark, Two travellers of such a cast, "Hold there," the other quick replies, As late with open mouth it lay, "'Tis green, 'tis green, sir, I assure ye."- "Why, sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes ?" So high at last the contest rose, "Sirs," cries the umpire, 66 cease your pother; The creature's neither one nor t'other : I caught the animal last night, And view'd it o'er by candle-light: I mark'd it well,-'twas black as jetYou stare-but, sirs, I've got it yet, And can produce it." "Pray, sir, do; I'll lay my life the thing is blue." "And I'll be sworn, that when you've seen The reptile, you'll pronounce him green." "Well then, at once to ease the doubt," Replies the man, "I'll turn him out; And when before your eyes I've set him, If you don't find him black, I'll eat him." He said; then full before their sight Produced the beast, and, lo! 'twas white! Both stared; the man look'd wondrous wise. "My children," the chameleon cries, (Then first the creature found a tongue), "You all are right, and all are wrong: When next you talk of what you view, Think others see as well as you; Nor wonder if you find that none SECTION VI. EXPRESSION OF IDEAS (continued). Let the Pupil amplify the following passages, expressing the ideas in sentences of his own construction and arrangement :— EXAMPLE. I next In whatever state I am, I first of all look up to heaven; look down upon the earth; I then look abroad into the world: and thus I learn where true happiness is placed; where all our cares must end; and how very little reason I have to repine or to complain. In whatever condition or situation Divine Providence places me, I first of all look up to heaven, and reflect that my principal business here is to get to that blest abode. I next look down upon the earth, and call to mind that, when I am dead, I shall occupy but a small space in it. I then look abroad into the world, and observe what multitudes there are, who, in every respect, are less fortunate than myself. . Thus I learn where true happiness is placed; where all our cares must end; and how very little reason I have to repine or to complain. EXERCISES. 1. Our needful knowledge, like our needful food, And bids all welcome to the vital feast. 2. A fox, being inclined to play a practical joke upon his neighbour the stork, asked him to dinner, which he caused to be served up in broad shallow dishes. The stork, perceiving the trick, took no notice, but, at parting, pressed the fox very much to return the visit. When the day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment, reynard was very much displeased to see the dinner served up in long narrow-necked glasses. "They that cannot take a jest," said the stork, "should never make cne. 3. Alexander the Great, having taken Sidon, ordered one of his generals to bestow the crown upon the citizen who seemed to be most worthy, when he offered it to two brothers in whose house he was quartered. Both, however, refused it, stating that it was contrary to the laws for any one to wear the crown, who was not of the royal family, and, at the same time, recommending Abdolonymus, whom misfortune had reduced to the necessity of cultivating a small garden in the suburbs of the city. Abdolonymus was weeding his garden, when the messengers went to him, and at first thought that they were insulting his poverty, when they saluted him as king; but at last he was prevailed upon to go to the palace, and accept the regal office. Pride and envy created him so many enemies, that Alexander sent for him, and inquired with what temper of mind he had borne his poverty. "I pray," replied Abdolony. mus, "that I may bear my crown with equal moderation." Alexander was so highly pleased with his answer, that he confirmed him in the throne, and added a neighbouring province to his government. 4. Once I beheld a captive, whom these wars I dwelt upon the willowy banks of Loire : I married one, who, from my boyish days, Had been my playmate. One morn,—I'll ne'er forget!— I think he's gone; and now I only wish |