eign, that of recompensing virtue. I shall not re move you from a situation to which you do so much honor, and the innocence and tranquillity of which I envy. But I will bestow upon you such things as may be useful to you. You shall have numerous flocks, rich pastures, and a house that will enable you to exercise the duties of hospitality with pleasure. Your new-born child shall be my ward; for you may remember,' continued the Emperor, smiling, that I prophesied he would be fortunate. The good peasant could not speak; but with tears of grateful sensibility in his eyes, he ran instantly to fetch the child, brought him to the Emperor, and laid him respectfully at his feet This excellent sovereign was quite affected; he took the child in his arms and carried him himself to the church; and after the ceremony was over, unwilling to deprive him of his mother's milk, he took him to his cottage, and ordered that he should be sent to him, as soon as he could be weaned.— The Czar faithfully observed his engagement, caused the boy to be educated in his palace, provided amply for his future settlement in life, and continued ever after to heap favors upon the virtuous peasant and his family.

THE FOUR VIRTUOUS WOMEN.

Mahomet informs us that among men many have been found perfect; but among women only four. This is an incivility which is not even excusable in a prophet. He even mentions the four fortunate ladies: Asa, the wife of Pharaoh; Mary the daughter of Imran; Khadijah the daughter of Khowailed; and Fatima, the daughter of Mahomet. How it happened that the prophet felt such a partiality for the wife of Pharaoh, and of whom the world knows nothing, is a mystery not for us to penetrate. But there is good reason to know why he was so favorable to the other three perfect ladies; one was his nurse, one his wife, and the other his daughter! Should a wit offer the slightest raillery on this absurdity in Constantinople, he would there cease to be a wit, and would become a heretic. The opinions of men are not less distant from each other than their residence.

STRIKING EXAMPLE OF GENEROSITY.

The

In the war carried on by Lewis XII. of France, against the Venetians, the town of Brescia, being taken by a storm, and abandoned to the soldiers, suffered for seven days all the distresses of cruelty and avarice. No house escaped but that where Chevalier Bayard lodged. At his entrance the mistress, a woman of fine figure, fell at his feet, and deeply sobbing, O my lord, save my life, save the honor of my daughters.' Take courage madam (said the Chevalier) your life and their honor shall be secure while I have life.' two young ladies, brought from their hiding place were presented to him; and the family thus reunited, bestowed their whole attention on their deliver er. A dangerous wound he had received, gave them an opportunity to express their zeal; they employed a notable surgeon, they attended him by turn day and night; and when he could bear to be amused, they entertained him with concerts of music. Upon the day fixed for his departure, the mother said to him, 'To your goodness, my lord, we owe our life, and to you all that we have belongs by right of war; but we hope, from your signal benevolence, that this slight tribute will content you,' placing upon the table an iron coffer full of money. What is the sum?' said the Chevalier. My lord, (answered she trembling) no more than 2500 ducats, all that we have;

but if more be necessary, we will try our friends. Madam, (said he) I never shall forget your kindness, more precious in my eyes than an hundred thousand ducats. Take back your money, and depend always on me.'' My good lord, you kill me to refuse this small sum: take it only as a mark of your friendship to my family.'-' Well, (said he) since it will oblige you, I take the money; but give me the satisfaction of bidding adieu to your amiable daughters.' They came to him with looks of regard and affection; Ladies (said he) the impression you have made on my heart, will never wear out. What return to make, I know not, for men of my profession are seldom opulent: but here are 2500 ducats, of which the generosity of your mother has given me the disposal; accept them as a marriage present; and may your happiness in marriage be equal to your merit.' Flower of chivalry, (said the mother) may God reward you here and hereafter.'

THE HUMOROUS INTRUSION.

Mr Dyer, who was remarkable for facetiousness and drollery, happened one day to be alone at the Flask at Hampstead, in a venison time, when the cordwainers company kept their annual feast there. Dyer observed two glorious haunches roasting at the fire, and made it his business to learn who they were for. Being told for the Cordwainer's company, he determined to dine with them. He knew it was the custom upon those occasions for every member to bring his friend, and consequently that several, as well as himself, would be strangers to all but one in the company; and that questions are never asked, when once admittance is obtained and people are seated; he therefore watched his opportunity when dinner went up, and seated himself among the rest, as near as he could to one of the haunches, where he did not fail to play his part. He was very pleasant and cheerful, and those that sat next him were highly diverted; no exceptions were taken, and all passed off as he had imagined. After dinner when the bottle and song began to move briskly round, he sung in his turn,and was much applauded. But when the time came that he thought of departing, he shifted his seat, and placing himself next the door, he began a story. He had already drawn the attention of the company upon him by his uncommon humor: so,