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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:47:03 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:47:03 -0700 |
| commit | 02e623eaa237dedee0938aaa1b4f3b4cb1e01b9d (patch) | |
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diff --git a/15560-h/15560-h.htm b/15560-h/15560-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bf6f2c2 --- /dev/null +++ b/15560-h/15560-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,24127 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Young Folks Treasury, Volume 3 (of 12), by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + body {margin-left:8%; margin-right:9%; max-width: 40em; + } + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + h1 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em} + h2 {margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 2em} + h3 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em} + + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + + .note {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; + text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 5em;} + + .figure, .figcenter, .figright, .figleft + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-variant: small-caps;} + .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img, .figleft img + {border: none;} + .figure p, .figcenter p, .figright p, .figleft p + {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + .figleft {float: left;} + ol.inside, ul.inside { + list-style-position: inside; + margin-left: -2.5em; /* For everybody but MSIE 5, boo */} + .off { list-style-type: none; } + ol.TOC { /* styling the Table of Contents */ + list-style-type: upper-roman; /* a list with no symbol */ + position: relative; /* makes a "container" for span.tocright */ + /* margin-right: 5%; pulls the page#s in a skosh */ + } + ol.TOC li {font-variant: small-caps; + } + ul.TOC { /* styling the Table of Contents */ + list-style-type: none; /* a list with no symbol */ + padding: 0; margin: 0; + position: relative; /* makes a "container" for span.tocright */ + /* margin-right: 5%; pulls the page#s in a skosh */ + } + ul.TOCSub { /* sub-entries in the TOC */ + list-style-type: none; + position: relative; /* makes a "container" for span.tocright */ + /* margin-right: 10%; pulls these page#s in even more */ + } + span.tocright { /* use absolute positioning to move page# right */ + position: absolute; right: -5%; + } + span.story { /* use for titles of stories */ + font-weight: bold; + } + ul.LOI { /* styling the List of Illustrations */ + list-style-type: none; + position: relative; /* makes a "container" for span.tocright */ + margin-right: 5%; /* pulls the page#s in a skosh */ + } + ul.LOI li {margin-bottom: 0.5em; font-variant: small-caps; + } + ul.helpers {list-style-type: none; + } + ul.helpers li {margin-bottom: 0.3em; margin-left: 6em; text-indent: -6em; + } + .inline {border: none; vertical-align: middle; + } + + .footnote {font-size: 0.9em; margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%; + } + div.trans-note {border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; + margin: 3em 15%; padding: 1em; text-align: center; font-size: small; + } + .author {text-align: right; font-variant: small-caps; margin-top: -1em; margin-right: 5%; + } + .ctr {text-align: center; + } + .editor {text-align: center; margin-top: -2em; + } + .sc {font-variant: small-caps; + } + a:link {color: blue; text-decoration: none; + } + link {color: blue; text-decoration: none; + } + a:visited {color: blue; text-decoration: none; + } + a:hover {color: red; + } + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Young Folks Treasury, Volume 3 (of 12), by +Various, Edited by Hamilton Wright Mabie</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Young Folks Treasury, Volume 3 (of 12)</p> +<p> Classic Tales And Old-Fashioned Stories</p> +<p>Author: Various</p> +<p>Editor: Hamilton Wright Mabie</p> +<p>Release Date: April 6, 2005 [eBook #15560]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG FOLKS TREASURY, VOLUME 3 (OF 12)***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Sandra Brown,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3> +<p> </p> + <div class="trans-note"> + Transcriber's Note: Click on an illustration to see it enlarged. + </div> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + + <h2>YOUNG FOLKS' TREASURY</h2> + + <h4>In 12 Volumes</h4> + + <h3>HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE</h3> + + <p class="editor"><i>Editor</i></p> + + <h3>EDWARD EVERETT HALE</h3> + + <p class="editor"><i>Associate Editor</i></p> + + <h1>Classic Tales and Old-Fashioned Stories</h1> + + <h3>HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE</h3> + + <p class="editor"><i>Editor</i></p> + + <h3>DANIEL EDWIN WHEELER</h3> + + <p class="editor"><i>Assistant Editor</i></p> + + <h4>VOLUME III</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>New York</h4> + + <h3>THE UNIVERSITY SOCIETY INC.</h3> + + <h5><i>Publishers</i></h5> + + <p> </p> + + <p> </p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/frontis.jpg" name="figfrontiss" + id="figfrontiss"><img width="300" src="images/frontiss.jpg" + alt="THE HORSE FLEW THROUGH THE AIR" /></a><br /> + the horse flew through the air + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <h2>PARTIAL LIST OF EDITORS AND CONTRIBUTORS</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE</h3> + + <p class="editor"><i>Editor</i></p> + + <h3>EDWARD EVERETT HALE</h3> + + <p class="editor"><i>Associate Editor</i></p> + + <h3>DANIEL EDWIN WHEELER</h3> + + <p class="editor"><i>Managing Editor</i></p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p><i>Partial List of Contributors, Assistant Editors and + Advisers</i>:</p> + + <ul class="helpers"> + <li>NICHOLAS MURRAY BUTLER, President Columbia + University.</li> + + <li>WILLIAM R. HARPER, Late President Chicago + University.</li> + + <li>Hon. THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Ex-President of the United + States.</li> + + <li>Hon. GROVER CLEVELAND, Late President of the United + States.</li> + + <li>JAMES CARDINAL GIBBONS, American Roman Catholic + prelate.</li> + + <li>LAWRENCE J. BURPEE, Librarian Ottawa Public Library; + author of "Canadian Life in Town and Country," etc.</li> + + <li>BLISS CARMAN, poet, essayist, and editor.</li> + + <li>THOMAS B. FLINT, Clerk House of Commons, Canada; editor + "Parliamentary Practice and Procedure."</li> + + <li>AGNES C. LAUT, author "Lords of the North," "Hudson's + Bay Company," etc.</li> + + <li>BECKLES WILLSON, author of "The Romance of Canada," + "Life and Letters of James Wolfe," etc.</li> + + <li>EDWARD W. BOK, editor "Ladies' Home Journal."</li> + + <li>HENRY VAN DYKE, author, poet, and Professor of English + Literature, Princeton University.</li> + + <li>LYMAN ABBOTT, author, editor of "The Outlook."</li> + + <li>JACOB A. RIIS, author and journalist.</li> + + <li>EDWARD EVERETT HALE, JR., Professor at Union + College.</li> + + <li>CHARLES G.D. ROBERTS, writer of animal stories.</li> + + <li>JANET H. KELMAN, author "Stories from the Crusades," "A + Book of Butterflies," etc.</li> + + <li>VAUTIER GOLDING, author "Life of Henry M. Stanley," + etc.</li> + + <li>LENA DALKEITH, author "A Book of Beasts," "Stories from + French History," etc.</li> + + <li>H.E. MARSHALL, author "A Child's History of England." + "History of English Literature," etc.</li> + + <li>JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS, creator of "Uncle Remus."</li> + + <li>GEORGE CARY EGGLESTON, novelist and journalist.</li> + + <li>WILLIAM BLAIKIE, author of "How to Get Strong and How + to Stay So."</li> + + <li>JOSEPH JACOBS, folklore writer and editor of the + "Jewish Encyclopedia."</li> + + <li>Mrs. VIRGINIA TERHUNE ("Marlon Harland"), author of + "Common Sense in the Household," etc.</li> + + <li>A.D. INNES, author "England Under the Tudors," + "England's Industrial Development," etc.</li> + + <li>EDMUND F. SELLAR, author "Life of Nelson," etc.</li> + + <li>MARY MACGREGOR, author "King Arthur's Knights," + etc.</li> + + <li>JEANIE LANG, author "Life of General Gordon," etc.</li> + + <li>Rev. THEODORE WOOD, F.E.S., writer on natural + history.</li> + + <li>MARGARET E. SANGSTER, author of "The Art of + Home-Making," etc.</li> + + <li>HERBERT T. WADE, editor and writer on physics.</li> + + <li>JOHN H. CLIFFORD, editor and writer.</li> + + <li>ERNEST INGERSOLL, naturalist and author.</li> + + <li>IDA PRENTICE WHITCOMB, author of "Young People's Story + of Music," "Heroes of History," etc.</li> + + <li>MARK HAMBOURG, pianist and composer.</li> + + <li>Mme. BLANCHE MARCHESI, opera singer and teacher.</li> + + <li>ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS, author "Historic Boys," etc.</li> + + <li>PAULINE C. BOUVÉ, author "Stories of American Heroes + for Boys and Girls," etc.</li> + </ul> + + <h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li> + <span class="story">Introduction</span><a href="#pagexv"><span class="tocright"> + xv</span></a></li> + </ul> + + <h3>CLASSIC TALES</h3> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">Don + Quixote</span><span class="tocright">1-35</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Miguel Cervantes. Adapted by + John Lang</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>how don quixote was + knighted<a href="#page1"><span class="tocright">1</span></a></li> + + <li>how don quixote rescued andres; and how he returned + home + <a href="#page6"><span class="tocright">6</span></a></li> + + <li>how don quixote and sancho panza started on their + search for adventures; and how don quixote fought with the + windmills + <a href="#page10"><span class="tocright">10</span></a></li> + + <li>how don quixote won a helmet; how he fought with two + armies; and how sancho's ass was stolen + <a href="#page14"><span class="tocright">14</span></a></li> + + <li>how don quixote saw dulcinea + <a href="#page18"><span class="tocright">18</span></a></li> + + <li>how don quixote fought with a lion; and how he defeated + the moors + <a href="#page21"><span class="tocright">21</span></a></li> + + <li>the battle with the bulls; the fight with the knight of + the white moon; and how don quixote died + <a href="#page29"><span class="tocright">29</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">Gulliver's Travels: Voyage to + Lilliput</span><span class="tocright">36-58</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Jonathan Swift. Adapted by + John Lang</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>gulliver's birth and early + voyages<a href="#page36"><span class="tocright">36</span></a></li> + + <li>gulliver is wrecked on the coast of + lilliput<a href="#page37"><span class="tocright">37</span></a></li> + + <li>gulliver is taken as a prisoner to the capital of + lilliput<a href="#page42"><span class="tocright">42</span></a></li> + + <li>gulliver is freed, and captures the blefuscan + fleet<a href="#page47"><span class="tocright">47</span></a></li> + + <li>gulliver's escape from lilliput and return to + england<a href="#page54"><span class="tocright">54</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">The Arabian + Nights</span><span class="tocright">59-94</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">Adapted by Amy Steedman</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>aladdin and the wonderful + lamp<a href="#page59"><span class="tocright">59</span></a></li> + + <li>the enchanted + horse<a href="#page73"><span class="tocright">73</span></a></li> + + <li>sindbad the + sailor<a href="#page80"><span class="tocright">80</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">The Iliad of + Homer</span><span class="tocright">95-118</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">Adapted by Jeanie Lang</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>the story of what led to the siege of + troy<a href="#page95"><span class="tocright">95</span></a></li> + + <li>the + council<a href="#page97"><span class="tocright">97</span></a></li> + + <li>the fight between paris and + menelaus<a href="#page102"><span class="tocright">102</span></a></li> + + <li>hector and + andromache<a href="#page107"><span class="tocright">107</span></a></li> + + <li>how patroclus fought and + died<a href="#page110"><span class="tocright">110</span></a></li> + + <li>the rousing of + achilles<a href="#page114"><span class="tocright">114</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">The Odyssey of + Homer</span><span class="tocright">119-135</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">Adapted by Jeanie Lang</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>what happened in ithaca while odysseus was + away<a href="#page119"><span class="tocright">119</span></a></li> + + <li>how odysseus came + home<a href="#page126"><span class="tocright">126</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">Robinson + Crusoe</span><span class="tocright">136-170</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Daniel Defoe. Adapted by + John Lang</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>how robinson first went to sea; and how he was + shipwrecked<a href="#page136"><span class="tocright">136</span></a></li> + + <li>robinson works hard at making himself a + home<a href="#page140"><span class="tocright">140</span></a></li> + + <li>the earthquake and hurricane; and how robinson built a + boat<a href="#page144"><span class="tocright">144</span></a></li> + + <li>robinson builds a second boat, in which he is swept out + to sea + <a href="#page148"><span class="tocright">148</span></a></li> + + <li>robinson sees a footprint on the sand, finds a cave, + and rescues friday + <a href="#page152"><span class="tocright">152</span></a></li> + + <li>robinson trains friday and they build a large boat; + they rescue two prisoners from the cannibals + <a href="#page160"><span class="tocright">160</span></a></li> + + <li>arrival of an english ship: robinson sails for home + <a href="#page163"><span class="tocright">163</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">Canterbury + Tales</span><span class="tocright">171-202</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Geoffrey Chaucer. Adapted by + Janet Harvey Kelman</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li> + dorigen<a href="#page171"><span class="tocright">171</span></a></li> + + <li> + emelia<a href="#page182"><span class="tocright">182</span></a></li> + + <li> + griselda<a href="#page193"><span class="tocright">193</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">The Pilgrim's + Progress</span><a href="#page203"><span class="tocright">203</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By John Bunyan. Adapted by Mary + Macgregor</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Tales from + Shakespeare</span><span class="tocright">233-254</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Charles and Mary Lamb</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>the tempest + <a href="#page233"><span class="tocright">233</span></a></li> + + <li>a midsummer night's dream + <a href="#page243"><span class="tocright">243</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <h3>OLD-FASHIONED STORIES</h3> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">Simple + Susan</span><span class="tocright">257-308</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Maria Edgeworth. Adapted by + Louey Chisholm</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>queen of the may + <a href="#page257"><span class="tocright">257</span></a></li> + + <li>bad news + <a href="#page263"><span class="tocright">263</span></a></li> + + <li>susan's guinea-fowl + <a href="#page266"><span class="tocright">266</span></a></li> + + <li>susan visits the abbey + <a href="#page270"><span class="tocright">270</span></a></li> + + <li>susan's pet lamb + <a href="#page274"><span class="tocright">274</span></a></li> + + <li>the blind harper + <a href="#page279"><span class="tocright">279</span></a></li> + + <li>good news + <a href="#page283"><span class="tocright">283</span></a></li> + + <li>barbara visits the abbey + <a href="#page290"><span class="tocright">290</span></a></li> + + <li>a surprise for susan + <a href="#page294"><span class="tocright">294</span></a></li> + + <li>barbara's accident + <a href="#page297"><span class="tocright">297</span></a></li> + + <li>the prize-giving + <a href="#page300"><span class="tocright">300</span></a></li> + + <li>attorney case in trouble + <a href="#page303"><span class="tocright">303</span></a></li> + + <li>susan's birthday + <a href="#page306"><span class="tocright">306</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">Limby Lumpy</span> + <a href="#page309"><span class="tocright">309</span></a></li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">The Sore Tongue</span> + <a href="#page314"><span class="tocright">314</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Jane Taylor</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Eyes and No Eyes, or The Art of + Seeing</span><a href="#page319"><span class="tocright">319</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By John Aikin and Mrs. + Barbauld</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Prince Life</span> + <a href="#page326"><span class="tocright">326</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By G.P.R. James</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">The Fruits of Disobedience, or The + Kidnapped + Child</span><a href="#page339"><span class="tocright">339</span></a></li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Dicky Random, or Good Nature Is + Nothing Without Good Conduct</span> + <a href="#page350"><span class="tocright">350</span></a></li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Embellishment</span> + <a href="#page359"><span class="tocright">359</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Jacob Abbott</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">The Oyster Patties</span> + <a href="#page370"><span class="tocright">370</span></a></li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Two Little + Boys</span><span class="tocright">376-385</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Thomas Day</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>the good-natured little boy + <a href="#page376"><span class="tocright">376</span></a></li> + + <li>the ill-natured little boy + <a href="#page379"><span class="tocright">379</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">The Purple Jar</span> + <a href="#page386"><span class="tocright">386</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Maria Edgeworth</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">The Three + Cakes</span><a href="#page393"><span class="tocright">393</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Armand Berquin</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li> + <span class="story">Amendment</span><a href="#page398"><span class="tocright"> + 398</span></a></li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Trial</span> + <a href="#page418"><span class="tocright">418</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By John Aikin and Mrs. + Barbauld</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">A Plot of Gunpowder: An Old Lady + Seized for a Guy</span> + <a href="#page426"><span class="tocright">426</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">Ascribed to William Martin + ("Peter Parley")</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Uncle David's Nonsensical Story + About Giants and Fairies</span> + <a href="#page438"><span class="tocright">438</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Katherine Sinclair</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">The Inquisitive Girl</span> + <a href="#page447"><span class="tocright">447</span></a></li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">Busy Idleness</span> + <a href="#page453"><span class="tocright">453</span></a></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">By Jane Taylor</li> + + <li> </li> + + <li><span class="story">The Renowned History of Little + Goody + Two-Shoes</span><span class="tocright">461-482</span></li> + + <li style="margin-left:4em">Ascribed to Oliver + Goldsmith</li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC" start="0"> + <li class="off">introduction + <a href="#page461"><span class="tocright">461</span></a></li> + + <li>how and about little margery and her brother + <a href="#page463"><span class="tocright">463</span></a></li> + + <li>how and about mr. smith + <a href="#page464"><span class="tocright">464</span></a></li> + + <li>how little margery obtained the name of goody + two-shoes, and what happened in the parish + <a href="#page465"><span class="tocright">465</span></a></li> + + <li>how little margery learned to read, and by degrees + taught + others<a href="#page466"><span class="tocright">466</span></a></li> + + <li>how little two-shoes became a trotting tutoress, and + how she taught her young + pupils<a href="#page466"><span class="tocright">466</span></a></li> + + <li>how the whole parish was frightened + <a href="#page469"><span class="tocright">469</span></a></li> + + <li>containing an account of all the spirits or things she + saw in the church + <a href="#page470"><span class="tocright">470</span></a></li> + + <li>of something which happened to little margery two-shoes + in a barn, more dreadful than the ghost in the church; and + how she returned good for evil to her enemy, sir timothy + <a href="#page472"><span class="tocright">472</span></a></li> + + <li>how little margery was made principal of a country + college + <a href="#page474"><span class="tocright">474</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li><span class="story">(Part Two.) The Renowned History of + Mrs. Margery + Two-Shoes</span><a href="#page474"><span class="tocright">474</span></a></li> + </ul> + + <ol class="TOC"> + <li>I. of her school, her ushers, or assistants, and her + manner of teaching + <a href="#page475"><span class="tocright">475</span></a></li> + + <li>ii. a scene of distress in a school + <a href="#page475"><span class="tocright">475</span></a></li> + + <li>iii. of the amazing sagacity and instinct of a little + dog + <a href="#page476"><span class="tocright">476</span></a></li> + + <li>iv. what happened at farmer grove's, and how she + gratified him for the use of his room + <a href="#page477"><span class="tocright">477</span></a></li> + + <li>v. the case of mrs. margery + <a href="#page479"><span class="tocright">479</span></a></li> + + <li>vi. the true use of riches + <a href="#page481"><span class="tocright">481</span></a></li> + </ol> + + <p> </p> + + <h3>ILLUSTRATIONS</h3> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h5>VOLUME III</h5> + + <ul class="LOI"> + <li><a href="#figfrontiss">the horse flew through the + air</a><span class="tocright"><i>Frontispiece</i></span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig6s">"pay at once, you + scoundrel"</a><span class="tocright">6</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig12s">horse and man were sent rolling on + the ground</a><span class="tocright">12</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig30s">the bulls had run right over him and + rozinante</a><span class="tocright">30</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig38s">he found that his arms and legs were + tightly fastened to the + ground</a><span class="tocright">38</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig48s">gulliver in + lilliput</a><span class="tocright">48</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig54s">on this occasion, gulliver ate more + than usual</a><span class="tocright">54</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig62s">aladdin and the + magician</a><span class="tocright">62</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig80s">hindbad was carrying a very heavy + load</a><span class="tocright">80</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig96s">from far and wide did the greek hosts + gather</a><span class="tocright">96</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig110s">andromache in + captivity</a><span class="tocright">110</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig124s">telemachus knelt where the gray + water broke on the + sand</a><span class="tocright">124</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig140s">the escape from the + shipwreck</a><span class="tocright">140</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig152s">he saw the mark of a naked foot on + the sand</a><span class="tocright">152</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig162s">robinson ran to the white prisoner + and cut his bonds</a><span class="tocright">162</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig172s">alas! of all the ships i see, is + there never one that will bring my lord + home?</a><span class="tocright">172</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig196s">the curtain at the doorway was drawn + aside</a><span class="tocright">196</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig220s">then did christian draw his + sword</a><span class="tocright">220</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig234s">miranda watching the + storm</a><span class="tocright">234</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig246s">the fairies sing titania to + sleep</a><span class="tocright">246</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig260s">bending down a branch of the + laburnum-tree</a><span class="tocright">260</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig262s">"it won't do," said barbara, turning + her back</a><span class="tocright">262</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig266s">"and here's her crown!" cried + rose</a><span class="tocright">266</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig290s">she spoke of what she did not + understand</a><span class="tocright">290</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig296s">he was wanted to hold the jug of + milk</a><span class="tocright">296</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig374s">he took the currant tart, and ... + threw it at his + nurse</a><span class="tocright">374</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig390s">rosamond ran up to it with an + exclamation of + joy</a><span class="tocright">390</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig418s">widow dorothy careful made a + curtsey</a><span class="tocright">418</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig436s">the goat dashed in among them and + the chair was + upset</a><span class="tocright">436</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig440s">each of my visitors is quite an + exclusive</a><span class="tocright">440</span></li> + + <li><a href="#fig448s">if louisa received a note, she + carefully locked it + up</a><span class="tocright">448</span></li> + </ul> + + <p>(<i>Many of the illustrations in this volume are reproduced + by special permission of E.P. Dutton & Company, owners of + American rights</i>.)</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagexv" + id="pagexv"></a>[pg xv]</span> + + <h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + + <h3>I</h3> + + <h3>CLASSIC TALES</h3> + + <p>After our boys and girls have read the first half of this + volume, containing selected and simplified stories from some of + the greatest books of all time, their authors will cease to be + merely names. Homer, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Cervantes and Bunyan + will be found here as familiar and easy in style as + "Cinderella" or "The Three Bears." True enough, the first word + in "Classic Tales" may look somewhat alarming to the eyes of + youthful seekers after romance and adventure, but we challenge + them to turn to any one of these selections from immortal + masterpieces and not become spellbound and, moreover, impatient + for more. And, believing now that they have grown very much + interested in these famous books, of course we also believe + they want to learn something about them.</p> + + <p>Following the order of our stories we must begin with "Don + Quixote." Its author wrote it under great difficulties and + distress; but one would never think so, as it is full of + laughable doings. When you read our selections you must not + think that Don Quixote was merely a silly old man, for indeed + he was a very noble gentleman and tried with all his might to + do what he believed to be his duty, and in no act of his life + was there ever a stain of dishonor or of meanness. As for his + queer fancies, you will find in your own experience that many + things are not as they seem.</p> + + <p>Next comes one of Gulliver's voyages. Under all this account + of a tiny race of people there is fun poked at government and + its ministers. But we do not concern ourselves with such + matters—all we think about is the wonderful deeds of + Gulliver in the land of the Lilliputians. Do not think such + people are impossible, for did not Stanley, the explorer, find + in Africa a race of dwarfs so little that he called them + pygmies? And perhaps when some of our young readers grow up, + they, too, may discover small folks in the world.</p> + + <p>In regard to the "Arabian Nights," from which we give you + three choice stories, you ought to know the way they came to be + told. Once upon a time, a Sultan of Arabia thought that all + women were of not much use, so every day he married a new wife, + and before twenty-four hours were over he ordered that she have + her head cut off. One brave woman thought of a clever plan by + which she could end this cruelty. She went to the palace and + offered to marry the Sultan, and that night she began to tell + him such fascinating stories that when morning came he still + wished to hear more. He commanded that she should not be + beheaded until all her stories were told. Then for a thousand + and one nights, night after night, she gave him fresh stories, + and by the end of that time the Sultan had fallen very much in + love with her. Naturally, they lived happily forever after. + Perhaps these three stories which we have selected will compel + you to seek out all the rest, and if you do, we are quite sure + you will not wonder that the brave lady won the heart of the + wicked Sultan and made him good.</p> + + <p>From the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey" of Homer, we have given + you some soul-stirring happenings. Several thousand years ago + these stories were sung by a blind minstrel named Homer. Some + day you may read Homer's sublime poetry in the original Greek, + and the selections which we give you will help you to remember + the stories when you are struggling with that difficult + language.</p> + + <p>Parts of the old favorite "Robinson Crusoe" follow the + Grecian tales, and we trust its simple language will make the + little ones love it more than ever. You will remember that + Defoe wrote this nearly two hundred years ago. Everybody liked + long stories in those days, but we have all heard children of + to-day ask when a somewhat lengthy book would end, no matter + how interesting, and many grown-ups are guilty of reading the + close of a story before they have gone very far in it. So with + that in mind we have put down in brief form most of Robinson + Crusoe's important adventures during his twenty-eight years on + the desert island.</p> + + <p>Here we also give three splendid stories from Chaucer's + "Canterbury Tales," which were supposedly told to one another + by a party of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. According to + our gentle author, who was one of them, they stopped over night + at a house in England called the Tabard Inn, and here they + passed the hours repeating fine stories. Afterward Chaucer + wrote these down in a book in quaint old English. One might + look at these words all day long and not know in the least what + what some of them meant, though they do hold such beautiful + tales.</p> + + <p>Now about "Pilgrim's Progress." More than two hundred years + ago a tinker named John Bunyan was in jail, but one night this + poor man left his prison and wandered into the land of dreams. + There he saw wonderful sights and heard marvelous things, and + as there was no one to listen to his dream, John Bunyan wrote + it down, and had it made into a book. And this he called "The + Pilgrim's Progress." It was about the journey and adventures of + a pilgrim and his companions. In our version we have given most + of the dream, but when the boys and girls grow older they will + want to read it all in Bunyan's own language, and we hope this + account will lead them to do so.</p> + + <p>Shakespeare is a magic name to grown-ups, but to children it + does not mean much. All they know is, that sometimes this name + is spelled on the back of one fat volume, sometimes on three, + sometimes on a dozen or more, but of the inside they know + almost nothing, and when they hear persons say that Shakespeare + is the greatest writer that ever lived, they wonder about it. + If they take down a volume containing one of his plays, they + think it very dull, but here in simple language we present the + stories of two of the most fairy-like and beautiful plays, as + retold for children by Charles and Mary Lamb.</p> + + <p class="author">Daniel Edwin Wheeler.</p> + + <h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + + <h3>II</h3> + + <h3>OLD-FASHIONED STORIES</h3> + + <p>There is much truth in the saying that "old things are best, + old books are best, old friends are best." We like to connect + in thought our best-loved books and our best-loved friends. A + good friend must have some of the wisdom of a good book, though + good books often talk to us with wisdom and also with humor and + courtesy greater than any living friend may show. "Sometimes we + think books are the best friends; they never interrupt or + contradict or criticise us."</p> + + <p>Every year in our own country about ten thousand books are + published. Most of them die in early life. Three hundred years + from now every one of this year's ten thousand books will be + dead and forgotten, except possibly thirty or forty. The very + best books do not die young. The books written about three + hundred years ago that are read to-day—like Shakespeare's + plays—are as a rule the books that deserve to live + forever. And, "Gentle Reader," if you are wise you will see + <i>why</i> the old books are best: they are the wheat, and the + winds of time have blown only the chaff away.</p> + + <p>Is it not strange that in the olden times so few poems or + books or stories were written for children? The "Iliad," the + stories of King Arthur, the "Canterbury Tales," and "Gulliver's + Travels" and "Robinson Crusoe," were written for men and + women.</p> + + <p>But happily this is the children's age, and now nearly half + of all the books written are written for children. You must + remember, however, that all boys and girls are + children—in the eyes of the law—till they are + twenty-one years old.</p> + + <p>We know a little boy who read last week a very modern story. + The book was bound in red cloth. It had a gilt top and very + modern pictures drawn by a great artist and printed in three or + four colors. How different from the books of one hundred years + ago, with their black covers and queer pictures!</p> + + <p>This story read by the little New York boy last week has + been read by many little boys in Iowa, and by many little girls + in Georgia. It tells about an orphan boy who was "bound out" to + a farmer who treated him cruelly. He ran away to the Rocky + Mountain region, where he had many adventures with robbers and + Indians and blizzards. He was strong and heroic; he could shoot + straight and ride the swiftest horses, and nothing ever hurt + him very much.</p> + + <p>This, as I have said, is a modern story. It does not tell + the reader to be truthful and good. It just tells him a story + of thrilling adventures and daring escapes from danger. But the + old-fashioned story is different; and now we are getting close + to our subject.</p> + + <p>I will tell you all about the old-fashioned stories in a + moment; but I must remind you that these old stories were + written about a hundred years ago. They were usually written to + teach a moral lesson. Dear old John Aikin, or his sister Anna + Letitia Barbauld, or Maria Edgeworth, or Jane Taylor would say + some morning—at any rate, so it seems to me—"I will + write a story to-day to teach boys and girls to be + industrious." And so "Busy Idleness" was written. Or one of + these old authors would decide to write a story the main object + of which was to teach little girls not to be too curious, and + so "The Inquisitive Girl" was written. Both of these stories, + and many others equally good, are found in this volume.</p> + + <p>I could really tell you many interesting things about these + old-fashioned stories but I will do something better—urge + you to read them yourself. They are quaint, delightful, and + entertaining stories, besides teaching a moral. You boys and + girls should read every one of them, and then read them again, + out loud, to your mothers or to anybody else who will + listen.</p> + + <p>Among all the old-fashioned stories in this volume I find + only one that seems to me "really funny," and that is "Uncle + David's Nonsensical Story about the Giants and Fairies." Think + of a giant so tall that "he was obliged to climb up a ladder to + comb his own hair." But this bit of humor is not so good as a + very modern nonsense-story entitled "The Giant's Shoes," which + I read the other day, and from which the Managing Editor + permits me to quote this little passage:</p> + + <p>"The Giant slept for three weeks at a time, and two days + after he woke his breakfast was brought to him, consisting of + bright brown horses sprinkled on his bread and butter. Besides + his boots, the Giant had a pair of shoes, and in one of them + his wife lived when she was at home; on other occasions she + lived in the other shoe. She was a sensible, practical kind of + woman, with two wooden legs and a clothes-horse, but in other + respects not rich. The wooden legs were kept pointed at both + ends, in order that if the Giant were dissatisfied with his + breakfast, he might pick up any stray people that were within + reach, using his wife as a fork; this annoyed the inhabitants + of the district, so that they built their church in a + southwesterly direction from the castle, behind the Giant's + back, that he might not be able to pick them up as they went + in. But those who stayed outside to play pitch-and-toss were + exposed to great danger and sufferings."</p> + + <p class="author"> + G.J.B.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page1" + id="page1"></a>[pg 1]</span> + + <h2>CLASSIC TALES</h2> + + <h3>DON QUIXOTE<br /> + <br /> + By MIGUEL CERVANTES</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY JOHN LANG</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>HOW DON QUIXOTE WAS KNIGHTED</h4> + + <p>Some three or four hundred years ago, there lived in sunny + Spain an old gentleman named Quixada, who owned a house and a + small property near a village in La Mancha.</p> + + <p>With him lived his niece, a housekeeper, and a man who + looked after Quixada's farm and his one old white horse, which, + though its master imagined it to be an animal of great strength + and beauty, was really as lean as Quixada himself and as broken + down as any old cab horse.</p> + + <p>Quixada had nothing in the world to do in the shape of work, + and so, his whole time was taken up in reading old books about + knights and giants, and ladies shut up in enchanted castles by + wicked ogres. In time, so fond did he become of such tales that + he passed his days, and even the best part of his nights, in + reading them. His mind was so wholly taken up in this way that + at last he came to believe that he himself lived in a land of + giants and of ogres, and that it was his duty to ride forth on + his noble steed, to the rescue of unhappy Princesses.</p> + + <p>In the lumber-room of Quixada's house there had lain, ever + since he was born, a rusty old suit of armor, which had + belonged to his great-grandfather. This was now got out, and + Quixada spent many days in polishing and putting it in + order.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page2" + id="page2"></a>[pg 2]</span> + + <p>Unfortunately, there was no more than half of the helmet to + be found, and a knight cannot ride forth without a helmet.</p> + + <p>So Quixada made the other half of strong pasteboard; and to + prove that it was strong enough, when finished, he drew his + sword and gave the helmet a great slash. Alas! a whole week's + work was ruined by that one stroke; the pasteboard flew into + pieces. This troubled Quixada sadly, but he set to work at once + and made another helmet of pasteboard, lining it with thin + sheets of iron, and it looked so well that, this time, he put + it to no test with his sword.</p> + + <p>Now that his armor was complete, it occurred to him that he + must give his horse a name—every knight's horse should + have a good name—and after four days thought he decided + that "Rozinante" would best suit the animal.</p> + + <p>Then, for himself, after eight days of puzzling, he resolved + that he should be called Don Quixote de la Mancha.</p> + + <p>There was but one thing more. Every knight of olden time had + a lady, whom he called the Mistress of his Heart, whose glove + he wore in his helmet; and if anybody dared to deny that this + lady was the most beautiful woman in the whole world, then the + knight made him prove his words by fighting.</p> + + <p>So it was necessary that Don Quixote should select some lady + as the Mistress of his Heart.</p> + + <p>Near La Mancha there lived a stout country lass, for whom + some years before Don Quixote had had a kind of liking. Who, + therefore, could better take the place of Mistress of his + Heart? To whom could he better send the defeated knights and + ogres whom he was going out to fight? It was true that her + name. Aldonza Lorenzo, did not sound like that of a Princess or + lady of high birth; so he determined in future to call her + Dulcinea del Toboso. No Princess could have a sweeter name!</p> + + <p>All being now ready, one morning Don Quixote got up before + daylight, and without saying a word to anybody, put on his + armor, took his sword, and spear, and shield, saddled + "Rozinante," and started on his search for adventures.</p> + + <p>But before he had gone very far, a dreadful thought struck + him. He had not been knighted! Moreover, he had read in his + books that until a knight had done some great deed, he must + wear <span class="pagenum"><a name="page3" id="page3"></a>[pg + 3]</span> white armor, and be without any device or coat of + arms on his shield. What was to be done? He was so staggered by + this thought that he almost felt that he must turn back. But + then he remembered that he had read how adventurers were + sometimes knighted by persons whom they happened to meet on the + road. And as to his armor, why, he thought he might scour and + polish that till nothing could be whiter. So he rode on, + letting "Rozinante" take which road he pleased, that being, he + supposed, as good a way as any of looking for adventures.</p> + + <p>All day he rode, to his sorrow without finding anything + worth calling an adventure.</p> + + <p>At last as evening began to fall, and when he and his horse + were both very weary, they came in sight of an inn. Don Quixote + no sooner saw the inn than he fancied it to be a great castle, + and he halted at some distance from it, expecting that, as in + days of old, a dwarf would certainly appear on the battlements, + and, by sounding a trumpet, give notice of the arrival of a + knight. But no dwarf appeared, and as "Rozinante" showed great + haste to reach the stable, Don Quixote began to move towards + the inn.</p> + + <p>At this moment it happened that a swineherd in a field near + at hand sounded his horn to bring his herd of pigs home to be + fed. Don Quixote, imagining that this must be the dwarf at last + giving notice of his coming, rode quickly up to the inn door, + beside which it chanced that there stood two very impudent + young women, whom the Knight imagined to be two beautiful + ladies taking the air at the castle gate.</p> + + <p>Astonished at the sight of so strange a figure, and a little + frightened, the girls turned to run away. But Don Quixote + stopped them.</p> + + <p>"I beseech ye, ladies, do not fly," he said. "I will harm no + one, least of all maidens of rank so high as yours."</p> + + <p>And much more he said, whereat the young women laughed so + loud and so long that Don Quixote became very angry, and there + is no saying what he might not have done had not the innkeeper + at that moment come out. This innkeeper was very fat and + good-natured, and anxious not to offend anybody, but even he + could hardly help laughing when he saw Don Quixote. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page4" id="page4"></a>[pg + 4]</span> However, he very civilly asked the Knight to dismount + and offered him everything that the inn could provide.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote being by this time both tired and hungry, with + some difficulty got off his horse and handed it to the + innkeeper (to whom he spoke as governor of the castle), asking + him to take the greatest care of "Rozinante," for in the whole + world there was no better steed.</p> + + <p>When the landlord returned from the stable, he found Don + Quixote in a room, where, with the help of the two young women, + he was trying to get rid of his armor. His back and + breastplates had been taken off, but by no means could his + helmet be removed without cutting the green ribbons with which + he had tied it on, and this the Knight would not allow.</p> + + <p>There was nothing for it, therefore, but to keep his helmet + on all night, and to eat and drink in it, which was more than + he could do without help. However, one of the young women fed + him, and the innkeeper having made a kind of funnel, through it + poured the wine into his mouth, and Don Quixote ate his supper + in great peace of mind.</p> + + <p>There was but one thing that still vexed him. He had not yet + been knighted.</p> + + <p>On this subject he thought long and deeply, and at last he + asked the innkeeper to come with him to the stable. Having shut + the door, Don Quixote threw himself at the landlord's feet, + saying, "I will never rise from this place, most valorous + Knight, until you grant me a boon."</p> + + <p>The innkeeper was amazed, but as he could not by any means + make Don Quixote rise, he promised to do whatever was + asked.</p> + + <p>"Then, noble sir," said Don Quixote, "the boon which I crave + is that to-morrow you will be pleased to grant me the honor of + knighthood."</p> + + <p>The landlord, when he heard such talk, thought that the + wisest thing he could do was to humor his guest, and he readily + promised. Thereupon Don Quixote very happily rose to his feet, + and after some further talk he said to the innkeeper that this + night he would "watch his armor" in the chapel of the castle, + it being the duty of any one on whom the honor of knighthood + was to be conferred, to stand on his feet in the chapel, + praying, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page5" + id="page5"></a>[pg 5]</span> until the morning. The innkeeper, + thinking that great sport might come of this, encouraged Don + Quixote, but as his own chapel had lately—so he + said—been pulled down in order that a better might be + built, he advised Don Quixote to watch that night in the + courtyard. This was "lawful in a case where a chapel was not at + hand. And in the morning," he said, "I will knight you."</p> + + <p>"Have you any money?" then asked the innkeeper.</p> + + <p>"Not a penny," said Don Quixote, "for I never yet read of + any knight who carried money with him."</p> + + <p>"You are greatly mistaken," answered the innkeeper. "Most + knights had squires, who carried their money and clean shirts + and other things. But when a knight had no squire, he always + carried his money and his shirts, and salve for his wounds, in + a little bag behind his saddle. I must therefore advise you + never in future to go anywhere without money."</p> + + <p>Don Quixote promised to remember this. Then taking his + armor, he went into the inn yard and laid it in a + horse-trough.</p> + + <p>Backwards and forwards, spear in hand, he marched in the + moonlight, very solemnly keeping his eyes on his armor, while + the innkeeper's other guests, laughing, looked on from a + distance.</p> + + <p>Now it happened that a carrier who lodged at the inn came + into the yard to water his mules, and this he could not do + while the armor lay in the horse-trough. As Don Quixote saw the + man come up, "Take heed, rash Knight," he cried. "Defile not by + a touch the armor of the most brave knight-errant that ever + wore a sword."</p> + + <p>But the mule-driver took no notice of Don Quixote. He picked + up the armor and threw it away.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote no sooner saw this than, raising his eyes to + heaven, and calling on his Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, he lifted + up his spear with both hands and gave the mule-driver such a + whack over the head that the man fell down senseless. Then, + picking up his armor and putting it back in the horse-trough, + he went on with his march, taking no further notice of the poor + mule-driver.</p> + + <p>Soon up came another carrier who also wanted to water his + mules.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page6" + id="page6"></a>[pg 6]</span> + + <p>Not a word did Don Quixote say this time, but he lifted up + his spear and smote so heavily that he broke the man's head in + three or four places. The poor wretch made such an outcry that + all the people in the inn came running, and the friends of the + two carriers began to pelt Don Quixote with stones. But drawing + his sword, and holding his shield in front of him, he defied + them all, crying, "Come on, base knaves! Draw nearer if you + dare!"</p> + + <p>The landlord now came hurrying up and stopped the + stone-throwing; then, having calmed Don Quixote, he said that + there was no need for him to watch his armor any longer; to + finish the ceremony it would now be enough if he were touched + on the neck and shoulders with a sword. Don Quixote was quite + satisfied, and prayed the innkeeper to get the business over as + quickly as possible, "for," said he, "if I were but knighted, + and should see myself attacked, I believe that I should not + leave a man alive in this castle."</p> + + <p>The innkeeper, a good deal alarmed at this, and anxious to + get rid of him, hurried off and got the book in which he kept + his accounts, which he pretended was a kind of book of prayer. + Having also brought the two young women, and a boy to hold a + candle, he ordered Don Quixote to kneel. Then muttering from + his book, as if he were reading, he finished by giving Don + Quixote a good blow on the neck, and a slap on the back, with + the flat of a sword. After this, one of the young women belted + the sword round the newly made knight's waist, while the other + buckled on his spurs, and having at once saddled "Rozinante." + Don Quixote was ready to set out.</p> + + <p>The innkeeper was only too glad to see him go, even without + paying for his supper.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/6.jpg" name="fig6s" + id="fig6s"><img width="300" src="images/6s.jpg" + alt="'PAY AT ONCE, YOU SCOUNDREL'" /></a><br /> + "pay at once, you scoundrel" + </div> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>HOW DON QUIXOTE RESCUED ANDRES; AND HOW HE RETURNED + HOME</h4> + + <p>As he rode along in the early morning light, Don Quixote + began to think that it would be well that he should return home + for a little, there to lay in a stock of money and of clean + shirts, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page7" + id="page7"></a>[pg 7]</span> and he turned his willing horse's + head in the direction of his village.</p> + + <p>But ere he had gone far on his way, coming from a thicket he + fancied that he heard cries of distress.</p> + + <p>"Certainly these are the moans of some poor creature in want + of help," thought Don Quixote. "I thank Heaven for so soon + giving me the chance to perform my duty as a knight."</p> + + <p>And he rode quickly towards the sounds. No sooner had he + reached the wood than he saw a horse tied to a tree, and bound + to another was a lad of fifteen, all naked above the waist. By + his side stood a countryman beating him with a strap, and with + every blow calling out, "I'll teach you to keep your eyes open, + you young scamp. I'll teach you to keep your mouth shut."</p> + + <p>The boy howled with pain. Quickly Don Quixote rode up to the + man.</p> + + <p>"Sir Knight," said he angrily, "I would have thee to know + that it is an unworthy act to strike one who cannot defend + himself. Mount thy steed, therefore, take thy spear, and I will + teach thee that thou art a coward."</p> + + <p>The countryman gave himself up for lost, and he gasped out + very humbly that the boy was his servant, through whose + carelessness many of the sheep that he should have watched had + been lost, and that therefore he was giving him a sound + beating. "And," said he, "because I beat him for his + carelessness, he says I do it to cheat him out of his + wages."</p> + + <p>"What!" shouted Don Quixote, "do you dare to lie to me? By + the sun above us, I have a mind to run you through with my + spear. Pay the boy this instant, and let him go free. What does + he owe you, boy?"</p> + + <p>The boy said that the man owed him nine months' wages.</p> + + <p>"Pay at once, you scoundrel, unless you want to be killed," + roared Don Quixote.</p> + + <p>The poor man, trembling with fear, said that there was a + mistake; he did not owe nearly so much, and besides, he had no + money with him. But if Andres would go home with him he would + pay every penny.</p> + + <p>"Go home with him!" cried the boy. "I know a trick + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page8" id="page8"></a>[pg + 8]</span> worth two of that. No sooner will he have me home + than he'll take the skin off me. No, no, not I!"</p> + + <p>"He will not dare to touch you," said the Knight. "I command + him, and that is enough. If he swears by his order of + knighthood to do this thing, I will let him go, and he will pay + you your wages."</p> + + <p>"Of course I will," said the man. "Come along with me. + Andres, and I swear I'll give you all I owe."</p> + + <p>"Remember, then, what you have promised, for I am Don + Quixote de la Mancha, the righter of wrongs, and it is at your + peril to disobey me."</p> + + <p>So saying, Don Quixote clapped spurs to his horse, and + galloped off through the trees.</p> + + <p>The countryman watched till the Knight was out of sight. + Then, turning, he said "Come, my lad, and I'll pay thee what I + owe, and more."</p> + + <p>"Ay," answered the boy, "see that you do, for if you do not, + that brave man will come back and make you."</p> + + <p>"I dare swear that," said the man. "And just to show how + much I love you, I am going to increase the debt, so that I may + pay you more. Come here!"</p> + + <p>And with that he caught the boy by the arm, tied him again + to the tree, and belted him till his arm was tired.</p> + + <p>"Now go," he said, "and tell your righter of wrongs. I wish + I had flayed you alive, you young whelp."</p> + + <p>And so ended Don Quixote's first attempt to right + wrongs.</p> + + <p>As the Knight cantered along, very well pleased with + himself, about two miles from where he had freed the boy he saw + riding towards him six men, each shading himself under a large + umbrella. With them were four mounted servants, and three on + foot.</p> + + <p>No sooner did Don Quixote see this party than it struck him + that here was the chance for which, above all others, he had + been longing.</p> + + <p>Posting himself in the middle of the road, he waited till + the men were at no great distance. Then, "Halt!" shouted he. + "Let all know that no man shall pass further till he owns that + in the whole world there is no damsel more beautiful than the + peerless Dulcinea del + Toboso."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page9" + id="page9"></a>[pg 9]</span> + + <p>"But," said the men (who were merchants of Toledo, on their + way to buy silks), "we do not know the lady. We have never seen + her. How then can we say that she is beautiful?"</p> + + <p>"What!" roared Don Quixote in a terrible rage, "not know the + beauteous Lady Dulcinea del Toboso! That only makes matters + worse. Do you dare to argue?"</p> + + <p>And with that he couched his spear, drove his spurs into + "Rozinante," and rode furiously at the nearest merchant.</p> + + <p>What he would have done it is not possible to say. But as he + galloped, it chanced that "Rozinante" stumbled and fell + heavily, rolling Don Quixote over and over. There the Knight + lay helpless, the weight of his armor preventing him from + rising to his feet. But as he lay, he continued to cry out at + the top of his voice, "Stop, you rascals! Do not fly. It is my + horse's fault that I lie here, you cowards!"</p> + + <p>One of the grooms, hearing his master called a rascal and a + coward, thereupon ran up and snatched away Don Quixote's spear, + which he broke in pieces. Then with each piece he belabored the + poor Knight till the broken lance flew into splinters. The + merchants then rode away, leaving Don Quixote lying where he + fell, still shouting threats, but quite unable to rise.</p> + + <p>There he was found by a man who knew him well, and who with + great difficulty mounted him on his donkey and took him home. + When at last they reached Don Quixote's house, the poor Knight + was put to bed, where he lay for many days, raving, and very + ill.</p> + + <p>During this time the Curate of the village and the Barber + came and burned nearly all the books which Don Quixote had so + loved.</p> + + <p>"For," said they, "it is by reading these books that the + poor gentleman has lost his mind, and if he reads them again he + will never get better."</p> + + <p>So a bonfire was made of the books, and the door of Don + Quixote's study was bricked up.</p> + + <p>When the Knight was again able to go about, he made at once + for his study and his beloved books. Up and down the house he + searched without saying a word, and often he would stand where + the door of the study used to be, feeling with his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page10" id="page10"></a>[pg + 10]</span> hands and gazing about. At last he asked his + housekeeper to show him the study.</p> + + <p>"Study!" cried the woman, "what study? There is no study in + this house now, nor any books."</p> + + <p>"No," said his niece. "When you were away, a famous + enchanter came along, mounted on a dragon, and he went into + your study. What he did there we know not. But after a time he + flew out of the roof, leaving the house full of smoke, and ever + since then we have not been able to find either books or + study."</p> + + <p>"Ha!" said Don Quixote. "That must have been Freston. He is + a famous enchanter, and my bitter enemy. But when I am again + well I shall get the better of him."</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>HOW DON QUIXOTE AND SANCHO PANZA STARTED ON THEIR SEARCH + FOR ADVENTURES; AND HOW DON QUIXOTE FOUGHT WITH THE + WINDMILLS</h4> + + <p>For some weeks the poor Knight stayed very quietly at home. + But he had not forgotten the things for which he had come back + to his village.</p> + + <p>There was a farm laborer who lived near by, a fat, + good-natured, simple man. To him Don Quixote talked long and + often, and made many promises; among others that if he would + but come with him as squire, he should be made governor of any + island which the Knight might happen to conquer during his + search after adventures.</p> + + <p>This seemed so grand a thing to the man (whose name was + Sancho Panza), that he willingly promised to come.</p> + + <p>Having got together some money, and having made other + preparations, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza one dark night stole + out of the village without a word to any one, and began their + adventures.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote rode "Rozinante;" Sancho Panza was mounted on an + ass. That his squire should ride an ass at first troubled the + Knight not a little, for in none of his books could he remember + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page11" id="page11"></a>[pg + 11]</span> to have read of any squire being so mounted. + However, he gave Sancho leave to bring the ass, thinking that + in no great time a better mount would surely be found for + him.</p> + + <p>As they rode along in the cool of the morning, Sancho Panza + spoke to his master about their journey, and asked him to be + sure not to forget his promise about the governorship of the + island.</p> + + <p>"It may even happen," answered Don Quixote, "that I may by + some strange chance conquer a kingdom. And then presently, I + may be able to crown thee King."</p> + + <p>"Why," said Sancho, "if by some such miracle as your worship + speaks of, I am made a King, then would my wife be Queen?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly," answered Don Quixote, "who can doubt it?"</p> + + <p>"I doubt it," replied Sancho, "for I think if it should rain + kingdoms upon the face of the earth, not one of them would sit + well on my wife's head. For I must tell you, sir, she's not + worth two brass jacks to make a Queen of. No, no! countess will + be quite good enough; that's as much as she could well + manage."</p> + + <p>"Nay," said Don Quixote, "leave the matter in the hands of + Providence, and be not tempted by anything less than the title + of Viceroy."</p> + + <p>Thus talking, they came over the brow of a hill, and looking + down on the plain below, Don Quixote saw there thirty or forty + windmills.</p> + + <p>"Ha!" cried he. "Fortune directs our affairs better than we + ourselves could do. Look yonder, friend Sancho, there are at at + least thirty outrageous giants whom I must now fight."</p> + + <p>"Giants!" gasped Sancho Panza, "what giants?"</p> + + <p>"Those whom you see over there with their long arms," + answered Don Quixote. "Some of that horrible race, I have + heard, have arms near two leagues in length."</p> + + <p>"But, sir," said Sancho, "these are no giants. They are only + windmills, and the things you think are arms are but their + sails, whereby the wind drives them."</p> + + <p>"That is but a sign," answered Don Quixote, "whereby + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page12" id="page12"></a>[pg + 12]</span> one may see how little you know of adventures. I + tell you they are giants: and I shall fight against them all. + If you are afraid, go aside and say your prayers."</p> + + <p>So saying, and without paying any heed to the bawlings of + Sancho Panza, he put spurs to his horse and galloped furiously + at the windmills, shouting aloud, "Stand, cowards! stand your + ground, and fly not from a single Knight."</p> + + <p>Just at this moment the wind happened to rise, causing the + arms of the windmills to move.</p> + + <p>"Base scoundrels!" roared the Knight, "though you wave as + many arms as the giant Briareus, you shall pay for your + pride."</p> + + <p>And with couched lance, and covering himself with his + shield, he rushed "Rozinante" at top speed on the nearest + windmill. Round whirled the sails, and as Don Quixote's lance + pierced one of them, horse and man were sent rolling on the + ground. There Sancho Panza came to help his sorely bruised + master.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/12.jpg" name="fig12s" + id="fig12s"><img width="300" src="images/12s.jpg" + alt="HORSE AND MAN WERE SENT ROLLING ON THE GROUND" /> + </a><br /> + horse and man were sent rolling on the ground + </div> + + <p>"Mercy o' me!" cried Sancho, "did not I tell you they were + windmills?"</p> + + <p>"Peace, friend Sancho," answered Don Quixote. "It is the + fortune of war. I know very well it is that accursed wizard + Freston, the enemy who took from me my study and my books, who + has changed these giants into windmills to take from me the + honor of the victory. But in the end I shall yet surely get the + better of him."</p> + + <p>"Amen! say I" quoth Sancho: and heaving the poor Knight on + to his legs, once more he got him seated on "Rozinante."</p> + + <p>As they now rode along, it was a great sorrow to Don Quixote + that his spear had been broken to pieces in this battle with + the windmill.</p> + + <p>"I have read," said he to Sancho, "that a certain Spanish + knight, having broken his sword in a fight, pulled up by the + roots a huge oak-tree, or at least tore down a great branch, + and with it did such wonderful deeds that he was ever after + called 'The Bruiser.' I tell you this because I intend to tear + up the next oak-tree we meet, and you may think yourself + fortunate that you will see the deeds I shall perform with + it."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page13" + id="page13"></a>[pg 13]</span> + + <p>"Heaven grant you may!" said Sancho. "But, an' it please + you, sit a little more upright in your saddle; you are all to + one side. But that, mayhap, comes from your hurts?"</p> + + <p>"It does so," answered Don Quixote, "and if I do not + complain of the pain, it is because a knight-errant must never + complain of his wounds, though they be killing him."</p> + + <p>"I have no more to say," replied Sancho. "Yet Heaven knows I + should be glad to hear your honor complain a bit, now and then, + when something ails you. For my part, I always cry out when I'm + hurt, and I am glad the rule about not complaining doesn't + extend to squires."</p> + + <p>That night they spent under the trees, from one of which Don + Quixote tore down a branch, to which he fixed the point of his + spear, and in some sort that served him for a lance. Don + Quixote neither ate nor slept all the night, but passed his + time, as he had learned from his books that a knight should do, + in thoughts of the Lady Dulcinea. As for Sancho Panza, he had + brought with him a big bottle of wine, and some food in his + wallet, and he stuffed himself as full as he could hold, and + slept like a top.</p> + + <p>As they rode along next day, they came to the Pass of + Lapice.</p> + + <p>"Here, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "is the spot where + adventures should begin. Now may we hope to thrust our hands, + as it were, up to the very elbows in adventures. But remember + this! However sore pressed and in danger I may be when fighting + with another knight, you must not offer to draw your sword to + help me. It is against the laws of chivalry for a squire to + attack a knight."</p> + + <p>"Never fear me, master," said Sancho. "I'll be sure to obey + you; I have ever loved peace. But if a knight offers to set + upon me first, there is no rule forbidding me to hit him back, + is there?"</p> + + <p>"None," answered Don Quixote, "only do not help me."</p> + + <p>"I will not," said Sancho. "Never trust me if I don't keep + that commandment as well as I do the + Sabbath."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page14" + id="page14"></a>[pg 14]</span> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <h4>HOW DON QUIXOTE WON A HELMET; HOW HE FOUGHT WITH TWO + ARMIES; AND HOW SANCHO'S ASS WAS STOLEN</h4> + + <p>Many were the adventures that now befell Don Quixote and + Sancho Panza. In the very first, wherein he fought with a man + from Biscay, whom he left lying in a pool of blood, Don Quixote + lost part of his helmet, and had the half of one of his ears + sliced off by the Biscayan's sword. The accident to the helmet + was a great grief to him, and he swore an oath that until he + had taken from some other knight as good a helmet as that which + was now made useless to him, he would never again eat his food + on a table-cloth.</p> + + <p>One day as they rode along a highway between two villages + Don Quixote halted and looked eagerly at something.</p> + + <p>"Sancho," said he, "dost thou not see yonder knight that + comes riding this way on a dapple-gray steed, with a helmet of + gold on his head?"</p> + + <p>"Not a thing can I see," answered Sancho, "but a fellow on + just such another ass as mine, with something that glitters on + top of his head."</p> + + <p>"Can you not see," asked Don Quixote, "that it is a helmet? + Do you stand back, and let me deal with him. Soon now shall I + possess myself of the helmet that I need."</p> + + <p>Now, in those far-away days, when doctors were few, if + anybody needed to be bled for a fever or any other illness (for + it was then thought that "letting blood" was the cure for most + illnesses), it was the custom for the barber to bleed the sick + person. For the purpose of catching the blood that ran from a + vein when it had been cut, a brass dish was carried, a dish + with part of it cut away from one side, so that it might the + more easily be held close to the patient's arm or body. A small + dish like this you may sometimes still see hanging as a sign at + the end of a pole outside barbers' shops. Barbers in those days + of old were called barber-surgeons, for the reason that they + bled people, as well as shaved them or cut their + hair.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page15" + id="page15"></a>[pg 15]</span> + + <p>And the truth of the matter was this, that the man whom Don + Quixote now believed to be a knight, wearing a golden helmet, + was a barber riding on his ass to bleed a sick man. And because + it was raining, he had put his brass dish on his head, in order + to keep his new hat from being spoiled.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote did not wait to speak to the man, but, couching + his lance, galloped at him as hard as "Rozinante" could go, + shouting as he rode, "Defend thyself, base wretch!"</p> + + <p>The barber no sooner saw this terrible figure charging down + on him, than, to save himself from being run through, he flung + himself on to the ground, and then jumping to his feet, ran for + his life, leaving his ass and the brass basin behind him. Then + Don Quixote ordered Sancho to pick up the helmet.</p> + + <p>"O' my word," said Sancho, as he gave it to his master, "it + is a fine basin."</p> + + <p>Don Quixote at once put it on his head, saying, "It is a + famous helmet, but the head for which it was made must have + been of great size. The worst of it is that at least one-half + of it is gone. What is the fool grinning at now?" he cried, as + Sancho laughed.</p> + + <p>"Why, master," answered Sancho, "it is a barber's + basin."</p> + + <p>"It has indeed some likeness to a basin," said Don Quixote, + "but I tell you it is an enchanted helmet of pure gold, and for + the sake of a little wretched money some one has melted down + the half of it. When we come to a town where there is an + armorer, I will have it altered to fit my head. Meantime I + shall wear it as it is."</p> + + <p>As they rode along one day talking of many things, Don + Quixote beheld a cloud of dust rising right before them.</p> + + <p>"Seest thou that cloud of dust, Sancho?" he asked. "It is + raised by a great army marching this way."</p> + + <p>"Why, master," said Sancho, "there must be two armies there, + for yonder is just such another cloud of dust."</p> + + <p>The knight looked, and was overjoyed, believing that two + armies were about to meet and fight in the plain.</p> + + <p>"What are we to do, master?" asked Sancho.</p> + + <p>"Do!" said Don Quixote, "why, what can we do but help the + weaker side? Look yonder, Sancho, that knight whom thou + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page16" id="page16"></a>[pg + 16]</span> seest in the gilded armory with a lion crouching at + the feet of a lady painted on his shield, that is the valiant + Laurcalco. That other, the giant on his right, Brandabarbaran." + And he ran over a long list of names of knights whom he + believed that he saw.</p> + + <p>Sancho listened, as dumb as a fish; but at last he gasped. + "Why, master, you might as well tell me that it snows. Never a + knight, nor a giant, nor a man can I see."</p> + + <p>"How!" answered Don Quixote, "canst thou not hear their + horses neigh, and their drums beating?"</p> + + <p>"Drums!" said Sancho. "Not I! I hear only the bleating of + sheep."</p> + + <p>"Since you are afraid," said the Knight, "stand aside, and I + will go by myself to fight."</p> + + <p>With that, he galloped down on to the plain, shouting, + leaving Sancho bawling to him, "Hold, sir! Stop! For Heaven's + sake come back. As sure as I'm a sinner, they are only harmless + sheep. Come back, I say."</p> + + <p>But Don Quixote, paying not the least heed, galloped on + furiously and charged into the middle of the sheep, spearing + them right and left, trampling the living and the dead under + "Rozinante's" feet. The shepherds, finding that he took no + notice of their shouts, now hurled stones at him from their + slings, and one big stone presently hit the Knight fair in his + ribs and doubled him up in the saddle.</p> + + <p>Gasping for breath, with all speed Don Quixote got from his + wallet a bottle filled with a mixture he had made, a mixture + which he firmly believed to be a certain cure for all wounds. + Of this he took a long gulp, but just at that moment another + big stone hit him such a rap on the mouth that the bottle was + smashed into a thousand pieces, and half of his teeth were + knocked out.</p> + + <p>Down dropped the Knight on the ground, and the shepherds + thinking that he was killed, ran away, taking with them seven + dead sheep which he had slain.</p> + + <p>Sancho Panza found his master in a very bad way, with nearly + all the teeth gone from one side of his mouth, and with a + terrible pain under his + ribs.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page17" + id="page17"></a>[pg 17]</span> + + <p>"Ah! master," he said, "I told you they were sheep. Why + would not you listen to me?"</p> + + <p>"Sheep! Sancho. No, no! There is nothing so easy for a + wizard like Freston as to change things from one shape to the + other. I will wager if you now mount your ass and ride over the + hill after them, you will find no sheep there, but the knights + and squires come back to their own shape, and the armies + marching as when we first saw them."</p> + + <p>Now, after this and many other adventures (about which, + perhaps, you may some day read for yourself), Don Quixote and + Sancho Panza rode away into the mountains, for the Knight was + sorely in need of a quiet place in which to rest.</p> + + <p>So weary were he and his squire, that one night, when they + had ridden into a wood, and it chanced that the horse and the + ass stood still, both Don Quixote and Sancho Panza fell sound + asleep without even getting out of their saddles. There sat the + Knight, leaning on his lance; and Sancho, doubled over the + pommel, snored as loud as if he had been in a four-post feather + bed.</p> + + <p>It happened that a wandering thief saw them as he + passed.</p> + + <p>"Now," thought he, "I want something to ride upon, for I'm + tired of walking in these abominable mountains. Here's a chance + of a good ass. But how am I to get it, without waking its + master?"</p> + + <p>Very quietly he cut four long sticks. One after the other he + placed these under each side of Sancho's saddle; then loosening + the girths, he gradually raised the sticks till the saddle was + clear of the animal's back.</p> + + <p>Gently, in the moonlight, he led the tired ass away, and + Sancho, undisturbed, snored on.</p> + + <p>When it was broad daylight, the squire awoke, and without + opening his eyes, stretched himself. Down fell the sticks; down + with a terrible bump fell Sancho.</p> + + <p>"Body o' me!" he yelled, "where is my ass?" And with many + tears he searched high and low, but no ass was then to be + found, nor for many months afterwards. And how at last Sancho + got back the ass you must read for yourself in the History of + Don Quixote. For yourself, too, you must read of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page18" id="page18"></a>[pg + 18]</span> Don Quixote's adventures in the mountains; how he + there did penance; and of many other things, till at last the + Curate and the Barber of La Mancha took him home in a cart + which the Knight believed to be an enchanted chariot.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <h4>HOW DON QUIXOTE SAW DULCINEA</h4> + + <p>Now a third time did Don Quixote set off on his search for + adventures, and as he and Sancho Panza rode again away from + their village, it seemed to Don Quixote that certainly it was + his duty as a knight-errant to visit the Mistress of his Heart, + the beautiful Dulcinea.</p> + + <p>It was midnight when they reached Toboso, and the whole town + was still, everybody in bed and asleep.</p> + + <p>"Lead me to her palace, Sancho," said Don Quixote.</p> + + <p>"Palace?" cried Sancho, "What palace do you mean? Body o' + me! When last I saw her, she lived in a little cottage in a + blind alley. And even if it were a palace, we can't go and + thunder at the door at this time o' night."</p> + + <p>"When we find it, I will tell thee what to do. But, here! + What is this?" said the Knight, riding up to a huge building, + and knocking at the door. "This indeed, without doubt, must be + her palace."</p> + + <p>But it was only the great Church of Toboso. Hunt as he + would, he found no Dulcinea's palace, and as morning began to + break, Sancho persuaded him to come and rest in a grove of + trees two miles outside the town. From there Sancho was again + sent to look for Dulcinea, bearing many messages from his + sorrowful master.</p> + + <p>"Cheer up, sir," said Sancho. "I'll be back in a trice. + Don't be cast down. Faint heart never won fair lady."</p> + + <p>And Sancho rode away, leaving the Knight sitting on his + horse, very full of melancholy. But he had not ridden far, + when, turning round and finding that his master was no longer + in sight, the squire dismounted, and lying down under a shady + tree, began to think the matter + over.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page19" + id="page19"></a>[pg 19]</span> + + <p>"Friend Sancho," said he to himself, "what's this you are + doing?"</p> + + <p>"Why, hunting for a Princess, who, my master says, is the + Sun of Beauty, and all sorts of other fine things, and who + lives in a King's palace, or great castle, somewhere or + other."</p> + + <p>"And how are you going to find her?"</p> + + <p>"Why, it's like looking for a needle in a bundle of hay, to + look for Dulcinea all over Toboso. My master's mad, there's no + doubt of that; and perhaps I'm not very much better, for they + say birds of a feather flock together. But if he's so mad as to + mistake windmills for giants, and flocks of sheep for armies, + why, it shouldn't be so very hard to make him believe that the + first country lass I meet is the Lady Dulcinea. If he won't + believe, I'll swear it, and stand to it, so that he'll think + some of those wicked wizards of his have played another trick + on him, and have changed her into some other shape just to + spite him."</p> + + <p>Having thus settled his plans, Sancho lay there till the + evening, so that his master might think that all the day had + been spent in going to and from Toboso, and in looking for + Dulcinea.</p> + + <p>As luck would have it, just as he mounted his ass to ride + back to Don Quixote, he spied coming that way three country + lasses mounted on asses. As soon as Sancho saw the girls, he + made haste to get to his master.</p> + + <p>"What news, Sancho?" asked the Knight. "Has your fortune + been good?"</p> + + <p>"Ay, marry has it, sir," answered Sancho, "you have no more + to do but to clap spurs to 'Rozinante' and get into the open + fields, and you'll meet my Lady Dulcinea del Toboso with two of + her damsels coming to see you."</p> + + <p>"Blessed Heaven!" cried the Knight. "What do you say, my + dear Sancho? Is it possible?"</p> + + <p>"Possible!" said Sancho. "Why should I play a trick on you? + Come, sir, and you will see her presently, all dressed up and + decked with jewels. Her damsels and she are all covered with + diamonds, and rubies, and cloth of gold. And what is more, they + are riding three flea-bitten gambling hags, the like of which + won't be seen again."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page20" + id="page20"></a>[pg 20]</span> + + <p>"Ambling nags, thou meanest, Sancho," said Don Quixote.</p> + + <p>"Well, well, master, gambling hags or ambling nags, it's all + one and the same thing. Any way, I'm sure I never set eyes on + more beautiful ladies than those that sit upon them."</p> + + <p>"Let us be moving then, Sancho. And as a reward for your + good news, I promise you the very best things I get in our next + adventure. And if that is not enough, then I will give you the + three colts that I have at home in La Mancha."</p> + + <p>"Thank you for the colts," said Sancho. "As for the other + things, I'm not sure that they will be worth so very much."</p> + + <p>They were now out of the wood, and could see the three + country lasses at a little distance.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote looked long towards Toboso, but seeing no one + anywhere but these girls, he was much troubled in his mind, and + asked Sancho if he were sure that the Princess had left the + city.</p> + + <p>"Left the city!" cried Sancho. "Why where are your eyes, + sir? In the name of wonder, do you not see her and her maidens + coming towards us now, as bright as the sun at midday?"</p> + + <p>"I see nothing, Sancho, but three country wenches riding on + asses."</p> + + <p>"Now Heaven help me," cried Sancho, "is it possible that you + can mistake three what do you call 'ems—ambling nags as + white as snow, for three asses! Pull my beard out by the roots + if it is not so."</p> + + <p>"Believe me, Sancho, they are asses."</p> + + <p>"Come, sir," answered Sancho, "do but clear your eyes, and + go and speak to the Mistress of your Heart, for she is near you + now."</p> + + <p>So saying, Sancho hurried up to one of the girls, and, + jumping off his ass, fell on his knees before her, gabbling a + lot of nonsense.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote followed, and also knelt down, gazing with + doubting and sorrowful eyes on the creature that Sancho had + told him was the beautiful Dulcinea. He was lost in wonder, for + she was a flat-nosed, blubber-cheeked, bouncing country girl, + and Don Quixote could not utter a word.</p> + + <p>"Come! get out of the way," screamed the girl, "and let us + go about our business. We're in a + hurry."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page21" + id="page21"></a>[pg 21]</span> + + <p>"Rise, Sancho," said Don Quixote when he heard the girl's + voice. "I am now convinced that misfortune has not yet finished + with me. O most beautiful lady! a spiteful enchanter puts mists + before my eyes, and hides from me your loveliness."</p> + + <p>"My grandmother take him!" cried the girl. "Listen to his + gibberish! Get out of the way, and let us alone." And kicking + her donkey in the ribs, she galloped away with her friends. Don + Quixote followed them long with his eyes.</p> + + <p>"O the spite of those wicked enchanters!" he sighed, "to + turn my beautiful Dulcinea into so vile a shape as that: to + take from her the sweet and delicate scent of fragrant flowers, + and give to her what she has. For, to tell the truth, Sancho, + she gave me such a whiff of raw onions that it was like to + upset me altogether."</p> + + <p>"O the vile and evil-minded enchanters!" cried Sancho. "Oh + that I might see the lot of you threaded on one string, and + hung up in the smoke like so many herrings." And Sancho turned + away to hide his laughter.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote rode on, very sad, and letting "Rozinante" go + where he pleased.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <h4>HOW DON QUIXOTE FOUGHT WITH A LION; AND HOW HE DEFEATED THE + MOORS</h4> + + <p>As Don Quixote and Sancho Panza went along, they were + overtaken by a gentleman in a fine green coat, who rode a very + good mare. This gentleman stared very hard at Don Quixote, and + the two began to speak together about knight-errantry, and were + so interested in what they were saying, that Sancho took the + opportunity of riding over to ask for a little milk from some + shepherds, who were milking their ewes near at hand.</p> + + <p>While he was thus away from his master, a wagon, on top of + which fluttered little yellow and red flags, came along the + road towards them. Don Quixote at once imagined this to be some + new adventure, and he called to Sancho for his helmet. At + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page22" id="page22"></a>[pg + 22]</span> the moment, Sancho was bargaining with the shepherds + for some curds. Hearing his master call, he had not time to + wait till the shepherds could give him a bowl in which to carry + them, and not wishing to lose his bargain (for he had paid the + shepherds), he poured the curds into the Knight's helmet, and + galloped off to see what his master wanted.</p> + + <p>"Give me my helmet," said Don Quixote, "for if I know + anything of my business, here is an adventure for which I must + be ready."</p> + + <p>The gentleman in green, hearing what Don Quixote said, + looked everywhere, but he could see nothing except the wagon + coming towards them, and as that had on it the King of Spain's + colors, he thought that no doubt it was one of his Majesty's + treasure-vans. He said as much to Don Quixote, but the Knight + answered: "Sir, I cannot tell when, or where, or in what shape, + my enemies will attack me. It is always wise to be ready. + Fore-warned is fore-armed. Give me my helmet, Sancho!"</p> + + <p>Snatching it out of Sancho's unwilling hands, he clapped it + on his head without looking into it.</p> + + <p>"What is this, Sancho?" he cried, as the whey ran down his + face. "What is the matter with me? Is my brain melting, or am I + breaking out in a cold sweat? If I am, it is not from fear. + This must be a dreadful adventure that is coming. Quick. + Sancho! give me something to wipe away the torrent of sweat, + for I am almost blinded."</p> + + <p>Without a word, Sancho handed to his master a cloth. Don + Quixote dried himself, and then took off his helmet to see what + it was that felt so cold on his head.</p> + + <p>"What is this white stuff?" said he, putting some of the + curds to his nose. "Sancho, you vile traitor, you have been + putting curds in my helmet!"</p> + + <p>"Curds!—I?" cried Sancho. "Nay, the devil must have + put them there. Would I dare to make such a mess in your + helmet, sir? It must have been one of those vile enchanters. + Where could I get curds? I would sooner put them in my stomach + than in your helmet."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's true, I dare say," said Don Quixote. "There's + something in that."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page23" + id="page23"></a>[pg 23]</span> + + <p>Then again he put on the helmet, and made ready for the + adventure.</p> + + <p>"Now come what may, I dare meet it," he cried.</p> + + <p>The wagon had now come near to them. On top was seated a + man, and the driver rode one of the mules that drew it. Don + Quixote rode up.</p> + + <p>"Whither go ye, my friends?" said he. "What wagon is this, + and what have you in it? What is the meaning of the flags?"</p> + + <p>"The wagon is mine," said the driver, "and I have in it a + lion that is being sent to the King, and the flags are flying + to let the people know that it is the King's property."</p> + + <p>"A lion!" cried Don Quixote, "Is it a large one?"</p> + + <p>"The biggest I ever saw," said the man on top of the wagon. + "I am the keeper, and I have had charge of many lions, but I + never saw one so large as this. Pray get out of the way, sir, + for we must hurry on to our stopping-place. It is already past + his feeding-time; he is beginning to get hungry, and they are + always savage when they are hungry."</p> + + <p>"What!" cried Don Quixote, "lion whelps against me! I'll let + those gentlemen know who send lions this way, that I am not to + be scared by any of their lions. So, Mr. Keeper, just jump down + and open his cage, and let him out. In spite of all the + enchanters in the world that have sent him to try me, I'll let + the animal see who Don Quixote de la Mancha is."</p> + + <p>Up ran Sancho to the gentleman in green.</p> + + <p>"O good, dear sir," he cried, "don't let my master get at + the lion, or we shall all be torn to pieces."</p> + + <p>"Why," said the gentleman, "is your master so mad that you + fear he'll set upon such a dangerous brute."</p> + + <p>"Oh no, sir, he's not mad; he's only rash, very, very rash," + cried Sancho.</p> + + <p>"Well," said the gentleman, "I'll see to it," and up he went + to Don Quixote, who was trying to get the keeper to open the + cage.</p> + + <p>"Sir," said he, "knight-errants ought not to engage in + adventures from which there is no hope of coming off in safety. + That is more like madness than courage. Besides, this is the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page24" id="page24"></a>[pg + 24]</span> King's wagon; it will never do to stop that. And + after all, the lion has not been sent against you; it is a + present to the King."</p> + + <p>"Pray, sir," cried Don Quixote, "will you attend to your own + business? This is mine, and I know best whether this lion has + been sent against me or not. Now you, sir," he cried to the + keeper, "either open that cage at once, or I'll pin you to your + wagon with my spear."</p> + + <p>"For mercy's sake, sir," cried the driver, "do but let me + take my mules out of harm's way before the lion gets out. My + cart and my mules are all I have in the world, and I shall be + ruined if harm comes to them."</p> + + <p>"Take them out quickly, then," said Don Quixote, "and take + them where you please."</p> + + <p>On this the driver made all the haste he could to unharness + his mules, while the keeper called aloud, "Take notice, + everybody, that it is against my will that I am forced to let + loose the lion, and that this gentleman here is to blame for + all the damage that will be done. Get out of the way, + everybody: look out for yourselves."</p> + + <p>Once more the gentleman in green tried to persuade Don + Quixote not to be so foolish, but the Knight only said, "I know + very well what I am doing. If you are afraid, and do not care + to see the fight, just put spurs to your mare and take yourself + where you think you will be safe."</p> + + <p>Sancho now hurried up, and with tears in his eyes begged his + master not to put himself in so great danger, but Don Quixote + only said, "Take yourself away, Sancho, and leave me alone. If + I am killed, go, as I have so often told you, to the beautiful + Dulcinea, and tell her—you know what to tell her."</p> + + <p>The gentleman in green, finding that words were thrown away + on Don Quixote, now quickly followed the driver, who had + hastily taken his mules as far away as he could beyond the brow + of the hill. Sancho hurried after them at the top speed of his + ass, kicking him in the ribs all the while to make him go even + faster, and loudly bewailing his master's coming death. The + keeper made one more attempt to turn Don Quixote from his + folly, but again finding it useless, very unwillingly opened + the cage door.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page25" + id="page25"></a>[pg 25]</span> + + <p>Meantime the Knight had been thinking whether it would be + best to fight the lion on foot or on horseback, and he had made + up his mind to fight on foot, for the reason that "Rozinante" + would probably be too much afraid to face the lion. So he got + off his horse, drew his sword, and holding his shield in front + of him, marched slowly up to the cage. The keeper, having + thrown the door wide open, now quickly got himself out of + harm's way.</p> + + <p>The lion, seeing the cage open, and Don Quixote standing in + front, turned round and stretched out his great paws. Then he + opened his enormous mouth, and, letting out a tongue as long as + a man's arm, licked the dust off his face. Now rising to his + feet, he thrust his head out of the door and glared around with + eyes like burning coals.</p> + + <p>It was a sight to make any man afraid; but Don Quixote + calmly waited for the animal to jump out and come within reach + of his sword.</p> + + <p>The lion looked at him for a moment with its great yellow + eyes—then, slowly turning, it strolled to the back of the + cage, gave a long, weary yawn, and lay quietly down.</p> + + <p>"Force him to come out," cried Don Quixote to the keeper, + "beat him."</p> + + <p>"Not I," said the man. "I dare not for my life. He would + tear me to pieces. And let me advise you, sir, to be content + with your day's work. I beseech you, go no further. You have + shown how brave you are. No man can be expected to do more than + challenge his enemy and wait ready for him. If he does not + come, the fault and the disgrace are his."</p> + + <p>"'Tis true," said the Knight. "Shut the door, my friend, and + give me the best certificate you can of what you have seen me + do; how you opened the door, and how I waited for the lion to + come out, and how he turned tail and lay down. I am obliged to + do no more."</p> + + <p>So saying, Don Quixote put on the end of his spear the cloth + with which he had wiped the curds from his face, and began to + wave to the others to come back.</p> + + <p>"I'll be hanged," cried Sancho when he saw this signal, "if + my master has not killed the lion." And they all hurried up to + the wagon where the keeper gave them a long account of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page26" id="page26"></a>[pg + 26]</span> what had happened, adding, that when he got to court + he would tell the King of Don Quixote's bravery.</p> + + <p>"If his Majesty should happen to ask who did this thing, + tell him," said Don Quixote, "that it was the Knight of the + Lions, for that is the name by which I shall now call + myself."</p> + + <p>Sancho and his master now rode with the gentleman in green + to his house, where they stopped some days, to the great + contentment of Sancho. And of the wedding at which they were + present, of the feast where Sancho so greatly enjoyed himself, + as well as of other matters, you must read for yourself.</p> + + <p>When the Knight and his squire again began their travels, it + chanced that they stopped one night at an inn. To this inn, + while Don Quixote was outside, waiting for supper, there came a + man, all dressed in chamois leather, and wearing over his left + eye, and part of his face, a green patch.</p> + + <p>"Have you any lodgings, landlord?" he cried in a loud voice; + "for here comes the fortune-telling ape, and the great + puppet-show of Melisendra's Deliverance."</p> + + <p>"Why, bless me!" cried the innkeeper, "if here isn't Master + Peter. Now we shall have a merry night of it. You are welcome, + with all my heart. Where is the ape, Peter?"</p> + + <p>"Coming presently," said Master Peter. "I only came on + before to see if lodgings were to be had."</p> + + <p>"Lodgings!" cried the landlord. "Why, I'd turn out the Duke + of Alva himself rather than you should want room. Bring on the + monkey and the show, for I have guests in the inn to-night who + will pay well to see the performance."</p> + + <p>"That's good news," said Peter, going off to hurry up his + cart.</p> + + <p>"Who is this Peter?" asked Don Quixote.</p> + + <p>"Why, sir," answered the landlord, "he has been going about + the country this long time with his play of Melisendra and Don + Gayferos, one of the very best shows that ever was seen. Then + he has the cleverest ape in the world. You have only to ask it + a question and it will jump on its master's shoulder and + whisper the answer in his ear, and then Master Peter will tell + you what it says. It's true, he isn't always right, but he so + often hits the nail on the head that we sometimes think Satan + is in him."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page27" + id="page27"></a>[pg 27]</span> + + <p>Don Quixote no sooner saw the ape, than he marched up to it, + and asked a question.</p> + + <p>"Ah!" said Master Peter, "the animal can't tell what is + going to happen; only what has already happened."</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't give a brass centesimo," cried Sancho, "to know + what is past. Who can tell that better than myself? Tell me + what my wife Teresa is doing at home just now."</p> + + <p>Master Peter tapped his shoulder: the ape at once sprang on + to it, and putting its head at his ear, began to + chatter—as apes do—for a minute. Then it skipped + down again, and immediately Master Peter ran to Don Quixote and + fell on his knees before him.</p> + + <p>"O glorious restorer of knight-errantry!" he cried, "who can + say enough in praise of the great Don Quixote de la Mancha, the + righter of wrongs, the comfort of the afflicted and + unhappy?"</p> + + <p>Don Quixote was amazed at these words, for he was certain + that he was unknown to any one at the inn. He did not guess + that Master Peter was a clever rogue, who, before giving a + performance, always made it his business to find out about + those who were likely to be looking on.</p> + + <p>As for Sancho, he quaked with fear.</p> + + <p>"And thou, honest Sancho," went on Master Peter, "the best + squire to the best knight in the world, be not unhappy about + your wife. She is well, and at this moment is dressing flax. By + the same token, she has at her left hand, to cheer her, a + broken-mouthed jug of wine."</p> + + <p>"That's like enough," said Sancho.</p> + + <p>"Well," cried Don Quixote, "if I had not seen it with my own + eyes, nothing should have made me believe that apes have the + gift of second sight. I am in very truth the Don Quixote de la + Mancha that this wonderful animal has told you about."</p> + + <p>But he was not quite pleased at the idea of the ape having + such powers, and taking Sancho aside he spoke to him seriously + on the subject.</p> + + <p>While they spoke, the showman came to tell them that the + puppet-show was now ready to begin, and Don Quixote and Sancho + went into the room where it stood, with candles burning all + round it. Master Peter got inside in order to move the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page28" id="page28"></a>[pg + 28]</span> puppets, and a boy standing in front explained what + was going on.</p> + + <p>The story that was acted by the puppets was that of a + certain Don Gayferos, who rescued his wife Melisendra from + captivity by the Moors in the city of Saragossa. Melisendra was + imprisoned in the castle, and the story goes that Don Gayferos, + when riding past, in his search, spied her on the balcony. + Melisendra, with the help of a rope, lets herself down to her + husband, mounts behind him, and the two gallop away from the + city. But Melisendra's flight has been noticed, and the city + bells ring an alarm. The Moors rush out like angry wasps, start + in pursuit, and the capture and death of Don Gayferos and + Melisendra seem certain.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote listened and looked with growing excitement and + anger, but when he saw the Moors gallop in pursuit and about to + close on Don Gayferos and Melisendra, he could keep quiet no + longer. Starting up, "It shall never be said," cried he, "that + in my presence I suffered such a wrong to be done to so famous + a knight as Don Gayferos. Stop your unjust pursuit, ye base + rascals! Stop! or prepare to meet me in battle."</p> + + <p>Then, drawing his sword, with one spring he fell with fury + on the Moors, hacking some in pieces, beheading others, and + sending the rest flying into every corner. And had not Master + Peter ducked and squatted down on the ground behind part of the + show, Don Quixote would certainly have chopped off his head + also.</p> + + <p>"Hold! hold, sir!" cried Master Peter, "for mercy's sake, + hold! These are not real Moors. You will ruin me if you destroy + my show."</p> + + <p>But Don Quixote paid not the slightest heed. He went on + slashing and hacking till the whole show was a wreck. Everybody + ran to get out of harm's way, and the ape scampered, + chattering, on to the roof of the house. Sancho himself quaked + with fear, for he had never before seen his master in such a + fury.</p> + + <p>All the puppet Moors being now cut to pieces, Don Quixote + became calmer, saying aloud, "How miserable had been the fate + of poor Don Gayferos and Melisendra his wife if I had not been + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page29" id="page29"></a>[pg + 29]</span> in time to save them from those infidel Moors! Long + live knight-errantry!"</p> + + <p>"Ay, ay," moaned Master Peter in a doleful voice, "it may + live long enough. As for me, I may as well die, for I am a + ruined man and a beggar now."</p> + + <p>Sancho Panza took pity on the showman.</p> + + <p>"Come, come! Master Peter," said he, "don't cry. Don't be + cast down. My master will pay you when he comes to know that he + has done you an injury."</p> + + <p>"Truly," said Peter, "if his honor will pay for my + puppets.'ll ask no more."</p> + + <p>"How!" cried Don Quixote. "I do not see that I have injured + you, good Master Peter."</p> + + <p>"Not injured me!" cried Master Peter. "Do but look at those + figures lying there, all hacked to bits."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Don Quixote, "now I know for certain a truth I + have suspected before, that those accursed enchanters do + nothing but put before my eyes things as they are, and then + presently after change them as they please. Really and truly + gentlemen, I vow and protest that all that was acted here + seemed to me to be real. I could not contain my fury, and I + acted as I thought was my duty. But if Master Peter will tell + me the value of the figures, I will pay for them all."</p> + + <p>"Heaven bless your worship!" whined Master Peter. But had + Don Quixote known that this same Master Peter was the very man + who stole Sancho Panza's ass, perhaps he might have paid him in + another way.</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <h4>THE BATTLE WITH THE BULLS; THE FIGHT WITH THE KNIGHT OF THE + WHITE MOON; AND HOW DON QUIXOTE DIED</h4> + + <p>Soon after this, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza rode forth in + search of other adventures.</p> + + <p>They had ridden no great way when they happened upon some + young people who had gaily dressed themselves as shepherds + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page30" id="page30"></a>[pg + 30]</span> and shepherdesses, and were having a picnic in the + woods. These people invited Don Quixote and Sancho to join + their feast.</p> + + <p>When they had eaten and drunk, the Knight rose, and said + that there was no sin worse than that of ingratitude, and that + to show how grateful he was for the kindness that had been + shown to him and to Sancho, he had only one means in his + power.</p> + + <p>"Therefore," said he, "I will maintain for two whole days, + in the middle of this high road leading to Saragossa, that + these ladies here, disguised as shepherdesses, are the most + beautiful damsels in the world, except only the peerless + Dulcinea del Toboso, the mistress of my heart."</p> + + <p>So, mounting "Rozinante" he rode into the middle of the + highway and there took his stand, ready to challenge all + comers. He had sat there no long time when there appeared on + the road coming towards him a number of riders, some with + spears in their hands, all riding very fast and close together. + In front of them thundered a drove of wild bulls, bellowing and + tossing their horns. At once all the shepherds and the + shepherdesses ran behind trees, but Don Quixote sat bravely + where he was.</p> + + <p>When the horsemen came near, "Get out of the way!" bawled + one of them. "Stand clear, or these bulls will have you in + pieces in no time."</p> + + <p>"Halt, scoundrels!" roared the Knight. "What are bulls to + Don Quixote de la Mancha, if they were the fiercest that ever + lived? Stop, hangdogs!"</p> + + <p>But the herdsmen had no time to answer, nor Don Quixote to + get out of the way had he wanted to do so, for before any one + knew what was happening, the bulls had run right over him and + "Rozinante," leaving them and Sancho and "Dapple," his ass, + stunned and bruised, rolling in the dust.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/30.jpg" name="fig30s" + id="fig30s"><img width="300" src="images/30s.jpg" + alt="THE BULLS HAD RUN RIGHT OVER HIM AND ROZINANTE" /> + </a><br /> + the bulls had run right over him and rozinante + </div> + + <p>As soon as Don Quixote came to his senses he got up in great + haste, stumbling here and falling there, and began to run after + the herd.</p> + + <p>"Stop, you scoundrels!" he bawled. "Stop! It is a single + knight that defies + you."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page31" + id="page31"></a>[pg 31]</span> + + <p>But no one took the least notice of him, and he sat sadly + down on the road, waiting till Sancho brought "Rozinante" to + him. Then master and man went on their way, Don Quixote sore + ashamed of his defeat, hurt as much in mind as in body.</p> + + <p>That evening they dismounted at the door of an inn, and put + up "Rozinante" and "Dapple" in the stable. Sancho asked the + landlord what he could give them for supper.</p> + + <p>"Why," said the man, "you may have anything you choose to + call for. The inn can provide fowls of the air, birds of the + earth, and fishes of the sea."</p> + + <p>"There's no need for all that," said Sancho. "If you roast a + couple of chickens it will be enough, for my master eats but + little, and for myself, I have no great appetite."</p> + + <p>"Chickens?" said the host. "I am sorry I have no chickens + just now. The hawks have killed them all."</p> + + <p>"Well, then, roast us a pullet, if it be tender."</p> + + <p>"A pullet? Well, now, that is unlucky. I sent away fifty to + the market only yesterday. But, putting pullets aside, ask for + anything you like."</p> + + <p>"Why, then," said Sancho, pondering, "let us have some veal, + or a bit of kid."</p> + + <p>"Sorry sir, we are just out of veal and kid also. Next week + we shall have enough and to spare."</p> + + <p>"That helps us nicely," said Sancho. "But at any rate, let + us have some eggs and bacon."</p> + + <p>"Eggs!" cried the landlord. "Now didn't I tell him I had no + hens or pullets, and how then can I have eggs? No, no! Ask for + anything you please in the way of dainties, but don't ask for + hens."</p> + + <p>"Body o' me!" said Sancho, "let us have something. Tell me + what you have, and have done."</p> + + <p>"Well, what I really and truly have is a pair of cow-heels + that look like calves'-feet, or a pair of calves'-feet that + look like cow-heels. You can have that and some bacon."</p> + + <p>"They are mine," cried Sancho. "I don't care whether they + are feet or heels."</p> + + <p>And as Don Quixote had supper with some other guests who + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page32" id="page32"></a>[pg + 32]</span> carried with them their own cook and their own + larder, Sancho and the landlord supped well on the + cow-heels.</p> + + <p>Some days after this, the Knight and his squire reached + Barcelona. Neither of them had ever before been near the sea, + and the galleys that they saw in the distance being rowed about + in the bay sorely puzzled Sancho, who thought that the oars + were their legs, and that they must be some strange kind of + beast.</p> + + <p>Now, one morning, when Don Quixote rode out, fully armed as + usual, to take the air on the seashore, he saw a knight riding + towards him, armed like himself, and having a bright moon + painted on his shield. As soon as this knight came within + hearing he halted, and in a loud voice called out:</p> + + <p>"Illustrious Don Quixote de la Mancha, I am the Knight of + the White Moon, of whose doings you may have heard. I am come + to fight with you and to make you own that the Lady of my + Heart, whoever she may be, is more beautiful by far than the + Lady Dulcinea del Toboso. Which truth, if you will confess, I + will not slay you. And if we fight, and I should conquer you, + then I ask no more than that you shall go to your own home, and + for the space of one year give up carrying arms or searching + for adventures. But if you should conquer me, then my head + shall be at your disposal, my horse and arms shall be your + spoils, and the fame of my deeds shall be yours. Consider what + I say, and let your answer be quick."</p> + + <p>Don Quixote was amazed at hearing these words.</p> + + <p>"Knight of the White Moon," said he very solemnly, "the fame + of whose doings has not yet come to my ears, I dare swear that + thou hast never seen the beautiful Dulcinea, for hadst thou + ever viewed her, thou wouldst have been careful not to make + this challenge. The sight of her would have made thee know that + there never has been, nor can be, beauty to match hers. And + therefore, without giving thee the lie, I only tell thee thou + art mistaken. I accept your challenge, on your conditions, and + at once, except that I am content with the fame of my own + deeds, and want not yours. Choose then whichever side of the + field you please, and let us set to."</p> + + <p>The two knights then turned their horses to take ground + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page33" id="page33"></a>[pg + 33]</span> for their charge, but at this moment up rode, with + some friends, the Governor of the city of Barcelona, who knew + Don Quixote, and who fancied that perhaps this was some new + trick being played on him. The Governor, seeing both knights + ready to turn for their charge, asked the Knight of the White + Moon what was the cause of the combat, and having heard his + answer, could not believe that the affair was not a joke, and + so stood aside.</p> + + <p>Instantly the two knights charged at top speed. But the + horse of the Knight of the White Moon was by far the bigger and + heavier and faster, and he came with such a shock into poor old + "Rozinante" that Don Quixote and his horse were hurled to the + ground with terrible force, and lay stunned and helpless. In a + moment the Knight of the White Moon was off his horse and + holding his spear at Don Quixote's throat.</p> + + <p>"Yield, Sir Knight!" he cried, "or you are a dead man."</p> + + <p>Don Quixote, sorely hurt, but with steadfast look, gasped in + a faint voice:</p> + + <p>"I do not yield. Dulcinea del Toboso is the most beautiful + woman in the whole world. Press on with your spear, Sir Knight, + and kill me."</p> + + <p>"Nay," said the Knight of the White Moon. "That will I not + do. I am content if the great Don Quixote return to his home + for a year, as we agreed before we fought."</p> + + <p>And Don Quixote answered very faintly that as nothing was + asked of him to the hurt of Dulcinea, he would carry out all + the rest faithfully and truly. The Knight of the White Moon + then galloped away toward the city, where one of the Governor's + friends followed him, in order to find out who he was. The + victorious knight was Samson Carrasco, who, some months before, + had fought with and had been beaten by Don Quixote. And he + explained to the Governor's friend that all he wanted in + fighting was, not to harm Don Quixote, but to make him promise + to go home, and stop there for a year, by which time he hoped + that his madness about knight-errantry might be cured.</p> + + <p>They raised Don Quixote and took off his helmet. His face + was very pale, and he was covered with a cold sweat. + "Rozinante" <span class="pagenum"><a name="page34" + id="page34"></a>[pg 34]</span> was in as bad plight as his + master, and lay where he had fallen. Sancho, in great grief, + could speak no word, and knew not what to do; to him it was all + as a bad dream.</p> + + <p>Don Quixote was carried on a stretcher to the town, where + for a week he lay in bed without ever raising his head, + stricken to the soul by the disgrace of his defeat.</p> + + <p>Sancho tried to comfort him.</p> + + <p>"Pluck up your heart and be of good cheer, sir," he cried, + "and thank Heaven you have broken no bones. They that give must + take. Let us go home and give up looking for adventures."</p> + + <p>"After all, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "it is only for a + year. After that I can begin again, and perhaps then I may be + able to make thee an Earl."</p> + + <p>"Heaven grant it" said Sancho.</p> + + <p>So when the Knight was once more able to move they set out + for home, Don Quixote riding "Rozinante" Sancho walking, for + "Dapple" carried the armor.</p> + + <p>But all the way Don Quixote did not recover from his + melancholy, and when at last they reached his village:</p> + + <p>"Help me to bed," he said, "for I think that I am not very + well."</p> + + <p>He was put to bed, and carefully nursed. But a fever had + taken hold of him, and for many days Sancho Panza never left + his master's bedside. On the sixth day, the doctor told him he + was in great danger. Don Quixote listened very calmly, and then + asked that he might be left by himself for a little—he + had a mind to sleep. His niece and Sancho left the room weeping + bitterly, and Don Quixote fell into a deep sleep.</p> + + <p>When he awoke, with a firm voice he cried:</p> + + <p>"Blessed be God! My mind is is now clear, and the clouds + have rolled away which those detestable books of + knight-errantry cast over me. Now can I see their nonsense and + deceit. I am at the point of death, and I would meet it so that + I may not leave behind me the character of a madman. Send for + the lawyer, that I may make my will."</p> + + <p>Excepting only a small sum of money which he gave to Sancho + Panza, he left all to his + niece.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page35" + id="page35"></a>[pg 35]</span> + + <p>Thereafter he fell back in bed, and lay unconscious and + without movement till the third day, when death very gently + took him.</p> + + <p>So died Don Quixote de la Mancha, a good man and a brave + gentleman to the end.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page36" + id="page36"></a>[pg 36]</span> + + <h2>GULLIVER'S TRAVELS</h2> + + <h3><i>VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT</i></h3> + + <h3>By JONATHAN SWIFT</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY JOHN LANG</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>GULLIVER'S BIRTH AND EARLY VOYAGES</h4> + + <p>Two hundred years ago, a great deal of the world as we now + know it was still undiscovered; there were yet very many + islands, small and great, on which the eyes of white men had + never looked, seas in which nothing bigger than an Indian canoe + had ever sailed.</p> + + <p>A voyage in those days was not often a pleasant thing, for + ships then were very bluff-bowed and slow-sailing, and, for a + long voyage, very ill-provided with food. There were no tinned + meats two hundred years ago, no luxuries for use even in the + cabin. Sailors lived chiefly on salt junk, as hard as leather, + on biscuit that was generally as much weevil as biscuit, and + the water that they drank was evil-smelling and bad when it had + been long in the ship's casks.</p> + + <p>So, when a man said good-by to his friends and sailed away + into the unknown, generally very many years passed before he + came back—if ever he came back at all. For the dangers of + the seas were then far greater than they now are, and if a ship + was not wrecked some dark night on an unknown island or + uncharted reef, there was always the probability of meeting a + pirate vessel and of having to fight for life and liberty. + Steam has nowadays nearly done away with pirates, except on the + China coast and in a few other out-of-the-way places. But + things were different long ago, before steamers were invented; + and sailors then, when they came home, had many very surprising + things to tell their friends, many astonishing + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page37" id="page37"></a>[pg + 37]</span> adventures to speak of, among the strange peoples + that they said they had met in far-off lands. One man, who saw + more wonderful things than any one else, was named Lemuel + Gulliver, and I will try to tell you a little about one of his + voyages.</p> + + <p>Gulliver was born in Nottinghamshire, and when he was only + fourteen years old he was sent to Emanuel College, Cambridge. + There he remained till he was seventeen, but his father had not + money enough to keep him any longer at the University. So, as + was then the custom for those who meant to become doctors, he + was bound apprentice to a surgeon in London, under whom he + studied for four years. But all the time, as often as his + father sent him money, he spent some of it in learning + navigation (which means the art of finding your way across the + sea, far from land). He had always had a great longing to + travel, and he thought that a knowledge of navigation would be + of use to him if he should happen to go a voyage.</p> + + <p>After leaving London, he went to Germany, and there studied + medicine for some years, with the view of being appointed + surgeon of a ship. And by the help of his late master in + London, such a post he did get on board the "Swallow" on which + vessel he made several voyages. But tiring of this, he settled + in London, and, having married, began practise as a doctor.</p> + + <p>He did not, however, make much money at that, and so for six + years he again went to sea as a surgeon, sailing both to the + East and to the West Indies.</p> + + <p>Again tiring of the sea, he once more settled on shore, this + time at Wapping, because in that place there are always many + sailors, and he hoped to make money by doctoring them.</p> + + <p>But this turned out badly, and on May 4, 1699, he sailed + from Bristol for the South Seas as surgeon of a ship named the + "Antelope."</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>GULLIVER IS WRECKED ON THE COAST OF LILLIPUT</h4> + + <p>At first, everything went well, but after leaving the South + Seas, when steering for the East Indies, the ship was driven by + a great storm far to the south. The gale lasted so long that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page38" id="page38"></a>[pg + 38]</span> twelve of the crew died from the effects of the hard + work and the bad food, and all the others were worn out and + weak. On a sailing ship, when the weather is very heavy, all + hands have to be constantly on deck, and there is little rest + for the men. Perhaps a sail, one of the few that can still be + carried in such a gale, may be blown to ribbons by the furious + wind, and a new one has to be bent on.</p> + + <p>The night, perhaps, is dark, the tattered canvas is + thrashing with a noise like thunder, the ship burying her decks + under angry black seas every few minutes. The men's hands are + numb with the cold and the wet, and the hard, dangerous work + aloft. There is no chance of going below when their job is + done, to "turn in" between warm, dry blankets in a snug berth. + Possibly even those who belong to the "watch below" may have to + remain on deck. Or, if they have the good fortune to be allowed + to go below, they may no sooner have dropped off asleep (rolled + round in blankets which perhaps have been wet ever since the + gale began) than there is a thump, thump overhead, and one of + the watch on deck bellows down the forecastle-hatch, "All hands + shorten sail." And out they must tumble again, once more to + battle with the hungry, roaring seas and the raging wind. So, + when there has been a long spell of bad weather, it is no + wonder that the men are worn out. And when, as was the case + with Gulliver's ship, the food also is bad, it is easy to + understand why so many of the crew had died.</p> + + <p>It was on the 5th of November, the beginning of summer in + latitudes south of the equator. The storm had not yet cleared + off, and the weather was very thick, the wind coming in furious + squalls that drove the ship along at great speed, when suddenly + from the lookout man came a wild cry—"Breakers + ahead!"</p> + + <p>But so close had the vessel come to the rocks before they + were seen through the thick driving spray, that immediately, + with, a heavy plunge, she crashed into the reef, and split her + bows.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/38.jpg" name="fig38s" + id="fig38s"><img width="400" src="images/38s.jpg" + alt="HE FOUND THAT HIS ARMS AND LEGS WERE TIGHTLY" /> + </a><br /> + he found that his arms and legs were tightly fastened to + the ground + </div> + + <p>Gulliver and six of the crew lowered a boat and got clear of + the wreck and of the breakers. But the men were so weak from + overwork that they could not handle the boat in such a sea, and + very soon, during a fierce squall, she sank. What became of the + men Gulliver never knew, for he saw none of them again. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page39" id="page39"></a>[pg + 39]</span> Probably they were drowned at once, for they were + too weak to keep long afloat in a sea breaking so heavily.</p> + + <p>And indeed, Gulliver himself was like to have been lost. He + swam till no strength or feeling was left in his arms and legs, + swam bravely, his breath coming in great sobs, his eyes blinded + with the salt seas that broke over his head. Still he struggled + on, utterly spent, until at last, in a part where the wind + seemed to have less force, and the seas swept over him less + furiously, on letting down his legs he found that he was within + his depth. But the shore shelved so gradually that for nearly a + mile he had to wade wearily through shallow water, till, + fainting almost with fatigue, he reached dry land.</p> + + <p>By this time darkness was coming on, and there were no signs + of houses or of people. He staggered forward but a little + distance, and then, on the short, soft turf, sank down + exhausted and slept.</p> + + <p>When he woke, the sun was shining, and he tried to rise; but + not by any means could he stir hand or foot. Gulliver had + fallen asleep lying on his back, and now he found that his arms + and legs were tightly fastened to the ground. Across his body + were numbers of thin but strong cords, and even his hair, which + was very long, was pegged down so securely that he could not + turn his head.</p> + + <p>All round about him there was a confused sound of voices, + but he could see nothing except the sky, and the sun shone so + hot and fierce into his eyes that he could scarcely keep them + open.</p> + + <p>Soon he felt something come gently up his left leg, and + forward on to his breast almost to his chin. Looking down as + much as possible, he saw standing there a very little man, not + more than six inches high, armed with a bow and arrows.</p> + + <p>Then many more small men began to swarm over him. Gulliver + let out such a roar of wonder and fright that they all turned + and ran, many of them getting bad falls in their hurry to get + out of danger. But very quickly the little people came back + again.</p> + + <p>This time, with a great struggle Gulliver managed to break + the cords that fastened his left arm, and at the same time, by + a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page40" id="page40"></a>[pg + 40]</span> violent wrench that hurt him dreadfully, he slightly + loosened the strings that fastened his hair, so that he was + able to turn his head a little to one side. But the little men + were too quick for him, and got out of reach before he could + catch any of them.</p> + + <p>Then he heard a great shouting, followed by a shrill little + voice that called sharply, "<i>Tolgo phonac</i>," and + immediately, arrows like needles were shot into his hand, and + another volley struck him in the face. Poor Gulliver covered + his face with his hand, and lay groaning with pain.</p> + + <p>Again he struggled to get loose. But the harder he fought + for freedom, the more the little men shot arrows into him, and + some of them even tried to run their spears into his sides.</p> + + <p>When he found that the more he struggled the more he was + hurt, Gulliver lay still, thinking to himself that at night at + least, now that his left hand was free, he could easily get rid + of the rest of his bonds. As soon as the little people saw that + he struggled no more, they ceased shooting at him; but he knew + from the increasing sound of voices that more and more of the + little soldiers were coming round him.</p> + + <p>Soon, a few yards from him, on the right, he heard a + continued sound of hammering, and on turning his head to that + side as far as the strings would let him, he saw that a small + wooden stage was being built. On to this, when it was finished, + there climbed by ladders four men, and one of them (who seemed + to be a very important person, for a little page boy attended + to hold up his train) immediately gave an order. At once about + fifty of the soldiers ran forward and cut the strings that tied + Gulliver's hair on the left side, so that he could turn his + head easily to the right.</p> + + <p>Then the person began to make a long speech, not one word of + which could Gulliver understand, but it seemed to him that + sometimes the little man threatened, and sometimes made offers + of kindness.</p> + + <p>As well as he could, Gulliver made signs that he submitted. + Then, feeling by this time faint with hunger, he pointed with + his fingers many times to his mouth, to show that he wanted + something to eat.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page41" + id="page41"></a>[pg 41]</span> + + <p>They understood him very well. Several ladders were put + against Gulliver's sides, and about a hundred little people + climbed up and carried to his mouth all kinds of bread and + meat. There were things shaped like legs, and shoulders, and + saddles of mutton. Very good they were, Gulliver thought, but + very small, no bigger than a lark's wing; and the loaves of + bread were about the size of bullets, so that he could take + several at a mouthful. The people wondered greatly at the + amount that he ate.</p> + + <p>When he signed that he was thirsty, they slung up on to his + body two of their biggest casks of wine, and having rolled them + forward to his hand they knocked out the heads of the casks. + Gulliver drank them both off at a draught, and asked for more, + for they held only about a small tumblerful each. But there was + no more to be had.</p> + + <p>As the small people walked to and fro over his body, + Gulliver was sorely tempted to seize forty or fifty of them and + dash them on the ground, and then to make a further struggle + for liberty. But the pain he had already suffered from their + arrows made him think better of it, and he wisely lay + quiet.</p> + + <p>Soon another small man, who from his brilliant uniform + seemed to be an officer of very high rank, marched with some + others on to Gulliver's chest and held up to his eyes a paper + which Gulliver understood to be an order from the King of the + country. The officer made a long speech, often pointing towards + something a long way off, and (as Gulliver afterwards learned) + told him that he was to be taken as a prisoner to the city, the + capital of the country.</p> + + <p>Gulliver asked, by signs, that his bonds might be loosed. + The officer shook his head and refused, but he allowed some of + his soldiers to slack the cords on one side, whereby Gulliver + was able to feel more comfortable. After this, the little + people drew out the arrows that still stuck in his hands and + face, and rubbed the wounds with some pleasant-smelling + ointment, which so soothed his pain that very soon he fell + sound asleep. And this was no great wonder, for, as he + afterwards understood, the King's physicians had mixed a very + strong sleeping draught with the wine that had been given + him.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page42" + id="page42"></a>[pg 42]</span> + + <p>Gulliver awoke with a violent fit of sneezing, and with the + feeling of small feet running away from off his chest.</p> + + <p>Where was he? Bound still, without doubt, but no longer did + he find himself lying on the ground. It puzzled him greatly + that now he lay on a sort of platform. How had he got + there?</p> + + <p>Soon he began to realize what had happened; and later, when + he understood the language, he learned all that had been done + to him while he slept. Before he dropped asleep, he had heard a + rumbling as of wheels, and the shouts of many drivers. This, it + seemed, was caused by the arrival of a huge kind of trolley, a + few inches high, but nearly seven feet long, drawn by fifteen + hundred of the King's largest horses.</p> + + <p>On this it was meant that he should be taken to the city. By + the use of strong poles fixed in the ground, to which were + attached many pulleys, and the strongest ropes to be found in + the country, nine hundred men managed to hoist him as he slept. + They then put him on the trolley, where they again tied him + fast.</p> + + <p>It was when they were far on their way to the city that + Gulliver awoke. The trolley had stopped for a little to breathe + the horses, and one of the officers of the King's Guard who had + not before seen Gulliver, climbed with some friends up his + body. While looking at his face, the officer could not resist + the temptation of putting the point of his sword up Gulliver's + nose, which tickled him so that he woke, sneezing + violently.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>GULLIVER IS TAKEN AS A PRISONER TO THE CAPITAL OF + LILLIPUT</h4> + + <p>The city was not reached till the following day, and + Gulliver had to spend the night lying where he was, guarded on + each side by five hundred men with torches and bows and arrows, + ready to shoot him if he should attempt to move.</p> + + <p>In the morning, the King and all his court, and thousands of + the people, came out to gaze on the wonderful sight. The + trolley, with Gulliver on it, stopped outside the walls, + alongside a very large building which had once been used as a + temple, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page43" + id="page43"></a>[pg 43]</span> but the use of which had been + given up owing to a murder having been committed in it.</p> + + <p>The door of this temple was quite four feet high and about + two feet wide, and on each side, about six inches from the + ground, was a small window. Inside the building the King's + blacksmiths fastened many chains, which they then brought + through one of these little windows and padlocked round + Gulliver's left ankle. Then his bonds were cut, and he was + allowed to get up. He found that he could easily creep through + the door, and that there was room inside to lie down.</p> + + <p>His chains were nearly six feet long, so that he could get a + little exercise by walking backwards and forwards outside. + Always when he walked, thousands of people thronged around to + look at him; even the King himself used to come and gaze by the + hour from a high tower which stood opposite.</p> + + <p>One day, just as Gulliver had crept out from his house and + had got on his feet, it chanced that the King, who was a very + fine-looking man, taller than any of his people, came riding + along on his great white charger. When the horse saw Gulliver + move it was terrified, and plunged and reared so madly that the + people feared that a terrible accident was going to happen, and + several of the King's guards ran in to seize the horse by the + head. But the King was a good horseman, and managed the animal + so well that very soon it got over its fright, and he was able + to dismount.</p> + + <p>Then he gave orders that food should be brought for + Gulliver, twenty little carts full, and ten of wine; and he and + his courtiers, all covered with gold and silver, stood around + and watched him eating. After the King had gone away the people + of the city crowded round, and some of them began to behave + very badly, one man even going so far as to shoot an arrow at + Gulliver which was not far from putting out one of his eyes. + But the officer in command of the soldiers who were on guard + ordered his men to bind and push six of the worst behaved of + the crowd within reach of Gulliver, who at once seized five of + them and put them in his coat pocket. The sixth he held up to + his mouth and made as if he meant to eat him, whereupon the + wretched little creature shrieked aloud with terror, and when + Gulliver took out his knife, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page44" id="page44"></a>[pg + 44]</span> all the people, even the soldiers, were dreadfully + alarmed. But Gulliver only cut the man's bonds, and let him run + away, which he did in a great hurry. And when he took the + others out of his pocket, one by one, and treated them in the + same way, the crowd began to laugh. After that the people + always behaved very well to Gulliver, and he became a great + favorite. From all over the kingdom crowds flocked to see the + Great Man Mountain.</p> + + <p>In the meantime, as Gulliver learned later, there were + frequent meetings of the King's council to discuss the question + of what was to be done with him. Some of the councilors feared + lest he might break loose and cause great damage in the city. + Some were of opinion that to keep and feed so huge a creature + would cause a famine in the land, or, at the least, that the + expense would be greater than the public funds could bear; they + advised, therefore, that he should be killed—shot in the + hands and face with poisoned arrows. Others, however, argued + that if this were done it would be a very difficult thing to + get rid of so large a dead body, which might cause a pestilence + to break out if it lay long unburied so near the city.</p> + + <p>Finally, the King and his council gave orders that each + morning the surrounding villages should send into the city for + Gulliver's daily use six oxen, forty sheep, and a sufficient + quantity of bread and wine.</p> + + <p>It was also commanded that six hundred persons should act as + his servants; that three hundred tailors were to make for him a + suit of clothes; and that six professors from the University + were to teach him the language of the country.</p> + + <p>When Gulliver could speak the language, he learned a great + deal about the land in which he now found himself. It was + called Lilliput, and the people, Lilliputians. These + Lilliputians believed that their kingdom and the neighboring + country of Blefuscu were the whole world. Blefuscu lay far over + the sea, to these little people dim and blue on the horizon, + though to Gulliver the distance did not seem to be more than a + mile. The Lilliputians knew of no land beyond Blefuscu. And as + for Gulliver himself, they believed that he had fallen from the + moon, or from one of the stars; it was impossible, they said, + that so big a race of men could live on the earth. It was quite + certain <span class="pagenum"><a name="page45" + id="page45"></a>[pg 45]</span> that there could not be food + enough for them. They did not believe Gulliver's story. He must + have fallen from the moon!</p> + + <p>Almost the first thing that Gulliver did when he knew the + language fairly well, was to send a petition to the King, + praying that his chains might be taken off and that he might be + free to walk about. But this he was told could not then be + granted. He must first, the King's council said, "swear a + peace" with the kingdom of Lilliput, and afterwards, if by + continued good behavior he gained their confidence, he might be + freed.</p> + + <p>Meantime, by the King's orders, two high officers of state + were sent to search him, Gulliver lifted up these officers in + his hand and put them into each of his pockets, one after the + other, and they made for the King a careful list of everything + found there.</p> + + <p>Gulliver afterward saw this inventory. His snuff-box they + had described as a "huge silver chest, full of a sort of dust." + Into that dust one of them stepped, and the snuff, flying up in + his face, caused him nearly to sneeze his head off. His pistols + they called "hollow pillars of iron, fastened to strong pieces + of timber," and the use of his bullets, and of his powder + (which he had been lucky enough to bring ashore dry, owing to + his pouch being water-tight), they could not understand, while + of his watch they could make nothing. They called it "a + wonderful kind of engine, which makes an incessant noise like a + water-wheel." But some fancied that it was perhaps a kind of + animal. Certainly it was alive.</p> + + <p>All these things, together with his sword, which he carried + slung to a belt round his waist, Gulliver had to give up, + first, as well as he could, explaining the use of them. The + Lilliputians could not understand the pistols, and to show his + meaning, Gulliver was obliged to fire one of them. At once + hundreds of little people fell down as if they had been struck + dead by the noise. Even the King, though he stood his ground, + was sorely frightened. Most of Gulliver's property was returned + to him; but the pistols and powder and bullets, and his sword, + were taken away and put, for safety, under strict guard.</p> + + <p>As the King and his courtiers gained more faith in Gulliver, + and became less afraid of his breaking loose and doing some + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page46" id="page46"></a>[pg + 46]</span> mischief, they began to treat him in a more friendly + way than they had hitherto done, and showed him more of the + manners and customs of the country. Some of these were very + curious.</p> + + <p>One of the sports of which they were most fond was + rope-dancing, and there was no more certain means of being + promoted to high office and power in the state than to possess + great cleverness in that art. Indeed, it was said that the Lord + High Treasurer had gained and kept his post chiefly through his + great skill in turning somersaults on the tight rope. The Chief + Secretary for private affairs ran him very close, and there was + hardly a Minister of State who did not owe his position to such + successes. Few of them, indeed, had escaped without severe + accidents at one time or another, while trying some specially + difficult feat, and many had been lamed for life. But however + many and bad the falls, there were always plenty of other + persons to attempt the same or some more difficult jump.</p> + + <p>Taught by his narrow escape from a serious accident when his + horse first saw Gulliver, the King now gave orders that the + horses of his army, as well as those from the Royal stables, + should be exercised daily close to the Man Mountain. Soon they + became so used to the sight of him that they would come right + up to his foot without starting or shying. Often the riders + would jump their chargers over Gulliver's hand as he held it on + the ground; and once the King's huntsman, better mounted than + most of the others, actually jumped over his foot, shoe and + all—a wonderful leap.</p> + + <p>Gulliver saw that it was wise to amuse the King in this and + other ways, because the more his Majesty was pleased with him + the sooner was it likely that his liberty would be granted. So + he asked one day that some strong sticks, about two feet in + height, should be brought to him. Several of these he fixed + firmly in the ground, and across them, near the top, he lashed + four other sticks, enclosing a square space of about two and a + half feet. Then to the uprights, about five inches lower than + the crossed sticks, he tied his pocket-handkerchief, and + stretched it tight as a drum.</p> + + <p>When the work was finished, he asked the King to let a troop + exercise on this stage. His Majesty was delighted with the + idea, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page47" + id="page47"></a>[pg 47]</span> and for several days nothing + pleased him more than to see Gulliver lift up the men and + horses, and to watch them go through their drill on this + platform. Sometimes he would even be lifted up himself and give + the words of command; and once he persuaded the Queen, who was + rather timid, to let herself be held up in her chair within + full view of the scene. But a fiery horse one day, pawing with + his hoof, wore a hole in the handkerchief, and came down + heavily on its side, and after this Gulliver could no longer + trust the strength of his stage.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <h4>GULLIVER IS FREED, AND CAPTURES THE BLEFUSCAN FLEET</h4> + + <p>By this time Gulliver's clothes were almost in rags. The + three hundred tailors had not yet been able to finish his new + suit, and he had no hat at all, for that had been lost as he + came ashore from the wreck. So he was greatly pleased one day + when an express message came to the King from the coast, saying + that some men had found on the shore a great, black, + strangely-shaped mass, as high as a man; it was not alive, they + were certain. It had never moved, though for a time they had + watched, before going closer. After making certain that it was + not likely to injure them, by mounting on each other's + shoulders they had got on the top, which they found was flat + and smooth, and, by the sound when stamped upon, they judged + that it was hollow. It was thought that the object might + possibly be something belonging to the Man Mountain, and they + proposed by the help of five horses to bring it to the + city.</p> + + <p>Gulliver was sure that it must be his hat, and so it turned + out. Nor was it very greatly damaged, either by the sea or by + being drawn by the horses over the ground all the way from the + coast, except that two holes had been bored in the brim, to + which a long cord had been fixed by hooks. Gulliver was much + pleased to have it once more.</p> + + <p>Two days after this the King took into his head a curious + fancy. He ordered a review of troops to be held, and he + directed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page48" + id="page48"></a>[pg 48]</span> that Gulliver should stand with + his legs very wide apart, while under him both horse and foot + were commanded to march. Over three thousand infantry and one + thousand cavalry passed through the great arch made by his + legs, colors flying and bands playing. The King and Queen + themselves sat in their State Coach at the saluting point, near + to his left leg, and all the while Gulliver dared not move a + hair's-breadth, lest he should injure some of the soldiers.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/48.jpg" name="fig48s" + id="fig48s"><img width="300" src="images/48s.jpg" + alt="GULLIVER IN LILLIPUT" /></a><br /> + gulliver in lilliput + </div> + + <p>Shortly after this, Gulliver was set free. There had been a + meeting of the King's Council on the subject, and the Lord High + Admiral was the only member in favor of still keeping him + chained. This great officer to the end was Gulliver's bitter + enemy, and though on this occasion he was out-voted, yet he was + allowed to draw up the conditions which Gulliver was to sign + before his chains were struck off.</p> + + <p>The conditions were:</p> + + <p>First, that he was not to quit the country without leave + granted under the King's Great Seal.</p> + + <p>Second, that he was not to come into the city without + orders; at which times the people were to have two hours' + notice to keep indoors.</p> + + <p>Third, that he should keep to the high roads, and not walk + or lie down in a meadow.</p> + + <p>Fourth, that he was to take the utmost care not to trample + on anybody, or on any horses or carriages, and that he was not + to lift any persons in his hand against their will.</p> + + <p>Fifth, that if at any time an express had to be sent in + great haste, he was to carry the messenger and his horse in his + pocket a six-days' journey, and to bring them safely back.</p> + + <p>Sixth, that he should be the King's ally against the + Blefuscans, and that he should try to destroy their fleet, + which was said to be preparing to invade Lilliput.</p> + + <p>Seventh, that he should help the workmen to move certain + great stones which were needed to repair some of the public + buildings.</p> + + <p>Eighth, that he should in "two moons' time" make an exact + survey of the kingdom, by counting how many of his own paces it + took him to go all round the + coast.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page49" + id="page49"></a>[pg 49]</span> + + <p>Lastly, on his swearing to the above conditions, it was + promised that he should have a daily allowance of meat and + drink equal to the amount consumed by seventeen hundred and + twenty-four of the Lilliputians, for they estimated that + Gulliver's size was about equal to that number of their own + people.</p> + + <p>Though one or two of the conditions did not please him, + especially that about helping the workmen (which he thought was + making him too much a servant), yet Gulliver signed the + document at once, and swore to observe its conditions.</p> + + <p>After having done so, and having had his chains removed, the + first thing he asked was to be allowed to see the city (which + was called Mildendo). He found that it was surrounded by a + great wall about two and a half feet high, broad enough for one + of their coaches and four to be driven along, and at every ten + feet there were strong flanking towers.</p> + + <p>Gulliver took off his coat, lest the tails might do damage + to the roofs or chimneys of the houses, and he then stepped + over the wall and very carefully walked down the finest of the + streets, one quite five feet wide. Wherever he went, the tops + of the houses and the attic windows were packed with wondering + spectators, and he reckoned that the town must hold quite half + a million of people.</p> + + <p>In the center of the city, where the two chief streets met, + stood the King's Palace, a very fine building surrounded by a + wall. But he was not able to see the whole palace that day, + because the part in which were the royal apartments was shut + off by another wall nearly five feet in height, which he could + not get over without a risk of doing damage.</p> + + <p>Some days later he climbed over by the help of two stools + which he made from some of the largest trees in the Royal Park, + trees nearly seven feet high, which he was allowed to cut down + for the purpose. By putting one of the stools at each side of + the wall Gulliver was able to step across. Then, lying down on + his side, and putting his face close to the open windows, he + looked in and saw the Queen and all the young Princes. The + Queen smiled, and held her hand out of one of the windows, that + he might kiss it. She was very pleasant and friendly.</p> + + <p>One day, about a fortnight after this, there came to call on + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page50" id="page50"></a>[pg + 50]</span> him, Reldresal, the King's Chief Secretary, a very + great man, one who had always been Gulliver's very good friend. + This person had a long and serious talk with Gulliver about the + state of the country.</p> + + <p>He said that though to the outward eye things in Lilliput + seemed very settled and prosperous, yet in reality there were + troubles, both internal and external, that threatened the + safety of the kingdom.</p> + + <p>There had been in Lilliput for a very long time two parties + at bitter enmity with each other, so bitter that they would + neither eat, drink, nor talk together, and what one party did, + the other would always try to undo. Each professed to believe + that nothing good could come from the other. Any measure + proposed by the party in power was by the other always looked + upon as foolish or evil. And any new law passed by the + Government party was said by the Opposition to be either a + wicked attack on the liberties of the people, or something + undertaken solely for the purpose of keeping that party in, and + the Opposition out, of power. To such a pitch had things now + come, said the Chief Secretary, entirely owing to the folly of + the Opposition, that the business of the kingdom was almost at + a standstill.</p> + + <p>Meantime the country was in danger of an invasion by the + Blefuscans, who were now fitting out a great fleet, which was + almost ready to sail to attack Lilliput. The war with Blefuscu + had been raging for some years, and the losses by both nations + of ships and of men had been very heavy.</p> + + <p>This war had broken out in the following way. It had always + been the custom in Lilliput, as far back as history went, for + people when breaking an egg at breakfast to do so at the big + end. But it had happened, said the Chief Secretary, that the + present King's grandfather, when a boy, had once when breaking + his egg in the usual way, severely cut his finger. Whereupon + his father at once gave strict commands that in future all his + subjects should break their eggs at the small end.</p> + + <p>This greatly angered the people, who thought that the King + had no right to give such an order, and they refused to obey. + As a consequence no less than six rebellions had taken place: + thousands of the Lilliputians had had their heads cut off, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page51" id="page51"></a>[pg + 51]</span> or had been cast into prison, and thousands had fled + for refuge to Blefuscu, rather than obey the hated order.</p> + + <p>These "Big endians," as they were called, had been very well + received at the Court of Blefuscu, and finally the Emperor of + that country had taken upon himself to interfere in the affairs + of Lilliput, thus bringing on war.</p> + + <p>The Chief Secretary ended the talk by saying that the King, + having great faith in Gulliver's strength, and depending on the + oath which he had sworn before being released, expected him now + to help in defeating the Blefuscan fleet.</p> + + <p>Gulliver was very ready to do what he could, and he at once + thought of a plan whereby he might destroy the whole fleet at + one blow. He told all his ideas on the subject to the King, who + gave orders that everything he might need should be supplied + without delay. Then Gulliver went to the oldest seamen in the + navy, and learned from them the depth of water between Lilliput + and Blefuscu. It was, they said, nowhere deeper than seventy + <i>glumgluffs</i> (which is equal to about six feet) at high + water, and there was no great extent so deep.</p> + + <p>After this he walked to the coast opposite Blefuscu, and + lying down there behind a hillock, so that he might not be seen + should any of the enemy's ships happen to be cruising near, he + looked long through a small pocket-telescope across the + channel. With the naked eye he could easily see the cliffs of + Blefuscu, and soon with his telescope he made out where the + fleet lay—fifty great men-of-war, and many transports, + waiting for a fair wind.</p> + + <p>Coming back to the city, he gave orders for a great length + of the strongest cable, and a quantity of bars of iron. The + cable was little thicker than ordinary pack-thread, and the + bars of iron much about the length and size of + knitting-needles. Gulliver twisted three of the iron bars + together and bent them to a hook at one end. He trebled the + cable for greater strength, and thus made fifty shorter cables, + to which he fastened the hooks.</p> + + <p>Then, carrying these in his hand, he walked back to the + coast and waded into the sea, a little before high water. When + he came to mid-channel, he had to swim, but for no great + distance.</p> + + <p>As soon as they noticed Gulliver coming wading through the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page52" id="page52"></a>[pg + 52]</span> water towards their ships, the Blefuscan sailors all + jumped overboard and swam ashore in a terrible fright. Never + before had any of them seen or dreamt of so monstrous a giant, + nor had they heard of his being in Lilliput.</p> + + <p>Gulliver then quietly took his cables and fixed one securely + in the bows of each of the ships of war, and finally he tied + the cables together at his end. But while he was doing this the + Blefuscan soldiers on the shore plucked up courage and began to + shoot arrows at him, many of which stuck in his hands and face. + He was very much afraid lest some of these might put out his + eyes; but he remembered, luckily, that in his inner pocket were + his spectacles, which he put on, and then finished his work + without risk to his eyes.</p> + + <p>On pulling at the cables, however, not a ship could he move. + He had forgotten that their anchors were all down. So he was + forced to go in closer and with his knife to cut the vessels + free. While doing this he was of course exposed to a furious + fire from the enemy, and hundreds of arrows struck him, some + almost knocking off his spectacles. But again he hauled, and + this time drew the whole fifty vessels after him.</p> + + <p>The Blefuscans had thought that it was his intention merely + to cast the vessels adrift, so that they might run aground, but + when they saw their great fleet being steadily drawn out to + sea, their grief was terrible. For a great distance Gulliver + could hear their cries of despair.</p> + + <p>When he had got well away from the land, he stopped in order + to pick the arrows from his face and hands, and to put on some + of the ointment that had been rubbed on his wounds when first + the Lilliputians fired into him. By this time the tide had + fallen a little, and he was able to wade all the way across the + channel.</p> + + <p>The King and his courtiers stood waiting on the shore. They + could see the vessels steadily drawing nearer, but they could + not for some time see Gulliver, because only his head was above + water. At first some imagined that he had been drowned, and + that the fleet was now on its way to attack Lilliput.</p> + + <p>There was great joy when Gulliver was seen hauling the + vessels; and when he landed, the King was so pleased that on + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page53" id="page53"></a>[pg + 53]</span> spot he created him a <i>Nardac</i>, the highest + honor that it was in his power to bestow.</p> + + <p>His great success over the Blefuscans, however, turned out + to be but the beginning of trouble for Gulliver. The King was + so puffed up by the victory that he formed plans for capturing + in the same way the whole of the enemy's ships of every kind. + And it was now his wish to crush Blefuscu utterly, and to make + it nothing but a province depending on Lilliput. Thus, he + thought, he himself would then be monarch of the whole + world.</p> + + <p>In this scheme Gulliver refused to take any part, and he + very plainly said that he would give no help in making slaves + of the Blefuscans. This refusal angered the King very much, and + more than once he artfully brought the matter up at a State + Council. Now, several of the councilors, though they pretended + to be Gulliver's friends so long as he was in favor with the + King, were really his secret enemies, and nothing pleased these + persons better than to see that the King was no longer pleased + with him. So they did all in their power to nurse and increase + the King's anger, and to make him believe that Gulliver was a + traitor.</p> + + <p>About this time there came to Lilliput ambassadors from + Blefuscu, suing for peace. When a treaty had been made and + signed (very greatly to the advantage of Lilliput), the + Blefuscan ambassadors asked to see the Great Man Mountain, of + whom they had heard so much, and they paid Gulliver a formal + call. After asking him to give them some proofs of his + strength, they invited him to visit their Emperor, which + Gulliver promised to do.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, the next time that he met the King, he asked, + as he was bound to do by the paper he had signed, for + permission to leave the country for a time, in order to visit + Blefuscu. The King did not refuse, but his manner was so cold + that Gulliver could not help noticing it. Afterwards he learned + from a friend that his enemies in the council had told the King + lying tales of his meetings with the Blefuscan ambassadors, + which had had the effect of still further rousing his + anger.</p> + + <p>It happened too, most unfortunately, at this time, that + Gulliver had offended the Queen by a well-meant, but + badly-managed, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page54" + id="page54"></a>[pg 54]</span> effort to do her a service, and + thus he lost also her friendship. But though he was now out of + favor at court, he was still an object of great interest to + every one.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/54.jpg" name="fig54s" + id="fig54s"><img width="300" src="images/54s.jpg" + alt="ON THIS OCCASION, GULLIVER ATE MORE THAN USUAL" /> + </a><br /> + on this occasion, gulliver ate more than usual + </div> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <h4>GULLIVER'S ESCAPE FROM LILLIPUT AND RETURN TO ENGLAND</h4> + + <p>Gulliver had three hundred cooks to dress his food and these + men, with their families, lived in small huts which had been + built for them near his house.</p> + + <p>He had made for himself a chair and a table. On to this + table it was his custom to lift twenty waiters, and these men + then drew up by ropes and pulleys all his food, and his wine in + casks, which one hundred other servants had in readiness on the + ground. Gulliver would often eat his meal with many hundreds of + people looking on.</p> + + <p>One day the King, who had not seen him eat since this table + had been built, sent a message that he and the Queen desired to + be present that day while Gulliver dined. They arrived just + before his dinner hour, and he at once lifted the King and + Queen and the Princes, with their attendants and guards, on to + the table.</p> + + <p>Their Majesties sat in their chairs of state all the time, + watching with deep interest the roasts of beef and mutton, and + whole flocks of geese and turkeys and fowls disappear into + Gulliver's mouth. A roast of beef of which he had to make more + than two mouthfuls was seldom seen, and he ate them bones and + all. A goose or a turkey was but one bite.</p> + + <p>Certainly, on this occasion, Gulliver ate more than usual, + thinking by so doing to amuse and please the court.</p> + + <p>But in this he erred, for it was turned against him. + Flimnap, the Lord High Treasurer, who had always been one of + his enemies, pointed out to the King the great daily expense of + such meals, and told how this huge man had already cost the + country over a million and a half of <i>sprugs</i> (the largest + Lilliputian gold coin). Things, indeed, were beginning to go + very ill with + Gulliver.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page55" + id="page55"></a>[pg 55]</span> + + <p>Now it happened about this time that one of the King's + courtiers, to whom Gulliver had been very kind, came to him by + night very privately in a closed chair, and asked to have a + talk, without any one else being present.</p> + + <p>Gulliver gave to a servant whom he could trust orders that + no one else was to be admitted, and having put the courtier and + his chair upon the table, so that he might better hear all that + was said, he sat down to listen.</p> + + <p>Gulliver was told that there had lately been several secret + meetings of the King's Privy Council, on his account. The Lord + High Admiral (who now hated him because of his success against + the Blefuscan fleet), Flimnap, the High Treasurer, and others + of his enemies, had drawn up against him charges of treason and + other crimes. The courtier had brought with him a copy of these + charges, and Gulliver now read them.</p> + + <p>It was made a point against him that, when ordered to do so + by the King, he had refused to seize all the other Blefuscan + ships. It was also said that he would not join in utterly + crushing the empire of Blefuscu, nor give aid when it was + proposed to put to death not only all the Big endians who had + fled for refuge to that country, but all the Blefuscans + themselves who were friends of the Big-endians. For this he was + said to be a traitor.</p> + + <p>He was also accused of being over-friendly with the + Blefuscan ambassadors; and it was made a grave charge against + him that though his Majesty had not given him written leave to + visit Blefuscu, he yet was getting ready to go to that country, + in order to give help to the Emperor against Lilliput.</p> + + <p>There had been many debates on these charges, said the + courtier, and the Lord High Admiral had made violent speeches, + strongly advising that the Great Man Mountain should be put to + death. In this he was joined by Flimnap, and by others, so that + actually the greater part of the council was in favor of + instant death by the most painful means that could be used.</p> + + <p>The less unfriendly members of the council, however, while + saying that they had no doubt of Gulliver's guilt, were yet of + the opinion that, as his services to the kingdom of Lilliput + had been great, the punishment of death was too severe. They + thought it would be enough if his eyes were put out. This, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page56" id="page56"></a>[pg + 56]</span> they said, would not prevent him from being still + made useful.</p> + + <p>Then began a most excited argument, the Admiral and those + who sided with him insisting that Gulliver should be killed at + once.</p> + + <p>At last the Secretary rose and said that he had a middle + course to suggest. This was, that Gulliver's eyes should be put + out, and that thereafter his food should be gradually so + reduced in quantity that in the course of two or three months + he would die of starvation. By which time, said the Secretary, + his body would be wasted to an extent that would make it easy + for five or six hundred men, in a few days, to cut off the + flesh and take it away in cart-loads to be buried at a + distance. Thus there would be no danger of a pestilence + breaking out from the dead body lying near the city. The + skeleton, he said, could then be put in the National + Museum.</p> + + <p>It was finally decided that this sentence should be carried + out, and twenty of the King's surgeons were ordered to be + present in three days' time to see the operation of putting out + Gulliver's eyes properly done. Sharp-pointed arrows were to be + shot into the balls of his eyes.</p> + + <p>The courtier now left the house, as privately as he had + come, and Gulliver was left to decide what he should do.</p> + + <p>At first he thought of attacking the city, and destroying + it. But by doing this he must have destroyed, with the city, a + great many thousands of innocent people, which he could not + make up his mind to do.</p> + + <p>At last he wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary, saying + that as the King had himself told him that he might visit + Blefuscu, he had decided to do so that morning.</p> + + <p>Without waiting for an answer, he set out for the coast, + where he seized a large man-of-war which was at anchor there, + tied a cable to her bow, and then putting his clothes and his + blanket on board, he drew the ship after him to Blefuscu. There + he was well received by the Emperor. But as there happened to + be no house big enough for him, he was forced, during his stay, + to sleep each night on the ground, wrapped in his blanket.</p> + + <p>Three days after his arrival, when walking along the + seashore, he noticed something in the water which looked not + unlike <span class="pagenum"><a name="page57" + id="page57"></a>[pg 57]</span> a boat floating bottom up. + Gulliver waded and swam out, and found that he was right. It + was a boat. By the help of some of the Blefsucan ships, with + much difficulty he got it ashore. When the tide had fallen, two + thousand of the Emperor's dockyard men helped him to turn it + over, and Gulliver found that but little damage had been + done.</p> + + <p>He now set to work to make oars and mast and sail for the + boat, and to fit it out and provision it for a voyage.</p> + + <p>While this work was going on, there came from Lilliput a + message demanding that Gulliver should be bound hand and foot + and returned to that country as a prisoner, there to be + punished as a traitor. To this message the Emperor replied that + it was not possible to bind him; that moreover the Great Man + Mountain had found a vessel of size great enough to carry him + over the sea, and that it was his purpose to leave the Empire + of Blefuscu in the course of a few weeks.</p> + + <p>Gulliver did not delay his work, and in less than a month he + was ready to sail.</p> + + <p>He put on board the boat the carcasses of one hundred oxen + and three hundred sheep, with a quantity of bread and wine, and + as much meat ready cooked as four hundred cooks could + prepare.</p> + + <p>He also took with him a herd of six live black cows and two + bulls, and a flock of sheep, meaning to take them with him to + England, if ever he should get there. As food for these animals + he took a quantity of hay and corn.</p> + + <p>Gulliver would have liked to take with him some of the + people, but this the Emperor would not permit.</p> + + <p>Everything being ready, he sailed from Blefuscu on 24th + September 1701, and the same night anchored on the lee side of + an island which seemed to be uninhabited. Leaving this island + on the following morning, he sailed to the eastward for two + days. On the evening of the second day he sighted a ship, on + reaching which, to his great joy, he found that she was an + English vessel on her way home from Japan.</p> + + <p>Putting his cattle and sheep in his coat-pockets, he went on + board with all his cargo of provisions. The captain received + him very kindly, and asked him from whence he had come, and how + he happened to be at sea in an open + boat.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page58" + id="page58"></a>[pg 58]</span> + + <p>Gulliver told his tale in as few words as possible. The + captain stared with wonder, and would not believe his story. + But Gulliver then took from his pockets the black cattle and + the sheep, which of course clearly showed that he had been + speaking truth. He also showed gold coins which the Emperor of + Blefuscu had given him, some of which he presented to the + captain.</p> + + <p>The vessel did not arrive at the port of London till April, + 1702, but there was no loss of the live stock, excepting that + the rats on board carried off and ate one of the sheep. All the + others were got safely ashore, and were put to graze on a + bowling-green at Greenwich, where they throve very well.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page59" + id="page59"></a>[pg 59]</span> + + <h3>THE ARABIAN NIGHTS</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY AMY STEEDMAN</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP</h4> + + <p>Far away on the other side of the world, in one of the great + wealthy cities of China, there once lived a poor tailor called + Mustapha. He had a wife whom he loved dearly and an only son + whose name was Aladdin.</p> + + <p>But, sad to say, although the tailor was good and + industrious, his son was so idle and bad that his father and + mother did not know what to do with him. All day long he played + in the streets with other idle boys, and when he grew big + enough to learn a trade he said he did not mean to work at all. + His poor father was very much troubled, and ordered Aladdin to + come to the workshop to learn to be a tailor, but Aladdin only + laughed, and ran away so swiftly that neither his father nor + mother could catch him.</p> + + <p>"Alas!" said Mustapha sadly, "I can do nothing with this + idle boy."</p> + + <p>And he grew so sad about it, that at last he fell ill and + died.</p> + + <p>Then the poor widow was obliged to sell the little workshop, + and try to make enough money for herself and Aladdin by + spinning.</p> + + <p>Now it happened that one day when Aladdin was playing as + usual with the idle street boys, a tall, dark, old man stood + watching him, and when the game was finished he made a sign to + Aladdin to come to him.</p> + + <p>"What is thy name, my boy?" asked this old man, who, though + he appeared so kind, was really an African Magician.</p> + + <p>"My name is Aladdin," answered the boy, wondering who this + stranger could be.</p> + + <p>"And what is thy father's name?" asked the + Magician.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page60" + id="page60"></a>[pg 60]</span> + + <p>"My father was Mustapha the tailor, but he has been dead a + long time now," answered Aladdin.</p> + + <p>"Alas!" cried the wicked old Magician, pretending to weep, + "he was my brother, and thou must be my nephew. I am thy + long-lost uncle!" and he threw his arms round Aladdin's neck + and embraced him.</p> + + <p>"Tell thy dear mother that I will come and see her this very + day," he cried, "and give her this small present." And he + placed in Aladdin's hands five gold pieces.</p> + + <p>Aladdin ran home in great haste to tell his mother the story + of the long-lost uncle.</p> + + <p>"It must be a mistake," she said, "thou hast no uncle."</p> + + <p>But when she saw the gold she began to think that this + stranger must be a relation, and so she prepared a grand supper + to welcome him when he came.</p> + + <p>They had not long to wait before the African Magician + appeared, bringing with him all sorts of fruits and delicious + sweets for desert.</p> + + <p>"Tell me about my poor brother," he said, as he embraced + Aladdin and his mother. "Show me exactly where he used to + sit."</p> + + <p>Then the widow pointed to a seat on the sofa, and the + Magician knelt down and began to kiss the place and weep over + it.</p> + + <p>The poor widow was quite touched, and began to believe that + this really must be her husband's brother, especially when he + began to show the kindest interest in Aladdin.</p> + + <p>"What is thy trade?" he asked the boy.</p> + + <p>"Alas!" said the widow, "he will do nothing but play in the + streets."</p> + + <p>Aladdin hung his head with shame as his uncle gravely shook + his head.</p> + + <p>"He must begin work at once," he said. "How would it please + thee to have a shop of thy own? I could buy one for thee, and + stock it with silks and rich stuffs."</p> + + <p>Aladdin danced with joy at the very idea, and next day set + out with his supposed uncle, who bought him a splendid suit of + clothes, and took him all over the city to show him the + sights.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page61" + id="page61"></a>[pg 61]</span> + + <p>The day after, the Magician again took Aladdin out with him, + but this time they went outside the city, through beautiful + gardens, into the open country. They walked so far that Aladdin + began to grow weary, but the Magician gave him a cake and some + delicious fruit and told him such wonderful tales that he + scarcely noticed how far they had gone. At last they came to a + deep valley between two mountains, and there the Magician + paused.</p> + + <p>"Stop!" he cried, "this is the very place I am in search of. + Gather some sticks that we may make a fire."</p> + + <p>Aladdin quickly did as he was bid, and had soon gathered + together a great heap of dry sticks. The Magician then set fire + to them, and the heap blazed up merrily. With great care the + old man now sprinkled some curious-looking powder on the + flames, and muttered strange words. In an instant the earth + beneath their feet trembled, and they heard a rumbling like + distant thunder. Then the ground opened in front of them, and + showed a great square slab of stone with a ring in it.</p> + + <p>By this time Aladdin was so frightened that he turned to run + home as fast as he could, but the Magician caught him, and gave + him such a blow that he fell to the earth.</p> + + <p>"Why dost thou strike me, uncle?" sobbed Aladdin.</p> + + <p>"Do as I bid thee," said the Magician, "and then thou shalt + be well treated. Dost thou see that stone? Beneath it is a + treasure which I will share with thee. Only obey me, and it + will soon be ours."</p> + + <p>As soon as Aladdin heard of a treasure, he jumped up and + forgot all his fears. He seized the ring as the Magician + directed, and easily pulled up the stone.</p> + + <p>"Now," said the old man, "look in and thou wilt see stone + steps leading downwards. Thou shalt descend those steps until + thou comest to three great halls. Pass through them, but take + care to wrap thy coat well round thee that thou mayest touch + nothing, for if thou dost, thou wilt die instantly. When thou + hast passed through the halls thou wilt come into a garden of + fruit-trees. Go through it until thou seest a niche with a + lighted lamp in it. Put the light out, pour forth the oil, and + bring the lamp to + me."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page62" + id="page62"></a>[pg 62]</span> + + <p>So saying the Magician placed a magic ring upon Aladdin's + finger to guard him, and bade the boy begin his search.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/62.jpg" name="fig62s" + id="fig62s"><img width="300" src="images/62s.jpg" + alt="ALADDIN AND THE MAGICIAN" /></a><br /> + aladdin and the magician + </div> + + <p>Aladdin did exactly as he was told and found everything just + as the Magician had said. He went through the halls and the + garden until he came to the lamp, and when he had poured out + the oil and placed the lamp carefully inside his coat he began + to look about him.</p> + + <p>He had never seen such a lovely garden before, even in his + dreams. The fruits that hung upon the trees were of every color + of the rainbow. Some were clear and shining like crystal, some + sparkled with a crimson light and others were green, blue, + violet, and orange, while the leaves that shaded them were + silver and gold. Aladdin did not guess that these fruits were + precious stones, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, but + they looked so pretty that he filled all his pockets with them + as he passed back through the garden.</p> + + <p>The Magician was eagerly peering down the stone steps when + Aladdin began to climb up.</p> + + <p>"Give me the lamp," he cried, stretching his hand for + it.</p> + + <p>"Wait until I get out," answered Aladdin, "and then I will + give it thee."</p> + + <p>"Hand it up to me at once," screamed the old man + angrily.</p> + + <p>"Not till I am safely out," repeated Aladdin.</p> + + <p>Then the Magician stamped with rage, and rushing to the fire + threw on it some more of the curious powder, uttered the same + strange words as before, and instantly the stone slipped back + into its place, the earth closed over it, and Aladdin was left + in darkness.</p> + + <p>This showed indeed that the wicked old man was not Aladdin's + uncle. By his magic arts in Africa he had found out all about + the lamp, which was a wonderful treasure, as you will see. But + he knew that he could not get it himself, that another hand + must fetch it to him. This was the reason why he had fixed upon + Aladdin to help him, and had meant, as soon as the lamp was + safely in his hand, to kill the boy.</p> + + <p>As his plan had failed he went back to Africa, and was not + seen again for a long, long time.</p> + + <p>But there was poor Aladdin shut up underground, with no + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page63" id="page63"></a>[pg + 63]</span> way of getting out! He tried to find his way back to + the great halls and the beautiful garden of shining fruits, but + the walls had closed up, and there was no escape that way + either. For two days the poor boy sat crying and moaning in his + despair, and just as he had made up his mind that he must die, + he clasped his hands together, and in doing so rubbed the ring + which the Magician had put upon his finger.</p> + + <p>In an instant a huge figure rose out of the earth and stood + before him.</p> + + <p>"What is thy will, my master?" it said. "I am the Slave of + the Ring, and must obey him who wears the ring."</p> + + <p>"Whoever or whatever you are," cried Aladdin, "take me out + of this dreadful place."</p> + + <p>Scarcely had he said these words when the earth opened, and + the next moment Aladdin found himself lying at his mother's + door. He was so weak for want of food, and his joy at seeing + his mother was so great, that he fainted away, but when he came + to himself he promised to tell her all that had happened.</p> + + <p>"But first give me something to eat," he cried, "for I am + dying of hunger."</p> + + <p>"Alas!" said his mother, "I have nothing in the house except + a little cotton, which I will go out and sell."</p> + + <p>"Stop a moment," cried Aladdin, "rather let us sell this old + lamp which I have brought back with me."</p> + + <p>Now the lamp looked so old and dirty that Aladdin's mother + began to rub it, wishing to brighten it a little that it might + fetch a higher price.</p> + + <p>But no sooner had she given it the first rub than a huge + dark figure slowly rose from the floor like a wreath of smoke + until it reached the ceiling, towering above them.</p> + + <p>"What is thy will?" it asked. "I am the Slave of the Lamp, + and must do the bidding of him who holds the Lamp."</p> + + <p>The moment the figure began to rise from the ground + Aladdin's mother was so terrified that she fainted away, but + Aladdin managed to snatch the lamp from her, although he could + scarcely hold it in his own shaking hand.</p> + + <p>"Fetch me something to eat," he said in a trembling voice, + for the terrible Genie was glaring down upon + him.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page64" + id="page64"></a>[pg 64]</span> + + <p>The Slave of the Lamp disappeared in a cloud of smoke, but + in an instant he was back again, bringing with him a most + delicious breakfast, served upon plates and dishes of pure + gold.</p> + + <p>By this time Aladdin's mother had recovered, but she was + almost too frightened to eat, and begged Aladdin to sell the + lamp at once, for she was sure it had something to do with evil + spirits. But Aladdin only laughed at her fears, and said he + meant to make use of the magic lamp and wonderful ring, now + that he knew their worth.</p> + + <p>As soon as they again wanted money they sold the golden + plates and dishes, and when these were all gone Aladdin ordered + the Genie to bring more, and so they lived in comfort for + several years.</p> + + <p>Now Aladdin had heard a great deal about the beauty of the + Sultan's daughter, and he began to long so greatly to see her + that he could not rest. He thought of a great many plans, but + they all seemed impossible, for the Princess never went out + without a veil, which covered her entirely. At last, however, + he managed to enter the palace and hide himself behind a door, + peeping through a chink when the Princess passed to go to her + bath.</p> + + <p>The moment Aladdin's eyes rested upon the beautiful Princess + he loved her with all his heart, for she was as fair as the + dawn of a summer morning.</p> + + <p>"Mother," he cried when he reached home, "I have seen the + Princess, and I have made up my mind to marry her. Thou shalt + go at once to the Sultan, and beg him to give me his + daughter."</p> + + <p>Aladdin's mother stared at her son, and then began to laugh + at such a wild idea. She was almost afraid that Aladdin must be + mad, but he gave her no peace until she did as he wished.</p> + + <p>So the next day she very unwillingly set out for the palace, + carrying the magic fruit wrapped up in a napkin, to present to + the Sultan. There were many other people offering their + petitions that day, and the poor woman was so frightened that + she dared not go forward, and so no one paid any attention to + her as she stood there patiently holding her bundle. For a + whole week she had gone every day to the palace, before the + Sultan noticed her.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page65" + id="page65"></a>[pg 65]</span> + + <p>"Who is that poor woman who comes every day carrying a white + bundle?" he asked.</p> + + <p>Then the Grand Vizier ordered that she should be brought + forward, and she came bowing herself to the ground.</p> + + <p>She was almost too terrified to speak, but when the Sultan + spoke so kindly to her she took courage, and told him of + Aladdin's love for the Princess, and of his bold request, "He + sends you this gift," she continued, and opening the bundle she + presented the magic fruit.</p> + + <p>A cry of wonder went up from all those who stood around, for + never had they beheld such exquisite jewels before. They shone + and sparkled with a thousand lights and colors, and dazzled the + eyes that gazed upon them.</p> + + <p>The Sultan was astounded, and spoke to the Grand Vizier + apart.</p> + + <p>"Surely it is fit that I should give my daughter to one who + can present such a wondrous gift?" he said....</p> + + <p>Now when three months were ended, Aladdin's mother again + presented herself before the Sultan, and reminded him of his + promise, that the Princess should wed her son.</p> + + <p>"I ever abide by my royal word," said the Sultan; "but he + who marries my daughter must first send me forty golden basins + filled to the brim with precious stones. These basins must be + carried by forty black slaves, each led by a white slave + dressed as befits the servants of the Sultan."</p> + + <p>Aladdin's mother returned home in great distress when she + heard this, and told Aladdin what the Sultan had said.</p> + + <p>"Alas, my son!" she cried, "thy hopes are ended."</p> + + <p>"Not so, mother," answered Aladdin. "The Sultan shall not + have long to wait for his answer."</p> + + <p>Then he rubbed the magic lamp, and when the Genie appeared, + he bade him provide the forty golden basins filled with jewels, + and all the slaves which the Sultan had demanded.</p> + + <p>Now when this splendid procession passed through the streets + on its way to the palace, all the people came out to see the + sight, and stood amazed when they saw the golden basins filled + with sparkling gems carried on the heads of the great black + slaves. And when the palace was reached, and the slaves + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page66" id="page66"></a>[pg + 66]</span> presented the jewels to the Sultan, he was so + surprised and delighted that he was more than willing that + Aladdin should marry the Princess at once.</p> + + <p>"Go, fetch thy son," he said to Aladdin's mother, who was + waiting near. "Tell him that this day he shall wed my + daughter."</p> + + <p>But when Aladdin heard the news he refused to hasten at once + to the palace, as his mother advised. First he called the + Genie, and told him to bring a scented bath, and a robe worked + in gold, such as a King might wear. After this he called for + forty slaves to attend him, and six to walk before his mother, + and a horse more beautiful than the Sultan's, and lastly, for + ten thousand pieces of gold put up in ten purses.</p> + + <p>When all these things were ready, and Aladdin was dressed in + his royal robe, he set out for the palace. As he rode along on + his beautiful horse, attended by his forty slaves, he scattered + the golden pieces out of the ten purses among the crowd, and + all the people shouted with joy and delight. No one knew that + this was the idle boy who used to play about the streets but + they thought he was some great foreign Prince.</p> + + <p>Thus Aladdin arrived at the palace in great state, and when + the Sultan had embraced him, he ordered that the wedding feast + should be prepared at once, and that the marriage should take + place that day.</p> + + <p>"Not so, your Majesty," said Aladdin; "I will not marry the + Princess until I have built a palace fit for the daughter of + the Sultan."</p> + + <p>Then he returned home, and once more called up the Slave of + the Lamp.</p> + + <p>"Build me the fairest palace ever beheld by mortal eye," + ordered Aladdin. "Let it be built of marble and jasper and + precious stones. In the midst I would have a great hall, whose + walls shall be of gold and silver, lighted by four-and-twenty + windows. These windows shall all be set with diamonds, rubies, + and other precious stones, and one only shall be left + unfinished. There must also be stables with horses, and slaves + to serve in the palace. Begone, and do thy work quickly."</p> + + <p>And lo! in the morning when Aladdin looked out, there + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page67" id="page67"></a>[pg + 67]</span> stood the most wonderful palace that ever was built. + Its marble walls were flushed a delicate pink in the morning + light, and the jewels flashed from every window.</p> + + <p>Then Aladdin and his mother set off for the Sultan's palace, + and the wedding took place that day. The Princess loved Aladdin + as soon as she saw him, and great were the rejoicings + throughout the city.</p> + + <p>The next day Aladdin invited the Sultan to visit the new + palace, and when he entered the great hall, whose walls were of + gold and silver and whose windows were set with jewels, he was + filled with admiration and astonishment.</p> + + <p>"It is the wonder of the world," he cried. "Never before + have mortal eyes beheld such a beautiful palace. One thing + alone surprises me. Why is there one window left + unfinished?"</p> + + <p>"Your Majesty," answered Aladdin, "this has been done with a + purpose, for I wished that thine own royal hand should have the + honor of putting the finishing touch to my palace."</p> + + <p>The Sultan was so pleased when he heard this, that he sent + at once for all the court jewelers and ordered them to finish + the window like the rest.</p> + + <p>The court jewelers worked for many days, and then sent to + tell the Sultan that they had used up all the jewels they + possessed, and still the window was not half finished. The + Sultan commanded that his own jewels should be given to + complete the work; even when these were used the window was not + finished.</p> + + <p>Then Aladdin ordered the jewelers to stop their work, and to + take back all the Sultan's jewels as well as their own. And + that night he called up the Slave of the Lamp once more, and + bade him finish the window. This was done before the morning, + and great was the surprise of the Sultan and all his + workmen.</p> + + <p>Now Aladdin did not grow proud of his great riches but was + gentle and courteous to all, and kind to the poor, so that the + people all loved him dearly. He fought and won many battles for + the Sultan, and was the greatest favorite in the land.</p> + + <p>But far away in Africa there was trouble brewing for + Aladdin. The wicked old Magician who had pretended to be + Aladdin's uncle found out by his magic powers that the boy had + not <span class="pagenum"><a name="page68" id="page68"></a>[pg + 68]</span> perished when he left him underground, but had + somehow managed to escape and become rich and powerful.</p> + + <p>"He must have discovered the secret of the lamp," shrieked + the Magician, tearing his hair with rage. "I will not rest day + or night until I shall have found some way of taking it from + him."</p> + + <p>So he journeyed from Africa to China, and when he came to + the city where Aladdin lived and saw the wonderful palace, he + nearly choked with fury to see all its splendor and richness. + Then he disguised himself as a merchant, and bought a number of + copper lamps, and with these went from street to street, + crying, "New lamps for old."</p> + + <p>As soon as the people heard his cry, they crowded round him, + laughing and jeering, for they thought he must be mad to make + such an offer.</p> + + <p>Now it happened that Aladdin was out hunting, and the + Princess sat alone in the hall of the jeweled windows. When, + therefore, she heard the noise that was going on in the street + outside, she called to her slaves to ask what it meant.</p> + + <p>Presently one of the slaves came back, laughing so much that + she could hardly speak.</p> + + <p>"It is a curious old man who offers to give new lamps for + old," she cried. "Did any one ever hear before of such a + strange way of trading?"</p> + + <p>The Princess laughed too, and pointed to an old lamp which + hung in a niche close by.</p> + + <p>"There is an old enough lamp," she said. "Take it and see if + the old man will really give a new one for it."</p> + + <p>The slave took it down and ran out to the street once more, + and when the Magician saw that it was indeed what he wanted, he + seized the Magic Lamp with both his hands.</p> + + <p>"Choose any lamp you like," he said, showing her those of + bright new copper. He did not care now what happened. She might + have all the new lamps if she wanted them.</p> + + <p>Then he went a little way outside the city, and when he was + quite alone he took out the Magic Lamp and rubbed it gently. + Immediately the Genie stood before him and asked what was his + will.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page69" + id="page69"></a>[pg 69]</span> + + <p>"I order thee to carry off the palace of Aladdin, with the + Princess inside, and set it down in a lonely spot in + Africa."</p> + + <p>And in an instant the palace, with every one in it, had + disappeared, and when the Sultan happened to look out of his + window, lo! there was no longer a palace to be seen.</p> + + <p>"This must be enchantment," he cried.</p> + + <p>Then he ordered his men to set out and bring Aladdin to him + in chains.</p> + + <p>The officers met Aladdin as he was returning from the hunt, + and they immediately seized him, loaded him with chains, and + carried him off to the Sultan. But as he was borne along, the + people gathered around him, for they loved him dearly, and + vowed that no harm should befall him.</p> + + <p>The Sultan was beside himself with rage when he saw Aladdin, + and gave orders that his head should be cut off at once. But + the people had begun to crowd into the palace, and they were so + fierce and threatening that he dared not do as he wished. He + was obliged to order the chains to be taken off, and Aladdin to + be set free.</p> + + <p>As soon as Aladdin was allowed to speak he asked why all + this was done to him.</p> + + <p>"Wretch!" exclaimed the Sultan, "come hither, and I will + show thee."</p> + + <p>Then he led Aladdin to the window and showed him the empty + space where his palace had once stood.</p> + + <p>"Think not that I care for thy vanished palace," he said. + "But where is the Princess, my daughter?"</p> + + <p>So astonished was Aladdin that for some time he could only + stand speechless, staring at the place where his palace ought + to have been.</p> + + <p>At last he turned to the Sultan.</p> + + <p>"Your Majesty," he said, "grant me grace for one month, and + if by that time I have not brought back thy daughter to thee, + then put me to death as I deserve."</p> + + <p>So Aladdin was set free, and for three days he went about + like a madman, asking every one he met where his palace was. + But no one could tell him, and all laughed at his misery. Then + he went to the river to drown himself; but as he knelt on the + bank <span class="pagenum"><a name="page70" id="page70"></a>[pg + 70]</span> and clasped his hands to say his prayers before + throwing himself in, he once more rubbed the Magic Ring. + Instantly the Genie of the Ring stood before him.</p> + + <p>"What is thy will, O master?" it asked.</p> + + <p>"Bring back my Princess and my palace," cried Aladdin, "and + save my life."</p> + + <p>"That I cannot do," said the Slave of the Ring. "Only the + Slave of the Lamp has power to bring back thy palace."</p> + + <p>"Then take me to the place where my palace now stands," said + Aladdin, "and put me down beneath the window of the + Princess."</p> + + <p>And almost before Aladdin had done speaking he found himself + in Africa, beneath the windows of his own palace.</p> + + <p>He was so weary that he lay down and fell fast asleep; but + before long, when day dawned, he was awakened by the song of + the birds, and as he looked around his courage returned. He was + now sure that all his misfortunes must have been caused by the + loss of the Magic Lamp, and he determined to find out as soon + as possible who had stolen it.</p> + + <p>That same morning the Princess awoke feeling happier than + she had felt since she had been carried off. The sun was + shining so brightly, and the birds were singing so gaily, that + she went to the window to greet the opening day. And who should + she see standing beneath her window but Aladdin!</p> + + <p>With a cry of joy she threw open the casement and the sound + made Aladdin look up. It was not long before he made his way + through a secret door and held her in his arms.</p> + + <p>"Tell me, Princess," said Aladdin, when they had joyfully + embraced each other many times, "what has become of the old + lamp which hung in a niche of the great hall?"</p> + + <p>"Alas! my husband," answered the Princess, "I fear my + carelessness has been the cause of all our misfortunes."</p> + + <p>Then she told him how the wicked old Magician had pretended + to be a merchant, and had offered new lamps for old, and how he + had thus managed to secure the Magic Lamp.</p> + + <p>"He has it still," she added, "for I know that he carries it + always, hidden in his robe."</p> + + <p>"Princess," said Aladdin, "I must recover this lamp, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page71" id="page71"></a>[pg + 71]</span> thou shalt help me. To-night when the Magician dines + with thee, dress thyself in thy costliest robes, and be kind + and gracious to him. Then bid him fetch some of the wines of + Africa, and when he is gone, I will tell thee what thou shalt + do."</p> + + <p>So that night the Princess put on her most beautiful robes, + and looked so lovely and was so kind when the Magician came in, + that he could scarcely believe his eyes. For she had been sad + and angry ever since he had carried her off.</p> + + <p>"I believe now that Aladdin must be dead," she said, "and I + have made up my mind to mourn no longer. Let us begin our + feast. But see! I grow weary of these wines of China, fetch me + instead the wine of thy own country."</p> + + <p>Now Aladdin had meanwhile prepared a powder which he + directed the Princess to place in her own wine-cup. So when the + Magician returned with the African wine, she filled her cup and + offered it to him in token of friendship. The Magician drank it + up eagerly, and scarcely had he finished when he dropped down + dead.</p> + + <p>Then Aladdin came out of the next chamber where he had + hidden himself, and searched in the Magician's robe until he + found the Magic Lamp. He rubbed it joyfully, and when the Genie + appeared, ordered that the palace should be carried back to + China, and set down in its own place.</p> + + <p>The following morning, when the Sultan rose early, for he + was too sad to take much rest, he went to the window to gaze on + the place where Aladdin's palace had once stood. He rubbed his + eyes, and stared wildly about.</p> + + <p>"This must be a dream," he cried, for there stood the palace + in all its beauty, looking fairer than ever in the morning + light.</p> + + <p>Not a moment did the Sultan lose, but he rode over to the + palace at once, and when he had embraced Aladdin and his + daughter, they told him the whole story of the African + Magician. Then Aladdin showed him the dead body of the wicked + old man, and there was peace between them once more.</p> + + <p>But there was still trouble in store for Aladdin. The + African Magician had a younger brother who also dealt in magic, + and who was if possible even more wicked than his elder + brother.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page72" + id="page72"></a>[pg 72]</span> + + <p>Full of revenge, this younger brother started for China, + determined to punish Aladdin and steal the Magic Lamp for + himself. As soon as he arrived he went in secret to the cell of + a holy woman called Fatima, and obliged her to give him her + robe and veil as a disguise. Then to keep the secret safe he + killed the poor woman.</p> + + <p>Dressed in the robe and veil, the wicked Magician walked + through the streets near Aladdin's palace, and all the people + as he passed by knelt and kissed his robe, for they thought he + was indeed the holy woman.</p> + + <p>As soon as the Princess heard that Fatima was passing by in + the street, she sent and commanded her to be brought into the + hall, and she treated the supposed holy woman with great + respect and kindness, for she had often longed to see her.</p> + + <p>"Is not this a fine hall?" she asked, as they sat together + in the hall of the jeweled windows.</p> + + <p>"It is indeed most beautiful," answered the Magician, who + kept his veil carefully down, "but to my mind there is one + thing wanting. If only thou couldst have a roc's egg hung in + the dome it would be perfect."</p> + + <p>As soon as the Princess heard these words she became + discontented and miserable, and when Aladdin came in, she + looked so sad that he at once asked what was the matter.</p> + + <p>"I can never be happy until I have a roc's egg hanging from + the dome of the great hall," she answered.</p> + + <p>"In that case thou shalt soon be happy," said Aladdin gaily, + and taking down the lamp, he summoned the Genie.</p> + + <p>But when the Slave of the Lamp heard the order his face grew + terrible with rage, and his eyes gleamed like burning + coals.</p> + + <p>"Vile wretch!" he shrieked, "have I not given thee all thy + wishes, and now dost thou ask me to kill my master, and hang + him as an ornament in thy palace? Thou deservest truly to die; + but I know that the request cometh not from thine own heart, + but was the suggestion of that wicked Magician who pretends to + be a holy woman."</p> + + <p>With these words the Genie vanished, and. Aladdin went at + once to the room where the Princess was awaiting + him.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page73" + id="page73"></a>[pg 73]</span> + + <p>"I have a headache," he said. "Call the holy woman, that she + may place her hand upon my forehead and ease the pain."</p> + + <p>But the moment that the false Fatima appeared Aladdin sprang + up and plunged his dagger into that evil heart.</p> + + <p>"What hast thou done?" cried the Princess. "Alas! thou hast + slain the holy woman."</p> + + <p>"This is no holy woman," answered Aladdin, "but an evil + Magician whose purpose was to destroy us both."</p> + + <p>So Aladdin was saved from the wicked design of the two + Magicians, and there was no one left to disturb his peace. He + and the Princess lived together in great happiness for many + years, and when the Sultan died they succeeded to the throne, + and ruled both wisely and well. And so there was great peace + throughout the land.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>THE ENCHANTED HORSE</h4> + + <p>It was New Year's day in Persia, the most splendid feast-day + of all the year, and the King had been entertained, hour after + hour, by the wonderful shows prepared for him by his people. + Evening was drawing on and the court was just about to retire, + when an Indian appeared, leading a horse which he wished to + show to the King. It was not a real horse, but it was so + wonderfully made that it looked exactly as if it were + alive.</p> + + <p>"Your Majesty," cried the Indian, as he bowed himself to the + ground, "I beg thou wilt look upon this wonder. Nothing thou + hast seen to-day can equal this horse of mine. I have only to + mount upon its back and wish myself in any part of the world, + and it carries me there in a few minutes." Now the King of + Persia was very fond of curious and clever things, so he looked + at the horse with great interest.</p> + + <p>"It seems only a common horse," he said, "but thou shalt + show us what it can do."</p> + + <p>Then he pointed to a distant mountain, and bade the Indian + to fetch a branch from the palm-trees which grew near its + foot.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page74" + id="page74"></a>[pg 74]</span> + + <p>The Indian vaulted into the saddle, turned a little peg in + the horse's neck, and in a moment was flying so swiftly through + the air that he soon disappeared from sight. In less than a + quarter of an hour he reappeared, and laid the palm-branch at + the King's feet.</p> + + <p>"Thou art right," cried the King; "thy enchanted horse is + the most wonderful thing I have yet seen. What is its price? I + must have it for my own."</p> + + <p>The Indian shook his head.</p> + + <p>"Your Majesty," he said, "this horse can never be sold for + money, but can only be exchanged for something of equal value. + It shall be thine only if thou wilt give me instead the + Princess, your daughter, for my wife."</p> + + <p>At these words the King's son sprang to his feet.</p> + + <p>"Sire," he cried, "thou wilt never dream of granting such a + request."</p> + + <p>"My son," answered the King, "at whatever cost I must have + this wonderful horse. But before I agree to the exchange, I + would wish thee to try the horse, and tell me what thou + thinkest of it."</p> + + <p>The Indian, who stood listening to what they said, was quite + willing that the Prince should try the Enchanted Horse, and + began to give him directions how to guide it. But as soon as + the Prince was in the saddle and saw the peg which made the + horse start, he never waited to hear more. He turned the screw + at once, and went flying off through the air.</p> + + <p>"Alas!" cried the Indian, "he has gone off without learning + how to come back. Never will he be able to stop the horse + unless he finds the second peg."</p> + + <p>The King was terribly frightened when he heard the Indian's + words, for, by this time, the Prince had disappeared from + sight.</p> + + <p>"Wretch," he cried, "thou shalt be cast into prison, and + unless my son returns in safety, thou shalt be put to + death."</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the Prince had gone gaily sailing up into the air + until he reached the clouds, and could no longer see the earth + below. This was very pleasant, and he felt that he had never + had such a delicious ride in his life before. But presently he + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page75" id="page75"></a>[pg + 75]</span> began to think it was time to descend. He screwed + the peg round and round, backwards and forwards, but it seemed + to make no difference. Instead of coming down he sailed higher + and higher, until he thought he was going to knock his head + against the blue sky.</p> + + <p>What was to be done? The Prince began to grow a little + nervous, and he felt over the horse's neck to see if there was + another peg to be found anywhere. To his joy, just behind the + ear. He touched a small screw, and when he turned it, he felt + he was going slower and slower, and gently turning round. Then + he shouted with joy as the Enchanted Horse flew downwards + through the starry night, and he saw, stretched out before him, + a beautiful city gleaming white through the purple mantle of + the night.</p> + + <p>Everything was strange to him, and he did not know in what + direction to guide the horse, so he let it go where it would, + and presently it stopped on the roof of a great marble palace. + There was a gallery running round the roof, and at the end of + the gallery there was a door leading down some white marble + steps.</p> + + <p>The Prince began at once to descend the steps, and found + himself in a great hall where a row of black slaves were + sleeping soundly, guarding the entrance to a room beyond.</p> + + <p>Very softly the Prince crept past the guards, and lifting + the curtain from the door, looked in.</p> + + <p>And there he saw a splendid room lighted by a thousand + lights and filled with sleeping slaves, and in the middle, upon + a sofa, was the most beautiful Princess his eyes had ever gazed + upon.</p> + + <p>She was so lovely that the Prince held his breath with + admiration as he looked at her. Then he went softly to her + side, and, kneeling by the sofa, gently touched her hand. The + Princess sighed and opened her eyes, but before she could cry + out, he begged her in a whisper to be silent and fear + nothing.</p> + + <p>"I am a Prince," he said, "the son of the King of Persia. I + am in danger of my life here, and crave thy protection."</p> + + <p>Now this Princess was no other than the daughter of the King + of Bengal, who happened to be staying alone in her summer + palace outside the city.</p> + + <p>"I will protect thee," said the Princess kindly, giving him + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page76" id="page76"></a>[pg + 76]</span> her hand. Then she awoke her slaves and bade them + give the stranger food and prepare a sleeping-room for him.</p> + + <p>"I long to hear thy adventures and how thou camest here," + she said to the Prince, "but first thou must rest and refresh + thyself."</p> + + <p>Never before had the Princess seen any one so gallant and + handsome as this strange young Prince. She dressed herself in + her loveliest robes, and twined her hair with her most precious + jewels, that she might appear as beautiful as possible in his + eyes. And when the Prince saw her again, he thought her the + most charming Princess in all the world, and he loved her with + all his heart. But when he had told her all his adventures she + sighed to think that he must now leave her and return to his + father's court.</p> + + <p>"Do not grieve," he said, "I will return in state as befits + a Prince, and demand thy hand in marriage from the King thy + father."</p> + + <p>"Stay but a few days ere thou goest," replied the Princess. + "I cannot part with thee so soon."</p> + + <p>The Prince was only too willing to wait a while, and the + Princess entertained him so well with feasts and + hunting-parties that day after day slipped by, and still he + lingered.</p> + + <p>At last, however, the thought of his home and his father's + grief made him decide to return at once.</p> + + <p>"My Princess," he said, "since it is so hard to part, wilt + thou not ride with me upon the Enchanted Horse? When we are + once more in Persia our marriage shall take place, and then we + will return to the King thy father."</p> + + <p>So together they mounted the Enchanted Horse and the Prince + placed his arm around the Princess and turned the magic peg. Up + and up they flew over land and sea, and then the Prince turned + the other screw, and they landed just outside his father's + city. He guided the horse to a palace outside the gates, and + there he left the Princess, for he wished to go alone to + prepare his father.</p> + + <p>Now when the Prince reached the court he found every one + dressed in brown, and all the bells of the city were tolling + mournfully.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page77" + id="page77"></a>[pg 77]</span> + + <p>"Why is every one so sad?" he asked of one of the + guards.</p> + + <p>"The Prince, the Prince!" cried the man. "The Prince has + come back."</p> + + <p>And soon the joyful news spread over the town, and the bells + stopped tolling and rang a joyful peal.</p> + + <p>"My beloved son!" cried the King, as he embraced him. "We + thought thou wert lost for ever, and we have mourned for thee + day and night."</p> + + <p>Without waiting to hear more, the Prince began to tell the + King all his adventures, and how the Princess of Bengal awaited + him in the palace outside the gates.</p> + + <p>"Let her be brought here instantly," cried the King, "and + the marriage shall take place to-day."</p> + + <p>Then he ordered that the Indian should be set free at once + and allowed to depart with the Enchanted Horse.</p> + + <p>Great was the surprise of the Indian when, instead of having + his head cut off as he had expected, he was allowed to go free + with his wonderful horse. He asked what adventures had befallen + the Prince, and when he heard of the Princess who was waiting + in the palace outside the gates, a wicked plan came into his + head.</p> + + <p>He took the Enchanted Horse, and went straight to the palace + before the King's messengers could reach it.</p> + + <p>"Tell the Princess," he said to the slaves, "that the Prince + of Persia has sent me to bring her to his father's palace upon + the Enchanted Horse."</p> + + <p>The Princess was very glad when she heard this message, and + she quickly made herself ready to go with the messenger.</p> + + <p>But alas! as soon as the Indian turned the peg and the horse + flew through the air, she found she was being carried off, far + away from Persia and her beloved Prince.</p> + + <p>All her prayers and entreaties were in vain. The Indian only + mocked at her, and told her he meant to marry her himself.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the Prince and his attendants had arrived at the + palace outside the gates, only to find that the Indian had been + there before them and had carried off the Princess.</p> + + <p>The Prince was nearly beside himself with grief, but he + still <span class="pagenum"><a name="page78" + id="page78"></a>[pg 78]</span> hoped to find his bride. He + disguised himself as a dervish and set off to seek for her, + vowing that he would find her, or perish in the attempt.</p> + + <p>By this time the Enchanted Horse had traveled many hundreds + of miles. Then, as the Indian was hungry, it was made to + descend into a wood close to a town of Cashmere.</p> + + <p>Here the Indian went in search of food, and when he returned + with some fruit he shared it with the Princess, who was faint + and weary.</p> + + <p>As soon as the Princess had eaten a little she felt stronger + and braver, and as she heard horses galloping past, she called + out loudly for help.</p> + + <p>The men on horseback came riding at once to her aid, and she + quickly told them who she was, and how the Indian had carried + her off against her will. Then the leader of the horsemen, who + was the Sultan of Cashmere, ordered his men to cut off the + Indian's head. But he placed the Princess upon his horse and + led her to his palace.</p> + + <p>Now the Princess thought that her troubles were all at an + end, but she was much mistaken. The Sultan had no sooner seen + her than he made up his mind to marry her, and he ordered the + wedding preparations to be begun without loss of time.</p> + + <p>In vain the Princess begged to be sent back to Persia. The + Sultan only smiled and fixed the wedding-day. Then when she saw + that nothing would turn him from his purpose, she thought of a + plan to save herself. She began talking all the nonsense she + could think of and behaving as if she were mad, and so well did + she pretend, that the wedding was put off, and all the doctors + were called in to see if they could cure her.</p> + + <p>But whenever a doctor came near the Princess she became so + wild and violent that he dared not even feel her pulse, so none + of them discovered that she was only pretending.</p> + + <p>The Sultan was in great distress, and sent far and near for + the cleverest doctors. But none of them seemed to be able to + cure the Princess of her madness.</p> + + <p>All this time the Prince of Persia was wandering about in + search of his Princess, and when he came to one of the great + cities of India, he heard every one talking about the sad + illness <span class="pagenum"><a name="page79" + id="page79"></a>[pg 79]</span> of the Princess of Bengal who + was to have married the Sultan. He at once disguised himself as + a doctor and went to the palace, saying he had come to cure the + Princess.</p> + + <p>The Sultan received the new doctor with joy, and led him at + once to the room where the Princess sat alone, weeping and + wringing her hands.</p> + + <p>"Your Majesty," said the disguised Prince, "no one else must + enter the room with me, or the cure will fail."</p> + + <p>So the Sultan left him, and the Prince went close to the + Princess, and gently touched her hand.</p> + + <p>"My beloved Princess," he said, "dost thou not know me?"</p> + + <p>As soon as the Princess heard that dear voice she threw + herself into the Prince's arms, and her joy was so great that + she could not speak.</p> + + <p>"We must at once plan our escape," said the Prince. "Canst + thou tell me what has become of the Enchanted Horse?"</p> + + <p>"Naught can I tell thee of it, dear Prince," answered the + Princess, "but since the Sultan knows its value, no doubt he + has kept it in some safe place."</p> + + <p>"Then first we must persuade the Sultan that thou art almost + cured," said the Prince. "Put on thy costliest robes and dine + with him to-night, and I will do the rest."</p> + + <p>The Sultan was charmed to find the Princess so much better, + and his joy knew no bounds when the new doctor told him that he + hoped by the next day to complete the cure.</p> + + <p>"I find that the Princess has somehow been infected by the + magic of the Enchanted Horse," he said. "If thou wilt have the + horse brought out into the great square, and place the Princess + upon its back, I will prepare some magic perfumes which will + dispel the enchantment. Let all the people be gathered together + to see the sight, and let the Princess be arrayed in her + richest dress and decked with all her jewels."</p> + + <p>So next morning the Enchanted Horse was brought out into the + crowded square, and the Princess was mounted upon its back. + Then the disguised Prince placed four braziers of burning coals + round the horse and threw into them a perfume of a most + delicious scent. The smoke of the perfume rose in thick clouds, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page80" id="page80"></a>[pg + 80]</span> almost hiding the Princess, and at that moment the + Prince leaped into the saddle behind her, turned the peg, and + sailed away into the blue sky.</p> + + <p>But as he swept past the Sultan, he cried aloud, "Sultan of + Cashmere, next time thou dost wish to wed a Princess, ask her + first if she be willing to wed thee."</p> + + <p>So this was the manner in which the Prince of Persia carried + off the Princess of Bengal for the second time. The Enchanted + Horse never stopped until it had carried them safely back to + Persia, and there they were married amid great rejoicings.</p> + + <p>But what became of the Enchanted Horse? Ah! that is a + question which no one can answer.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/80.jpg" name="fig80s" + id="fig80s"><img width="300" src="images/80s.jpg" + alt="HINDBAD WAS CARRYING A VERY HEAVY LOAD" /></a><br /> + hindbad was carrying a very heavy load + </div> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>SINDBAD THE SAILOR</h4> + + <p>In the city of Bagdad, far away in Persia, there lived a + poor man called Hindbad. He was a porter, and one hot + afternoon, as he was carrying a very heavy load, he stopped to + rest in a quiet street near a beautiful house which he had + never seen before. The pavement outside was sprinkled with + rose-water, which felt very cool and pleasant to his hot, weary + feet, and from the open windows came the most delicious scents + which perfumed all the air.</p> + + <p>Hindbad wondered who lived in this beautiful house, and + presently he went up to one of the splendidly dressed servants, + who was standing at the door, and asked to whom it belonged. + The servant stared in amazement.</p> + + <p>"Dost thou indeed live in Bagdad and knowest not my master's + name?" he said. "He is the great Sindbad the Sailor, the man + who has sailed all round the world, and who has had the most + wonderful adventures under the sun."</p> + + <p>Now Hindbad had often heard of this wonderful man and of his + great riches, and as he looked at the beautiful palace and saw + the splendidly dressed servants it made him feel sad and + envious. As he turned away sighing, to take up his load again, + he looked up into the blue sky, and said + aloud:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page81" + id="page81"></a>[pg 81]</span> + + <p>"What a difference there is between this man's lot and mine. + He has all that he wants, and nothing to do but to spend money + and enjoy a pleasant life, while I have to work hard to get dry + bread enough to keep myself and my children alive. What has he + done that he should be so lucky, and what have I done that I + should be so miserable?"</p> + + <p>Just then one of the servants touched him on the shoulder, + and said to him: "My noble master wishes to see thee, and has + bidden me fetch thee to him."</p> + + <p>The poor porter was frightened at first, for he thought some + one might have overheard what he had been saying, but the + servant took his arm and led him into the great dining-hall. + There were many guests seated round the table, on which was + spread a most delicious feast, and at the head of the table sat + a grave, stately old man with a long white beard. This was + Sindbad the Sailor. He smiled kindly on poor frightened + Hindbad, and made a sign that he should come and sit at his + right hand. Then all the most delicious things on the table + were offered by the servants to Hindbad, and his glass was + filled with the choicest wine, so that he began to feel it must + all be a dream.</p> + + <p>But when the feast was over Sindbad turned to him and asked + him what it was he had been saying outside the window just + before he came in.</p> + + <p>Then Hindbad was very much ashamed, and hung his head as he + answered: "My lord, I was tired and ill-tempered, and I said + foolish words, which I trust thou wilt now pardon."</p> + + <p>"Oh," replied Sindbad, "I am not so unjust as to blame thee. + I am indeed only sorry for thee. But thou wert wrong in + thinking that I have always led an easy life, and that these + riches came to me without trouble or suffering. I have won them + by years of toil and danger."</p> + + <p>Then turning to his other guests he said, "Yes, my friends, + the tale of my adventures is enough to warn every one of you + never to go in search of wealth. I have never told you the + story of my voyages, but if you will listen I will begin this + very night."</p> + + <p>So the servants were ordered to carry home the porter's + load, that he might stay in Sindbad's palace that evening and + listen to the story.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page82" + id="page82"></a>[pg 82]</span> + + <p>"My father left me a great deal of money when I was a young + man, but I spent it so quickly and foolishly that I began to + see it would soon all be gone. This made me stop and think, for + I did not like the idea of being poor. So I counted up all the + money that remained, and made up my mind that I would trade + with it. I joined a company of merchants, and we set sail in a + good ship, meaning to go from place to place, and sell or + exchange our goods at whatever towns we stopped. And so began + my first voyage.</p> + + <p>"For the first few days I could think of nothing but the + heaving of the waves; but by and by I began to feel better, and + never again was I at all unhappy upon the sea. One afternoon, + when the wind had suddenly dropped and we were lying becalmed, + we found ourselves near a little low green island, which looked + like a meadow, and only just showed above the sea. The captain + of the ship gave us permission to land, and presently we were + all enjoying ourselves on the green meadow. We walked about for + some time and then sat down to rest, and some of us set to work + to light a fire, that we might make our evening meal.</p> + + <p>"But scarcely had the fire begun to burn, when we heard loud + shouts from the ship warning us to come back at once, for what + we had taken to be an island was indeed the back of a sleeping + whale. My companions all rushed to the boats, but before I + could follow them the great monster dived down and disappeared, + leaving me struggling in the water.</p> + + <p>"I clung to a piece of wood which we had brought from the + ship to make the fire, and I could only hope that I would soon + be picked up by my companions. But alas! there was so much + confusion on board that no one missed me, and as a wind sprang + up the captain set sail, and I was left alone at the mercy of + the waves.</p> + + <p>"All night long I floated, and when morning came I was so + tired and weak that I thought I must die. But just then a great + wave lifted me up and threw me against the steep side of an + island, and to my joy I managed to climb the cliff and rest on + the green grass above.</p> + + <p>"Soon I began to feel better, and as I was very hungry I + went <span class="pagenum"><a name="page83" id="page83"></a>[pg + 83]</span> to look for something to eat. I found some plants + which tasted good, and a spring of clear water, and having made + a good meal, I walked about the island to see what I would find + next.</p> + + <p>"Before long I came to a great meadow where a horse was + tied, and as I stood looking at it, I heard men's voices which + sounded as if they came from under the earth. Then from an + underground cave a man appeared, who asked me who I was and + where I came from. He took me into the cave where his + companions were, and they told me they were the grooms + belonging to the King of the island, whose horses they brought + to feed in the meadow. They gave me a good meal, and told me it + was very lucky that I had come just then, for next day, they + meant to return to their master, and would show me the way, + which I could never have found for myself.</p> + + <p>"So we set off together early next morning, and when we + reached the city I was very kindly received by the King. He + listened to the story of my adventures, and then bade his + servants see that I wanted for nothing.</p> + + <p>"As I was a merchant I took great interest in the shipping, + and often went down to the quay to see the boats unload. One + day when I was looking over a cargo which had just been landed, + what was my astonishment to see a number of bales with my own + name marked on them. I went at once to the captain and asked + him who was the owner of these bales of goods.</p> + + <p>"'Ah!' replied the captain, 'they belonged to a merchant of + Bagdad called Sindbad. But he, alas! perished in a dreadful way + soon after we sailed, for with a number of people belonging to + my ship he landed on what looked like a green island, but which + was really the back of a great sleeping whale. As soon as the + monster felt the warmth of the fire which they had lighted on + his back, he woke up and dived below the sea. Many of my men + were drowned, and among them poor Sindbad. Now I mean to sell + his goods that I may give the money to his relations when I + find them.'</p> + + <p>"'Captain,' said I, 'these bales are mine, for I am that + Sindbad who thou sayest was drowned.'</p> + + <p>"'What wickedness there is in the world,' cried the captain. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page84" id="page84"></a>[pg + 84]</span> 'How canst thou pretend to be Sindbad when I saw him + drowned before my eyes?'</p> + + <p>"But presently, when I had told him all that had happened to + me, and when the other merchants from the ship knew me to be + the true Sindbad, he was overjoyed, and ordered that the bales + should be at once given to me.</p> + + <p>"Now I was able to give the King a handsome present, and + after I had traded with my goods for sandal-wood, nutmegs, + ginger, pepper and cloves, I set sail once more with the kind + old captain. On the way home I was able to sell all my spices + at a good price, so that when I landed I found I had a hundred + thousand sequins.</p> + + <p>"My family were delighted to see me again, and I soon bought + some land and built a splendid house, in which I meant to live + happily and forget all the troubles through which I had + passed."</p> + + <p>Here Sindbad ended the story of his first voyage. He ordered + the music to strike up and the feast to go on, and when it was + over he gave the poor porter Hindbad a hundred gold pieces and + told him to come back at the same time next evening if he + wished to hear the tale of the second voyage.</p> + + <p>Hindbad went joyfully home, and you can imagine how happy + the poor family were that night.</p> + + <p>Next evening he set out once more for Sindbad's house, + dressed in his best clothes. There he enjoyed a splendid supper + as before, and when it was over Sindbad said:</p> + + <p>"I was very happy for some time at home, but before long I + began to grow weary of leading an idle life. I longed to be + upon the sea again, to feel the good ship bounding over the + waves, and to hear the wind whistling through the rigging.</p> + + <p>"So I set to work at once and bought all kinds of goods that + I might sell again in foreign lands, and then, having found a + suitable ship, I set sail with other merchants, and so began my + second voyage.</p> + + <p>"We stopped at many places, and sold our goods at a great + profit, and all went well until one day when we landed on a new + island. It was a most beautiful place, fair as the garden of + Eden, where exquisite flowers made a perfect rainbow of color + and delicious fruits hung in ripe clusters + above.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page85" + id="page85"></a>[pg 85]</span> + + <p>"Here, under the shadow of the tree, I sat down to rest and + to feast my eyes upon all the loveliness around. I ate the food + I had brought with me, drank my wine, and then closed my eyes. + The soft music of the stream which flowed close by was like a + song in my ears, and, before I knew what I was doing, I fell + asleep.</p> + + <p>"I cannot tell how long I slept, but when at last I opened + my eyes, I could not see my companions anywhere, and when I + looked towards the sea, to my horror I found the ship was gone. + It was sailing away, a white speck in the distance, and here + was I, left alone upon this desert island. I cried aloud and + wrung my hands with grief, and wished with all my heart that I + had stayed safely at home. But what was the use of wishing that + now?</p> + + <p>"So I climbed into a high tree, and looked around to see if + I could by any means find a way of escape from the island. + First I looked towards the sea, but there was no hope for me + there, and then I turned and looked inland. The first thing + that caught my eye was a huge white dome, that seemed to rise + from the center of the island, unlike anything I had ever seen + before.</p> + + <p>"I climbed down the tree, and made my way towards the white + dome as quickly as I could, but when I reached it, it puzzled + me more than ever. It was like a great smooth ball, much too + slippery to climb, and into it there was no door or entrance of + any sort. I walked round and round it, wondering what it could + be, when suddenly a dark shadow fell upon everything and it + grew black as night.</p> + + <p>"I gazed upwards in great fear, and knew that the shadow was + cast by a great bird with outspread wings hovering over the + place where I stood and shutting out heaven's light. As I + looked, it suddenly came swooping down, and sat upon the white + dome.</p> + + <p>"Then it flashed into my mind that this must be the bird + which I had heard sailors talk of, called a roc, and the smooth + white ball must be its egg.</p> + + <p>"Quick as thought, I unbound my turban, and twisted it into + a rope. Then I wound it round and round my waist, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page86" id="page86"></a>[pg + 86]</span> tied the two ends tightly round the roc's leg, which + was close to where I stood.</p> + + <p>"'It will fly away soon, and carry me away with it off this + desert island,' I said to myself joyfully.</p> + + <p>"And sure enough, before very long I felt myself lifted off + the ground, and carried up and up until it seemed as if we had + reached the clouds. Then the huge bird began to sink down + again, and when it reached the ground I quickly untied my + turban, and set myself free.</p> + + <p>"I was so small, compared to the roc, that it had never even + noticed me, but darted off towards a great black object lying + near, which it seized with its beak and carried off. Imagine my + horror when I looked again and saw other dark objects, and + discovered that they were great black snakes.</p> + + <p>"Here was I, in a deep valley, with mountains rising sheer + up on every side, and nothing to be seen among the rocks but + those terrible black snakes.</p> + + <p>"'Oh!' I cried, 'why did I ever try to leave the desert + island? I have indeed only come into worse misfortune.'</p> + + <p>"As I looked around, I noticed that the ground was strewn + with sparkling stones, which seemed to quiver with light, and + when I looked nearer, I found they were diamonds of + extraordinary size, although lying about like common pebbles. + At first I was delighted, but they soon ceased to please me, + for I feared each moment I might be seized by one of the + terrible snakes.</p> + + <p>"These snakes were so large that they could easily have + swallowed an elephant, and although they lay quiet during the + day, and hid themselves for fear of the roc, at night they came + out in search of food. I managed to find a cave among the rocks + before nightfall, and there I sat in fear and trembling until + morning, when I once more went out into the valley.</p> + + <p>"As I sat thinking what I should do next, I saw a great + piece of raw meat come bounding down into the valley, from rock + to rock. Then another piece followed, and another, until + several large pieces lay at my feet.</p> + + <p>"Then I remembered a tale which travelers had told me about + the famous Diamond Valley. They said that every + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page87" id="page87"></a>[pg + 87]</span> year, when the young eagles were hatched, merchants + went to the heights above, and rolled down great pieces of raw + meat into the valley. The diamonds on which the meat fell would + often stick into the soft flesh, and then when the eagles came, + and carried off the meat to feed their young ones, the + merchants would beat them off their nests, and take the + diamonds out of the meat.</p> + + <p>"I had never believed this wonderful tale, but now indeed I + knew it to be true, and felt sure that I was in the famous + Diamond Valley.</p> + + <p>"I had quite given up all hope of escape, for there was no + possible way of climbing out of the valley, but as I watched + the eagles carry off the lumps of raw meat, I thought of a + plan, and hope revived.</p> + + <p>"First of all I searched around, and filled all my pockets + with the biggest diamonds I could find. Then I chose out the + largest piece of meat and fastened myself securely to it, with + the rope made out of my turban. I knew that the eagles would + soon come for more food, so I lay flat on the ground, with the + meat uppermost, and holding on tightly, I waited for what would + happen next. I had not long to wait before a gigantic eagle + came swooping down. It seized the meat and carried it and me + swiftly up, until it reached its nest high among the mountain + rocks. And no sooner had it dropped me into the nest, than a + man climbed out from behind the rock, and with loud cries + frightened the eagle away. Then this man, who was the merchant + to whom the nest belonged, came eagerly to look for his piece + of meat. When he saw me, he started back in surprise and + anger.</p> + + <p>"'What doest thou here?' he asked roughly. 'How dost thou + dare to try and steal my diamonds?'</p> + + <p>"'Have patience,' I answered calmly, 'I am no thief, and + when thou hast heard my story thou wilt pity and not blame me. + As for diamonds, I have some here which will more than make up + to thee for thy disappointment.'</p> + + <p>"Then I told him and the other merchants all my adventures, + and they cast up their eyes to heaven in surprise at my + courage, and the wonderful manner in which I had managed to + escape <span class="pagenum"><a name="page88" + id="page88"></a>[pg 88]</span> so many dangers. Pulling out a + handful of diamonds, I then passed the precious stones round + among them, and they all declared them to be the finest they + had ever seen.</p> + + <p>"'Thou shalt choose one, to make up for thy disappointment,' + I said to the merchant who had found me.</p> + + <p>"'I will choose this small one,' he replied, picking out one + of the least of the glistening heap.</p> + + <p>"I urged him to take a larger one, but he only shook his + head.</p> + + <p>"'This one will bring me all the wealth I can desire,' he + said, 'and I need no longer risk my life seeking for more.'</p> + + <p>"Then we all set off for the nearest port, where we found a + ship ready to carry us home. We had many adventures on the way, + but at last we reached our journey's end, and when I had sold + my diamonds, I had so much money that I gave a great deal to + the poor, and lived in even greater splendor than before."</p> + + <p>Here Sindbad paused, and ordered that another hundred gold + pieces should be given to Hindbad, and that he should depart. + But next evening when the guests had all assembled and Hindbad + had also returned, Sindbad began once more to tell them a story + of his adventures.</p> + + <p>"This time," began Sindbad, "I stayed at home for the space + of a whole year, and then I prepared to set out on another + voyage. My friends and relations did all in their power to + prevent my going, but I could not be persuaded, and before long + I set sail in a ship which was about to make a very long + voyage.</p> + + <p>"Nothing went well with us from the beginning. We were + driven out of our course by storms and tempests, and the + captain and pilot knew not where we were. When at last they + found out in which direction we had drifted, things seemed in a + worse state than ever. We were alarmed to see the captain + suddenly pull off his turban, tear the hair from his beard, and + beat his head as if he were mad.</p> + + <p>"'What is the matter?' we asked, gathering round him.</p> + + <p>"'Alas!' he cried, 'we are lost. The ship is now caught in a + dangerous current from which nothing can save her and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page89" id="page89"></a>[pg + 89]</span> us. In a very few moments we shall all be dashed to + pieces.'</p> + + <p>"No sooner had he spoken than the ship was carried along at + a tremendous speed straight on to a rocky shore which lay at + the foot of a steep mountain.</p> + + <p>"But although the ship was dashed to pieces, we all managed + to escape, and were thrown with our goods and some provisions + high on to the rocky strip of shore. Here we found the + scattered remains of many wrecks, and quantities of bones + bleached white in the sun.</p> + + <p>"'We may prepare ourselves for death,' said the captain + mournfully. 'No man has ever escaped from this shore, for it is + impossible to climb the mountain behind us, and no ship dare + approach to save us.'</p> + + <p>"But nevertheless he divided the provisions among us, that + we might live as long as possible.</p> + + <p>"One thing that surprised me greatly was a river of fresh + water which flowed out of the mountain, and, instead of running + into the sea, disappeared into a rocky cavern on the other side + of the shore. As I gazed into the mouth of this cavern I saw + that it was lined with sparkling gems, and that the bed of the + river was studded with rubies and diamonds and all manner of + precious stones. Great quantities of these were also scattered + around, and treasures from the wrecked ships lay in every + corner of the shore.</p> + + <p>"One by one my companions died as they came to the end of + their food, and one by one I buried them, until at last I was + left quite alone. I was able to live on very little, and so my + food had lasted longer.</p> + + <p>"'Woe is me!' I cried, 'who shall bury me when I die? Why, + oh! why was I not content to remain safe and happy at + home?'</p> + + <p>"As I bemoaned my evil fate I wandered to the banks of the + river, and as I watched it disappear into the rocky cave a + happy thought came to me. Surely if this stream entered the + mountain it must have an opening somewhere, and if I could only + follow its course I might yet escape.</p> + + <p>"Eagerly I began to make a strong raft of the wood and + planks which were scattered all over the shore. Then I + collected as many diamonds and rubies and as much wrecked + treasure as <span class="pagenum"><a name="page90" + id="page90"></a>[pg 90]</span> my raft would hold, and took my + last little store of food. I launched the raft with great care, + and soon found myself floating swiftly along until I + disappeared into the dark passage of the cavern.</p> + + <p>"On and on I went through the thick darkness, the passage + seeming to grow smaller and narrower until I was obliged to lie + flat on the raft for fear of striking my head. My food was now + all gone, and I gave myself up for lost, and then mercifully I + fell into a deep sleep which must have lasted many hours. I was + awakened by the sound of strange voices, and jumping up, what + was my joy to find I was once more in heaven's sunshine.</p> + + <p>"The river was flowing gently through a green, pleasant + land, and the sounds I had heard were the voices of a company + of negroes who were gently guiding my raft to the bank.</p> + + <p>"I could not understand the language these negroes spoke, + until at last one of their number began to speak to me in + Arabic.</p> + + <p>"Peace be to thee!' he said. 'Who art thou, and whence hast + thou come? We are the people of this country, and were working + in our fields when we found thee asleep upon the raft. Tell us, + then, how thou hast come to this place.'</p> + + <p>"I pray thee, by Allah." I cried, 'give me food, and then I + will tell thee all.'</p> + + <p>"Then the men gave me food, and I ate until my strength + returned and my soul was refreshed, and I could tell them of + all my adventures.</p> + + <p>"'We must take him to the King,' they cried with one + voice.</p> + + <p>"Then they told me that the King of Serendib was the richest + and greatest king on earth, and I went with them willingly, + taking with me my bales and treasures.</p> + + <p>"Never had I seen such splendor and richness as at the court + of the King of Serendib, and great was his kindness towards me. + He listened to the tale of my adventures with interest, and + when I begged to be allowed to return home, he ordered that a + ship should be made ready at once. Then he wrote a letter with + his own hand to the Caliph, our sovereign lord, and loaded me + with costly gifts.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page91" + id="page91"></a>[pg 91]</span> + + <p>"Thus, when I arrived at Bagdad, I went at once to the court + of the Caliph, and presented the letter and the gift which the + King had sent.</p> + + <p>"This gift was a cup made out of a single ruby lined inside + with precious stones, also a skin of the serpent that swallows + elephants, which had spots upon its back like pieces of gold, + and which could cure all illnesses.</p> + + <p>"The Caliph was delighted with the letter and the gift.</p> + + <p>"'Tell me, O Sindbad,' he said, 'is this King as great and + rich as it is reported of him?'</p> + + <p>"'O my Lord,' I said, 'no words can give you an idea of his + riches. His throne is set upon a huge elephant and a thousand + horsemen ride around him, clad in cloth of gold. His mace is of + gold studded with emeralds, and indeed his splendor is as great + as that of King Solomon.'</p> + + <p>"The Caliph listened attentively to my words, and then, + giving me a present, he allowed me to depart. I returned home + swiftly to my family and friends, and when I had sold my + treasures and given much to the poor, I lived in such peace and + happiness that my evil adventures soon seemed like a far-off + dream."</p> + + <p>So Sindbad finished the story, and bade his guests return + the next evening as usual. And next day, when all the guests + were once more seated at the table and had finished their + feasting, Sindbad began the story of his last voyage.</p> + + <p>"I had now made up my mind that nothing would tempt me to + leave my home again, and that I would seek for no more + adventures.</p> + + <p>"One day, however, as I was feasting with my friends, one of + my servants came to tell me that a messenger from the Caliph + awaited my pleasure.</p> + + <p>"'What is thy errand?' I asked when the messenger was + presented to me.</p> + + <p>"'The Caliph desires thy presence at once,' answered the + messenger.</p> + + <p>"Thus was I obliged to set out immediately for the + palace.</p> + + <p>"'Sindbad,' said the Caliph, when I had bowed myself to the + ground before him, 'I have need of thy services. I desire + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page92" id="page92"></a>[pg + 92]</span> to send a letter and a gift to the King of Serendib, + and thou shalt be the bearer of them.'</p> + + <p>"Then indeed did my face fall, and I became pale as + death.</p> + + <p>"'Commander of the Faithful,' I cried, 'do with me as thou + wilt, but I have made a vow never to leave my home again.'</p> + + <p>"Then I told him all my adventures, which caused him much + astonishment. Nevertheless, he urged me to do as he wished, and + seeing that there was no escape, I consented.</p> + + <p>"I set sail at the Caliph's command, and after a good voyage + I at last reached the island of Serendib, where I received a + hearty welcome. I told the officers of the court what my errand + was, and they led me to the palace, where I bowed myself to the + ground before the great King.</p> + + <p>"'Sindbad,' he said kindly, 'thou art welcome. I have often + thought of thee, and wished to see thy face again.'</p> + + <p>"So I presented the Caliph's letter, and the rich present he + had sent, which pleased the King well. When a few days had + passed, I begged to be allowed to depart, and after receiving + many gifts I once more set sail for home.</p> + + <p>"But alas! the return journey began badly. We had not sailed + many days, when we were pursued by pirates, who captured the + ship, and took prisoners all those who were not killed. I, + among others, was carried ashore and sold by a pirate to a rich + merchant.</p> + + <p>"'What is thy trade?' asked the merchant when he had bought + me.</p> + + <p>"'I am a merchant,' I answered, 'and know no trade.'</p> + + <p>"'Canst thou shoot with a bow and arrow?' asked my + master.</p> + + <p>"This I said I could do, and putting one in my hand he led + me out to a great forest and bade me climb into a high + tree.</p> + + <p>"'Watch there,' he said, 'until thou shalt see a herd of + elephants pass by. Then try to shoot one, and if thou art + fortunate, come at once and tell me.'</p> + + <p>"All night I watched, and saw nothing, but in the morning a + great number of elephants came thundering by, and I shot + several arrows among them. One big elephant fell to the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page93" id="page93"></a>[pg + 93]</span> ground, and lay there while the rest passed on; so, + as soon as it was safe, I climbed down and carried the news to + my master. Together we buried the huge animal and marked the + place, so that we might return to fetch the tusks.</p> + + <p>"I continued this work for some time, and killed many + elephants, until one night I saw to my horror that the + elephants, instead of passing on, had surrounded the tree in + which I sat, and were stamping and trumpeting, until the very + earth shook. Then one of them seized the tree with his trunk, + and tore it up by the roots, laying it flat on the ground.</p> + + <p>"I was almost senseless with terror, but the next moment I + felt myself gently lifted up by an elephant's trunk, and placed + on his back. I clung on with all my might, as the elephant + carried me through the forest, until at last we came to the + slope of a hill, which was covered with bleached bones and + tusks.</p> + + <p>"Here the elephant gently laid me down, and left me alone. I + gazed around on this great treasure of ivory, and I could not + help wondering at the wisdom of these animals. They had + evidently brought me here to show me that I could get ivory + without killing any more of their number. For this, I felt + sure, was the elephants' burying-place.</p> + + <p>"I did not stay long on the hill, but gathering a few tusks + together I sped back to the town, that I might tell my tale to + the merchant. 'My poor Sindbad,' he cried, when he saw me, I + thought thou wert dead, for I found the uprooted tree, and + never expected to look upon thy face again.'</p> + + <p>"Great was his delight when I told him of the Hill of Ivory, + and when we had gone there together, and he saw for himself the + wonders I had described, he was filled with astonishment.</p> + + <p>"'Sindbad,' he cried, 'thou too shalt have a share of this + great wealth. And first of all I shall give thee thy, freedom. + Until now, year by year have all my slaves been killed by the + elephants, but now we need no longer run any risks, for here is + ivory enough to enrich the whole island.'</p> + + <p>"So I was set free, and loaded with honors, and when the + trade winds brought the ships that traded in ivory, I bade + good-by to the island, and set sail for home, carrying with me + a great cargo of ivory and other + treasures.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page94" + id="page94"></a>[pg 94]</span> + + <p>"As soon as I landed I went to the Caliph, who was overjoyed + to see me.</p> + + <p>"'Great has been my anxiety, O Sindbad,' he said, 'for I + feared some evil had befallen thee.'</p> + + <p>"When, therefore, I had told him of my adventures, he was + the more astonished, and ordered that all my story should be + written in letters of gold, and placed among his treasures.</p> + + <p>"Then I returned to my own house, and ever since have + remained at home in peace and safety."</p> + + <p>Thus Sindbad finished the story of his voyages, and turning + to Hindbad, he said: "And now, friend Hindbad, what dost thou + think of the way I have earned my riches? Is it not just that I + should live in enjoyment and ease?"</p> + + <p>"O my lord," cried Hindbad, bowing before Sindbad, and + kissing his hand, "great have been thy labors and perils, and + truly dost thou deserve thy riches. My troubles are as nothing + compared to thine. Long mayest thou live and prosper!"</p> + + <p>Sindbad was well pleased with this answer, and he ordered + that Hindbad should dine every day at his table, and receive + his golden pieces, so that all his life he might have reason to + remember the adventures of Sindbad the Sailor.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page95" + id="page95"></a>[pg 95]</span> + + <h3>THE ILIAD OF HOMER</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY JEANIE LANG</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>THE STORY OF WHAT LED TO THE SIEGE OF TROY</h4> + + <p>In the deep forest that clothes Mount Ida, not far from the + strong city of Troy, Paris, son of King Priam, watched his + father's flocks by night.</p> + + <p>Suddenly through the dim woods he saw a light, as if the + golden sun and silver moon shone both together.</p> + + <p>And, lo! in the radiance of this light there stood before + him the three fairest of the godesses—queenly Hera, wise + Athene, and lovely Aphrodite.</p> + + <p>Like music stealing through the trees came the soft voice of + Hera:</p> + + <p>"Of all mortal men thou art the most beautiful, Paris, and + to thee do we come for judgment. Tell us which of us is the + fairest of all, and to that one whom thou so deemest, give this + golden apple."</p> + + <p>So spake Hera, and placed in the hand of Paris an apple of + purest gold.</p> + + <p>Again she spake: "If to me, Hera, queen of goddesses, and + wife of mighty Zeus, king of all the gods, thou dost grant the + prize of loveliness, Power immeasurable shall be thine. King + shalt thou be of the lands where the gray dawn rises, and king + even to where the red sun goes down. A hundred peoples shall + call thee lord."</p> + + <p>She was silent, and the voice of Athene, fair and pure as a + silver moonbeam, broke the stillness of the starless night.</p> + + <p>"To me award the prize," she said, "and wise as the gods + shalt thou be. With me as thy friend and guide, all things will + be possible to thee."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page96" + id="page96"></a>[pg 96]</span> + + <p>Last of all, standing in a rosy light, as of the dawning + sunlight in the spring, spoke Aphrodite.</p> + + <p>"What are Power and Wisdom, fair Paris?" she pled. "Wisdom + and Power bring no joy at last. I will give thee Love, and for + thy wife thou shalt have the fairest woman in all the + world."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/96.jpg" name="fig96s" + id="fig96s"><img width="300" src="images/96s.jpg" + alt="FROM FAR AND WIDE DID THE GREEK HOSTS GATHER" /> + </a><br /> + from far and wide did the greek hosts gather + </div> + + <p>And Paris, the melody of her voice still in his ears, as he + gazed spellbound on her face of wondrous beauty, handed to + Aphrodite the golden prize.</p> + + <p>So was it that the wrath of the gods came upon Paris, son of + Priam. For Hera and Athene, filled with rage, vowed to be + revenged upon Paris and all his race, and made all the gods + pledge themselves to aid them in their vengeance.</p> + + <p>Across far seas sailed Paris, with Aphrodite as his guide, + to Sparta, where Menelaus was king.</p> + + <p>A brave king was Menelaus, and happily he lived in his + kingdom with Helen, his queen, fairest of all women. One child + they had, a little maid, Hermione.</p> + + <p>When to Sparta there came Paris, with eyes blue as the sea, + and hair that gleamed like gold on his purple robe, gallant and + brave, and more beautiful than any mortal man, glad was the + welcome that he had from Menelaus.</p> + + <p>And when Paris gazed on Helen's face, he knew that in all + the world there was no woman half so fair as the wife of + Menelaus.</p> + + <p>Then did Aphrodite cast her magic upon Helen.</p> + + <p>No longer did she love her husband, nor did she remember + little Hermione, her own dear child.</p> + + <p>When Paris spoke to her words of love, and begged her to + flee with him, and to be his wife, she knew only that she loved + Paris more than all else. Gladly she went with him, and in his + red-prowed ship together they sailed across the green waves to + Troyland, where Mount Ida showed her snowy crown high above the + forests.</p> + + <p>An angry man was Menelaus when he found that Paris had + stolen from him the fair wife who was to him as his own + heart.</p> + + <p>To his elder brother Agamemnon, overlord of all the Greeks, + he went and told his grievous + tale.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page97" + id="page97"></a>[pg 97]</span> + + <p>And from far and wide did the Greek hosts gather, until a + hundred thousand men and eleven hundred fourscore and six ships + were ready to cross the seas to Troyland.</p> + + <p>Many were the heroes who sailed away from Greece to punish + Paris and his kin, and to bring back fair Helen to her own + land.</p> + + <p>Few there were who came home, for ten long years of woe and + of spilling of blood came to the men of Greece and of Troy from + the fatal beauty of Helen the queen.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>THE COUNCIL</h4> + + <p>That night both gods and men slept long; only Zeus, king of + the gods, lay wakeful, pondering in his heart how best he might + do honor to Achilles. "I shall send a Dream to beguile + Agamemnon," at length he resolved.</p> + + <p>Then did he call to a Dream, for by Dreams the gods sent + their messages to mortal men.</p> + + <p>"Go now, thou evil Dream," said Zeus, "go to where Agamemnon + sleeps in his tent near to his fleet ships, and tell him every + word as I shall tell it thee. Bid him call to arms with speed + his warriors, for now he shall take the strong city of + Troy."</p> + + <p>To the tent of Agamemnon sped the Dream. Taking the form of + the old warrior who had striven to make peace between Agamemnon + and Achilles, the Dream stooped over the sleeping warrior, and + thus to him it spoke:</p> + + <p>"Sleepest thou, Agamemnon? Ill fits it for the overlord of + so mighty a host to sleep all through the night. From Zeus I + come, and to thee he sends this message: 'Call to arms with + speed thy warriors, Agamemnon, for now shalt thou take the + strong city of Troy.'"</p> + + <p>Off then sped the Dream, winging its way like a strip of + gray mist aloft to Mount Olympus.</p> + + <p>Then Agamemnon awoke from sleep, and the voice of the Dream + still rang in his + ears.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page98" + id="page98"></a>[pg 98]</span> + + <p>Speedily he arose from his bed, donned his fair tunic, cast + around him his great cloak, and bound his sandals on his feet. + Then over his shoulder he cast his silver-studded sword, and + with the scepter of his house, token of his overlordship, in + his hand, he went down to where the Greek ships lay, and called + a council together.</p> + + <p>To his lords he told what had befallen him as they + slept.</p> + + <p>"Call to arms!" had been the message from Zeus. "Call to + arms! for victory shall be thine."</p> + + <p>Then said the old warrior in whose likeness the Dream had + come:</p> + + <p>"My friends, had any other told us this dream we might deem + it false; but to our overlord the Dream hath come. Let us then + call our men to arms."</p> + + <p>So did all the lords follow his counsel, and quickly did the + Greeks obey their summons. Like bees that pour from out their + nests in some hollow rock, and fly to where the spring flowers + grow most sweet, even so did the warriors pour forth from their + ships and their huts by the sea. Loudly they shouted as they + came, till all the earth echoed. Nine heralds sought to quiet + them, but it was long before they would cease their noise, and + sit silent to listen to the voice of Agamemnon their lord.</p> + + <p>Then did Agamemnon prove his people. "Ill hath Zeus dealt + with us, my friends," he said. "To us he promised ere we sailed + hither that victory should be ours. But nine years have passed + away, and our ships' timbers have rotted, and the rigging is + worn. In our halls our wives and children still sit awaiting + us, yet are we no nearer victory than we were on the day that + we came hither. Come then, let us flee with our ships to our + dear native land, for never shall Troy be ours."</p> + + <p>So spake Agamemnon, and stirred the hearts of all that had + not heard his secret council.</p> + + <p>As the high sea-waves are swayed by the winds that rush upon + them from the east and from the south, even so the Greek host + was swayed. And even as the west wind sweeps over a cornfield + and all the ears bow down before the blast, so were the + warriors stirred.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page99" + id="page99"></a>[pg 99]</span> + + <p>Shouting, they hastened down to their ships. And the dust + rose up in clouds from under their hurrying feet.</p> + + <p>Quickly did they prepare their ships, and gladly did they + make them ready to sail homeward across the bright salt + sea.</p> + + <p>Then would the Greeks have returned, even though fate willed + it not. But Hera spoke to Athene.</p> + + <p>"Shall we indeed allow the Greeks thus to flee homeward?" + she cried. "Shame it will be to us if Helen is left, in Troy, + and Paris goes unpunished. Haste, then, and with thy gentle + words hold back the men from setting forth in their ships for + their own homeland."</p> + + <p>Down from the peaks of Olympus darted the bright-eyed + Athene, clown to where the dark ships were being dragged to the + launching ways.</p> + + <p>By his ship stood Odysseus of the many devices, and heavy of + heart was he.</p> + + <p>As one who speaks aloud the thoughts of another, so then to + Odysseus spake the fair goddess who was ever his guide.</p> + + <p>"Will ye indeed fling yourselves upon your ships and flee + homeward to your own land?" she said. "Will brave Odysseus + leave Helen, for whose sake so many Greeks have died, to be the + boast of the men of Troy? Hasten, then, and suffer not the + Greeks to drag their ships down to the sea."</p> + + <p>At the sound of the voice of Athene, Odysseus cast away his + mantle and ran to meet Agamemnon. From him he received the + scepter of overlordship, and bearing it he went among the + ships.</p> + + <p>Whenever he saw a chief, he would say to him with gentle + words:</p> + + <p>"Good sir, it fits thee ill to be a coward. Stay, now, for + thou knowest not what is the will of Agamemnon. He is only + making trial of thee. Hold back then thy people, and anger him + not."</p> + + <p>But when Odysseus met a common man hasting to the ships, + with his scepter he smote him, saying:</p> + + <p>"Sit still, sir, and listen to the words of thy betters. No + warrior art thou, but a weakling. One king only hath Zeus given + to us. Hearken then to the will of + Agamemnon!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page100" + id="page100"></a>[pg 100]</span> + + <p>Thus did Odysseus rule the people, driving them back from + the ships to where sat Agamemnon.</p> + + <p>And the noise they made in returning was as the noise of + mighty waves of the sea, when they crash upon the beach and + drive their roaring echoes far abroad.</p> + + <p>Silence came upon them as they sat themselves down before + Agamemnon and their lords. Upon all but one did silence fall. + Thersites, bandy-legged, round-shouldered, lame of one foot, + with ugly head covered with scanty stubble, most ill-favored of + all men in the host, would not hold his peace.</p> + + <p>Shrilly he poured his upbraidings upon Agamemnon.</p> + + <p>"What lackest thou now?" he cried. "Surely thy huts are full + of the spoils we have brought to thee each time we have taken a + town. What more dost thou want? Soft fools, women, not men, are + ye Greeks, else would ye return home now with the ships, and + leave this fellow here in Troyland gorging himself on the + spoils for which he himself hath never fought. To brave + Achilles hath he done dishonor, a far better man than he!"</p> + + <p>Straight to the side of Thersites came the goodly + Odysseus.</p> + + <p>"Hold thy peace," he sternly said. "Plainly I tell thee that + if ever again I find thee raving as thou hast raved now, I + myself will strip off thy mantle and tunic, with shameful blows + beat thee out of the assembly, and send thee back weeping to + the ships."</p> + + <p>So spake Odysseus, and with his scepter smote Thersites on + his back and shoulders. And Thersites bowed down, and big tears + fell from his eyes, and a bloody weal from the golden scepter + stood up from his back. Amazed he sat down, and in pain and + amazement he wiped away a tear. The others, though they were + sorry, laughed at his bewilderment.</p> + + <p>"Many are the good deeds of Odysseus," said they, "but never + did he do a better deed than when he stopped the tongue of this + prating railer."</p> + + <p>Then spake Odysseus, scepter in hand.</p> + + <p>"Surely it is the wish of the Greeks to make thee the most + despised of all kings, great Agamemnon," he said, "for like + young children or mourning women do they wail that they must + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page101" id="page101"></a>[pg + 101]</span> go home. Nine years have we stayed in this land, + and small wonder is it that we long for our homes again. Yet + shameful would it be to wait so long and to return with empty + hands. Be of good heart, my friends, and wait a little, for + surely Troy shall be ours. Do ye forget, on the day that we set + sail for Troyland, the mighty portent that we saw? As we + offered sacrifices to the gods beneath a fair plane-tree whence + flowed clear water, a snake, blood-red on the back and dreadful + to look upon, glided from beneath the altar and darted to the + tree. On the tree's topmost bough was a sparrow's nest, and in + it eight tender nestlings, over which the mother bird spread + her wings. Pitifully did the little ones cheep as the snake + swallowed them all, and pitifully cried the mother as she + fluttered over her nestlings. But of her, too, did the snake + lay hold, coiling himself round her and crushing her life out. + Then did the god who sent this sign show us that a sign from + the gods in truth it was, for he turned the snake into stone. + And Chalcas, our soothsayer, told us then the meaning of the + sign. 'Nine years,' said he—for nine birds did the snake + slay—'shall ye fight in Troyland, but in the tenth year + the city shall fall before you.' So then, let us abide here, + until we have taken the great city!"</p> + + <p>When Odysseus had ceased to speak, the Greeks shouted aloud, + until the ships echoed the praises of the goodly Odysseus.</p> + + <p>Then said Agamemnon:</p> + + <p>"Go now, all of you, and eat, that ye may be ready for + battle. Let each man sharpen well his spear and see to his + shield, and see to it that the horses are well fed and the + chariots prepared. And whomsoever I see minded to stay far away + from the fight, beside the ships here by the sea, for him shall + there be no hope hereafter, but he shall be food for dogs and + for birds of prey."</p> + + <p>And when Agamemnon had spoken, the shouts of the Greeks were + as the thunder of mighty breakers on a reef when the winds blow + high.</p> + + <p>Quickly then they scattered, and kindled fires, and made + their evening meal, and offered sacrifices to the gods, praying + for escape from death in the coming + battle.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page102" + id="page102"></a>[pg 102]</span> + + <p>To Zeus did Agamemnon offer his sacrifice and to the mighty + god he prayed:</p> + + <p>"Great Zeus, god of the storm-cloud, let not the sun set nor + the darkness fall until I have laid low the palaces of Troy and + burned down its walls with fire."</p> + + <p>So he prayed, but as yet Zeus heeded not his prayer. Then + did the Greeks gather themselves together to battle, and among + them went the bright-eyed Athene, urging on each one, and + rousing in each man's heart the joy of strength and of + battle.</p> + + <p>As the red and golden blaze of a fire that devours a mighty + forest is seen from afar, so was seen from afar the dazzling + gleam of their bronze armor as they marched.</p> + + <p>Like wild geese and cranes and swans that in long-drawn + strings fly tirelessly onward, so poured they forth, while the + earth echoed terribly under the tread of men and horses.</p> + + <p>As flies that swarm in the spring when the herdsmen's + milk-pails are full, so did the Greeks throng to battle, + unnumbered as the leaves and the flowers upon which they trod + in the flowery plain by the banks of the river Scamander.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>THE FIGHT BETWEEN PARIS AND MENELAUS</h4> + + <p>To meet the great Greek host came the men of Troy. With loud + shouting and clamor they came, noisy as the flocks of cranes + that fly to far-off seas before the coming of winter and sudden + rain.</p> + + <p>But in silence marched the Greeks, shoulder to shoulder, + their hearts full of courage.</p> + + <p>Like the mist that rolls from the crest of the mountains + until no man can see in front of him further than the cast of a + stone, so did the dust rise in clouds under the tread of the + warriors' feet as they marched across the plain.</p> + + <p>Front to front did the two armies stand at last, and from + the Trojan ranks strode forth Paris the godlike, he who robbed + Menelaus of her who was to him most + dear.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page103" + id="page103"></a>[pg 103]</span> + + <p>From the shoulders of Paris swung a panther's skin. He bore + a curved bow and sword, and, brandishing two bronze-headed + spears, he challenged all the chieftains of the Greek host to + fight him, man to man, in mortal fight.</p> + + <p>As a hungry lion rejoices to see a great-horned stag coming + to be his prey, even so did Menelaus rejoice when he saw Paris, + the golden-haired and blue-eyed, stride proudly forth.</p> + + <p>Straightway, in his armor, did Menelaus leap from his + chariot to the ground.</p> + + <p>But when Paris saw him to whom he had done so sore a wrong, + his heart was smitten.</p> + + <p>As a man who, in a mountain glen, suddenly sees a deadly + snake and shrinks away from it with shaking limbs, even so did + Paris shrink back among his comrades.</p> + + <p>Scornfully did Hector his brother behold him.</p> + + <p>"Fair in face thou art!" said Hector, "but shamed I am by + thee! I ween these long-haired Greeks make sport of us because + we have for champion one whose face and form are beautiful, but + in whose heart is neither strength nor courage. Art thou a + coward? and yet thou daredst to sail across the sea and steal + from her husband the fair woman who hath brought us so much + harm. Thou shalt see what sort of warrior is he whose lovely + wife thou hast taken. Thy harp and thy golden locks and fair + face, and all the graces given to thee by Aphrodite, shall + count for little when thou liest in the dust! Cowards must we + Trojans be, else thou hadst been stoned to death ere this, for + all the evil thou hast wrought."</p> + + <p>Then answered Paris:</p> + + <p>"No word hast thou said that I do not deserve, brave Hector. + Yet scorn not the gifts of golden Aphrodite, for by his own + desire can no man win the love and beauty that the goddess + gives. But let me now do battle with Menelaus. Make the Trojans + and the men of Greece sit down, while Menelaus and I fight for + Helen. Let him who is conqueror have her and all that is hers + for his own, and let the others take an oath of friendship so + that the Greeks may depart in peace to their own land, and in + peace the Trojans dwell in Troy."</p> + + <p>Greatly did Hector rejoice at his brother's word. His + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page104" id="page104"></a>[pg + 104]</span> spear grasped by the middle, he went through the + Trojan ranks and bid the warriors hold back.</p> + + <p>But as he went, the Greeks shot arrows at brave Hector and + cast stones.</p> + + <p>"Hold! hold! ye Greeks," called Agamemnon. "Hector of the + glancing helm hath somewhat to say to us."</p> + + <p>In silence, then, the two armies stood, while Hector told + them the words of Paris his brother.</p> + + <p>When they had heard him, Menelaus spoke:</p> + + <p>"Many ills have ye endured," he said, "for my sake and + because of the sins of Paris. Yet now, I think, the end of this + long war hath come. Let us fight, then, and death and fate + shall decide which of us shall die. Let us offer sacrifice now + to Zeus, and call hither Priam, King of Troy. I fear for the + faith of his sons, Paris and Hector, but Priam is an old man + and will not break faith."</p> + + <p>Then were the Greeks and the Trojans glad. They came down + from their chariots, and took off their arms, and laid them on + the ground, while heralds went to tell Priam and to fetch lambs + and a ram for the sacrifice.</p> + + <p>While they went, Hera sent to Troy Iris, her messenger, in + the guise of the fairest daughter of Priam.</p> + + <p>To the hall where Helen sat came lovely Iris. And there she + found Helen, fairest of women, her white arms swiftly moving + back and forward as she wove a great purple web of double wool, + and wrought thereon pictures of many battles of the Greeks and + the men of Troy.</p> + + <p>"Come hither, dear lady," said Iris, "and see a wondrous + thing. For they that so fiercely fought with each other, now + sit in silence. The battle is stayed; they lean upon their + shields, and their tall spears are thrust in the earth by their + sides. But for thee are Menelaus and Paris now going to fight, + and thou shalt be the wife of the conqueror."</p> + + <p>So spake lovely Iris, and into the sleeping heart of Helen + there came remembrance, and a hungry longing for her old home, + and for Menelaus, and her father and mother, and for little + Hermione, her child.</p> + + <p>The tears rolled down her cheeks, but quickly she hid her + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page105" id="page105"></a>[pg + 105]</span> face with a veil of fair linen, and hastened out, + with her two handmaidens, to the place where the two armies + lay.</p> + + <p>At the Scæan gates sat Priam and other old warriors.</p> + + <p>As Helen, in her fair white robes, drew near, the old men + marveled at her loveliness.</p> + + <p>"Small wonder is it," said they, "that Trojans and Greeks + should suffer hardships and lay down their lives for one so + beautiful. Yet well would it be for her to sail away upon the + Greek ships rather than stay here to bring trouble upon us now, + and upon our children hereafter."</p> + + <p>Then Priam called to Helen:</p> + + <p>"Come hither, dear child, and sit beside me, that thou + may'st see the man who once was thy husband, and thy kinsmen, + and thy friends. No blame do I give to thee for all our woes, + but only to the gods who have chosen thee to be the cause of + all this bloodshed."</p> + + <p>Then did Priam ask her the names of the mighty heroes who + stood by their spears in the Grecian ranks, and Helen, making + answer to him, said:</p> + + <p>"Dear father of Paris, my lord, would that I had died ere I + left my own land and my little child, and all those that I + loved, and followed thy son hither. Agamemnon, a goodly king + and a mighty spearsman, is the Greek warrior whose name thou + dost ask. Brother of him who was my husband is he. Ah! + shameless me, who did leave mine own."</p> + + <p>Of Odysseus also, and of many another warrior of great + stature and brave looks, did Priam make inquiry. And Helen told + him all she knew, while tears of longing stood in her eyes.</p> + + <p>"My two brethren, Castor, tamer of horses, and Polydeuces, + the skilful boxer, I do not see," she said; "mayhap they have + not crossed the sea." For she knew not that her two brothers + lay dead in her own beautiful land.</p> + + <p>Then was the sacrifice to Zeus offered, and the vows made + between Agamemnon and Priam, King of Troy.</p> + + <p>When the sacrifice and vows were accomplished, Priam in + haste mounted his chariot and drove away.</p> + + <p>"Verily will I return to windy Ilios," said the old man, + "for I cannot bear to watch the fight between Menelaus and my + own <span class="pagenum"><a name="page106" + id="page106"></a>[pg 106]</span> dear son. But only Zeus and + the gods know which one of them is to fall."</p> + + <p>Then Hector and Odysseus marked out a space for the fight, + and into a bronze helmet Hector placed two pebbles and shook + them in the helmet, looking behind him. And the pebble of Paris + leapt out the first, so that to him fell the lot to cast first + his spear of bronze.</p> + + <p>Then did Paris arm himself. Greaves of beauteous fashioning + he placed upon his legs, and fastened them with silver + ankle-clasps. Over his shoulders he put his silver-studded + sword of bronze and his great shield. On his head he placed a + helmet with nodding crest of horsehair, and in his hand he + grasped his strong spear. In like manner did Menelaus arm + himself.</p> + + <p>One moment did they stand face to face, wrath and hatred in + their hearts, their spears gripped firm in their hands.</p> + + <p>Then did Paris hurl his spear and smite the shield of + Menelaus. But the shield was strong and the spear could not + pierce it.</p> + + <p>His hand lifted up for the cast, Menelaus looked upwards and + called to Zeus.</p> + + <p>"Grant me revenge, great Zeus!" he cried. "On him that hath + done me grievous wrong, grant me vengeance, so that all men + hereafter may shudder to wrong one who hath treated him as his + honored guest."</p> + + <p>Then hurled he his mighty spear. Through the bright shield + it went, and through the shining breastplate, tearing the tunic + of Paris on his thigh. But Paris swerved aside, and so escaped + death.</p> + + <p>Then Menelaus drew his silver-studded sword and drove it + crashing down upon the helmet of Paris. But in four pieces was + the sword shattered, and fell from the hand of Menelaus.</p> + + <p>"Surely art thou the most cruel of all the gods, Zeus!" + angrily he cried. "My spear is cast in vain, and my sword + shattered, and my vengeance is still to come!"</p> + + <p>So saying, he leapt upon Paris. By the crest on his helmet + he seized him, and, swinging him round, he dragged him towards + the Greek host. The embroidered strap beneath the helmet of + Paris strangled him, and so he would have shamefully died, had + not Aphrodite marked his plight. Swiftly did she burst + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page107" id="page107"></a>[pg + 107]</span> the leather strap, and the helmet was left empty in + the grasp of Menelaus.</p> + + <p>Casting the empty helmet, with a swing, to his comrades, + Menelaus sprang back, ready, with another spear, to slay his + enemy.</p> + + <p>But Aphrodite snatched Paris up, and in thick mist she hid + him, and bore him away to his own home. Like a wild beast + Menelaus strode through the host, searching for him. But no + Trojan would have hidden him, for with a bitter hatred did the + men of Troy hate Paris, most beautiful of mortal men.</p> + + <p>Then said Agamemnon:</p> + + <p>"Hearken to me, ye Trojans. Now hath Menelaus gained the + victory. Give us back Helen, and all that is hers, and pay me + the recompense that ye owe me for all the evil days that are + gone."</p> + + <p>So spake he, and glad were the shouts of the Greeks as they + heard the words of their king.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <h4>HECTOR AND ANDROMACHE</h4> + + <p>From where the battle still raged went Hector, son of Priam. + At the oak-tree by the gates of Troy there came running to meet + him wives and daughters of those who fought. For eagerly did + they long for tidings of many a warrior who now lay dead on the + field.</p> + + <p>When he reached the beautiful, many-pillared palace of his + father, his mother came to meet him.</p> + + <p>His hand she took in hers, and gently spoke she to him.</p> + + <p>"Art thou wearied that thou hast left the battle, Hector, my + son?" she said. "Let me bring thee wine that thou may'st be + refreshed and yet gain strength."</p> + + <p>"Bring me no wine, dear mother," said Hector, "lest it take + from me the strength and courage that I have. Rather go thou to + the temple of Athene and offer her sacrifices, beseeching that + she will have mercy on Troy and on the wives of the Trojans and + their little children. So may she hold back Diomedes the + destroyer. I go to Paris—would that he were dead!"</p> + + <p>And the mother of Hector straightway, with other old women, + the mothers of heroes, offered sacrifices and prayers to + Athene. But Athene paid no + heed.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page108" + id="page108"></a>[pg 108]</span> + + <p>To the palace of Paris, his mighty bronze spear in his hand, + then strode Hector.</p> + + <p>Paris, the golden-haired, sat in a room with Helen, idly + handling his shining shield and breastplate and curved bow.</p> + + <p>In bitter scorn spoke Hector to his brother.</p> + + <p>"Our people die in battle for thy sake!" he cried, "while + here thou sittest idle. Up then, ere the enemies that thou hast + made for us burn our city to the ground!"</p> + + <p>And Paris answered:</p> + + <p>"Justly dost thou chide me, Hector. Even now hath Helen + urged me to play the man and go back to battle. Only let me put + on my armor, and soon will I overtake thee."</p> + + <p>Never a word did Hector answer him.</p> + + <p>But to Hector did Helen then speak:</p> + + <p>"Brother Hector," she said, "unworthy am I to be sister of + thine. Would that I had died on the day I was born, or would + that the gods who have brought me this evil had given me for a + husband one who was shamed by reproach and who feared dishonor. + Rest thee here, my brother, who hast suffered so much for the + sake of wretched me and for the sin of Paris. Well I know that + for us cometh punishment of which men will sing in the far-off + years that are yet to come."</p> + + <p>"Of thy love, ask me not to stay, Helen," answered Hector. + "For to help the men of Troy is my whole heart set, and they + are now in want of me. But rouse this fellow, and make him + hasten after me. I go now to see my dear wife and my babe, for + I know not whether I shall return to them again."</p> + + <p>In his own house Hector found not his fair wife Andromache, + nor their little babe.</p> + + <p>"Whither went thy mistress?" he asked in eagerness of the + serving-women.</p> + + <p>"Truly, my lord," answered one, "tidings came to us that the + Trojans were sorely pressed and that with the Greeks was the + victory. So then did Andromache, like one frenzied, hasten with + her child and his nurse to the walls that she might see + somewhat of what befell. There, on the tower, she stands now, + weeping and wailing."</p> + + <p>Back through the streets by which he had come then hastened + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page109" id="page109"></a>[pg + 109]</span> Hector. And as he drew near the gates, Andromache, + who had spied him from afar, ran to meet him.</p> + + <p>As, hand clasped in hand, Andromache and Hector stood, + Hector looked silently at the beautiful babe in his nurse's + arms, and smiled.</p> + + <p>Astyanax, "The City King," those of Troy called the child, + because it was Hector his father who saved the city.</p> + + <p>Then said Andromache:</p> + + <p>"Dear lord, thy courage will bring thee death. Hast thou no + pity for this babe nor for thy wife, who so soon shall be thy + widow? Better would it be for me to die if to thee death should + come. For if I lose thee, then sorrow must for evermore be + mine. No father nor mother have I, and on one day were my seven + brothers slain. Father and mother and brother art thou to me, + Hector, and my dear loved husband as well. Have pity now, and + stay with thy wife and thy little child."</p> + + <p>"All these things know I well, my wife," answered Hector, + "but black shame would be mine were I to shrink like a coward + from battle. Ever it hath been mine to be where the fight was + fiercest, and to win glory for my father's name, and for my + own. But soon will that glory be gone, for my heart doth tell + me that Troy must fall. Yet for the sorrows of the Trojans, and + of my own father and mother and brethren, and of the many + heroes that must perish, grieve I less bitterly than for the + anguish that must come upon thee on that day when thou no + longer hast a husband to fight for thee and a Greek leads thee + away a prisoner. May the earth be heaped up high above me ere I + hear thy crying, Andromache!"</p> + + <p>So spake Hector, and stretched out his arms to take his + boy.</p> + + <p>But from his father's bronze helmet with its fiercely + nodding plume of horsehair the babe shrank back in terror and + hid his face in his nurse's breast. Then did the little City + King's father and his sweet mother laugh aloud, and on the + ground Hector laid his helmet, and taking his little son in his + arms he kissed him and gently dandled him. And as he did so, + thus Hector prayed to Zeus and all the gods:</p> + + <p>"O Zeus and all ye gods, grant that my son may be a brave + warrior and a great king in Troyland. Let men say of him + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page110" id="page110"></a>[pg + 110]</span> when he returns from battle, 'Far greater is he + than his father,' and may he gladden his mother's heart."</p> + + <p>Then did Hector lay his babe in Andromache's arms, and she + held him to her bosom, smiling through her tears.</p> + + <p>Full of love and pity and tenderness was the heart of + Hector, and gently he caressed her and said:</p> + + <p>"Dear one, I pray thee be not of over-sorrowful heart. No + man shall slay me ere the time appointed for my death hath + come. Go home and busy thyself with loom and distaff and see to + the work of thy maidens. But war is for us men, and of all + those who dwell in Troyland, most of all for me."</p> + + <p>So spake Hector, and on his head again he placed his crested + helmet. And his wife went home, many times looking back to + watch him she loved going forth to battle, with her eyes half + blinded by her tears.</p> + + <p>Not far behind Hector followed Paris, his armor glittering + like the sun, and with a laugh on the face that was more full + of beauty than that of any other man on earth. Like a noble + charger that has broken its bonds and gallops exultingly across + the plain, so did Paris stride onward.</p> + + <p>"I fear I have delayed thee," he said to his brother when he + overtook him.</p> + + <p>"No man can speak lightly of thy courage," answered Hector, + "only thou hast brought shame on thyself by holding back from + battle. But now let us go forward, and may the gods give the + Greeks into our hands."</p> + + <p>So went Hector and Paris together into battle, and many a + Greek fell before them on that day.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/110.jpg" name="fig110s" + id="fig110s"><img width="300" src="images/110s.jpg" + alt="ANDROMACHE IN CAPTIVITY" /></a><br /> + andromache in captivity + </div> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <h4>HOW PATROCLUS FOUGHT AND DIED</h4> + + <p>While round the dark ships of Greece the fierce fight raged, + Achilles, from afar, listened unmoved to the din of battle, and + watched with stony eyes the men of Greece as they fell and died + on the reddened ground.</p> + + <p>To him came + Patroclus.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page111" + id="page111"></a>[pg 111]</span> + + <p>"Why dost thou weep, Patroclus?" asked Achilles. "Like a + fond little maid art thou that runs by her mother's side, + plucking at her gown, hindering her as she walks, and with + tearful eyes looking up at her until the mother lifts her in + her arms. Like her, Patroclus, dost thou softly weep."</p> + + <p>Then Patroclus, heavily groaning, made answer:</p> + + <p>"Among the ships lie the bravest and best of the men of + Greece, sore wounded or dead. Pitiless art thou, Achilles, + pitiless and unforgiving. Yet if thou dost still hold back from + the battle, give me, I pray thee, thine armor, and send me + forth in thy stead. Perchance the Trojans may take me for the + mighty Achilles, and even now the victory be ours."</p> + + <p>Then said Achilles, and heavy was his heart within him:</p> + + <p>"These Greeks took from me my well-won prize, Patroclus. Yet + let the past be past; no man may keep his anger for ever. I + have said that until the men of Troy come to burn my own ships + I will hold me back from the battle. But take you my armor; + lead my men in the fight, and drive from the ships the men of + Troy. But to others leave it to chase them across the + plain."</p> + + <p>Even as Achilles spoke, the strength of mighty Ajax had come + to an end, and with furious rush did the Trojans board the + ships. In their hands they bore blazing torches, and up to the + sky rushed the fiercely roaring flames.</p> + + <p>Then cried Achilles, smiting his thighs:</p> + + <p>"Haste thee, Patroclus! They burn the ships! Arm thyself + speedily, and I will call my men!"</p> + + <p>Corslet and shield and helmet did Patroclus swiftly don, and + girded on the silver-studded sword and took two strong lances + in his hand.</p> + + <p>In the chariot of Achilles he mounted, and Automedon, best + and bravest of charioteers, took the reins.</p> + + <p>Swift as the wild west wind were Bayard and Piebald, the two + horses of Achilles, and in the side harness was Pedasus, a + horse only less swift than they.</p> + + <p>Gladly did the men of Achilles meet his call to arms, for + fierce as wolves were they.</p> + + <p>"Many times hast thou blamed me," cried Achilles, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page112" id="page112"></a>[pg + 112]</span> "because in my wrath I kept ye back from battle. + Here for ye now is a mighty fight, such as ye love."</p> + + <p>To battle they went, and while Patroclus led them forth, + Achilles in his tent offered up an offering to Zeus.</p> + + <p>Like wasps that pour forth from their nests by the wayside + to sting the boys who have stoned them, so now did the Greeks + swarm from their ships.</p> + + <p>Before the sword of Patroclus fell a mighty warrior, and + when the men of Troy saw the shining armor of Achilles in his + own chariot their hearts sank within them.</p> + + <p>Out of the ships were they driven, the fire was quenched, + and back to the trench rolled the tide of battle. In the trench + writhed many a horse and many a man in dying agonies. But clear + across it leaped the horses of Achilles, and close to the walls + of Troy did Patroclus drive brave Hector before him.</p> + + <p>His chariot then he turned, and headed off the fleeing + Trojans, driving them down to the ships. Before the furious + rush of his swift steeds, other horses were borne off their + feet, other chariots cast in ruins on the ground, and men + crushed to death under his wheels. Chief after chief did + Patroclus slay. A mighty destroyer was he that day.</p> + + <p>One only of the chiefs of Troy kept his courage before the + destroyer who wore the shining arms of Achilles.</p> + + <p>"Shame on ye!" cried Sarpedon to his men, "whither do ye + flee? I myself will fight this man who deals death and + destruction to the Trojan host."</p> + + <p>From their chariots leaped Sarpedon and Patroclus.</p> + + <p>With the first cast of his spear Patroelus missed Sarpedon, + but slew his charioteer. Then did Sarpedon cast, and his spear + whizzed past Patroclus, and smote the good horse Pedasus. With + a dreadful scream Pedasus fell, kicking and struggling, in the + dust. This way and that did the other two horses plunge and + rear, until the yoke creaked and the reins became entangled. + But the charioteer leaped down, with his sword slashed clear + the traces from Pedasus, and the horses righted themselves.</p> + + <p>Once again did Sarpedon cast his spear, and the point flew + over the left shoulder of Patroclus. But Patroclus missed not. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page113" id="page113"></a>[pg + 113]</span> Through the heart of Sarpedon sped the fiercely + hurled spear, and like a slim tree before the axe of the + wood-cutter he fell, his dying hands clutching at the bloody + dust.</p> + + <p>Furious was the combat then over the body of Sarpedon. One + brave warrior after another did Patroclus lay dead.</p> + + <p>And more terrible still was the fight because in the ranks + of the men of Troy there fought now, in all-devouring wrath, + the god Apollo.</p> + + <p>Nine men, good warriors all, did Patroclus slay; then, + waxing bolder, he tried to climb the very walls of Troy.</p> + + <p>Three times did Apollo thrust him back, and when, a fourth + time, he attacked, the god cried aloud to him in anger, warning + him not to dare so much.</p> + + <p>Against Patroclus did Hector then drive his war-horses, but + Patroclus, leaping from his chariot, hurled at Hector a jagged + stone. In the eyes it smote the charioteer of Hector, and the + slain man dropped to the ground.</p> + + <p>"How nimble a man is this!" jeered Patroclus. "How lightly + he diveth! Were this the sea, how good an oyster-seeker would + this fellow be!"</p> + + <p>Then from his chariot leaped Hector and met Patroclus, and + the noise of the battle was as the noise of a mighty gale in + the forest when great trees fall crashing to the ground.</p> + + <p>When the sun went down, victory was with the Greeks. Three + mighty charges did Patroclus make, and each time he slew nine + men. But when, a fourth time, he charged, Apollo met him. In + thick mist he met him, and Patroclus knew not that he fought + with a god. With a fierce down-stroke from behind, Apollo smote + his broad shoulders, and from off his head the helmet of + Achilles fell with a clang, rattling under the hoofs of the + horses. Before the smiting of the god, Patroclus stood + stricken, stupid and amazed. Shattered in his hands was the + spear of Achilles, and his mighty shield clanged on the + ground.</p> + + <p>Ere he could know who was the smiter, a Trojan ally drove a + spear between his shoulders, and Patroclus, sore wounded, fell + back.</p> + + <p>Marking his dismay, Hector pressed forward, and clean + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page114" id="page114"></a>[pg + 114]</span> through his body drove his bronze spear. With a + crash Patroclus fell.</p> + + <p>"Thou that didst boast that thou wouldst sack my town, here + shall vultures devour thee!" cried Hector.</p> + + <p>And in a faint voice Patroclus made answer:</p> + + <p>"Not to thee do I owe my doom, great Hector. Twenty such as + thou would I have fought and conquered, but the gods have slain + me. Yet verily I tell thee that thou thyself hast not long to + live. Even now doth Death stand beside thee!"</p> + + <p>As he spoke, the shadow of Death fell upon Patroclus. No + more in his ears roared the din of battle; still and silent for + ever he lay.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <h4>THE ROUSING OF ACHILLES</h4> + + <p>Fierce had been the fight before Patroclus died. More + fiercely yet it raged when he lay dead.</p> + + <p>From his body did Hector take the arms of Achilles, and the + dead Patroclus would the Trojans fain have dragged to their + city, there to bring shame to him and to all the Greek + host.</p> + + <p>But for him fought the Greeks, until the earth was wet with + blood and the very skies echoed the clang of battle.</p> + + <p>To Achilles came Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot.</p> + + <p>"Fallen is Patroclus!" he cried, "and around his naked body + do they fight, for his armor is held by Hector."</p> + + <p>Then did Achilles moan aloud. On the ground he lay, and in + his hair he poured black ashes. And the sound of his terrible + lament was heard by his mother, Thetis, the goddess, as she sat + in her palace down under the depths of the green sea.</p> + + <p>Up from under the waves swiftly came she to Achilles, and + tenderly did she listen while he poured forth to her the tale + of the death of his dear comrade.</p> + + <p>Then said Thetis:</p> + + <p>"Not long, methinks, shall Hector glory in the armor that + was thine, for Death presseth hard upon him. Go not forth + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page115" id="page115"></a>[pg + 115]</span> to battle, my son, until I return, bearing with me + new and fair armor for thee."</p> + + <p>But when Thetis had departed, to Achilles in his sorrow came + Iris, fair messenger of the gods.</p> + + <p>"Unto windy Ilios will the Trojans drag the body of + Patroclus unless thou comest now. Thou needst not fight, + Achilles, only show thyself to the men of Troy, for sore is the + need of Patroclus thy friend."</p> + + <p>Then, all unarmed, did Achilles go forth, and stood beside + the trench. With a mighty voice he shouted, and at the sound of + his voice terror fell upon the Trojans. Backward in flight they + went, and from among the dead did the Greeks draw the body of + Patroclus, and hot were the tears that Achilles shed for the + friend whom he had sent forth to battle.</p> + + <p>All that night, in the house of the Immortals, resounded the + clang of hammer on anvil as Hephaistus, the lame god, fashioned + new arms for Achilles.</p> + + <p>Bronze and silver and gold he threw in his fire, and golden + handmaidens helped their master to wield the great bellows, and + to send on the crucibles blasts that made the ruddy flames + dance.</p> + + <p>No fairer shield was ever borne by man than that which + Hephaistus made for Achilles. For him also he wrought a corslet + brighter than a flame of fire, and a helmet with a golden + crest.</p> + + <p>And in the morning light did Thetis dart down from snowy + Olympus, bearing in her arms the splendid gift of a god.</p> + + <p>Glad was Achilles as he put on the armor, and terrible was + his war-cry as he roused the Greek warriors. No man, however + sore his wounds, held back when the voice of Achilles called + him to the fight once again. Wounded was Agamemnon, overlord of + the Greeks, but forth also came he. And there, while the sun + rose on many a warrior who would fight no more, did Achilles + and Agamemnon speak as friends once again, their long strife + ended.</p> + + <p>Hungry for war, with Achilles as their leader, did the + Greeks then meet the Trojans on the plain. And as a fierce fire + rages through the forest, its flames driven by the wind, so did + Achilles in his wrath drive through the host of + Troy.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page116" + id="page116"></a>[pg 116]</span> + + <p>Down to the Scamander he drove the fleeing Trojans, and the + water reddened with blood, as he smote and spared not.</p> + + <p>Merciless was Achilles; pitilessly did he exult as one brave + man after another was sent by him to dye red the swift flood of + the Scamander.</p> + + <p>At length, at his lack of mercy, did even the river grow + wrathful.</p> + + <p>"Choked is my stream with dead men!" it cried, "and still + thou slayest!"</p> + + <p>But when Achilles heeded not, in fierce flood the river + up-rose against him, sweeping the slain before it, and in + furious spate seeking to destroy Achilles. But as its waves + smote against his shield, Achilles grasped a tall elm, and + uprooting it, cast it into the river to dam the torrent. For + the moment only was the angry river stayed. In fear did + Achilles flee across the plain, but with a mighty roar it + pursued him, and caught him.</p> + + <p>To the gods then cried Achilles, and to his aid came Athene, + and close to the walls of Troy again did Achilles chase the + Trojan men.</p> + + <p>From the city walls old Priam saw the dreadful things + Achilles wrought.</p> + + <p>And when, his armor blazing like the brightest stars of the + sky, he drew near, and Hector would have gone to meet him, in + grief did Priam cry to his dearly loved son:</p> + + <p>"Hector, beloved son, I pray thee go not alone to meet this + man; mightier far than thou is he."</p> + + <p>But all eager for the fight was Hector. Of all the men of + Troy he alone still stood unafraid. Then did the mother of + Hector beseech him to hold back from what must surely mean + death. Yet Hector held not back, but on his shining shield + leaned against a tower, awaiting the coming of the great + destroyer.</p> + + <p>And at last they met, face to face, spear to spear. As a + shooting-star in the darkness so flashed the spear of Achilles + as he hurled it home to pierce the neck of Hector. Gods and men + had deserted Hector, and alone before the walls of Troy he fell + and died.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page117" + id="page117"></a>[pg 117]</span> + + <p>Thus ended the fight.</p> + + <p>For twelve days did the Greek host rejoice, and all through + the days Hector's body lay unburied. For at the heels of swift + horses had the Greeks dragged him to the ships, while from the + battlements his mother and his wife Andromache watched, wailing + in agony, with hearts that broke.</p> + + <p>Then at length went old Priam to the camp of the Greeks. And + before Achilles he fell, beseeching him to have mercy and to + give him back the body of his son.</p> + + <p>So was the heart of Achilles moved, and the body of Hector + ransomed; and with wailing of women did the people of Troy + welcome home their hero.</p> + + <p>Over him lamented his old mother, for of all her sons was he + to her most dear, and over him wept, with burning tears, his + wife Andromache.</p> + + <p>And to his bier came Helen, and with breaking heart did she + sob forth her sorrow:</p> + + <p>"Dearest of my brothers," she said, "from thee have I heard + neither reproach nor evil word. With kind words and gentle + heart hast thou ever stood by me. Lost, lost is my one true + friend. No more in Troyland is any left to pity me."</p> + + <p>On lofty funeral pyre then laid they the dead Hector, and + when the flames had consumed his body his comrades placed his + white bones in a golden urn, and over it with great stones did + they raise a mighty mound that all might see where he + rested.</p> + + <p>Yet still was the warfare between Greeks and Trojans not + ended.</p> + + <p>To Achilles death came in a shaft from the bow of Paris. By + a poisoned arrow driven at venture and at dark midnight from + the bow of an outcast leper was fair Paris slain. While winter + snow lay white on Ida, in Helen's arms did his life ebb + away.</p> + + <p>Then came there a day when the Greeks burned their camp and + sailed homeward across the gray water.</p> + + <p>Behind them they left a mighty horse of wood, and the men of + Troy came and drew it into the city as trophy and sign of + victory over those who had made it. But inside the horse were + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page118" id="page118"></a>[pg + 118]</span> hidden many of the bravest warriors of Greece, and + at night, when the Trojans feasted, the Greeks came out of + their hiding-place and threw open the gates.</p> + + <p>And up from the sea came the Greek host, and in fire and in + blood fell the city of Troy.</p> + + <p>Yet did not Helen perish. Back to his own kingdom by the sea + Menelaus took her, to reign, in peace, a queen, she who had + brought grief and death to so many, and to the city of Troy + unutterable woe.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page119" + id="page119"></a>[pg 119]</span> + + <h3>THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY JEANIE LANG</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>WHAT HAPPENED IN ITHACA WHILE ODYSSEUS WAS AWAY</h4> + + <p>While Odysseus was fighting far away in Troyland, his baby + son grew to be a big boy. And when years passed and Odysseus + did not return, the boy, Telemachus, grew to be a man.</p> + + <p>Telemachus loved his beautiful mother, Penelope, but his + heart always longed for the hero father whom he could only + dimly remember. As time went on, he longed more and more, for + evil things came to pass in the kingdom of Odysseus.</p> + + <p>The chiefs and lords of Ithaca admired Penelope for her + beauty. They also coveted her money and her lands, and when + Odysseus did not return, each one of these greedy and wicked + men wished to marry her and make his own all that had belonged + to brave Odysseus.</p> + + <p>"Odysseus is surely dead," they said, "and Telemachus is + only a lad and cannot harm us."</p> + + <p>So they came to the palace where Penelope and Telemachus + lived, and there they stayed, year in, year out, feasting and + drinking and wasting the goods of Odysseus. Their roughness and + greed troubled Penelope, but still more did they each one daily + torment her by rudely asking: "Wilt thou marry me?"</p> + + <p>At last she fell on a plan to stop them from talking to her + of marriage.</p> + + <p>In the palace hall she set up a great web, beautiful and + fine of woof.</p> + + <p>Then she said, "When I have finished weaving this robe I + shall give you my answer."</p> + + <p>Each day she worked at it, but each night, when the wooers + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page120" id="page120"></a>[pg + 120]</span> slept, she undid all that she had done during the + day. So it seemed to the wooers as if the robe would never be + finished.</p> + + <p>Penelope's heart was heavy, and heavy, too, was the heart of + Telemachus. For three weary years, while Odysseus was + imprisoned on the island of Calypso, the mother and son pined + together.</p> + + <p>One day Telemachus sat at the door of the palace sadly + watching the wooers as they drank and reveled. He was thinking + of the brave father that he feared was dead, when there walked + up to the door of the courtyard a stranger dressed like a + warrior from another land.</p> + + <p>The stranger was the goddess Athene. At the same time that + she gained leave from the gods to set Odysseus free, they had + agreed that she should go to Ithaca and help Telemachus. But + she came dressed as a warrior, and not as a beautiful, + gray-eyed, golden-haired goddess with golden sandals on her + feet.</p> + + <p>Telemachus rose up and shook her kindly by the hand, and led + her into the hall. He took from her the heavy bronze spear that + she carried, and made her sit down on one of the finest of the + chairs, in a place where the noise of the rough wooers should + not disturb her.</p> + + <p>"Welcome, stranger," he said. "When thou hast had food, then + shalt thou tell us in what way we can help thee."</p> + + <p>He then made servants bring a silver basin and golden ewer + that she might wash her hands, and he fetched her food and wine + of the best.</p> + + <p>Soon the wooers entered, and noisily ate they and drank, and + roughly jested.</p> + + <p>Telemachus watched them and listened with an angry heart. + Then, in a low voice, he said to Athene:</p> + + <p>"These men greedily eat and drink, and waste my father's + goods. They think the bones of Odysseus bleach out in the rain + in a far land, or are tossed about by the sea. But did my + father still live, and were he to come home, the cowards would + flee before him. Tell me, stranger, hast thou come from a + far-off country? Hast thou ever seen my father?"</p> + + <p>Athene answered: "Odysseus still lives. He is a prisoner + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page121" id="page121"></a>[pg + 121]</span> on a sea-girt island, but it will not be long ere + he escapes and comes home. Thou art like Odysseus, my son. Thou + hast a head like his, and the same beautiful eyes."</p> + + <p>When Athene spoke to him so kindly and so hopefully, + Telemachus told her all that was in his heart. And when the + wickedness and greed of the wooers was made known to her, + Athene grew very angry.</p> + + <p>"Thou art in sore need of Odysseus," she said. "If Odysseus + were to come to the door now with lance in hand, soon would he + scatter those shameless ones before him."</p> + + <p>Then she told Telemachus what he must do.</p> + + <p>"To-morrow," said she, "call thy lords to a council meeting, + and tell the wooers to return to their homes."</p> + + <p>For himself, she told him to fit out a ship with twenty + oars-men, that he might sail to a land where he should get + tidings of his father.</p> + + <p>"Thou art tall and handsome, my friend," she said. "Be + brave, that even in days to come men may praise thy name."</p> + + <p>"Thou speakest as a father to a son. I will never forget + what thou hast said," said Telemachus.</p> + + <p>He begged Athene to stay longer, and wished to give her a + costly gift. But she would not stay, nor accept any present. To + Telemachus she had given a gift, though he did not know it. For + into his heart she had put strength and courage, so that when + she flew away like a beautiful bird across the sea she left + behind her, not a frightened, unhappy boy, but a strong, brave + man.</p> + + <p>The wooers took no notice of the comings and goings of the + strange warrior, so busy were they with their noisy feast. As + they feasted a minstrel played to them on his lyre, and sang a + song of the return of the warriors from Troyland when the + fighting was over.</p> + + <p>From her room above, Penelope heard the song, and came down. + For a little, standing by the door, she listened. Then she + could bear it no longer, and, weeping, she said to the + minstrel:</p> + + <p>"Sing some other song, and do not sing a song of return from + Troyland to me, whose husband never + returned."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page122" + id="page122"></a>[pg 122]</span> + + <p>Then Telemachus, in a new and manly way that made her + wonder, spoke to his mother:</p> + + <p>"Blame not the minstrel, dear mother," he said. "It is not + his fault that he sings sad songs, but the fault of the gods + who allow sad things to be. Thou art not the only one who hast + lost a loved one in Troyland. Go back to thy room, and let me + order what shall be, for I am now the head of the house."</p> + + <p>In the same fearless, manly way he spoke to the wooers:</p> + + <p>"Ye may feast to-night," he said; "only let there be no + brawling. To-morrow meet with me. For once and for all it must + be decided if ye are to go on wasting my goods, or if I am to + be master of my own house and king in mine own land."</p> + + <p>The wooers bit their lips with rage, and some of them + answered him rudely; but Telemachus paid no heed, and when at + last they returned to their houses, he went upstairs to his own + room. The old woman who had nursed him when he was a child + carried torches before him to show him the way. When he sat + down on his bed and took off his doublet, she folded and + smoothed it and hung it up. Then she shut the door with its + silver handle, and left Telemachus, wrapped in a soft fleece of + wool, thinking far into the night of all that Athene had said + to him.</p> + + <p>When day dawned he dressed and buckled on his sword, and + told heralds to call the lords to a council meeting. When all + were assembled he went into the hall. In his hand he carried a + bronze spear, and two of his hounds followed him, and when he + went up to his father's seat and sat down there, the oldest men + gave place to him. For Athene had shed on him such a wondrous + grace that he looked like a young god.</p> + + <p>"Never since brave Odysseus sailed away to Troyland have we + had a council meeting," said one old lord. "I think the man who + hath called this meeting is a true man—good luck go with + him! May the gods give him his heart's desire."</p> + + <p>So good a beginning did this seem that Telemachus was glad, + and, burning to say all that had been in his heart for so long, + he rose to his feet and spoke.</p> + + <p>Of the loss of his father he spoke sadly, and then, with + burning words, of the cowardly wooers, of their feastings and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page123" id="page123"></a>[pg + 123]</span> revelings and wasting of his goods, and of their + insolence to Penelope and himself.</p> + + <p>When he had thus spoken in rage and grief, he burst into + tears.</p> + + <p>For a little there was silence, then one of the wooers said + angrily:</p> + + <p>"Penelope is to blame, and no other. For three years she has + deceived us. 'I will give you my answer when I have finished + weaving this robe,' she said, and so we waited and waited. But + now that three years have gone and a fourth has begun, it is + told us by one of her maids that each night she has undone all + she has woven during the day. She can deceive us no longer. She + must now finish the robe, and tell us whom she will marry. For + we will not leave this place until she has chosen a + husband."</p> + + <p>Then, once again, with pleading words, Telemachus tried to + move the hearts of the wooers.</p> + + <p>"If ye will not go," at last he said, "I will ask the gods + to reward you for your wickedness."</p> + + <p>As he spoke, two eagles flew, fleet as the wind, from the + mountain crest. Side by side they flew until they were above + the place of the council meeting. Then they wheeled about, + darted with fury at each other, and tore with their savage + talons at each other's heads and necks. Flapping their great + wings, they then went swiftly away and were lost in the far + distance.</p> + + <p>Said a wise old man: "It is an omen. Odysseus will return, + and woe will come upon the wooers. Let us make an end of these + evil doings and keep harm away from us."</p> + + <p>"Go home, old man," angrily mocked the wooers. "Prophesy to + thine own children. Odysseus is dead. Would that thou hadst + died with him. Then thou couldst not have babbled nonsense, and + tried to hound on Telemachus in the hope that he may give thee + a gift."</p> + + <p>To Telemachus they said again:</p> + + <p>"We will go on wasting thy goods until Penelope weds one of + us."</p> + + <p>Only one other beside the old man was brave enough to speak + for Telemachus. Fearlessly and nobly did his friend + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page124" id="page124"></a>[pg + 124]</span> Mentor blame the wooers for their shamelessness. + But they jeered at him, and laughed aloud when Telemachus told + them he was going to take a ship and go to look for his + father.</p> + + <p>"He will never come back," said one, "and even were Odysseus + himself to return, we should slay him when he came."</p> + + <p>Then the council meeting broke up, and the wooers went again + to revel in the palace of Odysseus.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/124.jpg" name="fig124s" + id="fig124s"><img width="300" src="images/124s.jpg" + alt="TELEMACHUS KNELT WHERE THE GRAY WATER BROKE ON THE SAND" /> + </a><br /> + telemachus knelt where the gray water broke on the sand + </div> + + <p>Down to the seashore went Telemachus and knelt where the + gray water broke in little white wavelets on the sand.</p> + + <p>"Hear me," he cried, "thou who didst speak with me + yesterday. I know now that thou art a god. Tell me, I pray + thee? how shall I find a ship to sail across the misty sea and + find my father? For there is none to help me."</p> + + <p>Swiftly, in answer to his cry, came Athene.</p> + + <p>"Be brave. Be thy father's son," she said. "Go back to thy + house and get ready corn and wine for the voyage. I will choose + the best of all the ships in Ithaca for thee, and have her + launched, and manned by a crew, all of them willing men."</p> + + <p>Then Telemachus returned to the palace. In the courtyard the + wooers were slaying goats and singeing swine and making ready a + great feast.</p> + + <p>"Here comes Telemachus, who is planning to destroy us," they + mocked. "Telemachus, who speaks so proudly—- angry + Telemachus."</p> + + <p>Said one youth:</p> + + <p>"Who knows but what if he goes on a voyage he will be like + Odysseus, and never return. Then will we have all his riches to + divide among ourselves, and his house will belong to the man + who weds Penelope."</p> + + <p>Telemachus shook off the jeering crowd, and went down to the + vaulted chamber where his father's treasures were kept. Gold + and bronze lay there in piles, and there were great boxes of + splendid clothes, and casks of wine. The heavy folding doors of + the treasure chamber were shut day and night, and the old nurse + was the keeper of the treasures.</p> + + <p>Telemachus bade her get ready corn and wine for the + voyage.</p> + + <p>"When my mother has gone to rest I will take them away," he + said, "for this night I go to seek my father across the + sea."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page125" + id="page125"></a>[pg 125]</span> + + <p>At this the old nurse began to cry.</p> + + <p>"Do not go, dear child," she wailed. "Thou art our only one, + and we love thee so well. Odysseus is dead, and what canst thou + do, sailing far away across the deep sea? As soon as thou art + gone, those wicked men will begin to plot evil against thee. Do + not go. Do not go. There is no need for thee to risk thy life + on the sea and go wandering far from home."</p> + + <p>"Take heart, nurse," said Telemachus. "The goddess Athene + has told me to go, so all will be well. But promise me not to + tell my dear mother that I am gone until she misses me. For I + do not wish to mar her fair face with tears."</p> + + <p>The nurse promised, and began to make ready all that + Telemachus wished.</p> + + <p>Meantime Athene, in the likeness of Telemachus, found a + swift-sailing ship, and men to sail it. When darkness fell, she + sent sleep on the wooers and led Telemachus down to the shore + where his men sat by their oars.</p> + + <p>To the palace, where every one slept and all was still and + quiet, Telemachus brought his men. None but the old nurse knew + he was going away, but they found the food and wine that she + had got ready and carried it down to the ship. Then Athene went + on board, and Telemachus sat beside her. A fresh west wind + filled the sails and went singing over the waves. The dark + water surged up at the bow as the ship cut through it. And all + night long and till the dawn, the ship sailed happily on her + way.</p> + + <p>At sunrise they came to land, and Athene and Telemachus went + on shore. The rulers of the country welcomed them and treated + them well, but could tell nothing of Odysseus after the siege + of Troy was over. Athene gave Telemachus into their care, then, + turning herself into a sea-eagle, she flew swiftly away, + leaving them amazed because they knew she must be one of the + gods.</p> + + <p>While Telemachus sought for news of his father in this + kingdom, and the kingdoms near it, the wooers began to miss him + at their feasts. They fancied he was away hunting, until, one + day, as they played games in front of the palace, the man whose + ship Athene had borrowed came to them.</p> + + <p>"When will Telemachus return with my ship?" he + asked.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page126" + id="page126"></a>[pg 126]</span> + + <p>"I need it that I may cross over to where I keep my horses. + I wish to catch one and break him in."</p> + + <p>When the wooers heard from him that Telemachus had sailed + away with twenty brave youths, in the swiftest ship in Ithaca, + they were filled with rage.</p> + + <p>At once they got a ship and sailed to where they might meet + Telemachus in a strait between Ithaca and another rocky + island.</p> + + <p>"We will slay him there," said they. "We will give him a + woful end to his voyage in search of his father."</p> + + <p>When Penelope heard this, and knew that her son was perhaps + sailing to his doom, her heart well-nigh broke. She wept + bitterly, and reproached her maidens with not having told her + that Telemachus had gone.</p> + + <p>"Slay me if thou wilt," said the old nurse, "but I alone + knew it. Telemachus made me promise not to tell thee, that thy + fair face might not be marred by weeping. Do not fear, the + goddess Athene will take care of him."</p> + + <p>Thus she comforted her mistress, and although she lay long + awake that night, Penelope fell asleep at last. In her dreams + Athene came to her and told her that Telemachus would come + safely home, and so Penelope's sad heart was cheered.</p> + + <p>While she slept the wooers sailed away in a swift, black + ship, with spears in their hands and murder in their hearts. On + a little rocky isle they landed until the ship of Telemachus + should pass, and there they waited, that they might slay him + when he came.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>HOW ODYSSEUS CAME HOME</h4> + + <p>While yet Telemachus sought news of his father, Odysseus was + well-nigh home. On that misty morning when he found himself in + Ithaca, and did not know it, because the gray fog made + everything seem strange and unfriendly, Odysseus was very sad + as he sat beside the moaning sea.</p> + + <p>Then came Athene, and drove the mist before her, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page127" id="page127"></a>[pg + 127]</span> Odysseus saw again the land that he loved, and knew + that his wanderings were past. She told him the tale of the + wooers, and of the unhappiness of Penelope and Telemachus, and + the heart of Odysseus grew hot within him.</p> + + <p>"Stand by me!" he said to the goddess. "If thou of thy grace + wilt help me, I myself will fight three hundred men."</p> + + <p>"Truly I will stand by thee," said Athene, "and many of the + greedy wooers shall stain the earth with their blood."</p> + + <p>She then told Odysseus how the wooers were to be destroyed, + and Odysseus gladly agreed to her plans. First she made him + hide far in the darkness of the cave, under the olive-tree, all + the gold and bronze ornaments and beautiful clothes that had + been given to him in the land of Nausicaa.</p> + + <p>Then she touched him with her golden wand. In a moment his + yellow hair fell off his head; his bright eyes were dim; his + skin was withered and wrinkled, and he had a stooping back and + tottering legs like a feeble old man. His clothes of purple and + silver she changed into torn and filthy old rags, and over his + shoulders she threw the old skin of a stag with the hair worn + off.</p> + + <p>"Go now," said Athene, "to where thy faithful swineherd sits + on the hill, watching his swine as they grub among the acorns + and drink of the clear spring. He has always been true to thee + and to thy wife and son. Stay with him and hear all that he has + to tell, and I will go and fetch home Telemachus."</p> + + <p>"When thou didst know all, why didst thou not tell + Telemachus?" asked Odysseus. "Is he, too, to go wandering over + stormy seas, far from his own land?"</p> + + <p>"Telemachus will be a braver man for what he has gone + through," said Athene. "No harm shall come to him, although the + wooers in their black ship wait to slay him."</p> + + <p>Then Athene flew across the sea, and Odysseus climbed up a + rough track through the woods to where the swineherd had built + himself a hut. The hut was made of stones and thorn-branches, + and beside it were sties for the swine made in the same way. + The wooers had eaten many swine at their daily feasts, but + thousands remained. These the swineherd tended, with three men + and four fierce dogs to help + him.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page128" + id="page128"></a>[pg 128]</span> + + <p>At an open space on the hill, from whence he could look down + at the woods and the sea, Odysseus found the swineherd sitting + at the door of his hut making himself a pair of sandals out of + brown ox-hide.</p> + + <p>When the swineherd's dogs saw a dirty, bent old man toiling + up the hill, they rushed at him, barking furiously. Up they + leapt on him and would have torn him to pieces if their master + had not cast away his ox-hide, dashed after them, scolded them + and beaten them, and then driven them off with showers of + stones.</p> + + <p>"If my dogs had killed thee I should have been for ever + ashamed," he said to Odysseus, "and without that I have enough + sorrow. For while my noble master may be wandering in a strange + land and lacking food, I have to feed his fat swine for others + to eat."</p> + + <p>So speaking, he led Odysseus to his hut. He laid some + brushwood on the floor, spread over it the soft, shaggy skin of + a wild goat, and bade Odysseus be seated. Then he went out to + the sties, killed two sucking pigs, and roasted them daintily. + When they were ready he cut off the choicest bits and gave them + to Odysseus, with a bowl of honey-sweet wine.</p> + + <p>While Odysseus ate and drank, the swineherd talked to him of + the greed and wastefulness of the wooers, and in silence + Odysseus listened, planning in his heart how he might punish + them.</p> + + <p>"Tell me thy master's name," he said at length. "I have + traveled in many lands. Perchance I may have seen him, and may + give thee news of him."</p> + + <p>But the swineherd answered:</p> + + <p>"Each vagrant who comes straying to the land of Ithaca goes + to my mistress with lying tales of how he has seen or heard of + my master. She receives them all kindly, and asks many + questions, while tears run down her cheeks. You, too, old man, + would quickly make up a story if any one would give thee some + new clothes. My master is surely dead, and wherever I may go I + shall never again find a lord so gentle."</p> + + <p>Then said Odysseus:</p> + + <p>"My friend, I swear to thee that Odysseus shall return. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page129" id="page129"></a>[pg + 129]</span> In this year, as the old moon wanes and the new is + born, he shall return to his home."</p> + + <p>When the other herds returned that evening they found + Odysseus and their master still deep in talk. At night the + swineherd made a feast of the best that he had, and still they + talked, almost until dawn. The night was black and stormy, and + a drenching rain blotted out the moon, but the swineherd, + leaving Odysseus lying in the bed he had made for him, with his + own thick mantle spread over him, went outside and lay under a + rock that sheltered him from the storm, keeping guard on the + white-tusked boars that slept around him. And Odysseus knew + that he had still at least one servant who was faithful and + true.</p> + + <p>While Odysseus dwelt with the swineherd, Athene sought + Telemachus and bade him hasten home. Speedily Telemachus went + back to his ship and his men. The hawsers were loosed, the + white sail hauled up, and Athene sent a fresh breeze that made + the ship cut through the water like a white-winged bird. It was + night when they passed the island where the wooers awaited + their coming, and in the darkness none saw them go by.</p> + + <p>By daybreak they reached Ithaca, and Telemachus, as Athene + had bidden him, sent on the men to the harbor with the ship, + but made them put him ashore on the woody coast near the + swineherd's dwelling.</p> + + <p>With his bronze-shod spear in his hand, Telemachus strode up + the rocky path. Odysseus and the swineherd had kindled a fire, + and were preparing the morning meal, when Odysseus heard the + noise of footsteps. He looked out and saw a tall lad with + yellow hair and bright eyes, and a fearless, noble face. + "Surely here is a friend," he said to the swineherd. "Thy dogs + are not barking, but jump up and fawn on him."</p> + + <p>The swineherd looked, and when he saw his young master he + wept for joy.</p> + + <p>"I thought I should never see thee more, sweet light of my + eyes," he said. "Come into my hut, that I may gladden my heart + with the sight of thee."</p> + + <p>He then spread before him the best he had, and the three + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page130" id="page130"></a>[pg + 130]</span> men ate together. Although Odysseus seemed only a + poor, ragged, old beggar, Telemachus treated him with such + gentleness and such courtesy that Odysseus was proud and glad + of his noble son. Soon Telemachus sent the swineherd to tell + Penelope of his safe return, and while he was gone Athene + entered the hut. She made herself invisible to Telemachus, but + beckoned to Odysseus to go outside.</p> + + <p>"The time is come for thee to tell thy son who thou art," + she said, and touched him with her golden wand.</p> + + <p>At once Odysseus was again a strong man, dressed in fine + robes, and radiant and beautiful as the sun.</p> + + <p>When he went back into the hut Telemachus thought he was a + god.</p> + + <p>"No god am I," said Odysseus; "I am thy father, + Telemachus."</p> + + <p>And Odysseus took his son in his arms and kissed him, and + the tears that he had kept back until now ran down his cheeks. + Telemachus flung his arms round his father's neck, and he, too, + wept like a little child, so glad was he that Odysseus had come + home.</p> + + <p>All day they spoke of the wooers and plotted how to slay + them.</p> + + <p>When the swineherd returned, and Athene had once more + changed Odysseus into an old beggar-man, he told Telemachus + that the wooers had returned, and were so furious with + Telemachus for escaping from them, that they were going to kill + him next day.</p> + + <p>At this Telemachus smiled to his father, but neither said a + word.</p> + + <p>Next morning Telemachus took his spear and said to the + swineherd:</p> + + <p>"I go to the palace to see my mother. As for this old + beggar-man, lead him to the city, that he may beg there."</p> + + <p>And Odysseus, still pretending to be a beggar, said:</p> + + <p>"It is better to beg in the town than in the fields. My + garments are very poor and thin, and this frosty air chills me; + but as soon as I am warmed at the fire and the sun grows hot, I + will gladly set + out."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page131" + id="page131"></a>[pg 131]</span> + + <p>Down the hill to the city strode Telemachus. When he came to + the palace, his old nurse, whom he found busy in the hall, wept + for joy. And when Penelope heard his voice, she came from her + room and cast her arms round him and kissed his face and his + eyes, and said, while tears ran down her cheeks:</p> + + <p>"Thou art come, sweet light of my eyes. I thought I should + never see thee more."</p> + + <p>Then Telemachus, looking like a young god, with his spear in + his hand and his two hounds following at his heels, went to the + hall where the wooers sat. To his friend Mentor he told his + adventures, but he looked on the wooers with silence and + scorn.</p> + + <p>Soon Odysseus and the swineherd followed him to the city. A + beggar's bag, all tattered, was slung round the shoulders of + Odysseus. In his hand he carried a staff. Men who saw him, + tattered and feeble, mocked at him and his guide. But Odysseus + kept down the anger in his heart, and they went on to the + palace. Near the doorway, lying in the dirt, thin and old and + rough of coat, lay Argos, the dog that long ago had been the + best and fleetest that had hunted the hares and deer with + Odysseus.</p> + + <p>When he heard his master's voice he wagged his tail and + tried to crawl near him. But he was too feeble to move. He + could only look up with loving, wistful eyes that were almost + blind, and thump his tail gladly. So glad was he that his + faithful heart broke for joy, and before Odysseus could pat his + head or speak a kind word to him, old Argos rolled over + dead.</p> + + <p>There were tears in the eyes of Odysseus as he walked past + the body of his friend. He sat down on the threshold leaning on + his staff, and when Telemachus sent him bread and meat from his + table he ate hungrily. When the meal was over he went round the + hall begging from the wooers. Some gave him scraps of broken + meats, others called him hard names and bade him begone, and + one of them seized a footstool and struck him with it.</p> + + <p>But Odysseus still kept down the anger in his heart, and + went back to his seat on the threshold with his beggar's bag + full of the scraps that had been given to + him.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page132" + id="page132"></a>[pg 132]</span> + + <p>As he sat there, a common beggar, well known for his greed + and impudence, came to the palace.</p> + + <p>"Get thee hence, old man," said he to Odysseus, "else I + shall knock all thy teeth from thy head."</p> + + <p>More, too, he said, rudely and roughly, and at last he + struck Odysseus.</p> + + <p>Then Odysseus could bear no more, and smote him such a blow + on his neck that the bones were broken, and he fell on the + ground with blood gushing from his mouth. Odysseus dragged him + outside by the heels, and propped him, with his staff in his + hands, against the courtyard wall.</p> + + <p>"Sit there," he said, "and scare off dogs and swine."</p> + + <p>The wooers laughed and enjoyed the sport, and gave gifts of + food to the sturdy old beggar, as they took Odysseus to be. All + evening they feasted and drank, but when night fell they went + to their own homes.</p> + + <p>When they were gone Odysseus and Telemachus carried all the + helmets and swords and sharp-pointed spears that stood in the + hall, away to the armory and hid them there.</p> + + <p>Then Telemachus went to his room to rest, but Odysseus sat + in the hall where the servants were clearing away the remains + of the feast. While he sat there, Penelope came with her maids + and rested on a chair In front of the glowing wood fire on + which the servants had piled fresh logs.</p> + + <p>She talked kindly and gently to the old beggar-man, and bade + the old nurse bring water to wash his weary feet.</p> + + <p>Now, once long ago, a wild boar that he hunted had torn the + leg of Odysseus with his tusk, and as the old nurse washed his + feet she saw the scar. In a moment she knew her master, and + cried out. The brazen bath fell with a clang on the floor, and + the water was spilt.</p> + + <p>"Thou art Odysseus," she said; "I did not know thee, my dear + child, until I found the scar."</p> + + <p>Penelope must have heard her glad cry, had not Athene at + that moment made her deep in thoughts of other things. Quickly + Odysseus bade the old nurse be silent, and the old woman obeyed + him.</p> + + <p>Before Penelope went to rest she said sadly to Odysseus: + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page133" id="page133"></a>[pg + 133]</span> "I feel that the end is drawing near. Soon I shall + be parted from the house of Odysseus. My husband, who was + always the best and bravest, used to set up the twelve axes ye + see standing here, and between each axe he shot an arrow. I + have told the wooers that I shall marry whichever one of them + can do the like. Then I shall leave this house, which must be + for ever most dear to me."</p> + + <p>Then answered the old beggar-man: "Odysseus will be here + when they shoot. It will be Odysseus who shoots between the + axes."</p> + + <p>Penelope, longing for his words to be true, went up to her + room and lay crying on her bed until her pillows were wet. Then + Athene sent sleep upon her eyelids and made her forget all her + sorrows.</p> + + <p>Odysseus, too, would have tossed all night wide awake, with + a heart full of anger and revenge, had not Athene gently laid + her hands on his eyes and made him fall asleep.</p> + + <p>Next day the wooers came to the palace, and with rough jest + and rude word they greeted Odysseus.</p> + + <p>"Who harms this man must fight with me," said Telemachus, + and at that the wooers shouted with laughter.</p> + + <p>But a stranger who sat among them cried out in a voice of + fear:</p> + + <p>"I see your hands and knees shrouded in blackness! I see + your cheeks wet with tears! The walls and the pillars drip + blood; the porch is full of shadows, and pale ghosts are + hastening out of the gray mist that fills the palace."</p> + + <p>At this the wooers laughed the more, for they thought the + man was mad. But, as in a dream, he had seen truly what was to + come to pass.</p> + + <p>Weeping, Penelope then brought forth from the armory the + great bow with which Odysseus had shot in years that were past. + Her heart was full of love for Odysseus, and she could not bear + to wed another.</p> + + <p>Telemachus then threw aside his red cloak and ranged out the + bronze axes.</p> + + <p>One by one the wooers tried to move the great bow and make + it drive a swift arrow before it. One by one they + failed.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page134" + id="page134"></a>[pg 134]</span> + + <p>And when it seemed as if no man there was strong enough to + move it, Odysseus took it in his hands, and between each axe he + shot an arrow. When the last arrow was shot he tore off his + rags, and in a voice that rang through the palace he cried to + Telemachus: "Now is it time to prepare supper for the wooers! + Now, at last, is this terrible trial ended. I go to shoot at + another mark!"</p> + + <p>With that he shot an arrow at the wooer who had ever been + the most insolent and the most cruel. It smote him in the + throat, his blood dripped red on the ground, and he fell + dead.</p> + + <p>The others gave a great cry of rage, but Odysseus looked at + them with burning eyes, and with a voice that made them tremble + he cried:</p> + + <p>"Ye dogs! ye said I should never return, and, like the + traitors ye are, ye have wasted my goods and insulted my queen. + But now death has come for you, and none shall escape."</p> + + <p>In vain did the cowards, their faces pale with fear, beg for + mercy. Mercy there was none that day. It was useless for those + who drew their swords and rushed on Odysseus to try to slay + him, for ere their swords could touch him, his bow had driven + sharp arrows into their hearts.</p> + + <p>One of the servants of the palace treacherously climbed into + the armory and brought spears and shields and helmets for the + wooers. But even that did not daunt Odysseus and his son. + Telemachus, with his spear, slew man after man. When his arrows + were done Odysseus also snatched a spear, and they fought side + by side. Beside them fought the swineherd and one other man, + and they all fought the more fearlessly because, all the time, + Athene put fresh courage in their hearts.</p> + + <p>There were four men to very many others when that fight + began. When it was ended the floor ran with blood, and + Odysseus, like a lion at bay, stood with the dead bodies of the + wooers piled in heaps around him and his face and hands stained + with blood.</p> + + <p>When all lay dead, the old nurse gave a great cry of + joy.</p> + + <p>"Rejoice in thy heart, old nurse," said Odysseus. "It is an + unholy thing to rejoice openly over slain + men."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page135" + id="page135"></a>[pg 135]</span> + + <p>The nurse hastened to Penelope's room.</p> + + <p>"Penelope, dear child!" she cried, "Odysseus is come home, + and all the wooers lie dead."</p> + + <p>At first Penelope would not believe her. Too good did it + seem to be true. Even when she came down and saw Odysseus + leaning against a tall pillar in the light of the fire, she + would not believe what her own eyes saw.</p> + + <p>"Surely, mother, thy heart is as hard as stone," said + Telemachus. "Dost thou not know my father?"</p> + + <p>But Penelope saw only a ragged beggar-man, soiled with the + blood of the men he had slain, old and ugly and poor.</p> + + <p>Then Athene shed her grace upon Odysseus, and once more he + was tall and strong and gallant to look upon, with golden hair + curling like hyacinth flowers around his head. And Penelope ran + to him and threw out her arms, and they held each other close + and wept together like those who have suffered shipwreck, and + have been tossed for long by angry seas, and yet have won + safely home at last.</p> + + <p>And when the sun went down that night on the little rocky + island of Ithaca in the far seas, the heart of Odysseus was + glad, for he knew that his wanderings were ended.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page136" + id="page136"></a>[pg 136]</span> + + <h3>ROBINSON CRUSOE</h3> + + <h3>By DANIEL DEFOE</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY JOHN LANG</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>HOW ROBINSON FIRST WENT TO SEA; AND HOW HE WAS + SHIPWRECKED</h4> + + <p>Long, long ago, before even your grandfather's father was + born, there lived in the town of York a boy whose name was + Robinson Crusoe. Though he never even saw the sea till he was + quite a big boy, he had always wanted to be a sailor, and to go + away in a ship to visit strange, foreign, far-off lands; and he + thought that if he could only do that, he would be quite + happy.</p> + + <p>But his father wanted him to be a lawyer, and he often + talked to Robinson, and told him of the terrible things that + might happen to him if he went away, and how people who stopped + at home were always the happiest. He told him, too, how + Robinson's brother had gone away, and had been killed in the + wars.</p> + + <p>So Robinson promised at last that he would give up wanting + to be a sailor. But in a few days the longing came back as bad + as ever, and he asked his mother to try to coax his father to + let him go just one voyage. But his mother was very angry, and + his father said, "If he goes abroad he will be the most + miserable wretch that ever was born. I can give no consent to + it."</p> + + <p>Robinson stopped at home for another year, till he was + nineteen years old, all the time thinking and thinking of the + sea. But one day when he had gone on a visit to Hull, a big + town by the sea, to say good-by to one of his friends who was + going to London, he could not resist the chance. Without even + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page137" id="page137"></a>[pg + 137]</span> sending a message to his father and mother, he went + on board his friend's ship, and sailed away.</p> + + <p>But as soon as the wind began to blow and the waves to rise, + poor Robinson was very frightened and seasick, and he said to + himself that if ever he got on shore he would go straight home + and never again leave it.</p> + + <p>He was very solemn till the wind stopped blowing. His friend + and the sailors laughed at him, and called him a fool, and he + very soon forgot, when the weather was fine and the sun + shining, all he had thought about going back to his father and + mother.</p> + + <p>But in a few days, when the ship had sailed as far as + Yarmouth Roads on her way to London, they had to anchor, and + wait for a fair wind. In those days there were no steamers, and + vessels had only their sails to help them along; so if it was + calm, or the wind blew the wrong way, they had just to wait + where they were till a fair wind blew.</p> + + <p>While they lay at Yarmouth the weather became very bad, and + there was a great storm. The sea was so heavy and Robinson's + ship was in such danger, that at last they had to cut away the + masts in order to ease her and to stop her from rolling so + terribly. The Captain fired guns to show that his ship wanted + help. So a boat from another ship was lowered, and came with + much difficulty and took off Robinson and all the crew, just + before their vessel sank; and they got ashore at last, very wet + and miserable, having lost all their clothes except what they + had on.</p> + + <p>But Robinson had some money in his pocket, and he went on to + London by land, thinking that if he returned home now, people + would laugh at him.</p> + + <p>In London he made friends with a ship's captain, who had not + long before come home from a voyage to the Guinea Coast, as + that part of Africa was then called; and the Captain was so + pleased with the money he had made there, that he easily + persuaded Robinson to go with him on his next voyage.</p> + + <p>So Robinson took with him toys, and beads, and other things, + to sell to the natives in Africa, and he got there, in exchange + for these things, so much gold-dust that he thought he was soon + going in that way to make his + fortune.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page138" + id="page138"></a>[pg 138]</span> + + <p>And therefore he went on a second voyage.</p> + + <p>But this time he was not so lucky, for before they reached + the African coast, one morning, very early, they sighted + another ship, which they were sure was a pirate. So fast did + this other vessel sail, that before night she had come up to + Robinson's ship, which did not carry nearly so many men nor so + many guns as the pirate, and which therefore did not want to + fight; and the pirates soon took prisoner Robinson and all the + crew of his ship who were not killed, and made slaves of + them.</p> + + <p>The pirate captain took Robinson as his own slave, and made + him dig in his garden and work in his house. Sometimes, too, he + made him look after his ship when she was in port, but he never + took him away on a voyage.</p> + + <p>For two years Robinson lived like this, very unhappy, and + always thinking how he might escape.</p> + + <p>At last, when the Captain happened one time to be at home + longer than usual, he began to go out fishing in a boat two or + three times a week, taking Robinson, who was a very good + fisher, and a black boy named Xury, with him.</p> + + <p>One day he gave Robinson orders to put food and water, and + some guns, and powder and shot, on a big boat that the pirates + had taken out of an English ship, and to be ready to go with + him and some of his friends on a fishing trip.</p> + + <p>But at the last moment the Captain's friends could not come, + and so Robinson was told to go out in the boat with one of the + Captain's servants who was not a slave, and with Xury, to catch + fish for supper.</p> + + <p>Then Robinson thought that his chance to escape had + come.</p> + + <p>He spoke to the servant, who was not very clever, and + persuaded him to put more food and water on the boat, for, said + Robinson, "we must not take what was meant for our master." And + then he got the servant to bring some more powder and shot, + because, Robinson said, they might as well kill some birds to + eat.</p> + + <p>When they had gone out about a mile, they hauled down the + sail and began to fish. But Robinson pretended that he could + not catch anything there, and he said that they ought to go + further out. When they had gone so far that nobody on shore + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page139" id="page139"></a>[pg + 139]</span> could see what they were doing, Robinson again + pretended to fish. But this time he watched his chance, and + when the servant was not looking, came behind him and threw him + overboard, knowing that the man could swim so well that he + could easily reach the land.</p> + + <p>Then Robinson sailed away with Xury down the coast to the + south. He did not know to what country he was steering, but + cared only to get away from the pirates, and to be free once + more.</p> + + <p>Long days and nights they sailed, sometimes running in close + to the land, but they were afraid to go ashore very often, + because of the wild beasts and the natives. Many times they saw + great lions come roaring down on to the beach, and once + Robinson shot one that he saw lying asleep, and took its skin + to make a bed for himself on the boat.</p> + + <p>At last, after some weeks, when they had got south as far as + the great cape that is called Cape Verde, they saw a Portuguese + vessel, which took them on board. It was not easy for Robinson + to tell who he was, because he could not talk Portuguese, but + everybody was very kind to him, and they bought his boat and + his guns and everything that he had. They even bought poor + Xury, who, of course, was a black slave, and could be sold just + like a horse or a dog.</p> + + <p>So, when they got to Brazil, where the vessel was bound, + Robinson had enough money to buy a plantation; and he grew + sugar and tobacco there for four years, and was very happy and + contented for a time, and made money.</p> + + <p>But he could never be contented for very long. So when some + of his neighbors asked him if he would go in a ship to the + Guinea Coast to get slaves for them, he went, only making a + bargain that he was to be paid for his trouble, and to get some + of the slaves to work on his plantation when he came back.</p> + + <p>Twelve days after the ship sailed, a terrible storm blew, + and they were driven far from where they wanted to go. Great, + angry, foaming seas broke over the deck, sweeping everything + off that could be moved, and a man and a boy were carried + overboard and drowned. No one on the ship expected to be + saved.</p> + + <p>This storm was followed by another, even worse. The wind + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page140" id="page140"></a>[pg + 140]</span> howled and roared through the rigging, and the + weather was thick with rain and flying spray.</p> + + <p>Then early one morning land was dimly seen through the + driving rain, but almost at once the vessel struck on a + sand-bank. In an instant the sails were blown to bits, and + flapped with such uproar that no one could hear the Captain's + orders. Waves poured over the decks, and the vessel bumped on + the sand so terribly that the masts broke off near the deck, + and fell over the side into the sea.</p> + + <p>With great difficulty the only boat left on the ship was put + in the water, and everybody got into her. They rowed for the + shore, hoping to get perhaps into some bay, or to the mouth of + a river, where the sea would be quiet.</p> + + <p>But before they could reach the land, a huge gray wave, big + like the side of a house, came foaming and thundering up behind + them, and before any one could even cry out, it upset the boat, + and they were all left struggling in the water.</p> + + <p>Robinson was a very good swimmer, but no man could swim in + such a sea, and it was only good fortune that brought him at + last safely to land. Big wave after big wave washed him further + and further up the beach, rolling him over and over, once + leaving him helpless, and more than half drowned, beside a + rock.</p> + + <p>But before the next wave could come up, perhaps to drag him + back with it into the sea, he was able to jump up and run for + his life.</p> + + <p>And so he got safely out of the reach of the water, and lay + down upon the grass. But of all on board the ship, Robinson was + the only one who was not drowned.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/140.jpg" name="fig140s" + id="fig140s"><img width="300" src="images/140s.jpg" + alt="THE ESCAPE FROM THE SHIPWRECK" /></a><br /> + the escape from the shipwreck + </div> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>ROBINSON WORKS HARD AT MAKING HIMSELF A HOME</h4> + + <p>When he had rested a little, Robinson got up and began to + walk about very sadly, for darkness was coming on; he was wet, + and cold, and hungry, and he did not know where to sleep, + because he was afraid of wild beasts coming out of the woods + and killing him during the + night.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page141" + id="page141"></a>[pg 141]</span> + + <p>But he found that he still had his knife in his pocket, so + he cut a big stick to protect himself with. Then he climbed + into a tree which had very thick leaves, and there he fixed + himself among the branches as well as he could, and fell sound + asleep.</p> + + <p>In the morning when he awoke, the storm was past, and the + sea quieter. To his surprise, he saw that the ship had been + carried in the night, by the great seas, much nearer to the + shore than she had been when the boat left her, and was now + lying not far from the rock where Robinson had first been + washed up.</p> + + <p>By midday the sea was quite calm, and the tide had gone so + far out that he could walk very near to the ship. So he took + off his clothes and swam the rest of the way to her. But it was + not easy to get on board, because the ship was resting on the + sand, and lay so high out of the water that Robinson could not + reach anything by which he could pull himself up.</p> + + <p>At last, after swimming twice round the vessel, he saw a + rope hanging over, near the bow, and by its help he climbed on + board.</p> + + <p>Everything in the stern of the ship was dry, and in pretty + good order, and the water had not hurt the provisions much. So + he took some biscuits, and ate them as he looked about, and + drank some rum, and then he felt better, and stronger, and more + fit to begin work.</p> + + <p>First of all, he took a few large spars of wood, and a spare + topmast or two, that were on the deck. These he pushed + overboard, tying each with a rope to keep it from drifting + away. Then he went over the side of the ship, and tied all the + spars together so as to make a raft, and on top he put pieces + of plank across. But it was long before he could make the raft + fit to carry the things he wanted to take on shore.</p> + + <p>At last, after much hard work, he got on to it three of the + seamen's chests, which he had broken open, and emptied, and he + filled these with bread, and rice, and cheese, and whatever he + could find to eat, and with all sorts of things that he thought + he might need. He found, too, the carpenter's tool-chest, and + put it on the raft; and nothing on the whole ship was of more + use to him than that.</p> + + <p>Then he set about looking for clothes, for while he had been + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page142" id="page142"></a>[pg + 142]</span> on the ship, the tide had risen and had washed away + his coat and waistcoat and shirt, which he had left lying on + the sand.</p> + + <p>Guns and pistols also, and powder and shot, he took, and two + rusty old cutlasses.</p> + + <p>Now the trouble was to reach land, for the raft had no mast + nor sail nor rudder, and was too heavy and clumsy to be pulled + by Robinson with the broken oars that he had found. But the + tide was rising, and slowly she drifted nearer and nearer, and + at last was carried up the mouth of a little river which + Robinson had not seen when he was on shore.</p> + + <p>There was a strong tide running up, which once carried the + raft against a point of land, where she stuck for a time, and + very nearly upset all the things into deep water. But as the + tide rose higher, Robinson was able to push her into a little + bay where the water was shallow and the ground beneath flat, + and when the tide went out there she was left high and dry, and + he got everything safely ashore.</p> + + <p>The next thing that Robinson did was to climb a hill, that + he might see what sort of country he was in, and find out if + there were any other people in it. But when he got to the top, + he saw to his sorrow that he was on an island, with no other + land in sight except some rocks, and two smaller islands far + over the sea. There were no signs of any people, and he saw + nothing living except great numbers of birds, one of which he + shot. But it was not fit to eat, being some kind of hawk.</p> + + <p>After this, with the chests and boards that he had brought + on shore, he made a kind of hut to sleep in that night, and he + lay there on the sand very comfortably.</p> + + <p>Day by day now for some time Robinson swam out to the ship, + and made fresh rafts, loading them with many stores, powder and + shot, and lead for bullets, seven muskets, a great barrel of + bread, three casks of rum, a quantity of flour, some grain, a + box of sugar, sails and ropes and twine, bags of nails, and + many hatchets. With one of the sails he made himself a good + tent, in which he put everything that could be spoiled by rain + or sun. Around it he piled all the casks and other heavy + things, so that no wild beast could very easily get at him.</p> + + <p>In about a fortnight the weather changed; it blew very hard + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page143" id="page143"></a>[pg + 143]</span> one night, and in the morning the ship had broken + up, and was no more to be seen. But that did not so much + matter, for Robinson had got out of her nearly everything that + he could use.</p> + + <p>Now Robinson thought it time to find some better place for + his tent. The land where it then stood was low and near the + sea, and the only water he could get to drink tasted rather + salt. Looking about, he found a little plain, about a hundred + yards across, on the side of a hill, and at the end of the + plain was a great rock partly hollowed out, but not so as quite + to make a cave. Here he pitched his tent, close to the hollow + place in the rock. Round in front of the tent he drove two rows + of strong stakes, about eighteen inches apart, sharpened at + top; and he made this fence so strong that when it was finished + he was sure that nothing could get at him, for he left no door, + but climbed in and out by a ladder, which he always hauled up + after him.</p> + + <p>Before closing up the end, Robinson hauled inside this fence + all his stores, his food and his guns, his powder and shot, and + he rigged inside a double tent, so better to keep off the hot + sun and the rain.</p> + + <p>Then he began to dig into the rock, which was not very hard, + and soon behind his tent he had a cave in which he thought it + wise to stow his gunpowder, about one hundred and forty pounds + in all, packed in small parcels; for, he thought, if a big + thunderstorm were to come, a flash of lightning might explode + it all, and blow him to bits, if he kept the whole of it in his + tent.</p> + + <p>Robinson was now very comfortable, and as he had saved from + the wreck two cats and a dog, he did not feel quite so lonely. + He had got, also, ink and pens and paper, so that he could keep + a diary; and he set up a large wooden cross, on which he cut + with his knife the date of his landing on the island— + September 30, 1659; and every day he cut a notch on the post, + with a longer one each Sunday, so that he might always know how + the months and years passed.</p> + + <p>As for food, he found that there were many goats on the + island, and numbers of pigeons, and he had no difficulty in + shooting as many as he needed.</p> + + <p>But now he saw that his tent and cave were too small for all + the things he had stowed in them, so he began to make the cave + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page144" id="page144"></a>[pg + 144]</span> bigger, bringing out all the rock and soil that he + cut down, and making with it a kind of terrace round the inside + of his stockade. And as he was sure that there were no wild + beasts on the island to harm him, he went on tunneling to the + right hand till he broke through the rock outside his + fence.</p> + + <p>Then he began to hang things up against the side of the + cave, and he even made shelves, and a door for the outside + entrance. This was a very difficult job, and took him a long + time; for, to make a board, he was forced to cut down a whole + tree, and chop away with his axe till one side was flat, and + then cut at the other side till the board was thin enough, when + he smoothed it with his adze. But in this way, out of each tree + he would only get one plank. He made for himself also a table + and a chair, and finally got his castle, as he called it, in + very good order.</p> + + <p>With all his care, however, there was one thing that he + forgot, and that was, when he had made the cave so much bigger, + to prop it, so as to keep the roof from falling in. And so one + day he got a terrible fright, and was nearly killed, by a huge + bit of the soft rock which fell and buried many of his things. + It took weeks of hard work afterwards to clear away the fallen + rubbish, and to cut beams strong enough to prop the roof.</p> + + <p>Every day, all this time, he used to climb up the hill and + look around over the lonely waters, hoping, always hoping, that + some morning he might see the sails of a ship that would take + him home. But none ever came, and sometimes the tears ran down + his cheeks because of the sorrow he felt at being so utterly + alone. At times even, he thought in his misery that if he only + had any kind of a boat, it would be better to sail away, and + chance reaching other land, rather than to stop where he was. + By and by, however, he grew less unhappy, for he had plenty of + work to do.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>THE EARTHQUAKE AND HURRICANE; AND HOW ROBINSON BUILT A + BOAT</h4> + + <p>Now about this time, when Robinson had been some months on + the island, heavy and constant rain began to fall, and + sometimes <span class="pagenum"><a name="page145" + id="page145"></a>[pg 145]</span> weeks would pass without a + single dry day. He found that instead of there being spring, + summer, autumn, and winter, as in England, the seasons in his + island were divided into the wet and the dry. There was no cold + weather, no winter. It chanced that just before this first rain + began, Robinson had emptied out some refuse from bags which had + once held rice, and other grain, and he had forgotten all about + having emptied them. So he was very much astonished to find, + some time afterwards, both barley and rice growing near his + tent, in the shade of the rock. The ears, when ripe, he kept to + sow again, and from this very small beginning, in the course of + a few seasons, he had a great quantity of grain, both for food + and for sowing. But this meant every year much hard work, for + he had no plow nor harrow, and all the ground had to be dug + with a clumsy spade, made from a very hard, heavy wood that + grew on the island.</p> + + <p>At first Robinson could not grind the grain that he grew, + nor make bread from it. If he could have found a large stone, + slightly hollow on top, he might, by pounding the grain on it + with another round stone, have made very good meal. But all the + stones he could find were too soft, and in the end he had to + make a sort of mill of hard wood, in which he burnt a hollow + place, and on that he pounded the grain into meal with a heavy + stick.</p> + + <p>Baking he did by building a big fire, then raking away the + ashes, and putting the dough on the hot place, covered with a + kind of basin made of clay, over which he heaped the red ashes. + In this way very good bread can be made.</p> + + <p>Before the rainy season was over, and just after he had + finished the fence round his tent, one day when Robinson was at + work in the cave, all of a sudden the earth began to fall from + the roof, and the strong props he had put in cracked in a way + which frightened him terribly. At the same time there was a + curious moaning, rumbling noise, that he could not understand. + He rushed out, and so afraid was he that the roof was falling + in, and that he should be buried, that he got over the fence + and began to run.</p> + + <p>But he was even more frightened when he found that all the + ground was shaking. Then he knew that this was an + earthquake.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page146" + id="page146"></a>[pg 146]</span> + + <p>Three times there came violent shocks; a huge rock about + half a mile away fell with a great noise like thunder, and the + sea was churned up as if by a whirlwind. Robinson was sick with + the movement of the ground, and trembling with the dread of + being swallowed by the earth as it cracked and gaped; and after + the noise and shaking were over, he was too frightened to go + back to his tent, but sat where he was, all the time expecting + another shock.</p> + + <p>Suddenly a furious wind began to blow, tearing up trees by + the roots, and lashing the water till nothing could be seen but + foam and flying spray. The air was full of branches and leaves + torn off by the hurricane, and birds in hundreds were swept + helpless out to sea. In about three hours, as suddenly as it + had begun, the wind fell, and there was a dead calm, followed + by rain such as Robinson had never before seen, which soaked + him to the skin, and forced him to return to the cave, where he + sat in great fear.</p> + + <p>For long after this he was very uneasy, and made up his mind + to shift his quarters as soon as he could find a better place + for his tent. But the earthquake had one good result, for what + remained of the wreck was again thrown up by the sea, and + Robinson got more things out of it which were useful to him, + and for days he worked hard at that. One day, too, when he was + on his way to the remains of the ship, he came on a large + turtle, which he killed, and this gave him plenty of good food, + for besides the flesh, there were, inside the animal, many + eggs, which she had come to the shore to lay in the sand, as is + the habit of turtles, and which Robinson thought were even + better than hen's eggs.</p> + + <p>Now a few days after he had got so wet in the heavy rain, + though the weather was hot, Robinson felt very cold and + shivery, and had pains all over his body, and at night he + dreamed terrible dreams. The following day, and many days, he + lay very ill with fever and ague, and hardly knew what he was + doing. So weak was he, that he believed he was dying, and there + was no one to give him water to quench his thirst, nor to help + him in any way. His only medicine was rum, in which he had + soaked tobacco. It was very nasty, and made him sick, but it + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page147" id="page147"></a>[pg + 147]</span> also made him sleep for more than a whole day and a + night, and he woke much better, and able to walk about a + little, though for a fortnight he was too weak to work. From + this illness he learned not to go out more than he could help + during the rainy season.</p> + + <p>When he was again quite strong, Robinson started to explore + the island better than he had yet done, and he found many + things growing, of which he made great use afterwards, tobacco, + sugar-cane, and all manner of fruits, among them grapes, which + he used to dry to raisins in the sun in great quantities.</p> + + <p>Near the spot where the most fruit grew, he built a hut, and + round it, for safety, he put a double fence made of stakes cut + from some of the trees near at hand. During the next rainy + season these stakes took root, and grew so fast that soon + nothing of the hut could be seen from outside the hedge, and it + made so good a hiding-place, that Robinson cut more stakes of + the same kind, and planted them outside the fence around his + first dwelling; and in a year or two that also was quite hidden + from view. The twigs of this tree, too, were good for making + baskets, of which he had been in great need.</p> + + <p>When he had finished all this work, he started again to go + over the rest of the island, and on his way across, from a + hill, the day being very clear, he saw high land a great way + off over the water, but whether it was another island, or the + coast of America, he could not be sure.</p> + + <p>When he reached the other side of his island Robinson found + the beach covered with turtles in astonishing numbers, and he + thought how much better off he would have been if he had been + cast ashore here, for not only would the turtles have supplied + him with plenty of food, but there were far more birds than on + the part of the island where he had been living, and far more + goats.</p> + + <p>During the journey back to his castle he caught a young + parrot, which, after a long time, he taught to speak and to + call him by his name. It was so long since he had heard any + voice, that it was a comfort to listen even to a parrot + talking.</p> + + <p>Now, the sight which Robinson had had of the far distant + land raised in him again the great longing to get away from + this <span class="pagenum"><a name="page148" + id="page148"></a>[pg 148]</span> island where he had been so + long alone, and he wished greatly for a boat. He went over to + the remains of the boat in which he and the others had tried to + come ashore when their ship struck on the sand-bank, and which + had been flung far up on the beach by the sea, and he worked + for weeks trying to repair her and to get her into the water. + But it was all of no use; he could not move her.</p> + + <p>Then, he thought, "I'll cut down a tree, and make a new + boat." This he fancied would be easy, for he had heard how the + Indians make canoes by felling a tree and burning out the + inside. "If they can do it, then surely I can do it even + better," he thought. So he looked about, and chose a huge tree + which stood about a hundred yards from the water, and with + great labor in about three weeks he had cut it down.</p> + + <p>Four months Robinson worked at this boat, thinking all the + time of what he would do when he reached the far distant land, + and much pleased with himself for the beautiful boat he was + making. Day after day he trimmed and shaped it, and very proud + he was when it was finished and lay there on the ground, big + enough to carry twenty men.</p> + + <p>Then he started to get her into the water. But that was + quite another thing. By no means in his power could he move her + an inch, try as he might. She was far too big. Then he began to + dig a canal from the sea to the boat; but before he had got + much of that work done, he saw clearly that there was so much + earth to dig away, that, without some one to help him, it must + take years and years before he could get the water to the boat. + So he gave it up, and left her to lie and rot in the sun and + the rain—a great grief to him.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <h4>ROBINSON BUILDS A SECOND BOAT, IN WHICH HE IS SWEPT OUT TO + SEA</h4> + + <p>By the time that Robinson had been four years on the island, + all his clothes had become very ragged, and he had hardly + anything that could be called a hat. Clothes he must have, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page149" id="page149"></a>[pg + 149]</span> for he could not go naked without getting his skin + blistered by the hot sun, and he was afraid of getting a + sunstroke if he went about without a hat.</p> + + <p>Now he had kept all the skins of the goats, and other + animals, such as hares and foxes, that he had shot; and from + these, after many failures, at last he made a hat and coat of + goatskin, and a pair of short trousers, all with the hair + outside, so as to shoot off the wet when it rained. The hat was + very tall, and came to a sharp peak on top, and it had a flap + which hung down the back of his neck. Robinson also, with much + trouble, made of the skins an umbrella which he could open and + shut; and if his clothes and his umbrella, and especially his + hat, were not very good to look at, they were useful, and he + could now go about in any weather.</p> + + <p>During the next five years nothing out of the common + happened, and Robinson's time was mostly taken up with the + getting of food, the yearly sowing and reaping of his crops, + and the curing of his raisins. But towards the end of that time + he made another attempt to build a boat, and this time he made + one much smaller than the first, and though it took him nearly + two years to finish, in the end he got her into the sea. She + was not big enough for him to try to sail in to the far-off + land that he had seen, and he used her only for cruising about + the shores of his own island, and for fishing. In her he fixed + a little mast, on which he rigged a small sail, made from a bit + of one of the old ship's sails, and, using a paddle to steer + with, he found that she sailed very well. Over the stern he + fixed his big umbrella, to shade him from the sun, like an + awning.</p> + + <p>Eager to go all round the island, one day Robinson put a lot + of food on board, and, taking his gun, started on a voyage. All + went well till he came to the east end of the island, where he + found that a ledge of rocks, and beyond that a sand-bank, + stretched out to sea for eight or nine miles. Robinson did not + like the idea of venturing so far in a boat so small, and he + therefore ran the boat ashore, and climbed a hill, to get a + good view of the rocks and shoals before going near them. From + the hill, he saw that a strong current was sweeping past the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page150" id="page150"></a>[pg + 150]</span> sand-bank, which showed just clear of the water, + and on which the sea was breaking; but he thought there was an + eddy which would swing him safely round the point, without + bringing him near the breakers. However, that day and the next, + there was a good deal of wind blowing in the direction contrary + to the current, which, of course, raised a sea too big for a + small boat, so Robinson stopped on shore where he was.</p> + + <p>On the third day it was calm, and he set off. But no sooner + had he come abreast of the sand-bank than he found himself in + very deep water, with a current running like a mill-race, which + carried the boat further and further away from the land, in + spite of all that he could do with his paddle. There was no + wind, and the sail was useless.</p> + + <p>Now he gave himself up for lost, for the harder he worked, + only the further away seemed the boat to be swept. The island + was soon so far off that Robinson could hardly see it, and he + was quite exhausted with the hard struggle to paddle the boat + against the current. He was in despair, and giving up paddling, + left the boat to drift where she would. Just then a faint puff + of wind touched his cheek, and Robinson hurriedly hoisted his + sail. Soon a good breeze blew, which carried him past a + dangerous reef of rocks. Here the current seemed to divide, the + part in which he now was began to swing round towards the + island, and he plucked up heart again, and with his paddle did + all he could to help the sail. Robinson felt like a man who is + set free after he has been told that he must die; he could + almost have wept for joy. Miles and miles he sailed, steadily + getting nearer to the land, and late in the evening at last he + got ashore, but on the other side of the point that he had + tried to round in the morning. He drew up his boat on the shore + of a little cove that he found, and when he had made her fast, + so that the tide could not carry her away, there among the + trees he lay down, and slept sound, quite worn out.</p> + + <p>In the morning he again got on board, and coasted along + close inshore, till he came to a bay with a little river + running into it, which made a very good harbor for the boat. + Here he left her, and went on + foot.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page151" + id="page151"></a>[pg 151]</span> + + <p>Soon he found that he was not far from a spot that he had + once before visited, and by afternoon he arrived at the hut + which he called his country-house. Robinson got over the fence + by the ladder, as usual, pulling it up after him, and then he + lay down to rest in the shade, for he was still very weary from + the hard work of the day before. Soon he fell asleep. But what + was his surprise in a little time to be awakened by a voice + calling, "Robin! Robin Crusoe! where are you?"</p> + + <p>At first he thought he was dreaming. But still the voice + went on calling:</p> + + <p>"Where are you, Robin?"</p> + + <p>Up he jumped, trembling with fright and wonder, for it was + so long since he had heard any voice but his own that he + fancied it must be something more than human that he now + listened to. But no sooner had he risen than he saw, sitting on + the tree near to him, his parrot, which must have flown all the + way from Robinson's other house, where it had been left. It was + talking away at a great rate, very excited at again seeing its + master, and Robinson hardly knew whether to be more relieved or + disappointed that it was only the bird that had called him.</p> + + <p>For about a year after this Robinson kept to his own side of + the island, and employed his time chiefly in working on his + land, and in making dishes and pots of clay. These he had now + learned to burn properly. Pipes, too, he made, and they were a + great comfort to him, for he managed to cure very good tobacco + from the wild plants that grew around. And as he feared lest + his powder might begin to run short, he thought much over ways + whereby he could trap goats for food, instead of shooting them. + After many trials, the best plan, he decided, was to dig holes, + which he covered with thin branches and leaves, on which he + sprinkled earth, so that when anything heavy passed over, it + must fall into the pit. By this means he caught many, and the + kids he kept and tamed, so that in no great time he had quite a + large herd of goats. These he kept in various small fields, + round which from time to time he had put + fences.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page152" + id="page152"></a>[pg 152]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/152.jpg" name="fig152s" + id="fig152s"><img width="300" src="images/152s.jpg" + alt="HE SAW THE MARK OF A NAKED FOOT ON THE SAND" /> + </a><br /> + he saw the mark of a naked foot on the sand + </div> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <h4>ROBINSON SEES A FOOTPRINT ON THE SAND, FINDS A CAVE, AND + RESCUES FRIDAY</h4> + + <p>All this time Robinson had never gone near his canoe, but + now the longing came on him to go over to where he had left + her, though he felt that he should be afraid again to put to + sea in her. This time, however, when he got to the hill from + which he had watched the set of the current the day that he had + been carried out to sea, he noticed that there was no current + to be seen, from which he concluded that it must depend on the + ebb and flow of the tide. Still, he was afraid to venture far + in the canoe, though he stopped some time at his country-house, + and went out sailing very often.</p> + + <p>One day when Robinson was walking along the sand towards his + boat, suddenly, close to the water, he stopped as if he had + been shot, and, with thumping heart, stood staring in wonder + and fear at something that he saw. The mark of a naked foot on + the sand! It could not be his own, he knew, for the shape was + quite different. Whose could it be?</p> + + <p>He listened, he looked about, but nothing could he hear or + see. To the top of a rising ground he ran, and looked all + around. There was nothing to be seen. And though he searched + everywhere on the beach for more footmarks, he found none.</p> + + <p>Whose footprint could it be? That of some man, perhaps, he + thought, who might come stealing on him out from the trees, or + murder him while he slept.</p> + + <p>Back to his house he hurried, all the way in a state of + terror, starting every now and again and facing round, thinking + he was being followed, and fancying often that a stump or a + bush was a man, waiting to spring on him. That night he slept + not at all, and so shaken was his nerve that every cry of a + night-bird, even every sound made by an insect or a frog, + caused him to start with fear, so that the perspiration ran + down his brow.</p> + + <p>As day followed day, however, and nothing happened, Robinson + began to be less uneasy in his mind, and went about + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page153" id="page153"></a>[pg + 153]</span> his usual work again. But he strengthened the fence + round his castle, and cut in it seven small loopholes, in + which, fixed on frames, he placed loaded muskets, all ready to + fire if he should be attacked. And some distance from the + outside of the fence he planted a thick belt of small stakes, + so that in a few years' time a perfect thicket of trees and + bushes hid all trace of his dwelling.</p> + + <p>Years passed quietly, and nothing further happened to + disturb Robinson, or to make him think more of the footprint + that had frightened him so much. But he kept more than formerly + to the interior of the island, and lost no chance of looking + for good places to hide in, if he should ever need them. And he + always carried a cutlass now, as well as his gun and a couple + of pistols.</p> + + <p>One day it chanced, however, that he had gone further to the + west of the island than he had ever done before, and, looking + over the sea, he fancied that he saw, at a great distance, + something like a boat or a long canoe, but it was so far off + that he he could not be sure what it was. This made him + determine that always in future he would bring with him to his + lookout-place the telescope which he had saved from the + wreck.</p> + + <p>The sight of this supposed boat brought back his uneasiness + to some extent, but he went on down to the beach, and there he + saw a sight which filled him with horror. All about the shore + were scattered men's skulls and bones, and bits of burnt flesh, + and in one place were the remains of a big fire. Robinson stood + aghast, feeling deadly sick. It was easy for him to know the + meaning of the terrible sight. It meant that cannibals had been + there, killing and eating their prisoners; for when the natives + of some parts of the world go to war, and catch any of their + enemies, it is their habit to build a fire, then to kill the + prisoners and feast on their roasted bodies, eating till they + can eat no more. Sometimes, if the man they are going to eat is + too thin, they keep him, and feed him up, till they think he is + fat enough.</p> + + <p>Now Robinson knew all this, though he had never yet met any + cannibals. And when he looked around he saw many bones lying + about. They were so old that it seemed certain + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page154" id="page154"></a>[pg + 154]</span> to him that all those years he had been living on + an island which was a regular place for the natives to come to + for such feasts. Then he saw what a mercy it was that he had + been wrecked on the other side of the island, to which, he + supposed, the cannibals never came, because the beach was not + so good for them to land on.</p> + + <p>Full of horror, Robinson hurried back to his house, and for + almost two years he never again came near that part of the + island where the bones lay, nor ever visited his boat. But all + the time he kept thinking how he might some day kill those + cannibals while they were at their feast, and perhaps save some + of the poor men whom they had not yet killed.</p> + + <p>Now one day when Robinson was down in the bottom of the + valley, cutting thick branches to burn for charcoal, he cleared + away some undergrowth at the foot of a great rock, in which, + near the ground, there was a sort of hole, or opening. Into + this hole Robinson squeezed, not very easily, and found himself + in a cave of good size, high enough, at least, to stand up in. + It was quite dark, of course, to him coming in from the + sunlight, and he turned his back to the entrance to feel his + way further in, when suddenly, from the back of the cave he saw + two great fiery eyes glaring at him. His very hair bristled + with fright, for he could only think that it must be the Devil + at least that he saw; and through the mouth of the cave he fled + with a yell.</p> + + <p>But when he got into the bright sunshine he began to feel + ashamed of his panic, and to reason with himself that what he + had seen must be only his own fancy. So, taking up a big + burning branch from his fire, in he went again.</p> + + <p>Before Robinson had taken three steps he stopped, in almost + as great a fright as at first. Close to him he heard a great + sigh, as if of some one in pain, then a sound like a muttering, + as of words that he could not understand; again another deep + sigh. Cold sweat broke out all over him, and he stepped back + trembling, yet determined this time not to run away.</p> + + <p>Holding his torch well over his head, he looked around, and + there on the floor of the cave lay a huge old he goat, gasping + for breath, dying, seemingly of mere old age.</p> + + <p>He stirred him with his toe to see if he could get him out + of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page155" id="page155"></a>[pg + 155]</span> the cave, but the poor beast could not rise, and + Robinson left him to die where he was.</p> + + <p>Now that he had got over his fright, Robinson looked + carefully about him. The cave was small, not more than twelve + feet across at its widest, but he noticed at the far end + another opening. This was so low down, however, that he had to + creep on his hands and knees to get in, and without a better + light than the burning torch, he could not see how far it went. + So he made up his mind to come again.</p> + + <p>Robinson had long before this made a good supply of very + fair candles from the tallow of the goats he had killed, and + next day he returned to the cave with six of these, and his + tinder-box to light them with. In those days there were no + matches, and men used to strike a light with a flint and steel, + and tinder, which was a stuff that caught fire very easily from + a spark.</p> + + <p>Entering the cave, Robinson found, on lighting a candle, + that the goat was now dead. Moving it aside, to be buried + later, he went down on his hands and knees, and crawled about + ten yards through the small passage, till at last he found + himself in a great chamber, the roof of which was quite twenty + feet high. On every side the walls reflected the light of his + candle, and glittered like gold, or almost like diamonds, he + thought. The floor was perfectly dry and level, even on the + walls there was no damp, and Robinson was delighted with his + discovery. Its only drawback was the low entrance; but, as he + decided to use the cave chiefly as a place to retreat to if he + should ever be attacked, that was in reality an advantage, + because one man, if he had firearms could easily defend it + against hundreds.</p> + + <p>At once Robinson set about storing in it all his powder, + except three or four pounds, all his lead for making bullets, + and his spare guns and muskets. When moving the powder, he + thought he might as well open a barrel which had drifted ashore + out of the wreck 'after the earthquake, and though water had + got into it, there was not a great deal of damage done, for the + powder had crusted on the outside only, and in the inside there + was about sixty pounds weight, quite dry and good. This, with + what remained of the first lot, gave him a very large supply, + enough to last all his + life.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page156" + id="page156"></a>[pg 156]</span> + + <p>For more than two-and-twenty years Robinson had now been in + the island, and he had grown quite used to it, and to his + manner of living. If he could only have been sure that no + savages would come near him, he felt almost that he would be + content to spend all the rest of his days there, to die at + last, as the goat he found in the cave had died, of old + age.</p> + + <p>At times, when his spirits were more than usually low, when + the burden of the lonely years pressed most heavily upon him, + Robinson used to think that surely if the savages could come to + his land, he could go to theirs. How far did they come? Where + was their country? What kind of boats had they? And so eager to + go was he sometimes, that he forgot to think of what he would + do when he got there, or what would become of him if he fell + into the hands of the savages. His mind was utterly taken up + with the one thought of getting to the mainland, and even his + dreams were of little else.</p> + + <p>One night, when he had put himself almost into a fever with + the trouble of his mind, he had lain long awake, tossing and + moaning, but at last he had fallen asleep. And he dreamed, not + as he had usually done of late, that he was sailing to the + mainland, but that as he was leaving his castle in the morning + he saw on the shore two canoes and eleven savages landing, and + that they had with them another man, whom they were just about + to kill and eat, when suddenly the prisoner jumped up and ran + for his life. And in his dream Robinson fancied that the man + came running to hide in the thicket round the castle, and that + thereupon he went out to help him. Then in the dream, the + savage kneeled down, as if begging for mercy, and Robinson took + him over the ladder into the castle, saying to himself, "Now + that I've got this fellow, I can certainly go to the mainland, + for he will show me what course to steer, and where to go when + we land." And he woke, with the joyful feeling that now at last + all was well. But when he was wide awake, and knew that it was + only a dream after all, poor Robinson was more cast down than + ever, and more unhappy than he had been during all the years he + had lived on the island.</p> + + <p>The dream had, however, this result; that he saw his only + plan to get away was, if possible, to rescue some day one of + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page157" + id="page157"></a>[pg 157]</span> prisoners whom the cannibals + were about to kill, and in time get the man to help him to + navigate his canoe across the sea.</p> + + <p>With this idea, he set himself to watch, more closely than + ever he had done before, for the savages to land, and during + more than a year and a half he went nearly every day to his + lookout-place, and swept the sea with his telescope, in the + hope of seeing canoes coming. But none came, and Robinson was + getting terribly tired of the constant watch. Still he did not + give up, for he knew that sooner or later the savages would + land again.</p> + + <p>Yet many months passed, and still they did not come, till + one morning, very early, almost to his surprise, he saw no + fewer than five canoes hauled up on the shore on his own side + of the island. The savages who had come in them were nowhere to + be seen. Now, he knew that always from four to six men came in + each canoe, which meant that at least twenty, and perhaps as + many as thirty men had landed.</p> + + <p>This was a greater number than he cared to face, so he kept + inside his castle, in great doubt what to do, but ready to + fight, in case they should attack him.</p> + + <p>When he had waited a long time and still could hear nothing + of the savages, he climbed up his ladder and got to the top of + the rock, taking great care not to show himself against the + skyline. Looking through his glass, he saw that there were at + least thirty savages, dancing wildly round a fire.</p> + + <p>As he looked, some of the men left the others, and going + over to the canoes dragged from' them two prisoners. One of + these almost at once fell forward on his face, knocked down + from behind, as it seemed to Robinson, with a wooden club, and + two or three of the cannibals at once cut him open to be ready + for cooking, while for a moment or two they left the other + prisoner standing by himself.</p> + + <p>Seeing a chance of escape, the man made a dash for his life, + running with tremendous speed along the sands straight for that + part of the beach near Robinson's castle.</p> + + <p>Now this alarmed Robinson very much, for it seemed to him + that the whole of the savages started after the prisoner. He + could not help thinking it likely that, as in his dream, this + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page158" id="page158"></a>[pg + 158]</span> man would take shelter in the thicket round the + castle, in which case Robinson was likely soon to have more + fighting than he would relish, for the whole body of the + cannibals would be on him at once.</p> + + <p>As he watched the poor man racing for life, however, he was + relieved to see that he ran much faster than his pursuers, of + whom only three continued to run after him. If he could hold + out for another mile or two there was little doubt that he + would escape. Between the castle and the runners was the creek + up which Robinson used to run his rafts from the wreck, and + when the escaped prisoner came to that, he plunged in, and + though the tide was full, with less than thirty powerful + strokes he reached the other side, and with long easy strides + continued his run. Of the men in pursuit, two also plunged in + and swam through, but less quickly than the man escaping, being + more blown with running, because of what they had eaten before + starting. The third man stopped altogether, and went back the + way he came.</p> + + <p>Seeing the turn things were taking, it seemed to Robinson + that now had come his chance to get a servant, and he resolved + to try to save the life of the man who was fleeing from the + cannibals. At once he hurried down the ladder, snatched up his + two guns, and running as fast as he could, got between the man + and his pursuers, calling out to him at the same time to stop. + The man looked back, and the sight of Robinson seemed to + frighten him at first as much as did the men who were trying to + catch him. But Robinson again spoke, and signed to him with his + hand to come back, and in the meantime went slowly towards the + other men, who were now coming near. Then, rushing at the + foremost, he knocked him senseless with the butt of his gun, + for it seemed to him safer not to fire, lest the noise should + bring the other cannibals around.</p> + + <p>The second man, seeing his comrade fall, hesitated, and + stopped, but Robinson saw when nearer to him that the savage + had in his hands a bow and arrow with which he was just about + to shoot. There was then no choice but to fire first, which + Robinson did, killing the man on the spot.</p> + + <p>Thereupon the man who had been chased by the others was + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page159" id="page159"></a>[pg + 159]</span> so terrified by the flash and noise of the gun, and + at seeing his enemy fall dead, that he stood stock still, + trembling, and it was with great difficulty that Robinson + coaxed him to come near. This at last he did, stopping every + few paces and kneeling down. At length, coming close to + Robinson, he again knelt, kissed the ground, and taking hold of + Robinson's foot, set it on his head as it rested on the + sand.</p> + + <p>While this was going on, Robinson noticed that the savage + whom he had knocked down had begun to move, and to come to his + senses. To this he drew the attention of the man whom he had + rescued, who said some words that Robinson could not + understand, but which sounded pleasant to an ear that had heard + no voice but his own for more than twenty-five years. Next he + made a motion with his hand, as if asking for the cutlass that + hung at Robinson's belt, and when the weapon was given to him + he ran at his enemy, and with one clean blow cut off his head. + Then, laughing, he brought the head, and laid it with the + cutlass at Robinson's feet.</p> + + <p>But what caused most wonder to the man was how the savage + whom Robinson shot had been killed at so great a distance, and + he went to look as the body, turning it over and over, and + looking long at the wound in the breast that the bullet had + made, evidently much puzzled.</p> + + <p>Robinson then turned to go away, beckoning to the savage to + follow, but the man made signs that he would bury the two + bodies in the sand, so that the others might not find them if + they followed. With his hands he soon scraped holes deep enough + to cover the bodies, and in less than a quarter of an hour + there was hardly a trace left of what had happened.</p> + + <p>Calling him away, Robinson now took him, not to his castle, + but to the cave, where he gave him food and water; and then he + made signs for him to lie down and rest, pointing to a bundle + of rice straw.</p> + + <p>Soon the man was sound asleep. He was, Robinson thought, a + handsome and well-made man; the muscles of his arms and back + and legs showed great strength, and all his limbs were + beautifully formed. As near as Robinson could guess, he was + about twenty-six years of age, with a good and manly face, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page160" id="page160"></a>[pg + 160]</span> and long black hair. His nose and lips were like + those of a European, and his teeth were white and even. In + color he was not black, but of a sort of rich chocolate brown, + the skin shining with health, and pleasant to look upon.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <h4>ROBINSON TRAINS FRIDAY, AND THEY BUILD A LARGE BOAT; THEY + RESCUE TWO PRISONERS FROM THE CANNIBALS</h4> + + <p>In a little while Robinson began to speak to him, and to try + to teach him things. First he made him understand that his name + was to be "Friday" (that being the day of the week when + Robinson had saved him from a horrible death). Then he taught + him the meaning of "Yes," and "No," and to call Robinson + "Master."</p> + + <p>Friday showed great quickness in learning. He seemed to be + happy and contented, and free from trouble, except that the + clothes which Robinson made him wear gave him at first great + discomfort, for in those warm parts of the world the natives + are not used to clothes, but always go about naked.</p> + + <p>The day following that on which Robinson had saved Friday, + they went out together to see if there were any signs of the + cannibals still being on the island, but it was evident that + they had gone away without troubling about the two men whom + Robinson had killed.</p> + + <p>For some time Robinson did not trust Friday, and did not + allow him to sleep in the same part of his castle with himself, + but kept him at night in a little tent outside the fence.</p> + + <p>Friday was quite faithful, never sulky nor lazy, but always + merry, and ready to do anything that Robinson told him.</p> + + <p>At first when they went out in the woods together, Friday + was terrified each time that Robinson's gun was fired. He had + never seen anything like it, and it was more than he could + understand how things could be killed merely by the noise and + the flash of fire.</p> + + <p>Friday told Robinson much about his country, and about his + people, who he said were Caribs. And a great way + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page161" id="page161"></a>[pg + 161]</span> "beyond the moon," by which he meant to the west, + he said that white men lived who had beards such as Robinson + wore. These white men, he said, had killed very many natives, + from which Robinson fancied that they must be Spaniards, who + about that time were very cruel to the people whose countries + they had taken.</p> + + <p>Robinson asked if Friday could tell him how he might get + over to where the white men lived, and Friday said it would be + very easy, if they had a big canoe, and again Robinson began to + make plans and to hope to escape from the island.</p> + + <p>Some time after this Robinson and Friday chanced to be on + the high hill at the east end of the island. The day was very + clear. Friday gazed long over the sea, and then began to jump + and dance, pointing to the dim blue coast. "There my country! + See! There my people live!" he said, his eyes sparkling with + joy, and an eager light on his face.</p> + + <p>After this, for a time Robinson was not easy in his mind + about Friday. He had little doubt that if he could get back to + his tribe, he would soon forget all he had been taught, might + even return with a hundred or two of his friends, and kill and + eat his master. But in this Robinson was very unjust to Friday, + who had no such thoughts in his mind as those of which he was + suspected. And this Robinson soon found out. One day he asked + Friday if he would not be glad to be once more in his own + land.</p> + + <p>"Yes" said Friday; "very glad."</p> + + <p>"Would you eat man's flesh again?"</p> + + <p>"No, never," said Friday.</p> + + <p>Then Robinson asked why he did not go back. Friday said he + would go if Robinson came too.</p> + + <p>Then Robinson, who thought if he could reach other white + men, he would finally reach England, began to build a boat in + which to leave the island. Together he and Friday went to work + to fell a tree, and Friday soon showed that he knew far better + than Robinson the kind of tree best suited for boat-making. + Robinson showed him how to use tools, and in a little more than + a month the boat was finished. After the boat was put into the + water, Robinson was astonished at Friday's skill in paddling so + large a canoe.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page162" + id="page162"></a>[pg 162]</span> + + <p>"Will she do to go over in?" he asked, and Friday, grinning, + said, "Yes, even if big wind blow." But Robinson did not mean + to depend on paddling, and fitted the boat with a mast, sails + and rudder.</p> + + <p>Twenty-six years had passed since Robinson came to the + island, and he still went on digging and sowing. One morning he + sent Friday down to the beach for a turtle. Back he came in a + great hurry, crying out, "Master! Master! over yonder, one, + two, three canoe." Loading his guns, Robinson gave them to + Friday to carry, while he armed himself with muskets, a + cutlass, and a hatchet.</p> + + <p>When all was ready he went up the hill with his telescope, + and saw that there were in all twenty-one savages, with three + prisoners, one of whom was a white man.</p> + + <p>Robinson knew the savages had landed on the island to kill + and eat their prisoners, so he resolved to prevent them if + possible. To get at the savages without being seen, they had to + go nearly a mile out of their way, and being heavily laden they + could not go very fast. Reaching the place, they saw, from + behind a clump of bushes, the white man bound hand and foot on + the sand. There was no time to lose, and their first shot + killed three and wounded five of the savages. Snatching up + fresh guns, both fired again, before the savages who were not + hurt could get on their feet, for they were so taken by + surprise, that the poor wretches hardly knew what was + happening. This time only two dropped, but many more were + wounded.</p> + + <p>While Friday kept on firing, Robinson ran to the white + prisoner and cut his bonds. The man said he was a Spaniard and + began to thank Robinson for what he had done. Robinson handed + him the cutlass and a pistol, telling him, if he had any + strength left, to go and do what he could against the savages. + As soon as the man got the weapons in his hands, he ran with + fury at the cannibals and cut two down, and with equal fury + attacked the rest. With the Spaniard to help them, Robinson and + Friday were soon able to clear the place of these dreadful + cannibals, many of whom jumped into the sea.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/162.jpg" name="fig162s" + id="fig162s"><img width="300" src="images/162s.jpg" + alt="ROBINSON RAN TO THE WHITE PRISONER AND CUT HIS BONDS" /> + </a><br /> + robinson ran to the white prisoner and cut his bonds + </div> + + <p>Friday advised Robinson to take a canoe and go after them + lest they return with hundreds of others to avenge the death of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page163" id="page163"></a>[pg + 163]</span> their friends. So the two ran to the beach and + began to shove off a canoe. But to their surprise, on the + bottom of the canoe lay another prisoner, an old man, tied so + hard, neck and heels, that even when his bonds were cut he + could not move.</p> + + <p>No sooner did Friday look at him and hear him speak, than he + began to dance and shout and laugh, and then kneeling down, + rubbed noses with the savage (which is what these folks do + instead of kissing each other), and he was so excited that for + some time he could not explain what was the matter. As soon as + he could speak, he told Robinson that the man whom they had + found was his father.</p> + + <p>Both Friday's father and the Spaniard, who was worn out with + fighting, had to be carried up to the castle.</p> + + <p>No cannibals were ever again known to visit this island.</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <h4>ARRIVAL OF AN ENGLISH SHIP; ROBINSON SAILS FOR HOME</h4> + + <p>Soon after this Robinson had a long talk with the Spaniard, + who told him how he and his comrades had been wrecked four + years since, on that part of the coast where Friday's tribe + lived. He said that they were well treated by the natives, but + that they were put to very great straits now for want of + clothes, that their powder was finished, and that they had lost + all hope of ever getting back to their own country. He himself, + he said, had been captured in one of the many small wars that + are always taking place among the various tribes.</p> + + <p>It struck Robinson that it might be possible for him to get + these men over to his island, provided that he could be sure of + their good faith, and that when they came, they did not take + the island from him by treachery. It was a risk, he thought, + but then, if he got so many men, it would not be difficult to + build a small ship that could carry them all to England.</p> + + <p>So he asked the Spaniard if he would promise, and if he + thought he could get his comrades to take an oath that, if + Robinson helped them, they would look on him as their captain, + and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page164" + id="page164"></a>[pg 164]</span> would swear to obey him in all + things. The Spaniard readily promised for himself, and said + that he was sure his comrades would keep faith.</p> + + <p>It was arranged, therefore, that in about six months, when + the next harvest was reaped, and there would be plenty of food + for so many extra men, the Spaniard and Friday's father should + go over to the mainland in one of the canoes which had been + taken from the savages.</p> + + <p>Meantime, all hands set about the curing of very large + quantities of raisins, and much other work was done to be in + readiness for the coming of these men.</p> + + <p>When the harvest was reaped, Robinson gave the Spaniard and + Friday's father each a musket and a supply of powder and + bullets, and loaded the canoe with food, enough to last them + and the others about a fortnight, and the two men set off for + the mainland in fine weather, and with a fair wind.</p> + + <p>It was about eight days after this, and when Robinson had + begun to look out for their return, that one morning very + early, when Robinson was asleep, Friday came running in, + shouting, "Master! Master! They come." Up jumped Robinson, and + hurrying on his clothes, ran out.</p> + + <p>Looking towards the sea, he soon made out a sailing-boat + making for the shore, coming from the south end of the island, + but still some miles away. This was not the direction from + which the Spaniard and his comrades would come, nor were they + likely to be in a sailing-boat. So Robinson took his telescope, + and went to the top of the hill to see if he could make out who + were on board, before they landed.</p> + + <p>Hardly had he got on to the hill when he noticed a ship at + anchor some distance from the shore. She looked like an English + vessel, he thought, and the boat like an English long-boat.</p> + + <p>This was a wonderful sight to Robinson, but yet he was not + easy in his mind. It was not a part of the world where an + English ship was likely to come, because in those days they + were nearly all Spanish vessels that traded in these seas, and + the English and Spaniards were bitter enemies. What could an + English ship be doing here? There had been no storm to drive + her out of her + course.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page165" + id="page165"></a>[pg 165]</span> + + <p>Robinson feared that if she was English there must be + something wrong about her. Perhaps, he thought, she was a + pirate. So he was careful not to show himself or Friday.</p> + + <p>Presently, as he watched, he saw the men in the boat run her + ashore and draw her up on the beach, about half a mile from his + castle. When they had landed, he could easily see through his + glass that they were Englishmen.</p> + + <p>There were eleven men, but three of them had their hands + tied behind their backs, and were evidently prisoners. When the + first four or five men had jumped ashore, they brought out + these three, all the while ill-treating them, and behaving as + if they meant to kill their prisoners. Friday was sure that + they meant to eat them.</p> + + <p>Soon, without further harming the three men, the others + scattered about among the trees near the shore, leaving the + three sitting on the ground very sad-looking, but with their + hands now untied.</p> + + <p>At the time the boat was run aground, it was just + high-water, and the two sailors who had been left in charge of + her, and who had evidently been drinking too much rum, went to + sleep, and never noticed that the tide was going out. When they + woke, the boat was high and dry, and with all the strength of + the whole crew they could not move her, because the sand at + that part of the beach was very soft. This did not seem to + trouble any of them very much, for Robinson heard one of the + sailors shout, "Let her alone, Jack, can't ye? She'll float + next tide."</p> + + <p>All forenoon Robinson watched, and when the hottest time of + the day had come, he noticed the sailors throw themselves down + under the trees, and go to sleep, some distance away from the + three prisoners.</p> + + <p>Then Robinson and Friday, taking their muskets and pistols, + stole down cautiously behind the three men, to try to speak to + them without the others knowing.</p> + + <p>Robinson had put on his goatskin coat and the great hairy + hat that he had made for himself; and with his cutlass and + pistols in his belt, and a gun over each shoulder, he looked + very fierce.</p> + + <p>The men did not see him till he spoke, and they were so + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page166" id="page166"></a>[pg + 166]</span> startled by his wild look, and by the sight of two + men armed to the teeth, that they nearly ran away. But Robinson + told them not to be alarmed; he was an Englishman, and a + friend, and would help them if they would show him how it could + be done.</p> + + <p>Then they explained to him what had happened. One of the + three was Captain of the ship that lay at anchor off the + island. Of the others, one was mate of the ship, and the third + man was a passenger. The crew had mutinied, the Captain told + Robinson, and had put him and the other two in irons, and the + ringleaders in the mutiny had proposed to kill them. Now they + meant to leave them on the island to perish.</p> + + <p>The Captain was so astonished at finding anybody there who + proposed to help him, that he said in his wonder: "Am I talking + to a man, or to an angel from heaven?"</p> + + <p>"If the Lord had sent an angel, sir," said Robinson, "he + would probably have come better clothed."</p> + + <p>Then he asked if the boat's crew had any firearms, and was + told that they had only two muskets, one of which was left in + the boat. "The rest should be easy, then," Robinson said; "we + can either kill them all, or take them prisoners, as we + please."</p> + + <p>The Captain was unwilling to see the men killed, for he said + if two of the worst of them were got rid of, he believed the + rest would return to their duty.</p> + + <p>Robinson made a bargain that if he saved the Captain from + the mutineers, and recovered the ship, he and Friday were to be + taken home to England in her, free of cost; and to this the + Captain and the others agreed.</p> + + <p>Then Robinson gave each of them a musket, with powder and + ball, after which the Captain and the mate and the passenger + marched towards the spot where the mutinous sailors lay asleep. + One of the men heard them advance, and turning round, saw them, + and cried out to his companions. But it was too late, the mate + and the passenger fired, and one of the ringleaders fell dead. + A second man also fell, but jumped up immediately and called to + the others to help him. But the Captain knocked him down with + the butt of his musket, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page167" id="page167"></a>[pg + 167]</span> the rest of the men, seeing Robinson and Friday + coming, and knowing they had no chance against five armed men, + begged for mercy. Three others who had been straying about + among the trees came back on hearing the shots, and were also + taken, and thus the whole crew of the boat was captured.</p> + + <p>The Captain and Robinson now began to think how they might + recover the ship. There were on board, the Captain said, + several men on whom he thought he could depend, and who had + been forced by the others into the mutiny against their wills. + But it would be no easy thing to retake the ship, for there + were still twenty-six men on board, and as they were guilty of + mutiny, all of them, if taken back to England, would most + likely be hanged. Thus they were certain to make a fight for + it.</p> + + <p>The first thing that Robinson and the others now did was to + take everything out of the boat—oars, and mast, and sail, + and rudder; then they knocked a hole in her bottom, so that she + could not float. While they were doing this, and drawing her + still further up on the beach, they heard first one gun and + then another fired by the ship as signals to the boat to + return.</p> + + <p>As she of course did not move, Robinson saw through his + glass another boat with ten men on board, armed with muskets, + leave the ship, coming to bring the others back.</p> + + <p>This was serious enough, for now Robinson and his party had + to make plans whereby they might capture also this fresh boat's + crew. Accordingly, they tied the hands of all the men they had + first taken, and sent the worst of them to the cave under the + charge of Friday and of one of the men that the Captain said + was to be trusted, with orders to shoot any who tried to give + an alarm or to escape. Then Robinson took his party and the + rest of the prisoners into the castle, where, from the rock, + they watched for the landing of the second boat.</p> + + <p>The Captain and mate were very nervous, and despaired of + taking this fresh body of men, but Robinson was quite confident + of success, and put heart into them by his cheerfulness.</p> + + <p>Of the prisoners in his castle, there were two whom the + Captain believed to be honest men, and on their promising + solemnly to keep faith, and to fight for him, Robinson released + them.</p> + + <p>The crew of the second boat, when they landed, were + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page168" id="page168"></a>[pg + 168]</span> terribly surprised to find the first boat empty and + stove in, and they were seen anxiously consulting what to do. + Then they hallooed and fired volleys. Getting no reply, they + were evidently alarmed, for they all jumped into their boat and + began to pull off to the ship. In a few minutes, however, they + seemed to change their minds, for again they landed, this time + leaving three men in charge of the boat, and keeping her in the + water. The other seven came ashore, and started in a body + across the island to look for their lost comrades. But they did + not care to go far, and soon stopped, again firing volleys and + hallooing. Getting again no reply, they began to march back to + the sea. Whereupon Robinson ordered Friday and the mate to go + over the creek to the west and halloo loudly, and wait till the + sailors answered. Then Friday and the mate were to go further + away and again halloo, thus gradually getting the men to follow + them away from shore.</p> + + <p>This plan succeeded very well, for when the sailors, + thinking they heard their missing friends hail, ran to find + them, their way was stopped by the creek, over which they had + to get the boat to carry them. They took with them, then, one + of the three men whom they had left in the boat, and ordered + the others to moor the boat to a tree, and remain there.</p> + + <p>This was just what Robinson wanted. And, moreover, one of + the men played still further into his hands, for he left the + boat and lay down under a tree to sleep. On him the Captain + rushed, and knocked him down as he tried to rise to his feet, + whereupon the sailor left in the boat yielded, and more readily + that he had joined the mutineers very unwillingly, and was now + glad of the chance to rejoin his Captain.</p> + + <p>Meantime Friday and the mate, by hallooing and answering, + drew the rest of the boat's crew from hill to hill through the + woods, till at last they had got them so far astray that it was + not possible for them to find their way back before dark. When + they did get back to where the boat had been left, and found + the men whom they had left in her gone, they were in a terrible + fright.</p> + + <p>It was not difficult for Robinson and his men to surround + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page169" id="page169"></a>[pg + 169]</span> them, and it chanced that the boatswain of the + ship, who was the greatest villain of the lot, and the chief + cause of all the trouble, walked in the darkness close to the + Captain, who jumped up and shot him dead. The others then + surrendered, believing what they were told, that they were + surrounded by fifty armed men. All begged hard for their lives, + and a few whom the Captain said he could trust were set at + liberty on promising to help retake the ship. The others were + bound and put in the cave.</p> + + <p>Robinson and Friday remained on shore to look after the + prisoners, while the Captain and the mate and the passenger, + with those of the crew who were trustworthy, having patched up + the damaged boat, pulled off in her and in the other to the + ship, which they reached about midnight. When they were a short + distance off, the Captain made one of the crew hail the ship + and say that they had brought off the boat and the men they had + gone in search of. Then both boats ran alongside at once, one + on each side of the vessel, and before the mutineers knew what + was happening they were overpowered, one or two of them being + killed. Only one of the Captain's party was hurt, the mate, + whose arm was broken by a musket-ball.</p> + + <p>As soon as the ship was secured, the Captain ordered seven + guns to be fired, that being the signal he had agreed to make + to let Robinson know if he succeeded in taking the ship.</p> + + <p>Robinson's stay in the island had now come to an end, after + more than twenty-eight years, for in a few days he and Friday + sailed for England in the ship. Some of the mutineers were left + on the island, and were afterwards joined by the Spaniard and + his comrades, for whom Robinson left a letter.</p> + + <p>Robinson did not forget, when he left, to take with him the + money and gold bars he had got from the wreck of the Spanish + ship, and he took also, as a memento, the goatskin coat and the + great hairy hat. But the Captain was able before the ship + sailed to give him proper clothing, the wearing of which at + first put him to dreadful discomfort.</p> + + <p>The voyage was a long one, but they sighted the English + coast at last.</p> + + <p>It was thirty-five years since Robinson had set foot in + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page170" id="page170"></a>[pg + 170]</span> England. And that morning, when at last, after the + weary years of exile, he again saw his native land, he laid his + head down on his arms and cried like a child.</p> + + <p>And, may be, you too some day may know the joy of coming + home, out of the land of bondage.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page171" + id="page171"></a>[pg 171]</span> + + <h3>CANTERBURY TALES</h3> + + <h3>By GEOFFREY CHAUCER</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY JANET HARVEY KELMAN</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>DORIGEN</h4> + + <p>Once upon a time a young knight, whose name was Arviragus, + dwelt in Brittany. In the same country lived a beautiful lady + called Dorigen. And the knight loved the lady.</p> + + <p>For years Arviragus did not know whether she loved him or + not. She was a great lady and very fair, and he was afraid to + ask her. But she knew that he loved her, for when he rode past + her window on his way to the wars, she could see her colors + streaming from his helmet. At first she did not think much of + this, for many knights fought for love of her; but as she heard + of new and greater deeds that this noble knight did year by + year, she began to care for him a great deal. When she thought + of his goodness and of the honor in which he held her, she knew + that there was no one else that she could love as she loved + Arviragus. And when Arviragus knew that she loved him and was + willing to be his wife, his heart was full of joy. So greatly + did he wish to make Dorigen happy with him, that he said to her + that he would obey her and do what she wished as gladly all his + life as he had done while he was trying to win her love. To + this she replied:</p> + + <p>"Sir, since in thy great gentleness thou givest me so high a + place, I pray to God that there may never be strife between us + two by any fault of mine. Sir, I will be thy true and humble + wife until I die!"</p> + + <p>Then Arviragus took his bride home with him to his castle + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page172" id="page172"></a>[pg + 172]</span> by the sea. He honored Dorigen as much as he had + done before his marriage, and tried to fulfil her wishes in + everything. Dorigen was just as eager to please Arviragus as he + was to please her, and they were happy together in all their + work and play.</p> + + <p>Arviragus stayed quietly at home for a year, but after that + he grew restless. He felt that no true knight had a right to + live on quietly at home, with nothing to do except to order his + castle and to hunt. So he sailed away to England that he might + win honor and renown in the wars there.</p> + + <p>Dorigen stood by the castle and watched his sails disappear + in the north. Poor Dorigen! her husband was gone, and she did + not know if he would ever come back to her. For weeks she wept + and mourned. At night she could not rest, and by day she would + not eat. All the things that she had cared most to do were now + dull and worthless to her because Arviragus was away.</p> + + <p>Her friends saw her sorrow, and tried to comfort her in + every way they could. When they found she would not be + comforted, they spoke harshly to her, and told her that it was + very wrong of her to kill herself with sorrow, when Arviragus + hoped to come home again strong and famous. Then they began to + comfort her again, and to try to make her forget her + sadness.</p> + + <p>After a long time Dorigen's sorrow began to grow quieter. + She could not have lived if she had always felt her grief as + deeply as she did at first. Indeed, as it was, this sorrow + would have broken her heart, if letters had not come from + Arviragus. They brought her tidings of his doings, and of the + glory he had won. But what comforted her most was that they + told her that he would soon return.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/172.jpg" name="fig172s" + id="fig172s"><img width="300" src="images/172s.jpg" + alt="ALAS! OF ALL THE SHIPS I SEE, IS THERE NEVER ONE THAT WILL BRING MY LORD HOME?" /> + </a><br /> + alas! of all the ships i see, is there never one that will + bring my lord home? + </div> + + <p>When Dorigen's friends saw that she was less hopeless, they + begged her to come and roam with them to drive away the last of + her dark fears. This she did. Often she walked with them by the + edge of the cliffs on which her castle stood. But there she saw + the white ships and the brown barges sailing, one north, + another south, to the havens for which they were bound. Then + she would turn away from her friends and say to + herself:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page173" + id="page173"></a>[pg 173]</span> + + <p>"Alas! of all the ships I see, is there never one that will + bring my lord home? Then should I need no comfort. My heart + would be cured of this bitter smart."</p> + + <p>At times as she sat and thought, she leaned down and looked + over the brink of the cliffs. But, when she saw the grisly, + black rocks, her very heart trembled within her. Then she would + sink down on the grass and wail:</p> + + <p>"O God, men say Thou hast made nothing in vain, but, Lord, + why hast Thou made these black, grisly rocks? No man nor beast + is helped by them in all the world. Rocks have destroyed a + hundred thousand men, and which of all Thy works is so fair as + man? No doubt wise men will say, 'All is for the best.' But, oh + Thou God, who makest the winds to blow, keep Thou my lord! + And—would to God that these black rocks were sunk in the + deep for his sake! They slay my heart with fear."</p> + + <p>Dorigen's friends saw that the sea brought back her sorrow. + They led her then by rivers and springs, and took her to every + lovely place they knew, from which there was no glimpse of the + sea.</p> + + <p>In the valley, to landward of the castle, lay many beautiful + gardens. One day in May, when the soft showers of spring had + painted in brightest colors the leaves and flowers, they spent + the whole day in the fairest of these gardens. They had games + there, and they dined under a spreading tree. The breath of the + fresh green leaves and the sweet scent of the flowers blew + round them.</p> + + <p>After dinner they began to dance and sing—every one + except Dorigen. She had no heart to sing, and she would not + dance because, of all who joined in the dance, not one was + Arviragus. But, though she would not dance, she watched her + friends and sometimes forgot her sorrow for a little.</p> + + <p>Among the dancers there was a young squire named Aurelius. + He was much beloved because he was young, and strong, and + handsome. Men thought him wise and good, but he was not always + wise and good.</p> + + <p>When the dancing was over, Aurelius came up to Dorigen and + asked her to give him a beautiful jewel that she wore on her + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page174" id="page174"></a>[pg + 174]</span> breast. He said to her, "Madam, of what use is thy + jewel to thee when thou wearest it on thy bosom? Give it to me, + and I will share with thee the price of it."</p> + + <p>Dorigen turned and gazed at him.</p> + + <p>"Is this what thou dost wish? I knew not what thou didst + mean when thou didst look at me, but now I know. Listen, this + is all I have to say to thee. I shall never part with my jewel, + not though I were in rags and without food."</p> + + <p>Then she remembered how Arviragus had loved to see her wear + her jewel, as she always did, on a chain of gold that he had + given to her on her wedding day. She thought of the sea that + separated him from her, and of the cruel black rocks, and said + in play:</p> + + <p>"Aurelius, I will freely give thee my jewel when thou dost + remove every rock on the shore from end to end of + Brittany."</p> + + <p>Then her anger at the selfishness of Aurelius rose again, + and she bade him begone.</p> + + <p>"Madam," he said, "it is impossible to move the rocks."</p> + + <p>With that word he turned away, and went home to his own + house. There his brother Austin found him in a trance, for + Aurelius wished Dorigen's jewel more than he wished anything + else on earth, and the thought that he could not get it made + him so sad that he became dazed. Austin carried him to bed, and + tried to soothe him in his grief and vexation.</p> + + <p>The jewel that Aurelius wished to get from Dorigen was no + common one. It had been given to her at her birth. It was clear + as crystal, but far more rare, and it shone in the daylight + like the sun. When Dorigen was a little child her mother told + her of this wonderful stone. She told her that it would bring + her joy and peace and the love of all who were good and true, + if she kept it bright and pure; but that, if she ever gave it + away, she would lose her youth and her beauty, and would be + hidden away from all her friends and left alone in the + world.</p> + + <p>Dorigen shuddered at the thought of parting with her jewel. + She did not know how her mother's words could come to pass, if + she did give it away, nor by what magic power she could be so + lost that no one who loved her could find her again. But she + was sure that what her mother had said must be + true.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page175" + id="page175"></a>[pg 175]</span> + + <p>And that was why Dorigen was so angry with Aurelius. She + knew that he must have heard what sorrow she would suffer if + she gave him her jewel, for all the court knew the story of the + wonderful stone.</p> + + <p>Not long after this, Arviragus came home. He had won more + honor than before, and was now the very flower of chivalry. I + cannot tell you how great the joy was, with which he greeted + Dorigen, nor how soon she forgot her fears of the sea and the + grisly rocks.</p> + + <p>For two years, while they lived a joyful life together, + Aurelius lay in bed unable to rise, with no one to take care of + him except his brother Austin. This brother mourned over + Aurelius in secret and wept at his unhappy fate, till one day + he remembered a book of magic that he had seen when he was a + student in Orleans. In that book he had read of the strange + ways in which Magicians can make things seem what they are not. + His heart leapt up. He said to himself, "My brother shall be + cured. I am sure I have heard of stranger things than that the + rocks should seem to vanish. Once I heard of a Magician who + made every one believe that a great brown barge was rowing up + and down a sheet of water inside the hall of a castle! If he + could do that, then surely we shall be able to find a Magician + who will make those black rocks seem to vanish. Then Dorigen + will have to keep her promise and give Aurelius her wonderful + jewel."</p> + + <p>Austin then ran to his brother's room and told him about the + book of magic at Orleans. No sooner had Aurelius heard him than + he leapt out of bed. In less time than one would think possible + he was ready to start on the long ride to Orleans.</p> + + <p>When they came near the city they met a Magician. They knew + him to be a Magician because of the strange look in his eyes, + and because of his curious dress. When they rode up to him he + bowed before them and wished them "Good day." Then he began to + tell them why they had come to Orleans. Aurelius wondered how + it was that this stranger knew so much about him and his + errand. He thought he must be a very wise man indeed, and + leaping from his horse in surprise and joy, he went home with + the Magician to his house. His brother went + too.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page176" + id="page176"></a>[pg 176]</span> + + <p>The house was the finest that Aurelius had ever seen. When + he entered the study he looked in wonder at the rows of books + that lined the walls, and at the quaint pictures and the + strange old armor.</p> + + <p>In one corner a curious light burned. It was not like the + light of a lamp or of a candle, but cold and blue. Above it + hung a map of the stars, and other strange drawings. Below the + light stood a table, and on it lay a great book which was + chained to the wall.</p> + + <p>Austin saw Aurelius look at this book. He whispered to him, + "It is the same book from which I read long ago."</p> + + <p>This corner with its blue light made Aurelius frightened. A + shudder passed over him when he saw the Magician cross over + into the circle of the light and wave his wand.</p> + + <p>In a moment Aurelius forgot all about the Magician and his + own fear, for he and his brother saw before them the edge of a + forest with a park stretching from the trees far, far away.</p> + + <p>The sun shone, and the branches waved a little in the + breeze. In the park the brothers saw herds of deer. Beautiful + animals they were, with the highest antlers deer ever had. At + first the deer fed in peace and safety. Then archers, clad in + green, came to the edge of the forest. They glided out and in + among the trees to see where they could best take aim with + their arrows. When the archers had let their arrows fly, hounds + broke out from behind them, and soon there was not one living + deer of all the herd left in sight.</p> + + <p>In a moment a calm river flowed where the park had been. In + the shallow water at the river's edge tall herons stood. They + watched for the little fishes that swam in the river. Again, + into this quiet place a hunter came. He had no arrows. He had + no dogs. But on his wrist he had an iron bracelet to which one + end of a chain was fastened. The other end of the chain was + round a hawk's foot, and the hawk sat on his master's wrist. + When the hunter came near the river he loosed the chain from + the bird's foot. The hawk flew over the river and swooped down + among the herons. In a moment they had all vanished.</p> + + <p>Aurelius had scarcely time to sigh, when the river itself + was gone, and a plain lay where it had been. There he saw the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page177" id="page177"></a>[pg + 177]</span> knights of King Arthur's Table jousting. Beautiful + ladies sat and watched the struggle, and one more fair than all + held the prizes the knights might win.</p> + + <p>Then the figures of the knights began to grow dim and + uncertain. The plain changed into a great hall where knights + and ladies danced. Everything was bright and sparkling. Mirrors + lined the walls, and their cut edges flashed back the light + that fell on them. As Aurelius watched the dance, he started. + There, before him, more beautiful than ever, was Dorigen. His + heart gave a great leap, for, as he watched her, he saw that + she no longer wore her jewel. In his delight he swayed to the + music of the dance. Clap! clap! went the Magician's hands, and + all was gone.</p> + + <p>The great room that had seemed so splendid to Aurelius when + he entered it, looked cold and plain now when he returned to it + from fairyland.</p> + + <p>The Magician called his servant and asked for supper. Then + he led the brothers away and feasted them royally.</p> + + <p>After supper the three men began to talk about what the + Magician should get from Aurelius if he made the rocks vanish. + The Magician said, "I cannot take less than a thousand pounds, + and I am not sure if I can do it for that!" Aurelius was too + delighted to bargain about what the cost would be. He said + gladly: "What is a thousand pounds? I would give thee the whole + round world, if I were lord of it. The bargain is made. Thou + shalt be paid in full. But do not delay. Let us start to-morrow + morning without fail."</p> + + <p>"Thou mayest count on me to-morrow," said the Magician.</p> + + <p>They went to bed, and Aurelius slept soundly and well; + because of the hope he had that the Magician would make the + rocks vanish.</p> + + <p>Next morning they rose early. It was Christmas time, and the + air was cold and frosty as they rode away. The very sunlight + was pale, and the trees were bare. When they reached home the + neighbors gathered round and wished them a Merry Christmas. + "Noel, Noel," they said, but they would not have done so had + they known what sorrow the riders brought to their beautiful + lady Dorigen.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page178" + id="page178"></a>[pg 178]</span> + + <p>For many days the Magician worked with his maps and figures. + Aurelius waited impatiently. There was nothing for him to do + except to make the Magician as comfortable as he could, and to + show him as much kindness as possible.</p> + + <p>One morning Aurelius looked from his window towards the sea. + He saw the Magician standing on the shore. As Aurelius gazed + out to sea, the rocks vanished from north to south. His heart + stood still. Then he rushed out and away to the edge of the + cliffs for fear some rocks might still lie close to the land. + But no, there was not one.</p> + + <p>He went to meet the Magician and fell at his feet with the + words, "Thanks to thee, my lord, thanks to thee, my cares are + gone!"</p> + + <p>After he had thanked the Wise Man, he hurried away to meet + Dorigen. When he saw her he trembled. She was so pure and + beautiful. His heart sank. Then he looked out to sea and saw + the smooth surface of the water, and he grew selfish again.</p> + + <p>Dorigen came quietly on. She had not noticed that the rocks + had vanished, for Arviragus was safe on land, and she did not + fear the sea any more. She had almost forgotten Aurelius and + his selfish, greedy words. It was more than two years since she + had seen him, and she had not heard of him since then.</p> + + <p>She started back when he greeted her. Before she had time to + speak he said, "My lady, give me thy jewel."</p> + + <p>He saw Dorigen's face grow cold and angry, and said, "Think + well lest thou break thy word, for, madam, thou knowest well + what thou didst say. In yonder garden in the month of May thou + didst promise to give me thy jewel when I should move the + rocks. I speak to save thine honor. I have done as thou didst + command me. Go thou and see if thou wilt, but well I know the + rocks are vanished."</p> + + <p>He left her then. She stood still, white and sick. She had + never dreamt that such a trap as this could close on her.</p> + + <p>"Alas," she said, "that such a thing could happen! I never + thought a thing so strange and unheard-of could come to + pass!"</p> + + <p>Home she went in sadness and dismay. She was so weak + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page179" id="page179"></a>[pg + 179]</span> with fear that she could scarcely walk. She had to + suffer her sorrow alone for three days, for Arviragus was away, + and she would tell no one but him. Her ladies saw her distress, + but they could not comfort her. To herself she moaned, "Alas, O + Fortune, I lay the blame on thee; thou hast so bound me in thy + chain, that I see no help nor escape save only in death."</p> + + <p>Arviragus came home on the third day after the rocks had + vanished. He came at night, so he noticed nothing strange about + the shore. Though every one was talking of the curious thing + that had happened, no one liked to tell him. They knew he would + not like to hear of it. He would think his country was + bewitched.</p> + + <p>Arviragus looked for Dorigen in the hall. When he could not + see her there, he hurried to her room, to make sure that she + was safe and well. As he sprang up the broad staircase, the + sheath of his sword and the spurs at his heels clanked harshly + on the stone steps.</p> + + <p>Dorigen heard him, but, instead of going to meet him, she + buried her head deeper in her cushions and wept. Arviragus + crossed the room to where she sat, and knelt before her. He + drew her hands from her eyes and said, "Dorigen, what is it? + Why dost thou weep like this, my beloved?"</p> + + <p>For a little time Dorigen's tears only fell the faster, then + she said brokenly: "Alas, that ever I was born! I have said it! + Arviragus! I have promised!"</p> + + <p>"What hast thou promised, my wife?"</p> + + <p>Then Dorigen told Arviragus all that had happened; told him + that she had promised to give her jewel to Aurelius when he + would take all the rocks away.</p> + + <p>Arviragus leapt up and went to the window. The moon had + burst through a cloud, and everything was bright and clear. He + looked away north, as Dorigen had so often looked to watch for + his coming. In the moonlight Arviragus saw the sea lie smooth + and cold. His eyes swept the skyline. It seemed as as if all + the rocks had sunk into his heart, it was so heavy.</p> + + <p>He turned towards Dorigen, and saw how great was her + sorrow.</p> + + <p>Then he said very gently: "Is there aught else than this, + that thou shouldst weep, + Dorigen?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page180" + id="page180"></a>[pg 180]</span> + + <p>"Nay, nay, this is indeed too much already," she sighed.</p> + + <p>"Dear wife," he said, "something as wonderful as the sinking + of the rocks may happen to save us yet. God grant it! But + whether or not, thou must keep thy troth. I had rather that my + great love for thee caused me to die, than that thou shouldest + break thy promise. Truth is the highest thing that man may + keep."</p> + + <p>Then his courage broke down, and he began to sob and weep + along with Dorigen.</p> + + <p>Next morning he was strong and brave again. He said to + Dorigen, "I will bear up under this great sorrow."</p> + + <p>He bade her farewell, and she set out with only a maid and a + squire to follow her.</p> + + <p>Arviragus could not bear to see Dorigen as she went down + from the castle, so he hid himself in an inner room. But some + one saw her go out. It was Aurelius. For three days he had + watched the castle gate to see what she did, and where she + went. He came forward and said, "Whither goest thou?"</p> + + <p>Dorigen was almost mad with misery, but she said bravely, + "To thee, to keep my troth, and give my jewel to thee, as my + husband bids me. Alas! alas!"</p> + + <p>Aurelius was full of wonder when he heard this. He began to + be sorry for Dorigen, and for Arviragus the worthy knight, who + would rather lose his wife than have her break her word. He + could be cruel no longer.</p> + + <p>"Madam," he said, "say to thy lord Arviragus that since I + see his great honor and thy sad distress, I had rather bear my + own sorrow than drive thee away from him and all thy friends. I + give thee back thy promise. I shall never trouble thee more. + Farewell, farewell! thou truest woman and best that I have ever + seen."</p> + + <p>Down on her knees, on the roadway, fell Dorigen to thank + Aurelius. Her blessing followed him as he turned and left + her.</p> + + <p>But how can I tell of Dorigen's return? She seemed to be + treading on air. When she reached the room where her husband + sat with his head sunk on his arms, she paused. She had not + known the greatness of his love till then. He looked old and + forlorn after the night of + sorrow.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page181" + id="page181"></a>[pg 181]</span> + + <p>She spoke, and he raised his eyes to gaze on her, as if she + had been a lady in a dream. But when she told him all, when he + knew that she was there herself, and for always, he could not + speak for joy.</p> + + <p>Aurelius wished he had never been born when he thought of + the thousand pounds of pure gold that he owed to the + Magician.</p> + + <p>He said to himself, "What shall I do? I am undone! I must + sell my house and be a beggar. I will not stay here and make my + friends ashamed of me, unless I can get the Magician to give me + time. I will ask him to let me pay him part of my debt year by + year till all is paid. If he will, my gratitude will know no + bounds, and I will pay him every penny I owe."</p> + + <p>With a sore heart he went to his coffer and took out five + hundred pounds of gold. These he took to the Wise Man, and + begged him to grant him time to pay the rest.</p> + + <p>"Master," said he, "I can say truly, I never yet failed to + keep a promise. My debt shall be paid to thee, even if I go + begging in rags. But if thou wilt be so gracious as to allow me + two years, or three, in which to pay the, rest, I will rejoice. + If not, I must sell my house; there is no other way."</p> + + <p>When the Magician heard this he said, "Have not I kept my + promise to thee?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, certainly, well and truly!"</p> + + <p>"Hast thou not thy jewel?"</p> + + <p>"No, no," said Aurelius, and sighed deeply.</p> + + <p>"Tell me, if thou mayest, what is the cause of this?"</p> + + <p>"Arviragus in his honor had rather die in sorrow and + distress than that his wife should break her word. Dorigen + would rather die than lose her husband and wander alone on the + earth. She did not mean to give me her promise. She thought the + rocks would never move. I pitied them so much that I gave her + back her promise as freely as she brought her jewel to me. That + is the whole story!"</p> + + <p>The Magician answered, "Dear brother, you have each behaved + nobly. Thou art a squire, he is a knight, but by God's grace I + can do a noble deed as well as another. Sir, thou art free from + thy debt to me, as free as if thou hadst this moment crept out + of the ground, and hadst never known me + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page182" id="page182"></a>[pg + 182]</span> till now. For, sir, I will not take a penny from + thee for all my skill, nor for all my work. It is enough! + Farewell! Good day to thee!"</p> + + <p>Whereupon the Magician bowed once and again, mounted his + horse, and rode away.</p> + + <p>Dorigen and Arviragus were walking on the cliffs as the + Magician parted from Aurelius. They noticed the two men, and + when the horseman rode away they saw a strange white mist rise + from the sea and follow the rider.</p> + + <p>Dorigen caught her husband's arm, for there, there, out at + sea, and close by the cliffs, were the rocks, grisly and black + and fearsome as before. The sunlight fell on her jewel, and it + shone more brightly than of old, nor did its light ever grow + dim in all the happy years that followed.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>EMELIA</h4> + + <p>Emelia the Radiant lived in a great castle in Athens.</p> + + <p>Hippolyta, Emelia's sister, had once been queen of the + Warrior Women, and had led her armies to battle. But Emelia had + never fought in these battles. When she was still a child, Duke + Theseus of Athens had fought with Hippolyta and conquered her. + Instead of sending his royal captive to prison, Theseus married + her, and took her home to Athens with him. When he took her + there, he took Emelia with her. He was very kind to them both, + and the castle in Athens was a happy home for Hippolyta and her + little sister.</p> + + <p>As Emelia grew up she became most beautiful. She was more + graceful than a lily on its stem, and the flush on her cheeks + was more delicate than the hue of the rose-petals in the old + Greek castle garden. Her golden hair fell in heavy masses round + her face, and lay in a great plait down her back. It caught all + the light that fell on it, and sent it out again to make glad + the hearts of those who looked on her. So men called her Emelia + the Radiant, and all who met her smiled for joy at the sight of + so beautiful a maid.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page183" + id="page183"></a>[pg 183]</span> + + <p>One May morning Emelia went into the castle garden to bathe + her face in the early dew. Everything was dim and gray in the + twilight. She looked up at the great dungeon tower which + overshadowed the garden, and thought of the two young princes + who were prisoners there. Duke Theseus had brought them from + Thebes. He was very proud of them, and would not give them up, + although the people of their land offered to give him gold and + jewels for their ransom. The princes were cousins, and were the + last of the royal line of Thebes. In the stillness Emelia + murmured their names to herself, "Palamon and Arcite, Palamon + and Arcite. How miserable they must be in their narrow cell!" + she thought. Then she sighed that life should be so sad for + them while it was so bright for her!</p> + + <p>As she roamed up and down and gathered roses white and red + to make a garland for her hair, the sun broke through the mist + and shone into the garden. Once more she raised her eyes to the + tower. This time she did not look at it, but at the sunlit + clouds beyond. The light from the east fell on her. Her hair + shone like gold, and her face was radiant with happiness.</p> + + <p>Palamon at that moment came to the narrow iron-barred window + through which alone he and his cousin could see the sky and the + fields and the city. He saw the morning light fall on the fair + buildings of Athens, and on the plains and hills beyond. Then a + glad song which burst from Emelia's happy heart floated up to + him. He looked down. Before him stood the maiden bathed in + sunlight.</p> + + <p>She seemed to him the very Spirit of Beauty. He thought of + all the joy and life and freedom that he could never have. He + started back from the window and cried aloud.</p> + + <p>His cousin Arcite sprang from his couch and said, "My + cousin, what aileth thee? I pray thee that thou bear our + imprisonment in patience. Sad it is in truth, but we must abide + it. We can do nought else."</p> + + <p>But Palamon said: "Thou art mistaken. Prison walls drew not + that cry from me. An arrow hath entered my heart through mine + eye, and I am wounded. What life can give is bound up for me in + the fairness of a maiden who roams in yonder + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page184" id="page184"></a>[pg + 184]</span> garden. Be she Spirit or woman I know not! But this + I know, was never woman nor Spirit half so fair before."</p> + + <p>"Spirit of Beauty," he cried, "if thou choosest to take the + form of a radiant woman here before me in this garden, pity my + wretchedness! Save us from this prison, and if that may not be, + have pity on our country and help our fallen friends."</p> + + <p>Arcite pressed forward and leant over Palamon's shoulder. + The window was only a narrow slit, and the wall through which + it was cut was thick, so it was not easy for Arcite to see into + the garden. At last he caught a glimpse of Emelia.</p> + + <p>"Oh, how lovely she is!" he said. "I shall die of my wish to + serve her. Most beautiful of maidens she is, truly."</p> + + <p>When Palamon heard this, he turned on Arcite, looked coldly + at him and asked, "Sayest thou so in earnest or in jest?"</p> + + <p>"Nay, truly in earnest, my cousin; I have little will to + jest!"</p> + + <p>Palamon looked fiercely at him and said, "Little honor to + thee then! Hast thou forgotten thine oath of truest brotherhood + to me, and mine to thee? Hast thou forgotten thy promise to + help me in all I do? How, then, canst thou dream of claiming to + love my lady? This thou shalt not do, false Arcite! I loved her + first, and told thee, and thou must help me to win her if ever + we escape. Thine honor demands this of thee. Otherwise thou art + no true knight."</p> + + <p>But Arcite drew himself up scornfully and said, "Rather it + is thou that art false! A moment ago thou didst not know + whether she were maiden or Spirit! I loved her first for what + she is, and told thee as my brother! But even if thou hadst + loved her first, could I, because of that, refuse to love the + fairest of maidens? Besides, why should we strive? Thou knowest + too well that thou shalt never win her smile, nor yet shall I! + These prison walls so thick and black leave no hope for us. We + fight as did the fabled dogs for the bone. They fought all day, + yet neither won. There came a kite while they raged, and + carried off the bone. Love thou the maid if thou wilt. I shall + love her till I die."</p> + + <p>The prison had been narrow and bare and cold before, but now + it seemed ten times more dismal. The world from which + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page185" id="page185"></a>[pg + 185]</span> it shut them in was so much more sweet because of + the maiden who dwelt there, and the friendship for each other + which had cheered them through many evil days was broken.</p> + + <p>But Emelia the Radiant sang her gay songs and stepped + lightly among the flowers, with never another thought of the + weary eyes that watched her.</p> + + <p>One day the greatest friend that Duke Theseus of Athens had, + came to see him. This friend had known Arcite in Thebes, and + had loved the handsome boy. He begged Theseus to forgive him, + and to let him go free. Theseus was glad to find something he + could do to please his dear friend, so one morning he took him + with him to the prison where Palamon and Arcite were. The + attendants could scarcely follow, for the royal robes filled + all the dingy little space! A streak of light from the window + fell on the Duke's mantle and his jewels. They looked strangely + bright in that dark room beside the faded clothes of the two + young prisoners.</p> + + <p>Arcite and the friend of Theseus greeted each other + joyously, and the heart of Arcite beat wildly with hope, but + when he heard the words of Theseus the Duke it sank like + lead.</p> + + <p>"Arcite," said he, "by the desire of my friend, I grant to + thee thy freedom. I grant it on one condition only. Thou must + wander away far beyond my kingdom. If ever thou art seen for + one moment on any furthest corner of my land, that moment shall + be thy last. By the sword thou shalt die."</p> + + <p>Homeward to Thebes sped Arcite with a sad heart.</p> + + <p>"Woe is me for the day that I was born!" he moaned; "woe is + me that ever I knew the friend of Theseus! Had he not known me, + I might even now be gazing on the maiden I serve, from the + window in the Duke's tower. Ah, Palamon, thou art the victor + now! Day by day thou gazest on her, and kind fortune may grant + to thee thy freedom and her favor while I am banished for ever! + Ah, why do we complain against our fortune? We know that we + seek happiness, but know not the road thither! Think how I + dreamt and longed for freedom, and thought that if I were only + out of prison my joy would be perfect. Behold, my freedom is my + banishment, and my hope my undoing!"</p> + + <p>As for Palamon, when he saw that Arcite was gone, he made + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page186" id="page186"></a>[pg + 186]</span> the great tower walls re-echo with his howls of + misery. The very fetters on his ankles were wet with his salt + tears.</p> + + <p>"Alas," he groaned, "Arcite, my cousin, thou hast borne off + the prize in this strife of ours! Thou walkest now at liberty + in Thebes. Little thou thinkest of me and of my sorrow! Strong + thou art, and wise. Doubtless thou art even now gathering + together the people of Thebes to invade this land and win the + sister of the Duke for thy wife, while I die here in this + prison like a caged lion. The prison walls heed my weeping and + my wailing not at all."</p> + + <p>He could not even rejoice in the sight of Emelia when she + walked in the garden, so fearful was he lest Arcite should win + her.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Arcite passed his days in Thebes in grief. He + wandered about alone, and wailed and made moan to himself. He + cared not to eat, and sleep forsook him. His spirits were so + feeble that the sound of music brought fresh tears to his eyes. + He grew gaunt and thin, and his voice was hollow with + sadness.</p> + + <p>At last, when he was nearly dazed with sorrow, he dreamt one + night that a beautiful winged boy with golden curls stood + before him. "Go thou to Athens," said the boy; "the end of all + thy sorrow awaits thee there!"</p> + + <p>Arcite started up wide awake and said, "I will to Athens, to + my lady. It were good even to die in her presence."</p> + + <p>He caught up a mirror. He had not cared to look in one for + many months, but now that he meant to return to his lady, he + wished to see if he looked strong and young as ever. At first + he was shocked to see how great a change had passed over his + face. Then he thought, "If I do not say who I am, I may live + unknown in Athens for years. Then I shall see my lady day by + day."</p> + + <p>Quickly he called to him a squire, and told him all his + will, and bound him to keep his name a secret and to answer no + questions about himself or his master. Then Arcite sent his + squire to find clothes such as the laborers in Athens wore. + When he returned, Arcite and he put on the clothes and set out + by the straight road to Athens.</p> + + <p>In Athens no one took any notice of the two poor + men.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page187" + id="page187"></a>[pg 187]</span> + + <p>Before they came to the castle the squire left his master + and found a house to live in, where he could do Arcite's + bidding at any time. But Arcite hurried on to the courtyard + gate. There he waited till the master of the servants who + waited on Emelia came out. Then he said to him, "Take me, I + pray thee, into thy service. Drudge I will and draw water, yea, + and in all thou dost command I will obey."</p> + + <p>The master of the servants asked Arcite what was his name. + "Philostrate, my lord," said Arcite, and as "Philostrate" he + entered that part of the castle where Emelia's home was.</p> + + <p>He could hew wood and carry water well, but he was not long + left to do such rough work. The master of the house saw that + whatever he trusted to Philostrate's care was rightly done, so + he gave him less humble work to do, and made him a page in the + house of Emelia. The lords and ladies of the castle began to + notice what a gentle and kind page this Philostrate was. They + spoke to Theseus about him, and said that he deserved to have a + higher place that he might show his goodness and courage in + knightly deeds. To please them, Theseus made him one of his own + squires.</p> + + <p>Seven years passed away, and Palamon was still in prison. + This year, however, in the May-time, a friend of his, who heard + where he was, helped him to escape. During the short night he + fled as fast as he could, but when the early dawn began to + break he strode tremblingly to a grove of trees, that he might + hide there all day. When the darkness fell once more he meant + to go on again to Thebes, there to gather his old armies to + make war on Theseus. He wished either to win Emelia or to die. + He cared little for his life if he might not spend it with + her.</p> + + <p>As Palamon lay beside a bush in the grove, he watched the + sunbeams drying up the dew drops on the leaves and flowers near + him, and listened to the joyous song of a lark that poured + forth its welcome to the morning.</p> + + <p>The same lark that Palamon heard awakened Arcite. He was now + the chief knight in the Duke's house, and served him with honor + in peace and war. He sprang up and looked out on the fresh + green fields. Everything called to him to come out. He loosed + his horse from the stall and galloped over hill and dale. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page188" id="page188"></a>[pg + 188]</span> He came to the edge of a grove, and tied up his + steed to a tree. Then he wandered down a woodland path to + gather honeysuckle and hawthorn to weave a garland for himself. + Little he thought of the snare into which he was walking. As he + roamed he sang—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"O May, of every month the queen,</p> + + <p>With thy sweet flowers and forests green,</p> + + <p>Right welcome be thou, fair fresh May."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The grove was the one in which Palamon lay beside a pool of + water. When he heard the song of Arcite, cold fear took hold on + him. He did not know that it was Arcite who sang, but he knew + that the horse must belong to a knight of the court, and he + crouched down to the ground lest he should be seen and taken + back to prison.</p> + + <p>Soon Arcite's joyous mood passed away, and he grew + sorrowful. He sighed and threw himself down not far from the + spot where Palamon lay.</p> + + <p>"Alas, alas!" said Arcite, "for the royal blood of Thebes! + Alas that I should humbly serve my mortal enemy! Alas that I + dare not claim my noble name, but must be known, forsooth, as + Philostrate, a name worth not a straw! Of all our princely + house not one is left save only me and Palamon, whom Theseus + slays in prison. Even I, free though I am, am helpless to win + Emelia. What am I to her but an humble squire?"</p> + + <p>Palamon was so angry when he heard this, that he forgot his + own danger. He started out from his hiding-place and faced + Arcite.</p> + + <p>"False Arcite," he cried, "now art thou caught indeed! Thou + hast deceived Duke Theseus and hast falsely changed thy name, + hast thou? Then surely I or thou must die. I will suffer no man + to love my lady, save myself alone. For I am Palamon, thy + mortal foe. I have no weapon in this place, for only last night + did I escape from prison. Yet I fear thee not. Thou shalt die, + or thou shalt cease to love my lady. Choose as thou wilt!"</p> + + <p>Then Arcite rose up in his wrath and drew his sword. He + said, "Were it not that thou art ill and mad with grief, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page189" id="page189"></a>[pg + 189]</span> that thou hast no weapon here, thou shouldest never + step from where thou standest. I deny the bond thou claimest! + Fool! how can I help thee to win the lady I fain would wed + myself? But because thou art a worthy knight and a gentle, and + art ready to fight for thy lady, accept my promise. To-morrow I + will not fail to wait for thee here without the knowledge of + any other. Also I will bring armor and weapons for thee and me, + and thou shalt choose of them what thou wilt, ere I arm myself! + Food and drink will I bring to thee this night into the grove. + If so be that thou slay me here to-morrow, then indeed thou + mayest win thy lady if thou canst!"</p> + + <p>Then Palamon answered, "Let it be so."</p> + + <p>Next morning Arcite rode to the wood alone. He met Palamon + on the woodland path where the flowers he had gathered the day + before lay withered on the ground. No word nor greeting passed + between them, but each helped to arm the other in silence. As + the buckles were tightened and the armor slipped into its + place, the color came and went in the faces of the two princes. + They deemed that this would be the last of all fights to one of + them.</p> + + <p>When they were ready they fenced together for a little, and + then the real fight began. So fierce was it that the men seemed + like wild animals in their rage. Palamon sprang at Arcite like + a strong lion, and Arcite glanced aside and darted at him again + like a cruel tiger. In the midst of this they heard a sound of + the galloping of horses that brought the royal hunters to the + spot. In a moment the sword of Theseus flashed between the + fighters, and his voice thundered out, "Ho! no more, on pain of + death. Who are ye who dare to fight here alone, with none to + see justice done?"</p> + + <p>The princes turned and saw Theseus, Duke of Athens. Behind + him rode Hippolyta with her sister, Emelia the Radiant, and + many knights and ladies.</p> + + <p>Palamon answered the Duke's question swiftly, before Arcite + had time to speak. "Sire, what need of words? Both of us + deserve death. Two wretches are we, burdened with our lives. As + thou art a just judge, give to us neither mercy nor refuge, but + slay us both. Thou knowrest not that this knight, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page190" id="page190"></a>[pg + 190]</span> Philostrate, is thy mortal foe, whom thou hast + banished. He is Arcite, who hath deceived thee for that he + loveth Emelia. And I too love her. I too am thy mortal foe, for + I am Palamon, and I have broken from my prison. Slay us then, + here before fair Emelia."</p> + + <p>"That is easily granted," said Theseus. "Ye judge + yourselves. Ye shall die."</p> + + <p>Then the queen began to weep, and Emelia too. They were sad + to think that these two princes should die so young, and all + for the service they wished to do to the queen's sister.</p> + + <p>The other ladies of the court begged the Duke to forgive the + fighters. "Have mercy, sire," they urged, "on us women, and + save the princes!"</p> + + <p>At first Theseus was too angry to listen to them, but soon + he thought that he would have done as the princes had done, if + he had been in their place, so he said, "Arcite and Palamon, ye + could both have lived in peace and safety in Thebes, yet love + has brought you here to Athens into my power, who am your + deadly foe. Here then for the sake of Hippolyta, my queen, and + of Emelia the Radiant, our dear sister, I forgive you both. + Promise never to make war on my land, but to yield me your + friendship evermore." Joyfully the princes promised this, and + thanked the Duke for his grace.</p> + + <p>Then Theseus said, "Both of you are noble. Either might wed + Emelia the Radiant, but she cannot wed you both. Therefore I + appoint a tournament in this place a year hence. Come here + then, ye Princes of Thebes, each of you, with a hundred knights + of the bravest, and that one of you, who shall slay or capture + the other, he shall wed Emelia."</p> + + <p>Whose face could be brighter than was Palamon's when he + heard those words, and who could step more lightly than did + Arcite? Every one thanked the Duke for his kindness to the + princes, while they rode off to Thebes with high hopes and + light hearts.</p> + + <p>When the day of the tournament came, great buildings stood + in a circle on the plain beside the grove. Within them + stretched an immense arena in which the knights must fight. + Great marble gates opened on to the space at either + side.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page191" + id="page191"></a>[pg 191]</span> + + <p>Palamon and Arcite found it easy to bring a hundred knights + to Athens. So splendid were the preparations for the tournament + that every one was eager to fight in it.</p> + + <p>Emelia alone was sad as the day of the fighting came nearer. + Her maidens heard her say, "Oh that I might not wed at all! I + love the free life of the woods. I love to hunt, and to ride, + and to roam. Why cannot Palamon and Arcite love each other as + they used to do long ago, and leave me free?"</p> + + <p>On the morning of the tournament Duke Theseus and his queen + sat with Emelia on a high seat overlooking the lists. When the + trumpet sounded, Arcite and his knights rode in through the + western gate. His red banner shone bright against the white + marble pillars. At the same moment Palamon entered from the + east, and his white banner floated out against the blue + sky.</p> + + <p>Soon the heralds ceased galloping up and down, and the whole + space was left to the warriors.</p> + + <p>The trumpets sounded "Advance," and the fray began. Through + the bright sunshine they fought, advancing here, and beaten + back there, till at last Palamon was hurled from his horse and + taken prisoner.</p> + + <p>The trumpets sounded, and all stood still while Theseus + called out, "Ho! no more. All is over. Arcite of Thebes khall + wed Emelia." Then the people shouted till it seemed that the + great marble gates would fall.</p> + + <p>In the eagerness of the fight Emelia had begun to like the + warriors who fought for her, and her liking grew ever stronger + as they showed their worth. When Arcite rode towards her with + glowing face she was proud of him, and leant forward to welcome + him gladly.</p> + + <p>But as he galloped, his horse started aside and he was + thrown to the ground. He was too much hurt to rise. So he was + lifted by his knights and carried to the palace. There he was + cared for in every way, but nothing could save him.</p> + + <p>Before he died, he called for Emelia and Palamon.</p> + + <p>"No words can tell the sorrow I bear because I must leave + thee, my lady! Alas, death tears me from thee! Farewell, my + wife! farewell, my Emelia! Ah, take me softly in thine arms, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page192" id="page192"></a>[pg + 192]</span> and listen while I speak! For years I have had + strife with my dear cousin Palamon. Yet now I say to thee, in + all this world I never have met with one so worthy to be loved + as Palamon, that hath served thee, and will serve thee, his + life long. Ah, if ever thou dost wed, let it be Palamon!"</p> + + <p>His voice began to fail. "Emelia!" he said, and died.</p> + + <p>Emelia mourned sadly for her valiant knight. As for Palamon, + all his old love for Arcite came back, and he wept for him as + bitterly as he had bewailed his own sorrow in the dungeon.</p> + + <p>When all the Greeks had ceased to mourn for Arcite, Palamon + still grieved for the death of his friend, and for the strife + that had been between them.</p> + + <p>After two years Theseus sent one day for Palamon and Emelia. + Palamon came to the court in his black robes of mourning; but + Emelia was dressed in white, as she had been on the May morning + in the garden years before. She had ceased to mourn for Arcite, + and was Emelia the Radiant once more.</p> + + <p>Palamon caught his breath. He had not seen her since they + parted after Arcite's death.</p> + + <p>Duke Theseus said, "Sister, I desire thee now to take the + noble knight Palamon to be thy husband. Have pity on his long + service, and accept him."</p> + + <p>Then he said to Palamon, "It will not need much speech to + gain thy consent! Come, take thy lady by the hand."</p> + + <p>Then, in the presence of all the court, they were wed. When + all was over, Emelia fled from the noise and tumult of the + hall, and beckoned to Palamon to follow. Out at the great hall + doors she led him, and down the pathway to the garden beneath + the tower. When he joined her, she pointed to the dungeon + window, and told him of the day when she had looked at the + prison in the morning mist, and murmured to herself the names + of the captive princes, "Palamon and Arcite, Palamon and + Arcite."</p> + + <p>But it was not till many years of joyous life had passed + over their home that Palamon told Emelia that he had seen her + first on that very morning when she had thought so sadly of his + misery.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page193" + id="page193"></a>[pg 193]</span> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>GRISELDA</h4> + + <p>Once upon a time there lived a fair young girl whose name + was Griselda. Her home was in an Italian village. There she + dwelt in a lowly cottage with her father, Janicola. He was too + old and weak to work for her, or even for himself.</p> + + <p>All round the village lay the fruitful fields and vineyards + of the plain, and on the slopes near grew olive-trees laden + with fruit. Far in the distance rose the snow-capped mountains + of the North.</p> + + <p>Even in so rich a land it was not easy for this young + Griselda to make her father's life as pleasant as she would + have wished it to be. She lived plainly and barely. She was + busy all day long. Now she was herding a few sheep on the + broken ground near the village, and spinning as she watched her + flock. Again she fetched the water from the well or gathered + roots and herbs from which to make drugs.</p> + + <p>Griselda was not unhappy though her life was hard, because + she was so glad that she could serve her father and show her + love to him, forgetting about herself and her own wishes.</p> + + <p>One day as she sat watching her sheep her eyes fell on the + white towers of a castle that stood not far from the village + where she lived. It was the castle of the Marquis Walter, who + was lord of all that land. Griselda looked kindly at the white + towers. She thought that their master was the best and greatest + man in the world. She knew that he was kind also, and + courteous. When she saw him ride towards her, her face lighted + up, and she rose to courtesy to him. She hoped he would draw up + his horse beside her, and greet her, and ask for her father + Janicola.</p> + + <p>This morning, as she looked at the castle, she saw a company + of men hurrying along the road that led to its gate. Farmers + were there in dull and homely clothes, and knights in armor + that flashed back the sunlight, and lords in gay colors that + glanced and gleamed among the olive-trees under the blue + Italian sky.</p> + + <p>Griselda knew why they were going to Lord Walter, and she + wondered what they would do and say when they reached him. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" id="page194"></a>[pg + 194]</span> She could not go after them, for her sheep would + have wandered away if she had left them.</p> + + <p>When the men that Griselda had watched reached the courtyard + gate, they met Lord Walter. He was on horseback ready for the + hunt. The foremost of the company prayed him to grant them a + little time that they might tell him why they had come.</p> + + <p>Lord Walter threw the reins to a squire, and led his people + into the great hall of the castle. There he seated himself in + state to listen to their grievance whatever it might be.</p> + + <p>Then the same man who had spoken before said to him:</p> + + <p>"Noble Marquis, thy generous kindness in times past giveth + us courage to come before thee. Truly, sire, thou and all thou + dost art so dear to us that, save in one thing, we cannot wish + for better fortune than to live under thy government. One thing + alone disturbs the peace of thy faithful people. Though thou + art young and strong, yet age creeps on! Time flies and waits + for no man. Death threatens young and old alike. We pray thee, + sire, that thou wilt wed, for if swift death should lay thee + low ere a son be born to thee, then alack for us and for our + children! In the power of a stranger then would lie our fair + lands and even our lives. Grant us this boon, noble Marquis, + and, if thou wilt, we will choose for thee a wife. Noble shall + she be, and good, so that thou shalt have honor and gladness in + thy wedding."</p> + + <p>Then the Marquis said:</p> + + <p>"My people, loyal and true, ye ask of me that which I + thought not to grant, for the free life of the forest and the + hunt pleaseth me well. Yet will I do this thing that ye desire. + Only to me myself must fall the choice of her whom I will wed. + On you I lay this command that, be she who she may, yet shall + ye honor her as if she were an Emperor's daughter through all + her life. Nor shall ye raise one word against the maiden of my + choice. Unless ye agree to this, I will not wed!"</p> + + <p>Gladly the people promised. But ere they left the Marquis, + they begged him to fix a day for the marriage lest he should + put off too long. The Marquis granted their request, and + farmers, knights, and lords trooped joyfully + home.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page195" + id="page195"></a>[pg 195]</span> + + <p>When the morning of the day that was fixed for the wedding + came, the castle of the Marquis was gaily decorated. Flags + floated out from the towers, and garlands trailed over the + doorway and the gate. Within in the great hall a royal feast + was spread, and there lay royal robes and gems.</p> + + <p>In the courtyard and on the terraces lords and ladies stood + in groups. Wonder and doubt were on every face. The + wedding-feast was prepared, the guests were come, but there was + no bride.</p> + + <p>A trumpet sounded "to horse," and all was hurry and noise. + Then Lord Walter rode out through the castle gate. He was + followed by bearers, who carried the beautiful robes and gems + that had lain in the hall.</p> + + <p>They rode out by the same road along which Griselda had + watched the people go to ask the Marquis to wed, many months + before. Now she saw the bridal train ride down from the castle. + "Ah," she said, "they ride this way to fetch the bride. I shall + work more busily than ever to-day that I may be free to stand + and watch Lord Walter's fair bride as the riders return with + her to the castle!"</p> + + <p>Then she went to the well to fetch water. When she came back + she found Lord Walter at her father's door. In the narrow lane + beside the cottage stood lords and ladies, while their horses + impatiently pawed the ground.</p> + + <p>Quickly Griselda set her pitcher in a trough near the + cottage door, and knelt before the Marquis to hear his + will.</p> + + <p>"Where is thy father?" Lord Walter asked.</p> + + <p>"Close at hand, my Lord," said Griselda, and went to bring + him without delay.</p> + + <p>"My faithful servant," said Lord Walter to the old man, + "grant me thy daughter for my wife!"</p> + + <p>Janicola knew not what to say for surprise. At last he + answered, "My will is thine! Do as thou wilt, my own dear + Lord!"</p> + + <p>"Then must I ask Griselda if she will be my wife; but stay + thou by us. Thou shalt hear her answer."</p> + + <p>Griselda was amazed. She did not know what the meaning of + Lord Walter's visit was, and when she stood before him her + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page196" id="page196"></a>[pg + 196]</span> face was full of fear. Her wonder was very great + when she heard him say:</p> + + <p>"Griselda, I am come for thee. Thee only will I wed. Thy + father also is willing. But ere thou tell me whether or no thou + wilt be my bride, listen to the demand I make. Art thou ready + to obey me in everything, and to let me do to thee evil or good + as I will without so much as turning to me a frowning + face?"</p> + + <p>This seemed a strange request to Grisdda, but she loved and + trusted Lord Walter so truly that she said:</p> + + <p>"Lord, I am not worthy of this honor. Verily in all things + thy will shall be mine. Life is sweet, but I will die rather + than displease thee."</p> + + <p>"Enough, Griselda!" he said.</p> + + <p>Then Lord Walter turned to the courtiers and the people of + the village who had gathered round:</p> + + <p>"Behold my wife! Let all show their love to me by the honor + and love they bear to her."</p> + + <p>The ladies of the court were commanded to take off + Griselda's old clothes and to array her in the costly robes + they had brought with them. They did not like to touch the poor + soiled clothes she wore, nor to move about in the little + cottage with their sweeping gowns; but the gentleness of + Griselda made it pleasant to help her. They caught up + Griselda's royal robes with great clasps of gold set with gems, + and put a crown on her beautiful hair.</p> + + <p>She came out and stood in the low doorway, where she had so + often stood before. But now the people scarcely knew her: she + looked so fair in her new robes and with the love-light shining + in her eyes.</p> + + <p>Lord Walter did not wait till he reached the castle. He was + married to Griselda at her father's cottage door. The villagers + gathered round and gazed at the simple wedding. They saw Lord + Walter put a great ring on Griselda's finger, and lift her on + to a milk-white steed. Then they led her with joy towards the + castle. Wedding-bells rang out gladly across the plain, and + ever as the wedding-party drew near to the white towers with + their floating flags, happy bands of people came to meet and + welcome Griselda.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" + id="page197"></a>[pg 197]</span> + + <p>Very soon the fame of Lord Walter's beautiful wife spread + through the land. Nor was it only for her beauty that men + praised her. Gracious she was and wise, able to rule her home, + and to bend fiery spirits to her will.</p> + + <p>From all the countryside men came to her in trouble. Every + one rejoiced in the good fortune that had come to their land, + and some even called her an angel from heaven come to right all + wrong.</p> + + <p>After some time a daughter was born to Griselda. Then she + thought she was the happiest woman in the world. She thought of + the care that she would give her child as she grew up, and of + Lord Walter's delight in his little daughter when the time + should come that she could talk and ride with him.</p> + + <p>But before the baby was a year old, all Griselda's dreams + were broken. Lord Walter said to himself, "It is easy for + Griselda to keep her promise when I ask of her nothing that is + not just and right. How can I trust her until I know that she + will obey me in everything? I wonder whether she would be + patient still if I hurt our little daughter."</p> + + <p>These thoughts came back to his mind so often that at last + he resolved to try Griselda's patience by taking away her baby + from her.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/196.jpg" name="fig196s" + id="fig196s"><img width="300" src="images/196s.jpg" + alt="THE CURTAIN AT THE DOORWAY WAS DRAWN ASIDE" /> + </a><br /> + the curtain at the doorway was drawn aside + </div> + + <p>One evening Griselda was playing with her little child. The + baby laughed in her arms and looked sweeter than ever. At that + moment the curtain at the doorway was drawn aside and Lord + Walter came into the room. His face was sad and drawn, and as + Griselda looked up at him she feared that some great blow had + fallen on him, or that some enemy had entered the country.</p> + + <p>Lord Walter said to her:</p> + + <p>"Griselda, thou hast not forgotten the day on which I + brought thee from thy father's lowly cottage to this my castle. + Although thou art most dear to me, thou art not dear to my + nobles. They say that it is hard that they should serve one so + lowly born as thou. Since thy daughter was born they have said + this more and more, I doubt not. As thou knowest, my will is to + live with my people in joy and peace. Therefore must I do to my + child not as I wish myself, but as my nobles + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page198" id="page198"></a>[pg + 198]</span> wish. Show then to me the obedience that thou didst + promise to show when thou wert wed in the village street."</p> + + <p>As Griselda heard these words she made no moan. Neither did + she let the pain that caught at her heart be seen in her face. + When she could speak, she said:</p> + + <p>"Lord, we are thine! My child is thine. I also am thine. + With thine own thou mayest ever do as pleaseth thee best."</p> + + <p>The Marquis was full of joy because of the patience and + humbleness of Griselda; but he appeared to be sad, and left her + with a troubled face.</p> + + <p>Soon after this, Griselda started as she heard a heavy + footstep on the stairway. Then an evil-looking man walked into + the quiet room.</p> + + <p>"Madam," he said, "I must obey my lord's will. He bids me + take this child. Thou knowest we must obey, although we may + complain and mourn."</p> + + <p>Then the soldier took the child so roughly that it seemed as + if he would kill it before her. Griselda said:</p> + + <p>"Pray, sir, do thou suffer me to kiss my child ere it die." + He gave it back to her. Gently she gathered it in her arms. She + blessed it, and lulled it, and kissed it. Then she said in her + sweet voice: "Farewell, my child, I shall see thee never again. + The blessing of Him who died on a cross of wood for us, rest on + thee. To Him I give thy soul, my little one! To-night thou must + die because of me."</p> + + <p>To the rough soldier she said:</p> + + <p>"Take again the child and obey my Lord. But if it please my + Lord, then of thy kindness bury thou the little body where no + cruel bird nor beast can harm it!"</p> + + <p>But in silence the soldier carried away the child.</p> + + <p>Then Lord Walter looked to see if Griselda would fret or be + less kind to him. He watched, but could see no change in her. + She was as busy and loving and cheerful as ever. Neither in + earnest nor in play did she name her child.</p> + + <p>After four years a son was born to Griselda. The people were + very glad because there was now an heir to rule the land at the + death of Lord Walter. Griselda too was happy, though her + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page199" id="page199"></a>[pg + 199]</span> heart longed for the little maid who might have + been playing with her brother.</p> + + <p>When the boy was two years old, Lord Walter began to wish + once more to try the patience of Griselda.</p> + + <p>This time he said to her:</p> + + <p>"Wife, I have told thee before how ill the people bear our + marriage. Now that a son is born they are more wrathful than + before. My heart is weary with the thought of their complaints. + They say, 'When Lord Walter is gone, the grandson of Janicola + shall rule us!' Therefore I shall do with my son as I did with + his sister. Be patient, I pray thee."</p> + + <p>"Thou art my Lord," said Griselda. "My will and my freedom + lie in my father's cottage with the poor soiled clothes I left + there on the day thou didst bring me hither. Could I know thy + will before thou didst tell it to me, it would be done, though + it were death to do it. Life cannot compare with thy love."</p> + + <p>Lord Walter looked down to the ground. He could not look at + his wife lest he should not have heart to do as he wished.</p> + + <p>Again the rude soldier came to Griselda. He was even harsher + than before, and carried off the child without a kind word to + the patient mother.</p> + + <p>When the little boy was gone, the people said very bitter + things about Lord Walter. The love they had given him before + was turned into hatred because he had treated his beautiful + wife so unkindly, and because he had murdered his children.</p> + + <p>Though Lord Walter saw this, he wished to try his wife once + more. He knew that he could send away his wife and marry + another if he got a letter from the Pope to say that he might. + He sent a messenger to Rome, where the Pope lived. This + messenger was told to bring back a letter, not from the Pope, + but as like one of his as possible.</p> + + <p>The letter came. It said that because of the anger of Lord + Walter's people at the lowly birth of his wife Griselda, the + Marquis might send her away and marry another.</p> + + <p>The news of the letter spread throughout the land. Every one + believed that it had really come from the Pope.</p> + + <p>Griselda's heart was very sore when she heard of this + letter. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page200" + id="page200"></a>[pg 200]</span> But she went on quietly with + each day's work. She did not even speak of the letter to her + husband.</p> + + <p>At last Lord Walter spoke before all his court, and with no + knightly gentleness.</p> + + <p>"Griselda," he said, "there is no freedom in the life of one + who rules. I may not act after my own wish as any laborer on my + land may do. As thou knowest, my people hate thy presence, and + demand of me that I wed another. The Pope's letter thou hast + heard. Return then, swiftly and without complaint, to thy + father's cottage, for already my bride cometh hither."</p> + + <p>"My Lord, it is no new thought to me, that I am unworthy to + be thy servant—far more unworthy to be thy wife. In this + great house of which thou didst make me queen, I have not acted + as mistress, but only as lowly handmaid to thee. For these + years of thy kindness, I thank thee. Gladly do I go to my + father's house. There he tended me when I was but a child. Now + I will stay with him till death enters the cottage door. To + thee and to thy bride be joy. To her I willingly yield the + place where I have been so happy. Since thou, who once wert all + my joy, wilt have me go, I go!"</p> + + <p>Lord Walter turned away in sadness. He could scarcely speak + for pity, but he held to his purpose.</p> + + <p>Then Griselda drew her wedding-ring from her finger, and + laid it down. Beside it she put the gems that Lord Walter had + given her. Her beautiful robes she laid aside. In the simplest + gown she could find, and with head and feet all bare, Griselda + went down through the olive trees towards her father's + house.</p> + + <p>Many of Lord Walter's people followed her, weeping and + bewailing the fickleness of fortune. Griselda did not turn to + them, nor speak, nor weep. She quietly went on her way.</p> + + <p>When the tidings reached her father, he wished that he had + never been born, so sad was he in the sorrow of his beautiful + daughter. He hastened out to meet her, and wrapped her tenderly + in her old cloak, and led her home with tears.</p> + + <p>Griselda spoke no word of complaint, nor did she speak of + her former happiness. Once more she tended the sheep on the + common. Once more she carried water from the well. Once more + she thought first of her + father.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page201" + id="page201"></a>[pg 201]</span> + + <p>After some weeks Lord Walter sent for Griselda. She went to + the castle and greeted him humbly as of old. She showed no + grudge because of his unkindness.</p> + + <p>"Griselda," he said, "thou knowest, as doth no other, how + all this castle should be ordered for my pleasure. Stay thou + then, and have all in readiness for the fair young bride whom I + shall wed to-morrow. It is my will that she be welcomed + royally."</p> + + <p>"My whole desire is to serve thee, my Lord. Neither weal nor + woe shall ever make me cease to love thee with all my + heart."</p> + + <p>At once Griselda took control of all who worked in the + castle. Of them all she was the neatest and the quickest. Soon + every room in the tower was sweet and clean. The great hall was + decked for the wedding-feast, and the table glittered with + silver.</p> + + <p>Early next morning many horsemen came to the castle. Among + them was a beautiful girl dressed in a shimmering white robe. + Near her rode a charming boy younger than the maiden. Round + them were many nobles, and a guard of soldiers, who had brought + them to Lord Walter's court.</p> + + <p>The people crowded round the gates. So charmed were they + with the fair young maid, that some of them forgot their love + for Griselda, and were ready to welcome the bride whose coming + caused her so much sorrow.</p> + + <p>Still Griselda moved about the castle in her old worn + clothes. She went to the gate to welcome the bride. Then she + received the guests and greeted each of them according to his + degree.</p> + + <p>The stranger nobles wondered who Griselda could be. She was + so wise and gentle, and yet so meanly dressed.</p> + + <p>Before the feast began, Lord Walter called Griselda to him. + Then he asked her, "What dost thou think of my wife? Is she + beautiful?"</p> + + <p>"Never have I seen a fairer," said Griselda. "Joy be with + you both evermore! But oh! I beg of thee, torment not this + child as thou didst me. She has been tenderly cared for. She + could not bear what I have borne."</p> + + <p>When Lord Walter saw her great patience, and thought of the + pain he had caused her, his heart went out to her in great + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page202" id="page202"></a>[pg + 202]</span> pity, and he cried, "It is enough, Griselda; fear + no more, nor be thou longer sad. I have tried thy faith and thy + sweetness, as faith and sweetness have never before been + tried."</p> + + <p>His arms were around her, and he kissed her. Griselda looked + at him in wonder. She could not understand.</p> + + <p>"Griselda," he said, "thou art my wife. I have no other. + This is thy daughter; her brother is my heir. Thine are they + both. Take them again, and dream not that thou art bereft of + thy children."</p> + + <p>When Griselda heard all this she fainted away in her great + joy. When she woke again she called her children to her. + Timidly they came, but soon they were caught close to her + breast. While she fondled them, and kissed them, her hot tears + of joy fell on their fair faces, and on their hair. Then she + looked at Lord Walter, and said, "Death cannot harm me now, + since thou lovest me still." Then she turned back to the + children.</p> + + <p>"Oh tender, oh dear, oh little ones, my children! Your + sorrowful mother thought that cruel dogs or other fearsome + beasts had torn you! but God has kept you safe."</p> + + <p>Once again the ladies of the court dressed Griselda in royal + robes. Once again they set a golden crown upon her head. Once + again the wedding-ring slipped into its own place on her + finger.</p> + + <p>Ere she entered the hall of feasting again, swift messengers + had brought her old father, Janicola, to the castle, never to + leave it again.</p> + + <p>Then Griselda sat with her children beside her husband. To + her feet came lords and nobles, peasants and farmers, eager to + kiss her hand and to show the joy they felt in her return.</p> + + <p>Never had the walls of the castle reechoed the laughter of + so glad a people. All day long till the stars shone in the cool + clear sky the feasting went on.</p> + + <p>For Griselda this was the first of many happy days, happier + than she had known before.</p> + + <p>In her home sounded the gay voices of happy children as they + played with, and cared for, the old grandfather whom their + mother loved so dearly. And ever as she moved about the castle + she met the eyes of Lord Walter, that told her again and yet + again that he trusted her utterly.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" + id="page203"></a>[pg 203]</span> + + <h3>THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS</h3> + + <h3>By JOHN BUNYAN</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY MARY MACGREGOR</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <p>As I slept I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and behold, I saw a + man clothed with rags, standing in a certain place, with his + face away from his own house, a book in his hand, and a great + burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the book, and + read therein, and as he read, he wept and trembled. His fear + was so great that he brake out with a mournful cry, saying, + "What shall I do?"</p> + + <p>In this plight therefore he went home, and did all he could + to hide his distress from his wife and children. But he could + not be silent long, because his trouble increased. Wherefore at + length he began to talk to his wife and children thus: "O my + dear wife," said he, "and you my children, I am in despair by + reason of a burden that lieth heavy on me. Moreover I am for + certain told that this our city will be burned with fire from + heaven, when both myself, with thee, my wife, and you, my sweet + babes, shall be ruined, except some way of escape can be + found." At this his wife and children were sore amazed, not + because they believed that what he had said to them was true, + but because they thought he must be ill to talk in so strange a + way. Therefore, as it was evening, and they hoped sleep might + soothe him, with all haste they got him to bed. But the night + was as troublesome to him as the day, wherefore instead of + sleeping he spent it in sighs and tears.</p> + + <p>So when the morning was come, they asked him how he did. He + told them, "Worse and worse," and began to talk to them again + in the same strange manner, but they began to be careless of + his words. They also thought to drive away his fancies by harsh + and rough behavior to him. Sometimes they would mock, sometimes + they would scold, and sometimes they + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" id="page204"></a>[pg + 204]</span> would quite neglect him. Wherefore he began to stay + in his room to pray for and pity them, and also to comfort his + own misery. He would also walk alone in the fields, sometimes + reading and sometimes praying, and thus for some days he spent + his time.</p> + + <p>Now I saw in my dream that when he was walking in the + fields, he was reading his book and greatly distressed in mind. + And as he read, he burst out crying, "What shall I do to be + saved?" I saw also that he looked this way and that way, as if + he would run. Yet he stood still, because, as I saw, he could + not tell which way to go. I looked then, and saw a man, named + Evangelist, coming to him, who asked, "Wherefore dost thou + cry?"</p> + + <p>He answered, "Sir, I see by the book in my hand that I am + condemned to die, and after that to be judged. And I find I am + not willing to die, nor able to be judged."</p> + + <p>Then said Evangelist, "Why not willing to die, since in this + life you are so unhappy?"</p> + + <p>The man answered, "Because I fear this burden will sink me + lower than the grave, and the thought of that makes me + cry."</p> + + <p>Then said Evangelist, "If this be thy fear, why standest + thou still?"</p> + + <p>He answered, "Because I know not whither to go."</p> + + <p>So Evangelist gave him a parchment roll, and there was + written within, "Fly from the wrath to come." The man therefore + read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully, said, + "Whither must I fly!"</p> + + <p>Then said Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very + wide field, "Do you see yonder Wicket-gate?"</p> + + <p>The man said, "No."</p> + + <p>"Well," said the other, "do you see yonder shining + light?"</p> + + <p>He said, "I think I do."</p> + + <p>Then said Evangelist, "Keep that light in thine eye, and go + up directly thereto, so shalt thou see the gate. When thou + knockest, it shall be told thee what thou shalt do."</p> + + <p>So I saw in my dream that the man began to run. Now he had + not run far from his own door when his wife and children, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page205" id="page205"></a>[pg + 205]</span> seeing it, began to cry after him to return. But + the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, "Life, + life, eternal life!" So he looked not behind him, but fled + towards the middle of the plain. The neighbors also came out to + see him run. And as he ran some mocked, others threatened, and + some cried after him to return. Among those that did so were + two that were resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of + the one was Obstinate, and the name of the other was Pliable. + Now by this time the man was got a good distance from them, but + they had made up their minds to follow him, which they did, and + in a little time overtook him.</p> + + <p>Then said the man, "Neighbors, wherefore are you come?"</p> + + <p>They said, "To persuade you to go back with us."</p> + + <p>But he said, "That can by no means be. You dwell in the City + of Destruction, the place where I was born. Be content, good + neighbors, and go along with me."</p> + + <p>"What!" said Obstinate, "and leave our friends and our + comforts behind us!"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Christian, for that was his name.</p> + + <p>"What do you seek, since you leave all the world to find + it?" said Obstinate.</p> + + <p>"I seek a treasure that never fades away. It is laid up in + heaven and is safe there," said Christian. "Read it so, if you + will, in my book."</p> + + <p>"Tush!" said Obstinate, "away with your book. Will you go + back with us or no?"</p> + + <p>"No, not I," said the other, "because I have just set + out."</p> + + <p>"Come then, Neighbor Pliable, let us turn again and go home + without him."</p> + + <p>Then said Pliable, "If what the good Christian says is true, + the things he looks after are better than ours. My heart makes + me wish to go with him. But, my good Christian, do you know the + way you are going?"</p> + + <p>"I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed + me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall be told + about the way."</p> + + <p>"Come then, good neighbor," said Pliable, "let us be going." + Then they went both + together.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page206" + id="page206"></a>[pg 206]</span> + + <p>"And I will go back to my place," said Obstinate. "I will be + no companion of such mistaken and foolish fellows."</p> + + <p>Now I saw in my dream that when Obstinate was gone back, + Christian and Pliable went talking over the plain. "I will tell + you what my book says of the country to which we are going, and + of the people we shall meet there," said Christian.</p> + + <p>"But do you think the words of your book are certainly + true?" said Pliable.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Christian, "for it was written by Him who cannot + lie."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Pliable, "tell me about this country."</p> + + <p>"In this country," said Christian, "we shall live for ever. + There are crowns of glory to be given us, and garments that + will make us shine like the sun."</p> + + <p>"This is excellent," said Pliable; "and what else?"</p> + + <p>"There shall be no more crying nor sorrow, for He that is + the Owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes," said + Christian.</p> + + <p>"And what companions shall we have there?" asked + Pliable.</p> + + <p>"There we shall be with those that will dazzle your eyes to + look on. There also you shall meet with thousands and tens of + thousands that have gone before us to that place. None of of + them are hurtful, but loving and holy. In a word, there shall + we see some with their golden crowns, there we shall see + maidens with golden harps, there we shall see men that here + were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten by beasts, and + drowned in the seas, all for the love they bare to the Lord of + this place. Now they are all well, and clothed with beautiful + garments."</p> + + <p>And as Pliable heard of the excellence of the country and of + the company to which they were going, he said, "Well, my good + companion, glad I am to hear of these things. Come on, let us + go with more speed."</p> + + <p>"I cannot go as fast as I would by reason of this burden + that is on my back," said Christian.</p> + + <p>Now I saw in my dream that just as they ended their talk, + they drew nigh to a bog that was in the midst of the plain, and + they being heedless did both fall suddenly into it. The name of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page207" id="page207"></a>[pg + 207]</span> this bog was the Slough of Despond. Here therefore + they struggled for a time, being grievously covered with dirt. + And Christian, because of the burden that was on his back, + began to sink in the mire. Then said Pliable, "Ah, Neighbor + Christian, where are you now?"</p> + + <p>"Truly," said Christian, "I do not know."</p> + + <p>At this Pliable began to be offended, and said angrily, "Is + this the happiness you have told me of all this while? If I get + out again with my life, you shall possess the wonderful country + alone."</p> + + <p>And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two, and got + out of the mire on that side of the bog which was next to his + own house. So away he went, and Christian saw him no more. + Wherefore Christian was left to tumble in the Slough of Despond + alone. But still he tried to struggle to that side of the + Slough that was further from his own house, and next to the + Wicket-gate. But he could not get out because of the burden + that was upon his back.</p> + + <p>And I beheld in my dream that a man came to him, whose name + was Help, and asked him what he did there. "Sir," said + Christian, "I was bid to go this way by a man called + Evangelist, who directed me also to yonder gate, and as I was + going thither I fell in here."</p> + + <p>"Why did you not look for the steps?" said Help.</p> + + <p>"I was so full of fear," answered Christian, "that I fled + the next way and fell in."</p> + + <p>Then said Help, "Give me thy hand." So Christian gave him + his hand, and he drew him out and set him upon sound ground, + and bid him go on his way.</p> + + <p>Now in my dream I stepped up to the man that plucked + Christian out, and said:</p> + + <p>"Sir, wherefore, since over this place is the way from the + City of Destruction to the Wicket-gate, is it that this Slough + is not mended, that poor travelers might go over in more + safety?"</p> + + <p>And he said to me, "This place cannot be mended, yet it is + not the pleasure of the King that it should remain so bad. His + laborers also have for more than sixteen hundred years been + employed on this patch of ground, in the hope that it might + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page208" id="page208"></a>[pg + 208]</span> perhaps be mended. There has been swallowed up here + twenty thousand cartloads of the best material in the attempt + to mend the place. But it is the Slough of Despond still; and + still will be so, when they have done all they can. It is true + that there are some good and strong steps even through the very + midst of this mire. But men through the dizziness of their head + miss the steps and so tumble into the mire, but the ground is + good when they have once got in at the gate."</p> + + <p>Then I saw in my dream that by this time Pliable was got + home to his house. So his neighbors came to visit him, and some + of them called him wise man for coming back, and some called + him fool for going with Christian. Others again did mock at his + cowardliness, saying, "Surely since you began to go, you need + not have been so base as to have given out for a few + difficulties." So Pliable sat like a coward among them.</p> + + <p>Now as Christian was walking alone, he espied one afar off, + come crossing over the field to meet him. The gentleman's name + was Mr. Worldly Wiseman. He dwelt in a very great town, close + by the one from which Christian came. This man, then, meeting + with Christian, began thus to enter into some talk with him: + "How now, good fellow, whither are you going in this burdened + manner?"</p> + + <p>"A burdened manner indeed," said Christian. "I am going, + sir, to yonder Wicket-gate before me, for there, I am told, I + shall be put into a way to be rid of my heavy burden."</p> + + <p>"Hast thou a wife and children?" asked Mr. Worldly + Wiseman.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but I am so laden with this burden that I cannot take + that pleasure in them as formerly."</p> + + <p>"Will you hearken to me if I give thee counsel?"</p> + + <p>"If it be good, I will, for I stand in need of good + counsel."</p> + + <p>"I would advise thee, then, that thou with all speed get + thyself rid of thy burden, for thou wilt never be contented + till then."</p> + + <p>"That is what I seek for, even to be rid of this heavy + burden, but get it off myself I cannot, nor is there any man + living in our country who can take it off my shoulders. + Therefore I am going this way, as I told you, that I may be rid + of my burden."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page209" + id="page209"></a>[pg 209]</span> + + <p>"Who bid thee go this way to be rid of thy burden?"</p> + + <p>"A man that appeared to me a very great and honorable + person. His name, as I remember, is Evangelist."</p> + + <p>"He has given thee foolish counsel. There is not a more + dangerous and troublesome way in the world than is that unto + which he hath directed thee. Thou hast met with some danger + already, for I see the mud of the Slough of Despond is upon + thee. Hear me, I am older than thou. Thou art likely to meet + with, in the way which thou goest, painfulness, hunger, + nakedness, sword, lions, dragons, darkness, and death."</p> + + <p>"Why, sir, this burden upon my back is more terrible to me + than all these things."</p> + + <p>"But why wilt thou seek for ease this way, seeing so many + dangers attend it? Hadst thou but patience to listen, I could + direct thee how to get what thou desirest, without the danger + that thou in this way wilt run thyself into."</p> + + <p>"Sir, I pray that thou wilt tell me this secret."</p> + + <p>"Why, in yonder village there dwells a gentleman, who is + very wise, and who has skill to help men off with burdens like + thine from their shoulders. To him thou mayest go to be helped + at once. His house is not quite a mile from this place, and if + thou dost not desire to go back to the City of Destruction, as + indeed I would not wish thee, thou mayest send for thy wife and + children to come to thee to this village. There are houses now + standing empty, one of which thou mayest have without great + cost. Food is there also, cheap and good, and what will make + thy life the more happy is, that thou shalt live beside honest + neighbors, in respect and comfort."</p> + + <p>Now the Christian puzzled, but he thought, "If what Mr. + Worldly Wiseman says is true, my wisest plan is to take his + advice."</p> + + <p>"Sir," said Christian, "which is my way to this honest man's + house?"</p> + + <p>"Do you see yonder high hill?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, very well."</p> + + <p>"By that hill you must go, and the first house you come to + is his."</p> + + <p>So Christian turned out of his way to go to the house for + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page210" id="page210"></a>[pg + 210]</span> help. But behold, when he was now close to the + hill, it seemed so steep, and also that side of it that was + next the wayside did hang so much over, that Christian was + afraid to venture farther, lest the hill should fall on his + head. Wherefore he stood still, and knew not what to do. Also + his burden now seemed heavier to him than while he was in his + way. There came also flashes of fire out of the hill, that made + Christian afraid that he should be burned. Here therefore he + did quake for fear. And now he began to be sorry that he had + taken Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. Then he saw Evangelist + coming to meet him, at the sight also of whom he began to blush + for shame. So Evangelist drew nearer and nearer, and coming up + to him, he looked upon him with a severe and dreadful + countenance.</p> + + <p>"What dost thou here, Christian?" said he. At which words + Christian knew not what to answer, wherefore at first he stood + speechless before him. Then said Evangelist, "Art not thou the + man I found crying without the walls of the City of + Destruction?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Christian, "I am the man."</p> + + <p>"Did I not direct thee the way to the little + Wicket-gate?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Christian.</p> + + <p>"How is it, then, that thou art so quickly turned out of the + way?"</p> + + <p>"I met with a gentleman as soon as I had got over the Slough + of Despond, who told me that in yonder village I might find a + man who could take off my burden."</p> + + <p>"What was he like?"</p> + + <p>"He looked like a gentleman, and talked much to me, and got + me at last to believe his words. So I came hither, but when I + beheld this hill and how it hangs over the way, I suddenly + stood still lest it should fall on my head."</p> + + <p>"What said that gentleman to you?"</p> + + <p>"Why, he asked me whither I was going, and if I had a wife + and children, and he bid me make speed to get rid of my burden. + And I said, 'I am going to yonder gate to be told how I may get + rid of it.'</p> + + <p>"So he said he would show me a better and a shorter way, and + not so full of difficulties as the way that you directed me. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page211" id="page211"></a>[pg + 211]</span> But when I came to this place, I stopped for fear + of danger, and now I know not what to do!" So Christian stood + trembling before Evangelist.</p> + + <p>Then said Evangelist, "Give heed to the things I shall tell + thee. Mr. Worldly Wiseman sought to turn thee out of the way + and to bring thee into danger. In yonder village has no man + ever yet got rid of his burden, nor is he ever likely to lose + it there. Therefore, Mr. Worldly Wiseman and his friend are + deceivers, and cannot help thee."</p> + + <p>After this there came words and fire out of the mountain + under which Christian stood. Now Christian looked for nothing + but death, and began to cry out, saying he would he had never + met Mr. Worldly Wiseman or that he had never listened to him. + Then he turned to Evangelist and said, "Sir, what do you think? + Is there any hope? May I now go back and go up to the + Wicket-gate? Or shall I be sent back from the gate ashamed? I + am sorry I have listened to this man's counsel, but may my sins + be forgiven?"</p> + + <p>Evangelist said to him, "Thy sin is very great. Thou hast + left the good way and walked in forbidden paths. Yet will the + man at the gate receive thee, for he has good will for men. + Only," said he, "take heed that thou turn not aside again."</p> + + <p>Then did Christian prepare to go back. And Evangelist, after + he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him Godspeed. So + Christian went on with haste, neither spake he to any man by + the way. Even if any one spoke to him, he would not venture an + answer. He walked like one that was all the while treading on + forbidden ground, and could by no means think himself safe, + till again he had got into the way which he had left to follow + Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. So in process of time Christian + got up to the gate. Now over the gate there was written, + "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." He knocked therefore + more than once or twice. At last there came a grave person to + the gate, named Good-will. He asked who was there, and whence + he came, and what he desired.</p> + + <p>"I am a sinner," said Christian; "I come from the City of + Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion. I am told that by + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page212" id="page212"></a>[pg + 212]</span> this gate is the way thither, and I would know if + you are willing to let me in."</p> + + <p>"I am willing with all my heart," said Good-will, and he + opened the gate. So when Christian was stepping in, the other + gave him a pull.</p> + + <p>"Why do you do that?" said Christian.</p> + + <p>Then Good-will told him, "A little distance from this gate a + strong castle has been built, of which Beelzebub is the + captain. And he and those that are with him shoot arrows at + those that come up to this gate, hoping they may die before + they enter in."</p> + + <p>So when Christian had come in, Good-will asked him who had + directed him to the gate.</p> + + <p>"Evangelist bid me come here and knock, as I did. And he + said that you, sir, would tell me what I must do."</p> + + <p>Then Good-will said, "Come a little way with me, good + Christian, and I will teach thee about the way thou must go. + Look before thee; dost thou see this narrow way? That is the + way thou must go, and it is as straight as a rule can make it. + This is the way thou must go."</p> + + <p>"But," said Christian, "are there no turnings, nor windings, + by which a stranger may lose his way?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, there are many ways join this, but they are crooked + and wide. Thou mayest know the right from the wrong way, for + the right way is always strait and narrow."</p> + + <p>Then I saw in my dream that Christian asked him if he could + not help him off with his burden that was upon his back. For as + yet he had not got rid of it, nor could he get it off without + help. But Good-will said, "Thou must be content to bear it, + until thou comest to a place where stands a Cross, for there it + will fall from thy back of itself."</p> + + <p>Then Christian began to get ready to continue his journey. + So Good-will told him that when he had gone some distance from + the gate, he would come to the house of the Interpreter, at + whose door he should knock, and he would show him wonderful + things. Then Christian took leave of his friend, and he again + bid him Godspeed. Now Christian went on till he came to the + house of the Interpreter, where he knocked over and over. At + last one came to the door and asked who was + there.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page213" + id="page213"></a>[pg 213]</span> + + <p>"Sir," said Christian, "I am a traveler who was told by + Good-will to call here. I would therefore speak with the master + of the house." So he called for the master of the house, who, + after a little time, came to Christian and asked what he would + have.</p> + + <p>"Sir," said Christian, "I am a man that has come from the + City of Destruction, and I am going to Mount Zion. I was told + by the man that stands at the Wicket-gate that if I called here + you would show me things that would help me on my journey."</p> + + <p>Then said the Interpreter, "Come in, and I will show thee + what will help thee." So he commanded his man to light the + candle, and bid Christian follow him. Then he took him into a + private room, and bid his man open a door. And Christian saw + the picture of a very grave person hung up against the wall. He + had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, + and a crown of gold did hang over his head.</p> + + <p>Then said Christian, "What means this?"</p> + + <p>"The man whose picture this is," answered the Interpreter, + "is one of a thousand. He is the only man who may be thy guide + in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the way. + Wherefore be very careful to remember whom thou hast seen."</p> + + <p>Then the Interpreter led him into a very large parlor that + was full of dust, because it was never swept, and after he had + looked at it for a little while, the Interpreter called for a + man to sweep. Now when he began to sweep, the dust began to fly + about, so that Christian was almost choked. Then said the + Interpreter to a damsel that stood near, "Bring hither the + water and sprinkle the room." And when this was done the room + was swept and cleansed.</p> + + <p>Then said Christian, "What does this mean?"</p> + + <p>The Interpreter answered, "This parlor is like the heart of + an evil man. The dust is his sin, and the damsel that sprinkles + the water is the Gospel."</p> + + <p>I saw moreover in my dream, that the Interpreter took + Christian by the hand and led him into a little room, where sat + two little children, each one in his chair. The name of the + eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience. Passion + seemed to be very discontented, but Patience was very + quiet.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page214" + id="page214"></a>[pg 214]</span> + + <p>Then Christian asked, "What is the reason of the discontent + of Passion?"</p> + + <p>The Interpreter answered, "The governor of the children + would have them wait for their new toys, till the beginning of + next year, but Passion wishes to have them all now, while + Patience, is willing to wait." Then the Interpreter took + Christian to a place where there was a fire burning against a + wall, and one standing near it, always casting much water upon + it to quench it, yet did the fire burn higher and hotter. But + afterwards the Interpreter took him to the back of the wall, + where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, and he + poured the oil continually, but secretly, into the fire.</p> + + <p>"What does this mean?" asked Christian.</p> + + <p>The Interpreter answered, "The fire is a picture of the + grace God puts into the heart. He that casts water on it to put + it out is the Evil One. And the man who pours oil on the fire + to keep it alight is Christ."</p> + + <p>I saw also that the Interpreter took Christian again by the + hand and led him into a place, where was builded a stately + palace, beautiful to behold, at the sight of which Christian + was greatly delighted. He saw also upon the top of the palace + certain persons walking, and they were clothed all in gold.</p> + + <p>Then said Christian, "May we go in here?" So the Interpreter + took him and led him toward the door of the palace. Now before + they came up to the door, they passed a man, sitting at a + table, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take down the + name of any who should enter. And, behold, at the door stood a + great company of men, who wished to go in, but did not dare to + enter, for within the doorway stood many men in armor to guard + it. Now, these men in armor were determined to do any who would + enter as much harm and mischief as they could. Christian was + amazed. At last, when every man started back for fear of the + armed men, Christian saw a man with a very strong face come up + to the man that sat at the table, saying:</p> + + <p>"Set down my name, sir."</p> + + <p>And when this was done, Christian saw the strong man draw + his sword and put an helmet on his head, and rush toward + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page215" id="page215"></a>[pg + 215]</span> the door upon the armed men. The armed men fought + with great strength, but the man with the strong face was not + at all discouraged, but fought most fiercely. So after he had + received and given many wounds to those that tried to keep him + out, he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward into + the palace. Then there was a pleasant voice heard from those + that walked upon the top of the palace, saying:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Come in, come in;</p> + + <p>Eternal glory thou shalt win."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>So he went in and was clothed in such garments as they.</p> + + <p>"Now," said Christian, "let me go."</p> + + <p>And the Interpreter said, "Hast thou understood these + things?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Christian, and he began to get ready to go on + his journey.</p> + + <p>Then said the Interpreter, "God be always with thee, good + Christian, to guide thee in the way that leads to Mount + Zion."</p> + + <p>Now I saw in my dream that the highway up which Christian + was to go was fenced on either side with a wall. Up this way + therefore, did Christian run, but not without great difficulty, + because of the load on his back. He ran thus till he came to a + steeper place, and upon that place stood a Cross, and a little + below, a Sepulcher. So I saw in my dream that just as Christian + came up to the Cross his burden fell from off his back, and + began to tumble till it came to the mouth of the Sepulcher, + where it fell in and I saw it no more. Then was Christian glad + and happy, and he stood for a while to look and wonder, for it + was surprising to him to see that the Cross should make him + lose his burden. Now as he stood looking, behold three Shining + Ones came to him and greeted him.</p> + + <p>The first said to him, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." The + second took away all his rags and clothed him in new raiment. + The third set a mark on his forehead and gave him a roll with a + seal on it, which he should give in at the Celestial Gate. So + they went their way.</p> + + <p>Then Christian gave three leaps for joy and went on singing. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page216" id="page216"></a>[pg + 216]</span> I saw then in my dream that as he walked he saw two + men come tumbling over the wall into the narrow way.</p> + + <p>"Gentlemen, where do you come from and whither do you go?" + said Christian.</p> + + <p>They told him, "We were born in a land called Vainglory, and + we are going to Mount Zion."</p> + + <p>"Why came you not in at the gate?" said Christian.</p> + + <p>They said that to go to the gate was too far, so they had + taken a short cut and climbed over the wall.</p> + + <p>"But," said Christian, "will the Lord of the City to which + we are going be pleased that you should come into the way over + the wall?"</p> + + <p>But the men said he need not trouble his head about that, + for what they did had been done many times before. It had been + a custom for more than a thousand years. And besides, said + they, "If we get into the way, what does it matter how we get + in? You came in by the Wicket-gate, and are in the way, and we + came tumbling over the wall and are in the way, so now we are + all in the same condition."</p> + + <p>"But," said Christian, "I walk by the Rule of my Master, and + you walk just as you like best."</p> + + <p>Then said they, "We see not how thou art different to us, + except by the coat thou wearest, and that, we suppose, was + given thee by some of thy neighbors, to hide thy rags."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Christian, "the Lord of the City to which I go + gave me this coat the day that he took away from me my rags. He + will surely know me, since I have His coat on my back. I have + also a mark in my forehead, which you may not have noticed, and + this was given to me by one of my Lord's friends, on the day my + burden fell off my shoulders. I will tell you too, that I had a + roll given me, to comfort me by reading, as I go on the way. I + am also to give in the roll at the Celestial Gate. All these + things I think you are without, because you came not in at the + gate."</p> + + <p>To these things they gave him no answer, only they looked at + each other and laughed. I beheld then, that they all went on + without talking much together, till they came to the foot of + the hill Difficulty, at the bottom of which was a spring. The + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page217" id="page217"></a>[pg + 217]</span> narrow way lay right up the hill, but there were + also two other ways here. One turned to the left hand and the + other to the right at the bottom of the hill. Christian now + went to the spring and drank to refresh himself, and then began + to go up the narrow path that led to the top of the hill. The + other two also came to the foot of the hill. But when they saw + that the hill was steep and high, they made up their minds to + go in the other paths that lay round the side of the hill. So + one took the way that was called Danger, which led him into a + great wood, and the other took the way called Destruction, + which led him into a wide field, full of dark mountains, where + he stumbled and fell and rose no more. I looked then to + Christian to see him go up the hill, and then I saw that he had + begun to clamber upon his hands and his knees, because of the + steepness of the place. Now about midway to the top of the hill + was a pleasant arbor, made by the Lord of the hill for the + refreshing of weary travelers. When Christian got there he sat + down to rest, then he pulled out his roll and read in it to + comfort himself, and he began again to look at the garment that + was given to him at the Cross. Thus he at last fell into a + slumber, and then into a sound sleep, which kept him in that + place, until it was almost night, and in his sleep his roll + fell out of his hand. Now, as he was sleeping, there came one + to him and awaked him. Then Christian suddenly started up and + sped on his way till he came to the top of the hill.</p> + + <p>When he was got to the top of the hill, there came two men + running to meet him. The name of the one was Timorous, and the + other Mistrust.</p> + + <p>"Sirs," said Christian, "what is the matter? You run the + wrong way."</p> + + <p>Timorous answered that they were going to the City of Zion + and had got up that difficult place. "But," said he, "the + farther we go, the more danger we meet with, wherefore we + turned and are going back again."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Mistrust; "for just before us lie a couple of + lions in the way, whether sleeping or waking we know not, but + we thought if we came within reach, they would pull us in + pieces."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page218" + id="page218"></a>[pg 218]</span> + + <p>Then said Christian, "You make me afraid, but yet I will go + forward." So Mistrust and Timorous ran down the hill, and + Christian went on his way. And as he went he thought again of + what he heard from the men. Then he felt for his roll, that he + might read and be comforted, but he felt and found it not.</p> + + <p>Now was Christian in great distress and knew not what to do. + At last he bethought himself that he had slept in the arbor + that was on the side of the hill, and then he went back to look + for his roll. But all the way he went back, who can tell the + sorrow of Christian's heart? Sometimes he sighed, sometimes he + wept, and often he chid himself for being so foolish as to fall + asleep. Thus therefore he went back, carefully looking on this + side and on that all the way as he went. For he hoped to find + the roll that had been his comfort so many times in his + journey. He went back till he came again within sight of the + arbor where he had sat and slept, but that sight renewed his + sorrow again, by reminding him how eagerly he had slept there. + And as he went towards the arbor, he sighed over his + sleepiness, saying, "Oh, foolish man that I was, why did I + sleep in the daytime? oh, that I had not slept."</p> + + <p>Now, by the time he was come to the arbor again, for a while + he sat down and wept, but, at last, looking sorrowfully down + under the settle, he espied his roll, which with trembling + haste he caught up. But who can tell how joyful Christian was + when he had got his roll again, or with what joy and tears he + began to go up the hill again. And, oh, how nimbly did he go + up! Yet before he reached the top the sun went down. Now + Christian remembered the story that Mistrust and Timorous had + told him, how they were frightened with the sight of the lions. + And he said to himself, "If these beasts meet me in the dark, + how shall I escape being by them torn in pieces?"</p> + + <p>But while he was in this fright, he lifted up his eyes, and + behold, there was a very stately palace before him, the name of + which was Beautiful, and it stood by the highway side. So I saw + in my dream that he made haste, that if possible he might get + lodging there. Now before he had gone far, he entered into a + very narrow passage; and looking before him as he went, he + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page219" id="page219"></a>[pg + 219]</span> espied two lions in the way. The lions were + chained, but Christian did not see the chains. Then he was + afraid and thought he would go back, but the porter at the + lodge, whose name is Watchful, seeing Christian stop, as if he + would go back, cried, "Fear not the lions, for they are + chained."</p> + + <p>Then I saw that Christian went on till he came and stood + before the gate where the porter was. And Christian said to the + porter, "Sir, what house is this? May I lodge here + to-night?"</p> + + <p>The porter answered, "This house was built by the Lord of + the hill, for the safety of pilgrims."</p> + + <p>So Watchful the porter rang a bell, at the sound of which a + grave and beautiful damsel came out of the door. When she saw + Christian she brought him into the Palace Beautiful, and she + and her sisters talked with him until supper was ready. Now all + their talk at table was about the Lord of the hill, and, by + what they said, I knew that He had been a great Warrior, and + that He had fought and slain Death, but not without great + danger to Himself, which made me love Him the more. They talked + together till late at night, and after they had committed + themselves to their Lord for protection, they went to bed. The + room in which the pilgrim slept had a window opening towards + the sunrising, and the name of the room was Peace. In the + morning they all got up, and after some more talk, they told + him that they would take him to the armory before he left them. + So they did, and when he came out, he was harnessed from head + to foot, lest he should be attacked in the way. Then Christian + walked with his friends to the gate, and there he asked the + porter if he had seen any pilgrims pass.</p> + + <p>The porter answered, "Yes, a pilgrim called Faithful has + passed this way."</p> + + <p>"Oh," said Christian, "I know him. He comes from the place + where I was born. How far do you think he has got?"</p> + + <p>"By this time he is below the hill," said the porter.</p> + + <p>Then Christian began to go down the hill into the Valley of + Humiliation, where it is difficult not to slip. He went down + very warily, yet he slipped once or twice. Now in the valley + Christian had a hard fight with a fiend called Apollyon. + Apollyon <span class="pagenum"><a name="page220" + id="page220"></a>[pg 220]</span> was a monster and hideous to + behold. He was clothed with scales like a fish, he had wings + like a dragon, feet like a bear, and his mouth was as the mouth + of a lion, and out of it came fire and smoke. When he came up + to Christian he looked at him with rage in his face, and said, + "Prepare thyself to die, for thou shalt go no farther." And he + threw a flaming dart at him, but Christian had a shield in his + hand, which caught the dart, so that it did him no harm. Then + did Christian draw his sword, but Apollyon threw darts at him + as thick as hail, and wounded him in his head, his hand, and + foot. This great combat lasted half a day, till Christian was + almost worn out.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/220.jpg" name="fig220s" + id="fig220s"><img width="300" src="images/220s.jpg" + alt="THEN DID CHRISTIAN DRAW HIS SWORD" /></a><br /> + then did christian draw his sword + </div> + + <p>Then Apollyon came close to Christian, and wrestled with him + and gave him a dreadful fall, and Christian's sword flew out of + his hand.</p> + + <p>"I am sure of thee now," said Apollyon. But while he was + taking a last blow to kill this good man altogether, Christian + nimbly stretched out his hand for his sword, and caught it. + Then he gave Apollyon a deadly thrust, and Apollyon spread his + wings and sped him away, so that Christian saw him no more. In + this combat no man could imagine, unless he had seen and heard + as I did, what yelling and roaring Apollyon made all the time + of the fight. He spake like a dragon. On the other side, sighs + and groans burst from Christian's heart. I never saw him give + so much as a pleasant look, till he saw that he had wounded + Apollyon with his two-edged sword. Then indeed he did smile and + look upward, but it was the dreadfulest sight that ever I + saw.</p> + + <p>So when the battle was over, Christian said, "I will give + thanks to Him that did help me against Apollyon."</p> + + <p>He also sat down in that place to eat and drink, so being + refreshed, he again began his journey, with his sword drawn in + his hand, "For," said he, "I do not know if some other enemy + may not be at hand."</p> + + <p>Now at the end of this valley was another, called the Valley + of the Shadow of Death. Through it Christian must go, because + the way to the Celestial City lay through it. Now this valley + is a very lonely place. It is like a wilderness or a desert + full of pits. No man dwells in it, and no man but a Christian + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page221" id="page221"></a>[pg + 221]</span> passeth through it. Here Christian had a worse time + than even in his fight with Apollyon. I saw then in my dream + that when Christian had reached the borders of this valley, + there met him two men, making haste to go back.</p> + + <p>Christian said to them, "Whither are you going?"</p> + + <p>"Back, back," they cried, "as you will go, if you prize life + or peace!"</p> + + <p>"Why, what is the matter?" said Christian.</p> + + <p>"Matter!" said they. "We were going the way you are going, + and we went as far as we dared. But had we gone a little + farther we had not been here to bring the news to thee."</p> + + <p>"But what have you met with?" said Christian.</p> + + <p>"Why, we were almost in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, + but by good chance we looked before us and saw the danger + before we came to it."</p> + + <p>"But what have you seen?" said Christian.</p> + + <p>"Seen!" said the men, "why, the valley itself was as dark as + pitch. We also saw hobgoblins and dragons, and we heard a + continual howling and yelling as of people in great misery. + Death also doth always spread his wings over it. In a word, it + is altogether dreadful, being utterly without order."</p> + + <p>"But," said Christian, "this is the way to the Celestial + City."</p> + + <p>"Be it your way, then; we will not choose it for ours." So + they parted. Christian went on his way, but still with his + sword drawn in his hand, lest he should be attacked.</p> + + <p>I saw then in my dream, that as far as this valley reached, + there was on the right hand a very deep ditch. Again, behold, + on the left hand, there was a very dangerous mire, into which + if a man falls he finds no bottom for his foot to stand on. The + pathway here was also exceeding narrow, and therefore Christian + was the more distressed. For when he sought in the dark to shun + the ditch on the one hand, he was ready to tumble over into the + mire on the other, and when he sought to escape the mire, + without great carefulness he would nearly fall into the ditch. + Then he went on, and I heard him sigh bitterly. For besides + these dangers, the pathway was here so dark, that when he + lifted up his foot to go forward, he knew not where, nor + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page222" id="page222"></a>[pg + 222]</span> upon what he should set it next. About the middle + of this valley I saw the mouth of hell to be, and it stood + close to the wayside.</p> + + <p>"Now," thought Christian, "what shall I do?"</p> + + <p>And ever and anon the flame and smoke came out in such + abundance, with sparks and hideous noises, that he was forced + to put away his sword and betake himself to another weapon, + called All-prayer.</p> + + <p>Then he cried out in my hearing, "O Lord, I beseech thee, + deliver my soul." Thus he went on a great while, yet still the + flames would be rushing towards him. Also he heard doleful + voices and rushings to and fro, so that sometimes he thought he + should be torn in pieces, or trodden down like mire in the + streets.</p> + + <p>This frightful sight was seen, and these dreadful noises + were heard by him for several miles together. Then Christian + came to a place where he thought he heard a company of fiends + coming forward to meet him, and he stopped and began to think + what it would be best for him to do. Sometimes he thought he + would go back, but again he thought he might be half-way + through the valley. So he resolved to go on, yet the fiends + seemed to come nearer and nearer. But when they were come + almost close to him, he cried out in a loud voice, "I will walk + in the strength of the Lord God." Then the fiends went back and + came no farther.</p> + + <p>Now Christian thought he heard the voice of a man going + before him, saying, "Though I walk through the Valley of the + Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me." + Then he was glad, for he thought that some one who feared God + was in this valley, as well as himself, and he hoped to + overtake him and have company by and by.</p> + + <p>Now morning being come, he looked back to see by the light + of day what dangers he had gone through in the night. So he saw + more plainly the ditch that was on the one hand, and the mire + that was on the other, also how narrow the way was that lay + between them both. He saw, too, the hobgoblins and dragons, but + all afar off, for after break of day they came not nigh.</p> + + <p>About this time the sun was rising, and this was a great + help to Christian, for you must know that though the first part + of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page223" id="page223"></a>[pg + 223]</span> the Valley of the Shadow of Death was dangerous, + yet this second part, through which he had to go, was, if + possible, far more dangerous. For, from the place where he now + stood, even to the end of the valley, the way was all along so + full of snares, traps, and nets here, so full of pits, + pitfalls, and deep holes down there, that if it had been dark, + he would almost surely have been lost, but as I said just now, + the sun was rising. In this light, therefore, he came to the + end of the valley.</p> + + <p>Now as Christian went on his way, he came to a little hill, + and going up he looked forward and saw Faithful before him. + Then said Christian, "Stay, and I will be your companion."</p> + + <p>And when he overtook Faithful they went very lovingly on + together, and talked of all that had happened to them in their + pilgrimage. Then I saw in my dream that when they got out of + the wilderness they saw a town before them, and the name of + that town was Vanity, and at the town there was a fair kept, + called Vanity Fair. It was kept all the year long.</p> + + <p>At this fair there were sold houses, lands, trades, + husbands, wives, children, silver, gold, pearls, and precious + stones. And, moreover, at this fair, there were at all times + cheats and jugglers and knaves and rogues.</p> + + <p>Now the way to the Celestial City lay just through this + town, so the pilgrims had to go through the fair.</p> + + <p>The Prince of princes Himself, when here, went through this + town to his own country, and that on a fair-day too. And, I + think, it was Beelzebub the chief lord of this fair that + invited the Prince to buy of his vanities. Beelzebub even said + he would have made Him lord of the fair, if He would have done + him reverence as He went through the town. Yea, because the + Prince was so great a person, Beelzebub took Him from street to + street and showed Him all his kingdoms, that he might, if + possible, tempt the Prince to buy some of his vanities. But the + Blessed One did not wish any of these vanities, and therefore + left the town without spending so much as one farthing upon + these vanities.</p> + + <p>Now these pilgrims, Christian and Faithful, as I said, had + to go through this fair.</p> + + <p>Well, so they did, but behold, whenever they entered into + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page224" id="page224"></a>[pg + 224]</span> the fair, it and the town itself were in a hubbub + about them. For the pilgrims were clothed with raiment that was + very different from the raiment of any that traded in that + fair. The people gazed upon Christian and Faithful and called + them outlandish men.</p> + + <p>Then also, they wondered at the pilgrim's speech, as few + could understand what they said, for they spoke the language of + the Celestial City. But those that kept the fair spoke the + language of the city of Vanity Fair, and they could not + understand one another.</p> + + <p>Now when these pilgrims would not buy their wares and would + not even look at them, the sellers were angry and mocked these + men, and some called on others to smite them. At last the + master of the fair told his men to question the pilgrims. And + when Christian and Faithful told the men that they were + strangers in the world and were going to the Celestial City, + the men thought they were mad. Therefore they took them and + beat them and threw mud at them, and then they put them in a + cage to be a show to the people at the fair. But when they were + tired of mocking them, these two pilgrims were again examined + and charged as guilty of the great disturbance in the fair. So + they beat them pitilessly, and hanged irons upon them, and led + them in chains up and down the fair. Then Christian and + Faithful behaved so wisely and patiently, that the others were + still more angry, and said they would put these men to + death.</p> + + <p>Therefore, after a trial, Faithful was brought out, to do + with him according to their law. And first they scourged him, + then they buffeted him, then they stoned him with stones, then + they pricked him with their swords, and last of all they burned + him to ashes at the stake. Now I saw behind the people a + chariot and a couple of horses waiting for Faithful, who was + taken by it through the clouds, the nearest way to the + Celestial City. Then was Christian sent back to the prison, + where he dwelt for a time, till he escaped and went again on + his way. But he did not go alone, for there was one whose name + was Hopeful, who left the town of Vanity, and was a companion + to Christian in his pilgrimage. They went on their way till + they <span class="pagenum"><a name="page225" + id="page225"></a>[pg 225]</span> came to a pleasant river. Now + their way lay just along the bank of the river, and Christian + and his companion walked there with great delight. They drank + also of the river, and ate of the fruit that grew on the trees + by its bank. On either side of the river was also a meadow, + very beautiful with lilies, and it was green all the year long. + In this meadow they lay down and slept, for here they might lie + safely. Now I beheld in my dream that they had not journeyed + far, when the river and the way parted, and at this they were + very sorry, yet they dare not go out of the way.</p> + + <p>A little before them was a meadow and a stile to go over + into it. Then said Christian, "If this meadow lies along by our + path, let us go over." He went to the stile to see, and behold, + a path lay alongside of the way, on the other side of the + fence.</p> + + <p>"That is as I wish," said Christian. "Come, good Hopeful, + and let us go over.</p> + + <p>"But," said Hopeful, "what if this path should lead us out + of the way?"</p> + + <p>"That is not likely," said the other. "Look, it goes along + by the wayside." So Hopeful, being persuaded by Christian, went + after him over the stile. When they had gone over and had got + into the path, they found it very easy for their feet. And as + they looked before them they saw a man walking as they did, and + his name was Vain-confidence. So they called after him, and + asked where this way led.</p> + + <p>He said, "To the Celestial City."</p> + + <p>"Look," said Christian to Hopeful, "did I not tell you so? + You see, we are right after all." So they followed + Vain-confidence, and he went before them.</p> + + <p>But behold, the night came on, and it was very dark, so that + they that went behind lost sight of him that went before. + Vain-confidence then went on, not seeing the way before him, + and fell into a deep pit which was there. This pit was made by + the Prince of those grounds on purpose, to catch such foolish + men as Vain-confidence. He, then, fell into the pit and was + dashed to pieces with his fall. Now Christian and Hopeful heard + him fall, so they called to know what was the matter, but there + was none to answer, only they heard a + groaning.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page226" + id="page226"></a>[pg 226]</span> + + <p>Then said Hopeful, "Where are we now?" But Christian was + silent, for he began to be afraid that he had led Hopeful out + of the way.</p> + + <p>Now it began to rain and thunder and lighten in a very + dreadful manner, and the river flowed over the banks.</p> + + <p>And Hopeful groaned, "Oh that I had kept on my way."</p> + + <p>By this time the waters were greatly risen, so that to go + back was very dangerous. Yet they tried to go back, but it was + so dark, and the flood was so high, that as they went they were + nearly drowned nine or ten times, and they could not reach the + stile again that night. Wherefore at last, coming to a little + shelter, they sat down, but being weary they fell asleep. Now + there was, not far from the place where they lay, a castle, + called Doubting Castle, and the owner of the castle was Giant + Despair, and it was in his grounds the pilgrims were now + sleeping. Wherefore the giant, getting up early, and walking up + and down in his fields, caught Christian and Hopeful asleep. + Then with a grim and surly voice he woke them, and asked them + what they were doing in his grounds. They told him they were + pilgrims and had lost their way.</p> + + <p>The giant said, "You have trampled on my ground, and slept + on it, and therefore you must go along with me." So they were + forced to go, because he was stronger than they. Also they said + very little, for they knew they had done wrong.</p> + + <p>The giant therefore drove them before him, and put them into + his castle, into a very dark dungeon. Here, then, they lay, + from Wednesday morning till Saturday night, without one bit of + bread or drop of drink, or light, or any one to speak to them. + Now Giant Despair had a wife, and he told her he had taken a + couple of men prisoners, because they were sleeping on his + grounds. Then she told him that, when he arose in the morning, + he should beat them without mercy.</p> + + <p>So Giant Despair got a cudgel, and went down to the dungeon + and beat Christian and Hopeful fearfully, so that they could + not move. Then the giant left them, and they spent their time + in sighs and bitter tears.</p> + + <p>The next night Giant Despair again talked to his wife, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page227" id="page227"></a>[pg + 227]</span> she said, "Tell your prisoners to kill themselves, + for they will never escape from the dungeon."</p> + + <p>So when morning came, the giant went to them in a surly + manner, and seeing they still ached with the stripes he had + given them, he told them to poison themselves, for they would + never get away from him in any other way. But they asked the + giant to let them go. That made him so angry that he rushed on + them and would have killed them, but he fell into a fit and + lost for a time the use of his hand, wherefore he withdrew and + left them as before. Well, towards evening the giant went down + again to the dungeon to see if his prisoners had followed his + advice and poisoned themselves. He found them alive, but + because of their wounds and for want of bread and water they + could do little but breathe.</p> + + <p>Now at night the giant's wife said: "Take the prisoners into + the castle yard to-morrow, and show them the bones and skulls + of those prisoners you have already killed. Tell them that in a + week you will tear them to pieces, as you have torn your other + prisoners."</p> + + <p>When the morning was come, the giant went to them again and + took them into the castle yard, and showed them all his wife + had bidden him.</p> + + <p>"These," said he, "were pilgrims once as you are, but they + walked in my grounds as you have done. And when I thought fit, + I tore them in pieces, and so within ten days I will do to you, + Get you down to your den again," and he beat them all the way + there.</p> + + <p>That night, about midnight, Christian and Hopeful began to + pray, and they prayed till dawn of day.</p> + + <p>Now just at dawn Christian spoke in sudden amazement. "How + foolish we are to lie here, when we might be free after all. I + have a key in my pocket called Promise, that will, I am + persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle."</p> + + <p>Then said Hopeful, "That is good news, pull it out of your + pocket and try."</p> + + <p>Christian pulled it out and began to try the dungeon door, + and the bolt, as he turned the key, yielded, and the door flew + open, and Christian and Hopeful both came out. Then he + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page228" id="page228"></a>[pg + 228]</span> went to the door that led to the castle yard, and + with his key opened that door also. After that he went to the + iron gate, for that must be opened too. That lock was terribly + hard, yet the key did open it. Then they thrust open the gate + to make their escape in haste, but, as it opened, that gate + made such a creaking that it waked Giant Despair, who got up + hastily to follow his prisoners, but he could not run after + them, for again he took one of his fits. Then Christian and + Hopeful went on till they came to the King's highway and so + were safe, because they were out of the giant's grounds. Now + when they had got over the stile, they began to wonder what + they should do to keep other pilgrims from falling into the + hands of Giant Despair. So they agreed to put up there a + pillar, and to write on it this sentence: "Over this stile is + the way to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair, who + despiseth the King of the Celestial Country and seeks to + destroy His holy pilgrims."</p> + + <p>Many pilgrims, that came after, read what was written and + escaped Giant Despair. They then went on till they came to the + Delectable Mountains. These mountains belonged to the Lord of + the steep hill which Christian had climbed. So they went up + these mountains to behold the gardens and orchards, the + vineyards and fountains. There, too, they drank and washed + themselves and ate the fruit of the vineyards. Now there were + Shepherds on the mountains, who welcomed them lovingly and + showed them many wonders. First they took them to the top of a + hill which was very steep on one side, and bid them look down + to the bottom. So Christian and Hopeful looked down, and saw at + the bottom several men dashed all to pieces by a fall that they + had had from the top.</p> + + <p>"These," said the Shepherds, "are for an example to others + to be careful not to clamber too high, or to come too near the + brink of this mountain." The name of this mountain was + Error.</p> + + <p>Then the Shepherds took them to the top of another mountain, + and the name of it was Caution, and the Shepherds bid them look + afar off. When the pilgrims did this, they saw, as they + thought, several men walking up and down among the tombs that + were there. And they saw that the men were blind, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page229" id="page229"></a>[pg + 229]</span> because they stumbled sometimes upon the tombs, and + because they could not get out from among them.</p> + + <p>Then said Christian, "What means this?"</p> + + <p>The Shepherds then answered, "Did you see a little below + these mountains a stile that led into a meadow?"</p> + + <p>They answered, "Yes."</p> + + <p>"From that stile," said the Shepherds, "there goes a path + that leads straight to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant + Despair. These men," and the Shepherds pointed to those among + the tombs, "came once on a pilgrimage as you do now. But when + they came to the stile, because the right way was rough, they + went over it into the meadow. Here they were taken by Giant + Despair and cast into Doubting Castle. After they had been kept + some time in the dungeon, he at last did put out their eyes. + Then he led them among those tombs, and left them to wander + there till this very day."</p> + + <p>Then Christian and Hopeful thought of their escape from + Doubting Castle, and they looked at one another with tears in + their eyes. But yet they said nothing to the Shepherds. Now I + saw in my dream that the Shepherds brought them to another + place, where was a door in the side of a hill, and they opened + the door and bid the pilgrims look in. They looked in therefore + and saw that within it was very dark and smoky. They also + thought that they heard there a rumbling noise as of fire, and + a cry as of some in trouble.</p> + + <p>Then said Christian, "What means this?"</p> + + <p>The Shepherds said, "This is a byway to hell."</p> + + <p>And the Shepherds said one to another, "Let us show the + pilgrims the gates of the Celestial City, if they have skill to + look through our glass."</p> + + <p>So they took Christian and Hopeful to the top of another + high hill, called Clear, and gave them the glass to look. They + tried to look, but the remembrance of that last thing the + Shepherds had showed them made their hands shake, so that they + could not look steadily through the glass. Yet they thought + they saw something like the gate, and also some of the beauty + of the place. When they were about to depart, one of the + Shepherds gave them a note of the way. Another of them bid + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page230" id="page230"></a>[pg + 230]</span> them beware when they met the Flatterer. The third + bid them take heed that they did not sleep upon the Enchanted + Ground. And the fourth bid them "Godspeed." So I awoke from my + dream.</p> + + <p>And I slept and dreamed again, and I saw the same two + pilgrims going down the mountains and along the highway. They + went on then till they came to a place where they saw another + path that seemed to be as straight as the way which they should + go. And here they knew not which of the two to take, for both + seemed straight before them, therefore here they stood still to + think.</p> + + <p>And as they were thinking about the way, behold, a man, + black of flesh, but covered with a very light robe, came to + them, and asked them why they stood there.</p> + + <p>They answered they were going to the Celestial City, but + knew not which of these ways to take.</p> + + <p>"Follow me," said the man. "It is there I am going."</p> + + <p>So they followed him in the path that had joined the way, + and this path slowly turned, and at last turned them so far + from the City that they wished to go to, that in a little time + their faces were turned away from it. Yet they still followed + him. But by and by before they knew what had happened, he led + them both into a net, in which they were so entangled that they + knew not what to do. Then the white robe fell off the black + man's back, and they knew that he was the Flatterer and had + brought them into his net. Wherefore there they lay, crying + some time, for they could not get themselves out. And as they + lay weeping in the net, they saw a Shining One coming toward + them with a whip of small cord in his hand. When he was come to + the place where they were, he asked them whence they came, and + what they were doing there.</p> + + <p>They told him that they were poor pilgrims going to Zion, + but were led out of their way by a black man clothed in white. + "He bid us," said they, "follow him, for he was going thither + too."</p> + + <p>Then said the Shining One, "It is a Flatterer that has + clothed himself like an angel of light." So he rent the net and + let the men out. And he said to the pilgrims, "Follow me," and + he <span class="pagenum"><a name="page231" id="page231"></a>[pg + 231]</span> led them back to the way which they had left when + they followed the Flatterer.</p> + + <p>The one with the whip then asked them where they slept last + night.</p> + + <p>They said, "With the Shepherds on the Delectable + Mountains."</p> + + <p>He asked them if the Shepherds had not given them a note, + telling them about the way. They answered, "Yes," but they had + forgotten to read it. He asked them also if the Shepherds did + not tell them to beware of the Flatterer. They answered, "Yes," + but they did not think that this man who spoke so well could be + he. Then I saw in my dream that the Shining One commanded them + to lie down. And he took his whip, and when he had whipped them + he said, "As many as I love I rebuke and punish, be careful + therefore and repent."</p> + + <p>This done, he bid them go on their way and take good heed to + the other directions of the Shepherds. So they thanked the + Shining One for all his kindness, and went gladly along the + right way. Now I saw in my dream that when the pilgrims had got + safely over the Enchanted Ground, they entered a beautiful + country where the air was very sweet and pleasant. Every day + they heard continually the singing of birds, and every day they + saw the flowers appear in the earth. In this country the sun + shineth night and day, and here they were within sight of the + City to which they went. So I saw that as they went on, there + met them two men in raiment that shone like gold, also their + faces shone as the light. These men asked the pilgrims where + they came from, and they told them. They also asked them where + they had lodged, what difficulties and dangers, what comforts + and pleasures they had met in the way, and they told them.</p> + + <p>Then said the men that met them, "You have but two + difficulties more to meet and then you are in the City." So + they all walked together till they came in sight of the + gate.</p> + + <p>Now I saw that between them and the gate was a river, but + there was no bridge to go over, and the river was deep. At the + sight of the river Christian and Hopeful were stunned, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page232" id="page232"></a>[pg + 232]</span> but the men that went with them said, "You must go + through, or you cannot come in at the gate."</p> + + <p>The pilgrims then, especially Christian, began to be afraid, + and looked this way and that way, but could find no way by + which to escape the river. Then they entered the river, and + Christian began to sink and to cry out to his friend Hopeful, + saying, "I sink in deep waters, the billows go over my + head."</p> + + <p>But Hopeful cheered Christian, and said he felt the ground + under his feet. Yet a great horror and darkness fell upon + Christian, for he thought he should never reach the Celestial + City, and Hopeful had much difficulty to keep his friend's head + above water. Then I saw in my dream that at last Christian took + courage, and soon he found ground to stand upon, and the rest + of the river was shallow. Thus they got over. Now upon the bank + of the river, on the other side, they saw the two shining men + again, who waited there for them, and led them toward the + gate.</p> + + <p>The City stood upon a mighty hill, but the pilgrims went up + that with ease, talking gladly to their shining companions, and + thus they came up to the gate.</p> + + <p>And over the gate there were written in letters of gold + "Blessed are they that do the King's Commandments and may enter + in through the gates into the City."</p> + + <p>I saw in my dream that these two men went in at the gate, + and lo! as they entered they were transfigured. And they had + raiment put on that shone like gold. They had harps given to + them to praise on, and crowns were given to them in token of + honor.</p> + + <p>Then I heard in my dream that all the bells in the City rang + again for joy, and that it was said, "Enter ye into the joy of + your Lord."</p> + + <p>Now just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I + looked in after them, and behold, the City shone like the sun, + the streets also were paved with gold. And I heard many voices + saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord."</p> + + <p>And after that they shut up the gates, and when I had seen + this, I wished I myself were within. So I awoke, and behold it + was a dream.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page233" + id="page233"></a>[pg 233]</span> + + <h3>TALES FROM SHAKESPEARE</h3> + + <h3>By CHARLES AND MARY LAMB</h3> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>THE TEMPEST</h4> + + <p>There was a certain island in the sea, the only inhabitants + of which were an old man, whose name was Prospero, and his + daughter Miranda, a very beautiful young lady. She came to this + island so young, that she had no memory of having seen any + other human face than her father's.</p> + + <p>They lived in a cave or cell, made out of a rock; it was + divided into several apartments, one of which Prospero called + his study; there he kept his books, which chiefly treated of + magic, a study at that time much affected by all learned men: + and the knowledge of this art he found very useful to him; for + being thrown by a strange chance upon this island, which had + been enchanted by a witch called Sycorax, who died there a + short time before his arrival, Prospero, by virtue of his art, + released many good spirits that Sycorax had imprisoned in the + bodies of large trees, because they had refused to execute her + wicked commands. These gentle spirits were ever after obedient + to the will of Prospero. Of these Ariel was the chief.</p> + + <p>The lively little sprite Ariel had nothing mischievous in + his nature, except that he took rather too much pleasure in + tormenting an ugly monster called Caliban, for he owed him a + grudge because he was the son of his old enemy Sycorax. This + Caliban, Prospero found in the woods, a strange misshapen + thing, far less human in form than an ape: he took him home to + his cell, and taught him to speak; and Prospero would have been + very kind to him, but the bad nature which Caliban inherited + from his mother Sycorax, would not let him learn anything good + or useful: therefore he was employed like a slave, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page234" id="page234"></a>[pg + 234]</span> to fetch wood, and do the most laborious offices; + and Ariel had the charge of compelling him to these + services.</p> + + <p>When Caliban was lazy and neglected his work, Ariel (who was + invisible to all eyes but Prospero's) would come slily and + pinch him, and sometimes tumble him down in the mire; and then + Ariel, in the likeness of an ape, would make mouths at him. + Then swiftly changing his shape, in the likeness of a hedgehog, + he would lie tumbling in Caliban's way, who feared the + hedgehog's sharp quills would prick his bare feet. With a + variety of such-like vexatious tricks Ariel would often torment + him, whenever Caliban neglected the work which Prospero + commanded him to do.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/234.jpg" name="fig234s" + id="fig234s"><img width="300" src="images/234s.jpg" + alt="MIRANDA WATCHING THE STORM" /></a><br /> + miranda watching the storm + </div> + + <p>Having these powerful spirits obedient to his will, Prospero + could by their means command the winds, and the waves of the + sea. By his orders they raised a violent storm, in the midst of + which, and struggling with the wild sea-waves that every moment + threatened to swallow it up, he showed his daughter a fine + large ship, which he told her was full of living beings like + themselves. "O my dear father," said she, "if by your art you + have raised this dreadful storm, have pity on their sad + distress. See! the vessel will be dashed to pieces. Poor souls! + they will all perish. If I had power, I would sink the sea + beneath the earth, rather than the good ship should be + destroyed, with all the precious souls within her."</p> + + <p>"Be not so amazed, daughter Miranda," said Prospero; "there + is no harm done. I have so ordered it, that no person in the + ship shall receive any hurt. What I have done has been in care + of you, my dear child. You are ignorant who you are, or where + you came from, and you know no more of me, but that I am your + father, and live in this poor cave. Can you remember a time + before you came to this cell? I think you cannot, for you were + not then three years of age."</p> + + <p>"Certainly I can, sir," replied Miranda.</p> + + <p>"By what?" asked Prospero; "by any other house or person? + Tell me what you can remember, my child."</p> + + <p>Miranda said, "It seems to me like the recollection of a + dream. But had I not once four or five women who attended upon + me?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page235" + id="page235"></a>[pg 235]</span> + + <p>Prospero answered, "You had, and more. How is it that this + still lives in your mind? Do you remember how you came + here?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir," said Miranda, "I remember nothing more."</p> + + <p>"Twelve years ago, Miranda," continued Prospero, "I was duke + of Milan, and you were a princess, and my only heir. I had a + younger brother, whose name was Antonio, to whom I trusted + everything; and as I was fond of retirement and deep study, I + commonly left the management of my state affairs to your uncle, + my false brother (for so indeed he proved). I, neglecting all + worldly ends buried among my books, did dedicate my whole time + to the bettering of my mind. My brother Antonio being thus in + possession of my power, began to think himself the duke indeed. + The opportunity I gave him of making himself popular among my + subjects awakened in his bad nature a proud ambition to deprive + me of my dukedom: this he soon effected with the aid of the + king of Naples, a powerful prince, who was my enemy."</p> + + <p>"Wherefore," said Miranda, "did they not that hour destroy + us?"</p> + + <p>"My child," answered her father, "they durst not, so dear + was the love that my people bore me. Antonio carried us on + board a ship, and when we were some leagues out at sea, he + forced us into a small boat, without either tackle, sail, or + mast: there he left us, as he thought, to perish. But a kind + lord of my court, one Gonzalo, who loved me, had privately + placed in the boat, water, provisions, apparel, and some books + which I prize above my dukedom."</p> + + <p>"O my father," said Miranda, "what a trouble must I have + been to you then!"</p> + + <p>"No, my love," said Prospero, "you were a little cherub that + did preserve me. Your innocent smiles made me bear up against + my misfortunes. Our food lasted till we landed on this desert + island, since then my chief delight has been in teaching you, + Miranda, and well have you profited by my instructions."</p> + + <p>"Heaven thank you, my dear father," said Miranda. "Now pray + tell me, sir, your reason for raising this sea-storm?"</p> + + <p>"Know then," said her father, "that by means of this storm, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page236" id="page236"></a>[pg + 236]</span> my enemies, the king of Naples, and my cruel + brother, are cast ashore upon this island."</p> + + <p>Having so said, Prospero gently touched his daughter with + his magic wand, and she fell fast asleep; for the spirit Ariel + just then presented himself before his master, to give an + account of the tempest, and how he had disposed of the ship's + company, and though the spirits were always invisible to + Miranda, Prospero did not choose she should hear him holding + converse (as would seem to her) with the empty air.</p> + + <p>"Well, my brave spirit," said Prospero to Ariel, "how have + you performed your task?"</p> + + <p>Ariel gave a lively description of the storm, and of the + terrors of the mariners; and how the king's son, Ferdinand, was + the first who leaped into the sea; and his father thought he + saw his dear son swallowed up by the waves and lost. "But he is + safe," said Ariel, "in a corner of the isle, sitting with his + arms folded, sadly lamenting the loss of the king, his father, + whom he concludes drowned. Not a hair of his head is injured, + and his princely garments, though drenched in the sea-waves, + look fresher than before."</p> + + <p>"That's my delicate Ariel," said Prospero. "Bring him + hither: my daughter must see this young prince. Where is the + king, and my brother?"</p> + + <p>"I left them," answered Ariel, "searching for Ferdinand, + whom, they have little hopes of finding, thinking they saw him + perish. Of the ship's crew not one is missing; though each one + thinks himself the only one saved: and the ship, though + invisible to them, is safe in the harbor."</p> + + <p>"Ariel," said Prospero, "thy charge is faithfully performed: + but there is more work yet."</p> + + <p>"Is there more work?" said Ariel. "Let me remind you, + master, you have promised me my liberty. I pray, remember, I + have done you worthy service, told you no lies, made no + mistakes, served you without grudge or grumbling."</p> + + <p>"How now!" said Prospero. "You do not recollect what a + torment I freed you from. Have you forgot the wicked witch + Sycorax, who with age and envy was almost bent double? Where + was she born? Speak; tell + me."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page237" + id="page237"></a>[pg 237]</span> + + <p>"Sir, in Algiers," said Ariel.</p> + + <p>"O, was she so?" said Prospero. "I must recount what you + have been, which I find you do not remember. This bad witch, + Sycorax, for her witchcrafts, too terrible to enter human + hearing, was banished from Algiers, and here left by the + sailors; and because you were a spirit too delicate to execute + her wicked commands, she shut you up in a tree, where I found + you howling. This torment, remember, I did free you from."</p> + + <p>"Pardon me, dear master," said Ariel, ashamed to seem + ungrateful; "I will obey your commands."</p> + + <p>"Do so," said Prospero, "and I will set you free." He then + gave orders what further he would have him do; and away went + Ariel, first to where he had left Ferdinand, and found him + still sitting on the grass in the same melancholy posture.</p> + + <p>"O my young gentleman," said Ariel, when he saw him, "I will + soon move you. You must be brought, I find, for the Lady + Miranda to have a sight of your pretty person. Come, sir, + follow me." He then began singing,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Full fathom five thy father lies;</p> + + <p class="i2">Of his bones are coral made;</p> + + <p>Those are pearls that were his eyes:</p> + + <p class="i2">Nothing of him that doth fade</p> + + <p>But doth suffer a sea-change</p> + + <p>Into something rich and strange.</p> + + <p>Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell:</p> + + <p>Hark! now I hear them—Ding-dong, bell."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>This strange news of his lost father soon aroused the prince + from the stupid fit into which he had fallen. He followed in + amazement the sound of Ariel's voice, till it led him to + Prospero and Miranda, who were sitting under the shade of a + large tree. Now Miranda had never seen a man before, except her + own father.</p> + + <p>"Miranda," said Prospero, "tell me what you are looking at + yonder."</p> + + <p>"O father," said Miranda, in a strange surprise, "surely + that is a spirit. How it looks about! Believe me, sir, it is a + beautiful creature. Is it not a spirit?"</p> + + <p>"No, girl," answered her father; "it eats, and sleeps, and + has senses such as we have. This young man you see was in + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page238" id="page238"></a>[pg + 238]</span> the ship. He is somewhat altered by grief, or you + might call him a handsome person. He has lost his companions, + and is wandering about to find them."</p> + + <p>Miranda, who thought all men had grave faces and gray beards + like her father, was delighted with the appearance of this + beautiful young prince; and Ferdinand, seeing such a lovely + lady in this desert place, and from the strange sounds he had + heard, expecting nothing but wonders, thought he was upon an + enchanted island, and that Miranda was the goddess of the + place, and as such he began to address her.</p> + + <p>She timidly answered, she was no goddess, but a simple maid, + and was going to give him an account of herself, when Prospero + interrupted her. He was well pleased to find they admired each + other, for he plainly perceived they had (as we say) fallen in + love at first sight: but to try Ferdinand's constancy, he + resolved to throw some difficulties in their way: therefore + advancing forward, he addressed the prince with a stern air, + telling him, he came to the island as a spy, to take it from + him who was the lord of it. "Follow me," said he, "I will tie + you neck and feet together. You shall drink sea-water; + shell-fish, withered roots, and husks of acorns shall be your + food." "No," said Ferdinand, "I will resist such entertainment, + till I see a more powerful enemy," and drew his sword; but + Prospero, waving his magic wand, fixed him to the spot where he + stood, so that he had no power to move.</p> + + <p>Miranda hung upon her father, saying, "Why are you so + ungentle? Have pity, sir; I will be his surety. This is the + second man I ever saw, and to me he seems a true one."</p> + + <p>"Silence," said the father: "one word more will make me + chide you, girl! What! an advocate for an impostor! You think + there are no more such fine men, having seen only him and + Caliban. I tell you, foolish girl, most men as far excel this, + as he does Caliban." This he said to prove his daughter's + constancy; and she replied, "My affections are most humble. I + have no wish to see a goodlier man."</p> + + <p>"Come on, young man," said Prospero to the prince; "you have + no power to disobey me."</p> + + <p>"I have not indeed," answered Ferdinand; and not knowing + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page239" id="page239"></a>[pg + 239]</span> that it was by magic he was deprived of all power + of resistance, he was astonished to find himself so strangely + compelled to follow Prospero: looking back on Miranda as long + as he could see her, he said, as he went after Prospero into + the cave, "My spirits are all bound up, as if I were in a + dream: but this man's threats, and the weakness which I feel, + would seem light to me if from my prison I might once a day + behold this fair maid."</p> + + <p>Prospero kept Ferdinand not long confined within the cell: + he soon brought out his prisoner, and set him a severe task to + perform, taking care to let his daughter know the hard labor he + had imposed on him, and then pretending to go into his study, + he secretly watched them both.</p> + + <p>Prospero had commanded Ferdinand to pile up some heavy logs + of wood. King's sons not being much used to laborious work, + Miranda soon after found her lover almost dying with fatigue. + "Alas!" said she, "do not work so hard; my father is at his + studies, he is safe for these three hours; pray rest + yourself."</p> + + <p>"O my dear lady," said Ferdinand, "I dare not. I must finish + my task before I take my rest."</p> + + <p>"If you will sit down," said Miranda, "I will carry your + logs the while." But this Ferdinand would by no means agree to. + Instead of a help Miranda became a hindrance, for they began a + long conversation, so that the business of log-carrying went on + very slowly.</p> + + <p>Prospero, who had enjoined Ferdinand this task merely as a + trial of his love, was not at his books, as his daughter + supposed, but was standing by them invisible, to overhear what + they said.</p> + + <p>Ferdinand inquired her name, which she told, saying it was + against her father's express command she did so.</p> + + <p>Prospero only smiled at this first instance of his + daughter's disobedience, for having by his magic art caused his + daughter to fall in love so suddenly, he was not angry that she + showed her love by forgetting to obey his commands. And he + listened well pleased to a long speech of Ferdinand's, in which + he professed to love her above all the ladies he ever saw.</p> + + <p>In answer to his praises of her beauty, which he said + exceeded all the women in the world, she replied, "I do not + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page240" id="page240"></a>[pg + 240]</span> remember the face of any woman, nor have I seen any + more men than you, my good friend, and my dear father. How + features are abroad, I know not; but, believe me, sir, I would + not wish any companion in the world but you, nor can my + imagination form any shape but yours that I could like. But, + sir, I fear I talk to you too freely, and my father's precepts + I forget."</p> + + <p>At this Prospero smiled, and nodded his head, as much as to + say, "This goes on exactly as I could wish; my girl will be + queen of Naples."</p> + + <p>And then Ferdinand, in another fine long speech (for young + princes speak in courtly phrases), told the innocent Miranda he + was heir to the crown of Naples, and that she should be his + queen.</p> + + <p>"Ah! sir," said she, "I am a fool to weep at what I am glad + of. I will answer you in plain and holy innocence. I am your + wife if you will marry me."</p> + + <p>Prospero prevented Ferdinand's thanks by appearing visible + before them.</p> + + <p>"Fear nothing, my child," said he; "I have overheard, and + approve of all you have said. And, Ferdinand, if I have too + severely used you, I will make you rich amends, by giving you + my daughter. All your vexations were but trials of your love, + and you have nobly stood the test. Then as my gift, which your + true love has worthily purchased, take my daughter, and do not + smile that I boast she is above all praise." He then, telling + them that he had business which required his presence, desired + they would sit down and talk together till he returned; and + this command Miranda seemed not at all disposed to disobey.</p> + + <p>When Prospero left them, he called his spirit Ariel, who + quickly appeared before him, eager to relate what he had done + with Prospero's brother and the king of Naples. Ariel said he + had left them almost out of their senses with fear, at the + strange things he had caused them to see and hear. When + fatigued with wandering about, and famished for want of food, + he had suddenly set before them a delicious banquet, and then, + just as they were going to eat, he appeared visible before them + in the shape of a harpy, a voracious monster with wings, and + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page241" + id="page241"></a>[pg 241]</span> feast vanished away. Then, to + their utter amazement, this seeming harpy spoke to them, + reminding them of their cruelty in driving Prospero from his + dukedom, and leaving him and his infant daughter to perish in + the sea; saying, that for this cause these terrors were + suffered to afflict them.</p> + + <p>The king of Naples, and Antonio the false brother, repented + the injustice they had done to Prospero: and Ariel told his + master he was certain their penitence was sincere, and that he, + though a spirit, could not but pity them.</p> + + <p>"Then bring them hither, Ariel," said Prospero: "if you, who + are but a spirit, feel for their distress, shall not I, who am + a human being like themselves, have compassion on them? Bring + them, quickly, my dainty Ariel."</p> + + <p>Ariel soon returned with the king, Antonio, and old Gonzalo + in their train, who had followed him, wondering at the wild + music he played in the air to draw them on to his master's + presence. This Gonzalo was the same who had so kindly provided + Prospero formerly with books and provisions, when his wicked + brother left him, as he thought, to perish in an open boat in + the sea.</p> + + <p>Grief and terror had so stupefied their senses, that they + did not know Prospero. He first discovered himself to the good + old Gonzalo, calling him the preserver of his life; and then + his brother and the king knew that he was the injured + Prospero.</p> + + <p>Antonio with tears, and sad words of sorrow and true + repentance, implored his brother's forgiveness, and the king + expressed his sincere remorse for having assisted Antonio to + depose his brother: and Prospero forgave them; and, upon their + engaging to restore his dukedom, he said to the king of Naples, + "I have a gift in store for you too;" and opening a door, + showed him his son Ferdinand playing at chess with Miranda.</p> + + <p>Nothing could exceed the joy of the father and the son at + this unexpected meeting, for they each thought the other + drowned in the storm.</p> + + <p>"O wonder!" said Miranda, "what noble creatures these are! + It must surely be a brave world that has such people in + it."</p> + + <p>The king of Naples was almost as much astonished at the + beauty and excellent graces of the young Miranda, as his son + had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" + id="page242"></a>[pg 242]</span> been. "Who is this maid?" said + he; "she seems the goddess that has parted us, and brought us + thus together." "No, sir," answered Ferdinand, smiling to find + his father had fallen into the same mistake that he had done + when he first saw Miranda, "she is a mortal, but by immortal + Providence she is mine; I chose her when I could not ask you, + my father, for your consent, not thinking you were alive. She + is the daughter to this Prospero, who is the famous duke of + Milan, of whose renown I have heard so much, but never saw him + till now: of him I have received a new life: he has made + himself to me a second father, giving me this dear lady."</p> + + <p>"Then I must be her father," said the king; "but oh! how + oddly will it sound, that I must ask my child forgiveness."</p> + + <p>"No more of that," said Prospero: "let us not remember our + troubles past, since they so happily have ended." And then + Prospero embraced his brother, and again assured him of his + forgiveness; and said that a wise overruling Providence had + permitted that he should be driven from his poor dukedom of + Milan, that his daughter might inherit the crown of Naples, for + that by their meeting in this desert island, it had happened + that the king's son had loved Miranda.</p> + + <p>These kind words which Prospero spoke, meaning to comfort + his brother, so filled Antonio with shame and remorse, that he + wept and was unable to speak; and the kind old Gonzalo wept to + see this joyful reconciliation, and prayed for blessings on the + young couple.</p> + + <p>Prospero now told them that their ship was safe in the + harbor, and the sailors all on board her, and that he and his + daughter would accompany them home the next morning. "In the + meantime," says he, "partake of such refreshments as my poor + cave affords; and for your evening's entertainment I will + relate the history of my life from my first landing in this + desert island." He then called for Caliban to prepare some + food, and set the cave in order; and the company were + astonished at the uncouth form and savage appearance of this + ugly monster, who (Prospero said) was the only attendant he had + to wait upon him.</p> + + <p>Before Prospero left the island, he dismissed Ariel from his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page243" id="page243"></a>[pg + 243]</span> service, to the great joy of that lively little + spirit; who, though he had been a faithful servant to his + master, was always longing to enjoy his free liberty, to wander + uncontrolled in the air, like a wild bird, under green trees, + among pleasant fruits, and sweet-smelling flowers. "My quaint + Ariel," said Prospero to the little sprite when he made him + free, "I shall miss you; yet you shall have your freedom." + "Thank you, my dear master," said Ariel; "but give me leave to + attend your ship home with prosperous gales, before you bid + farewell to the assistance of your faithful spirit; and then, + master, when I am free, how merrily I shall live!" Here Ariel + sung this pretty song:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Where the bee sucks, there suck I;</p> + + <p>In a cowslip's bell I lie:</p> + + <p>There I crouch when owls do cry.</p> + + <p>On the bat's back I do fly</p> + + <p>After summer Merrily.</p> + + <p>Merrily, merrily shall I live now</p> + + <p>Under the blossom that hangs on the bough."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Prospero then buried deep in the earth his magical books and + wand, for he was resolved never more to make use of the magic + art. And having thus overcome his enemies, and being reconciled + to his brother and the king of Naples, nothing now remained to + complete his happiness, but to revisit his native land, to take + possession of his dukedom, and to witness the happy nuptials of + his daughter and Prince Ferdinand, which the king said should + be instantly celebrated with great splendor on their return to + Naples. At which place, under the safe convoy of the spirit + Ariel, they, after a pleasant voyage, soon arrived.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM</h4> + + <p>There was a law in the city of Athens which gave to its + citizens the power of compelling their daughters to marry + whomsoever they pleased; for upon a daughter's refusing to + marry the man her father had chosen to be her husband, the + father was empowered by this law to cause her to be put to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page244" id="page244"></a>[pg + 244]</span> death; but as fathers do not often desire the death + of their own daughters, even though they do happen to prove a + little refractory, this law was seldom or never put in + execution, though perhaps the young ladies of that city were + not unfrequently threatened by their parents with the terrors + of it.</p> + + <p>There was one instance, however, of an old man, whose name + was Egeus, who actually did come before Theseus (at that time + the reigning duke of Athens), to complain that his daughter + Hermia, whom he had commanded to marry Demetrius, a young man + of a noble Athenian family, refused to obey him, because she + loved another young Athenian, named Lysander. Egeus demanded + justice of Theseus, and desired that this cruel law might be + put in force against his daughter.</p> + + <p>Hermia pleaded in excuse for her disobedience, that + Demetrius had formerly professed love for her dear friend + Helena, and that Helena loved Demetrius to distraction; but + this honorable reason, which Hermia gave for not obeying her + father's command, moved not the stern Egeus.</p> + + <p>Theseus, though a great and merciful prince, had no power to + alter the laws of his country; therefore he could only give + Hermia four days to consider of it: and at the end of that + time, if she still refused to marry Demetrius, she was to be + put to death.</p> + + <p>When Hermia was dismissed from the presence of the duke, she + went to her lover Lysander, and told him the peril she was in, + and that she must either give him up and marry Demetrius, or + lose her life in four days.</p> + + <p>Lysander was in great affliction at hearing these evil + tidings; but recollecting that he had an aunt who lived at some + distance from Athens, and that at the place where she lived the + cruel law could not be put in force against Hermia (this law + not extending beyond the boundaries of the city), he proposed + to Hermia that she should steal out of her father's house that + night, and go with him to his aunt's house, where he would + marry her. "I will meet you," said Lysander, "in the wood a few + miles without the city; in that delightful wood where we have + so often walked with Helena in the pleasant month of May."</p> + + <p>To this proposal Hermia joyfully agreed; and she told no one + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" id="page245"></a>[pg + 245]</span> of her intended flight but her friend Helena. + Helena (as maidens will do foolish things for love) very + ungenerously resolved to go and tell this to Demetrius, though + she could hope no benefit from betraying her friend's secret, + but the poor pleasure of following her faithless lover to the + wood: for she well knew that Demetrius would go thither in + pursuit of Hermia.</p> + + <p>The wood in which Lysander and Hermia proposed to meet, was + the favorite haunt of those little beings known by the name of + <i>Fairies</i>.</p> + + <p>Oberon the king, and Titania the queen of the Fairies, with + all their tiny train of followers, in this wood held their + midnight revels.</p> + + <p>Between this little king and queen of sprites there + happened, at this time, a sad disagreement: they never met by + moonlight in the shady walks of this pleasant wood, but they + were quarreling, till all their fairy elves would creep into + acorn-cups and hide themselves for fear.</p> + + <p>The cause of this unhappy disagreement was Titania's + refusing to give Oberon a little changeling boy, whose mother + had been Titania's friend; and upon her death the fairy queen + stole the child from its nurse, and brought him up in the + woods.</p> + + <p>The night on which the lovers were to meet in this wood, as + Titania was walking with some of her maids of honor, she met + Oberon attended by his train of fairy courtiers.</p> + + <p>"Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania," said the fairy king. + The queen replied, "What, jealous Oberon, is it you? Fairies, + skip hence; I have forsworn his company." "Tarry, rash fairy," + said Oberon; "am not I thy lord? Why does Titania cross her + Oberon? Give me your little changeling boy to be my page."</p> + + <p>"Set your heart at rest," answered the queen; "your whole + fairy kingdom buys not the boy of me." She then left her lord + in great anger. "Well, go your way," said Oberon: "before the + morning dawns I will torment you for this injury."</p> + + <p>Oberon then sent for Puck, his chief favorite and privy + counselor.</p> + + <p>Puck (or as he was sometimes called, Robin Goodfellow) was a + shrewd and knavish sprite, that used to play comical + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" id="page246"></a>[pg + 246]</span> pranks in the neighboring villages; sometimes + getting into the dairies and skimming the milk, sometimes + plunging his light and airy form into the butter-churn, and + while he was dancing his fantastic shape in the churn, in vain + the dairy-maid would labor to change her cream into butter: nor + had the village swains any better success; whenever Puck chose + to play his freaks in the brewing copper, the ale was sure to + be spoiled. When a few good neighbors were met to drink some + comfortable ale together, Puck would jump into the bowl of ale + in the likeness of a roasted crab, and when some old goody was + going to drink he would bob against her lips, and spill the ale + over her withered chin; and presently after, when the same old + dame was gravely seating herself to tell her neighbors a sad + and melancholy story, Puck would slip her three-legged stool + from under her, and down toppled the poor old woman, and then + the old gossips would hold their sides and laugh at her, and + swear they never wasted a merrier hour.</p> + + <p>"Come hither, Puck," said Oberon to this little merry + wanderer of the night; "fetch me the flower which maids call + <i>Love in Idleness</i>; the juice of that little purple flower + laid on the eyelids of those who sleep, will make them, when + they awake, dote on the first thing they see. Some of the juice + of that flower I will drop on the eyelids of my Titania when + she is asleep; and the first thing she looks upon when she + opens her eyes she will fall in love with, even though it be a + lion or a bear, a meddling monkey, or a busy ape; and before I + will take this charm from off her sight, which I can do with + another charm I know of, I will make her give me that boy to be + my page."</p> + + <p>Puck, who loved mischief to his heart, was highly diverted + with this intended frolic of his master, and ran to seek the + flower; and while Oberon was waiting the return of Puck, he + observed Demetrius and Helena enter the wood: he overheard + Demetrius reproaching Helena for following him, and after many + unkind words on his part, and gentle expostulations from + Helena, reminding him of his former love and professions of + true faith to her, he left her (as he said) to the mercy of the + wild beasts, and she ran after him as swiftly as she could.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/246.jpg" name="fig246s" + id="fig246s"><img width="300" src="images/246s.jpg" + alt="THE FAIRIES SING TITANIA TO SLEEP" /></a><br /> + the fairies sing titania to sleep + </div> + + <p>The fairy king, who was always friendly to true lovers, felt + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page247" id="page247"></a>[pg + 247]</span> great compassion for Helena; and perhaps, as + Lysander said they used to walk by moonlight in this pleasant + wood, Oberon might have seen Helena in those happy times when + she was beloved by Demetrius. However that might be, when Puck + returned with the little purple flower, Oberon said to his + favorite, "Take a part of this flower; there has been a sweet + Athenian lady here, who is in love with a disdainful youth; if + you find him sleeping, drop some of the love-juice in his eyes, + but contrive to do it when she is near him, that the first + thing he sees when he awakes may be this despised lady. You + will know the man by the Athenian garments which he wears." + Puck promised to manage this matter very dexterously: and then + Oberon went, unperceived by Titania, to her bower, where she + was preparing to go to rest. Her fairy bower was a bank, where + grew wild thyme, cowslips, and sweet violets, under a canopy of + woodbine, musk-roses, and eglantine. There Titania always slept + some part of the night; her coverlet the enameled skin of a + snake, which, though a small mantle, was wide enough to wrap a + fairy in.</p> + + <p>He found Titania giving orders to her fairies, how they were + to employ themselves while she slept. "Some of you," said her + majesty, "must kill cankers in the musk-rose buds, and some + wage war with the bats for their leathern wings, to make my + small elves coats; and some of you keep watch that the + clamorous owl, that nightly hoots, come not near me: but first + sing me to sleep. Then they began to sing this song:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"You spotted snakes with double tongue,</p> + + <p>Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen;</p> + + <p>Newts and blindworms do no wrong,</p> + + <p>Come not near our Fairy Queen.</p> + + <p>Philomel, with melody,</p> + + <p>Sing in our sweet lullaby,</p> + + <p>Lulla, lulla, lullaby; lulla, lulla, lullaby;</p> + + <p>Never harm, nor spell, nor charm,</p> + + <p>Come our lovely lady nigh;</p> + + <p>So good night with lullaby."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>When the fairies had sung their queen asleep with this + pretty lullaby, they left her to perform the important services + she had enjoined them. Oberon then softly drew near his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page248" id="page248"></a>[pg + 248]</span> Titania, and dropped some of the love-juice on her + eyelids, saying,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"What thou seest when them dost wake,</p> + + <p>Do it for thy true-love take."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>But to return to Hermia, who made her escape out of her + father's house that night, to avoid the death she was doomed to + for refusing to marry Demetrius. When she entered the wood, she + found her dear Lysander waiting for her, to conduct her to his + aunt's house; but before they had passed half through the wood, + Hermia was so much fatigued, that Lysander, who was very + careful of this dear lady, who had proved her affection for him + even by hazarding her life for his sake, persuaded her to rest + till morning on a bank of soft moss, and lying down himself on + the ground at some little distance, they soon fell fast asleep. + Here they were found by Puck, who, seeing a handsome young man + asleep, and perceiving that his clothes were made in the + Athenian fashion, and that a pretty lady was sleeping near him, + concluded that this must be the Athenian maid and her + disdainful lover whom Oberon had sent him to seek; and he + naturally enough conjectured that, as they were alone together, + she must be the first thing he would see when he awoke; so, + without more ado, he proceeded to pour some of the juice of the + little purple flower into his eyes. But it so fell out, that + Helena came that way, and, instead of Hermia, was the first + object Lysander beheld when he opened his eyes; and strange to + relate, so powerful was the love-charm, all his love for Hermia + vanished away, and Lysander fell in love with Helena.</p> + + <p>Had he first seen Hermia when he awoke, the blunder Puck + committed would have been of no consequence, for he could not + love that faithful lady too well; but for poor Lysander to be + forced by a fairy love-charm, to forget his own true Hermia, + and to run after another lady, and leave Hermia asleep quite + alone in a wood at midnight, was a sad chance indeed.</p> + + <p>Thus this misfortune happened. Helena, as has been before + related, endeavored to keep pace with Demetrius when he ran + away so rudely from her; but she could not continue this + unequal race long, men being always better runners in a long + race than ladies. Helena soon lost sight of Demetrius; and as + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page249" id="page249"></a>[pg + 249]</span> she was wandering about, dejected and forlorn, she + arrived at the place where Lysander was sleeping. "Ah!" said + she, "this is Lysander lying on the ground: is he dead or + asleep?" Then, gently touching him, she said, "Good sir, if you + are alive, awake." Upon this Lysander opened his eyes, and (the + love-charm beginning to work) immediately addressed her in + terms of extravagant love and admiration; telling her she as + much excelled Hermia in beauty as a dove does a raven, and that + he would run through fire for her sweet sake; and many more + such lover-like speeches. Helena, knowing Lysander was her + friend Hermia's lover, and that he was solemnly engaged to + marry her, was in the utmost rage when she heard herself + addressed in this manner; for she thought (as well she might) + that Lysander was making a jest of her. "Oh!" said she, "why + was I born to be mocked and scorned by every one? Is it not + enough, is it not enough, young man, that I can never get a + sweet look or a kind word from Demetrius; but you, sir, must + pretend in this disdainful manner to court me? I thought, + Lysander, you were a lord of more true gentleness." Saying + these words in great anger, she ran away; and Lysander followed + her, quite forgetful of his own Hermia, who was still + asleep.</p> + + <p>When Hermia awoke, she was in a sad fright at finding + herself alone. She wandered about the wood, not knowing what + was become of Lysander, or which way to go to seek for him. In + the meantime Demetrius not being able to find Hermia and his + rival Lysander, and fatigued with his fruitless search, was + observed by Oberon fast asleep. Oberon had learnt by some + questions he had asked of Puck, that he had applied the + love-charm to the wrong person's eyes; and now having found the + person first intended, he touched the eyelids of the sleeping + Demetrius with the love-juice, and he instantly awoke; and the + first thing he saw being Helena, he, as Lysander had done + before, began to address love-speeches to her; and just as that + moment Lysander, followed by Hermia (for through Puck's unlucky + mistake it was now become Hermia's turn to run after her + lover), made his appearance; and then Lysander and Demetrius, + both speaking together, made love to Helena, they being each + one under the influence of the same potent + charm.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page250" + id="page250"></a>[pg 250]</span> + + <p>The astonished Helena thought that Demetrius, Lysander, and + her once dear friend Hermia, were all in a plot together to + make a jest of her.</p> + + <p>Hermia was as much surprised as Helena: she knew not why + Lysander and Demetrius, who both before loved her, were now + become the lovers of Helena; and to Hermia the matter seemed to + be no jest.</p> + + <p>The ladies, who before had always been the dearest of + friends, now fell to high words together.</p> + + <p>"Unkind Hermia," said Helena, "it is you who have set + Lysander to vex me with mock praises; and your other lover + Demetrius, who used almost to spurn me with his foot, have you + not bid him call me Goddess, Nymph, rare, precious, and + celestial? He would not speak thus to me, whom he hates, if you + did not set him on to make a jest of me. Unkind Hermia, to join + with men in scorning your poor friend. Have you forgot our + school-day friendship? How often, Hermia, have we two, sitting + on one cushion, both singing one song, with our needles working + the same flower, both on the same sampler wrought; growing up + together in fashion of a double cherry, scarcely seeming + parted! Hermia, it is not friendly in you, it is not maidenly + to join with men in scorning your poor friend."</p> + + <p>"I am amazed at your passionate words," said Hermia: "I + scorn you not; it seems you scorn me." "Ay, do," returned + Helena, "persevere, counterfeit serious looks, and make mouths + at me when I turn my back; then wink at each other, and hold + the sweet jest up. If you had any pity, grace, or manners, you + would not use me thus."</p> + + <p>While Helena and Hermia were speaking these angry words to + each other, Demetrius and Lysander left them, to fight together + in the wood for the love of Helena.</p> + + <p>When they found the gentlemen had left them, they departed, + and once more wandered weary in the wood in search of their + lovers.</p> + + <p>As soon as they were gone, the fairy king, who with little + Puck had been listening to their quarrels, said to him, "This + is your negligence, Puck; or did you do this wilfully?" + "Believe me, king of shadows," answered Puck, "it was a + mistake; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" + id="page251"></a>[pg 251]</span> did not you tell me I should + know the man by his Athenian garments? However, I am not sorry + this has happened, for I think their jangling makes excellent + sport." "You heard," said Oberon, "that Demetrius and Lysander + are gone to seek a convenient place to fight in. I command you + to overhang the night with a thick fog, and lead these + quarrelsome lovers so astray in the dark, that they shall not + be able to find each other. Counterfeit each of their voices to + the other, and with bitter taunts provoke them to follow you, + while they think it is their rival's tongue they hear. See you + do this, till they are so weary they can go no farther; and + when you find they are asleep, drop the juice of this other + flower into Lysander's eyes, and when he awakes he will forget + his new love for Helena, and return to his old passion for + Hermia; and then the two fair ladies may each one be happy with + the man she loves, and they will think all that has passed a + vexatious dream. About this quickly, Puck, and I will go and + see what sweet love my Titania has found."</p> + + <p>Titania was still sleeping, and Oberon seeing a clown near + her, who had lost his way in the wood, and was likewise asleep: + "This fellow," said he, "shall be my Titania's true love;" and + clapping an ass's head over the clown's, it seemed to fit him + as well as if it had grown upon his own shoulders. Though + Oberon fixed the ass's head on very gently, it awakened him, + and rising up, unconscious of what Oberon had done to him, he + went towards the bower where the fairy queen slept.</p> + + <p>"Ah! what angel is that I see?" said Titania, opening her + eyes, and the juice of the little purple flower beginning to + take effect: "are you as wise as you are beautiful?"</p> + + <p>"Why, mistress," said the foolish clown, "if I have wit + enough to find the way out of this wood, I have enough to serve + my turn."</p> + + <p>"Out of the wood do not desire to go," said the enamored + queen. "I am a spirit of no common rate. I love you. Go with + me, and I will give you fairies to attend upon you."</p> + + <p>She then called four of her fairies: their names were, + Pease-blossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustard-seed.</p> + + <p>"Attend," said the queen, "upon this sweet gentleman; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page252" id="page252"></a>[pg + 252]</span> hop in his walks, and gambol in his sight; feed him + with grapes and apricots, and steal for him the honey-bags from + the bees. Come, sit with me," said she to the clown, "and let + me play with your amiable hairy cheeks, my beautiful ass! and + kiss your fair large ears, my gentle joy!"</p> + + <p>"Where is Pease-blossom?" said the ass-headed clown, not + much regarding the fairy queen's courtship, but very proud of + his new attendants.</p> + + <p>"Here, sir," said little Pease-blossom.</p> + + <p>"Scratch my head," said the clown. "Where is Cobweb?"</p> + + <p>"Here, sir," said Cobweb.</p> + + <p>"Good Mr. Cobweb," said the foolish clown, "kill me the red + humblebee on the top of that thistle yonder; and, good Mr. + Cobweb, bring me the honey-bag. Do not fret yourself too much + in the action, Mr. Cobweb, and take care the honey-bag break + not; I should be sorry to have you overflown with a honey-bag. + Where is Mustard-seed?"</p> + + <p>"Here, sir," said Mustard-seed: "what is your will?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing," said the clown, "good Mr. Mustard-seed, but to + help Mr. Pease-blossom to scratch; I must go to a barber's, Mr. + Mustard-seed, for methinks I am marvelous hairy about the + face."</p> + + <p>"My sweet love," said the queen, "what will you have to eat? + I have a venturous fairy shall seek the squirrel's hoard, and + fetch you some new nuts."</p> + + <p>"I had rather have a handful of dried pease," said the + clown, who with his ass's head had got an ass's appetite. "But, + I pray, let none of your people disturb me, for I have a mind + to sleep."</p> + + <p>"Sleep, then," said the queen, "and I will wind you in my + arms. O how I love you! how I dote upon you!"</p> + + <p>When the fairy king saw the clown sleeping in the arms of + his queen, he advanced within her sight, and reproached her + with having lavished her favors upon an ass.</p> + + <p>This she could not deny, as the clown was then sleeping + within her arms, with his ass's head crowned by her with + flowers.</p> + + <p>When Oberon had teased her for some time, he again + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page253" id="page253"></a>[pg + 253]</span> demanded the changeling boy; which she, ashamed of + being discovered by her lord with her new favorite, did not + dare to refuse him.</p> + + <p>Oberon, having thus obtained the little boy he had so long + wished for to be his page, took pity on the disgraceful + situation into which, by his merry contrivance, he had brought + his Titania, and threw some of the juice of the other flower + into her eyes; and the fairy queen immediately recovered her + senses, and wondered at her late dotage, saying how she now + loathed the sight of the strange monster.</p> + + <p>Oberon likewise took the ass's head from off the clown, and + left him to finish his nap with his own fool's head upon his + shoulders.</p> + + <p>Oberon and his Titania being now perfectly reconciled, he + related to her the history of the lovers, and their midnight + quarrels; and she agreed to go with him and see the end of + their adventures.</p> + + <p>The fairy king and queen found the lovers and their fair + ladies, at no great distance from each other, sleeping on a + grass-plot; for Puck, to make amends for his former mistake, + had contrived with the utmost diligence to bring them all to + the same spot, unknown to each other; and he had carefully + removed the charm from off the eyes of Lysander with the + antidote the fairy king gave to him.</p> + + <p>Hermia first awoke, and finding her lost Lysander asleep so + near her, was looking at him and wondering at his strange + inconstancy. Lysander presently opening his eyes, and seeing + his dear Hermia, recovered his reason which the fairy charm had + before clouded, and with his reason, his love for Hermia; and + they began to talk over the adventures of the night, doubting + if these things had really happened, or if they had both been + dreaming the same bewildering dream.</p> + + <p>Helena and Demetrius were by this time awake; and a sweet + sleep having quieted Helena's disturbed and angry spirits, she + listened with delight to the professions of love which + Demetrius still made to her, and which, to her surprise as well + as pleasure, she began to perceive were sincere.</p> + + <p>These fair night-wandering ladies, now no longer rivals, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page254" id="page254"></a>[pg + 254]</span> became once more true friends; all the unkind words + which had passed were forgiven, and they calmly consulted + together what was best to be done in their present situation. + It was soon agreed that, as Demetrius had given up his + pretensions to Hermia, he should endeavor to prevail upon her + father to revoke the cruel sentence of death which had been + passed against her. Demetrius was preparing to return to Athens + for this friendly purpose, when they were surprised with the + sight of Egeus, Hermia's father, who came to the wood in + pursuit of his runaway daughter.</p> + + <p>When Egeus understood that Demetrius would not now marry his + daughter, he no longer opposed her marriage with Lysander, but + gave his consent that they should be wedded on the fourth day + from that time, being the same day on which Hermia had been + condemned to lose her life; and on that same day Helena + joyfully agreed to marry her beloved and now faithful + Demetrius.</p> + + <p>The fairy king and queen, who were invisible spectators of + this reconciliation, and now saw the happy ending of the + lovers' history, brought about through the good offices of + Oberon, received so much pleasure, that these kind spirits + resolved to celebrate the approaching nuptials with sports and + revels throughout their fairy kingdom.</p> + + <p>And now, if any are offended with this story of fairies and + their pranks, as judging it incredible and strange, they have + only to think that they have been asleep and dreaming, and that + all these adventures were visions which they saw in their + sleep; and I hope none of my readers will be so unreasonable as + to be offended with a pretty harmless Midsummer Night's + Dream.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page257" + id="page257"></a>[pg 257]</span> + + <h2>OLD-FASHIONED STORIES</h2> + + <h3>SIMPLE SUSAN</h3> + + <h3>By MARIA EDGEWORTH</h3> + + <h4>ADAPTED BY LOUEY CHISHOLM</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>QUEEN OF THE MAY</h4> + + <p>Simple Susan lived one hundred years ago. Mr. Price was + Susan's father. He rented a small farm and was always hard at + work. No more honest man could be found far or near, and he + loved his little daughter from the bottom of his big heart.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Price was Susan's mother. She was a good woman who was + always busy cooking, or cleaning, or sewing. The bread and + cakes made by her were better than those made by any one else + in the village. When she was not doing household work, she + earned money by taking in plain needlework. All who knew Mrs. + Price liked her and were sorry she was so far from strong. That + no girl had a better mother than Susan, every one agreed.</p> + + <p>John and William were Susan's little brothers. They were + quite sure that no other boys in all the world had such a good + sister as theirs.</p> + + <p>Our story begins on the evening before the first of May. Now + one hundred years ago, Mayday was looked forward to with glee + by all English children living in the country. Early that + morning the lads and lasses of the village, gaily decked with + flowers, would go merrily singing from house to house. In their + midst would walk the Queen of the May, or sometimes, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page258" id="page258"></a>[pg + 258]</span> seated in a chair twined round with blossom, she + would be carried from door to door by her little companions. + With a wreath of their gayest flowers they would crown her + their Queen, and for her would be woven the fairest garlands. + After the May carols were sung, cake, coppers, or small coins + would be given to the boys and girls.</p> + + <p>To choose their Queen and to arrange their flowers the + children would meet on the last day of April. This they did in + the village where Susan lived, and their meeting-place was in a + corner of a field close by a large pink hawthorn. A shady lane + ran past one side of the bush. On another side a sweetbrier + hedge separated it from the garden belonging to an + attorney.</p> + + <p>This attorney was a very cross man, so cross that the + village people were always in fear of him. Although he had + hedged and fenced his garden, it sometimes happened that there + would stray into it a pig, or a dog, or a goat, or a goose + belonging to a poor neighbor. Then the attorney would go to the + owner of the stray animal and in a harsh voice demand money to + pay for the damage it had done.</p> + + <p>Nor did this cruel man let people walk along the paths + through his meadows, although they did no harm. He blocked up + the stiles with stones and prickly shrubs, so that not even a + gosling could squeeze under them nor a giant climb over. Even + the village children were afraid to fly their kites near his + fields, lest they should get entangled in his trees or fall on + his ground.</p> + + <p>Mr. Case was the name of this attorney, and he had one son + and a daughter called Barbara.</p> + + <p>For long the father paid no attention to the education of + his children, for all his time and thought were given to + money-making. Meanwhile Barbara and her brother ran wild with + the village children. But suddenly Mr. Case decided to send his + son to a tutor to learn Latin, and to employ a maid to wait + upon Barbara. At the same time he gave strict orders that his + children should no longer play with their old companions.</p> + + <p>The village children were not at all sorry when they heard + this. Barbara had not been a favorite among them, for she had + always wanted to rule them and to secure for herself the chief + part in their games. When Barbara saw that she was not + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page259" id="page259"></a>[pg + 259]</span> missed by her old friends she was vexed, and she + became angry when she found that they paid no attention to the + grand air with which she now spoke nor to the fine frocks which + she wore.</p> + + <p>To one girl Barbara had a special dislike. This was none + other than Susan Price, the sweetest-tempered and busiest lass + in the village, and the pride and delight of all who knew her. + The farm rented by Susan's father was near the house in which + Mr. Case lived, and Barbara from her window used to watch Susan + at work.</p> + + <p>Sometimes the little girl was raking the garden-plots in her + neat garden; sometimes she was weeding the paths; sometimes she + was kneeling at her beehive with fresh flowers for her bees, + and sometimes she was in the hen-yard scattering corn among the + eager little chickens. In the evening Barbara often saw her + sitting in the summer-house over which sweet honeysuckle crept, + and there, with a clean three-legged pine table before her upon + which to lay her work, Susan would sew busily. Her seams were + even and neat, for Mrs. Price had taught her daughter that what + is worth doing is worth doing well.</p> + + <p>Both Susan and her mother were great favorites in the + village. It was at Mrs. Price's door that the children began + their Mayday rounds, and it was Susan who was usually Queen of + the May.</p> + + <p>It was now time for the village children to choose their + queen. The setting sun was shining full upon the pink blossoms + of the hawthorn when the merry group met to make their plans + for the morrow.</p> + + <p>Barbara Case, sulkily walking alone in her father's garden, + heard the happy voices and, crouching behind the hedge that + divided her from the other children, she listened to their + plans.</p> + + <p>"Where is Susan?" were the first words she overheard.</p> + + <p>"Yes, where is Susan?" repeated a boy called Philip, + stopping short in a tune he was playing on his pipe: "I want + her to sing me this air, I can't remember how it goes."</p> + + <p>"And I wish Susan would come, I'm sure," cried Mary, a + little girl whose lap was full of primroses. "She will give me + some thread to tie up my nosegays, and she will show me where + the fresh violets grow, and she has promised to give me a great + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page260" id="page260"></a>[pg + 260]</span> bunch of her cowslips to wear to-morrow. I wish she + would come."</p> + + <p>"Nothing can be done without Susan!" cried another child. + "She always shows us where the nicest flowers are to be found + in the lanes and meadows."</p> + + <p>"Susan must help to weave the garlands," said another.</p> + + <p>"Susan must be Queen of the May!" shouted several + together.</p> + + <p>"Why does she not come?" grumbled Philip.</p> + + <p>Rose, who was Susan's special friend, now came forward to + remind them that when Susan was late it was always because she + was needed at home.</p> + + <p>"Go, Rose, and tell her to make haste," cried the impatient + Philip. "Attorney Case is dining at the Abbey to-day, and if he + comes home and finds us here, perhaps he will drive us away. He + says this bit of ground belongs to his garden, but that is not + true, for Farmer Price says we have all as much right to it as + he has. He wants to rob us of our playground. I wish he and + Bab, or Miss Barbara, as I suppose we must now call her, were a + hundred miles away, I do. Just yesterday she knocked down my + ninepins on purpose as she passed with her gown trailing in the + dust."</p> + + <p>"Yes," cried Mary, "her gown is always trailing. She does + not hold it up nicely like Susan, and in spite of all her fine + clothes she never looks half so neat. Mamma says she hopes I + shall grow like Susan, and so do I. I should not like to be + vain like Barbara were I ever so rich."</p> + + <p>"Rich or poor," said Philip, "it does not become a girl to + be vain, much less bold, as Barbara was the other day. She + stood at her father's door, and stared at a strange gentleman + who stopped near by, to let his horse drink. I know what he + thought of Bab, by his looks, and of Susan too; for Susan was + in her garden, bending down a branch of the laburnum-tree, + looking at its yellow flowers which had just come out, and when + the gentleman asked her how many miles it was to the next + village, she answered him modestly, not bashfully as if she had + never seen any one before, but just right. Then she pulled on + her straw hat that had fallen back while she was looking up at + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page261" + id="page261"></a>[pg 261]</span> laburnum, and went her way + home, and the gentleman said to me after she was gone, 'Pray, + who is that neat, modest girl?' But I wish," cried Philip, + interrupting himself, "I wish Susan would come!"</p> + + <p>Barbara, still crouching on the other side of the hedge, + heard everything that was said.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/260.jpg" name="fig260s" + id="fig260s"><img width="300" src="images/260s.jpg" + alt="BENDING DOWN A BRANCH OF THE LABURNUM-TREE" /> + </a><br /> + bending down a branch of the laburnum-tree + </div> + + <p>Susan was all this time, as her friend Rose had guessed, + busy at home. She had been kept by her father's returning later + than usual. His supper was ready for him nearly an hour before + he came home, and Susan swept the hearth twice, and twice put + on wood to make a cheerful blaze for him. At last, when he did + come in, he took no notice of the blaze or of Susan; and when + his wife asked him how he was, he made no answer, but stood + with his back to the fire, looking very gloomy. Susan put his + supper upon the table, and set his own chair for him, but he + pushed away the chair and turned from the table, saying, "I + shall eat nothing, child. Why have you such a fire to roast me + at this time of year?"</p> + + <p>"You said yesterday, father, I thought, that you liked a + little cheerful wood-fire in the evening, and there was a great + shower of hail. Your coat is quite wet. We must dry it."</p> + + <p>"Take it, then, child," he said, pulling it off, "I shall + soon have no coat to dry. Take my hat, too," he went on, + throwing it upon the ground.</p> + + <p>Susan hung up his hat, put his coat over the back of a chair + to dry, and then stood looking at her mother, who was not well. + She had tired herself with baking, and now, alarmed by her + husband's strange conduct, she sat down pale and trembling. The + father threw himself into a chair, folded his arms, and gazed + into the fire.</p> + + <p>Susan was the first who ventured to break the silence. + Fondling her father, she tried to coax him to eat the supper + prepared for him. This, however, she could not persuade him to + do, but he said, with a faint smile, that he thought he could + eat one of her guinea-hen's eggs. Susan thanked him, and showed + her eagerness to please her dear father by running as fast as + she could to her neat chicken-yard. Alas! the guinea-fowl was + not there. It had strayed into the garden of Mr. Case. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page262" id="page262"></a>[pg + 262]</span> She could see it through the paling. Going to the + garden-gate, Susan timidly opened it, and seeing Miss Barbara + walk slowly by, she asked if she might come in and take her + guinea-fowl.</p> + + <p>Barbara, who at that moment was thinking of all she had + heard the village children say, started when she heard Susan's + voice.</p> + + <p>"Shut the gate," she said crossly, "you have no business in + our garden. As for the hen, I shall keep it; it is always + flying in here and plaguing us, and my father told me I might + catch it and keep it the next time it got in, and it is in + now." Then Barbara called to her maid Betty and bid her catch + the mischievous bird.</p> + + <p>"Oh, my guinea-hen! my pretty guinea-hen!" cried Susan, as + mistress and maid hunted the frightened, screaming creature + from corner to corner.</p> + + <p>"Now we have it!" said Betty, holding it fast by the + legs.</p> + + <p>"Then pay damages, Queen Susan, or you may say good-by to + your pretty guinea-hen," said Barbara in a rude tone.</p> + + <p>"It has done no damage," said Susan; "but tell me what I + must pay."</p> + + <p>"A shilling," said Barbara.</p> + + <p>"Oh, if only sixpence would do!" said Susan; "I have but + sixpence of my own in the world, and here it is."</p> + + <p>"It won't do," said Barbara, turning her back.</p> + + <p>"Nay, but hear me," cried Susan, "let me at least come in to + look for its eggs. I only want one for my father's supper. You + shall have all the rest."</p> + + <p>"What is your father or his supper to us; is he so + particular that he can eat none but guinea-hen's eggs?" said + Barbara. "If you want your hen and your eggs, pay for them, and + you shall have them."</p> + + <p>"I have only sixpence and you say that won't do," said Susan + with a sigh, as she looked at her favorite which was in the + maid's cruel hands, struggling and screaming in vain.</p> + + <p>Susan went away feeling very sad. At the door of her + father's cottage she saw her friend Rose, who had just come to + summon her to the hawthorn-bush.</p> + + <p>"They are all at the hawthorn, and I have come for you. We + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page263" id="page263"></a>[pg + 263]</span> can do nothing without you, dear Susan," cried + Rose, running to meet her the moment she saw her, "You are + chosen Queen of the May—come, make haste. But what is the + matter? Why do you look so sad?"</p> + + <p>"Ah!" said Susan, "don't wait for me; I can't come to you, + but," she added, pointing to the tuft of cowslips in the + garden, "gather those for little Mary; I promised them to her, + and tell her the violets are under a hedge just beside the + stile, on the right as we go to church. Good-by! never mind me; + I can't come—I can't stay, for my father wants me."</p> + + <p>"But don't turn away your face; I won't keep you a moment; + only tell me what is the matter," said her friend, following + her into the cottage.</p> + + <p>"Oh, nothing, not much," said Susan; "if I had not wanted + the egg in a great hurry for father, it would not have vexed + me—to be sure I should have clipped my guinea-hen's + wings, and then she could not have flown over the hedge; but + let us think no more about it now," she added, trying to hide a + tear.</p> + + <p>When Rose, however, learned that her friend's guinea-hen was + kept a prisoner by Barbara, she was hot with indignation, and + at once ran back to tell the story to her companions.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/262.jpg" name="fig262s" + id="fig262s"><img width="300" src="images/262s.jpg" + alt="'IT WON'T DO,' SAID BARBARA, TURNING HER BACK" /> + </a><br /> + "it won't do," said barbara, turning her back. + </div> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>BAD NEWS</h4> + + <p>As Susan entered the cottage parlor, Farmer Price drew his + chair close to his wife. "You see there is something amiss with + me," he said; "I must tell you what it is." Her father lowered + his voice, and Susan, who was not sure that he wished her to + hear what he was going to say, moved from behind his chair.</p> + + <p>"Susan, don't go; sit down here, sweet Susan," he said, + making room for her beside him. "I am afraid I was cross when I + came in to-night, but I had something to vex me, as you shall + hear."</p> + + <p>Then the farmer told how, a fortnight before, lots had been + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page264" id="page264"></a>[pg + 264]</span> drawn in the nearest town, to see which men there + and in the surrounding villages should leave home to be trained + as soldiers. For a hundred years ago it was in this way that + men were found to defend their country. Only if they were under + eighteen or above forty years of age could they escape drawing + lots.</p> + + <p>"Now, as I would be forty in ten days," said the farmer, "I + was told just to call myself forty then and there; but the + truth is the truth, and should be spoken at all times, come + what may. And when the lots were drawn, it fell to me among + others to leave home to be trained to fight. I was thinking how + unhappy we should be to part, when I heard that if I paid nine + guineas to another man, he would take my place, and I could + remain at home with you. I had not the money, for you know the + bad luck we had with the sheep this year, and how they died one + after the other. But I went to Mr. Case and asked him to lend + me the money. He said he would if I handed over to him my + lease, for he said, 'If you do not repay me the guineas I shall + keep the lease until you do.'"</p> + + <p>"That was a fortnight ago, and to-night Attorney Case tells + me he has discovered that, owing to some mistake in the lease, + we may be turned out of the farm at any time. But I've not come + to the worst part yet."</p> + + <p>Here Farmer Price stopped short, and his wife and Susan + gazed anxiously into his face.</p> + + <p>"The truth must be told," he said with a deep sigh, "I must + now leave you in three days."</p> + + <p>"Must you?" said his wife faintly. "Susan dear, open the + window." Susan ran to do as she was bid, and then returned to + her mother's side. The fresh air soon revived the poor woman, + and she begged her husband to go on with his story, and to hide + nothing from her.</p> + + <p>Farmer Price had no wish to hide anything from those he + loved so well. He believed that the truth should be spoken at + all times, but never had he found it so difficult as at this + moment. What had happened was this. Attorney Case had met + Farmer Price that evening. The farmer was coming home, + whistling, from a new-plowed field. The Attorney was on + horseback, and had just dined at the Abbey with Sir Arthur + Somers. The <span class="pagenum"><a name="page265" + id="page265"></a>[pg 265]</span> Abbey had until lately + belonged to Sir Arthur's elder brother, but now that he was + dead, Sir Arthur owned the estate.</p> + + <p>Attorney Case had looked after the property for the elder + brother, and was anxious to be employed by Sir Arthur. There + were many farms on the estate, and it had been part of the + Attorney's work to look after the repairs and to collect the + rents. Unfortunately, he had an unpleasant way of dealing with + the farmers, ordering them as he had no right to do, and being + harsh with those who, through misfortune, had not enough money + to to pay their rent in full. As the Attorney met Farmer Price + he stopped him, saying, "A word with you, Farmer Price, if you + please. Walk alongside my horse, and listen. You know the field + with the pink hawthorn where the village children play? I am + going to add it to my garden. I hear you say it does not belong + to me. What do you mean by that?"</p> + + <p>"I mean what I say," said Price; "the field is not yours." + So angry was the Attorney on hearing this, that he at once made + up his mind to hurt the farmer as much as he could.</p> + + <p>"My good man," he said, "you will remember that a fortnight + ago I lent you nine guineas. To-morrow morning you must return + them to me."</p> + + <p>"Those guineas," replied the farmer, "I paid, as you know, + to the man who said he would go instead of me to be trained as + a soldier. But he has not yet gone, and I can still get the + guineas back from him and go myself to be trained."</p> + + <p>The Attorney was not prepared for this answer. "I do not + want to drive you to that," he said, pretending to be kind. + "Now about the field—you do not want to add it to the + farm, do you?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not, for it is not mine."</p> + + <p>"Then why object to my having it?"</p> + + <p>"Because it is not yours. The children who play there have + the right. It belongs to the village. Truth is truth."</p> + + <p>"And a debt is a debt," shouted the angry Attorney, "and + must be paid. Bring me my nine guineas!"</p> + + <p>With a heavy heart Farmer Price walked on. He passed the + door of his cottage and went in search of the man to whom he + had paid the money. The man was quite willing to return it, as + there were many others, he said, who would be willing to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page266" id="page266"></a>[pg + 266]</span> give him the same sum or more for his services. The + moment Price got the money he took it straight to Mr. Case, + laid it on his desk and was going away, when the Attorney + called out, "Not so fast, you have forgotten your lease."</p> + + <p>"Ah yes! my lease, I had forgotten it. Let me have it."</p> + + <p>"Pardon me," said the Attorney with a cruel smile, "but I + cannot let you have it. On reading it over I find that owing to + a mistake you may be turned out of the farm at any time. I must + keep it to show to Sir Arthur. I have no doubt he will want me + to look after things for him as I did for his brother. Now + perhaps you wish you had quietly let me add the field to my + garden."</p> + + <p>Farmer Price said nothing, but dragged himself home a sad + man.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/266.jpg" name="fig266s" + id="fig266s"><img width="300" src="images/266s.jpg" + alt="'AND HERE'S HER CROWN!' CRIED ROSE" /></a><br /> + "and here's her crown!" cried rose + </div> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>SUSAN'S GUINEA-FOWL</h4> + + <p>When Susan had heard her father's story, she quite forgot + the loss of her guinea-hen, and thought only of her poor mother + who, try as she might, could not bear the bad news. In the + middle of the night Susan was roused, as Mrs. Price had become + ill, and it was not until early morning that the poor woman + fell asleep, her daughter's hand locked fast in hers. Susan + remained sitting by the bedside, breathing quietly. Then seeing + the candle burn low, she gently withdrew her hand, and on + tiptoe went to put out the light, lest the unpleasant smell + should wake her mother. All was silent. The gray light of dawn + stole into the little room; the sun rose slowly, and Susan + peered through the small panes of the lattice window at the + glorious sight. A few birds began to chirp, and as the little + girl listened to them, her mother started and spoke in her + sleep. Susan quickly hung up a white apron before the window to + keep out the light, and at the same moment she heard in the + distance the voices of the village children singing their + Mayday songs. Soon she could see them, Philip leading the way + playing upon his pipe and tabor, the others following with + nosegays and garlands in their hands. They were coming towards + the cottage. Quickly <span class="pagenum"><a name="page267" + id="page267"></a>[pg 267]</span> but quietly Susan unlatched + the door and ran to meet them.</p> + + <p>"Here she is!—here's Susan!" they exclaimed + joyfully.</p> + + <p>"Here's the Queen of the May!"</p> + + <p>"And here's her crown!" cried Rose, pressing forward.</p> + + <p>But Susan put her finger to her lips, and pointed to her + mother's window. Philip's pipe stopped at once.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said Susan, "but my mother is ill. I can't + leave her, you know." Then as she gently put aside the crown, + her companions asked her to say who should wear it for her.</p> + + <p>"Will you, dear Rose?" she said, placing the garland upon + her friend's head. "It's a charming May morning," she added, + with a smile; "good-by. We shall not hear your voices or the + pipe when you have turned the corner into the village, so you + need only stop till then, Philip."</p> + + <p>"I shall stop for all day," said Philip: "I've no wish to + play any more."</p> + + <p>"Good-by, poor Susan! It is a pity you can't come with us," + said all the children.</p> + + <p>Little Mary ran after Susan to the cottage door. "I forgot + to thank you," she said, "for the cowslips. Look how pretty + they are, and smell how sweet the violets are that I wear, and + kiss me quick or I shall be left behind."</p> + + <p>Susan kissed the little breathless girl, and returned softly + to the side of her mother's bed. "How grateful that child is to + me for a cowslip only! How can I be grateful enough to such a + mother as this?" she said to herself, as she bent over the pale + face of her sleeping mother.</p> + + <p>Her mother's unfinished knitting lay upon a table near the + bed, and Susan sat down in her wicker armchair, and went on + with the row, in the middle of which Mrs. Price had stopped the + evening before. "She taught me to knit, she taught me + everything that I know," thought Susan, "and best of all, she + taught me to love her, to wish to be like her." Mrs. Price, + when she awoke, felt much better, but slowly there came back to + her memory the sad news she had heard the evening before. She + asked herself if it could have been a dream, but no, it was all + too true. She could recall her husband's look as he had said, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page268" id="page268"></a>[pg + 268]</span> "I must leave you in three days." Then suddenly she + roused herself. "Why! he'll want, he'll want a hundred things," + she said. "I must get his linen ready for him. I'm afraid it's + very late. Susan, why did you let me sleep so long?"</p> + + <p>"Everything shall be ready, dear mother; only don't hurry," + said Susan. And indeed her mother was not able to bear any + hurry, or to do any work that day. Susan's loving help was + never more wanted. She understood so well, she obeyed so + exactly, and when she was left to herself, judged so wisely, + that her mother had little trouble in directing her. She said + that Susan never did too little or too much.</p> + + <p>Susan was mending her father's linen, when Rose tapped + softly at the window, and beckoned to her to come out. She + went.</p> + + <p>"How is your mother, in the first place?" said Rose.</p> + + <p>"Better, thank you."</p> + + <p>"That is nice, and I have a little bit of good news for you + besides—here," she said, pulling out a purse, in which + there was money. "We'll get the guinea-hen back again—we + have all agreed about it. This is the money that has been given + to us in the village this May morning. At every door they gave + silver. See how generous they have been—twelve shillings. + Now we are a match for Miss Barbara. You won't like to leave + home, so I'll go to her, and you shall see your guinea-hen in + ten minutes."</p> + + <p>Rose hurried away, filled with joy at the thought that soon + she would return to Susan with her lost bird.</p> + + <p>Miss Barbara's maid, Betty, was the first person she saw on + reaching the Attorney's house. Rose said she must see Barbara + and was shown into a parlor where the young lady sat reading a + book.</p> + + <p>"How you startled me! Is it only you?" she said, looking up + and seeing no one but the maid. Then, as she caught sight of + Rose, she went on, "You should have said I was not at home. + Pray, my good girl, what do you want?" she said, turning to + Rose. "Is it to borrow or to beg that you are here?"</p> + + <p>"The person from whom I come does not wish either to borrow + or to beg, but to pay for what she asks," answered Rose. Then + opening her well-filled purse, she held out to Barbara a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page269" id="page269"></a>[pg + 269]</span> bright shilling, saying, "Now please be so good as + to give me Susan's guinea-hen."</p> + + <p>"You may keep your shilling," replied Barbara. "It would + have been enough if it had been paid yesterday when I asked for + it, but I told Susan that as it was not paid then I should keep + the hen, and I shall. You may go back and tell her so."</p> + + <p>While Barbara spoke she had been looking into the open purse + in Rose's hand. She thought she could count at least ten + shillings. Could she not manage to get at least five of them + for the guinea-hen, she wondered?</p> + + <p>Rose little guessed what was going on in Barbara's mind, and + exclaimed angrily, "We must have Susan's favorite hen, whatever + it costs. If one shilling won't do, take two. If two won't do, + take three," and she flung the coins one after the other on the + table.</p> + + <p>"Three won't do," said Barbara.</p> + + <p>"Then take four."</p> + + <p>Barbara shook her head.</p> + + <p>A fifth shilling was offered, but Barbara, seeing that she + had the game in her own hands, was silent.</p> + + <p>Then Rose threw down shilling after shilling, till twelve + bright pieces lay on the table, and her purse was empty.</p> + + <p>"Now you may take the guinea-hen," said Barbara.</p> + + <p>Rose pushed the money towards the greedy girl, but at the + same moment remembered that it had not belonged to herself + alone. At once she seized the silver coins, and saying that she + must first see if the friends with whom she shared them were + willing to part with them, she ran off.</p> + + <p>When the children heard Rose's story, they were amazed, that + even Barbara could be so mean, but they all agreed that at any + cost the guinea-fowl must be set free. In a body they went to + Susan and told her so, at the same time handing her the purse. + Then they ran off without waiting to be thanked. Rose only + stayed behind. Susan knew that she must accept the present + gladly, just as she would give one gladly. She was much touched + by the kindness of her friends, but she took the purse as + simply as she would have given + it.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page270" + id="page270"></a>[pg 270]</span> + + <p>"Well," said Rose, "shall I go back for the guinea-hen?"</p> + + <p>"The guinea-hen!" said Susan, starting from a dream into + which she had fallen as she looked at the purse. "Certainly I + do long to see my pretty guinea-hen once more; but I was not + thinking of her just then—I was thinking of my + father."</p> + + <p>Now Susan had often that day heard her mother wish that she + had but money enough in the world to pay to the man who was + willing to be trained to fight instead of her husband.</p> + + <p>"This, to be sure, will go but a little way," thought Susan; + "but still it may be of some use." She told her thought to + Rose, and ended by saying that if the money was given to her to + spend as she pleased, she would give it to her father.</p> + + <p>"It is all yours, my dear, good Susan!" cried Rose. "This is + so like you!—but I'm sorry that Miss Bab must keep your + guinea-hen. I would not be her for all the guinea-hens, or + guineas either, in the whole world. Why, the guinea-hen won't + make her happy, and you'll be happy even without it, because + you are good. Let me come and help you to-morrow," she went on, + looking at Susan's work, "if you have any more mending to + do—I never liked work till I worked with you. I won't + forget my thimble or my scissors," she added, + laughing—"though I used to forget them when I was a + wilder girl. I assure you I am clever with my needle + now—try me."</p> + + <p>Susan told her friend that she would most gladly accept her + help, but that she had finished all the needlework that was + wanted at present. "But do you know," she went on, "I shall be + very busy to-morrow. I won't tell you what it is that I have to + do, for I am afraid I shall not succeed, but if I do succeed, + I'll come and tell you directly, because you will be so + glad."</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <h4>SUSAN VISITS THE ABBEY</h4> + + <p>Susan, who had always been attentive to what her mother + taught her, and who had often helped her when she was baking + bread and cakes for the family at the Abbey, now thought that + she could herself bake a batch of bread. One of the new + servants <span class="pagenum"><a name="page271" + id="page271"></a>[pg 271]</span> from the Abbey had been sent + all round the village in the morning in search of loaves, and + had not been able to procure any that were eatable. Mrs. + Price's last baking had failed for want of good yeast. She was + not now strong enough to attempt another herself, and when the + brewer's boy came to tell her that he had some fine fresh + yeast, she thanked him, but sighed and said she feared it would + be of little use to her. But Susan went to work with great + care, and the next morning when her bread came out of the oven, + it was excellent: at least her mother said so, and she was a + good judge. It was sent to the Abbey, and as the family had not + tasted any good bread since they had come there, they also were + warm in its praise. With some surprise, they heard from the + housekeeper that this excellent bread was made by a young girl + only twelve years old. The housekeeper, who had known Susan + since she was a child, was pleased to have a chance to speak + about her.</p> + + <p>"She is the busiest little creature, ma'am, in the world," + she said to her mistress. "I can't so well call her little now + though, since she's grown tall and slender to look at; and glad + I am she is grown up good to look at; for handsome is that + handsome does, ma'am. She thinks no more of her being handsome + than I do myself; yet she has as proper a respect for herself, + ma'am, as you have; and I always see her neat, and she is + always with her mother, or fit people, as a girl should be. As + for her mother, she dotes upon her, as well she may; for I + should myself if I had half such a daughter, ma'am; and then + she has two little brothers, and she's as good to them and, my + boy Philip says, taught them to read more than the + school-mistress did; but I beg your pardon, ma'am, I cannot + stop myself when I once begin to talk of Susan."</p> + + <p>"You have really said enough to make me wish to see her," + said her mistress. "Pray send for her now; we can see her + before we go out to walk."</p> + + <p>The kind housekeeper gladly sent off her boy Philip for + Susan, who was never so untidy that she could not come at once + when sent for. She had been very busy, but orderly people can + be busy and neat at the same time. Putting on her usual straw + hat, she set out for the Abbey. On the way she overtook Rose's + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page272" id="page272"></a>[pg + 272]</span> mother, who was going there too with a basket of + fresh muslin. When Susan reached the Abbey, her simple dress + and manners and the good sense with which she answered the + questions put to her, pleased the ladies greatly. They saw that + the housekeeper had not spoken too highly of the farmer's + daughter.</p> + + <p>These two ladies were the sisters of Sir Arthur Somers. They + were kind and wise; kind in wishing to spread happiness among + their poor neighbors, and wise in wishing these people to be + happy in their own way. They did not wish to manage them, but + only to help them. As Sir Arthur was always willing to aid his + sisters, it seemed as if they would prove a blessing in in the + village near which they had come to live. When Susan took leave + of the ladies, she was told they would call at her home that + evening at six o'clock. Such a grand event as Susan's visit to + the Abbey soon became known to Barbara Case and her maid, and + together they watched for her return.</p> + + <p>"There she is! She has just gone into her garden," cried + Bab; "we'll run in at once and hear all about it."</p> + + <p>Susan was gathering some marigolds and parsley for her + mother's soup. "Well, Susan, and how are things going with you + to-day?" asked Barbara.</p> + + <p>"My mother is rather better, she says; thank you, + ma'am."</p> + + <p>"'Ma'am, how polite we have grown all of a sudden!" said + Bab, winking at her maid. "One can see you have been in good + company. Come, tell us all about it."</p> + + <p>"Did you see the ladies themselves," asked Betty, "or only + the housekeeper?"</p> + + <p>"What room were you in?" went on Bab. "Did you see Miss + Somers or Sir Arthur?"</p> + + <p>"Miss Somers," replied Susan.</p> + + <p>"Betty, she saw Miss Somers! I must hear about it. Susan, + stop gathering those things, and have a chat with us."</p> + + <p>"I can't indeed, Miss Barbara, for my mother wants her soup, + and I am in a hurry." And Susan ran home.</p> + + <p>"Would you believe it, her head is full of soup now?" said + Bab to her maid. "She seems to think nothing of her visit to + the Abbey. My papa may well call her <i>Simple Susan</i>. But + simple or not I mean to get what I want out of her. Maybe + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page273" id="page273"></a>[pg + 273]</span> when she has settled the grand matter of the soup, + she'll be able to speak. I'll step in and ask to see her + mother. That will put her in a good humor in a trice."</p> + + <p>Barbara went to the cottage and found Susan standing over a + pot on the fire. "Is the soup ready?" she asked. "I'll wait + till you take it in to your mother and go in with you. I want + to ask her how she is, myself."</p> + + <p>"Sit down then, miss," said Susan, "I have put in the + parsley, so the soup is nearly ready."</p> + + <p>Barbara sat down and plied Susan with questions. How was + Miss Somers dressed? Were the sisters dressed alike? What were + they having for dinner at the Abbey? Above all, what could Miss + Somers mean by saying she would call at Farmer Price's cottage + at six o'clock that evening? "What do you think she could + mean?" asked Barbara.</p> + + <p>"What she said," replied Susan, "that she would be here at + six o'clock."</p> + + <p>"That's plain enough," said Barbara, "but what else do you + think she meant? People, you know, often mean more or less than + they say."</p> + + <p>"They do," answered Susan, with a smile that made Barbara + guess of whom she was thinking.</p> + + <p>But Bab did not mean Susan to know that she guessed, so she + said, "I suppose you think that Miss Somers meant more than she + said?"</p> + + <p>"I was not thinking of Miss Somers when I said what I did," + replied Susan.</p> + + <p>There was a pause, and then Bab remarked, "How nice the soup + looks!"</p> + + <p>Susan had poured it into a basin, and as she dropped over it + the bright yellow marigold, it looked very tempting. She tasted + it and added a little salt; tasted it again, and added a little + more. Then she thought it was just as her mother liked it.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I must taste it!" said Bab, seizing the basin + greedily.</p> + + <p>"Won't you take a spoon?" said Susan, trembling as she saw + the big mouthfuls Barbara took with a loud noise.</p> + + <p>"Take a spoon, indeed!" exclaimed Bab. "How dare you, how + dare you speak so to me? 'Take a spoon, pig!' was what + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page274" id="page274"></a>[pg + 274]</span> you meant to say! I'll never enter your cottage + again!" And she flounced out of the house.</p> + + <p>Susan stood still, amazed at the beginning of Barbara's + speech, but her last words explained the sudden outburst.</p> + + <p>Some years before this time, when Susan was a very little + girl and could scarcely speak, as she was eating a basin of + bread and milk for supper at the cottage door, a great pig came + up and put his nose into the basin. Susan was willing that the + pig should have some share of the bread and milk, but as she + ate with a spoon and he with his large mouth, she soon found + that he was likely to have more than his share; and she said to + him, "Take a poon, pig." The saying became a proverb in the + village, and Susan's little companions quoted it when any one + claimed more than his share of anything good. Barbara, who was + then not Miss Barbara, but plain Bab, and who played with all + the poor children in the village, was often reproved by Susan's + proverb. Susan, as she grew up, forgot the childish saying, but + Barbara remembered it, and it was this that she thought was in + Susan's mind when she asked her to take a spoon.</p> + + <p>"Indeed, miss," said Betty, when she found Barbara in a + passion upon her return from the cottage, "indeed I wonder you + set your foot within the door. Your own papa has been at the + Abbey all morning, and you can hear all you wish to know from + him."</p> + + <p>Barbara at once ran to her father's parlor, but saw at a + glance that he was in no mood to answer questions. Instead of + leaving him alone, she did all in her power to find out why he + had been at the Abbey, and what he had seen and heard there. + And when she found that her father would tell her nothing, she + ran back to her maid, saying, "Papa is so cross! I cannot put + up with him."</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <h4>SUSAN'S PET LAMB</h4> + + <p>It is true that Attorney Case was not in a happy mood. His + visit to the Abbey had made him feel sure that Sir Arthur and + he would not agree about the treatment of the farmers who + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page275" id="page275"></a>[pg + 275]</span> lived on the estate. One matter they had talked + about was Sir Arthur's wish to enlarge his grounds and make a + drive round them. A map of the estate lay upon the table and + they looked at it together.</p> + + <p>"Ah! but I see this new road for the drive would run through + Farmer Price's garden," said Sir Arthur. "That would never + do."</p> + + <p>"It need not trouble you," said Attorney Case, "you may do + as you like with Price's land."</p> + + <p>"How so?" asked Sir Arthur. "His lease will not be out for + ten years, I believe."</p> + + <p>"True, that would have been the case had there not been a + mistake in it. I have the lease and can show you." The + heartless man then went on to explain to Sir Arthur what the + mistake was.</p> + + <p>Sir Arthur remained silent.</p> + + <p>"Oh! I see," said the Attorney. "You do not wish to annoy + Farmer Price. But just put the matter into my hands and I will + manage it for you."</p> + + <p>"You seem to forget that to take the farm out of this poor + man's hands would be to ruin him," replied Sir Arthur, + quietly.</p> + + <p>"Indeed," said the wicked Attorney, "indeed I should be + sorry for that, if it were not that Farmer Price is such an + unruly, stubborn man."</p> + + <p>"An unruly man, is he? If that be so, the sooner he leaves + the place the better. When you go home, you will be good enough + to send me the lease that I may, for myself, see the + mistake."</p> + + <p>Attorney Case got up to go. But before he went, he thought + he must try to find out if Sir Arthur was going to employ him + to look after the estate, that is, if he was to be the agent. + "I will not trouble you about this lease, Sir Arthur," he said, + "but will hand it to your agent, if you will inform me who is + to have that post."</p> + + <p>"I mean to be my own agent," answered Sir Arthur, "and will + myself look after the happiness of the people among whom I have + come to live."</p> + + <p>It was the surprise of this reply that had sent Attorney + Case <span class="pagenum"><a name="page276" + id="page276"></a>[pg 276]</span> home so cross that Barbara had + said to Betty she could not put up with him.</p> + + <p>When his daughter had left him atone, the Attorney walked up + and down the room deep in thought. "At any rate," he said to + himself at last, "if Sir Arthur means to manage the estate + himself in summer, he at least will need an agent in winter. I + must try to get the post." And he still walked up and down, + trying to think of some plan by which he would find favor at + the Abbey. Now that morning he had heard the housekeeper at the + Abbey ask the servants if any lamb were to be had in the + village, as Sir Arthur would like to have it one day soon for + dinner.</p> + + <p>Knowing that he himself treated those farmers best who from + time to time gave him presents, Attorney Case thought that if + he sent a gift to Sir Arthur, it might help him to get what he + wished.</p> + + <p>No sooner had the idea struck him than the Attorney went to + the kitchen. Standing at the door was a shepherd-boy. Barbara, + too, was there.</p> + + <p>"Do you know of a nice fat lamb?" the Attorney asked the + lad.</p> + + <p>Before the shepherd-boy could answer, Barbara exclaimed, "I + know of one. Susan Price has a pet lamb that is as fat as fat + can be."</p> + + <p>At once Attorney Case walked over to Farmer Price's cottage. + He found Susan packing her father's little wardrobe, and as she + looked up, he saw she had been in tears.</p> + + <p>"How is your mother to-day, Susan?" inquired the + Attorney.</p> + + <p>"Worse, sir. My father goes to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"That's a pity."</p> + + <p>"It can't be helped," said Susan, with a sigh.</p> + + <p>"It can't be helped—how do you know that?" said Mr. + Case.</p> + + <p>"Sir, dear sir!" cried she, looking up at him, and a sudden + ray of hope beamed in her sweet face.</p> + + <p>"What if you could help it, Susan?" he said.</p> + + <p>Susan clasped her hands in silence.</p> + + <p>"You can help it, Susan." She started up. "What would you + give now to have your father at home for a whole week + longer?"</p> + + <p>"Anything!—but I have + nothing."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page277" + id="page277"></a>[pg 277]</span> + + <p>"Yes, you have a lamb," said the hard-hearted Attorney.</p> + + <p>"My poor little Daisy!" said Susan; "but what good can she + do?"</p> + + <p>"What good can any lamb do? Is not lamb good to eat? Why do + you look so pale, girl? Are not sheep killed every day, and + don't you eat mutton? Is your lamb better than anybody else's, + think you?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," said Susan, "but I love her dearly."</p> + + <p>"More silly you," said he.</p> + + <p>"She feeds out of my hand, she follows me about; I have + always taken care of her; my mother gave her to me."</p> + + <p>"Well, say no more about it, then; if you love your lamb + better than both your father and your mother, keep it, and good + morning to you."</p> + + <p>"Stay, oh stay!" cried Susan, catching his coat with an + eager, trembling hand—"a whole week, did you say? My + mother may get better in that time. No, I do not love Daisy + half so well." The struggle in her mind ceased, and with a calm + voice she said, "Take the lamb."</p> + + <p>"Where is it?" said the Attorney.</p> + + <p>"Grazing in the meadow, by the river-side."</p> + + <p>"It must be brought up before nightfall for the butcher, + remember."</p> + + <p>"I shall not forget it," said Susan, steadily.</p> + + <p>As soon, however, as the cruel man turned his back and left + the house, Susan sat down, and hid her face in her hands. She + was soon roused by the sound of her mother's feeble voice + calling her from the inner room where she lay. Susan went + in.</p> + + <p>"Are you there, love? I thought I heard some strange voice + just now talking to my child. Something's amiss, Susan," her + mother went on, raising herself as well as she could in bed, to + look at her daughter's face.</p> + + <p>"Would you think it amiss, then, my dear mother," said + Susan, stooping to kiss her—"would you think it amiss if + my father was to stay with us a week longer?"</p> + + <p>"Susan! you don't say so?"</p> + + <p>"He is, indeed, a whole week—but how burning hot your + hand is still."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page278" + id="page278"></a>[pg 278]</span> + + <p>"Are you sure he will stay?" asked her mother. "How do you + know? Who told you so? Tell me all quick!"</p> + + <p>"Attorney Case told me so; he can get him leave for a week + longer, and he has promised he will."</p> + + <p>"God bless him for it for ever and ever!" said the poor + woman, joining her hands. "May the blessing of Heaven be with + him!"</p> + + <p>Susan was silent. The next moment she was called out of the + room, for a messenger had come from the Abbey for the + bread-bill. Susan always made out the bills, for although she + had not had many writing-lessons, she had taken great pains to + learn, and wrote in a neat, clear hand. It is true she was in + no mood to write or add now, but the work must be done. Having + carefully ruled lines for the pounds, shillings and pence, she + made out the bill and gave it to the boy who waited for it. + Then she said to herself she would make out the other bills, + for many of the people in the village had bought a few loaves + and rolls of her making. "And when these are done, I may go + down to the meadow to take leave of my poor lamb."</p> + + <p>But Susan could not find her slate, and when she did find it + many of the figures were blurred, for Barbara had sat upon it. + And then the numbers seemed to dance before her, and each time + that she added, the answer was different. She went over and + over the sums until her head ached. The table was covered with + little square bits of paper on which she had written the bills + when her father came in, holding in his hand an account.</p> + + <p>"Look at this, Susan!" he said, handing it to her. "How + could you be so careless, child? What have you been thinking + about to let a bill like that go to the Abbey? Luckily, I met + the messenger and asked to see how much it was. Look at + it."</p> + + <p>Susan looked and blushed. Instead of "loaves" she had + written "lambs." She altered the mistake and handed the bill to + her father. He, meantime, was looking at the papers lying on + the table.</p> + + <p>"What are all these, child?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Some of them were wrong, and I wrote them out again."</p> + + <p>"Some of them! All of them as far as I can see," said her + father rather angrily, pointing to the + papers.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page279" + id="page279"></a>[pg 279]</span> + + <p>Susan read the bills. Most of them were for lambs instead of + for loaves or rolls. Her thoughts had indeed been running upon + the pet she was to part with so soon.</p> + + <p>Once more she wrote the bills, and her father, who was + struck by the patient way she set to work, said he would + himself collect the money. He would be proud to be able to say + to the neighbors that it was all earned by his own little + daughter. Susan heard him sigh as he passed the knapsack she + had packed for him, but she thought she would keep the pleasure + of telling him of his week's leave until he came home. He had + said he would have supper in her mother's room. She would tell + the good news then. "How delighted he will be when he hears," + she said to herself, "but I know he will be sorry too for poor + Daisy."</p> + + <p>Susan thought she would now have time to run down to the + meadow by the river-side to see her favorite, but just as she + had tied on her straw hat the clock struck four. This was the + hour at which she always went to fetch her brothers from the + school near the village. So, as she knew that the little boys + would be sorry if she were late, she put off her visit to the + lamb and went at once to meet them.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <h4>THE BLIND HARPER</h4> + + <p>The dame-school, which was about a mile from the village, + was a long, low house with a thatched roof. It was sheltered by + a few old oaks, under which the grandparents and + great-grandparents of the children now at school had played + long ago. The play-green sloped down from the front of the + school, and was enclosed by a rough paling. The children obeyed + and loved the dame who taught them, for she was ever quick to + praise them when they did well, and to give them all the + pleasure she could. Susan had been taught by her, and the dame + often told her little pupils that they must try to be like her, + wise and modest, gentle and kind. As she now opened the gate, + she heard the merry voices of the little ones, and saw them + streaming out of the narrow door and scattering over the + green.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page280" + id="page280"></a>[pg 280]</span> + + <p>"Oh, there's Susan!" cried her two little brothers, running, + leaping and bounding up to her; and many of the other rosy boys + and girls crowded round her to tell of their games.</p> + + <p>Susan always liked to hear of all that made others happy, + but she had to tell the children that if they all spoke at once + she would not be able to hear what any of them said. The voices + were still raised one above the other, all eager to tell about + ninepins, or marbles, or tops, or bows and arrows, when + suddenly music was heard. The children at once became silent, + and looked round to see whence the sound came. Susan pointed to + the great oak-tree, and they saw, sitting under its shade, an + old man playing upon his harp. The children all drew near + quietly, for the music was solemn; but as the harper heard + little footsteps coming towards him, he played one of his more + lively tunes. The merry troop pressed nearer and nearer to the + old man. Then some of those who were in front whispered to each + other, "He is blind." "What a pity!" "He looks very poor." + "What a ragged coat he wears!" "He must be very old, for his + hair is white; and he must have come a long way, for his shoes + are quite worn out."</p> + + <p>All this was said while the harper tuned his harp. When he + once more began to play, not a word was spoken, but every now + and again there was a cry of delight. The old man then let the + children name the airs they would like best to hear. Each, time + Susan spoke, he turned his face quickly to where she stood, and + played the tune she asked for over and over again.</p> + + <p>"I am blind," he said, "and cannot see your faces, but I can + tell something about each of you by your voices."</p> + + <p>"Can you indeed?" cried Susan's little brother William, who + was now standing between the old man's knees. "It was my sister + Susan who spoke last. Can you tell us something about her?"</p> + + <p>"That I can, I think," said the harper, lifting the little + boy on his knee. "Your sister Susan is good-natured."</p> + + <p>William clapped his hands.</p> + + <p>"And good-tempered."</p> + + <p>"Right," said little William, clapping louder than + before.</p> + + <p>"And very fond of the little boy who sits on my + knee."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page281" + id="page281"></a>[pg 281]</span> + + <p>"Oh! right, right, quite right!" exclaimed the child, and + "quite right" echoed on all sides.</p> + + <p>"But how do you know so much, when you are blind?" said + William, looking hard at the old man.</p> + + <p>"Hush!" whispered John, who was a year older than his + brother and very wise, "you should not remind him that he is + blind."</p> + + <p>"Though I am blind," said the harper, "I can hear, you know, + and I heard from your sister herself all that I told you of + her, that she was good-tempered and good-natured and fond of + you."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that's wrong—you did not hear all that from her, + I'm sure," said John, "for nobody ever hears her praising + herself."</p> + + <p>"Did not I hear her tell you," said the harper, "when you + first came round me, that she was in a great hurry to go home, + but that she would stay a little while, since you wished it so + much? Was not that good-natured? And when you said you did not + like the tune she liked best, she was not angry with you, but + said, 'Then play William's first, if you please.' Was not that + good-tempered?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes," said William, "it's all true; but how did you + find out she was fond of me?"</p> + + <p>"That is such a hard question," said the harper, "that I + must take time to think."</p> + + <p>He tuned his harp, as he thought, or seemed to think, and at + this instant two boys, who had been searching for birds' nests + in the hedges and who had heard the sound of the harp, came + blustering up, and pushing their way through the circle, one of + them exclaimed, "What's going on here? Who are you, my old + fellow? A blind harper! Well, play us a tune, if you can play a + good one—play—let's see, what shall he play, Bob?" + added he, turning to his companion. "Play 'Bumper Squire + Jones.'"</p> + + <p>The old man, though he did not seem quite pleased with the + way in which he was asked, played "Bumper Squire Jones." + Several tunes were afterwards named by the same rough + voice.</p> + + <p>The little children shrunk back shyly, as they looked at the + bold boy. He was the son of Attorney Case, and as his father + had not cured his temper when he was a child, it became worse + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page282" id="page282"></a>[pg + 282]</span> and worse as he grew up. All who were younger and + weaker than himself were afraid of him and disliked him. When + the old harper was so tired that he could play no more, a lad + who usually carried his harp for him came up, and held his + master's hat to those around, saying, "Will you please remember + us?" The children readily gave their halfpence to this poor, + good-natured man, who had taken so much pains to amuse them. It + pleased them better even than to give them to the + gingerbread-woman, whose stall they loved to visit. The hat was + held to the Attorney's son before he chose to see it. At last + he put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a shilling. + There was sixpenny-worth of halfpence in the hat. "I'll take + these halfpence," said he, "and here's a shilling for you."</p> + + <p>"God bless you, sir," said the lad; but as he took the + shilling which the young gentleman had slyly put into the blind + man's hand, he saw that it was not worth one farthing. "I am + afraid It is not good, sir," said the lad, whose business it + was to look at the money for his master.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid, then, you'll get no other," said young Case, + with a rude laugh.</p> + + <p>"It never will do, sir, look at it yourself; the edges are + all yellow. You can see the copper through it quite plain. Sir, + nobody will take it from us."</p> + + <p>"I have nothing to do with that," said the rude boy, pushing + away his hand. "You may pass it, you know, as well as I do, if + you look sharp. You have taken it from me, and I shan't take it + back again, I can tell you."</p> + + <p>A whisper of "that's very unjust," was heard.</p> + + <p>"Who says it's unjust?" cried the Attorney's son sternly, + looking down upon his judges.</p> + + <p>"Is any one here among yourselves a judge of silver?" said + the old man.</p> + + <p>"Yes, here's the butcher's boy," said the Attorney's son; + "show it to him."</p> + + <p>He was a quiet, timid boy, and young Case fancied that he + would be afraid to say what he thought. However, after turning + the shilling round several times, the butcher's lad said that + so far as he could tell, although he would not like to be + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page283" id="page283"></a>[pg + 283]</span> quite sure of it, the coin was not a good one. + Then, seeing the Attorney's son scowl angrily at him, he turned + to Susan saying that she knew more than he did about money, as + so much passed through her hands in payment of the bread she + made.</p> + + <p>"I'll leave it to her," said the old harper. "If she says + the shilling is good, we will keep it."</p> + + <p>The coin was then handed to Susan, who had not yet spoken, + but now that she was called upon she did not shrink from + telling the truth. In a gentle but firm tone she said, "I think + the shilling is a bad one."</p> + + <p>"There's another then," cried the Attorney's son; "I have + plenty of shillings and sixpences. They are nothing to me." And + he walked away.</p> + + <p>The children now all started for their homes, and the old + harper begged that Susan would show him the way to the village, + if she were going there. The lad took up the harp and little + William led the old man by the hand, while John ran on before + to gather buttercups in the meadows. When they reached a little + brook which they must cross by a narrow plank, Susan was afraid + to leave the harper to the care of his little guide, so she + herself took his hand and led him safely to the other side.</p> + + <p>Soon they reached the road, and Susan told the boy who + carried his master's harp that he could not now lose his way. + She then said good-by to the harper, adding that she and her + brothers must take the short path across the fields, which + would not be so pleasant for him because of the stiles.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid Miss Somers will be waiting," said Susan to to + her brothers as they ran along together. "You know she said she + would call at six o'clock, and I am sure by the length of our + shadows that it is getting late."</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <h4>GOOD NEWS</h4> + + <p>When they came to their own cottage-door, they heard voices, + and they saw, when they entered, two ladies standing in the + kitchen.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page284" + id="page284"></a>[pg 284]</span> + + <p>"Come in, Susan," said Miss Somers, "I fancy you forgot that + we promised to pay you a visit this evening; but you need not + blush so much, there is no great harm done; we have only been + here about five minutes and we have been admiring your neat + garden and your tidy shelves. Is it you, Susan, who keeps these + things in such nice order?" went on Miss Somers, looking round + the kitchen.</p> + + <p>Before Susan could reply, little William pushed forward and + answered, "Yes, ma'am, it is my sister Susan that keeps + everything neat; and she always comes to school for us too, + which was what caused her to be so late."</p> + + <p>"Because," went on John, "she would not refuse to let us + hear a blind man play on the harp. It was we who kept her, and + we hope, ma'am, as you seem so good, you won't take it + amiss."</p> + + <p>Miss Somers and her sister smiled as they listened to + Susan's little brothers, but what they heard made them feel + sure that Susan was indeed as kind a sister as the housekeeper + had said.</p> + + <p>When the ladies left the cottage, they took Susan with them + through the village.</p> + + <p>"I fancy we shall find what we want here," said Miss Somers, + stopping before a shop-window where ribbons of all colors were + displayed, and where lace collars, glass buttons and sheets of + pins were laid out in order. They went in, and on the shelves + behind the counter saw gay, neat linens and calicoes.</p> + + <p>"Now, Susan, choose yourself a gown," said Miss Somers. + "Because you are a busy girl and behave well, we wish others to + see that such is the conduct we approve."</p> + + <p>The shopkeeper was the father of Susan's friend, Rose. He + stretched his arm to the highest shelf, then dived into drawers + beneath the counter, sparing no pains to show the best goods to + his customers.</p> + + <p>Susan did not show the interest that might have been + expected. She was thinking much of her lamb and more of her + father. Miss Somers had put a bright guinea into her hand and + told her to pay for her own gown. But Susan felt that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page285" id="page285"></a>[pg + 285]</span> this was a great deal of money to spend upon a + frock for herself, and yet she did not know how to ask if she + might keep it for a better purpose. Although Susan said + nothing, Miss Somers read in her face that she was perplexed. + "She does not like any of these things," whispered the lady to + her sister.</p> + + <p>"She seems to be thinking of something else," was the low + reply.</p> + + <p>"If you do not fancy any of these calicoes," said the + shopkeeper to Susan, "we shall have a larger choice soon."</p> + + <p>"Oh," answered Susan, with a smile, and a blush, "these are + all too good for me, but—"</p> + + <p>"But what, Susan?" asked Miss Somers. "Tell us what is + passing in your little mind."</p> + + <p>Susan said nothing.</p> + + <p>"Well then, it does not matter. You do not know us very well + yet. When you do, you will not, I am sure, be afraid to be + frank. Put the guinea in your pocket and make what use of it + you please. From what we know and from what we have heard of + you, we are sure you will make a good use of it."</p> + + <p>"I think, madam," said the shopkeeper, "I have a pretty good + guess what will become of that guinea, but I say nothing."</p> + + <p>"No, that is right," said Miss Somers; "we leave Susan to do + just as she likes with it, and now we must not keep her any + longer. Good night, Susan, we shall soon come again to your + neat cottage."</p> + + <p>Susan courtesied and looked gratefully at the ladies, but + did not speak. She wished to say, "I cannot explain to you + here, with people around, what I want to do with my guinea, but + when you come to our cottage you shall know all."</p> + + <p>After Susan had left, Miss Somers turned to the obliging + shopkeeper who was folding up all the goods he had opened. "You + have had a great deal of trouble," she said, "and as Susan will + not choose a gown for herself, I must find one for her," and + she chose the prettiest.</p> + + <p>While the man rolled up the parcel, Miss Somers asked him + many questions about Susan, and he was only too glad to be able + to tell what he knew about the good girl.</p> + + <p>"No later than last May morning," he said, "Susan acted + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page286" id="page286"></a>[pg + 286]</span> as it will please you to hear. She was to have been + Queen of the May, which among the children in our village is a + thing a good deal thought of. But Susan's mother was ill, and + Susan, after being up with her all night, would not go out in + the morning, even when they brought the crown to her. She put + it upon my daughter Rose's head with her own hands, and to be + sure Rose loves her as well as if she were her own sister. If I + praise Susan it is not that I am any relation of the Prices, + but just that I wish her well, as does every one that knows + her. I'll send the parcel up to the Abbey, shall I, ma'am?"</p> + + <p>"If you please," said Miss Somers, "and as soon as your new + goods come in, let us know. You will, I hope, find us good + customers and well-wishers," she added, with a smile, "for + those who wish others well surely deserve to have well-wishers + themselves."</p> + + <p>But to return to Susan. When she left the shop she carefully + put the bright guinea into the purse with the twelve shillings + her little friends had given her on Mayday. She next added, as + far as she could remember them, the bills for bread that were + owing to her, and found they came to about thirty-eight + shillings. Then she hoped that by some means or other she + might, during the week her father was to remain at home, make + up the nine guineas that would enable him to stay with them + altogether. "If that could but be," she said to herself, "how + happy it would make my mother! She is already a great deal + better since I told her my father would stay for a week longer. + Ah! but she would not have blessed Attorney Case, if she had + known about my poor Daisy." Susan had now reached the path that + led to the meadow by the river-side. She wanted to go there + alone and take leave of her lamb. But her little brothers, who + were watching for her return, ran after her as soon as they saw + her and overtook her as she reached the meadow.</p> + + <p>"What did that good lady want with you?" cried William; but + looking up in his sister's face, he saw tears in her eyes, and + he was silent and walked on quietly. Susan saw her lamb by the + water-side.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page287" + id="page287"></a>[pg 287]</span> + + <p>"Who are those two men?" said William. "What are they going + to do with Daisy?"</p> + + <p>The two men were Attorney Case and the butcher. The butcher + was feeling whether the lamb was fat.</p> + + <p>Susan sat down upon the bank in silent sorrow. Her little + brothers ran up to the butcher and asked whether he was going + to do any harm to the lamb. The butcher did not answer, but the + Attorney replied, "It is not your sister's lamb any longer; + it's mine."</p> + + <p>"Yours!" cried the children with terror; "and will you kill + it?"</p> + + <p>"No, that is what the butcher will do."</p> + + <p>The little boys now burst into loud cries. They pushed away + the butcher's hand; they threw their arms round the neck of the + lamb; they kissed its forehead. It bleated. "It will not bleat + to-morrow!" said William, and he wept bitterly.</p> + + <p>The butcher looked aside, and hastily rubbed his eyes with + the corner of his blue apron. The Attorney stood unmoved; he + pulled up the head of the lamb, which had just stooped to crop + a mouthful of clover. "I have no time to waste," he said. + "Butcher, I leave it to you. If it's fat—the sooner the + better. I've nothing more to say." And he walked off, deaf to + the prayers of the poor children. As soon as the Attorney was + out of sight, Susan rose from the bank where she was seated, + came up to her lamb, and stooped to gather some of the fresh + dewy clover, that she might feed her pet for the last time. + Poor Daisy licked the well-known hand.</p> + + <p>"Now, let us go," said Susan.</p> + + <p>"I'll wait as long as you please," said the butcher.</p> + + <p>Susan thanked him, but walked away quickly, without looking + back. Her little brothers begged the man to stay a few minutes, + for they had gathered a handful of blue speedwell and yellow + crowsfoot, and they were decking the poor animal. As it + followed the boys through the village, the children looked + after them as they passed, and the butcher's own son was among + the number. The boy remembered Susan's firmness about the + shilling, for it had saved him a beating. He went at once to + his father to beg him to spare the + lamb.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page288" + id="page288"></a>[pg 288]</span> + + <p>"I was thinking about it myself," said the butcher. "It's a + sin to kill a pet lamb, I'm thinking. Anyway, it's what I'm not + used to, and don't fancy doing. But I've a plan in my head and + I'm going straightway to Attorney Case. But he's a hard man, so + we'll say nothing to the boys, lest nothing comes of it. Come, + lads," he went on, turning to the crowd of children, "it is + time you were going your ways home. Turn the lamb in here, + John, into the paddock for the night." The butcher then went to + the Attorney.</p> + + <p>"If it's a good, fat, tender lamb you want for Sir Arthur," + he said, "I could let you have one as good or better than + Susan's and fit to eat to-morrow."</p> + + <p>As Mr. Case wished to give the present to Sir Arthur as soon + as he could, he said he would not wait for Susan's lamb, but + would take the one offered by the butcher. In the meantime + Susan's brothers ran home to tell her that the lamb was put + into the paddock for the night. This was all they knew, but + even this was some comfort to the poor girl. Rose was at Farmer + Price's cottage that evening, and was to have the pleasure of + hearing Susan tell her father the good news that he might stay + at home for one week longer. Mrs. Price was feeling better and + said that she would sit up to supper in her wicker armchair. As + Susan began to get ready the meal, little William, who was + standing at the house-door watching for his father's return, + called out suddenly, "Susan, why here is our old man!"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said the blind harper, "I have found my way to you. + The neighbors were kind enough to show me where-abouts you + lived; for, though I didn't know your name, they guessed who I + meant by what I said of you all."</p> + + <p>Susan came to the door, and the old man was delighted to + hear her speak again. "If it would not be too bold," said he, + "I'm a stranger in this part of the country, and come from afar + off. My boy has got a bed for himself here in the village; but + I have no place. Could you be so kind as to give an old blind + man a night's lodging?"</p> + + <p>Susan said she would step in and ask her mother, and she + soon returned with an answer that he was heartily welcome, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page289" id="page289"></a>[pg + 289]</span> if he could sleep upon the children's bed, which + was but small.</p> + + <p>The old man entered thankfully, and, as he did so, struck + his head against the low roof. "Many roofs that are twice as + high do not shelter folk so kind," he said. For he had just + come from the house of Mr. Case, and Barbara, who had been + standing at the hall-door, said he could have no help there. + The old man's harp was set down in Farmer Price's kitchen, and + he promised to play a tune for the boys before they went to + bed, as their mother had given them leave to sit up to supper + with their father.</p> + + <p>The farmer came home with a sad face, but how soon did it + brighten, when Susan, with a smile, said to him, "Father, we've + good news for you! good news for us all!—You have a whole + week longer to stay with us; and perhaps," she went on, putting + her little purse into his hands—"perhaps with what's + here, and the bread-bills, and what may somehow be got together + before a week's at an end, we may make up the nine guineas. Who + knows, dearest mother, but we may keep him with us for ever!" + As she spoke, she threw her arms round her father, who pressed + her to him without speaking, for his heart was full. It was + some little time before he could believe that what he heard was + true; but the smiles of his wife, the noisy joy of his little + boys, and the delight that shone in Susan's face at last + convinced him that he was not in a dream.</p> + + <p>As they sat down to supper, the old harper was made welcome + to his share of the simple meal.</p> + + <p>Susan's father, as soon as supper was finished, even before + he would let the harper play a tune for his boys, opened the + little purse which Susan had given him. He was surprised at the + sight of the twelve shillings, and still more, when he came to + the bottom of the purse to see the bright golden guinea.</p> + + <p>"How did you come by all this money, Susan?" said he.</p> + + <p>"How, I can't make out, except by the baking," said her + proud mother. "Hey, Susan, is this your first baking?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, no," said her father, "I have the money for her + first baking snug here, besides, in my pocket. I kept it for a + surprise, to do your mother's heart good, Susan. Here's + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page290" id="page290"></a>[pg + 290]</span> twenty-nine shillings, and the Abbey bill, which is + not paid yet, comes to ten more. What think you of this, wife? + Have we not a right to be proud of our Susan? Why," he went on, + turning to the harper, "I ask your pardon for speaking before + strangers in praise of my own child; but the truth is the + fittest thing to be spoken, I think, at all times. Here's your + good health, Susan. Why, by and by she'll be worth her weight + in gold—in silver at least. But tell us, child, how came + you by all this wealth, and how comes it that I don't go + to-morrow? The happy news makes me so gay, I'm afraid I shall + hardly understand it rightly. Speak on, child—but first + bring us a bottle of the good mead you made last year from your + own honey."</p> + + <p>Susan did not like to tell the story of her guinea-hen, of + the gown, and of her poor lamb. Part of this would seem as if + she were speaking of her own good deeds, and part of it she did + not like to remember. But her mother begged to know the whole, + and she told it as simply as she could. When she came to the + story of her lamb, her voice faltered, and everybody present + was touched. The old harper sighed once, and cleared his throat + several times. He then asked for his harp, and after tuning it + for long, he played the air he had promised to the boys.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/290.jpg" name="fig290s" + id="fig290s"><img width="300" src="images/290s.jpg" + alt="SHE SPOKE OF WHAT SHE DID NOT UNDERSTAND" /></a><br /> + she spoke of what she did not understand + </div> + + <h4>VIII</h4> + + <h4>BARBARA VISITS THE ABBEY</h4> + + <p>The old blind man had come from the mountains of Wales to + try to gain a prize of ten guineas. This prize was to be + awarded to the harper who should play the best at a large town + about five miles from the village where Susan lived. In the + evening, after the prize-giving was over, there was to be a + ball in the town, so the events of the day were looked forward + to by many around. Barbara was one of those who grew more and + more excited as the time for the prize-giving and ball drew + near. She longed to be asked to go there by some of the rich + neighbors who could drive her in their carriage. So how pleased + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page291" id="page291"></a>[pg + 291]</span> she was when, on the evening that her father and + the butcher were talking about Susan's lamb, a servant in + livery from the Abbey left a note for Mr. and Miss Barbara + Case! It was to invite them to dinner and tea at the Abbey next + day.</p> + + <p>"Now they will find out," cried Bab, "that I am indeed a + genteel person, and they will wish to take me to the ball. At + any rate, I shall do my best to be asked."</p> + + <p>"To be sure," said Betty, "a lady who would visit Susan + Price might well be glad to take you in her carriage."</p> + + <p>"Then pray, Betty, do not forget to send to town first thing + to-morrow for my new bonnet. Without that the ladies of the + Abbey will think nothing of me. And I must coax Papa to buy me + a new gown for the ball. I shall look well at all the ladies' + dresses at the Abbey to-morrow and find out the fashion. And + Betty, I have thought of a charming present to take Miss + Somers. I shall give her Susan's guinea-hen. It's of no use to + me, so carry it up early in the morning to the Abbey, with my + compliments."</p> + + <p>Feeling quite sure that her bonnet and the guinea-fowl would + make Miss Somers think well of her, Barbara paid her first + visit to the Abbey. She expected to see wonders, but when she + was shown into the room where Miss Somers and other ladies were + sitting, simply dressed, and with work, books and drawings on + the table before them, she was surprised and vexed. There was + nothing grand to be seen anywhere.</p> + + <p>When Miss Somers tried to find out what would interest her, + and talked of walks, and flowers and gardens, Miss Barbara was + offended. "I will show them," she said to herself, "that I can + talk of other things." So in a grand tone she spoke of what she + did not understand, until her mistaken airs of gentility made + the ladies of the Abbey feel first amused and then ashamed. One + by one the ladies left the room, and when Miss Somers went to + change her dress for dinner, Barbara was left alone with some + pretty drawings to amuse her. But the silly girl paid no heed + to these. She could think only of the ball. Suddenly she + remembered that nothing had been said about the guinea-hen. The + truth was that Betty, in the hurry of dressing Barbara for her + visit to the Abbey, had forgotten the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page292" id="page292"></a>[pg + 292]</span> bird, but it arrived just as Miss Somers was + dressing. The housekeeper went to her mistress's room to say it + had come.</p> + + <p>"Ma'am," she said, "here's a beautiful guinea-hen just come + with Miss Barbara Case's compliments."</p> + + <p>Miss Somers thought by the housekeeper's tone that she was + not quite pleased, and she soon found she was right in thinking + so. The woman came close up to the dressing-table, and said, "I + never like to speak till I'm sure, ma'am, and I'm not quite + sure in this case, ma'am, but still I think it right to tell + you what crossed my mind about this same guinea-hen, ma'am, and + you can ask about it or do as you feel best, ma'am. Some time + ago we had guinea-fowls of our own, and not knowing they were + going to die as they have done, ma'am, I made bold to give a + couple last Christmas to Susan Price, and very proud of them + she was, ma'am, and I'm sure would never have parted with the + hen of her own will. But if my eyes don't deceive me, ma'am, + this guinea-hen that Miss Barbara sends to you with her + compliments is the same that I gave to Susan. How Miss Barbara + came by it, I can't tell, ma'am, but if my boy Philip was at + home, he might know, for he's often at Farmer Price's cottage. + If you wish it, ma'am, I'll ask him when he comes home + to-night."</p> + + <p>"I think the best way will be for me to ask Miss Case + herself about it this evening," said Miss Somers.</p> + + <p>Dinner was now served. Attorney Case expected to smell mint + sauce, and as the covers were taken off the dishes he looked + around for lamb, but no lamb did he see.</p> + + <p>Among other things talked of at table was a carving-knife + that Sir Arthur had made for his sister. From this the + conversation passed to carving. "Now is my chance to find out + about my present," thought the Attorney. "Pray, may I ask," he + said to Sir Arthur, "how you carve a fore quarter of lamb?"</p> + + <p>Sir Arthur at once saw what the Attorney wanted to hear. + Having answered his question, he went on to thank him for the + present he had offered, but added, "I am sorry I cannot accept + it, as it is my rule never to accept gifts from my neighbors. + The reason is that our poor tenants cannot show their good will + in this way, as they have little or nothing to + offer."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page293" + id="page293"></a>[pg 293]</span> + + <p>Attorney Case listened with surprise. He was annoyed and + angry, for he did not understand Sir Arthur's just mind and + kind heart. After the ladies left the dining-room and were + walking up and down the large hall, one of them remarked that + it would be a charming place for music. Barbara, who like her + father always seized any chance of turning the conversation as + best pleased herself, said what a fine instrument was the harp. + Then she spoke of the prize-giving to the harpers and of the + ball that was to follow. "I know a good deal about the ball," + she said, "because a lady in the town where it is to be held + offered to take me with her, but although she has a carriage, + Papa did not like to let her send it so far." At this point + Barbara fixed her eyes on Miss Somers, that she might, if + possible, read her thoughts, but as the lady was at that moment + letting down the veil of her hat, her face was not seen.</p> + + <p>"Shall we go for a little walk before tea?" said Miss Somers + to the other ladies. "I have a pretty guinea-hen to show you." + Barbara now felt hopeful, and when even among the pheasants and + peacocks the guinea-hen was much admired, she was sure that + Miss Somers must indeed be proud to accept her gift.</p> + + <p>At this moment Philip came running by on an errand for his + mother. As his eye fell upon the guinea-hen, he exclaimed + before he knew, "Why, that is Susan's guinea-hen!"</p> + + <p>"No, it is not Susan's guinea-hen," said Miss Barbara, + coloring furiously, "it is mine, and I have made a present of + it to Miss Somers."</p> + + <p>At the sound of Bab's voice, Philip turned round, his face + ablaze with anger.</p> + + <p>"What is the matter, Philip?" asked Miss Somers in a + soothing voice, but Philip was not in the mood to be + soothed.</p> + + <p>"Why, ma'am, may I speak out?" he asked, and without waiting + for leave he gave a full account of the loss of Susan's + guinea-fowl, of Rose's visit to Barbara, and of Barbara's + greedy and cruel conduct.</p> + + <p>Barbara denied all that Philip said, and told quite another + tale. When she could find no more to say she blushed deeply, + for she saw that her story was not believed. One might have + thought she was covered with shame, had it not been that the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page294" id="page294"></a>[pg + 294]</span> moment Philip was out of sight, she exclaimed, "I + am sure I wish I had never seen this wretched guinea-hen! It is + all Susan's fault for letting it stray into our garden."</p> + + <p>Barbara was too angry to notice that she was admitting the + truth of Philip's story.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps," said Miss Somers, "Susan will be more careful now + that she has had so hard a lesson. Shall we see? Philip will, I + am sure, carry the guinea-hen back to her, if we wish it."</p> + + <p>"If you please, ma'am," said Barbara sulkily.</p> + + <p>So the guinea-hen was given to Philip, who set off with joy + and was soon in sight of Farmer Price's cottage.</p> + + <h4>IX</h4> + + <h4>A SURPRISE FOR SUSAN</h4> + + <p>When Philip came to the door he stopped suddenly, for the + idea struck him that it would give Rose great pleasure to carry + the guinea-fowl to Susan. So he ran into the village.</p> + + <p>All the children who had given up their Mayday money to + Susan were playing on the green. They were delighted to see the + guinea-hen once more. Philip took his pipe and tabor and they + all marched together towards the whitewashed cottage.</p> + + <p>As they passed the butcher's house, his boy came out. They + told him where they were going.</p> + + <p>"Let me come with you, let me come with you," he said. "But + wait one moment, for my father has something to say to you," + and he darted into the house. The children waited. In a few + moments they heard the bleating of a lamb, and soon they saw it + being gently led by the butcher from the paddock.</p> + + <p>"It is Daisy!" exclaimed Rose.</p> + + <p>"It is Daisy!" they all shouted with joy, "Susan's lamb! + Susan's lamb!"</p> + + <p>"Well, for my part," said the good butcher, as soon as he + could be heard, "for my part I would not be so cruel as + Attorney Case for the whole world. It's true the lamb did not + know what was before it, but poor Susan did, and to wring her + gentle heart <span class="pagenum"><a name="page295" + id="page295"></a>[pg 295]</span> was what I call cruel. But at + any rate, here it is, safe and sound now. I'd have taken it to + her sooner, but was off early this morning to the fair, and am + but just come back. Daisy, though, was as well off in my + paddock as in the field by the water-side."</p> + + <p>The troop of happy children went on their way with the + guinea-fowl and the lamb. As they passed the shop where Susan + had been shown the pretty calicoes, the shopkeeper, who, you + remember, was Rose's father, came out. When he saw the lamb, + and learned whose it was and heard its story, he gave the + children some pieces of colored ribbon, with which Rose + decorated Susan's favorite.</p> + + <p>The children now once more moved on, led by Philip, who + played joyfully upon his pipe and tabor. Susan was working in + her summer-house, with her little pine table before her. When + she heard the sound of the music, she put down her work and + listened. She saw the crowd of children coming nearer and + nearer. They had closed round Daisy, so she did not see her + pet, but as they came up to the garden-gate she saw that Rose + beckoned to her. Philip played as loud as he could, that she + might not hear, until the proper moment, the bleating of the + lamb. As Susan opened the gate, the children divided, and first + she saw, in the midst of her taller friends, little smiling + Mary, with the guinea-hen in her arms.</p> + + <p>"Come on! come on!" cried Mary, as Susan started with joyful + surprise; "you have more to see."</p> + + <p>At this instant the music paused. Susan heard the bleating + of a lamb, and pressing eagerly forward, she beheld poor Daisy. + She burst into tears. "I did not shed one tear when I parted + with you, my dear little Daisy," she said, "it was for my + father and mother. I would not have parted with you for any one + else in the whole world. Thank you, thank you all," she added + to her companions, who were even gladder for her in her joy + than they had been sorry for her in her sorrow. "Now, if my + father was not to go away from us next week, and if my mother + were quite strong, I should be the happiest person in the + world." As Susan finished speaking, a voice behind the + listening crowd cried, in a rough tone, "Let us pass, if you + please; you have no right to block the road." This was the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page296" id="page296"></a>[pg + 296]</span> voice of Attorney Case, who was returning with + Barbara from his visit to the Abbey. He saw the lamb and tried + to whistle as he went on. Barbara also saw the guinea-hen and + turned her head another way. Even her new bonnet, in which she + had expected to be so much admired, now only served to hide her + blushing face.</p> + + <p>"I am glad she saw the guinea-hen," cried Rose, who now held + it in her hands.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Philip, "she'll not forget Mayday in a + hurry."</p> + + <p>"Nor I either, I hope," said Susan, looking round upon her + companions with a most loving smile: "I hope, while I live, I + shall never forget your goodness to me last Mayday. Now that + I've my pretty guinea-hen safe once more, I should think of + returning your money."</p> + + <p>"No! no! no!" was the cry, "we don't want the + money—keep it—keep it—you want it for your + father."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Susan, "I am not too proud to accept it. I will + keep your money for my father. Perhaps some time or other I may + be able to earn——"</p> + + <p>"Oh," said Philip, "don't let us talk of earning; don't let + her talk to us of money now; she hasn't had time hardly to look + at poor Daisy and her guinea-hen. Come, we had better go and + let her have them all to herself."</p> + + <p>The children moved away, but Philip himself was the very + last to stir from the garden-gate. He stayed, first, to tell + Susan that it was Rose who tied the ribbons on Daisy's head. + Then he stayed a little longer to let her hear the story of the + guinea-fowl, and to tell her who it was that brought the hen + home from the Abbey.</p> + + <p>As Philip finished speaking, Susan was already feeding her + long-lost favorite. "My pretty guinea-hen," said Susan, "my + naughty guinea-hen that flew away from me, you shall never + serve me so again. I must cut your nice wings, but I won't hurt + you."</p> + + <p>"Take care!" cried Philip, "you'd better, indeed you'd + better let me hold her, while you cut her wings."</p> + + <p>When this was done, which it certainly never could have been + had Philip not held the hen for Susan, he remembered his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page297" id="page297"></a>[pg + 297]</span> mother had given him a message for Mrs. Price. This + led to another quarter of an hour's delay, for Philip had the + whole story of the guinea-hen to tell over again to Mrs. Price, + and as the farmer came in while it was going on, it was only + polite to begin at the beginning once more. Farmer Price was so + pleased to see Susan happy again with her two favorites, that + he said he must himself see Daisy fed, and Philip found that he + was wanted to hold the jug of milk, from which Susan's father + now filled the pan for Daisy. When Philip at last left the + cottage, Bab and her maid Betty were staring out of the window + as usual. Seeing them after he had left the garden, he at once + turned back to see if he had shut the gate fast, lest the + guinea-hen might stray out and again fall into Barbara's + hands.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/296.jpg" name="fig296s" + id="fig296s"><img width="300" src="images/296s.jpg" + alt="HE WAS WANTED TO HOLD THE JUG OF MILK" /></a><br /> + he was wanted to hold the jug of milk + </div> + + <h4>X</h4> + + <h4>BARBARA'S ACCIDENT</h4> + + <p>As the day went on, Miss Barbara became more and more + annoyed that her meanness had been found out, but she had no + wish to cure herself of the fault. The ball was still her first + thought.</p> + + <p>"Well," she said to Betty, "you have heard how things have + turned out, but if Miss Somers does not ask me to go with, her, + I think I know some one else who will."</p> + + <p>Now, some officers were quartered at the town where the ball + was to be held. And because they had got into trouble with a + tradesman there, out of which Mr. Case had undertaken to help + them, they sometimes invited the Attorney to mess. The officers + thought that if they showed some attention to Mr. Case, he + would not charge them so much for his help. One of them even + asked his wife to take, sometimes, a little notice of Miss + Barbara. The name of this officer's wife was Mrs. Strathspey. + It was of Mrs. Strathspey that Barbara was thinking when she + said to Betty that if Miss Somers did not take her to the ball, + she thought she knew of some one else who would.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Strathspey and the officers are to breakfast here + to-morrow," said Bab. "One of them dined at the Abbey to-day + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page298" id="page298"></a>[pg + 298]</span> and he said they would all come. They are going + somewhere into the country and breakfast here on the way. Pray, + Betty, don't forget that Mrs. Strathspey can't breakfast + without honey. I heard her say so myself."</p> + + <p>"Then, indeed," said Betty, "I'm afraid Mrs. Strathspey will + have to go without breakfast here, for not a spoonful of honey + have we, let her long for it ever so much."</p> + + <p>"But, surely," said Bab, "we can contrive to get some honey + in the neighborhood."</p> + + <p>"There's none to be bought, that I know of," said Betty.</p> + + <p>"But is there none to be begged or borrowed?" said Bab, + laughing. "Do you forget Susan's beehive? Step over to her in + the morning with my compliments, and see what you can do. Tell + her it's for Mrs. Strathspey."</p> + + <p>In the morning Betty went with Miss Barbara's compliments to + Susan, to beg some honey for Mrs. Strathspey, who could not + breakfast without it. Susan did not like to part with her + honey, because her mother loved it, and she therefore gave + Betty only a little. When Barbara saw how little Susan sent, + she called her a miser, and she said she must have some more + for Mrs. Strathspey. "I'll go myself and speak to her. Come + with me, Betty," said the young lady, who seemed to forget she + had said, on the day that she was asked to "take a spoon," that + she never would pay Susan another visit.</p> + + <p>"Susan," she said to the poor girl whom she had done + everything in her power to hurt, "I must beg a little more + honey from you for Mrs. Strathspey's breakfast. You know, at a + great time such as this, we should help one another."</p> + + <p>"To be sure we should," added Betty.</p> + + <p>Susan, though she was generous, was not weak; she was + willing to give to those she loved, but would not let anything + be taken from her or coaxed out of her by those whom she could + not respect. She answered that she was sorry she had no more + honey to spare.</p> + + <p>Barbara grew angry. "I'll tell you what, Susan Price," she + said, "the honey I will have, so you may as well give it to me + by fair means. Yes or no? Speak! Will you give it to me or not? + Will you give me that piece of the honeycomb that lies + there?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page299" + id="page299"></a>[pg 299]</span> + + <p>"That bit of honeycomb is for my mother's breakfast," said + Susan; "I cannot give it you."</p> + + <p>"Can't you?" said Bab, "then see if I don't take it."</p> + + <p>She stretched across Susan and grasped, but she did not + reach far enough. She made a second dart at the honeycomb and, + in her effort to get it, she overset the beehive. The bees + swarmed about her. Her maid Betty screamed and ran away. Susan, + who was sheltered by a laburnum-tree, called to Barbara, upon + whom the black clusters of bees were now settling, and begged + her to stand still and not to beat them away, "If you stand + quietly you won't be stung, perhaps."</p> + + <p>But instead of standing quietly, Bab flung about her arms, + and stamped and roared, and the bees stung her terribly. Her + arms and her face swelled in a frightful manner. She was helped + home by poor Susan and Betty. The maid, now that the mischief + was done, thought only of how she could excuse herself to her + master.</p> + + <p>"Indeed, Miss Barbara," said she, "it was quite wrong of you + to go and get yourself into such a scrape. I shall be turned + away for it, you'll see."</p> + + <p>"I don't care whether you are turned away or not," said + Barbara; "I never felt such pain in my life. Can't you do + something for me? I don't mind the pain either so much as being + such a fright. Pray, how am I to be fit to appear at breakfast + with Mrs. Strathspey; and I suppose I can't go to the ball + either to-morrow, after all."</p> + + <p>"No, that you can't expect to do, indeed," said Betty. "You + need not think of balls, for those lumps and swellings won't go + off your face this week. That's not what I mind; I'm thinking + of what your papa will say to me when he sees you, miss."</p> + + <p>Susan, seeing she could be of no further use, was about to + leave the house, when at the door she met Mr. Case coming in. + Now, since his second visit to the Abbey, the Attorney had been + thinking things over. It was clear that both Sir Arthur and + Miss Somers thought highly of the Price family, so perhaps it + was a mistake on his part not to be on friendly terms with them + too. He felt sure that if the story of Susan's lamb ever + reached the Abbey, Sir Arthur would have no more to do with + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page300" id="page300"></a>[pg + 300]</span> him. It would therefore be well to get into the + good graces of the farmer and his family. So when Mr. Case met + Susan at the door he smiled and said, "How is your mother? Have + you called for something that may be of use to her? Barbara, + Barbara—Bab, come downstairs, child, and see what you can + do for Susan Price." But no Barbara answered, and her father + stalked upstairs to her room. There he stood still, amazed at + the sight of his daughter's swollen face.</p> + + <p>Before Mr. Case could speak, Betty began to tell the story + of Barbara's mishap in her own way. Barbara spoke at the same + time, giving quite another account of what had happened. The + Attorney turned the maid away on the spot, and turning to + Barbara asked how she dared to treat Susan Price so ill, + "when," as he said, "she was kind enough to give you some of + her honey. I will not let you treat her so." Susan, who could + not but hear all that was said, now went to beg the angry + father to forgive his daughter.</p> + + <p>"You are too good to her, as indeed you are to everybody," + he said. "I forgive her for your sake."</p> + + <p>Susan courtesied in great surprise, but she could not forget + the Attorney's treatment of Daisy, and she left his house as + soon as she could to get ready her mother's breakfast. Mr. Case + saw that Simple Susan was not to be taken in by a few simple + words, and when he tried in the same way to approach her + father, the blunt, honest farmer looked at him with + disdain.</p> + + <h4>XI</h4> + + <h4>THE PRIZE-GIVING</h4> + + <p>So matters stood on the day of the long-expected + prize-giving and ball. Miss Barbara Case, stung by Susan's + bees, could not, after all her efforts, go with Mrs. Strathspey + to the ball. The ballroom was filled early in the evening. + There was a large gathering. The harpers who tried for the + prize were placed under the music-gallery at the lower end of + the room. Among them was our old blind friend, who, as he was + not so well clad as the others, seemed to be looked down upon + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page301" id="page301"></a>[pg + 301]</span> by many of the onlookers. Six ladies and six + gentlemen were chosen to be judges of the performance. They + were seated opposite to the harpers. The Misses Somers, who + were fond of music, were among the ladies, and the prize was in + the hands of Sir Arthur.</p> + + <p>There was now silence. The first harp sounded, and as each + harper tried his skill, those who listened seemed to think that + he deserved the prize. The old blind man was the last. He tuned + his harp, and such a simple, sad strain was heard as touched + every heart. All were delighted, and when the music ceased + there was still silence for some moments.</p> + + <p>The silence was followed by loud cheers. The judges were all + agreed that the old blind harper, who had played last, deserved + the prize. The simple, sad air, which had moved all who + listened, was composed by himself. He was asked to give the + words belonging to the music, and at last he modestly said he + would repeat them, as he could not see to write. Miss Somers + took her pencil, and as the old harper repeated his ballad, she + wrote the words. He called it "Susan's Lamentation for her + Lamb." Miss Somers looked at her brother from time to time, as + she wrote, and Sir Arthur, as soon as the old man had finished, + took him aside and asked him some questions, which brought to + light the whole story of Susan's lamb and of Attorney Case's + cruelty.</p> + + <p>The Attorney himself was present when the harper began to + repeat his ballad. His color, as Sir Arthur steadily looked at + him, changed from red to white, and from white to red, until at + length he suddenly shrunk back through the crowd and left the + room. We shall not follow him. We had rather follow our old + friend the harper. No sooner had he received the prize of ten + guineas, than he went to a small room belonging to the people + of the house, asked for pen, ink, and paper, and dictated, in a + low voice to his boy, a letter, which he ordered him to put at + once into the post-office. The boy ran off with the letter and + was but just in time, for the postman's horn was sounding. The + next morning Farmer Price was sitting beside his wife and Susan + sorrowing that his week's leave was nearly + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page302" id="page302"></a>[pg + 302]</span> at an end, and that they had not enough money to + give to the man who was willing to go in his place, when a + knock was heard at the door. Then the person who delivered the + letters in the village put one into Susan's hand, saying, "A + penny, if you please—here's a letter for your + father."</p> + + <p>"For me!" said Farmer Price; "here's the penny then; but who + can it be from, I wonder? Who can think of writing to me, in + this world?" He tore open the letter, but the hard name at the + bottom of the page puzzled him—"your obliged friend, + Llewellyn."</p> + + <p>"And what's this?" he said, opening a paper that was + enclosed in the letter. "It's a song, seemingly; it must be + somebody that has a mind to make an April fool of me."</p> + + <p>"But it is not April, it is May, father," said Susan.</p> + + <p>"Well, let us read the letter, and we shall come to the + truth all in good time."</p> + + <p>Farmer Price then sat down in his own chair, and read as + follows:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"<span class="sc">My Worthy Friend</span>—I am + sure you will be glad to hear that I have had success this + night. I have won the ten-guinea prize, and for that I am + much indebted to your sweet daughter Susan; as you will see + by a little ballad I enclose for her. Your kindness to me + has let me learn something of your family history. You do + not, I hope, forget that I was present when you were + counting the treasure in Susan's little purse, and that I + heard for what purpose it was all saved. You have not, I + know, yet made up the full sum you need; therefore, I will + be glad if you will use the five-guinea bank-note which you + will find within the ballad. Pay me the money again when it + suits you, and if it never suits you to pay it, I shall + never ask for it. I shall go my rounds again through this + country, I believe, about the same time next year, and will + call to see how you are, and to play the new tune for Susan + and the dear little boys.</p> + + <p>"I should just add, to set your heart at rest about the + money, that it does not distress me at all to lend it to + you. I am not quite so poor as I appear to be. But it is my + wish to go about as I do. I see more of the world under my + tattered clothes than, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page303" + id="page303"></a>[pg 303]</span> perhaps, I should ever see + in a better dress. There are many of us like this, and we + are glad, when we can, to do any kindness to such a worthy + family as yours.—So fare ye well.</p> + + <p class="ctr">"Your obliged Friend,</p> + + <p class="author">Llewellyn."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Susan now, at her father's bidding, opened the ballad. He + took the five-guinea bank-note, while she read, with surprise, + "Susan's Lamentation for her Lamb." Her mother leaned over her + shoulder to read the words, but they were stopped before they + had finished the first verse by another knock at the door.</p> + + <h4>XII</h4> + + <h4>ATTORNEY CASE IN TROUBLE</h4> + + <p>It was not the postman with another letter. It was Sir + Arthur and his sisters.</p> + + <p>They came meaning to lend the farmer and his good family the + money to pay the man who was willing to go away in the farmer's + place. But they found their help was not needed.</p> + + <p>"Still, since we are here," said Sir Arthur, "there is + something I should like to speak about. Mr. Price, will you + come out with me, and let me show you a piece of your land + through which I want to make a road. Look there," said Sir + Arthur, pointing to the spot, "I am laying out a drive round my + estate, and that bit of land of yours stops me."</p> + + <p>"Why, sir, true enough it's mine, but you are welcome to it. + I can trust you to find me another bit worth the same, or to + make up the value of it in some other way. I need say no + more."</p> + + <p>Sir Arthur was silent for a few moments. Then he said, "What + is this I hear about some mistake in your lease?"</p> + + <p>"Well, sir," replied the farmer, "the truth is the fit thing + to be spoken at all times. I can show you a letter from your + brother who had the estate before you, and who let the farm to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page304" id="page304"></a>[pg + 304]</span> me. That letter shows what he meant, Sir Arthur, + and if in the writing of the lease it was otherwise said, it + is, as you say, a mistake, sir. Now a mistake is a mistake all + the world over, and should be treated as such, but Attorney + Case says in the matter of a lease you must abide by the + mistake as though it were the truth."</p> + + <p>"You seem," said Sir Arthur, "to have some quarrel with this + Attorney of whom you talk so often. Now would you mind telling + me frankly what is the matter between you?"</p> + + <p>"The matter between us, sir, is this," said Price. "You know + the corner of the field with the pink hawthorn near Mr. Case's + house? The lane runs past one side of it and a sweetbrier hedge + separates it on the other from his garden. Well, sir, the + Attorney wishes to enclose that bit of ground with his own, and + as it belongs to the village, and moreover is a play-green for + the children, and it has been their custom to meet by the + hawthorn every Mayday for as many years as I can remember, I + was loth to see them turned out of it."</p> + + <p>"Let us go together and look at this piece of ground," said + Sir Arthur. "It is not far off, is it?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, sir, close by."</p> + + <p>When they reached the ground, Mr. Case saw them from his + garden and hurried to the spot. He was afraid of what the + farmer might tell Sir Arthur. But this time the Attorney was + too late, for the truth had already been told.</p> + + <p>"Is this the place you speak of?" asked Sir Arthur.</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," answered Price.</p> + + <p>"Why, Sir Arthur," said Attorney Case, seeing that he was + too late, "let there be no dispute about the ground. Let it + belong to the village if you will. I give up all claim to + it."</p> + + <p>"But you know well, Mr. Case, that a man cannot give up + claim to a place which is not his. You cannot give up this + piece of land, for you have no claim to it, as I can prove to + you by a look at my maps. This field used to belong to the farm + on the other side of the road, but was cut off from it when the + lane was made."</p> + + <p>"Indeed you must know best," said the trembling Attorney, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page305" id="page305"></a>[pg + 305]</span> who was afraid of Sir Arthur and enraged to be + shown in the wrong before Farmer Price.</p> + + <p>"Then," said Sir Arthur to the farmer, "you understand that + this little green is to be a playground for the village + children, and I hope they may gather hawthorn from their + favorite bush for many a Mayday to come."</p> + + <p>Farmer Price bowed low, which he seldom did, even when he + received a kindness for himself, but he was now overjoyed to + think of the children's delight when he should tell them the + good news.</p> + + <p>"And now, Mr. Case," said Sir Arthur, turning to the + Attorney, "you sent me a lease to look over."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I thought it my duty to do so. I hope it will not hurt + the good farmer."</p> + + <p>"No, it will not hurt him," said Sir Arthur. "I am willing + to write a new one for him when he pleases. He has a letter + from my brother who let the farm to him, which shows exactly + what was meant, even if there was a mistake made in making out + the lease. I hope I shall never treat any one unfairly."</p> + + <p>"No, indeed," said the Attorney, "but I always thought if + there was a mistake in a lease it was fair to take advantage of + it."</p> + + <p>"Then you shall be judged by your own words," answered Sir + Arthur. "You meant to send me Farmer Price's lease, but your + son has somehow brought me yours instead. I have found a bad + mistake in it."</p> + + <p>"A bad mistake in my lease!" gasped the alarmed + Attorney.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied Sir Arthur, pulling the lease out of his + pocket. "Here it is. You will see it has not been signed."</p> + + <p>"But you won't take advantage of a mistake, surely!" said + the Attorney, who seemed to forget that he had shortly before + said that it was fair to do so.</p> + + <p>"I shall not take advantage of you as you would have done of + this honest man," replied Sir Arthur. "You shall be paid the + value of your house and land upon condition that you leave the + parish within one month."</p> + + <p>The Attorney knew it was useless to reply. He therefore + turned and sneaked + away.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page306" + id="page306"></a>[pg 306]</span> + + <h4>XIII</h4> + + <h4>SUSAN'S BIRTHDAY</h4> + + <p>"You write a good hand, you can keep accounts, cannot you?" + said Sir Arthur to Mr. Price, as they walked towards the + cottage. "I think I saw a bill of your little daughter's + drawing out the other day, which was very neatly written. Did + you teach her to write?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir," said Price, "I can't say I did that, for she + mostly taught it to herself; but I taught her a few sums, as + far as I knew, on winter nights when I had nothing else to + do."</p> + + <p>"Your daughter shows that she has been well taught," said + Sir Arthur; "and her good conduct is a credit to you and her + mother."</p> + + <p>"You are very good, very good indeed, sir, to speak in this + way," said the delighted father.</p> + + <p>"But I mean to do more than pay you with words," said Sir + Arthur. "You are attached to your own family, perhaps you may + become attached to me, when you know me, and we shall have many + chances of judging one another. I want no one to do my hard + work. I only want a steady, honest man, like you, to collect my + rents, and I hope, Mr. Price, you will do that for me."</p> + + <p>"I hope, sir," said Price, with joy and gratitude glowing in + his honest face, "that I'll never give you cause to regret your + goodness to me."</p> + + <p>"And what are my sisters about here?" said Sir Arthur, + entering the cottage and going behind the two ladies, who were + busy measuring a pretty colored calico.</p> + + <p>"It is for Susan, my dear brother. I knew she did not keep + that guinea for herself," said Miss Somers. "I have just asked + her mother to tell me what became of it. Susan gave it to her + father; but she must not refuse a gown of our choosing this + time; and I am sure she will not, because her mother, I see, + likes it. And, Susan, I hear that instead of becoming Queen of + the May this year, you were sitting in your mother's room as + she was ill. Your mother has a little color in her cheeks + now."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page307" + id="page307"></a>[pg 307]</span> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am," said Mrs. Price, "I'm a different being. Joy, I + think, has done it."</p> + + <p>"Then," said Miss Somers, "I hope you will be able to come + out on your daughter's birthday, which, I hear, is on the + twenty-fifth of this month. Make haste and get quite well + before that day, for my brother means that all the boys and + girls of the village shall have a dance on Susan's + birthday."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Sir Arthur, "and I hope on that day, Susan, you + will be very happy with your little friends upon their + play-green. I shall tell them that it is your good conduct + which has won it for them; and if you have anything to ask, any + little favor for any of your friends, which we can grant, ask + now, Susan."</p> + + <p>"Sir," said Susan, after glancing at her mother, "there is, + to be sure, a favor I should like to ask; it is for Rose."</p> + + <p>"Well, I don't know who Rose is," said Sir Arthur, smiling; + "but go on."</p> + + <p>"Ma'am, you have seen her, I believe; she is a very good + girl indeed," said Mrs. Price to Miss Somers.</p> + + <p>"And works very neatly, ma'am," continued Susan eagerly, + "and she and her mother heard you were looking out for some one + to wait upon you."</p> + + <p>"Say no more," said Miss Somers; "your wish is granted. Tell + Rose to come to the Abbey to-morrow morning, or rather come + with her yourself, for our housekeeper, I know, wants to talk + to you about a certain cake. She wishes, Susan, that you should + be the maker of the cake for the dance, and she has good things + looked out for it already, I know. It must be large enough for + everybody to have a slice, and the housekeeper will ice it for + you. I only hope your cake will be as good as your bread. + Good-by."</p> + + <p>"How I do wish, now," said Farmer Price, "how I do wish, + wife, that our good friend the harper was only here at this + time. It would do his warm old heart good. Well, the best of it + is, we shall be able next year, when he comes his rounds, to + pay him his money with thanks, being all the time and for ever + as much obliged to him as if we kept it. I long to see him in + this house again, drinking, as he did, a glass of Susan's mead, + just on this spot."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page308" + id="page308"></a>[pg 308]</span> + + <p>"Yes," said Susan, "and the next time he comes, I can give + him one of my guinea-hen's eggs, and I shall show him + Daisy."</p> + + <p>"True, love," said her mother, "and he will play that tune + and sing that pretty ballad. Where is it? I have not finished + it."</p> + + <p>"Rose ran away with it, mother, but I'll run after her, and + bring it back to you this minute," said Susan.</p> + + <p>Susan found her friend Rose at the hawthorn, in the midst of + a crowd of children, to whom she was reading "Susan's + Lamentation for her Lamb."</p> + + <p>"The words are something, but the tune—the + tune—I must have the tune," cried Philip. "I'll ask my + mother to ask Sir Arthur to try and find out which way that + good old man went after the ball; and if he's to be found, + we'll have him back by Susan's birthday, and he shall sit + here—just exactly here—by our bush, and he shall + play—I mean, if he will—that same tune for us, and + I shall learn it—I mean, if I can—in a minute."</p> + + <p>The good news that Farmer Price was to collect the rents and + that Attorney Case was to leave the parish in a month soon + spread over the village. Many came out of their houses to have + the pleasure of hearing the joyful tidings from Susan herself. + The crowd on the play-green grew bigger every minute.</p> + + <p>"Yes," cried Philip, "I tell you it's quite true, every word + of it. Susan's too modest to say it herself, but I tell you + all, that Sir Arthur has given us this play-green just because + she is so good."</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page309" + id="page309"></a>[pg 309]</span> + + <h3>LIMBY LUMPY</h3> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <p>LIMBY LUMPY was the only son of his mother. His father was + called the "Pavior's Assistant," for he was so large and heavy + that, when he used to walk through the streets, the men who + were ramming the stones down with a large wooden rammer would + say, "Please to walk over these stones, sir," and then the men + would get a rest.</p> + + <p>Limby was born on April 1—I do not know how long ago; + but before he came into the world such preparations were made! + There was a beautiful cradle, and a bunch of coral with bells + on it, and lots of little caps, and a fine satin hat, and tops + and bottoms for pap, and two nurses to take care of him. He + was, too, to have a little chaise, when he grew big enough; + after that, he was to have a donkey, and then a pony. In short, + he was to have the moon for a plaything, if it could be got; + and, as to the stars, he would have had them, if they had not + been too high to reach.</p> + + <p>Limby made a rare to-do when he was a little baby. But he + never was a <i>little</i> baby—he was always a big baby; + nay, he was a big baby till the day of his death.</p> + + <p>"Baby Big," his mother used to call him; he was "a noble + baby," said his aunt; he was "a sweet baby," said old Mrs. + Tomkins, the nurse; he was "a dear baby," said his + papa—and so he was, for he <i>cost</i> a good deal. He + was "a darling baby," said his aunt, by the mother's side; + "there never was such a fine child," said everybody, before the + parents; when they were at another place they called him, "a + great, ugly fat child."</p> + + <p>Limby was almost as broad as he was long. He had what some + people called an open countenance—that is, one as broad + as a full moon. He had what his mother called beautiful + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page310" id="page310"></a>[pg + 310]</span> auburn locks, but what other people said were + carroty—not before the mother, of course.</p> + + <p>Limby had a flattish nose and a widish mouth, and his eyes + were a little out of the right line. Poor little dear, he could + not help that and therefore it was not right to laugh at + him.</p> + + <p>Everybody, however, laughed to see him eat his pap, for he + would not be fed with the patent silver pap-spoon which his + father bought him, but used to lay himself flat on his back, + and seize the pap-boat with both hands, and never let go of it + till its contents were fairly in his dear little stomach.</p> + + <p>So Limby grew bigger and bigger every day, till at last he + could scarcely draw his breath, and was very ill; so his mother + sent for three apothecaries and two physicians, who looked at + him, and told his mother there were no hopes: the poor child + was dying of overfeeding. The physicians, however, prescribed + for him—a dose of castor-oil.</p> + + <p>His mother attempted to give him the castor-oil, but Limby, + although he liked tops and bottoms, and cordial, and pap, and + sweetbread, and oysters, and other things nicely dished up, had + no fancy for castor-oil, and struggled and kicked and fought + every time his nurse or mother attempted to give it him.</p> + + <p>"Limby, my darling boy," said his mother, "my sweet cherub, + my only dearest, do take its oily-poily, there's a ducky-deary, + and it shall ride in a coachy-poachy."</p> + + <p>"Oh, the dear baby!" said the nurse; "take it for nursey. It + will take it for nursey, that it will."</p> + + <p>The nurse had got the oil in a silver medicine-spoon, so + contrived that, if you could get it into the child's mouth, the + medicine must go down. Limby, however, took care that no spoon + should go into his mouth, and when the nurse tried the + experiment for the nineteenth time, gave a plunge and a kick, + and sent the spoon up to the ceiling, knocked off the nurse's + spectacles, upset the table on which all the bottles and + glasses were, and came down whack on the floor.</p> + + <p>His mother picked him up, clasped him to her breast, and + almost smothered him with kisses.</p> + + <p>"Oh, my dear boy!" said she; "it shan't take the nasty + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page311" id="page311"></a>[pg + 311]</span> oil! it won't take it, the darling! Naughty nurse + to hurt baby! It shall not take nasty physic!"</p> + + <p>And then she kissed him again.</p> + + <p>Poor Limby, although only two years old, knew what he was + at—he was trying to be the master of his mother. He felt + he had gained his point, and gave another kick and a squall, at + the same time planting a blow on his mother's eye.</p> + + <p>"Dear little creature!" said she; "he is in a state of high + convulsions and fever. He will never recover!"</p> + + <p>But Limby did recover, and in a few days was running about + the house, and the master of it. There was nobody to be + considered, nobody to be consulted, nobody to be attended to, + but Limby Lumpy.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>Limby grew up big and strong; he had everything his own way. + One day, when he was at dinner with his father and mother, + perched upon a double chair, with his silver knife and fork, + and silver mug to drink from, he amused himself by playing + drums on his plate with the mug.</p> + + <p>"Don't make that noise, Limby, my dear," said his + father.</p> + + <p>"Dear little lamb!" said his mother; "let him amuse himself. + Limby, have some pudding?"</p> + + <p>"No, Limby no pudding!"</p> + + <p><i>Drum! drum! drum!</i></p> + + <p>A piece of pudding was, however, put on Limby's plate, but + he kept on drumming as before. At last he drummed the bottom of + the mug into the soft pudding, to which it stuck, and by which + means it was scattered all over the carpet.</p> + + <p>"Limby, my darling!" said his mother; and the servant was + called to wipe Limby's mug and pick the pudding up from the + floor.</p> + + <p>Limby would not have his mug wiped, and floundered about, + and upset the cruet-stand and the mustard on the + table-cloth.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Limby Lumpy—naughty boy!" said his father.</p> + + <p>"Don't speak so cross to the child: he is but a child," said + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page312" id="page312"></a>[pg + 312]</span> his mother. "I don't like to hear you speak so + cross to the child."</p> + + <p>"I tell you what it is," said his father, "I think the boy + does as he likes. But I don't want to interfere."</p> + + <p>Limby now sat still, resolving what to do next. He was not + hungry, having been stuffed with a large piece of pound-cake + about an hour before dinner; but he wanted something to do, and + could not sit still.</p> + + <p>Presently a saddle of mutton was brought on the table. When + Limby saw this he set up a crow of delight.</p> + + <p>"Limby ride," said he—"Limby ride!" and rose up in his + chair, as if to reach the dish.</p> + + <p>"Yes, my ducky, it shall have some mutton," said his mother, + and immediately gave him a slice, cut up into small + morsels.</p> + + <p>That was not it. Limby pushed that on the floor, and cried + out: "Limby on meat! Limby on meat!"</p> + + <p>His mother could not think what he meant. At last, however, + his father recollected that he had been in the habit of giving + him a ride occasionally, first on his foot, sometimes on the + scroll end of the sofa, at other times on the top of the easy + chair. Once he put him on a dog, and more than once on the + saddle; in short, he had been in the habit of perching him on + various things, and now Limby, hearing this was a <i>saddle</i> + of mutton, wanted to take a ride on it.</p> + + <p>"Limby on! Limby ride on bone!" said the child in a + whimper.</p> + + <p>"Did you <i>ever hear</i>?" said the father.</p> + + <p>"What an extraordinary child!" said the mother. "How clever + to know it was like a saddle, the little dear! No, no, Limby; + grease frock, Limby."</p> + + <p>But Limby cared nothing about a greasy frock, not + he—he was used enough to that—and therefore roared + out more lustily for a ride on the mutton.</p> + + <p>"Did you ever know such a child? What a dear, determined + spirit!"</p> + + <p>"He is a child of an uncommon mind," said his mother. + "Limby, dear—Limby, dear, silence! + silence!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page313" + id="page313"></a>[pg 313]</span> + + <p>The truth was, Limby made such a roaring that neither father + nor mother could get their dinners, and scarcely knew whether + they were eating beef or mutton.</p> + + <p>"It is impossible to let him ride on the mutton," said his + father—"quite impossible!"</p> + + <p>"Well, but you might just put him astride the dish, just to + satisfy him. You can take care his legs or clothes do not go + into the gravy."</p> + + <p>"Anything for a quiet life," said the father. "What does + Limby want? Limby ride?"</p> + + <p>"Limby on bone! Limby on meat!"</p> + + <p>"Shall I put him across?" said Mr. Lumpy.</p> + + <p>"Just for one moment," said his mother; "it won't hurt the + mutton."</p> + + <p>The father rose, and took Limby from his chair, and, with + the greatest caution, held his son's legs astride, so that they + might hang on each side of the dish without touching + it—"just to satisfy him," as he said, "that they might + dine in quiet—" and was about to withdraw him from it + immediately.</p> + + <p>But Limby was not to be cheated in that way. He wished to + feel the saddle <i>under</i> him, and accordingly forced + himself down upon it; but feeling it rather warmer than was + agreeable, started, and lost his balance, and fell down among + the dishes, soused in melted butter, cauliflower, and gravy, + floundering, and kicking, and screaming, to the detriment of + glasses, jugs, dishes, and everything else on the table.</p> + + <p>"My child! my child!" said his mother. "Oh, save my + child!"</p> + + <p>She snatched him up, and pressed his begreased garments + close to the bosom of her best silk gown.</p> + + <p>Neither father nor mother wanted any more dinner after this. + As to Limby, he was as frisky afterwards as if nothing had + happened, and about half an hour from the time of this disaster + <i>cried for his dinner.</i></p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page314" + id="page314"></a>[pg 314]</span> + + <h3>THE SORE TONGUE</h3> + + <h3>By JANE TAYLOR</h3> + + <p>There was a little girl called Fanny, who had the misfortune + one day to bite her tongue as she was eating her breakfast. It + hurt her so much that she could scarcely help crying; and even + when the first smart was over, it continued so sore that + whenever she spoke it pained her considerably. Finding this to + be the case, she said very pitifully to her mother, "Mamma, you + can't think how it hurts me when I speak!" "Does it?" replied + her mother; "then I'll tell you what I would advise you to do. + Resolve all this day to say nothing but what is either + necessary or useful; this will give your tongue a fine holiday, + and may answer more purposes than one."</p> + + <p>Fanny, knowing that she had the character of being somewhat + loquacious, could not help laughing at this, and said, "Well, I + will try for once; so, mum! I am going to begin now, + mamma."</p> + + <p><i>Mother</i>. Do so; and whenever you are beginning to + speak, be sure you ask yourself whether what you were going to + say was likely to be of any use, or whether it was + necessary.</p> + + <p><i>Fanny</i>. Yes, yes, I will! but don't talk to me, mamma, + for fear. So saying, she screwed up her lips, and taking her + work, sat for about five minutes as still as a mouse. She then + looked up, smiled and nodded at her mother, as much as to say, + "See how well I can hold my tongue," still screwing her lips + very tight for fear she should speak. Soon, however, she began + to feel a great inclination to say something; and was glad to + recollect that if she could but think of anything either useful + or necessary, she might speak. Whereupon she endeavored to find + something to say that would come "within the act." To aid her + invention, she looked all round the room.</p> + + <p><i>Fanny</i>. Mamma, don't you think the fire wants + stirring? (This question, she thought, savored of both + qualifications.)</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page315" + id="page315"></a>[pg 315]</span> + + <p><i>Mother</i>. Not at present, my dear.</p> + + <p>Then followed another long silence; for Fanny found it + vastly more difficult than she had any previous idea of, to + think of anything useful to talk about; and she knew her mamma + would laugh at her if she said what was obviously idle or + silly, just now. She was beginning to repent having made such + an agreement, when her three elder sisters entered the room. + She now thought it quite reasonable, if not absolutely + necessary, to tell them of her misfortune; which she did at + considerable length, and with many needless digressions (the + usual custom with great talkers); upon which they all laughed, + prophesying that her resolution would not last half an hour, + and rallying her for telling such a long story with a sore + tongue.</p> + + <p>Soon after, some ladies called to pay their mother a morning + visit. This gave Fanny's tongue such a long rest that the + moment they were gone it seemed irresistibly to resume its + wonted functions.</p> + + <p><i>Fanny</i>. What a while old Mrs. W. has had that brown + satin pelisse! Really, poor old lady, I am quite tired of + seeing her in it!</p> + + <p><i>Mother</i>. How is your tongue, Fanny?</p> + + <p><i>Fanny</i>. Oh, better, mamma, thank you—almost + well.</p> + + <p><i>Mother</i>. I am sorry for it: I was in hopes it would + have been sore enough at least to prevent your making + impertinent remarks upon anybody all this day.</p> + + <p><i>Fanny</i>. No, but really, mamma, is it not an old + rubbishing thing?</p> + + <p><i>Mother</i>. I don't know, indeed. It is no business of + mine; therefore I took no notice of it.</p> + + <p>A silence ensued after this; but conversation revived when + Caroline, who had stood for some time with her eyes fixed on + their opposite neighbor's window, suddenly exclaimed, "I do + believe the Joneses are going to have company again to-day! The + servant has just been lighting the fire in the drawing-room; + and there is Miss Jones now gone up to dress. I saw her draw + down the blinds in her room this instant." "So she is," said + Lucy, looking up: "I never knew such people in my life! they + are always having + company."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page316" + id="page316"></a>[pg 316]</span> + + <p>"I wonder whom they are expecting to-day," said Eliza; + "dinner-company, I suppose."</p> + + <p>The proceedings of their neighbors, the Joneses, continued + to furnish matter for various sagacious conjectures and remarks + for a considerable time. At length Caroline exclaimed with the + eagerness of discovery, "Look! look! there's the baker now at + the door, with a whole tray full of tarts and things. Make + haste, or he'll be gone in."</p> + + <p><i>Lucy</i>. So he is, I declare; it is a dinner-party then. + Well, we shall see presently, I hope, who are coming.</p> + + <p><i>Caroline</i>. Oh, no, they never dine till five when they + have company.</p> + + <p><i>Eliza</i>. And it will be dark then; how tiresome!</p> + + <p><i>Lucy</i>. If Miss Jones is not dressed already! She is + this instant come into the drawing-room.</p> + + <p><i>Caroline</i>. Stand back, stand back! Don't let her see + us all staring. Ah, there she is,—got on her pink + sarcenet body and sleeves to-day. How pretty that dress is, to + be sure!</p> + + <p><i>Eliza</i>. And how nicely she has done her hair! Look, + Caroline—braided behind.</p> + + <p><i>Lucy</i>. There, she is putting down the sash. That + chimney smokes, I know, with this wind.</p> + + <p><i>Fanny</i>. And there is that little figure, Martha Jones, + come down now. Do look—as broad as she is long! What a + little fright that child is, to be sure!</p> + + <p><i>Mother</i>. Pray, Fanny, was that remark useful or + necessary?</p> + + <p><i>Fanny</i>. Oh, but mamma, I assure you, my tongue is + quite well now.</p> + + <p><i>Mother</i>. I am sorry for it, my dear. Do you know, I + should think it well worth while to bite my tongue every day if + there were no other means of keeping it in order.</p> + + <p>At this the girls laughed; but their mother, resuming her + gravity, thus continued:</p> + + <p>"My dear girls, I should before now have put a stop to this + idle gossiping, if I had not hoped to convince you of the folly + of it. It is no wonder, I confess, that at your age you should + learn to imitate a style of remark which is but too prevalent + in society. Nothing, indeed, is more contagious. But + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page317" id="page317"></a>[pg + 317]</span> let me also tell you, that girls of your age, and + of your advantages, are capable of seeing the meanness of it, + and ought to despise it. It is the chief end of education to + raise the minds of women above such trifling as this. But if a + young person who has been taught to think, whose taste has been + cultivated, and who might therefore possess internal resources, + has as much idle curiosity about the affairs of her neighbors, + and is as fond of retailing petty scandal concerning them, as + an uneducated woman, it proves that her mind is incurably mean + and vulgar, and that cultivation is lost upon her.</p> + + <p>"This sort of gossiping, my dear girls, is the disgrace of + our sex. The pursuits of women lie necessarily within a narrow + sphere, and they naturally sink, unless raised by refinement, + or by strong principle, into that littleness of character, for + which even their own husbands and fathers (if they are men of + sense) are tempted to despise them. The minds of men, from + their engagements in business, necessarily take a larger range; + and they are, in general, too much occupied with concerns + comparatively important to enter into the minute details which + amuse women. But women of education have no such plea to urge. + When your father and I direct you to this or that pursuit, it + is not so much for the sake of your possessing that particular + branch of knowledge, but that by knowledge in general you may + become intelligent and superior, and that you may be furnished + with resources which will save you from the miserable necessity + of seeking amusement from intercourse with your neighbors, and + an acquaintance with their affairs.</p> + + <p>"Let us suppose, now, that this morning you had been all + more industriously inclined; and had been engaged in any of + your employments with that ardor which some happy young people + manifest in the acquisition of knowledge; would you, in that + case, have felt any desire to know the date of Mrs. W.'s + pelisse, or any curiosity in the proceedings of our neighbors + the Joneses? No, you would then have thought it a most + impertinent interruption, if any one had attempted to entertain + you with such particulars. But when the mind is indolent and + empty, then it can receive amusement from the most contemptible + sources. Learn, then, to check this mean propensity. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page318" id="page318"></a>[pg + 318]</span> Despise such thoughts whenever you are tempted to + indulge them. Recollect that this low curiosity is the combined + result of idleness, ignorance, emptiness, and ill-nature; and + fly to useful occupation, as the most successful antidote + against the evil. Nor let it be forgotten that such impertinent + remarks as these come directly under the description of those + 'idle words,' of which an account must be given in the day of + judgment. Yes, this vulgar trifling is as inconsistent with the + spirit of Christian benevolence, and with the grand rule of + 'doing to others as we would that they should do to us,' as it + is with refinement of taste and dignity of character."</p> + + <p>"Who would have thought," said little Fanny, "that my + happening to bite my tongue this morning would have led to all + this?"</p> + + <p>"It would be a fortunate bite for you, Fanny," said her + mother, "and for your neighbors, if it should make you more + careful in the use of it. If we were liable to such a + misfortune whenever we use our tongues improperly, some persons + would be in a constant agony. Now, if our consciences were but + half as sensitive as our nerves, they would answer the purpose + much better. Foolish talking pains a good conscience, just as + continual speaking hurts a sore tongue; and if we did but + regard one smart as much as the other, it would act as a + constant check upon the unruly member."</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page319" + id="page319"></a>[pg 319]</span> + + <h3>EYES AND NO EYES, OR THE ART OF SEEING</h3> + + <h3>By JOHN AIKIN and MRS. BARBAULD</h3> + + <p>"Well, Robert, where have you been walking this after noon?" + said Mr. Andrews, to one of his pupils at the close of a + holiday.</p> + + <p><i>R.</i> I have been, sir, to Broom heath, and so round by + the windmill upon Camp-mount, and home through the meadows by + the river-side.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Well, that's a pleasant round.</p> + + <p><i>R.</i> I thought it very dull, sir; I scarcely met with a + single person. I had rather by half have gone along the + turnpike road.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Why, if seeing men and horses is your object, + you would, indeed, be better entertained on the highroad. But + did you see William?</p> + + <p><i>R.</i> We set out together, but he lagged behind in the + lane, so I walked on and left him.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> That was a pity. He would have been company + for you.</p> + + <p><i>R.</i> Oh, he is so tedious, always stopping to look at + this thing and that! I had rather walk alone. I dare say he is + not got home yet.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Here he comes. Well, William, where have you + been?</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> Oh, sir, the pleasantest walk! I went all over + Broom-heath, and so up to the mill at the top of the hill, and + then down among the green meadows by the side of the river.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Why, that is just the round Robert has been + taking, and he complains of its dullness, and prefers the + highroad.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> I wonder at that. I am sure I hardly took a step + that did not delight me, and I have brought home my + handkerchief full of + curiosities.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page320" + id="page320"></a>[pg 320]</span> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Suppose, then, you give us some account of + what amused you so much. I fancy it will be as new to Robert as + to me.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> I will, sir. The lane leading to the heath, you + know, is close and sandy, so I did not mind it much, but made + the best of my way. However, I spied a curious thing enough in + the hedge. It was an old crab-tree, out of which grew a great + bunch of something green, quite different from the tree itself. + Here is a branch of it.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Ah! this is mistletoe, a plant of great fame + for the use made of it by the Druids of old in their religious + rites and incantations. It bears a very slimy white berry, of + which birdlime may be made, whence its Latin name of + <i>Viscus</i>. It is one of those plants which do not grow In + the ground by a root of their own, but fix themselves upon + other plants; whence they have been humorously styled + <i>parasitical</i>, as being hangers-on, or dependents. It was + the mistletoe of the oak that the Druids particularly + honored.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> A little farther on I saw a green woodpecker fly + to a tree, and run up the trunk like a cat.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> That was to seek for insects in the bark, on + which they live. They bore holes with their strong bills for + that purpose, and do much damage to the trees by it.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> What beautiful birds they are!</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Yes; they have been called, from their color + and size, the English parrot.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> When I got upon the open heath, how charming it + was! The air seemed so fresh, and the prospect on every side so + free and unbounded! Then it was all covered with gay flowers, + many of which I had never observed before. There were at least + three kinds of heath (I have got them In my handkerchief here), + and gorse, and broom, and bellflower, and many others of all + colors, that I will beg you presently to tell me the names + of.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> That I will readily.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> I saw, too, several birds that were new to me. + There was a pretty grayish one, of the size of a lark, that was + hopping about some great stones; and when he flew he showed a + great deal of white above his + tail.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page321" + id="page321"></a>[pg 321]</span> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> That was a wheatear. They are reckoned very + delicious birds to eat, and frequent the open downs in Sussex, + and some other countries, in great numbers.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. There was a flock of lapwings upon a marshy part + of the heath, that amused me much. As I came near them, some of + them kept flying round and round just over my head, and crying + <i>pewet</i> so distinctly one might fancy they almost spoke, I + thought I should have caught one of them, for he flew as if one + of his wings was broken, and often tumbled close to the ground: + but as I came near, he always made a shift to get away.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Ha, ha! you were finely taken in then! This + was all an artifice of the bird's to entice you away from its + nest; for they build upon the bare ground, and their nests + would easily be observed, did they not draw off the attention + of intruders by their loud cries and counterfeit lameness.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> I wish I had known that, for he led me a long + chase, often over shoes in water. However, it was the cause of + my falling in with an old man and a boy who were cutting and + piling up turf for fuel, and I had a good deal of talk with + them about the manner of preparing the turf, and the price it + sells at. They gave me, too, a creature I never saw + before—a young viper, which they had just killed, + together with its dam. I have seen several common snakes, but + this is thicker in proportion, and of a darker color than they + are.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> True. Vipers frequent those turfy, boggy + grounds pretty much, and I have known several turf-cutters + bitten by them.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> They are very venomous, are they not?</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> Enough so to make their wounds painful and + dangerous, though they seldom prove fatal.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> Well—I then took my course up to the + windmill on the mount. I climbed up the steps of the mill in + order to get a better view of the country round. What an + extensive prospect! I counted fifteen church steeples; and I + saw several gentlemen's houses peeping out from the midst of + green woods and plantations; and I could trace the windings of + the river all along the low grounds, till it was lost behind a + ridge of hills. But I'll tell you what I mean to do, sir, if + you will give me + leave.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page322" + id="page322"></a>[pg 322]</span> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> What is that?</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> I will go again, and take with me Carey's county + map, by which I shall probably be able to make out most of the + places.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> You shall have it, and I will go with you, and + take my pocket spying-glass.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> I shall be very glad of that. Well—a thought + struck me, that as the hill is called <i>Camp-mount,</i> there + might probably be some remains of ditches and mounds with which + I have read that camps were surrounded. And I really believe I + discovered something of that sort running round one side of the + mount.</p> + + <p><i>Mr, A.</i> Very likely you might. I know antiquaries have + described such remains as existing there, which some suppose to + be Roman, others Danish. We will examine them further, when we + go.</p> + + <p><i>W.</i> From the hill I went straight down to the meadows + below, and walked on the side of a brook that runs into the + river. It was all bordered with reeds and flags and tall + flowering plants, quite different from those I had seen on the + heath. As I was getting down the bank to reach one of them, I + heard something plunge into the water near me. It was a large + water-rat, and I saw it swim over to the other side, and go + into its hole. There were a great many large dragon-flies all + about the stream. I caught one of the finest, and have got him + here in a leaf. But how I longed to catch a bird that I saw + hovering over the water, and every now and then darting down + into it! It was all over a mixture of the most beautiful green + and blue, with some orange color. It was somewhat less than a + thrush, and had a large head and bill, and a short tail.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A.</i> I can tell you what that bird was—a + kingfisher, the celebrated halcyon of the ancients, about which + so many tales are told. It lives on fish, which it catches in + the manner you saw. It builds in holes in the banks, and is a + shy, retired bird, never to be seen far from the stream where + it inhabits.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. I must try to get another sight at him, for I + never saw a bird that pleased me so much. Well—I followed + this little brook till it entered the river, and then took the + path that runs <span class="pagenum"><a name="page323" + id="page323"></a>[pg 323]</span> along the bank. On the + opposite side I observed several little birds running along the + shore, and making a piping noise. They were brown and white, + and about as big as a snipe.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. I suppose they were sandpipers, one of the + numerous family of birds that get their living by wading among + the shallows, and picking up worms and insects.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. There were a great many swallows, too, sporting + upon the surface of the water, that entertained me with their + motions. Sometimes they dashed into the stream; sometimes they + pursued one another so quick, that the eye could scarcely + follow them. In one place where a high steep sand-bank rose + directly above the river, I observed many of them go in and out + of holes with which the bank was bored full.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. Those were sand-martins, the smallest of our + species of swallows. They are of a mouse color above, and white + beneath. They make their nests and bring up their young in + these holes, which run a great depth, and by their situation + are secure from all plunderers.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. A little farther I saw a man in a boat, who was + catching eels in an odd way. He had a long pole with broad iron + prongs at the end, just like Neptune's trident, only there were + five instead of three. This he pulled straight down among the + mud in the deepest parts of the river, and fetched up the eels + sticking between the prongs.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. I have seen this method. It is called spearing + of eels.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. While I was looking at him, a heron came flying + over my head, with his large flagging wings. He lit at the next + turn of the river, and I crept softly behind the bank to watch + his motions. He had waded into the water as far as his long + legs would carry him, and was standing with his neck drawn in, + looking intently on the stream. Presently he darted his long + bill as quick as lightning into the water, and drew out a fish, + which he swallowed. I saw him catch another in the same manner. + He then took alarm at some noise I made, and flew away slowly + to a wood at some distance, where he settled.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. Probably his nest was there, for herons build + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page324" id="page324"></a>[pg + 324]</span> upon the loftiest trees they can find, and + sometimes in society together like rooks. Formerly, when these + birds were valued for the amusement of hawking, many gentlemen + had their <i>heronries</i>, and a few are still remaining.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. I think they are the largest wild birds we + have.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. They are of a great length and spread of wing, + but their bodies are comparatively small.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. I then turned homeward across the meadows, where I + stopped awhile to look at a large flock of starlings which kept + flying about at no great distance. I could not tell at first + what to make of them; for they rose all together from the + ground as thick as a swarm of bees, and formed themselves into + a kind of black cloud, hovering over the field. After taking a + short round, they settled again, and presently rose again in + the same manner, I dare say there were hundreds of them.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. Perhaps so; for in the fenny countries their + flocks are so numerous as to break down whole acres of reeds by + settling on them. This disposition of starlings to fly in close + swarms was remarked even by Homer, who compares the foe flying + from one of his heroes to a <i>cloud</i> of starlings retiring + dismayed at the approach of the hawk.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. After I had left the meadows, I crossed the + cornfields and got to the high field next our house just as the + sun was setting, and I stood looking at it till it was quite + lost. What a glorious sight! The clouds were tinged with purple + and crimson and yellow of all shades and hues, and the clear + sky varied from blue to a fine green at the horizon. But how + large the sun appears just as it sets! I think it seems twice + as big as when it is overhead.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. It does so; and you may probably have observed + the same apparent enlargement of the moon at its rising.</p> + + <p><i>W</i>. I have; but pray what is the reason of this?</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. It is an optical deception, depending upon + principles which I cannot well explain to you till you know + more of that branch of science. But what a number of new ideas + this afternoon's walk has afforded you! I do not wonder that + you found it amusing; It has been very instructive, too. Did + <i>you</i> see nothing of all these sights, + Robert?</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page325" + id="page325"></a>[pg 325]</span> + + <p><i>R</i>. I saw some of them, but I did not take particular + notice of them.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. Why not?</p> + + <p><i>R</i>. I don't know. I did not care about them, and I + made the best of my way home.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. A</i>. That would have been right if you had been + sent of a message; but as you only walked for amusement it + would have been wiser to have sought out as many sources of it + as possible. But so it is—one man walks through the world + with his eyes open, and another with them shut; and upon this + difference depends all the superiority of knowledge the one + acquires above the other. I have known sailors, who had been in + all quarters of the world, and could tell you nothing but the + signs of the tippling-houses they frequented in different + ports, and the price and quality of the liquor. On the other + hand, a Franklin could not cross the channel without making + some observations useful to mankind. While many a vacant, + thoughtless youth is whirled throughout Europe without gaining + a single idea worth crossing a street for, the observing eye + and inquiring mind find matter of improvement and delight in + every ramble in town or country. Do <i>you</i> then, William, + continue to make use of your eyes; and <i>you</i>, Robert, + learn that eyes were given you to use.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page326" + id="page326"></a>[pg 326]</span> + + <h3>PRINCE LIFE</h3> + + <h3>By G.P.R. JAMES</h3> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <p>Once upon a time there was a young Prince who met with a + very curious kind of misfortune. Most people want something + which they cannot get; and because they cannot get it, they + generally desire it more than anything else, which is very + foolish, for it would be much better to be contented with what + they have.</p> + + <p>He was a wise fox, my dear Charlie, who thought the grapes + were sour when he could not reach them. Now the Prince's + misfortune consisted in this, that he had everything on earth + he could want or desire, and a little more. He had a fine + palace and a fine country, obedient subjects and servants, and + true friends. When he got up in the morning, there was some one + ready to put on his clothes for him; when he went to bed at + night, some one to take them off again. A fairy called + Prosperity gave him everything he desired as soon as he desired + it. If he wanted peaches at Christmas, or cool air at + mid-summer, the first came instantly from his hothouses, and + the second was produced by an enormous fan, which hung from the + top of the room, and was moved by two servants.</p> + + <p>But strange to say, the Prince got weary of all this; he was + tired of wanting nothing. When he sat down to dinner he had but + little appetite, because he had had such a good breakfast; he + hardly knew which coat to put on, they were all so beautiful; + and when he went to bed at night, though the bed was as soft as + a white cloud, he could not sleep, for he was not tired.</p> + + <p>There was only one ugly thing in the whole palace, which was + a little, drowsy, gray dwarf, left there by the fairy + Prosperity. He kept yawning all day, and very often set the + Prince <span class="pagenum"><a name="page327" + id="page327"></a>[pg 327]</span> yawning, too, only to look at + him. This dwarf they called Satiety, and he followed the Prince + about wherever he went.</p> + + <p>One day the Prince asked him what he was yawning for, and + Satiety answered:</p> + + <p>"Because I have nothing to do, and nothing to wish for, my + Prince."</p> + + <p>"I suppose that is the reason why I yawn too," replied the + Prince.</p> + + <p>"Rather is it having me always with you,".answered + Satiety.</p> + + <p>"Then get away and leave me," said the Prince.</p> + + <p>"I cannot do that," answered Satiety. "You can go from me, + but I cannot go from you; I can never leave you as long as you + remain in the palace of Prosperity."</p> + + <p>"Then I will have you turned out," said the Prince.</p> + + <p>"No one can do that," said Satiety, "but Misfortune, and he + is a very capricious person. Though he is a very disagreeable + monster, some people seem to court him, but cannot get him to + come near them; while to a great many he comes unawares, and + catches them, though they fly from him eagerly. I tell you, + Prince, you can go from me, but I cannot go from you as long as + you remain in the palace of Prosperity."</p> + + <p>That night, when he went to his soft bed, the Prince thought + very much as to the conversation he had held with Satiety, and + he resolved to go out of the palace for a time, just to get rid + of the ugly little gray, yawning dwarf.</p> + + <p>The very resolution seemed to do him good, and he slept + better that night after he had made it than he had done for + many a night before.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <p>The next morning when he rose he felt quite refreshed, and + he said to a groom: "Bring me my stout horse, Expedition; I am + going out to take a ride all alone."</p> + + <p>The groom answered not a word, for in that palace every one + obeyed the Prince at once, and nobody troubled him but the ugly + little dwarf, Satiety. As he went away, however, the groom said + to himself with a sigh: "It is a sad thing to be in + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page328" id="page328"></a>[pg + 328]</span> the wide world all alone. My Prince does not know + what it is. But let him try; it may be better for him."</p> + + <p>He accordingly brought the horse to the palace-door. But + when the Prince came down he felt quite well, and, looking + about among all his attendants, he could only catch a distant + glimpse of Satiety standing yawning behind. For a minute he was + half inclined not to go, for he did not mind seeing Satiety at + a distance if he did not come near. But the groom, whose name + was Resolution, seeing him hesitate, said: "You had better go, + my Prince, as you determined; it may do you good." And a + chamberlain called Effort helped him on his horse.</p> + + <p>At first, as the Prince rode along, everything was quite + delightful to him. He seemed to breathe more freely now that he + was no more troubled with Satiety. The flowers looked bright, + and the sky beautiful, for a cloud or two here and there only + gave variety. The very air seemed fresher than it had been in + the sheltered gardens of the palace, and the Prince said to + himself: "What a delightful country this is, just on the verge + of the land of Prosperity."</p> + + <p>Just then he saw a countryman gathering grapes in a + vineyard, and every now and then putting some into his mouth, + and the Prince asked him whose fine estate it was that he was + passing through.</p> + + <p>"It belongs to a gentleman and lady equally, sir," replied + the good man; "they are called Activity and Ease. They are the + happiest couple ever seen. When Activity is tired, Ease takes + his head upon her lap; and soon as she is weary of her burden, + Activity jumps up and relieves her from it."</p> + + <p>"But to whom does that more barren country just beyond + belong?" asked the Prince. "And what is that great thick wood I + see farther on still?"</p> + + <p>"That is the land of Labor and the Forest of Adversity," + said the man. "I would advise you to get through them as soon + as possible, for the first you will find very wearisome, and + the second exceedingly unpleasant, although people do say that + there is a great deal of very good fruit in the forest; only + one gets well-nigh torn to pieces with the thorns before one + can reach it."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page329" + id="page329"></a>[pg 329]</span> + + <p>The Prince determined to follow his advice, and rode on. + There was not anything very tempting to him as he passed + through the land of Labor, and it seemed a long and weary way + from the beginning to the end of it. But the forest, even at + its entrance, was very dark and gloomy indeed. Thick trees + crossed each other overhead, and shut out the bright, cheerful + daylight. He could hardly see his way along the narrow, + tortuous paths, and the thorns which the peasant had spoken of + ran into him continually, for they grew high as well as thick, + and crossed the path in every direction. He began heartily to + repent that he had quitted the palace of Prosperity, and wished + himself back again with all his heart, thinking that he should + care little about yawning Satiety if he could but get out of + the thorns of Adversity. Indeed, he tried to turn his horse + back; but he found it more difficult than he imagined, for, as + I have told you, the road was very narrow and those thorns + hedged it on every side. There was nothing for it, in short, + but to try and force his way on through the wood, in the hope + of finding something better beyond.</p> + + <p>The Prince did not know which way to take, indeed, and he + tried a great number of paths, but in vain. Still there were + the same thorns and the same gloomy darkness. He was hungry and + thirsty, and he looked round for those fruits he had heard of; + but he could see none of them at the time, and the more he + sought his way out, the deeper he seemed to get into the + forest. The air was very sultry and oppressive, too; he grew + weary and faint, quite sick at heart, and even the limbs of his + good horse seemed to be failing him, and hardly able to carry + him on.</p> + + <p>Dark as it all was, it at length began to grow darker, and + he perceived that night was coming, so that the poor Prince + began to give up all hope, and to think that there would be + nothing for him but to lie down and die in despair, when + suddenly he caught a sort of twinkling light through the thick + bushes, which seemed to lie in the way he was going, and on he + went, slowly enough, poor man! But still the light was before + him, till suddenly he came to a great rock, overgrown in many + places with briers and brambles. In the midst of it, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page330" id="page330"></a>[pg + 330]</span> however, was the mouth of a large cave, with great + masses of stone hanging over, as if ready to fall on a + traveler's head. It was a very stern and gloomy looking place + indeed, with clefts and crevices and ragged crags all around. + But a few steps in the cave some one seemed to have built + himself a house; for it was blocked up with large, unhewn + boards of wood, and in this partition there was a door and a + window, through which came the light he had seen. The Prince + dismounted from his horse, and though he did not know who might + be within, he thought it best to knock at the door, and ask for + food and shelter.</p> + + <p>The moment he knocked a loud, hoarse voice cried: "Come in!" + and tying his horse to a tree, he opened the door.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <p>Now, whatever the poor Prince had expected to find, he was + certainly disappointed; for that thicket of Adversity is full + of disappointments, as every one knows who has traveled through + it. He had thought he should see some poor woodman or honest + peasant, who would welcome him to his homely hut in the rock + with kindness and benevolence; but instead of that he beheld, + seated at the table, carving away at a piece of stick by the + light of a very small twinkling candle, one of the most + tremendous monsters ever man's eyes lighted upon. In shape he + was like a man, but he was a great deal stronger than any man. + His face looked as if it were cast in iron, so hard and rigid + were all the features; and there was an ever-lasting frown + planted on his brow. His hands were long and sinewy, with + terrible sharp claws upon them; and his feet were so large and + heavy that they seemed as if they would crush anything they + would set upon to pieces.</p> + + <p>The poor Prince, though he was a very brave young man, + stopped and hesitated at the sight of this giant; but the + monster, without ever turning his head, cried out again: "Come + in! Why do you pause? All men must obey me, and I am the only + one that all men do obey."</p> + + <p>"You must be a mighty monarch, then," said the young Prince, + taking courage, "Pray, what is your + name?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page331" + id="page331"></a>[pg 331]</span> + + <p>"My name is Necessity," answered the other in his thundering + voice; "and some people give me bad names, and call me 'Hard + Necessity' and 'Dire Necessity;' but, nevertheless, I often + lead men to great things and teach them useful arts if they do + but struggle with me valiantly."</p> + + <p>"Then I wish you would lead me to where I can get some + rest," said the Prince, "and teach me how I can procure food + for myself and my poor famishing horse."</p> + + <p>The monster rose up almost as tall as a steeple and suddenly + laid his great clutches upon the Prince's shoulders, saying: "I + will do both, if you do but wrestle with me courageously. You + must do it, for there is no other way of escaping from my + hands."</p> + + <p>The Prince had never been handled so roughly before, and as + he was brave, strong, and active, he made a great effort to + free himself, and tried a thousand ways, but to no purpose. The + giant did not hurt him, however, though he pressed him very + hard, and at length he cried out: "Ho, ho! you are a brave + young man! Leave off struggling, and you shall have some food + and drink, such as you would never have tasted had you not come + to me."</p> + + <p>Thereupon he led him to his own coarse wooden table, and set + before him half of a hard brown loaf and a pitcher of water; + but so hungry and thirsty was the Prince that the bread seemed + to him the best he had ever eaten, and the water sweeter than + any in the world.</p> + + <p>"Unfasten your horse's bridle," said Necessity, when the + Prince had done, "and I will soon teach him where to find + something to feed upon."</p> + + <p>The Prince did as the giant told him at once, and then his + stern-looking companion pointed to a wooden bedstead in a dark + corner of the cave, which looked as hard as his own face, + saying: "There, lie down and sleep."</p> + + <p>"I can never sleep on that thing," said the Prince.</p> + + <p>"Ho, ho!" cried the other; "Necessity can make any bed + soft," and taking a bundle of straw, he threw it down on the + bedstead.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page332" + id="page332"></a>[pg 332]</span> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <p>Sleep was sweeter to the Prince that night than it had ever + been upon a bed of down, and when he rose the next morning the + monster's features did not seem half so stern and forbidding as + they had done at first. The inside of the cave, too, looked + much more light and blithesome, though it was a dark and + frowning place enough still, with hard rock all round, and + nothing but one window to let in a little sunshine.</p> + + <p>Necessity, however, did not intend to keep the Prince there, + and as soon as he was up the giant said to him: "Come, trudge; + you must quit my cave, and go on."</p> + + <p>"You must open the door for me, then," said the Prince; "for + the bolt is so high up I cannot reach it."</p> + + <p>"You cannot get out by the door through which you came in," + said the giant, "for it is the door of Idleness. There is but + one way for you to get out, and that I will show you."</p> + + <p>So, taking him by the hand, he led him on into a very dark + part of the cave, which went a long way under ground, and then + said to him: "You must now go on until you come to a great + house, where you will find an old woman, who will give you your + meals at least."</p> + + <p>"But I want to return to my own palace of Prosperity," + replied the Prince.</p> + + <p>"She will show you the way," replied the monster, "and + without her you will never find it. Go on at once, and don't + stand talking."</p> + + <p>"But I cannot see the path," said the Prince.</p> + + <p>"You must find it," said Necessity, and gave him a great + push, which sent him on at a very rapid rate.</p> + + <p>For some time he continued to grope his way almost in + darkness, but soon a light began to shine before him, which + grew bigger and bigger as he advanced, and he perceived that he + was coming to another mouth of the cave, leading to an open but + very rough country. The Prince was very glad indeed to issue + forth and breathe the fresh air, and he looked at the clear sky + with great satisfaction. Just before him, however, there was a + large house, with a great number of doors and windows; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page333" id="page333"></a>[pg + 333]</span> and as he felt very hungry, he determined to knock, + and see if he could get any breakfast.</p> + + <p>Almost as soon as he had touched the knocker the door was + opened by a little old woman, plainly dressed, but neat and + tidy: and when the Prince told her who he was, and what he + wanted, she answered him with a good-humored smile, very + different from the frown of stern Necessity: "Every one can + have food in my house who chooses to work for it; nobody + without. I can help you on your way, too; and as for your poor + horse you talk about, he shall be provided for. My name is + Industry, and Industry always takes care of her beasts. Come + in, young man; come in."</p> + + <p>The Prince went in with a glad step, and found the house + quite full of people, all as busy as bees in a field of clover, + and all looking as bright and cheerful as if they had washed + their faces in sunshine.</p> + + <p>It would take me an hour to tell you all the different + things they were employed in, every one working by himself on + his separate task, although two or three were often seen doing + different pieces of the same work. But there were two very + nice, pretty girls there whom I must speak of, who seemed to be + handmaidens to the mistress of the house. One was a + thoughtful-looking, careful girl, who was busy in every part of + the room alternately, picking up all the little odds and ends + which were left after any piece of work was + completed—little bits of string, ends of tape or thread, + stray nails, chips of wood, or pieces of paper. These, as soon + as she had gathered them up, she put safely by, where she could + find them again; and it is wonderful how often she was called + upon by the workmen for some little scrap or another, just + sufficient to complete what they were about. Her name was + Economy.</p> + + <p>The other was a brighter, quicker-looking person, with very + clear eyes, like two stars, who went continually through the + room, putting everything to rights. If a chair was out of its + place, or a table turned awry, or a tool put down where it + should not be, she could not bear to see it for a minute, but + put all things straight again, so that nobody was at a loss + where to find anything, She was called + Order.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page334" + id="page334"></a>[pg 334]</span> + + <p>The hungry Prince was somewhat mortified to find a good, + large piece of work assigned him to do before he could get his + breakfast, and at first he was exceedingly awkward, and did not + know how to set about it; but Industry showed him the way, + Order helped him a good deal, and Economy supplied him with the + materials.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <p>At the end of an hour he had completed his task, and the old + lady patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Well done; you are a + very good young man. Now Industry will give you your breakfast, + and help you on the way to a very nice place, where you will + get all you desire."</p> + + <p>Thus saying, she led him into a great hall, where there was + a vast number of people, all eating rich fruits, with a + somewhat hard-favored dame, whom they called Labor, scattering + sugar on the different dishes.</p> + + <p>When the Prince heard her name, he asked one of the people + near if that was really Labor, saying, "I passed through her + land not long ago, and it seemed so poor and hard a country + that I should have thought it produced nothing good."</p> + + <p>"That is a mistake," said the other. "That is the land where + grows the sugar-cane, and Labor always sweetens the food of + Industry."</p> + + <p>As soon as his breakfast was over, the Prince was taken to + another door, and shown a road which was very narrow at first, + but seemed to grow wider and wider as it went on.</p> + + <p>"You have nothing to do but to walk straight forward," said + Industry, "neither to turn to the right nor to the left. Keep + yourself upright, so that you may have that distant mountain + peak before your eyes, and don't suffer yourself to grow faint + or get tired. If you should have any doubt or difficulty, you + will find some one on the road who will show you the way. But + only remember always to keep straight forward, and don't be + tempted to turn aside."</p> + + <p>"What is the name of this road?" asked the Prince.</p> + + <p>"It is called the 'Right Path'" was the reply; and on he + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page335" id="page335"></a>[pg + 335]</span> set upon his way with a stout heart. Nevertheless, + he began to get somewhat tired before an hour was over, + although the road was pleasant enough to walk in. There were + beautiful green meadows on every side, and richly colored + flowers, and what seemed very delicious fruit; and here and + there, at a little distance, were pleasant groves, with a + number of gay birds, singing very sweetly.</p> + + <p>At the end of an hour and a half the Prince became hungry + and thirsty again, as well as tired, and he said to himself, + "There could be no great harm surely in going across that + meadow and gathering some of that fruit, to eat under the shade + of the trees, while the birds sing over my head. I do not know + how far I have to go. I see no end to this long, straight road. + I think I will try and rest for a little under those trees. I + can easily find my way back again."</p> + + <p>But just at that moment, luckily for himself, the Prince + spied a man trudging on before him, and he hurried after, + saying to himself, "I will ask him how far I have to go, and + whether I have time to stop."</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <p>The man did not walk very fast, but he kept steadily on, + with a great pikestaff in his hand; and though the Prince + called after him as soon as he was within hearing, he did not + halt for a moment, or even turn his head, but trudged onward, + saying, "Come along, come along; one never gets to the end of + one's journey if one stops to chatter by the way."</p> + + <p>At length the Prince came up with him, and said in a civil + tone, "Pray can you tell me whither this road leads, and if it + will be very long before I get to some house where I can find + rest and food?"</p> + + <p>"It leads to a very fine and beautiful castle," replied the + other somewhat doggedly, and still walking on. "I think, if you + come along with me, you will get there in time. I am generally + well received there, and in some sort may call myself the + master of the house, so that those who go with me are generally + made welcome by my lady, who, though she is sometimes a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page336" id="page336"></a>[pg + 336]</span> little whimsical, is the most charming person in + the world when she smiles upon me. But you must keep on + steadily with me; for if you stop or turn aside, a thousand to + one you will be lost."</p> + + <p>When the Prince found him so communicative, he asked him if + they could not cross one of the meadows to refresh themselves a + little, and told him how he had been tempted to do so just + before he saw him.</p> + + <p>"Lucky you did not," answered the other; "for those meadows + are full of swamps and quagmires, the groves filled with + snakes, and many of the fruits poisonous. You might have got + yourself into such troubles that not even I could have helped + you out of them."</p> + + <p>"If it is not improper, may I ask your name?" said the + Prince.</p> + + <p>"Come along," answered the other, "Names matter little; but + if you want to know mine, it is Perseverance."</p> + + <p>Not long after the Prince began to think he saw several tall + towers glittering before him in the distance, with some misty + clouds round about them, which only seemed to make them look + the more beautiful.</p> + + <p>"What a fine castle!" he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"That is where I am leading you," answered the other; "and + the first prospect is always very charming. But we have some + way to go yet, I can tell you, and not a little to overcome. + You would never get there without me; so come on, and do not be + daunted at anything you see."</p> + + <p>The Prince soon found that his companion's warning was just. + The way did seem very long; and sometimes, as they went over + hill and dale, the sight of the beautiful castle, which cheered + him so much, was quite shut out from his eyes, and at length, + when they were coming very near it, with nothing but one valley + between them and the building, he perceived that the road went + over a narrow drawbridge, and saw two terrible monsters lying + close beside the way. Their bodies were like those of lions, + very large and very strong, but they had necks like that of a + snake, and from each neck issued a hundred horrible heads, all + differing in kind from one another.</p> + + <p>The poor Prince was alarmed, and said to his companion: + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page337" id="page337"></a>[pg + 337]</span> "Do you see those horrible brutes? Is there no + other way into the castle but between them?"</p> + + <p>"There are a thousand ways into the castle," replied his + companion, "but every way is guarded by monsters just like + those. But do not be alarmed. Go on with me, and I will help + you. Besides, some one will come out of the castle, most + likely, to give us assistance."</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <p>Upon these words, the Prince went on more cheerfully, + especially when he saw a man come running down from the gate of + the castle as they approached the drawbridge.</p> + + <p>"Ay," said his companion, stepping on without stopping a + moment, "there comes my friend Courage to help us. He is a + good, serviceable fellow."</p> + + <p>Just as he spoke, the two monsters sprang forward, and the + one which was nearest to Perseverance growled terribly at him; + but he struck him a blow with his pikestaff, which knocked him + down and cowed him entirely; and there he lay, with all his + hundred heads prostrated in a manner which the Prince could + hardly have thought possible. The other brute sprang right at + the Prince himself, as if to destroy him, so that he was + inclined to draw back; but the man Courage, who had run down + from the castle, put his foot upon the creature's snaky neck, + and crushed it into the earth.</p> + + <p>"Go on, go on, young man!" he cried. "These are terrible + monsters truly, but you see our friend Perseverance has + vanquished Difficulty, and I have trampled upon Danger."</p> + + <p>As he spoke, the Prince passed on rapidly over the + drawbridge; and when he stood under the gate of the castle, + Perseverance took him by the hand with a smiling air, and led + him in, saying: "Now I will conduct you to my lady, + Success."</p> + + <p>At the very sound the poor Prince seemed quite refreshed, + forgot all the weary way he had traveled, the dark forest of + Adversity, the grim frown of Necessity, the faintness and the + weariness, and hundred-headed Difficulty and Danger. But he was + more rejoiced still when, on entering the building, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page338" id="page338"></a>[pg + 338]</span> he found himself suddenly, all at once, in the + great hall of his own palace of Prosperity, with a beautiful + lady, all smiles, standing ready to receive him with a crown in + her hand.</p> + + <p>"Come hither, Prince," she said, "and receive this crown, + which I never bestow on any but my greatest favorites. It is + called the crown of Contentment. I reserve it for those who, + led on by Perseverance, come to me by the Right Path, in spite + of Difficulty and Danger. Those who arrive at my presence by + any of the many other roads that are open to mankind I give + over to the charge of some of my inferior attendants, such as + Pride, Vanity, or Ambition, who amuse themselves by making them + play all manner of strange tricks."</p> + + <p>Thus saying, she put the crown upon his head, and the Prince + found the most delightful tranquil feeling spread through his + whole body. Nevertheless, he could not help looking about + almost instantly for the figure of the ugly little gray dwarf; + and, as he could not see him anywhere, he said to the beautiful + lady: "Where is that hideous, yawning Satiety? I hope he has + left the palace."</p> + + <p>"He may be hanging about in some dark corners of the + palace," answered the lady, "or hiding among the roses in your + garden of Pleasure; but he will never appear in your presence + again, so long as you wear that crown upon your head; for there + is a rich jewel called Moderation in the crown of Contentment + which is too bright and pure to be looked upon by Satiety."</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page339" + id="page339"></a>[pg 339]</span> + + <h3>THE FRUITS OF DISOBEDIENCE</h3> + + <h4>OR THE KIDNAPPED CHILD</h4> + + <p>In a beautiful villa on the banks of the Medway resided a + gentleman whose name was Darnley, who had, during the early + part of life, filled a post of some importance about the Court, + and even in its decline preserved that elegance of manners + which so peculiarly marks a finished gentleman.</p> + + <p>The loss of a beloved wife had given a pensive cast to his + features, and a seriousness to his deportment, which many + people imagined proceeded from haughtiness of disposition, yet + nothing could be further from Mr. Darnley's character, for he + was affable, gentle, benevolent, and humane.</p> + + <p>His family consisted of an only sister, who, like himself, + had lost the object of her tenderest affection, but who, in + dividing her attention between her brother and his amiable + children, endeavored to forget her own misfortunes.</p> + + <p>Mr. Darnley's fortune was sufficiently great to enable him + to place his daughters in the first school in London, but he + preferred having them under his immediate instruction, and as + Mrs. Collier offered to assist him in their education he + resolved for some years not to engage a governess, as Nurse + Chapman was one of those worthy creatures to whose care he + could securely trust them.</p> + + <p>An old friend of Mr. Darnley's had recently bought a house + at Rochester, and that gentleman and his sister were invited to + pass a few days there, and as Emily grew rather too big for the + nurse's management Mrs. Collier resolved to make her of the + party, leaving Sophia, Amanda, and Eliza under that good + woman's protection.</p> + + <p>It was Mr. Darnley's wish that the young folks should rise + early and take a long walk every morning before breakfast, but + they were strictly ordered never to go beyond their own grounds + unless their aunt or father accompanied them. This + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page340" id="page340"></a>[pg + 340]</span> order they had frequently endeavored to persuade + Nurse Chapman to disregard, but, faithful to the trust reposed + in her, she always resisted their urgent entreaties.</p> + + <p>The morning after Mr. Darnley went to Rochester the poor + woman found herself thoroughly indisposed, and wholly incapable + of rising at the accustomed hour. The children, however, were + dressed for walking, and the nurse-maid charged not to go + beyond the shrubbery, and they all sallied out in high good + humor.</p> + + <p>"Now, Susan," said Sophia, as soon as they entered the + garden, "this is the only opportunity you may ever have of + obliging us. Do let us walk to the village, and then you know + you can see your father and mother."</p> + + <p>"La, missy!" replied the girl, "why, you know 'tis as much + as my place is worth if Nurse Chapman should find out."</p> + + <p>"Find it out indeed," said Amanda; "how do you think she is + to find it out? Come, do let us go, there's a dear, good + creature."</p> + + <p>"Yes, dear, dear Susan, do let us go," said Eliza, skipping + on before them, "and I'll show you the way, for I walked there + last summer with father."</p> + + <p>Whether it was the wish of obliging the young ladies, or the + desire of seeing her parents, I cannot pretend to say, but in a + luckless hour Susan yielded, and the party soon reached the + village.</p> + + <p>Susan's mother was delighted at seeing her, and highly + honored by the young ladies' presence.</p> + + <p>"Oh, sweet, dear creatures!" said the old woman, "I must get + something for them to eat after their long walk, and my oven's + quite hot, and I can bake them a little cake in a quarter of an + hour, and I'll milk Jenny in ten minutes."</p> + + <p>The temptation of her hot cake and new milk was not to be + withstood, and Susan began taking down some smart china cups, + which were arranged in form upon the mantelpiece, and carefully + dusted them for the young ladies' use.</p> + + <p>Eliza followed the old woman into the cow-house, and began + asking a thousand questions, when her attention was suddenly + attracted by the appearance of a tame lamb, who went up + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page341" id="page341"></a>[pg + 341]</span> bleating to its mistress with a view of asking its + accustomed breakfast.</p> + + <p>"You must wait a little, Billy," said the woman, "and let + your betters be served before you. Don't you see that we have + got gentlefolks to breakfast with us this morning?"</p> + + <p>Eliza was so delighted with the beauty of the little animal + that she wanted to kiss it, and attempted to restrain it for + that purpose, while Billy, ungrateful for her intended + kindness, gave a sudden spring and frisked away.</p> + + <p>Eliza followed in hopes of being able to catch him, but he + ran baaing along into the high road.</p> + + <p>A woman whose appearance was descriptive of poverty but + whose smiling countenance indicated good nature, at that moment + happened to pass, and, accosting Eliza in a tone of + familiarity, said: "That's not half such a pretty lamb, miss, + as I have got at home, and not a quarter so tame, for if you + did but say, 'Bob' he'd follow you from one end of the town to + the other, and then he'll fetch and carry like a dog, stand up + on his hind legs, when my husband says 'Up' for the thing, and + play more tricks than a young kitten."</p> + + <p>"Oh, the pretty creature," replied Eliza, "how I should like + to see it!"</p> + + <p>"Well, come along with me, miss," said the woman, "for I + only lives just across the next field, but you must run as hard + as you can, because my husband is going to work, and he + generally takes Bob with him."</p> + + <p>"Well, make haste, then," said Eliza.</p> + + <p>"Give me your hand, miss," replied the woman; "for we can + run faster together. But there goes my husband, I declare; and + there's Bob, as usual, skipping on before."</p> + + <p>"Where? where?" exclaimed Eliza, stretching her little neck + as far as she possibly could, to see if she could discern the + lamb.</p> + + <p>"You are not tall enough," said the artful creature; "but + let me lift you up, miss, and then I dare say you will see + them;" and, instantly catching her up, she cried out: "Look + directly towards the steeple, miss; but I'll run with you in my + arms, and I warrant we'll soon overtake + them."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page342" + id="page342"></a>[pg 342]</span> + + <p>Eliza looked, but looked in vain, and, perceiving the woman + had soon carried her out of sight of the cottage, begged she + would set her down, as she dare not go any farther.</p> + + <p>The vile creature was absolutely incapable of replying, for + her breath was nearly exhausted by the rapidity of the motion, + and Eliza continued entreating her to stop, and struggled + violently to elude her grasp.</p> + + <p>At length, after a quarter of an hour's exertion, the woman + found herself incapable of proceeding, and stopped suddenly, + sat down on a bank, keeping tight hold of Eliza's arms, who + cried dreadfully, and besought her to let her go.</p> + + <p>"Let you go!" she replied; "what, after all the plague I've + had to knap you? No, no, you don't catch me at that, I promise + you; but be a good girl, and don't cry, and then you may see + Bob by and by, perhaps."</p> + + <p>"Oh, my sisters! my sisters! Let me go to my sisters!" cried + the child.</p> + + <p>"I'll find plenty of sisters for you in a few days," said + the vile creature; "but they won't know you in them there fine + clothes; so let's pull them off in a minute, and then we'll + have another run after Bob."</p> + + <p>So saying, she stripped off the white frock, hat, and + tippet. The rest of the things shared the same fate, and Eliza + was compelled to put on some old rags which the inhuman + creature took out of a bag she carried under her petticoat; + then, taking a bottle of liquid from the same place, she + instantly began washing Eliza's face with it, and, + notwithstanding all her remonstrances, cut her beautiful hair + close to her head.</p> + + <p>Thus metamorphosed, it would have been impossible even for + Mr. Darnley to have known his child, and they proceeded onward + until her little legs would carry her no farther. At this + period they were overtaken by the Canterbury wagon, and for a + mere trifle the driver consented to let them ride to London. + Eliza's tears continued to flow, but she dared not utter a + complaint, as her inhuman companion protested she would break + every bone in her skin if she ventured to make the least + noise.</p> + + <p>When they arrived in town, she was dragged (for to walk + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page343" id="page343"></a>[pg + 343]</span> she was unable) to a miserable hole down several + steps, where they gave her some bread and butter to eat, and + then desired her to go to bed.</p> + + <p>The bed, if such it might be called, was little else than a + bundle of rags thrown into a corner of the room, with a dirty + blanket spread across it; and there she was left by her inhuman + kidnapper to mourn her misfortunes and lament having + disregarded her fathers' injunctions.</p> + + <p>The next morning she was forced to rise the moment it was + light, and to walk as far as her little legs would carry her + before they stopped anywhere to take refreshment. The second + night was passed in a barn, and about five o'clock the third + afternoon they knocked at the door of a neat-looking cottage, + where nine or ten children were sitting in a little room making + lace.</p> + + <p>"Why, Peggy," said the woman, as she opened the door, "I + thought you never would have come again! However, I see you + have got me a hand at last, and God knows I'm enough in want of + her; for two of my brats have thought proper to fall sick, and + I have more to do than ever I had in my life."</p> + + <p>On the following day Eliza's filthy rags were all taken off, + and she was dressed in a tidy brown-stuff gown, a nice clean + round-eared cap, and a little colored bib and apron; and she + was ordered, if any person asked her name, to say it was Biddy + Bullen, and that she was niece to the woman who employed + her.</p> + + <p>The severity with which all this wretch's commands were + enforced wholly prevented any of the helpless victims who were + under her protection from daring to disobey them; and though + most of them were placed under her care by the same vile agent + who had decoyed Eliza, yet they were all tutored to relate + similar untruths.</p> + + <p>But I now think it is high time to carry my little readers + back to the cottage scene, where Susan was arranging things in + order for breakfast, and Sophia and her sister were anxiously + watching the moment when the cake was pronounced completely + ready.</p> + + <p>The old woman soon returned with the milk-pail on her arm, + and Susan eagerly demanded: "Where's Miss + Eliza?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page344" + id="page344"></a>[pg 344]</span> + + <p>"Oh, the pretty creature!" replied her mother, "she'll be + here in a minute, I warrant her; but she has gone skipping + after our Billy, and the two sweet innocents they are + together."</p> + + <p>She then went to the oven, produced the cake, and began + buttering it with all expedition, while Sophia joyously ran to + the door of the cow-house, and began loudly calling her sister + Eliza.</p> + + <p>No answer being returned, Susan began to feel alarmed, but + the young ladies told her not to be frightened, as they knew it + was only one of Eliza's pranks. But, alas! too soon were they + convinced it was no joke, but some dreadful misfortune must + have happened.</p> + + <p>"Miss Eliza! Miss Eliza!" was vociferated through the + village, not only by Susan and her mother, but by all the + neighbors who had heard of the calamity, while her sisters ran + about frantic with grief, crying, "Eliza, my love! my darling! + Oh, if you are hid, for pity's sake speak!"</p> + + <p>Nurse Chapman got up about half-past nine, and, hearing the + children were not returned from their walk, sent the housemaid + directly after them.</p> + + <p>The garden, the shrubbery, and the lawn were all searched + without success; and just as Betty was returning to inform the + nurse they were not to be found, she perceived Susan and the + two children enter a little green gate at the bottom of the + shrubbery.</p> + + <p>"Where's Miss Eliza?" called Betty, in a voice as loud as + she could articulate.</p> + + <p>"God knows! God knows!" replied the careless girl, sobbing + so loud she could scarcely speak.</p> + + <p>"How! where! when!" said the others. "Why, poor nurse will + go stark, staring mad!"</p> + + <p>By that time the poor woman had quitted her room, and walked + into the garden to see what had become of her little charges; + and, not directly missing Eliza from the group, which was then + fast approaching towards the house, she called out:</p> + + <p>"Come, my dear children—come along! I thought you + would never have returned again." And, observing Eliza was + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page345" id="page345"></a>[pg + 345]</span> not with them, she continued: "But, Susan, what's + become of my sweet bird? Where's my little darling, Miss + Eliza?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, nurse! nurse!" said Sophia, "my sister's lost! indeed + she's lost!"</p> + + <p>"Lost!" exclaimed the poor old woman—"lost! What do + you tell me? What do I hear? Oh, my master! my dear master! + never shall I bear to see his face again!"</p> + + <p>Susan then repeated every circumstance just as has been + related, and with sighs and tears bewailed her own folly in + suffering herself to be over-persuaded. And the children + declared they dare not encounter their father's + displeasure.</p> + + <p>The men servants were instantly summoned and sent on + horseback different ways. That she had been stolen admitted of + no doubt, as there was no water near the cottage; and had any + accident happened, they must have found her, as they had + searched every part of the village before they ventured to + return home.</p> + + <p>One servant was sent to Rochester, another towards London, + and a third and fourth across the country roads; but no + intelligence could be obtained, nor the slightest information + gathered, by which the unfortunate child could be found, or her + wicked decoyer's footsteps traced.</p> + + <p>When Mr. Darnley was apprised of the calamitous event, the + agitation of his mind may be easily conceived, but can never be + described.</p> + + <p>Handbills were instantly circulated all over the country, + the child's person described, and a reward of five hundred + guineas offered for her restoration.</p> + + <p>Sophia and Amanda were inconsolable, and Susan was ordered + to be discharged before Mr. Darnley returned home, which he did + not for more than a month after the melancholy circumstance + happened, as he was not satisfied with sending messengers in + pursuit of his lost treasure, but went himself to all those + wretched parts of London where poverty and vice are known to + dwell, in the hope of meeting the object of his solicitude, and + at length gave up the interesting pursuit, because he found his + health rendered him incapable of continuing it.</p> + + <p>Nine tedious months passed away without any intelligence + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page346" id="page346"></a>[pg + 346]</span> of the lost Eliza; and time, which is a general + remedy for all misfortunes, had not softened the severity of + their affliction. Mrs. Collier had engaged a lady to be + governess to her nieces, as her attention had been wholly + devoted to her unfortunate brother, whose agitated state of + mind had produced a bodily complaint which demanded her + unremitting care and tenderness.</p> + + <p>Although Emily loved Eliza with the fondest affection, yet + her grief was much less poignant than either of her sisters', + as she could not accuse herself with being accessory to her + loss.</p> + + <p>"Never, never shall I forgive myself," Sophia would often + say, "for having deviated from my dear father's command! Oh, so + good and indulgent as he is to us, how wicked it was to + transgress his will! I was the eldest, and ought to have known + better, and my poor Eliza is the sufferer for my crime!"</p> + + <p>Thus would she bewail her folly and imprudence, until, + agonized by the torture of her own reflections, she would sink + down in a chair quite exhausted, and burst into a flood of + tears.</p> + + <p>While the family at Darnley Hall were thus a prey to + unavailing sorrow, the lovely little girl who had occasioned it + was beginning to grow more reconciled to the cruelty of her + destiny, and to support her different mode of life with + resignation and composure. She had acquired such a degree of + skill in the art of lacemaking (which was the business her + employer followed) as generally to be able to perform the tasks + which were allotted her; and if it so happened she was + incapable of doing it, Sally Butchell, a child almost two years + older than herself, of whom she was very fond, was always kind + enough to complete it for her.</p> + + <p>The cottage in which the vile Mrs. Bullen resided was + situated about a quarter of a mile from High Wycombe; and + whenever she was obliged to go to that place, either to + purchase or to dispose of her goods, she always went either + before her family were up, or after they had retired to rest, + locking the door constantly after her, and putting the key in + her pocket, so that the poor little souls had no opportunity of + telling their misfortunes to any human creature.</p> + + <p>One intense hot afternoon, in the month of August, as the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page347" id="page347"></a>[pg + 347]</span> children were sitting hard at work with the door + open for the sake of air, an elderly lady and gentleman walked + up to it, and begged to be accommodated with a seat, informing + Mrs. Bullen their carriage had broken down a mile distant, and + they had been obliged to walk in the heat of the sun.</p> + + <p>The appearance of so many children, all industriously + employed, was a sight particularly pleasing to the + liberal-minded Mrs. Montague, and she immediately began asking + the woman several questions about them; but there was something + of confusion in her manner of replying that called forth Mrs. + Montague's surprise and astonishment.</p> + + <p>"They really are lovely children, my dear," said she, + turning to Mr. Montague, who had stood at the door watching the + approach of the carriage, which he perceived coming forward; + "and as to that little creature with the mole under her left + eye, I declare I think it is a perfect beauty."</p> + + <p>Mr. Montague turned his head, and regarded Eliza with a look + that at once proved that his sentiments corresponded with those + of his lady.</p> + + <p>"What is your name, my love?" said he, in a tone of kindness + which poor Eliza had long been a stranger to.</p> + + <p>The child colored like scarlet, and looked immediately at + her inhuman employer, who, catching the contagion, replied with + evident marks of confusion:</p> + + <p>"Her name is Biddy Bullen, sir; she's my niece; but 'tis a + poor timid little fool, and is always in a fright when + gentlefolks happen to speak to her. Go, Biddy," she + continued—"go up into my bedroom, and mind that thread + which you'll find upon the reel."</p> + + <p>"You should try to conquer that timidity," said Mr. + Montague, "by making her answer every stranger who speaks to + her; but by taking that office upon yourself, you absolutely + encourage the shyness you complain of. Come hither, my little + girl," continued he, observing she was retiring upstairs, "and + tell the lady what your name is."</p> + + <p>Encouraged by the kindness of Mr. Montague's address, the + agitated child obeyed the summons, although Mrs. Bullen + attempted to force her into + resistance.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page348" + id="page348"></a>[pg 348]</span> + + <p>"Well," continued the old gentleman, patting her on the + cheek, "and where did you get that pretty mole?"</p> + + <p>"My mother gave it me, sir," replied the blushing child; + "but I did not see her do it, because Nurse Chapman told me she + went to heaven as soon as I was born."</p> + + <p>"Your mother! And what was your mother's name?" said Mr. + Montague.</p> + + <p>"Darnley, sir," said the child, and suddenly recollecting + the lesson that had been taught her—"but my name is Biddy + Bullen, and that is my aunt."</p> + + <p>"Darnley!" exclaimed Mrs. Montague—"the very child + that has been for these twelve months past advertised in all + the papers"—then turning to convince herself of the + fact—"and the very mole confirms it."</p> + + <p>Mr. Montague immediately attempted to secure the woman, but + her activity eluded his grasp, and darting out at the back door + she was out of sight in a few moments.</p> + + <p>"Is she really gone? Is she gone?" all the little voices at + once demanded, and upon Mr. Montague's assuring them she was + really gone for ever, their joy broke out in a thousand + different ways—some cried, some laughed, and others + jumped. In short, there never was a scene more completely + calculated to interest the feelings of a benevolent heart.</p> + + <p>Mr. Montague's carriage at this period arrived, and the + footman was desired to fetch a magistrate from Wycombe, while + the worthy clergyman resolved to remain there until his + arrival, and began questioning all the children. Two had been + there from so early a period that they could give no account of + their name or origin, but all the rest were so clear in their + description that the benevolent Mr. Montague had no doubt of + being able to restore them to their afflicted parents.</p> + + <p>The magistrate soon arrived, attended by the worthy rector + of the place, who, hearing from Mr. Montague's servant that a + child had been stolen, came with the intent of offering his + services.</p> + + <p>All but Eliza were immediately put under his protection, but + Mrs. Montague was so anxious she should be their earliest care + that she begged her husband to order a post-chaise directly, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page349" id="page349"></a>[pg + 349]</span> and set off immediately for town. This request was + willingly complied with, and by three o'clock the next + afternoon the party arrived at Darnley Hall.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Collier was standing at the window when the carriage + stopped, and looking earnestly at her niece suddenly exclaimed + in a tone of rapture: "My child! My child! My lost Eliza!"</p> + + <p>Mr. Darnley, who was reading, sprang from his seat, and flew + to the door in a ecstasy of joy. In less than a minute he + returned folding his Eliza to his throbbing heart. The joyful + intelligence ran through the house, and the other children + impatiently flew to this scene of transport.</p> + + <p>To describe their feelings or express their felicity would + require the aid of the most descriptive pen, and even then + would be but faintly told, and therefore had much better be + passed over.</p> + + <p>From that moment the children all unanimously agreed + strictly to attend to their father's orders, and never in the + slightest instance act in opposition to his will.</p> + + <p>Mr. and Mrs. Montague were laden with caresses, and + earnestly entreated to remain Mr. Darnley's guests. The + hospitable invitation would have been gladly accepted had not + the thoughts of the poor children who were still at Wycombe + seemed to claim his immediate attention, and so great was the + philanthropy of Mr. Montague's character that he could never + rest satisfied if a single duty remained unfulfilled.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page350" + id="page350"></a>[pg 350]</span> + + <h3>DICKY RANDOM</h3> + + <h4>OR GOOD NATURE IS NOTHING WITHOUT GOOD CONDUCT</h4><br /> + + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"In festive play this maxim prize—</p> + + <p>Be always merry—always WISE!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>"Do you know what hour it is when you see a clock?" said Mr. + Random to his little son Richard.</p> + + <p>"Yes, father," said Richard; "for I can count it all round. + When both hands are at the top of the clock, then I know it is + time to leave school."</p> + + <p>"Then go and see what time it is," said his father.</p> + + <p>Away ran Richard, and brought back word in a moment that it + was exactly six o'clock.</p> + + <p>In a few minutes after came in a friend with a young lady, + the former of whom asked Mr. Random why he was not ready to go + with them to the concert that evening, as he had promised. Mr. + Random replied that it was but six o'clock, which, however, he + was soon convinced was a mistake of Richard's, who, on being + asked what he saw when he looked on the clock, replied, "I saw + the two hands together close to the six, and that made me say + it was six, for I always call it twelve when they are right + opposite."</p> + + <p>"Remember, my dear," said his father, "that the long hand + never tells the hour, except on the stroke of twelve. You ought + to know that the minute hand overtakes its fellow somewhat + later every hour, till at noon and midnight they again start + exactly even; and when a bigger boy I shall expect you to tell + me how much difference is increased every time they come into + conjunction. You now see, Dicky, that through such a mistake I + must make my friends wait; pray, therefore, mind better another + time."</p> + + <p>In a few minutes after his father bid him go into the + dining-room, and bring down a bottle of wine, which stood in + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page351" + id="page351"></a>[pg 351]</span> <i>hither</i> corner of the + cellaret, that he might help the gentleman, and lady to a + glass.</p> + + <p>"Yes, father," said little Dick, and up he went. On the + stairs he met puss, and stopped to play with her, during which + he forgot what had been told him. Having gotten a bottle, + downstairs he came, and, pouring out a couple of glasses, he + returned with it. But, when on the landing-place, he naughtily + drew out the cork to have a taste himself. It was not only very + vulgar to drink out of the neck of a bottle, but wrong to make + free slily with that which he was merely entrusted to serve + out. However, it rushed so fast into his mouth, and was so hot, + that he was afraid of being strangled. It happened that he had + bitten his cheek that morning, and the liquor bathing the sore + place made it smart so that he put down the bottle on the + floor, when, in stamping about, it rolled downstairs and made a + fine clatter. His father ran out on hearing the noise, but was + stopped in the way by seeing the young lady almost gasping for + breath, and it was some minutes before she could say that he + had given her brandy instead of wine.</p> + + <p>Mr. Random next proceeded upstairs, where little Dick was + picking up the pieces of broken glass, in doing which he cut a + deep gash in his hand.</p> + + <p>"Where did you take the bottle from?"</p> + + <p>"Out of the <i>farther</i> side of the cellaret," said + Dicky.</p> + + <p>"I told you to take it from the <i>hither</i> side," replied + Mr. Random. "But, however, you shall smart for your neglect: + what remains of the brandy will serve to bathe your hand, and I + hope the pain will make you reflect that the loss is the same + to me, whether you spilt it from design or inattention."</p> + + <p>He one day made his mother look very simple at table, for + which he deserved to have suffered much more than her good + nature required. Young Random was to have a grand rout in the + evening with some of his little favorites. A few nice tarts, + custards, etc., had been made in the morning for the occasion, + and had been most temptingly baked in the forenoon.</p> + + <p>It happened that two gentlemen called on Mr. Random about + two o'clock, and he insisted upon their staying to dinner; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page352" id="page352"></a>[pg + 352]</span> in consequence of which his lady had the pastry + removed from the side board to the china-closet.</p> + + <p>All children must frequently have heard their mothers say, + when they wish to have anything saved for another occasion, "My + friends, you see your dinner before you; I hope you will + consider yourselves at home and not spare." This is always + thought to be a sufficient excuse for not bringing anything of + another sort to table.</p> + + <p>When the meat was nearly done with, Mrs. Random made the + above remark to her visitors, who declared that nothing more + was requisite. She then bid the servant put the cheese on the + table.</p> + + <p>"What, mother," said Richard, "is there nothing else?"</p> + + <p>"No, my love," said his mother; "I am sure you want nothing + more."</p> + + <p>"Why, yes, mother. Where are the tarts and custards you put + into the closet?"</p> + + <p>"Surely you dream?" said his mother.</p> + + <p>"No, I don't indeed," replied Dicky. "You put them away + directly the gentlemen said they would stay to dine, and + observed what a deal of trouble visitors do give."</p> + + <p>Any one will easily believe that this made Mrs. Random look + very confused. She hardly knew what to reply, but she turned it + off in the best manner she could, and said:</p> + + <p>"It is you, Richard, who trouble me more than the visits of + my friends. I am happy to see them always, but on some days + more than others. To-day, you know, we have been preparing for + <i>your</i> company, and therefore the reserve I have kept + would not have been made but on your account. The pastry was + intended for <i>your</i> visitors, and not your father's. + However, if you are such a child that you cannot wait till + night, they shall be brought to table now; but, remember, I + will not order any more to be made, and you shall provide for + your playmates out of the money put by to purchase the + magic-lantern and the books."</p> + + <p>Richard looked quite down when he heard this sentence, and + more so when he saw the pastry placed on the table.</p> + + <p>Dear me, how soon had the tarts and custards disappeared, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page353" id="page353"></a>[pg + 353]</span> if one of each had been served round to the + company! But the gentlemen were too polite even to taste them, + and father and mother declined eating any. Richard's sister + said she could very well wait till supper; hence they were all + saved. But Dicky was afterwards very severely taken to task for + speaking out of time, when he was not spoken to.</p> + + <p>When evening came, and the little visitors were assembled, + Richard, who had seen some of the sports at a country fair, + would show his dexterity to amuse his young party. He took up + the poker, and, supposing it to be a pole, performed some + imitations. But, unable long to preserve it upright from its + weight, the sooty end fell on Master Snapper's book, who was + reading a little work upon "Affability." The blow fairly + knocked it out of his hand, and made a great smear on his + frilled shirt, at which a loud laugh ensued. Now Master Snapper + could not bear to be laughed at, and was so much out of humor + all the evening that he would not play.</p> + + <p>Little Dick never once, all this time, thought that if it + had fallen on his playfellow's toe, it might have lamed him, + and he would at least have had to carry him a pick-a-back home; + nor did he think who was to have paid the doctor; but, pleased + with the mirth he had made, he went upstairs and fetched down + one of the pistols, which his father kept in a private drawer. + Then, pulling in his rocking-horse, he fancied he was one of + the Light Horse, and mounted it to show the sword exercise, and + how he could shoot a Frenchman or a Turk at full gallop. He had + no business with a rocking-horse or a pistol among young + ladies, but he never thought if it were proper or not, and much + less if the pistol were loaded.</p> + + <p>While he was going on a full canter, he gave the words, + "Present! fire!" and off it went, knocked him backwards, and + shivered a beautiful mirror into a thousand pieces. Oh, what a + sad scene of confusion ensued! Some of the young ladies + screamed out with fright. Miss Timid, knocked down by Dicky in + falling backwards, lay on the ground bleeding at the nose. Some + were employed in picking up the pieces of glass, or pinning + their handkerchiefs over the fracture, to prevent its being + seen while they stayed; but such a hope was + vain.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page354" + id="page354"></a>[pg 354]</span> + + <p>The noise brought Mr. and Mrs. Random and all the servants + upstairs, who too soon found out the havoc that had been made, + and demanded how it happened. All the children would willingly + have screened Dicky, because they knew he had not done it to + frighten, but to amuse them. Master Snapper, however, now + thinking it was his turn, in a very ill-natured speech made the + worst of the story. But the spiteful way in which he spoke did + little Dick no harm, as he seemed more rejoiced at his + misfortune than sorry for Mr. Random's loss; hence it had the + effect not to increase the latter's anger.</p> + + <p>"Playing with balancing poles and pistols," said Mr. Random + in a stern accent to his son, "is very well in a proper place, + but quite inadmissible in a room full of company. Now, sir, + what business had you to take this pistol out of my room?"</p> + + <p>"Indeed, father," said Dicky, crying, "I did not know it was + loaded."</p> + + <p>"It is but last week," continued his father, "that you were + told never to take such a thing without asking, and not even + then till some one had tried if it were loaded. So many + accidents have happened with firearms which have been supposed + not to be loaded, that he who unguardedly shoots another ought + to take a similar chance for his own life; for you know the + Scripture says: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' + Think, Richard, that if I had been standing before the mirror, + what would have been the consequence. You would have shot your + father! Your mother would have died of grief, and you and + Letitia have been orphans!"</p> + + <p>"Ah, then I should have died too!" said Dicky, wiping the + tears from his eyes with the back of his hand. "But how came + you to load the pistol last night, father?"</p> + + <p>"Because," replied his father, "I thought I heard something + fall in the parlor, and the passage-door being directly after + shut to in a still manner. I loaded the pistols, thinking that + thieves had broken into the house, and pushed up the sash to + shoot the first that came out."</p> + + <p>"Then it was lucky," said Richard, "I did not come out + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page355" id="page355"></a>[pg + 355]</span> again, or you might have killed me; for I got up in + the night to let Juno out of the shed, where I had tied her up, + and she was making a sad howling. Indeed, before I was aware, + she ran into the parlor, and, as it was quite dark, I tumbled + over her."</p> + + <p>"And broke the geranium tree," added his father.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I did indeed," said Dicky, "but I did not go to do it. + After that I turned Juno into the yard, and this I dare say is + all the noise you heard."</p> + + <p>"There is an old saying, my dear little friends," said Mr. + Random, "which I wish you to attend to, because it has a great + deal of truth in it: '<i>The pitcher that goes often safe to + the well may come home broken at last</i>.' And so, though the + thoughtless and giddy may go on for a long while without + danger, it will overtake them sooner or later. Here is a strong + instance of escape from the consequences which might have + attended Richard's thoughtlessness; besides which, his mother + could get no more sleep all night, and I, after running the + risk of catching cold in searching over the house, have this + morning been at the expense of new fastenings to the doors and + windows. The next time, however, you rise, Richard, to alarm + the family, you shall in future roost with the hens or bed in + the stable."</p> + + <p>Dicky now thought that his parent's resentment had subsided, + and, upon the latter's calling to him to come, he sprang across + the room with the greatest alertness; but how suddenly was his + smile cast down when Mr, Random, taking his hand, ordered him + to wish his young friends much mirth and a good appetite, while + he was going to be punished for his misconduct. At once were + all their little hands put out to prevent Mr. Random's + resolution of taking him away, but all their petitions were in + vain. Richard was forced into an empty cellar, and left with no + other companion than a glimmering rushlight. Here he was told + he might do as much mischief as he pleased. The iron bars kept + him from getting out on one side, and the door was padlocked on + the other. In this dilemma he marched round and round, crying, + with his little candle, and saw stuck on the walls the + following lines:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page356" + id="page356"></a>[pg 356]</span> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Empty caves and commons wild</p> + + <p>Best befit a thoughtless child,</p> + + <p>A solid wall, an earthen floor,</p> + + <p>Prison lights, a padlock'd door,</p> + + <p>Where's no plaything which he may</p> + + <p>Turn to harm by random play,</p> + + <p>For in such sport too oft is found</p> + + <p>A penny-toy will cost a pound.</p> + + <p>Be wise and merry;—-play, but think;</p> + + <p>For danger stands on folly's brink."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>After having been kept in confinement nearly half an hour, + Mr. Random could no longer resist the pressing solicitations of + his son's guests, who declined partaking of the supper till + Richard was returned to them.</p> + + <p>Having learned the above lines by heart, he repeated them to + his young company, and, on his promising to remember their + contents, he was permitted to sit down to table.</p> + + <p>The rest of the evening was spent in innocent cheerfulness, + and for some time after little Random played with more + caution.</p> + + <p>We must omit many of the less important neglects of young + Random, such as letting the toast fall in handling it, shooting + his arrow through the window, riding a long stick where it + might throw persons down, leaving things in the way at dark, + etc., and proceed to relate a good-natured fancy of his which + tended more than any of the preceding events, to show him the + folly of taking any step without first looking to what it might + lead.</p> + + <p>In Mr. Random's garden was a fine tall pear-tree, and that + year a very fine pear grew on the topmost twig. His mother and + sister had several times wished for the luscious fruit, but it + seemed to bid defiance to every attack that was not aided by a + tall ladder. "Oh!" thought Dicky, "if I can get it down and + present it to my mother, how pleased she will be!" So, when he + was alone, he picked out some large stones and threw at it, but + without any success. The next day he renewed his attack in the + evening, and to insure a better chance employed several large + pieces of brick and tile.</p> + + <p>Now all these dangerous weapons went over into a poor man's + garden, where his son and some other boys were weeding + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page357" id="page357"></a>[pg + 357]</span> it. One of them fell upon the little fellow's leg, + and cut it in so desperate a manner that he cried out, quite + terrified at the blow and sight of the blood. The other boys + directly took the alarm, and picking up some stones as large as + that which had done the mischief, they mounted on a high bench, + and discharged such a well-directed volley at the person of + Master Random that he was most violently struck upon the nose, + and knocked backwards into a glass cucumber-frame.</p> + + <p>Here he lay in a most pitiable condition, calling upon his + mother, while the wounded boy on the other side joined in the + concert of woe.</p> + + <p>"Oh, it served you rightly!" exclaimed the young assailants, + who were looking over the wall, and ran away as soon as they + saw Mr. Random come into the garden to inquire the cause of the + uproar.</p> + + <p>His first concern was to carry Dicky indoors, and then, + having wiped away the blood and tears, he asked him how it + happened.</p> + + <p>"I was only trying to get a pear for my mother," said + Richard, "when these boys threw stones at me, and hit me!"</p> + + <p>"That was very cruel," said his father, "to meddle with you + when you were doing nothing to them, and if I can find them out + they shall be punished for it."</p> + + <p>Mr. Random immediately set off to the next house, but was + met at his own door by the father of the wounded boy, who was + coming with him in his arms to demand satisfaction. This + brought the whole truth out, and the artful little fellow was + found to have concealed a part of the real case. Instead of + saying "he was only getting a pear," he should have said that + he was throwing large stones at the topmost pear on the tree, + and that every stone went over the wall, he could not tell + where.</p> + + <p>"Ah, Richard," said his father, "it is little better than + story-telling to conceal a part of the truth. The affair now + wears quite a new face. It was you that gave the first assault, + and will have to answer for all the bad consequences. It is my + duty to see that this unoffending boy is taken care of; but if + his leg be so cut or bruised that he cannot get so good a + living when he comes to be a man as he might otherwise have + done, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page358" + id="page358"></a>[pg 358]</span> how would you like to make up + the deficiency? You cannot doubt that he has a demand upon you + equal to the damage you may have done to him. He is poor, and + his father must send him to the hospital, but it would be + unjust of me to suffer it. No, on the contrary, I shall prevent + this by taking him home and sending you there, where Dr. + Hardheart makes his patients smart before he cures them. Come, + get ready to go, for delays in wounds of the head are not to be + trifled with."</p> + + <p>Mr. Random then ordered the servant to go for a coach, in + which Dicky most certainly would have been sent off had not + word been brought back that there was not a coach on the stand. + During this time Dicky had fallen on his knees, entreating that + he might remain at home, and offering promises to be less + heedless in future; nay, he was willing to yield up all his + toys to the maimed little gardener.</p> + + <p>The boy's father, though but a laboring man, had a generous + mind; he wanted nothing of this kind, but only wished him to be + more cautious in future, as the same stones, thrown at random, + might have either blinded his son or fractured his skull, + instead of merely hurting his leg. Mr. Random then insisted on + Richard's giving him half-a-crown, and asking pardon for the + misfortune occasioned by his carelessness.</p> + + <p>This heavy sum was directly taken out of the hoard which had + been laid by for the purchase of a set of drawing instruments, + but he had a yet heavier account to settle with his father for + damaging the cucumber-frame. He had broken as much of it as + would come to fifteen shillings to mend, and as payment was + insisted on, or close confinement until the whole was settled, + he was compelled to transfer to his father all his receipts for + the ensuing five months before he could again resume his scheme + of laying by an adequate sum to purchase the drawing utensils. + Independently of which he always carried a strong memorial of + his folly on his nose, which was so scarred that he endured + many a joke, as it were, to keep alive in his memory the effect + of his folly. Indeed, he never looked in the glass without + seeing his reproach in his face, and thus at length learned + never to play without first thinking if it were at a proper + time and in a proper place.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page359" + id="page359"></a>[pg 359]</span> + + <h3>EMBELLISHMENT</h3> + + <h3>By JACOB ABBOTT</h3> + + <p>One day Beechnut, who had been ill, was taken by Phonny and + Madeline for a drive. When Phonny and Madeline found themselves + riding quietly along in the wagon in Beechnut's company, the + first thought which occurred to them, after the interest and + excitement awakened by the setting out had passed in some + measure away, was that they would ask him to tell them a story. + This was a request which they almost always made in similar + circumstances. In all their rides and rambles Beechnut's + stories were an unfailing resource, furnishing them with an + inexhaustible fund of amusement sometimes, and sometimes of + instruction.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Beechnut, in answer to their request, "I will + tell you now about my voyage across the Atlantic Ocean."</p> + + <p>"Yes," exclaimed Madeline, "I should like to hear about that + very much indeed."</p> + + <p>"Shall I tell the story to you just as it was," asked + Beechnut, "as a sober matter of fact, or shall I embellish it a + little?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know what you mean by embellishing it," said + Madeline.</p> + + <p>"Why, not telling exactly what is true," said Beechnut, "but + inventing something to add to it, to make it interesting."</p> + + <p>"I want to have it true," said Madeline, "and interesting, + too."</p> + + <p>"But sometimes," replied Beechnut, "interesting things don't + happen, and in such cases, if we should only relate what + actually does happen, the story would be likely to be + dull."</p> + + <p>"I think you had better embellish the story a little," said + Phonny—"just a <i>little</i>, you know."</p> + + <p>"I don't think I can do that very well," replied Beechnut. + "If I attempt to relate the actual acts, I depend simply on my + memory, and I can confine myself to what my memory teaches; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page360" id="page360"></a>[pg + 360]</span> but if I undertake to follow my invention, I must + go wherever it leads me."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Phonny, "I think you had better embellish the + story, at any rate, for I want it to be interesting."</p> + + <p>"So do I," said Madeline.</p> + + <p>"Then," said Beechnut, "I will give you an embellished + account of my voyage across the Atlantic. But, in the first + place, I must tell you how it happened that my father decided + to leave Paris and come to America. It was mainly on my + account. My father was well enough contented with his situation + so far as he himself was concerned, and he was able to save a + large part of his salary, so as to lay up a considerable sum of + money every year; but he was anxious about me.</p> + + <p>"There seemed to be nothing," continued Beechnut, "for me to + do, and nothing desirable for me to look forward to, when I + should become a man. My father thought, therefore, that, though + it would perhaps be better for <i>him</i> to remain in France, + It would probably be better for <i>me</i> if he should come to + America, where he said people might rise in the world, + according to their talents, thrift, and industry. He was sure, + he said, that I should rise, for, you must understand, he + considered me an extraordinary boy."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Phonny, "<i>I</i> think you were an + extraordinary boy."</p> + + <p>"Yes, but my father thought," rejoined Beechnut, "that I was + something very extraordinary indeed. He thought I was a + genius."</p> + + <p>"So do I," said Phonny.</p> + + <p>"He said," continued Beechnut, "he thought it would in the + end be a great deal better for him to come to America, where I + might become a man of some consequence in the world, and he + said that he should enjoy his own old age a great deal better, + even in a strange land, if he could see me going on + prosperously in life, than to remain all his days in that + porter's lodge.</p> + + <p>"All the money that my father had saved," Beechnut + continued, "he got changed into gold at an office in the + Bouleyard; <span class="pagenum"><a name="page361" + id="page361"></a>[pg 361]</span> but then he was very much + perplexed to decide how it was best to carry it."</p> + + <p>"Why did he not pack it up in his chest?" asked Phonny.</p> + + <p>"He was afraid," replied Beechnut, "that his chest might be + broken open, or unlocked by false keys, on the voyage, and that + the money might be thus stolen away; so he thought that he + would try to hide it somewhere in some small thing that he + could keep with him all the voyage."</p> + + <p>"Could not he keep his chest with him all the voyage?" asked + Phonny.</p> + + <p>"No," said Beechnut; "the chests, and all large parcels of + baggage belonging to the passengers, must be sent down into the + hold of the ship out of the way. It is only a very little + baggage that the people are allowed to keep with them between + the decks. My father wished very much to keep his gold with + him, and yet he was afraid to keep it in a bag, or in any other + similar package, in his little trunk, for then whoever saw it + would know that it was gold, and so perhaps form some plan to + rob him of it.</p> + + <p>"While we were considering what plan it would be best to + adopt for the gold, Arielle, who was the daughter of a friend + of ours, proposed to hide it in my <i>top</i>. I had a very + large top which my father had made for me. It was painted + yellow outside, with four stripes of bright blue passing down + over it from the stem to the point. When the top was in motion, + both the yellow ground and the blue stripes entirely + disappeared, and the top appeared to be of a uniform green + color. Then, when it came to its rest again, the original + colors would reappear."</p> + + <p>"How curious!" said Madeline. "Why would it do so?" "Why, + when it was revolving," said Beechnut, "the yellow and the blue + were blended together in the eye, and that made green. Yellow + and blue always make green. Arielle colored my top, after my + father had made it, and then my father varnished it over the + colors, and that fixed them.</p> + + <p>"This top of mine was a monstrous large one, and being + hollow, Arielle thought that the gold could all be put inside. + She said she thought that that would be a very safe + hiding-place, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page362" + id="page362"></a>[pg 362]</span> too, since nobody would think + of looking into a top for gold. But my father said that he + thought that the space would not be quite large enough, and + then if anybody should happen to see the top, and should touch + it, the weight of it would immediately reveal the secret.</p> + + <p>"At last my father thought of a plan which he believed would + answer the purpose very perfectly. We had a very curious old + clock. It was made by my grandfather, who was a clockmaker in + Geneva. There was a little door in the face of the clock, and + whenever the time came for striking the hours, this door would + open, and a little platform would come out with a tree upon it. + There was a beautiful little bird upon the tree, and when the + clock had done striking, the bird would flap its wings and + sing. Then the platform would slide back into its place, the + door would shut, and the clock go on ticking quietly for + another hour.</p> + + <p>"This clock was made to go," continued Beechnut, "as many + other clocks are, by two heavy weights, which were hung to the + wheel-work by strong cords. The cords were wound round some of + the wheels, and as they slowly descended by their weight, they + made the wheels go round. There was a contrivance inside the + clock to make the wheels go slowly and regularly, and not spin + round too fast, as they would have done if the weights had been + left to themselves. This is the way that clocks are often + made.</p> + + <p>"Now, my father," continued Beechnut, "had intended to take + this old family clock with him to America, and he now conceived + the idea of hiding his treasure in the weights. The weights + were formed of two round tin canisters filled with something + very heavy. My father said he did not know whether it was shot + or sand. He unsoldered the bottom from these canisters, and + found that the filling was shot. He poured out the shot, put + his gold pieces in in place of it, and then filled up all the + interstices between and around the gold pieces with sand, to + prevent the money from jingling. Then he soldered the bottom of + the canisters on again, and no one would have known that the + weights were anything more than ordinary clock-weights. He then + packed the clock in a box, and put + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page363" id="page363"></a>[pg + 363]</span> the box in his trunk. It did not take up a great + deal of room, for he did not take the case of the clock, but + only the face and the works and the two weights, which last he + packed carefully and securely in the box, one on each side of + the clock itself.</p> + + <p>"When we got to Havre, all our baggage was examined at the + Custom House, and the officers allowed it all to pass. When + they came to the clock, my father showed them the little door + and the bird inside, and they said it was very curious. They + did not pay any attention to the weights at all.</p> + + <p>"When we went on board of the vessel our chests were put by + the side of an immense heap of baggage upon the deck, where + some seamen were at work lowering it down into the hold through + a square opening in the deck of the ship. As for the trunk, my + father took that with him to the place where he was going to be + himself during the voyage. This place was called the steerage. + It was crowded full of men, women, and children, all going to + America. Some talked French, some German, some Dutch, and there + were ever so many babies that were too little to talk at all. + Pretty soon the vessel sailed.</p> + + <p>"We did not meet with anything remarkable on the voyage, + except that once we saw an iceberg."</p> + + <p>"What is that?" asked Madeline.</p> + + <p>"It is a great mountain of ice," replied Beechnut, "floating + about in the sea on the top of the water. I don't know how it + comes to be there."</p> + + <p>"I should not think it would float upon the top of the + water," said Phonny. "All the ice that I ever saw in the water + sinks into it."</p> + + <p>"It does not sink to the bottom," said Madeline.</p> + + <p>"No," replied Phonny, "but it sinks down until the top of + the ice is just level with the water. But Beechnut says that + his iceberg rose up like a mountain."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Beechnut, "it was several hundred feet high + above the water, all glittering in the sun. And I think that if + you look at any small piece of ice floating in the water, you + will see that a small part of it rises above the surface."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Phenny, "a very little."</p> + + <p>"It is a certain proportion of the whole mass," rejoined + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page364" id="page364"></a>[pg + 364]</span> Beechnut. "They told us on board our vessel that + about one-tenth part of the iceberg was above the water; the + rest—that is, nine-tenths—was under it; so you see + what an enormous big piece of ice it must have been to have + only one-tenth part of it tower up so high.</p> + + <p>"There was one thing very curious and beautiful about our + iceberg," said Beechnut. "We came in sight of it one day about + sunset, just after a shower. The cloud, which was very large + and black, had passed off into the west, and there was a + splendid rainbow upon it. It happened, too, that when we were + nearest to the iceberg it lay toward the west, and, of course, + toward the cloud, and it appeared directly under the rainbow, + and the iceberg and the rainbow made a most magnificent + spectacle. The iceberg, which was very bright and dazzling in + the evening sun, looked like an enormous diamond, with the + rainbow for the setting."</p> + + <p>"How curious!" said Phonny.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Beechnut, "and to make it more remarkable still, + a whale just then came along directly before the iceberg, and + spouted there two or three times; and as the sun shone very + brilliantly upon the jet of water which the whale threw into + the air, it made a sort of silver rainbow below in the center + of the picture."</p> + + <p>"How beautiful it must have been!" said Phonny.</p> + + <p>"Yes," rejoined Beechnut, "very beautiful indeed. We saw a + great many beautiful spectacles on the sea; but then, on the + other hand, we saw some that were dreadful.</p> + + <p>"Did you?" asked Phonny. "What?"</p> + + <p>"Why, we had a terrible storm and shipwreck at the end," + said Beechnut. "For three days and three nights the wind blew + almost a hurricane. They took in all the sails, and let the + ship drive before the gale under bare poles. She went on over + the seas for five hundred miles, howling all the way like a + frightened dog."</p> + + <p>"Were you frightened?" asked Phonny.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Beechnut. "When the storm first came on, several + of the passengers came up the hatchways and got up on the deck + to see it; and then we could not get down again, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page365" id="page365"></a>[pg + 365]</span> for the ship gave a sudden pitch just after we came + up, and knocked away the step-ladder. We were terribly + frightened. The seas were breaking over the forecastle and + sweeping along the decks, and the shouts and outcries of the + captain and the sailors made a dreadful din. At last they put + the step-ladder in its place again, and we got down. Then they + put the hatches on, and we could not come out any more."</p> + + <p>"The hatches?" said Phonny. "What are they?"</p> + + <p>"The hatches," replied Beechnut, "are a sort of + scuttle-doors that cover over the square openings in the deck + of a ship. They always have to put them on and fasten them down + in a great storm."</p> + + <p>Just at this time the party happened to arrive at a place + where two roads met, and as there was a broad and level space + of ground at the junction, where it would be easy to turn the + wagon, Beechnut said that he thought it would be better to make + that the end of their ride, and so turn round and go home. + Phonny and Madeline were quite desirous of going a little + farther, but Beechnut thought that he should be tired by the + time he reached the house again.</p> + + <p>"But you will not have time to finish the story," said + Phonny.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied Beechnut; "there is very little more to tell. + It is only to give an account of our shipwreck."</p> + + <p>"Why, did you have a shipwreck?" exclaimed Phonny.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Beechnut. "When you have turned the wagon, I + will tell you about it."</p> + + <p>So Phonny, taking a great sweep, turned the wagon round, and + the party set their faces toward home. The Marshal was + immediately going to set out upon a trot, but Phonny held him + back by pulling upon the reins and saying:</p> + + <p>"Steady, Marshal! steady! You have got to walk all the way + home."</p> + + <p>"The storm drove us upon the Nova Scotia coast," said + Beechnut, resuming his story. "We did not know anything about + the great danger that we were in until just before the ship + went ashore. When we got near the shore the sailors put down + all the anchors; but they would not hold, and at length the + ship struck. Then there followed a dreadful scene of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page366" id="page366"></a>[pg + 366]</span> consternation and confusion. Some jumped into the + sea in their terror, and were drowned. Some cried and screamed, + and acted as if they were insane. Some were calm, and behaved + rationally. The sailors opened the hatches and let the + passengers come up, and we got into the most sheltered places + that we could find about the decks and rigging, and tied + ourselves to whatever was nearest at hand. My father opened his + trunk and took out his two clock-weights, and gave me one of + them; the other he kept himself. He told me that we might as + well try to save them, though he did not suppose that we should + be able to do so.</p> + + <p>"Pretty soon after we struck the storm seemed to abate a + little. The people of the country came down to the shore and + stood upon the rocks to see if they could do anything to save + us. We were very near the shore, but the breakers and the + boiling surf were so violent between us and the land that + whoever took to the water was sure to be dashed in pieces. So + everybody clung to the ship, waiting for the captain to + contrive some way to get us to the shore."</p> + + <p>"And what did he do?" asked Phonny.</p> + + <p>"He first got a long line and a cask, and he fastened the + end of the long line to the cask, and then threw the cask + overboard. The other end of the line was kept on board the + ship. The cask was tossed about upon the waves, every + successive surge driving it in nearer and nearer to the shore, + until at last it was thrown up high upon the rocks. The men + upon the shore ran to seize it, but before they could get hold + of it the receding wave carried it back again among the + breakers, where it was tossed about as if it had been a + feather, and overwhelmed with the spray. Presently away it went + again up upon the shore, and the men again attempted to seize + it. This was repeated two or three times. At last they + succeeded in grasping hold of it, and they ran up with it upon + the rocks, out of the reach of the seas.</p> + + <p>"The captain then made signs to the men to pull the line in + toward the shore. He was obliged to use signs, because the + roaring and thundering of the seas made such a noise that + nothing could be heard. The sailors had before this, under + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page367" id="page367"></a>[pg + 367]</span> the captain's direction, fastened a much stronger + line—a small cable, in fact—to the end of the line + which had been attached to the barrel. Thus, by pulling upon + the smaller line, the men drew one end of the cable to the + shore. The other end remained on board the ship, while the + middle of it lay tossing among the breakers between the ship + and the shore.</p> + + <p>"The seamen then carried that part of the cable which was on + shipboard up to the masthead, while the men on shore made their + end fast to a very strong post which they set in the ground. + The seamen drew the cable as tight as they could, and fastened + their end very strongly to the masthead. Thus the line of the + cable passed in a gentle slope from the top of the mast to the + land, high above all the surges and spray. The captain then + rigged what he called a sling, which was a sort of loop of + ropes that a person could be put into and made to slide down in + it on the cable to the shore. A great many of the passengers + were afraid to go in this way, but they were still more afraid + to remain on board the ship."</p> + + <p>"What were they afraid of?" asked Phonny.</p> + + <p>"They were afraid," replied Beechnut, "that the shocks of + the seas would soon break the ship to pieces, and then they + would all be thrown into the sea together. In this case they + would certainly be destroyed, for if they were not drowned, + they would be dashed to pieces on the rocks which lined the + shore.</p> + + <p>"Sliding down the line seemed thus a very dangerous attempt, + but they consented one after another to make the trial, and + thus we all escaped safe to land."</p> + + <p>"And did you get the clock-weights safe to the shore?" asked + Phonny.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied Beechnut, "and as soon as we landed we hid + them in the sand. My father took me to a little cove close by, + where there was not much surf, as the place was protected by a + rocky point of land which bounded it on one side. Behind this + point of land the waves rolled up quietly upon a sandy beach. + My father went down upon the slope of this beach, to a place a + little below where the highest waves came, and began to dig a + hole in the sand. He called me to come and help him. The waves + impeded our work a little, but we + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page368" id="page368"></a>[pg + 368]</span> persevered until we had dug a hole about a foot + deep. We put our clock-weights into this hole and covered them + over. We then ran back up upon the beach. The waves that came + up every moment over the place soon smoothed the surface of the + sand again, and made it look as if nothing had been done there. + My father measured the distance from the place where he had + deposited his treasure up to a certain great white rock upon + the shore exactly opposite to it, so as to be able to find the + place again, and then we went back to our company. They were + collected on the rocks in little groups, wet and tired, and in + great confusion, but rejoiced at having escaped with their + lives. Some of the last of the sailors were then coming over in + the sling. The captain himself came last of all.</p> + + <p>"There were some huts near the place on the shore, where the + men made good fires, and we warmed and dried ourselves. The + storm abated a great deal in a few hours, and the tide went + down, so that we could go off to the ship before night to get + some provisions. The next morning the men could work at the + ship very easily, and they brought all the passengers' baggage + on shore. My father got his trunk with the clock in it. A day + or two afterward some sloops came to the place, and took us all + away to carry us to Quebec. Just before we embarked on board + the sloops, my father and I, watching a good opportunity, dug + up our weights out of the sand, and put them back safely in + their places in the clock-box."</p> + + <p>"Is that the end?" asked Phonny, when Beechnut paused.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied Beechnut, "I believe I had better make that + the end."</p> + + <p>"I think it is a very interesting and well-told story," said + Madeline. "And do you feel very tired?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Beechnut. "On the contrary, I feel all the better + for my ride. I believe I will sit up a little while."</p> + + <p>So saying, he raised himself in the wagon and sat up, and + began to look about him.</p> + + <p>"What a wonderful voyage you had, Beechnut!" said Phonny. + "But I never knew before that you were shipwrecked."</p> + + <p>"Well, in point of fact," replied Beechnut, "I never was + shipwrecked."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page369" + id="page369"></a>[pg 369]</span> + + <p>"Never was!" exclaimed Phonny. "Why, what is all this story + that you have been telling us, then?"</p> + + <p>"Embellishment," said Beechnut quietly.</p> + + <p>"Embellishment!" repeated Phonny, more and more amazed.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Beechnut.</p> + + <p>"Then you were not wrecked at all?" said Phonny.</p> + + <p>"No," replied Beechnut.</p> + + <p>"And how did you get to the land?" asked Phonny.</p> + + <p>"Why, we sailed quietly up the St. Lawrence," replied + Beechnut, "and landed safely at Quebec, as other vessels + do."</p> + + <p>"And the clock-weights?" asked Phonny.</p> + + <p>"All embellishment," said Beechnut. "My father had no such + clock, in point of fact. He put his money in a bag, his bag in + his chest, and his chest in the hold, and it came as safe as + the captain's sextant."</p> + + <p>"And the iceberg and the rainbow?" said Madeline.</p> + + <p>"Embellishment, all embellishment," said Beechnut.</p> + + <p>"Dear me!" said Phonny, "I thought it was all true."</p> + + <p>"Did you?" said Beechnut. "I am sorry that you were so + deceived, and I am sure it was not my fault, for I gave you + your choice of a true story or an invention, and you chose the + invention."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Phonny, "so we did."</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page370" + id="page370"></a>[pg 370]</span> + + <h3>THE OYSTER PATTIES</h3> + + <p>There was once a little boy who perhaps might have been a + good little fellow if his friends had taken pains to make him + so; but—I do not know how it was—instead of + teaching him to be good, they gave him everything he cried for; + so, whenever he wished to have anything, he had only to cry, + and if he did not get it directly, he cried louder and louder + till at last he got it. By this means Alfred was not only very + naughty, but very unhappy. He was crying from morning till + night. He had no pleasure in anything; he was in everybody's + way, and nobody liked to be with him.</p> + + <p>Well, one day his mother thought she would give him a day of + pleasure, and make him very happy indeed, so she told him he + should have a feast, and dine under the great cedar tree that + stood upon the lawn, and that his cousins should be invited to + dine with him, and that he should have whatever he chose for + his dinner. So she rang the bell, and she told the servants to + take out tables and chairs and to lay the cloth upon the table + under the tree, and she ordered her two footmen to be ready to + wait upon him.</p> + + <p>She desired the butler to tell the cook to prepare the + dinner, and to get all sorts of nice dishes for the feast; but + she said to Alfred:</p> + + <p>"What shall you like best of all, my dear boy?"</p> + + <p>So Alfred tried to think of something that he had never had + before, and he recollected that one day he had heard a lady, + who was dining with his father and mother, say that the oyster + patties were the best she had ever eaten. Now Alfred had never + tasted oyster patties, so he said he would have oyster patties + for dinner.</p> + + <p>"Oyster patties, my dear boy? You cannot have oyster patties + at this time of the year; there are no oysters to be had," his + mother said to him. "Try, love, to think of something + else."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page371" + id="page371"></a>[pg 371]</span> + + <p>But naughty Alfred said:</p> + + <p>"No, I can think of nothing else."</p> + + <p>So the cook was sent for, and desired to think of something + that he might like as well. The cook proposed first a currant + pie, then a barberry pie, or a codlin pie with custard.</p> + + <p>"No, no, no!" said Alfred, shaking his head.</p> + + <p>"Or a strawberry tart, my sweet boy? or apricot jam?" said + his mother, in a soothing tone of voice.</p> + + <p>But Alfred said:</p> + + <p>"No, mother, no. I don't like strawberries. I don't like + apricot jam. I want oysters."</p> + + <p>"But you cannot have oysters, my little master," said the + cook.</p> + + <p>"But I will have oysters," said the little boy, "and you + shan't say that I can't have them—shall she, mother?"</p> + + <p>And he began to scream and to cry.</p> + + <p>"Do not cry, my sweet soul," said his mother, "and we will + see what we can do. Dry up your tears, my little man, and come + with me, and, the cook, I dare say, will be able to get some + oysters before dinner. It is a long time to dinner, you know, + and I have some pretty toys for you upstairs, if you will come + with me till dinner is ready."</p> + + <p>So she took the little crying boy by the hand and led him up + to her room, and she whispered to the cook, as she passed, not + to say anything more about it now, and that she hoped he would + forget the oyster patties by the time dinner was ready. In the + meantime she took all the pains she could to amuse and please + him, and as fast as he grew tired of one toy she brought out + another.</p> + + <p>At last, after some hours, she gave him a beautiful toy for + which she had paid fifteen shillings. It was a sand toy of a + woman sitting at a spinning-wheel, and when it was turned up + the little figure began spinning away, and the wheel turned + round and round as fast as if the woman who turned it had been + alive. Alfred wanted to see how it was done, but, instead of + going to his mother to ask her if she would be so good as to + explain it to him, he began pulling it to pieces to look behind + it. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page372" + id="page372"></a>[pg 372]</span> For some time he was very + busy, and he had just succeeded in opening the large box at the + back of the figure when all the sand that was in it came + pouring out upon the floor, and when he tried to make the + little woman spin again, he found she would not do it any more. + She could not, for it was the sand dropping down that had made + her move before.</p> + + <p>Now, do you know that Alfred was so very silly that he began + to be angry even with the toy, and he said, "Spin, I say! spin + directly!" and then he shook it very hard, but in vain. The + little hands did not move, and the wheel stood still. So then + he was very angry indeed, and, setting up a loud cry, he threw + the toy to the other end of the room. Just at this very moment + the servant opened the door and said that dinner was ready, and + that Alfred's cousins were arrived.</p> + + <p>"Come, my dear child; you are tired of your toys, I see," + said his mother, "so come to dinner, darling. It is all ready + under the tree."</p> + + <p>So away they went, leaving the room all strewed with toys, + with broken pieces, and the sand all spilt in a heap upon the + floor. When they went under the dark spreading branches of the + fine old cedar-tree, there they saw the table covered with + dishes and garnished with flowers. There were chickens, and + ham, and tongue, and lobsters, besides tarts, and custards, and + jellies, and cakes, and cream, and I do not know how many nice + things besides. There was Alfred's high chair at the head of + the table, and he was soon seated in it, as master of the + feast, with his mother sitting by him, his cousins opposite to + him, his nurse standing on the other side, and the two footmen + waiting besides.</p> + + <p>As soon as his cousins were helped to what they liked best, + his mother said:</p> + + <p>"What will you eat first, Alfred, my love? A wing of a + chicken?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Alfred, pushing it away.</p> + + <p>"A slice of ham, darling?" said nurse.</p> + + <p>"No," said Alfred, in a louder tone.</p> + + <p>"A little bit of lobster, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"No, no," replied the naughty + boy.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page373" + id="page373"></a>[pg 373]</span> + + <p>"Well, what <i>will</i> you have, then?" said his mother, + who was almost tired of him.</p> + + <p>"I will have oyster patties," said he.</p> + + <p>"That is the only thing you cannot have, my love, you know, + so do not think of it any more, but taste a bit of this pie. I + am sure you will like it."</p> + + <p>"You <i>said</i> I should have oyster patties by + dinner-time," said Alfred, "and so I will have nothing + else."</p> + + <p>"I am sorry you are such a sad, naughty child," said his + mother. "I thought you would have been so pleased with all + these nice things to eat."</p> + + <p>"They are <i>not</i> nice," said the child, who was not at + all grateful for all that his mother had done, but was now in + such a passion that he took the piece of currant tart which his + nurse again offered to him, and, squeezing, up as much as his + two little hands could hold, he threw it at his nurse, and + stained her nice white handkerchief and apron with the red + juice.</p> + + <p>Just at this moment his father came into the garden, and + walked up to the table.</p> + + <p>"What is all his?" said he. "Alfred, you seem to be a very + naughty boy indeed; and I must tell you, sir, I shall allow + this no longer. Get down from your chair, sir, and beg your + nurse's pardon."</p> + + <p>Alfred had hardly ever heard his father speak so before, and + he felt so frightened that he left off crying and did as he was + bid. Then his father took him by the hand and led him away.</p> + + <p>His mother said she was sure he would now be good and eat + the currant tart; but his father said:</p> + + <p>"No, no, it is now too late; he must come with me."</p> + + <p>So he led him away, without saying another word.</p> + + <p>He took him into the village, and he stopped at the door, of + a poor cottage.</p> + + <p>"May we come in?" said his father.</p> + + <p>"Oh yes, and welcome," said a poor woman, who was standing + at a table with a saucepan in her hand.</p> + + <p>"What are you doing, my good woman?"</p> + + <p>"Only putting out the children's supper, your + honor."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page374" + id="page374"></a>[pg 374]</span> + + <p>"And what have you got for their supper?"</p> + + <p>"Only some potatoes, please you, sir; but they be nicely + boiled, and here come the hungry boys! They are coming in from + their work, and they will soon make an end of them, I + warrant."</p> + + <p>As she said these words in came John, and William, and + Thomas, all with rosy cheeks and smiling faces. They sat + down—one on a wooden stool, one on a broken chair, and + one on the corner of the table—and they all began to eat + the potatoes very heartily.</p> + + <p>But Alfred's father said:</p> + + <p>"Stop, my good boys; do not eat any more, but come with + me."</p> + + <p>The boys stared, but their mother told them to do as they + were bid, so they left off eating and followed the + gentleman.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/374.jpg" name="fig374s" + id="fig374s"><img width="300" src="images/374s.jpg" + alt="HE TOOK THE CURRANT TART, AND ... THREW IT AT HIS NURSE" /> + </a><br /> + he took the currant tart, and ... threw it at his nurse + </div> + + <p>Alfred and his father walked on till they arrived once more + under the cedar-tree in the garden, and there was the fine + feast all standing just as they had left it, for Alfred's + cousins were gone away, and his mother would not have the + dinner taken away, because she hoped that Alfred would come + back to it.</p> + + <p>"Now, boys," said the gentleman, "you may all sit down to + this table and eat whatever you like."</p> + + <p>John, William, and Thomas sat down as quickly as they could, + and began to devour the chickens and tarts, and all the good + things, at a great rate; and Alfred, who now began to be very + hungry, would gladly have been one of the party; but when he + was going to sit down, his father said:</p> + + <p>"No, sir; this feast is not for <i>you</i>. There is nothing + here that you like to eat, you know; so you will wait upon + these boys, if you please, who seem as if they would find + plenty that they will like."</p> + + <p>Alfred at this began to cry again, and said he wanted to go + to his mother; but his father did not mind his crying, and said + he should not go to his mother again till he was quite a good + boy.</p> + + <p>"So now, sir, hand this bread to John, and now take a clean + plate to Thomas, and now stand ready to carry this custard to + William. There now, wait till they have all + done."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page375" + id="page375"></a>[pg 375]</span> + + <p>It was of no use now to cry or scream; he was obliged to do + it all.</p> + + <p>When the boys had quite finished their supper they went + home, and Alfred was led by his father into the house. Before + he went to bed, a cup of milk and water and a piece of brown + bread were put before him, and his father said:</p> + + <p>"That is your supper, Alfred."</p> + + <p>Alfred began to cry again, and said he did not want such a + supper as that.</p> + + <p>"Very well," said his father, "then go to bed without, and + it shall be saved for your breakfast."</p> + + <p>Alfred cried and screamed louder than ever, so his father + ordered the maid to put him to bed. When he was in bed, he + thought his mother would come and see him and bring him + something nice, and he lay awake a long while; but she did not + come, and he cried and cried till at last he fell asleep.</p> + + <p>In the morning, when he awoke, he was so hungry he could + hardly wait to be dressed, but asked for his breakfast every + minute. When he saw the maid bring in the brown bread again + without any butter, and some milk and water, he was very near + crying again; but he thought if he did he should perhaps lose + his breakfast as he had lost his supper, so he checked his + tears, and ate a hearty meal.</p> + + <p>"Well," said his father, who came into the room just as he + was eating the last bit of bread, "I am glad to see the little + boy who could not yesterday find anything good enough for him + at a feast eating such simple fare as this so heartily. Come, + Alfred, now you may come to your dear mother."</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page376" + id="page376"></a>[pg 376]</span> + + <h3>TWO LITTLE BOYS</h3> + + <h3>By THOMAS DAY</h3> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>THE GOOD-NATURED LITTLE BOY</h4> + + <p>A little boy went out one morning to walk to a village about + five miles from the place where he lived, and carried with him + in a basket the provision that was to serve him the whole day. + As he was walking along a poor little half-starved dog came up + to him, wagging his tail and seeming to entreat him to take + compassion on him.</p> + + <p>The little boy at first took no notice of him, but at + length, remarking how lean and famished the creature seemed to + be, he said: "This animal is certainly in very great necessity. + If I give him part of my provision I shall be obliged to go + home hungry myself; however, as he seems to want it more than I + do, he shall partake with me." Saying this, he gave the dog + part of what he had in his basket, who ate as if he had not + tasted victuals for a fortnight.</p> + + <p>The little boy went on a little further, his dog still + following him and fawning upon him with the greatest gratitude + and affection, when he saw a poor old horse lying upon the + ground, and groaning as if he was very ill. He went up to him, + and saw that he was almost starved, and so weak that he was + unable to rise. "I am very much afraid," said the little boy, + "if I stay to assist this horse that it will be dark before I + can return, and I have heard there are several thieves in the + neighborhood. However, I will try. It is doing a good action to + attempt to relieve him, and God Almighty will take care of me." + He then went and gathered some grass, which he brought to the + horse's mouth, who immediately began to eat with as much relish + as if his chief disease was hunger. He then fetched some water + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page377" id="page377"></a>[pg + 377]</span> in his hat, which the animal drank up, and seemed + immediately to be so much refreshed that after a few trials he + got up and began grazing.</p> + + <p>He then went on a little further, and saw a man wading about + in a pool of water without being able to get out, in spite of + all his endeavors. "What is the matter, good man?" said the + little boy to him. "Can't you find your way out of this pond?" + "No, God bless you, my worthy master, or miss," said the man, + "for such I take you to be by your voice. I have fallen into + this pond, and know not how to get out again, as I am quite + blind, and I am almost afraid to move for fear of being + drowned." "Well," said the little boy, "though I shall be + wetted to the skin, if you will throw me your stick, I will try + to help you out of it."</p> + + <p>The blind man then threw the stick on to that side on which + he heard the voice; the little boy caught it, and went into the + water, feeling very carefully before him, lest he should + unguardedly go beyond his depth. At length he reached the blind + man, took him very carefully by the hand, and led him out. The + blind man then gave him a thousand blessings, and told him he + could grope his way home, and the little boy ran on as hard as + he could to prevent being benighted.</p> + + <p>But he had not proceeded far when he saw a poor sailor, that + had lost both his legs in an engagement by sea, hopping along + upon crutches.</p> + + <p>"God bless you, my little master!" said the sailor. "I have + fought many a battle with the French to defend poor old + England, but now I am crippled, as you see, and have neither + victuals nor money, although I am almost famished." The little + boy could not resist his inclination to relieve him, so he gave + him all his remaining victuals, and said: "God help you, poor + man! This is all I have, otherwise you should have more."</p> + + <p>He then ran along, and presently arrived at the town he was + going to, did his business, and returned towards his own home + with all the expedition he was able.</p> + + <p>But he had not gone much more than half-way before the night + shut in extremely dark, without either moon or stars to light + him. The poor little boy did all he could to find his way, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page378" id="page378"></a>[pg + 378]</span> but unfortunately missed it in turning down a lane + which brought him into a wood, where he wandered about a great + while without being able to find any path to lead him out.</p> + + <p>Tired out at last and hungry, he felt himself so feeble that + he could go no further, but sat himself down upon the ground, + crying most bitterly. In this situation he remained for some + time, till at last the little dog, who had never forsaken him, + came up to him, wagging his tail, and holding something in his + mouth. The little, boy took it from him, and saw it was a + handkerchief nicely pinned together, which someone had dropped + and the dog had picked up; and upon opening it he found several + slices of bread and meat, which the little boy ate with great + satisfaction, and felt himself extremely refreshed with his + meal. "So," said the little boy, "I see that if I have given + you a breakfast you have given me a supper, and a good turn is + never lost, not even to a dog."</p> + + <p>He then once more attempted to escape from the woods, but it + was to no purpose; he only scratched his legs with the briars, + and slipped down in the dirt, without being able to find his + way out. He was just going to give up all further attempts in + despair, when he happened to see a horse feeding before him, + and going up to him saw, by the light of the moon which just + then began to shine a little, that it was the very same horse + he had fed in the morning. "Perhaps," said the little boy, + "this creature that I have been so good to will let me get upon + his back, and he may bring me out of the wood, as he is + accustomed to feed in this neighborhood."</p> + + <p>The little boy then went up to the horse, speaking to him + and stroking him, and the horse let him mount his back without + opposition, and then proceeded slowly through the wood, grazing + as he went, till he brought him to an opening which led to the + high road. The little boy was much rejoiced at this and said: + "If I hadn't saved the creature's life in the morning I should + have been obliged to have stayed here all the night. I see by + this that a good deed is never lost."</p> + + <p>But the poor little boy had yet a greater danger to undergo, + for as he was going along a solitary lane two men rushed out + upon him, laid hold of him, and were going to strip him of his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page379" id="page379"></a>[pg + 379]</span> clothes; but just as they were beginning to do it + the little dog bit the leg of one of the men with so much + violence that he left the little boy and pursued the dog, which + ran howling and barking away. In this instant a voice was heard + that cried out: "There are the rascals! Let us knock them + down!" which frightened the remaining man so much that he ran + away, and his companion followed him.</p> + + <p>The little boy then looked up, and saw that it was the + sailor whom he had relieved in the morning, carried upon the + shoulders of the blind man whom he had helped out of the pond. + "There, my little dear!" said the sailor. "God be thanked! we + have come in time to do you a service in return for what you + did us in the morning. As I lay under a hedge I heard these + villains talk of robbing a little boy that from the description + I concluded must be you; but I was so lame that I should not + have been able to come time enough to help you if I had not met + this honest blind man, who took me upon his back, while I + showed him the way." The little boy thanked them very + gratefully for thus defending him, and they went all together + to his father's house, which was not far off, where they were + all kindly entertained with a supper and bed.</p> + + <p>The little boy took care of his faithful dog as long as he + lived, and never forgot the importance and necessity of doing + good to others if we wish them to do the same to us.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>THE ILL-NATURED LITTLE BOY</h4> + + <p>There was once a little boy who was so unfortunate as to + have a very bad man for his father, who was always surly and + ill-tempered, and never gave his children either good + instruction or good example. In consequence of this, this + little boy, who might otherwise have been happier and better, + became ill-natured and quarrelsome, and disagreeable to every + one. He very often was severely beaten for his impertinence by + boys that were bigger than himself, and sometimes by boys that + were less; for though he was very abusive + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page380" id="page380"></a>[pg + 380]</span> and quarrelsome, he did not much like fighting, and + generally trusted more to his heels than his courage when he + had engaged himself in a quarrel. This little boy had a cur dog + that was the exact image of himself; he was the most + troublesome, surly creature imaginable, always barking at the + heels of every horse he came near, and worrying every sheep he + could meet with, for which reason both the dog and the boy were + disliked by all the neighborhood.</p> + + <p>One morning his father got up early to go to the ale-house, + where he intended to stay till night, as it was a holiday; but + before he went out he gave his son some bread and cold meat and + sixpence, and told him he might go and divert himself as he + would the whole day. The little boy was very much pleased with + this liberty, and as it was a very fine morning he called his + dog Tiger to follow him, and began his walk.</p> + + <p>He had not proceeded far before he met a boy that was + driving a flock of sheep towards a gate that he wanted them to + enter. "Pray, master," said the little boy, "stand still, and + keep your dog close to you, for fear you frighten my sheep." + "Oh yes, to be sure," answered the ill-natured little boy. "I + am to wait here all the morning till you and your sheep have + passed, I suppose! Here, Tiger, seize them, boy"! Tiger at this + sprang forth into the middle of the flock, barking and biting + on every side, and the sheep, in a general consternation, + hurried each a separate way.</p> + + <p>Tiger seemed to enjoy this sport equally with his master, + but in the midst of his triumph he happened unguardedly to + attack an old ram that had more courage than the rest of the + flock. He, instead of running away, faced about and aimed a + blow with his forehead at his enemy with so much force and + dexterity that he knocked Tiger over and over, butting him + several times while he was down, and obliged him to limp + howling away.</p> + + <p>The ill-natured little boy, who was not capable of loving + anything, had been very much diverted with the trepidation of + the flock of sheep, but now he laughed heartily at the + misfortune of his dog, and he would have laughed much longer + had not the other little boy, his patience provoked at this + treatment, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page381" + id="page381"></a>[pg 381]</span> thrown a stone at him, which + hit him full upon the temples and almost knocked him down. He + immediately began to cry in concert with his dog, when, + perceiving a man coming towards them, whom he fancied might be + the owner of the sheep, he thought it most prudent to escape as + speedily as possible.</p> + + <p>But he had scarcely recovered from the smart which the blow + had occasioned when his former mischievous disposition + returned, which he determined to gratify to the utmost. He had + not gone far before he saw a little girl standing by a stile, + with a large pot of milk at her feet. "Pray," said the little + girl, "help me with this pot of milk. My mother sent me out to + fetch it this morning, and I have brought it alone a mile on my + head; but I am so tired that I have been obliged to stop at + this stile to rest me, and if I don't return home presently we + shall have no pudding to-day, and, besides, my mother will be + very angry with me."</p> + + <p>"What," said the boy, "you are to have a pudding to-day, are + you, miss?" "Yes," said the girl, "and a fine piece of roast + beef, for there's Uncle Will, and Uncle John, and grandfather, + and all my cousins, to dine with us, and we shall all be very + merry in the evening, I can assure you; so pray help me up as + speedily as possible." "That I will, miss," said the boy, + taking up the jug, and pretending to fix it upon her head. Just + as she had hold of it he gave it a little push, as if he had + stumbled, and overturned it upon her. The little girl began to + cry violently, but the mischievous boy ran away, laughing + heartily, and saying: "Good-by, little miss! Give my humble + service to your Uncle Will, and grandfather, and the dear + little cousins."</p> + + <p>This prank encouraged him very much indeed, for he then felt + that now he had certainly escaped without any bad consequences; + so he went on applauding his own ingenuity, and came to a farm + where several little boys were at play. He desired leave to + play with them, which they allowed him to do. But he could not + be contented long without exerting his evil disposition, so + taking an opportunity when it was his turn to fling the ball, + instead of flinging it the way he ought to have + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page382" id="page382"></a>[pg + 382]</span> done, he threw it into a muddy ditch. The little + boys ran in a great hurry to see what was become of it, and as + they were standing all together upon the brink he gave the + outermost boy a violent push against his neighbor; he, not + being able to resist the violence, tumbled against the next, + that against the next, and that next against another, by which + means they all soused into the ditch together.</p> + + <p>They soon scrambled out, although in a dirty plight, and + were going to have punished him for all his ill behavior; but + he patted Tiger upon the back, who began snarling and growling + in such a manner as made them desist. Thus this little + mischievous boy escaped a second time with impunity.</p> + + <p>The next thing he met with was a poor jackass feeding very + quietly in a ditch. The little boy, seeing that nobody was + within sight, thought this was an opportunity of plaguing an + animal that was not to be lost, so he went and cut a large + branch of thorns, which he contrived to fix to the poor beast's + tail, and then, setting Tiger at him, he was extremely diverted + to see the fright and agony the creature was in. But it did not + fare so well with Tiger, who while he was baying and biting the + animal's heels receive so severe a kick upon his head as laid + him dead upon the spot.</p> + + <p>The boy, who had no affection for his dog, left him with the + greatest unconcern when he saw what had happened, and, finding + himself hungry, sat down by the wayside to eat his dinner. He + had not long been there before a poor blind man came groping + his way out with a couple of sticks. "Good morning to you," + said the boy. "Pray did you see a little girl come this road + with a basket of eggs upon her head, dressed in a green gown, + with a straw hat upon her head?" "God bless you, master!" said + the beggar, "I am so blind I can see nothing, either in heaven + above or in the earth below. I have been blind these twenty + years, and they call me 'poor old blind Richard.'"</p> + + <p>Though the poor old man was such an object of charity and + compassion, yet the little boy determined, as usual, to play + him some trick, and as he was a great liar and deceiver, he + spoke to him thus: "Poor old Richard, I am heartily sorry for + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page383" id="page383"></a>[pg + 383]</span> you with all my heart. I am just eating my + breakfast, and if you will sit down by me I will give you part, + and feed you myself." "Thank you with all my heart!" said the + poor man; "and if you will give me your hand I will sit by you + with great pleasure, my dear good little master."</p> + + <p>The little boy then gave him his hand, and, pretending to + direct him, guided him to sit down in a large heap of wet mud + that lay by the roadside. "There," said he, "now you are nicely + seated I am going to feed you." So, taking a little of the dirt + in his fingers, he was going to put it into the blind man's + mouth; but the man, who now perceived the trick that had been + played him, made a sudden snap at his fingers, and getting them + between his teeth bit them so severely that the wicked boy + roared out for mercy, and promised never more to be guilty of + such wickedness. At last the blind man, after he had put him to + very severe pain, consented to let him go, saying as he went: + "Are you not ashamed, you little scoundrel, to attempt to do + hurt to those who have never injured you, and to want to add to + the suffering of those who already are sufficiently miserable? + Although you escape now, be assured, sir, that if you do not + repent and mend your manners, you will meet with a severe + punishment for your bad behavior."</p> + + <p>One would think that this punishment would have cured him + entirely of this mischievous disposition, but, unfortunately + nothing is so difficult to overcome as bad habits that have + been long indulged. He had not gone far before he saw a lame + beggar that had just made a shift to support himself by the + means of a couple of sticks. The beggar asked him to give him + something, and the mischievous little boy, pulling out his + sixpence, threw it down before him, as if he intended to make + him a present of it; but while the poor man was stooping with + difficulty to pick it up, the wicked little boy knocked the + stick away, by which means the beggar fell down upon his face; + and then snatching up the sixpence, the little boy ran away + laughing very heartily at the accident.</p> + + <p>This was the last trick this ungrateful boy had it in his + power to play, for seeing two men come up to the beggar and + enter into discourse with him, he was afraid of being pursued, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page384" id="page384"></a>[pg + 384]</span> and therefore ran as fast as he was able over + several fields. At last he came into a lane which led to a + farmer's orchard, and as he was preparing to clamber over the + fence a large dog seized him by the leg and held him fast. He + cried out in an agony of terror, which brought the farmer out, + who called the dog off, but seized the boy very roughly, + saying: "So, sir, you are caught at last, are you? You thought + you might come day after day and steal my apples without + detection; but it seems you are mistaken, and now you shall + receive the punishment you have so long deserved." The farmer + then began to chastise him very severely with a whip he had in + his hand, and the boy in vain protested he was innocent, and + begged for mercy. At last the farmer asked him who he was and + where he lived; but when he heard his name, he cried out: + "What! are you the little rascal that frightened my sheep this + morning, by which means several of them are lost? and do you + think to escape?" Saying this he lashed him more severely than + before, in spite of all his cries and protestations. At length, + thinking he had punished him enough, he turned him out of the + orchard, bade him go home, and frighten sheep again if he liked + the consequences.</p> + + <p>The little boy slunk away crying very bitterly, for he had + been very severely beaten, and now began to find out that no + one can long hurt others with impunity; so he determined to go + away quietly home, and behave better for the future.</p> + + <p>But his sufferings were not yet at an end, for as he jumped + down from a stile he felt himself very roughly seized, and, + looking up, found that he was in the power of the lame beggar + whom he had thrown upon his face. It was in vain that he now + cried, entreated, and begged for pardon; the man, who had been + much hurt by his fall, thrashed him very severely with his + stick before he would part with him.</p> + + <p>He now again went on crying and roaring with pain, but at + least expected to escape without any further damage. But here + he was mistaken, for as he was walking slowly through a lane, + just as he turned a corner he found himself in the middle of + the very troop of boys that he had used so ill in the morning. + They all set up a shout as soon as they saw him, their enemy, + in their power, without his dog, and began persecuting him in + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page385" id="page385"></a>[pg + 385]</span> a thousand various ways. Some pulled him by the + hair, others pinched him, some whipped his legs with their + handkerchiefs, while others covered him with handfuls of dirt. + In vain did he attempt to escape; they were still at his heels, + and, surrounding him on every side, continued their + persecutions.</p> + + <p>At length, while he was in this disagreeable situation, he + happened to come up to the same jackass he had seen in the + morning, and, making a sudden spring, jumped upon his back, + hoping by this means to escape. The boys immediately renewed + their shouts, and the ass, who was frightened at the noise, + began galloping with all his might, and presently bore him from + the reach of his enemies.</p> + + <p>But he had little reason to rejoice at this escape, for he + found it impossible to stop the animal, and was every instant + afraid of being thrown off and dashed upon the ground. After he + had been thus hurried along a considerable time the ass on a + sudden stopped short at the door of a cottage, and began + kicking and prancing with so much fury that the little boy was + presently thrown to the ground, and broke his leg in the + fall.</p> + + <p>His cries immediately brought the family out, among whom was + the very little girl he had used so ill in the morning. But + she, with the greatest good nature, seeing him in such a + pitiable situation, assisted in bringing him in and laying him + upon the bed. There this unfortunate boy had leisure to + recollect himself and reflect upon his own bad behavior, which + in one day's time had exposed him to such a variety of + misfortunes; and he determined with great sincerity that if + ever he recovered from his present accident he would be as + careful to take every opportunity of doing good as he had + before been to commit every species of mischief.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page386" + id="page386"></a>[pg 386]</span> + + <h3>THE PURPLE JAR</h3> + + <h3>By MARIA EDGEWORTH</h3> + + <p>Rosamond, a little girl about seven years old, was walking + with her mother in the streets of London. As she passed along + she looked in at the windows of several shops, and saw a great + variety of different sorts of things, of which she did not know + the use, or even the names. She wished to stop to look at them, + but there was a great number of people in the streets, and a + great many carts, carriages, and wheelbarrows, and she was + afraid to let go her mother's hand.</p> + + <p>"Oh, mother, how happy I should be," she said, as she passed + a toy-shop, "if I had all these pretty things!"</p> + + <p>"What, all! Do you wish for them all, Rosamond?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, mamma, all."</p> + + <p>As she spoke they came to a milliner's shop, the windows of + which were decorated with ribbons and lace, and festoons of + artificial flowers.</p> + + <p>"Oh, mamma, what beautiful roses! Won't you buy some of + them?"</p> + + <p>"No, my dear."</p> + + <p>"Why?"</p> + + <p>"Because I don't want them, my dear."</p> + + <p>They went a little farther, and came to another shop, which + caught Rosamond's eye. It was a jeweler's shop, and in it were + a great many pretty baubles, ranged in drawers behind + glass.</p> + + <p>"Mamma, will you buy some of these?"</p> + + <p>"Which of them, Rosamond?"</p> + + <p>"Which? I don't know which; any of them will do, for they + are all pretty."</p> + + <p>"Yes, they are all pretty; but of what use would they be to + me?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page387" + id="page387"></a>[pg 387]</span> + + <p>"Use! Oh, I am sure you could find some use or other for + them if you would only buy them first."</p> + + <p>"But I would rather find out the use first."</p> + + <p>"Well, then, mamma, there are buckles; you know that buckles + are useful things, very useful things."</p> + + <p>"I have a pair of buckles; I don't want another pair," said + her mother, and walked on.</p> + + <p>Rosamond was very sorry that her mother wanted nothing. + Presently, however, they came to a shop, which appeared to her + far more beautiful than the rest. It was a chemist's shop, but + she did not know that.</p> + + <p>"Oh, mother, oh!" cried she, pulling her mother's hand, + "look, look! blue, green, red, yellow, and purple! Oh, mamma, + what beautiful things! Won't you buy some of these?"</p> + + <p>Still her mother answered, as before, "Of what use would + they be to me, Rosamond?"</p> + + <p>"You might put flowers in them, mamma, and they would look + so pretty on the chimney-piece. I wish I had one of them."</p> + + <p>"You have a flower-pot," said her mother, "and that is not a + flower-pot."</p> + + <p>"But I could use it for a flower-pot, mamma, you know."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps if you were to see it nearer, if you were to + examine it you might be disappointed."</p> + + <p>"No, indeed, I'm sure I should not; I should like it + exceedingly."</p> + + <p>Rosamond kept her head turned to look at the purple vase, + till she could see it no longer.</p> + + <p>"Then, mother," said she, after a pause, "perhaps you have + no money."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I have."</p> + + <p>"Dear me, if I had money I would buy roses, and boxes, and + buckles, and purple flower-pots, and everything." Rosamond was + obliged to pause in the midst of her speech.</p> + + <p>"Oh, mamma, would you stop a minute for me? I have got a + stone in my shoe; it hurts me very much."</p> + + <p>"How came there to be a stone in your shoe?"</p> + + <p>"Because of this great hole, mamma,—it comes in there; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page388" id="page388"></a>[pg + 388]</span> my shoes are quite worn out. I wish you would be so + very good as to give me another pair."</p> + + <p>"Nay, Rosamond, but I have not money enough to buy shoes, + and flower-pots, and buckles, and boxes, and everything."</p> + + <p>Rosamond thought that was a great pity. But now her foot, + which had been hurt by the stone, began to give her so much + pain that she was obliged to hop every other step, and she + could think of nothing else. They came to a shoemaker's shop + soon afterwards.</p> + + <p>"There, there! mamma, there are shoes; there are little + shoes that would just fit me, and you know shoes would be + really of use to me."</p> + + <p>"Yes, so they would, Rosamond. Come in."</p> + + <p>She followed her mother into the shop.</p> + + <p>Mr. Sole the shoemaker, had a great many customers, and his + shop was full, so they were obliged to wait.</p> + + <p>"Well, Rosamond," said her mother, "you don't think this + shop so pretty as the rest?"</p> + + <p>"No, not nearly; it is black and dark, and there are nothing + but shoes all round; and, besides, there's a very disagreeable + smell."</p> + + <p>"That smell is the smell of new leather."</p> + + <p>"Is it? Oh!" said Rosamond, looking round, "there is a pair + of little shoes; they'll just fit me, I'm sure."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps they might; but you cannot be sure till you have + tried them on, any more than you can be quite sure that you + should like the purple vase exceedingly, till you have examined + it more attentively."</p> + + <p>"Why, I don't know about the shoes, certainly, till I have + tried; but, mamma, I am quite sure that I should like the + flower-pot."</p> + + <p>"Well, which would you rather have, a jar or a pair of + shoes? I will buy either for you."</p> + + <p>"Dear mamma, thank you—but if you could buy both?"</p> + + <p>"No, not both."</p> + + <p>"Then the jar, if you please."</p> + + <p>"But I should tell you, that in that case I shall not give + you another pair of shoes this + month."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page389" + id="page389"></a>[pg 389]</span> + + <p>"This month! that's a very long time, indeed! You can't + think how these hurt me; I believe I'd better have the new + shoes. Yet, that purple flower-pot. Oh, indeed, mamma, these + shoes are not so very, very bad! I think I might wear them a + little longer, and the month will soon be over. I can make them + last till the end of the month, can't I? Don't you think so, + mamma?"</p> + + <p>"Nay, my dear, I want you to think for yourself; you will + have time enough to consider the matter, while I speak to Mr. + Sole about my clogs."</p> + + <p>Mr. Sole was by this time at leisure, and while her mother + was speaking to him, Rosamond stood in profound meditation, + with one shoe on, and the other in her hand.</p> + + <p>"Well, my dear, have you decided?"</p> + + <p>"Mamma!—yes,—I believe I have. If you please, I + should like to have the flower-pot; that is, if you won't think + me very silly, mamma."</p> + + <p>"Why, as to that, I can't promise you, Rosamond; but when + you have to judge for yourself you should choose what would + make you happy, and then it would not signify who thought you + silly."</p> + + <p>"Then, mamma, if that's all, I'm sure the flower-pot would + make me happy," said she, putting on her old shoe again; "so I + choose the flower-pot."</p> + + <p>"Very well, you shall have it; clasp your shoe and come + home."</p> + + <p>Rosamond clasped her shoe and ran after her mother. It was + not long before the shoe came down at the heel, and many times + she was obliged to stop to take the stones out of it, and she + often limped with pain; but still the thoughts of the purple + flower-pot prevailed, and she persisted in her choice.</p> + + <p>When they came to the shop with the large window, Rosamond + felt much pleasure upon hearing her mother desire the servant, + who was with them, to buy the purple jar, and bring it home. He + had other commissions, so he did not return with them. + Rosamond, as soon as she got in, ran to gather all her own + flowers, which she kept in a corner of her mother's garden.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid they'll be dead before the flower-pot comes, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page390" id="page390"></a>[pg + 390]</span> Rosamond," said her mother to her, as she came in + with the flowers in her lap.</p> + + <p>"No, indeed, mamma, it will come home very soon, I dare say. + I shall be very happy putting them into the purple + flower-pot."</p> + + <p>"I hope so, my dear."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/390.jpg" name="fig390s" + id="fig390s"><img width="300" src="images/390s.jpg" + alt="ROSAMOND RAN UP TO IT WITH AN EXCLAMATION OF JOY" /> + </a><br /> + rosamond ran up to it with an exclamation of joy + </div> + + <p>The servant was much longer returning home than Rosamond had + expected; but at length he came, and brought with him the + long-wished-for jar. The moment it was set down upon the table, + Rosamond ran up to it with an exclamation of joy: "I may have + it now, mamma?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, my dear, it is yours."</p> + + <p>Rosamond poured the flowers from her lap upon the carpet, + and seized the purple flower-pot.</p> + + <p>"Oh, dear, mother!" cried she, as soon as she had taken off + the top, "but there's something dark in it which smells very + disagreeably. What is it? I didn't want this black stuff."</p> + + <p>"Nor I, my dear."</p> + + <p>"But what shall I do with it, mamma?"</p> + + <p>"That I cannot tell."</p> + + <p>"It will be of no use to me, mamma."</p> + + <p>"That I cannot help."</p> + + <p>"But I must pour it out, and fill the flower-pot with + water."</p> + + <p>"As you please, my dear."</p> + + <p>"Will you lend me a bowl to pour it into, mamma?"</p> + + <p>"That was more than I promised you, my dear; but I will lend + you a bowl."</p> + + <p>The bowl was produced, and Rosamond proceeded to empty the + purple vase. But she experienced much surprise and + disappointment, on finding, when it was entirely empty, that it + was no longer a purple vase. It was a plain white glass jar, + which had appeared to have that beautiful color merely from the + liquor with which it had been filled.</p> + + <p>Little Rosamond burst into tears.</p> + + <p>"Why should you cry, my dear?" said her mother; "it will be + of as much use to you now as ever, for a flower-pot."</p> + + <p>"But it won't look so pretty on the chimney-piece. I + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page391" id="page391"></a>[pg + 391]</span> am sure, if I had known that it was not really + purple, I should not have wished to have it so much."</p> + + <p>"But didn't I tell you that you had not examined it; and + that perhaps you would be disappointed?"</p> + + <p>"And so I am disappointed, indeed. I wish I had believed you + at once. Now I had much rather have the shoes, for I shall not + be able to walk all this month; even walking home that little + way hurt me exceedingly. Mamma, I will give you the flower-pot + back again, and that purple stuff and all, if you'll only give + me the shoes."</p> + + <p>"No, Rosamond; you must abide by your own choice; and now + the best thing you can possibly do is to bear your + disappointment with good humor."</p> + + <p>"I will bear it as well as I can," said Rosamond, wiping her + eyes; and she began slowly and sorrowfully to fill the vase + with flowers.</p> + + <p>But Rosamond's disappointment did not end here. Many were + the difficulties and distresses into which her imprudent choice + brought her, before the end of the month.</p> + + <p>Every day her shoes grew worse and worse, till as last she + could neither run, dance, jump, nor walk in them.</p> + + <p>Whenever Rosamond was called to see anything, she was + detained pulling her shoes up at the heels, and was sure to be + too late.</p> + + <p>Whenever her mother was going out to walk, she could not + take Rosamond with her, for Rosamond had no soles to her shoes; + and at length, on the very last day of the month, it happened + that her father proposed to take her with her brother to a + glass-house, which she had long wished to see. She was very + happy; but, when she was quite ready, had her hat and gloves + on, and was making haste downstairs to her brother and father, + who were waiting for her at the hall door, the shoe dropped + off. She put it on again in a great hurry, but, as she was + going across the hall, her father turned round.</p> + + <p>"Why are you walking slipshod? no one must walk slipshod + with me. Why, Rosamond," said he, looking at her shoes with + disgust, "I thought that you were always neat; no, I cannot + take you with me."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page392" + id="page392"></a>[pg 392]</span> + + <p>Rosamond colored and retired.</p> + + <p>"Oh, mamma," said she as she took off her hat, "how I wish + that I had chosen the shoes! They would have been of so much + more use to me than that jar: however, I am sure, no, not quite + sure, but I hope I shall be wiser another time."</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page393" + id="page393"></a>[pg 393]</span> + + <h3>THE THREE CAKES</h3> + + <h3>By ARMAND BERQUIN</h3> + + <p>"There was a little boy named Henry," said Mr Glassington + "about your age. His parents had but lately fixed him at a + boarding-school.</p> + + <p>"He was a special boy, forever at his book, and happened + once to get the highest place at exercises. His mother was told + it. She could nohow keep from dreaming of the pleasure; and + when morning came, she got up early, went to speak with the + cook and said as follows:</p> + + <p>"'Cook, you are to make a cake for Henry, who yesterday was + very good at school.'</p> + + <p>"'With all my heart,' replied the cook, and set immediately + about it. It was as big as—let me see—as big + as—as a hat when flapped. The cook had stuffed it with + nice almonds, large pistachio nuts, and candied lemon-peel, and + iced it over with a coat of sugar, so that it was very smooth + and a perfect white. The cake no sooner was come home from + baking than the cook put on her things, and carried it to + school.</p> + + <p>"When Henry first saw it, he jumped up and down like any + Merry Andrew. He was not so patient as to wait till they could + let him have a knife, but fell upon it tooth and nail. He ate + and ate till school began, and after school was over he ate + again; at night, too, it was the same thing till + bedtime—nay, a little fellow that Henry had for a + playmate told me that he put the cake upon his bolster when he + went to bed, and waked and waked a dozen times, that he might + take a bit. I cannot so easily believe this last particular; + but, then, it is very true, at least, that on the morrow, when + the day was hardly broke, he set about his favorite business + once again, continuing at it all the morning, and by noon had + eaten it up. The dinner-bell now rung; but Henry, as one may + fancy, had no stomach, and was vexed to see how heartily the + other children ate. It <span class="pagenum"><a name="page394" + id="page394"></a>[pg 394]</span> was, however, worse than this + at five o'clock, when school was over.</p> + + <p>"His companions asked him if he would not play at cricket, + tan, or kits. Alas! he could not; so they played without him. + In the meantime Henry could hardly stand upon his legs; he went + and sat down in a corner very gloomily, while the children said + one to another: 'What is the matter with poor Henry, who used + to skip about and be so merry? See how pale and sorrowful he + is!'</p> + + <p>"The master came himself, and, seeing him, was quite + alarmed. It was all lost labor to interrogate him. Henry could + not be brought to speak a single word.</p> + + <p>"By great good luck, a boy at length came forward in the + secret; and his information was that Henry's mother had sent + him a great cake the day before, which he had swallowed in an + instant, as it were, and that his present sickness was + occasioned only by his gluttony. On this, the master sent for + an apothecary, who ordered him a quantity of physic, phial + after phial. Henry, as one would fancy, found it very nauseous, + but was forced to take the whole for fear of dying, which, had + he omitted it, would certainly have been the case. When some + few days of physic and strict regimen had passed, his health + was re-established as before; but his mother protested that she + would never let him have another cake."</p> + + <p><i>Percival</i>. He did not merit so much as the smell of + such a thing. But this is but one cake, father; and you + informed me that there were three, if you remember, in your + story.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. G.</i> Patience! patience! Here is another cake in + what I am now going to tell.</p> + + <p>"Henry's master had another scholar, whose name was Francis. + He had written his mother a very pretty letter, and it had not + so much as a blotted stroke; in recompense for which she sent + him likewise a great cake, and Francis thus addressed himself: + 'I will not, like that glutton Henry, eat up my cake at once, + and so be sick as he was; no, I will make my pleasure last a + great deal longer.' So he took the cake, which he could hardly + lift by reason of its weight, and watched the opportunity of + slipping up into his chamber with it, where his box was, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page395" id="page395"></a>[pg + 395]</span> in which he put it under lock and key. At playtime + every day he slipped away from his companions, went upstairs + a-tiptoe, cut a tolerable slice off, swallowed it, put by the + rest, and then came down and mixed again with his companions. + He continued this clandestine business all the week, and even + then the cake was hardly half consumed. But what ensued? At + last the cake grew dry, and quickly after moldy; nay, the very + maggots got into it, and by that means had their share; on + which account it was not then worth eating, and our young + curmudgeon was compelled to fling the rest away with great + reluctance. However, no one grieved for him."</p> + + <p><i>Percival</i>. No, indeed; nor I, father. What, keep a + cake locked up seven days together, and not give one's friends + a bit! That is monstrous! But let us have the other now.</p> + + <p>"There was another little gentleman who went to school with + Henry and Francis likewise, and his name was Gratian. His + mother sent him a cake one day, because she loved him, and, + indeed, he loved her also very much. It was no sooner come than + Gratian thus addressed his young companions: 'Come and look at + what mother has sent me; you must every one eat with me.' They + scarcely needed such a welcome piece of information twice, but + all got round the cake, as you have doubtless seen the bees + resorting to a flower just blown. As Gratian was provided with + a knife, he cut a great piece off, and then divided it into as + many shares as he had brought boys together by such a courteous + invitation. Gratian then took up the rest, and told them that + he would eat his piece next day; on which he put it up, and + went to play with his companions, who were all solicitous to + have him choose whatever game he thought might entertain him + most.</p> + + <p>"A quarter of an hour had scarcely passed as they were + playing, when a poor old man, who had a fiddle, came into the + yard.</p> + + <p>"He had a very long white beard, and, being blind, was + guided by a little dog, who went before him with a collar round + his neck. To this a cord was fastened, which the poor blind man + held in his hand.</p> + + <p>"It was noticed with how much dexterity the little dog + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page396" id="page396"></a>[pg + 396]</span> conducted him, and how he shook a bell, which, I + forgot to say, hung underneath his collar, when he came near + any one, as if he had designed to say by such an action, 'Do + not throw down or run against my master.' Being come into the + yard, he sat him down upon a stone, and, hearing several + children talking round him, 'My dear little gentlemen,' said + he, 'I will play you all the pretty tunes that I know, if you + will give me leave.' The children wished for nothing half so + much. He put his violin in tune, and then thrummed over several + jigs and other scraps of music, which, it was easy to + conjecture, had been new in former times.</p> + + <p>"Little Gratian saw that while he played his merriest airs, + a tear would now and then roll down his cheeks, on which he + stopped to ask him why he wept?</p> + + <p>"'Because,' said the musician, 'I am very hungry. I have no + one in the world that will give my dog or me a bit of of + anything to eat. I wish I could but work, and get for both of + us a morsel of something; but I have lost my strength and + sight. Alas! I labored hard till I was old, and now I want + bread.'</p> + + <p>"The generous Gratian, hearing this, wept too. He did not + say a word, but ran to fetch the cake which he had designed to + eat himself. He brought it out with joy, and, as he ran along, + began: 'Here, good old man, here is some cake for you.'</p> + + <p>"'Where?' replied the poor musician, feeling with his hands; + 'where is it? For I am blind, and cannot see you.'</p> + + <p>"Gratian put the cake into his hand, when, laying down his + fiddle on the ground, he wiped his eyes, and then began to eat. + At every piece he put into his mouth, he gave his faithful + little dog a bit, who came and ate out of his hand; and + Gratian, standing by him, smiled with pleasure at the thought + of having fed the poor old man when he was hungry."</p> + + <p><i>Percival</i>. Oh, the good, good Gratian! Let me have + your knife, father.</p> + + <p><i>Mr. G.</i> Here, Percival; but why my knife?</p> + + <p><i>Percival</i>. I will tell you. I have only nibbled here a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page397" id="page397"></a>[pg + 397]</span> little of my cake, so pleased I was in listening to + you! So I will cut it smooth. There, see how well I have + ordered it! These scraps, together with the currants, will be + more than I shall want for breakfast; and the first poor man + that I meet going home shall have the rest, even though he + should not play upon the violin.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page398" + id="page398"></a>[pg 398]</span> + + <h3>AMENDMENT</h3> + + <p>Charles Grant lived in a good house, and wore fine clothes, + and had a great many pretty toys to play with; yet Charles was + seldom happy or pleased; for he was never good. He did not mind + what his mother said to him, and would not learn to read, + though he was now seven years old.</p> + + <p>He called the servants names, pinched and beat his little + sister Clara, and took away her playthings, and was not kind + and good to her, as a brother should be. "Oh, what a sad boy + Charles is!" was his mother's daily bitter exclamation.</p> + + <p>His father was a proud, bad man, who let Charles have his + own way, because he was his only son, and he thought him + handsome. But how could anyone be handsome that was so naughty? + I am sure that when he was froward, and put out his lip, and + frowned, he looked quite ugly. Mother told him so, and said + that no one was pretty that was not good; but Charles did not + mind his mother, and was so vain he would stand before the + looking-glass half the day, instead of learning his lessons; + and was so silly he would say, "What a pretty little boy I am! + I am glad I am not a shabby boy, like Giles Bloomfield, our + cowboy." At such times his mother would say to him: "I wish, + Charles, you were only half as good as Giles; he is not much + older than you, yet he can read in the Bible quite well; he + works hard for his poor mother, and never vexes her, as you do + me; and when he comes home of an evening, he nurses the baby, + and is kind to all his sisters. I dare say he never pinched nor + beat any of them in his life."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" said that wicked Charles, "I hate him for all that, + for he wears ragged clothes, and has no toys to play with."</p> + + <p>"Oh fie, Charles!" said his mother; "you are a wicked boy: + have not I often told you that God made the poor as well as the + rich, and He will hate those who despise them? Now, Charles, if + God, to punish you for your pride, were to take away your + father and me, and you had no money to buy food, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page399" id="page399"></a>[pg + 399]</span> your clothes became old and ragged, you would then + be a poor, shabby boy, and worse off than Giles; for you could + not earn your own living, as he does; and you would + consequently be starved to death if God did not take care of + you. And if, while you were rich, you hated the poor, how could + you expect God to care for you when you grew poor, like those + you had scorned?"</p> + + <p>But Charles, however, was so naughty he would not stay to + hear what his mother said, but ran away into the fields.</p> + + <p>Then Charles's mother was so vexed that she could not help + crying at his being such a wicked, proud boy; and she could not + sleep all that night for the grief his conduct had occasioned + her. The next day she was forced to take a long journey to + visit a friend who was very ill, and who lived in London. She + was very sorry to leave her children, for she knew if Charles + behaved naughty when she was with him, he would be a sad boy + indeed when he was left to himself, and had none to correct him + and tell him of his faults.</p> + + <p>When the carriage that was to take Mrs. Grant to London + drove to the door, she kissed her children a great many times, + and begged that they would be very good while she was away from + them.</p> + + <p>"You, my dear Clara, I know, will mind what nurse says to + you, and will try to be good while I am gone; for you know that + God will see everything you do amiss, if I do not; and I hope + you will never forget to say your prayers to Him night and + morning."</p> + + <p>Clara kissed her dear mother, and promised that she would + attend to all she said; and her mother was satisfied, for she + knew that Clara never told stories, though she was but a little + girl.</p> + + <p>Then Mrs. Grant turned to Charles, and said: "As for you, + Charles, I cannot help feeling great pain at leaving you; for + you are such a bad, wilful boy that I shall not have a happy + moment while I am away from you, lest you should do anything + amiss. But if you love me, you will try to be good; and + whenever you are about to do anything wrong, say to yourself, + 'How much this would grieve my poor mother if she knew it! and + how much it will offend God, who does see, and knows, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page400" id="page400"></a>[pg + 400]</span> not only everything I do, but even my most secret + thoughts! And He will one day bring me to an account for all I + do or say against His holy will and my kind parents' + commands.'"</p> + + <p>Charles, who knew he was a bad boy, hung down his head, for + he did not like to be told of his faults.</p> + + <p>Then his mother said: "My dear Charles, do try and be good, + and I will love you dearly."</p> + + <p>"But what will you bring me from London," said Charles, "if + I am a good boy? for I never will behave well for nothing."</p> + + <p>"Do you call the love of God and of dear mother nothing?" + said Clara; "I will behave well, even if mother forgets to + bring me the great wax doll, and the chest of drawers to keep + her clothes in, which she told me about yesterday."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Grant smiled fondly on her little girl, but made no + reply to Charles; and soon the coach drove away from the + door.</p> + + <p>Charles was very glad when his mother was gone, and he said: + "Now mother is gone to London, I will do just as I please: I + will learn no ugly lessons, but play all day long. How happy I + shall be! I hope mother may not come for a whole month."</p> + + <p>But Charles soon found he was not so happy as he thought he + should have been; he did not know the reason, but I will tell + you why he was not happy. No one can be happy who is not good, + and Charles was so naughty as to resolve not to obey his kind + mother, who loved him so much.</p> + + <p>Charles brought out all his toys to play with, but he soon + grew weary of them, and he kicked them under the table, saying, + "Nasty dull toys, I hate you, for you do not amuse me or make + me happy. I will go to father, and ask him to give me something + to please me that I am not used to."</p> + + <p>But father was busy with some friends in the study, and + could not attend to his wants. Charles was a rude, tiresome + boy; so he stood by his father, and shook his chair, and pulled + his sleeve, and teased him so much that his father at last grew + angry, and turned him out of the room.</p> + + <p>Then Charles stood and kicked at the door, and screamed with + all his might, when one of the gentlemen said to him: "If you + were my little boy, I would give you something to cry + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page401" id="page401"></a>[pg + 401]</span> for." So Charles's father told him if he did not go + away, he would come out of the study and whip him.</p> + + <p>When Charles heard this, he ran away, for he was afraid of + being beaten; but, instead of playing quietly with his toys, he + went and laid under the great table in the hall and sulked and + fretted till dinner-time.</p> + + <p>When nurse came to call him to dinner, he said: "I won't + come; Go away, ugly nurse!"</p> + + <p>Then said nurse: "Master Charles, if you like to punish + yourself by going without your dinner, no one will prevent you, + I am sure."</p> + + <p>Then Charles began to cry aloud, and tried to tear nurse's + apron; but nurse told him he was a bad boy, and left him.</p> + + <p>Now, when Clara sat down to dinner, she said to nurse: + "Where is brother Charles? Why is he not here?"</p> + + <p>"Miss Clara, he is a naughty child," said nurse, "and + chooses to go without his dinner, thinking to vex us; but he + hurts no one but himself with his perverse temper."</p> + + <p>"Then," said Clara, "I do not like to dine while Charles + goes without; so I will try and persuade him to come and eat + some pie."</p> + + <p>"Well, Miss Clara," said nurse, "you may go, if you please; + but I would leave the bad boy to himself."</p> + + <p>When Clara came to Charles, and asked him if he would come + and eat his dinner, he poked out his head, and made such an + ugly face that she was quite frightened at him, and ran + away.</p> + + <p>Nurse did not take the trouble of calling him to tea; and, + though he was very hungry, he was too sulky to come without + being asked; so he lay under the table, and cried aloud till + bedtime. But when it grew dark, he was afraid to stay by + himself, for bad children are always fearful; so he came + upstairs and said in a cross, rude tone of voice: "Nurse, give + me something to eat."</p> + + <p>Nurse said: "Master Charles, if you had been good, you would + have had some chicken and some apple-pie for your dinner, and + bread and butter and cake for your tea; but as you were such a + bad boy, and would not come to your meals, I shall + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page402" id="page402"></a>[pg + 402]</span> only give you a piece of dry bread and a cup of + milk, and you do not deserve even that."</p> + + <p>Then Charles made one of his very worst faces, and threw the + bread on the ground, and spilt the milk.</p> + + <p>Nurse told him that there were many poor children in the + world who would be glad of the smallest morsel of what he so + much despised, and that the time would come when he might want + the very worst bit of it; and she bade him kneel down and say + his prayers, and ask God to forgive him for having been such a + wicked boy all day.</p> + + <p>But Charles did not mind what she said, and went crying to + bed. Thus ended the first day of Charles Grant's happiness.</p> + + <p>He awoke very early the next morning, and told nurse to get + him his breakfast, for he was very hungry. But nurse said he + must wait till eight o'clock, which was the breakfast hour.</p> + + <p>He now found it was of no use sulking, as no one seemed to + care for his tempers; so he looked about for something to eat, + but found nothing but the piece of bread he had thrown on the + ground the night before; and he was glad to eat that, and only + wished there had been more of it.</p> + + <p>As soon as breakfast was over, Clara brought her books, and + began to learn her lessons, and nurse asked Charles if he would + do the same. But Charles said, "No, indeed! I do not mean to + learn any lessons while mother is away, for I mean to please + myself and be happy."</p> + + <p>"You did as you pleased yesterday, Master Charles," said + nurse; "yet I do not think you were so very happy, unless + happiness consists in lying under a table and crying all day, + and going without dinner and tea, merely to indulge a sullen, + froward temper."</p> + + <p>Now, Charles hated to be told of his faults, so he left + nurse, and went into the garden to try and amuse himself. When + there, instead of keeping in the walks, as he ought to have + done, he ran on the beds, trampled down the flowers, and pulled + the blossoms from the fruit-trees.</p> + + <p>The gardener's boy earnestly requested Charles not to do so + much mischief; but Charles told him he was a gentleman's son, + and would do as he pleased. So he again ran over the new-raked + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page403" id="page403"></a>[pg + 403]</span> borders, and pulled up the flowers; and the poor + boy was sadly vexed to see his nice work all spoiled.</p> + + <p>Charles did not care for that, and would have behaved still + worse, had not the gardener, who then came up, taken him in his + arms, and carried him into the house, in spite of his kicking + and screaming. He cried for a long time, and made a sad noise; + but, finding that no one paid any regard to him, he became + quiet, and went into the nursery, and asked Clara to come and + play with him.</p> + + <p>"I cannot come just now, brother Charles," said she; "for I + want to finish this frock that I am making for Giles + Bloomfield's little sister."</p> + + <p>"I am sure," said Charles, "if I were you, I would much + rather play than sit still and sew."</p> + + <p>"Not if you knew what pleasure there is in doing good," said + Clara; "but if you will wait till I have finished it, you shall + go with me and give it to the poor woman, and then you will see + how pleased she will be, and how nicely the baby will look when + she is dressed in this pretty frock, instead of her old faded, + ragged one."</p> + + <p>Charles did not know how to amuse himself, so he sat down on + his little stool, and watched his sister while she worked.</p> + + <p>When Clara had finished making the frock, she said: "Thank + you, dear nurse, for cutting out and fixing the frock for me." + So she threw her arms round nurse's neck, and kissed her cheek; + and nurse put on Clara's tippet and her new bonnet, and walked + with Charles and her to Dame Bloomfield's cottage.</p> + + <p>The good woman took the baby out of the cradle, and laid it + on Clara's lap, and Clara had the pleasure of dressing it + herself in the nice new frock; and the baby looked so neat and + pretty, and the poor mother was so pleased, that Clara was much + happier than if she had spent her time in playing or working + for her doll.</p> + + <p>While Clara was nursing and caressing the baby, Charles went + into the little garden, where he found Giles Bloomfield, who + had just returned from working in the fields, with a beautiful + milk-white rabbit in his arms, which he had taken out of the + hutch, and was nursing with much + affection.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page404" + id="page404"></a>[pg 404]</span> + + <p>"Oh, what a pretty rabbit!" said Charles. "Giles, will you + sell it to me?"</p> + + <p>"No, Master Charles," said Giles, "I cannot sell my pretty + Snowball."</p> + + <p>"And why not?" asked Charles in a fretful tone.</p> + + <p>"Because, Master Charles, the old doe, its mother, died when + Snowball was only a week old, and I reared it by feeding it + with warm milk and bran; and it is now so fond of me that I + would not part with it for a great deal."</p> + + <p>So saying, he stroked his pretty favorite, who licked his + hand all over, and rubbed her soft white head against his + fingers.</p> + + <p>Then Giles said: "My dear Snowball, I would not sell you for + the world."</p> + + <p>"But you shall sell Snowball to me," said Charles, making + one of his ugly faces. "I will give you a shilling for her; and + if you do not let me carry her home this very day, I will tell + father of you, and he will turn you out of the cottage."</p> + + <p>When Giles's mother heard Charles say so, she came out of + the house, and said: "Pray, Giles, let Master Charles have the + rabbit."</p> + + <p>"Dear mother," said Giles, "Master Charles has a pony and a + dog, and a great many fine toys to play with, and I have only + my pretty Snowball; and it will break my heart to part with + her."</p> + + <p>"Then," said his mother, "would you rather see your mother + and sisters turned out of doors than part with your rabbit? You + know, Giles, that I had so many expenses with your poor + father's illness and death that I have not paid the rent due + last quarter-day; and you know it is in our landlord's power to + turn us into the streets to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Well, mother," cried Giles, bursting into tears, "Master + Charles must have the rabbit. But oh!" continued he, "he does + not love you as I do, my pretty Snowball; he will not feed and + take care of you as I have done, and you will soon die, and I + shall never see you again." And his tears fell fast on the + white head of his little pet as he spoke.</p> + + <p>Clara was quite grieved, and begged her naughty brother + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page405" id="page405"></a>[pg + 405]</span> not to deprive poor Giles of his rabbit; but + Charles was a wicked and covetous boy; he therefore took + Snowball from Giles, and carried her home in his arms, and put + her in a box. He went into the fields and gathered some green + herbs for her to eat, and said: "I am glad I have got Snowball; + now I shall be quite happy."</p> + + <p>But how could Charles be happy when he had broken God's holy + commandment, which says, "Thou shalt not covet?" Nurse and + Clara told him so, and begged him to give Snowball back again + to Giles. But Charles said he would not, for he meant to keep + her all his life; but the next morning, when he went into the + stable to look at her, he found her stretched at the bottom of + the box. He called her, but Snowball did not stir; he then took + her out of the box to see what ailed her; but she was quite + cold and dead.</p> + + <p>Oh dear! how Charles did cry! But it was of no use. He had + better not have taken her away from Giles, for he did not know + what to feed her with, and had given her among the greens he + had gathered a herb called hemlock, which is poisonous and will + kill whatever eats of it; and it had killed poor Snowball.</p> + + <p>The coachman told Charles so when he saw how swollen she + was, and Charles cried the more. Giles cried too when he heard + what a sad death poor Snowball had died; but he had been a good + dutiful boy in parting with her when his mother wished it, + though it had cost him much pain and many tears.</p> + + <p>Well, Charles's mother was gone a long time, more than a + month, and it would quite shock you to be told how naughty + Charles was all that time; at last a letter came to say she was + very ill, and then another to tell them she was dead.</p> + + <p>What would Charles then have given if he had not grieved her + so often with his perverse temper and wicked conduct? He now + said when he saw her again, he would beg her to forgive him; + but when Charles did see his poor mother again she was in her + coffin and could not hear him; and he cried exceedingly, and + wished he had been good. Clara, though she cried as much as + Charles for her dear mother, was glad she had obeyed her, and + been so good while she was + away.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page406" + id="page406"></a>[pg 406]</span> + + <p>"And I will always be as good as if dear mother could see + me, and love me for it too," said she to nurse the day after + her mother was buried.</p> + + <p>"My dear young lady," said nurse, "your mother <i>will</i> + see it, and love you for doing your duty."</p> + + <p>"How can dear mother see me? Her eyes are closed, and she is + in the dark grave," said Clara.</p> + + <p>"But she will see you from heaven, Miss Clara, where she is + gone to receive the reward of her good conduct in this world; + for though her body is in the earth, her spirit is in + heaven."</p> + + <p>"And shall I never see my own dear mother again?" said + Clara.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Miss Clara; if you are good, you will go to heaven + when you die, and become an angel like her."</p> + + <p>"Then," said Clara, "I will pray to God to make me good, and + when I am going to do anything wrong I will say to myself, 'If + I do this, I shall never go to heaven, and see my dear mother + when I die.'"</p> + + <p>"I wish," said nurse, "that Master Charles was like you, and + would try to be good."</p> + + <p>But though Charles was sometimes sorry for his bad behavior, + he did not try to mend, because he thought it was too much + trouble to be good, and said he did not care, because he was + the son of a gentleman.</p> + + <p>Charles did not know that at this very time his father had + spent all his money, and owed a great many debts to different + people; and at last he ran away that he might not be put in + prison; and the people to whom he owed so much money came and + seized his fine house and gardens, and the coach, and all the + furniture, and sold them by auction, to raise money to pay the + debts; so Charles found that, instead of being rich, he was now + very, very poor.</p> + + <p>When the auction was over and all the things were sold, and + it was getting quite dark (for it was in the month of + November), Clara and Charles stood in one of the empty parlors, + and wondered what they should do for supper, and where they + should sleep that night; for all the beds were sold, and they + saw the servants go away one after + another.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page407" + id="page407"></a>[pg 407]</span> + + <p>At last nurse came in with her bonnet and cloak, and said: + "Miss Clara, I am going away to my own cottage, and as you have + always been a kind, good child, you shall go with me, and I + will take care of you."</p> + + <p>Then Clara said, "Thank you; but will you not take Charles + also?"</p> + + <p>"No," said nurse; "he has always been such a proud bad boy + that I will not take him. I have very little to spare, for I am + a poor woman, and what I have is not more than will keep my own + children and you, Miss Clara."</p> + + <p>Saying this, she got into the cart, and took Clara on her + lap, and one of the footmen got in after her, and drove away + from the door.</p> + + <p>Charles stood on the step of the door, and looked after them + till they were out of sight; and then he began to cry as if his + heart would break. The servant of the gentleman who had + purchased the house came and locked the door, so Charles could + not get in any more, and he sat down on the stone steps, and + covered his face with his hands, and cried bitterly.</p> + + <p>"Unhappy child that I am," sobbed he; "what will become of + me? Oh, if I had but been good like Clara, I should have found + a friend, as she has; but no one cares what becomes of me, + because I have been so wicked. I used to despise the poor, and + God, to punish me, has made me poor indeed."</p> + + <p>It was very cold, and the snow began to fall fast, and it + grew quite dark. Charles rested his head on his knees, and was + afraid to look round; his clothes were almost wet through, and + his limbs were benumbed with cold; he had no place where he + could ask shelter, for no one loved him; and he thought he + should be obliged to stay there all night, and perhaps be + frozen to death.</p> + + <p>Just then some one softly touched his hand, and said: + "Master Charles, I have been looking for you for more than an + hour."</p> + + <p>Charles looked up; but when he saw it was Giles Bloomfield + who had come to seek him in his distress, he remembered how ill + he had behaved to him, so he hid his face, and began to weep + afresh.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page408" + id="page408"></a>[pg 408]</span> + + <p>Then Giles sat down by him on the steps, and said: "Dear + Master Charles, you must not stay here. See how fast it snows. + You will catch your death of cold."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I am very cold and hungry," sobbed Charles, "but I + have no home now; I have nowhere else to go, and must stay here + all night."</p> + + <p>"No, Master Charles," said Giles, "you shall come home with + me, and shall share my supper and my bed, though it is not such + as you have been used to; notwithstanding we are very poor, we + will do our best to make you comfortable."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Giles!" said Charles, throwing his arms round Giles's + neck, "I do not deserve this kindness; I have been such a + proud, wicked boy, and have treated you so ill. I am sure you + can never forgive me for having taken your pretty Snowball; and + if <i>you</i> forgive me, I can never forgive myself."</p> + + <p>"Dear Master Charles, do not think of that now," said Giles, + taking both Charles's cold hands in his. "Indeed, Master + Charles, I should never dare say my prayers if I was so wicked + as to bear malice; and, now you are in distress, I would do + anything in my power to serve you. So pray come home with me, + and warm yourself, and get some supper."</p> + + <p>But Charles hid his face on Giles's bosom, and cried the + more; at last he said:</p> + + <p>"Giles, I am so ashamed of having behaved so cruelly to you, + that I can never go to your home, and eat the food that you are + obliged to labor so hard for."</p> + + <p>"Master Charles," said Giles, "that is because you are so + proud."</p> + + <p>"Oh no, no!" sobbed Charles, "I am not proud now, and I + think I shall never be proud again." So he kissed Giles, and + they both went home to Dame Bloomfield's cottage together.</p> + + <p>When Giles's mother saw Charles, she said: "Why did you + bring this proud, cross, young gentleman here, Giles?"</p> + + <p>Charles, when he heard her say so, thought he should be + turned out again into the cold, and began to cry afresh; but + Giles said:</p> + + <p>"Dear mother, Master Charles has no home to go to now; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page409" id="page409"></a>[pg + 409]</span> he is cold and hungry; I am sure you will let him + stay here, and share my bed and my supper."</p> + + <p>"He can stay here if he likes," said Dame Bloomfield; "but + you know, Giles, we are forced to work hard for what food we + have, and I am sure we cannot afford to maintain Master + Charles."</p> + + <p>"Then," said Giles, "he shall have my supper to-night: he + wants it more than I do, for he has had no food all day."</p> + + <p>"You may please yourself about that, Giles: but remember, if + you give your food to Master Charles, you must go without + yourself."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Giles, "I shall feel more pleasure in giving my + supper to Master Charles than in eating it myself."</p> + + <p>So he brought a stool, and, placing it in the warmest corner + by the fire, made Charles sit down, and chafed his cold frozen + hands, and tried to comfort him; for Charles was greatly + afflicted when he saw that everyone hated him; but he knew that + it was his own fault, and a just punishment for his pride and + bad conduct.</p> + + <p>When Giles brought his basin of hot milk and bread for his + supper, he could not thank him for crying; and he was ashamed + to eat it while Giles went without; but he was so hungry, and + the milk looked so nice, that he did not know how to refuse it; + and Giles begged him so earnestly to eat that at last he did + so, and once more felt warm and comfortable.</p> + + <p>Then Giles said to him: "Now, Master Charles, will you go to + bed? Mine is but a coarse, hard bed, but it is very clean." So + he took the lamp to show Charles the way to the chamber in + which he was to sleep.</p> + + <p>Charles was surprised at seeing no staircase, but only a + ladder. Giles laughed when he saw how Charles stared, and he + said:</p> + + <p>"You have been used to live in a grand house, Master + Charles, and know nothing of the shifts the poor are forced to + make."</p> + + <p>Then Charles climbed up the ladder, and Giles showed him a + little room, not much larger than a closet, with no furniture + in it, but a stump bed without any hangings, and covered + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page410" id="page410"></a>[pg + 410]</span> with a coarse, woolen rug. Charles Grant had never + even seen such a bed before, but he was thankful that he could + get any place to sleep in, out of the cold and snow.</p> + + <p>Giles helped Charles to undress, for Charles was so helpless + he did not know how to undress himself. When he was going to + step into bed, Giles exclaimed:</p> + + <p>"Will you not say your prayers before you go to bed, Master + Charles?"</p> + + <p>Charles blushed and hung down his head, for he had been so + naughty that he had not said his prayers for a long time past, + and had almost forgotten what his dear mother had taught him; + and he told Giles so at last.</p> + + <p>"Dear, dear!" said Giles, "I never dare go to bed without + saying mine."</p> + + <p>Then Charles said: "I am sorry I have been so naughty as to + forget my prayers; will you teach me yours, and I will never + forget them again?"</p> + + <p>Then they both knelt down by the side of the little bed, and + Giles taught Charles such prayers as he knew, and Charles went + to bed much happier than he had been for a long time.</p> + + <p>Though the bed was hard, and the sheets brown and coarse, + Charles was so weary that he soon fell asleep, and slept so + soundly that he did not awake till it was broad day, and Giles + was up and gone to work in the fields.</p> + + <p>When Charles looked round he thought he had never seen such + a shabby room in his life. There was not so much as a chair or + table or carpet in it; he could see all the thatch and the + rafters in the roof, for the chamber was not even ceiled, but + showed the thatch and rafters, and, as I said before, there was + not a single article of furniture in the room, except the bed. + How different from the pretty little chamber in which Charles + used to sleep, with the nice white dimity window-curtains and + hangings and mahogany tent-bed, with such comfortable bedding + and handsome white counterpane! However, he now thought himself + very fortunate that he had any roof to shelter him, or any bed, + however homely it might be, on which he could sleep.</p> + + <p>He thought he should like to get up and go downstairs, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page411" id="page411"></a>[pg + 411]</span> but he had always been used to have a servant to + dress him, and he did not know how to dress himself, so while + he was considering what he should do Giles came into the + chamber. He had returned to get his breakfast, and not seeing + Charles downstairs he concluded the cause of his absence, and + came to assist him to dress. Charles observed how this matter + was arranged, and resolved to do it for himself the next + morning.</p> + + <p>When he was dressed they both knelt down by the bedside and + said their prayers, for though Giles had said his at the dawn + of day, yet he never omitted an opportunity of repeating his + thanksgivings and praises to his heavenly Father for the + mercies and blessings which he enjoyed through His grace, for + Giles possessed a grateful and contented heart, which made him + look upon that state of life unto which it had pleased God to + call him, as that which was meet and fit for him, so he worked + hard, and ate the bread of labor with cheerfulness and + satisfaction.</p> + + <p>When Charles and Giles joined the family below Dame + Bloomfield set a porringer of milk and a piece of brown bread + for every one but Charles, who looked ready to cry, but Giles + put his porringer before him, and gave him another spoon, and + said: "Master Charles, we will eat together, for there will be + enough for both of us." The tears came into Charles's eyes, and + he whispered: "Dear Giles, you are very good." So these boys + ate out of the same porringer, and broke of the same bread.</p> + + <p>After breakfast Giles went out to work, and Charles thought + it very dull till he returned to dinner. When Dame Bloomfield + gave her children their dinners there was a dumpling for + everyone but Charles; then Giles cut his dumpling in half, and + gave one part to Charles, and ate the other half himself. Now + this was very good of Giles, for he was very hungry himself, + but he could not bear to see Charles sad and hungry while he + was eating, and Giles liked to do good because he knew it was + pleasing to God.</p> + + <p>As soon as dinner was over, Giles went out to work again, + and Charles was as dull as he had been in the morning, for all + the family were at work in some way or other, and could not + spare time to amuse or talk to him, and he did nothing but + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page412" id="page412"></a>[pg + 412]</span> sigh and fret to himself till evening, when Giles + came home from work.</p> + + <p>Giles's eldest sister made a bright fire, and they all sat + round it and talked and told stories, and Giles nursed the + baby, and played with the other little ones, and seemed quite + happy, and so he was, for he had done his duty, and every one + loved him for being so good.</p> + + <p>After supper Giles taught those of his sisters who were old + enough to read and write, and when they had finished learning + their tasks Charles took up the book, and said: "Giles, will + you teach me to read?" and Giles said: "Certainly, Master + Charles, but I am sure you must know how to read a great deal + better than such a poor boy as I am."</p> + + <p>"I might have done so," said Charles, "but Giles, I was a + sad, naughty, perverse boy, and hated to learn any thing that + was good; but I hope I know better now, and if you will only + take the trouble of teaching me I will try and make up for my + lost time."</p> + + <p>So Giles gave Charles a lesson that very night, and every + evening after supper he heard him read and spell what he had + learned during the day, and Charles took such pains that he + soon began to read so well that he used to amuse himself by + reading pretty stories, and by teaching little Betty, one of + Giles's youngest sisters, to read.</p> + + <p>Still Charles used to be exceedingly hungry, for he had not + more than half the quantity of food he was used to eat, and + Giles was hungry too, and grew pale and thin.</p> + + <p>Then Charles said to himself: "It is not right for me to eat + the bread which poor Giles works so hard to earn; I will try + and get my own living, for why should I not do so, as well as + Giles?" So one morning, when Giles rose, as usual, at five + o'clock, Charles got up too. Then Giles said:</p> + + <p>"Why do you rise so early this cold morning, Master + Charles?"</p> + + <p>"Because I am going out to work with you, Giles, if you will + permit me," answered Charles.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Master Charles, such work as I do is not fit for a + young gentleman like you," said + Giles.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page413" + id="page413"></a>[pg 413]</span> + + <p>"You must not call me a young gentleman <i>now</i>, for I am + only a poor boy, and poorer than other poor boys, for they can + earn their own living, while I should have been starved to + death had not you given me half of the bread you work so hard + for. But I will not be a burthen to you any longer, but learn + to work and get my own living as you do."</p> + + <p>Charles now meant to keep his word, and they both went out + into the fields, and worked together at picking stones off the + young crops of wheat and clover, and before breakfast. Giles + had picked up two bushels of stones and Charles one, and the + farmer gave them a penny per bushel for gathering them up.</p> + + <p>Then they made haste back to the cottage, and Giles gave his + mother the money he had earned, and Charles did the same, and + when the dame poured out the milk for the family Charles saw + that she filled a porringer for him also, and they had all a + good breakfast that morning, and Charles felt quite happy + because he had not eaten the bread of idleness. So he went out + to work with Giles again, and earned twopence before + dinner.</p> + + <p>When Dame Bloomfield took up the dumplings Charles saw there + was one for him, and he felt happy that poor Giles had not to + deprive himself of half his food that he might eat.</p> + + <p>Charles went out to work every day with Giles, and in the + evening he learned to read and write. He became quite good and + gentle, and enjoyed more happiness than he had experienced in + his life before, And why was Charles happy? I will tell you, my + dear children. Because he was no longer a proud, froward boy as + he had been, but was kind and sweet-tempered to every one, and + did his duty both to God and himself.</p> + + <p>The winter passed swiftly away, and the spring came, and the + birds began to sing, and the trees looked green and gay, and + the pretty flowers bloomed in the gardens and covered the + meadows all over, and scented the air with their fragrance, and + Charles thought it very pleasant to work in the fields, and + hear the birds sing as they tended their young, or built their + nests among the green boughs or in the + hedges.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page414" + id="page414"></a>[pg 414]</span> + + <p>One day Giles said to Charles: "Master Charles, we cannot + work together in the fields any more; I have got a new + employment"</p> + + <p>"But why cannot I work with you?" asked Charles.</p> + + <p>"Because, sir, you will not like to work where I am going," + answered Giles. Charles asked where that was. "In the garden of + the great house, Master Charles, where you used to live," said + Giles.</p> + + <p>Charles looked very sorrowful, and remained silent for some + minutes; at last he said: "Well, Giles, I will go with you; my + clothes are grown shabby now, and nobody will know me, and if + they did I hope I am too wise to be ashamed of doing my duty, + so let us go directly."</p> + + <p>Then Giles took Charles into the garden, and the gardener + gave them each a hoe and a rake, and told them to hoe up the + weeds on the flower borders, and then rake them neatly over, + and promised if they worked well he would give them eight-pence + per day.</p> + + <p>Now this was much pleasanter than picking stones in the + field, but Charles was very sad, and could not refrain from + shedding tears when he thought of the time when he used to play + in that very garden, and he thought, too, of his dear mamma who + was dead, and of his sister Clara, whom he had not seen for so + many months, but he worked as hard as he could, and the + gardener praised them both, and he gave them a basket to put + the weeds in, and showed them how to rake the borders + smooth.</p> + + <p>Just as they had finished the job, and Charles was saying to + Giles, "How neat our work looks!" a little boy, dressed very + fine, came into the garden, and, as he passed them, said: "I am + glad I am a gentleman's son, and not obliged to work like these + dirty boys."</p> + + <p>When Charles thought the little boy was out of hearing, he + said to Giles: "That little boy is as wicked as I used to be, + and I doubt not but that God will punish him in the same way if + he does not mend his manners."</p> + + <p>The little boy, who had overheard what Charles said, was + very angry, and made ugly faces, and ran into the newly-raked + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page415" id="page415"></a>[pg + 415]</span> beds, and covered them with footmarks. Then Charles + said: "I am sorry for you, young gentleman, for I see you are + not good."</p> + + <p>"How dare you say I am not good?" said this naughty child. + "I am a great deal better than you, for I am a gentleman, and + you are only a poor boy."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Charles, his eyes filling with tears as he + spoke, "I am, indeed, only a poor boy <i>now</i>, but I was + once rich like you, and lived in this very house, and wore fine + clothes, and had plenty of toys and money, and was just as + proud and naughty as you are, but God, to punish me, took away + my parents and all those things that I had been so proud of, + and that I had made such a bad use of, and reduced me to a poor + boy, as you see."</p> + + <p>When the little boy heard this he looked very serious, and + said: "I have been very naughty, but I will do so no more," and + he went into the house, and never teased Charles or Giles + again.</p> + + <p>A few months after this, when Charles and Giles were working + as usual in the garden, they saw a gentleman come down one of + the walks, leading by the hand a little girl dressed in a black + silk frock and bonnet trimmed with crape.</p> + + <p>"Ah, Giles," said Charles, "how like that young lady is to + my sister Clara. I wonder whether I shall ever see my dear + sister Clara again."</p> + + <p>"Brother Charles, dear brother Charles, you have not then + quite forgotten your sister Clara," said the little girl, + throwing her arms round his neck as she spoke.</p> + + <p>When Charles saw that it was, indeed, his own dear sister + Clara, he kissed her and cried with joy.</p> + + <p>Then he told Clara all that had happened to him since the + day they had parted, and how sorry he had been for all his past + conduct, and he asked her who the gentleman was that had + brought her into the garden.</p> + + <p>"It is our uncle, dear Charles. You know our dear mother had + a brother who lived in India that she used frequently to talk + about. Well, when he came home, and heard that mother was dead, + and we were in distress, he came to nurse's + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page416" id="page416"></a>[pg + 416]</span> cottage, and took me home to his house, and has now + come to find you, for he is very good and kind, and loves us + both for our dear mother's sake."</p> + + <p>"And will he take me home too?" said Charles.</p> + + <p>"Yes, my boy," said Charles's uncle, taking him by the hand, + "because you are good and kind, and are no longer cross and + proud, as I heard you used to be. You shall come home with me + this very day, if you please, and I will teach you everything + that a young gentleman should know, and you and Clara shall be + my children so long as you continue to be deserving of my love, + and are not unkind, nor despise those who are beneath you in + situation."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, uncle," said Charles, "I can now feel for the poor, + and I would rather remain as I am than be rich if I thought I + should ever behave as I used to do."</p> + + <p>"My dear child," said his uncle, kissing him with great + affection, "continue to think so, and you will never act amiss. + The first and greatest step toward amendment is acknowledging + our faults. What is passed shall be remembered no more, and I + doubt not but that we shall all be happy for the time to + come."</p> + + <p>"But uncle," said Charles, laying his hand on his uncle's + arm, "I have something to ask of you."</p> + + <p>"Well, Charles, and what would you have of me?" said his + uncle.</p> + + <p>Then Charles led Giles to his uncle, and related all he had + done for him; how he had taken him to his own home, and given + him half of his food and his bed, and taught him to read and to + work; he, likewise, told his uncle how ill he had behaved to + Giles in depriving him of his pretty Snowball, and he said: + "Dear uncle, will you allow Giles to share my good fortune, for + I cannot be happy while he is in want, and he is better than + me, for he returned good for evil."</p> + + <p>Then his uncle said: "Charles, I should not have loved you + had you forgotten your kind friend." And he asked Giles if he + would like to go to his house and live with him, and spend his + time in learning to read and write, and in improving his mind, + instead of hard + labor.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page417" + id="page417"></a>[pg 417]</span> + + <p>"I should like it very much indeed, sir," said Giles, "but I + cannot accept your kind offer."</p> + + <p>"And why not, my good little friend?"</p> + + <p>"Because, sir," said Giles, bursting into tears, "my poor + mother and sisters must go to the workhouse or starve if I did + not stay and work for them, and I could not be happy if I lived + in a fine house, and knew they were in want of a bit of bread + to eat."</p> + + <p>"Then," said the gentleman smiling, "for your sake they + shall never want anything, for I will put them into a cottage + of my own, and will take care of them, and you shall live with + me, and I will love you as if you were my own child, and + remember, Giles, I do this as a reward for your kindness to + Charles when he was unhappy and in great distress."</p> + + <p>Charles's uncle was as good as his word, and Giles received + the blessings of a good education, while his mother and sisters + were maintained by the benevolence of his benefactor.</p> + + <p>Charles was so careful not to relapse into his former errors + that he became as remarkable for his gentleness and the + goodness of his heart as he had formerly been for his pride and + unkindness, and in the diligent performance of his duty, both + to God and man, he proved to his uncle the sincerity of his + amendment.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page418" + id="page418"></a>[pg 418]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/418.jpg" name="fig418s" + id="fig418s"><img width="300" src="images/418s.jpg" + alt="WIDOW DOROTHY CAREFUL MADE A CURTSEY" /></a><br /> + widow dorothy careful made a curtsey + </div> + + <p> </p> + + <h3>TRIAL</h3> + + <p><i>Of a Complaint made against Sundry Persons for Breaking + in the Windows of Dorothy Careful, Widow and Dealer in + Gingerbread</i></p> + + <h3>By JOHN AIKIN AND MRS. BARBAULD</h3> + + <p>The court being sat, there appeared in person the widow + Dorothy Careful to make a complaint against Henry Luckless, and + other person or persons unknown, for breaking three panes of + glass, value ninepence, in the house of the said widow. Being + directed to tell her case to the court, she made a curtsey and + began as follows:</p> + + <p>"Please, your lordship, I was sitting at work by my fireside + between the hours of six and seven in the evening, just as it + was growing dusk, and little Jack was spinning beside me, when + all at once crack went the window, and down fell a little + basket of cakes that was set up against it. I started up and + cried to Jack: 'Bless me, what's the matter?' 'So,' says Jack, + 'sombody has thrown a stone and broke the window, and I dare + say it is some of the schoolboys.' With that I ran out of the + house, and saw some boys making off as fast as they could go. + So I ran after them as quick as my old legs would carry me, but + I should never have come near them if one had not happened to + fall down. Him I caught and brought back to my house, when Jack + knew him at once to be Master Henry Luckless. So I told him I + would complain of him the next day, and I hope your worship + will make him pay the damage, and I think he deserves a good + whipping into the bargain for injuring a poor widow woman."</p> + + <p>The Judge, having heard Mrs. Careful's story, desired her to + sit down, and then calling up Master Luckless, asked him what + he had to say for himself. Luckless appeared with his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page419" id="page419"></a>[pg + 419]</span> face a good deal scratched, and looking very + ruefully. After making his bow and sobbing two or three times, + he said:</p> + + <p>"My lord, I am as innocent of this matter as any boy in the + school, and I am sure I have suffered enough about it already. + My lord, Billy Thompson and I were playing in the lane near + Mrs. Careful's house when we heard the window crash, and + directly after she came running out towards us. Upon this Billy + ran away, and I ran too, thinking I might bear the blame. But + after running a little way I stumbled over something that lay + in the road, and before I could get up again she overtook me, + and caught me by the hair, and began lugging and cuffing me. I + told her it was not I that broke her window, but it did not + signify; so she dragged me to the light, lugging and scratching + me all the while, and then said she would inform against me. + And that is all I know of the matter."</p> + + <p>"I find, good woman," said the Judge, "you were willing to + revenge yourself without waiting for the justice of this + court."</p> + + <p>"My lord, I must confess I was put into a passion, and did + not properly consider what I was doing."</p> + + <p>"Well, where is Billy Thompson?"</p> + + <p>"Here, my lord."</p> + + <p>"You have heard what Henry Luckless says. Declare upon your + honor whether he has spoken the truth."</p> + + <p>"My lord," said Billy, "I am sure neither he nor I had any + concern in breaking the window. We were standing together at + the time, and I ran on hearing the door open, for fear of being + charged with it, and he followed; but what became of him I did + not stay to see."</p> + + <p>"So you let your friend," the Judge remarked, "shift for + himself, and thought only of saving yourself. But did you see + any other person about the house or in the lane?"</p> + + <p>"My lord, I thought I heard some one creeping along the + other side of the hedge a little before the window was broken, + but I saw nobody."</p> + + <p>"You hear, good woman, what is alleged in behalf of the + person you have accused. Have you any other evidence against + him?"</p> + + <p>"One might be sure," the widow replied, "they would + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page420" id="page420"></a>[pg + 420]</span> deny it, and tell lies for one another; but I hope + I am not to be put off in that manner."</p> + + <p>"I must tell you, mistress, that you give too much liberty + to your tongue, and are as guilty of as much injustice as that + of which you complain. I should be sorry indeed if the young + gentlemen of this school deserved the general character of + liars. You will find among us, I hope, as just a sense of what + is right and honorable as among those who are older, and our + worthy master would certainly not permit us to try offences in + this manner if he thought us capable of bearing false witness + in each other's favor."</p> + + <p>"I ask your lordship's pardon; I did not mean to offend; but + it is a heavy loss for a poor woman, and though I did not catch + the boy in the act, he was the nearest when it was done."</p> + + <p>"As that is no more than a suspicion, and he has the + positive evidence of his schoolfellow in his favor, it will be + impossible to convict him consistently with the rules of + justice. Have you discovered any other circumstance that may + point out the offender?"</p> + + <p>"My lord, next morning Jack found on the floor this top, + which I suppose the window was broke with."</p> + + <p>"Hand it up. Here, gentlemen of the jury, please to examine + it, and see if you can discover anything of its owner."</p> + + <p>"Here is 'P.R.' cut upon it."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said another boy, "I am sure I remember Peter Riot + having just such a one."</p> + + <p>"So do I," still another remarked.</p> + + <p>"Master Riot, is this your top?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know, my lord," said Riot; "perhaps it may be mine. + I have had a great many tops, and when I have done with them I + throw them away, and any body may pick them up that pleases. + You see, it has lost its peg."</p> + + <p>"Very well, sir. Mrs. Careful, you may retire."</p> + + <p>"And must I have no amends, my lord?"</p> + + <p>"Have patience; leave everything to the court. We shall do + you all the justice in our power."</p> + + <p>As soon as the widow was gone the Judge rose from his seat, + and with much solemnity thus addressed the + assembly:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page421" + id="page421"></a>[pg 421]</span> + + <p>"Gentlemen, this business, I confess, gives me much + dissatisfaction. A poor woman has been insulted and injured in + her property, apparently without provocation, and although she + has not been able to convict the offender, it cannot be doubted + that she, as well as the world in general, will impute the + crime to some of our society. Though I am in my own mind + convinced that in her passion she charged an innocent person, + yet the circumstance of the top is a strong + suspicion—indeed, almost a proof—that the + perpetrator of this unmanly mischief was one of our body.</p> + + <p>"The owner of the top has justly observed that its having + been his property is no certain proof against him.</p> + + <p>"Since, therefore, in the present defect of evidence the + whole school must remain burdened with both the discredit of + this action and share in the guilt of it, I think fit, in the + first place, to decree that restitution shall be made to the + sufferer out of the public chest, and, next, that a Court of + Inquiry be instituted for the express purpose of searching + thoroughly into the affair, with the power to examine all + persons upon honor who are thought likely to be able to throw + light upon it. I hope, gentlemen, these measures meet with your + concurrence."</p> + + <p>The whole court bowed to the Judge, and expressed their + entire satisfaction with his determination.</p> + + <p>It was then ordered that the Public Treasurer should go to + the Widow Careful's house, and pay her a sum of one shilling, + making at the same time a handsome apology in the name of the + school; and six persons were taken by lot of the jury to + compose the Court of Inquiry, which was to sit in the + evening.</p> + + <p>The Court then adjourned.</p> + + <p>On the meeting of the Court of Inquiry the first thing + proposed by the President was that the persons who usually + played with Master Riot should be sent for. Accordingly Tom + Frisk and Bob Loiter were summoned, when the President asked + them upon their honor if they knew the top to have been + Riot's.</p> + + <p>They said they did. They were then asked if they remembered + when Riot had it in his + possession.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page422" + id="page422"></a>[pg 422]</span> + + <p>"He had it," said Frisk, "the day before yesterday, and + split a top of mine with it."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Loiter, "and then as he was making a stroke at + mine the peg flew out."</p> + + <p>"What did he do with it?"</p> + + <p>"He put it into his pocket, and said as it was a strong top + he would have it mended."</p> + + <p>"Then he did not throw it away, or give it to any one?"</p> + + <p>"Yes; a day or two before he went to the Widow Careful's + shop for some gingerbread; but as he already owed her sixpence, + she would not let him have any till he had paid his debts."</p> + + <p>"How did he take the disappointment?"</p> + + <p>"He said he would be revenged on her."</p> + + <p>"Are you sure he used such words?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Loiter heard him as well as myself."</p> + + <p>"I did, sir," said Loiter.</p> + + <p>"Do either of you know any more of this affair?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir," replied both boys together.</p> + + <p>"You may go," said the President, adding "that these + witnesses had done a good deal in establishing proof against + Riot; for it was pretty certain that no one but himself could + have been in possession of the top at the time the crime was + committed, and it also appeared that he had declared a + malicious intention against the woman, which it was highly + probable he would put into execution. As the court were + debating about the next step to be taken they were acquainted + that Jack, the widow's son, was waiting at the school-door for + admission; and a person being sent out for him, Riot was found + threatening the boy, and bidding him go home about his + business. The boy, however, was conveyed safely into the room, + when he thus addressed himself to the President:</p> + + <p>"Sir, and please your worship," said Jack, "as I was looking + about this morning for sticks in the hedge over against our + house, I found this buckle. So I thought to myself, 'Sure this + must belong to the rascal that broke our window.' So I have + brought it to see if any one in the school would own it."</p> + + <p>"On which side of the hedge did you find it?"</p> + + <p>"On the other side from our house, in the + close."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page423" + id="page423"></a>[pg 423]</span> + + <p>"Let us see it Gentlemen," said the President, "this is so + smart a buckle that I am sure I remember it at once, and I dare + say you all do."</p> + + <p>"It is Riot's!" exclaimed all together.</p> + + <p>"Has anybody observed Riot's shoes to-day?" the President + asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes; he has got them tied with strings," a boy replied.</p> + + <p>"Very well, then, gentlemen, we have nothing more to do than + to draw up the evidence we have heard, and lay it before his + lordship. Jack, you may go home."</p> + + <p>"Pray, sir, let somebody go with me, for I am afraid of + Riot, who has just been threatening me at the door."</p> + + <p>"Master Bold will please to go along with the boy."</p> + + <p>The minutes of the court were then drawn up, and the + President took them to the Judge's chamber. After the Judge had + perused them, he ordered an indictment to be drawn up against + Peter Riot: "For that he meanly and clandestinely and with + malice aforethought had broken three panes in the window of + Widow Careful with a certain instrument called a top, whereby + he had committed an atrocious injury upon an innocent person, + and had brought a disgrace upon the society to which he + belonged."</p> + + <p>At the same time he sent an officer to inform Master Riot + that his trial would come on the next morning.</p> + + <p>Riot, who was with some of his gay companions, affected to + treat the matter with great indifference, and even to make a + jest of it. However, in the morning he thought it best to + endeavor to make it up, and accordingly, when the court was + assembled, he sent one of his friends with a shilling, saying + that he would not trouble them with further inquiries, but + would pay the sum that had been issued out of the public stock. + On the receipt of this message the Judge rose with much + severity in his countenance, and observing that by such + contemptuous behavior towards the court the criminal had + greatly added to his offence, he ordered two officers with + their staves immediately to go and bring in Riot, and to use + force if he should resist them.</p> + + <p>The culprit, thinking it best to submit, was presently led + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page424" id="page424"></a>[pg + 424]</span> in between the two officers, when, being placed at + the bar, the Judge then addressed him: "I am sorry, sir, that + any member of this society can be so little sensible of the + nature of a crime and so little acquainted with the principles + of a court of justice as you have shown yourself to be by the + proposal you took the improper liberty of sending us. If you + mean it as a confession of your guilt, you certainly ought to + have waited to receive from us the penalty we thought proper to + inflict, and not to have imagined that an offer of the mere + payment of damages would satisfy the claims of justice against + you. If you had only broken the window by accident, and on your + own accord offered restitution, nothing less than the full + damages could have been accepted; but you now stand charged + with having done this mischief meanly, secretly, and + maliciously, and thereby have added a great deal of criminal + intention to the act. Can you, then, think that a court like + this, designed to watch over the morals, as well as protect the + property of our community, can so slightly pass over such + aggravated offences? You can claim no merit from confessing the + crime now that you know so much evidence will appear against + you. And if you choose still to plead not guilty, you are at + liberty to do it, and we will proceed immediately to the trial + without taking any advantage of the confession implied by your + offer of payment."</p> + + <p>Riot stood silent for some time, and then begged to be + allowed to consult with his friends what was the best for him + to do. This was agreed to, and he was permitted to retire, + though under guard of an officer. After a short absence he + returned with more humility in his looks, and said that he + pleaded guilty, and threw himself on the mercy of the court. + The Judge then made a speech of some length, for the purpose of + convincing the prisoner, as well as the bystanders, of the + enormity of his crime. He then pronounced the following + sentence:</p> + + <p>"You, Peter Riot, are hereby sentenced to pay to the public + treasury the sum of half a crown as a satisfaction for this + mischief you have done, and your attempt to conceal it.</p> + + <p>"You are to repair to the house of Widow Careful, + accompanied by such witnesses as we shall appoint, and then, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page425" id="page425"></a>[pg + 425]</span> having first paid her the sum you owe her, you + shall ask her pardon for the insult you offered her. You shall + likewise to-morrow after school stand up in your place and + before all the scholars ask pardon for the disgrace you have + been the means of bringing upon the society, and in particular + you shall apologize to Master Luckless for the disagreeable + circumstances you were the means of bringing him into. Till + after this is complied with you shall not presume to come into + the playground or join in any of the diversions of the school, + and all persons are hereby admonished not to keep you company + till this is done."</p> + + <p>Riot was then dismissed to his room, and in the afternoon he + was taken to the widow, who was pleased to receive his + submission graciously, and at the same time to apologize for + her own improper treatment of Master Luckless, to whom she sent + a present of a nice ball by way of amends.</p> + + <p>Thus ended this important business.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page426" + id="page426"></a>[pg 426]</span> + + <h3>A PLOT OF GUNPOWDER:</h3> + + <h3>AN OLD LADY SEIZED FOR A GUY</h3> + + <h4>Ascribed to WILLIAM MARTIN ("PETER PARLEY")</h4> + + <p>Gunpowder! Yes, it is a dreadful thing, and many a little + boy has lost his eyesight by it. Next to playing with fire, I + do not know anything so bad as playing with gunpowder.</p> + + <p>Every one knows of the fifth of November, the day set apart + for commemorating the deliverance of King James and his + Parliament from the horrible plot to blow them up with + gunpowder, and how on that day Guido Fawkes, who was to have + put the plan in execution, has his effigy paraded about.</p> + + <p>Well, it was on the fifth of November, in the year 1789, + when Peter Parley was a boy, that the circumstances took place + of which I am going to give a relation. The boys of those days, + I think, were more fond of Guy Fawkes, and bonfires, and + squibs, and crackers than they are now.</p> + + <p>I remember it was the first of November, early in the + morning, that a lad, who was on a visit to my father, and who + was my second cousin, got out of bed and said to me (for we + both slept in one room):</p> + + <p>"Peter," said he, "do you have a guy in this town? I had a + famous one last year, and such a bonfire as you never saw, for + we burnt down a haystack. I should like to have a guy this + year; do let us make one."</p> + + <p>I was only about twelve years old, and very fond of a bit of + fun, and so I said:</p> + + <p>"That is a good idea. I was thinking of the same thing last + night, because the clerk gave out in the church that there + would be prayers on the fifth of November, on account of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page427" id="page427"></a>[pg + 427]</span> Gunpowder Plot; and, as I came out of the church + porch I saw a very old woman sitting there. She looked just + like an old witch, and I said to myself, 'I should like to + seize her for a guy.'"</p> + + <p>"Seize an old woman for a guy! Well, that would be the + drollest thing that ever happened," said he; "and I should like + to go you halves. Shall we go partners in it? We can easily get + a chair and tie her down in it, and get a dark lantern and some + matches and all that."</p> + + <p>"But she must be dressed like a man," said I; "there never + was a female Guy Fawkes. The people would laugh at us."</p> + + <p>"So much the better," said he; "that is just what we want. I + like something original, out of the common way. Now, a female + Guy Fawkes is a thing that few persons ever saw, or even heard + of."</p> + + <p>"But shall we not be taken up," said I, "perhaps put in + prison, and get ourselves into a hobble?"</p> + + <p>"Well, what if we do? But we shall not do that. I am sure it + is all right enough. But, however, to be quite certain, if you + like we will ask Ephraim Quidd. You know, his father is a + lawyer, and he will tell us in a minute. So when we go to + school we will ask him, shall we?"</p> + + <p>"With all my heart," said I. And so with that we began to + dress ourselves, and went downstairs to breakfast. I was so + full of the matter that I sat and thought of it all the time I + was eating my food; and at last my imagination painted the old + woman sitting in a chair, calling out, "I am no guy! I am no + guy!" the mob laughing, and the boys hurrahing so vividly that + I burst into a fit of laughter myself.</p> + + <p>"Why, Peter," said my father, "'what is the matter now?"</p> + + <p>Instead of telling him I continued to laugh, till at last he + grew very angry with me, and ordered me from the + breakfast-table. I then took my hat and bag, and went off to + school. Simon Sapskull—for that was my cousin's + name—soon followed me.</p> + + <p>When he came up with me he said:</p> + + <p>"I thought what you were laughing at. It will be good fun. + Let us make haste and see Quidd before he goes in. It will be + good fun, won't it?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page428" + id="page428"></a>[pg 428]</span> + + <p>And here Master Simon jumped and capered about with + delight.</p> + + <p>When we came to the schoolyard there were several boys + assembled and Quidd among them. Simon immediately ran up to + him.</p> + + <p>"Quidd," said he, "I want to ask you a question. You know + the law, do you not? Your father is the town clerk, and you + ought."</p> + + <p>"I do know the law," said Quidd. "Have I not been bred to + it? And is not my father to be made Recorder next year?"</p> + + <p>"Well, then, answer me this," said Simon. "Is there any law + against <i>seizing an old woman for a guy</i>?"</p> + + <p>The next morning Sapskull and myself, with Thomas Hardy and + half a dozen other boys, met with a view to talk about the + intended exploit. We withdrew to the backyard of the + schoolroom, and there, in a corner where we thought we could + not be overheard, we began to plot against the liberty of Dame + Clackett.</p> + + <p>Hardy was one of the rarest boys for making fireworks I ever + knew in my life. He had bought a book called "Every Boy his own + Squib-Maker," in which were directions for making squibs, + crackers, rockets, Roman candles, serpents, slow fire, blue + lights, and other descriptions of fireworks. This he nearly + knew by heart. Sapskull said:</p> + + <p>"Look in your book and see if there is not in it how to make + a guy."</p> + + <p>So Hardy looked all over the book, but to no purpose; there + was no description of a guy manufactory. It was of no + consequence; we had a guy in our head, and we only now wished + to know how we should get hold of the old lady, and what we + should do on this joyful occasion.</p> + + <p>Hardy said he had several pounds of gunpowder, and would + sell us all squibs and crackers. But these we did not so much + want. What we wanted was an old chair, an old jacket, hat, and + other matters to dress up the old lady when we could catch her. + But how to get her into the chair was the difficulty, and some + proposed one thing and some another. Sapskull + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page429" id="page429"></a>[pg + 429]</span> said, "We must make her merry with some beer." + Hardy said, "We must tie her down." But I proposed to ask her + to sit for her picture as a guy, and then to carry her off. + Master Quidd was, however, more cunning than any of us, and + said, "I know how to nab her; I have a plan, and a capital one + it is, too."</p> + + <p>"What is it? what is it?" said all of us.</p> + + <p>The fact was old Dame Clackett was a very staunch + churchwoman, and used always to go both on Wednesdays and + Fridays, Rain or sunshine, hot or cold, nothing could keep her + away from her church, and we silly boys laughed at her for it. + Poor old creature! she felt more real pleasure in this than we + could imagine.</p> + + <p>"I will tell you what we will do," said Quidd. "There is in + our outhouse an old wheeled chair which my mother used to ride + about in when she was so long ill, a year or two ago. Now, I + know old Dame Clackett is very lame just now, from having let + fall her fender on her foot. I will take this chair down, and + offer to draw her to church in it, and then, when we have once + got her in the chair, we can do as we like with her. + Hurrah!"</p> + + <p>"Won't that be fun?" continued Quidd. "Let us do + it—let us do it. There is no law against it; the thing + was never thought of. It is just like the law that was never + made among the Romans that I read about in my lessons + yesterday: there was no law against a child killing his own + father. I tell you," said he, "if there were twenty old women + to be seized and burnt, nobody could be hurt for it. But you do + not mean to burn her, I suppose, do you?"</p> + + <p>"Oh no," said we; "we only want to have some fun. We should + like to make a guy of her, that is all, and rare fun it will + be."</p> + + <p>"Let me join you," said one; "Let me join," said another, + till at last the whole school entered into the plot.</p> + + <p>We all forgot what we should have remembered—namely, + that, instead of despising or ridiculing people who are old and + helpless and poor, we ought to treat them with kindness, + respect, and consideration. We forgot that we, if suffered to + live long <span class="pagenum"><a name="page430" + id="page430"></a>[pg 430]</span> enough, should also become + old, and that it would be hard for us to bear the coldness and + neglect of the world, but much harder to endure the ridicule + and ill-behavior of wicked children. Ay, we were thoughtless + lads, and so we suffered for it, as you will afterwards + hear.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>The old lady whom I had seen sitting in the church porch, + who was so ugly, as I thought, and so withered and old, was a + very poor widow. Her husband had died in battle long ago, and + she had from year to year supported herself by her spinning + wheel and the little relief she had from the parish. She lived + in a little hut on a piece of waste ground, and kept a little + poultry, and now and then a pig or two.</p> + + <p>Among other animals, the old lady kept an enormous goat, or, + rather, he kept himself. It was one her husband had brought her + from abroad, of the Syrian breed. It was quite young when it + came over, but at last grew and grew so, as to become a very + formidable animal, so strong and fierce, that every dog was + afraid of it, being, no doubt, terrified by the sight of its + large horns and undaunted aspect. The name of this dread animal + was Hannibal.</p> + + <p>Poor old Goody Clackett—for that was her + name—had little thoughts of ever being "smugged," as it + was termed, by our schoolfellows to make a guy on the fifth of + November, and sat quietly enough spinning her wheel and drawing + out her yarn. Sometimes the thrum of the old wheel would send + her soundly to sleep, and then she never dreamed of such a + thing as was to happen to her.</p> + + <p>Every boy was delighted with this proposition, and it was + arranged that on the following evening I and my cousin Simon + should assist in the endeavor to get the chair from the + outhouse to a convenient place, while Hardy was to provide + lantern, matches, cap, and feathers, with red and black paint + to disfigure the features of the poor old creature.</p> + + <p>"We will make her amends," said Quidd, "all the money we get + shall be hers."</p> + + <p>"Oh yes; that is quite fair," said I.</p> + + <p>When the evening came and it was quite dark, Simon and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page431" id="page431"></a>[pg + 431]</span> I went to the back part of Quidd's father's house. + After waiting some little time we heard a knock. Presently + Quidd opened the gates and came out.</p> + + <p>"There, get it," said he. "Look about to see if anybody is + coming, and you can take it away."</p> + + <p>We did so. The coast was clear, and out rolled the + chair.</p> + + <p>Simon and I took hold of it, one behind and one before at + the handle-stick. Away we went, as had been preconcerted + between us in the stable-yard of another schoolfellow of ours + in the plot, who placed it near the gate and covered it over + with loose straw, so that no one could see it.</p> + + <p>The next evening, which was the fourth of November, we met + again by appointment at the dark hollow of the churchyard. This + meeting was for the purpose of determining about the way in + which Dame Clackett should be dressed in her triumphal entry to + the Town Hall, the place where the bonfires were usually made. + Hardy had brought what was of essential service—namely, + an old coat which had formerly belonged to his father when in + the yeomanry cavalry, an old helmet, a cartridge-box, and a + pair of boots.</p> + + <p>"We shall never get the boots on," said I.</p> + + <p>Another boy brought an old lantern with the horn burnt out, + a third a bunch of matches; then there was a mask and a + lath-sword and a drum, with sticks and straw in abundance. They + were all deposited in the same place with the chair. The + conspirators (for conspirators we were) then made a promise to + each other not to split, as they call it—that is, not to + betray each other, and to go through with our work like + <i>Britons;</i> so we all shook hands and parted.</p> + + <p>The next morning was a holiday, and we were up betimes. + After a consultation it was determined that I and Quidd should + go to the old dame and see how she was, and if she was + determined to go to church, and if there would be any + difficulty to get her to accept of the convenience of our + vehicle; so off we set. In less than half-an-hour we reached + the old dame's cottage, and found her at that very moment + dressing her foot.</p> + + <p>Quidd was the first who spoke.</p> + + <p>"Good morning, Goody," said he. "What, is not your + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page432" id="page432"></a>[pg + 432]</span> foot well yet? Why, I hear you have not been to + church lately. The curate was at father's last night, and said + if you were so lame that you could not walk, you might have our + easy four-wheeled chair. But I suppose you won't go to church + to-day—it is only the fifth of November?"</p> + + <p>"Not go to church!" said the old woman—"not go to + church! I have always gone on the fifth of November for forty + years. My poor husband was in a French prison, and he knew well + enough what the Jacobites are. Was he not blown up, poor + fellow, in the 'Glorious?' and were not King James and all his + people to have been blown up so high by the horrid Papist plot + that I suppose they would not have been down by this time? No + Popery, I say! I would sooner crawl to church on my hands and + knees than not go to-day, young gentlemen. And then Mr. + Hassock, the kind, good curate, to ask for me!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, and then there is the 'coal money' given on the fifth, + that all the widows in the parish may have a good fire through + the winter, you know, Goody."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I must go to church," said Mrs. Clackett.</p> + + <p>"That you must," said Quidd, "and I will tell you what these + young gentlemen and I will do. We will bring down the chair, + and take you there ourselves. I am sure it would please Mr. + Hassock. Would it not, Parley?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, and the rector also," said I. "And I have no doubt but + the churchwardens would like to see Goody at church, for the + tickets for flannel petticoats are to be given away + to-day."</p> + + <p>"What is that?" said Mrs. Clackett. "Oh, yes, I could not + keep away from my church! Good young gentlemen, I shall never + forget your kindness."</p> + + <p>We stopped to hear no more. We were overjoyed with the + success of our plot. Away we ran to our companions, and, + without stopping to explain, cried out:</p> + + <p>"The chair! the chair! We shall have a guy, the best in the + whole country!"</p> + + <p>So away we ran with the chair, and all our other + preparations for dressing and tying and securing.</p> + + <p>The whole party surrounded the chair, some pushing, some + pulling. When, however, we got within a convenient + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page433" id="page433"></a>[pg + 433]</span> distance of the old lady's hut, Hardy and the + others stepped on one side, and placed the helmet, coat, + lantern, matches, etc., under a hedge, to be ready when + required, while Quidd, Sapskull, and myself went with the chair + to the old lady's cottage.</p> + + <p>When we got there we found her spruce and prim with her best + black silk bonnet, something in shape like a coal-scuttle, her + stick in her hand, and her shoes on her feet. We drove up the + chair in fine style. There were several cottages close by, and + the neighbors came out to see the old lady ride. At last some + one who knew Quidd said:</p> + + <p>"Why, that is the lawyer's son. Sure enough old Goody has + got some money left her."</p> + + <p>So then there was a talking and surmising, and before Goody + got to church it was reported all over the town that she was + made the possessor of several thousand pounds prize-money; that + she was to be a lady, and ride in her carriage. Being sent for, + as it was supposed, by the lawyer must be for something—a + large legacy, no doubt.</p> + + <p>The chair wheeled on with Goody in it. The boys looked as if + they were up to something, and sure enough they were. When they + came to that part of the lane at which the various habiliments + had been left, the chair stopped, and out rushed the other + conspirators.</p> + + <p>"Do not be alarmed, Goody," said Hardy. "We are only going + to make a guy of you for an hour or two. No one shall harm you, + and you shall have all the money we get."</p> + + <p>"I want to go to church—I want to go to church!" said + the old lady, and tried to get out of the chair.</p> + + <p>Hardy, however, very dexterously threw some cord round the + arms, and tied the poor old creature down.</p> + + <p>"We won't hurt you, Goody," said he. "We only want you for a + guy. You shall have all the money."</p> + + <p>"I won't be a guy! I won't be a guy!" said Goody. "I do not + want any money. Let me out! let me out!"</p> + + <p>She then made a blow with her broomstick, and struck Master + Hardy on the nose, from which the blood flowed freely. This, + however, only made him the more determined, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page434" id="page434"></a>[pg + 434]</span> in a few minutes the poor old woman's arms were + secured as well as her legs.</p> + + <p>"Oh, help, neighbors! They are going to burn me!" said the + old lady, and then she fell coughing, for she had long suffered + from asthma.</p> + + <p>While convulsed with this fit, the boys took the opportunity + to besmear her face with red and black paint, and to place the + helmet on her head, and the coat round her, so that the arms + hung on each side with nothing on them. The chair was then + crammed with straw, and the lantern and the matches suspended + from it. In this state the chair was wheeled rapidly along in + the direction of the town.</p> + + <p>Other boys soon joined, and surrounded the vehicle, shouting + and laughing. The old lady, made several ineffectual attempts + to get out of the chair. She called out, "A plot! a plot! a + Popery plot! No Popery! Oh! I shall be killed!" and many such + exclamations. The populace took this as a part of the + character, and laughed most heartily. The greatest number of + persons thought the guy to be a boy dressed up, and cried out + that he acted his part well. No one suspected it was old Dame + Clackett.</p> + + <p>Away they went in the midst of the hubbub, up one street and + down another, over the market-place and by the church. Just as + the clock struck twelve the boys of the Free School came from + the latter place, and joined the procession. It was now a + national affair, and, as it proceeded from the church doors, it + was thought to be the church Guy Fawkes—and so it + was.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah! hurrah!" shouted a hundred voices; and while Hardy + and his companions held on the chair, Quidd and I went about + with our hats to collect as much money as we could.</p> + + <p>The old lady was vociferous, and struggled to get out. She + flung her arms about, and cried out, "Deliver me from the + flames! Save me from being burnt!" and everybody thought that + the part of guy was acted to perfection.</p> + + <p>Quidd and I got a great deal of money—silver, and + copper, and even gold. Seven-shilling pieces were in + circulation at that time, and the squire and Mr. Hassock + passing us, one threw <span class="pagenum"><a name="page435" + id="page435"></a>[pg 435]</span> sixpence and the other a + seven-shilling piece to us, for which we gave a louder cheer + than usual. In short, our hats were very nearly half full of + money.</p> + + <p>The old woman began to be more pacified as she saw the money + coming in, particularly as we put it all into her lap, and told + her it should be hers. But the sight of the squire and the + curate, and the seven-shilling piece, which latter we put into + her mouth, seemed quite to reconcile her to her fate. She + became then as gentle as a lamb. She said:</p> + + <p>"Do as you like—do as you like, only don't burn me for + a guy; and give me a drop of something to drink."</p> + + <p>"Oh yes," said Quidd, "here is something for you. Hold up + your head."</p> + + <p>And half a pint of good strong ale soon found its way down + the throat of the dame. After this the chair again moved on, + till at last it came to the market-place, opposite the Town + Hall, where an enormous bonfire was in preparation, over which + stood a gallows.</p> + + <p>The old lady, when she saw the gallows, screamed "Murder! + fire! brimstone!" and all sorts of horrid cries; but nobody + took any heed of it, except to laugh. They thought it was in + keeping with her character.</p> + + <p>"We will not hurt you, we will not hurt you," said I.</p> + + <p>But it was of no use; the old lady refused to be + pacified.</p> + + <p>Just at this moment Quidd felt a severe blow from behind, + which sent him sprawling. I also received a push or a drive, + and a loud laugh burst from those around.</p> + + <p>When I turned to see what was the cause of the laughter, + what should I observe but Hannibal, the goat, who had, it + appeared, followed his mistress, and, being excited by her + cries, dashed at my schoolfellow in the way described. Several + of the spectators now tried to seize the goat, but he being of + extraordinary strength, butted and pushed so vigorously that + several measured their length upon the earth, to the no small + merriment of the clownish persons who had collected together to + the burning of the guy.</p> + + <p>During all this time Dame Clackett cried out loudly, and in + the confusion her chair was upset, and she became liberated + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page436" id="page436"></a>[pg + 436]</span> from her duress. As soon as she was free, she laid + about on all sides of her with her stick, pulled off the helmet + and jacket in which she had been nearly smothered, and cried + out at the top of her voice:</p> + + <p>"I am no guy! I am Dame Clackett! For goodness' sake do not + burn me for a witch!"</p> + + <p>She, however, kept her apron close in which the money was, + and took care not to let the seven-shilling piece fall out of + her mouth.</p> + + <p>The mob cheered. It would have been well if this had been + all, but no: as soon as ever the old lady told her story that + she had been seized for a guy, an effort was immediately made + to secure the offenders. The constable, who happened to be + present, laid hold of me and cousin Simon; several others were + seized by the bystanders; and the whole, with the exception of + Quidd, were dragged off to what in the country is called the + goose-house—that is, the cage. Quidd, lawyer-like, + contrived to get out of the scrape, leaving others in it. So we + were all put into the cage, and bolted and barred. It was very + dark, and as we were terribly frightened, we all began to howl + most hideously.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/436.jpg" name="fig436s" + id="fig436s"><img width="300" src="images/436s.jpg" + alt="THE GOAT DASHED IN AMONG THEM AND THE CHAIR WAS UPSET" /> + </a><br /> + the goat dashed in among them and the chair was upset + </div> + + <p>As to Quidd, he went homewards, as if nothing had happened, + and soon made his reappearance, prepared for the usual + squibbing and cracking, with his pockets full of squibs and + crackers. He was so pleased with the success of the scheme in + which he had been so forward an actor that he determined to + have more fun before he went to bed; so he looked about, and it + was not long before he saw a fit object, as he thought.</p> + + <p>At the corner of the street leading to the market-place sat + poor old Hannah Grimly, as she was called. She had sold roasted + chestnuts on the fifth of November for a score of years, and + many a pinch of gunpowder had been put under the lid of the + saucepan upon which the chestnuts were laid. Quidd determined + to have a good explosion, and took the opportunity, while the + chestnuts were being put into his hand, to introduce a packet + of gunpowder into the kettle. He thought to run away before it + should ignite, but there being a small hole in the paper, the + moment it touched the fire the whole went off + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page437" id="page437"></a>[pg + 437]</span> with a loud explosion. Quidd's hand was shattered + to pieces, and he fell stunned with the effects of the powder. + He was taken home senseless, and put to bed.</p> + + <p>The rest of the conspirators, including myself, were kept in + the cage all night in bitter tears. The next morning we were + taken before the magistrates. The chairman, who happened to be + the very squire who had given us the seven-shilling piece, + looked very severely at us, and said:</p> + + <p>"This is the most horrible plot I ever heard + of—seizing an old woman for a guy! Gentlemen," said he to + those around him, "if this be permitted none of us are + safe."</p> + + <p>Some people used to call the magistrates old women, and so + this raised a laugh.</p> + + <p>He then called to the clerk to look over the Act of + Parliament to see what could be the punishment for such an + offence, but found none. Quidd was right—there was no law + against seizing an old woman for a guy. The bench were puzzled + what to do. At last Quidd's father said we should be indicted + for stealing his chair, and be put on our trial for robbery and + sacrilege—the first for the abduction of the chair, the + second for keeping the old lady <i>from church.</i></p> + + <p>Our fathers and mothers, however, pleaded so eloquently + that, after a severe admonition, we got off upon payment of the + costs and a handsome compensation to Dame Clackett. When I + reached home my father took me into the stable and gave me a + sound whipping, and at the conclusion of the flagellation + said:</p> + + <p>"Now, Peter Parley, I think you will not again seize an old + woman for a guy!"</p> + + <p>And I never did.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page438" + id="page438"></a>[pg 438]</span> + + <h3>UNCLE DAVID'S NONSENSICAL STORY ABOUT GIANTS AND + FAIRIES</h3> + + <h3>By KATHERINE SINCLAIR</h3> + + <p>In the days of yore children were not all such clever, good, + sensible people as they are now. Lessons were then considered + rather a plague, sugar-plums were still in demand, holidays + continued yet in fashion, and toys were not then made to teach + mathematics, nor storybooks to give instruction in chemistry + and navigation. These were very strange times, and there + existed at that period a very idle, greedy, naughty boy, such + as we never hear of in the present day. His father and mother + were—no matter who, and he lived—no matter where. + His name was Master No-book, and he seemed to think his eyes + were made for nothing but to stare out of the windows, and his + mouth for no other purpose but to eat. This young gentleman + hated lessons like mustard, both of which brought tears into + his eyes, and during school hours he sat gazing at his books, + pretending to be busy, while his mind wandered away to wish + impatiently for dinner, and to consider where he could get the + nicest pies, pastry, ices, and jellies, while he smacked his + lips at the very thoughts of them.</p> + + <p>Whenever Master No-book spoke it was always to ask for + something, and you might continually hear him say in a whining + tone of voice: "Father, may I take this piece of cake?" "Aunt + Sarah, will you give me an apple?" "Mother, do send me the + whole of that plum-pudding." Indeed, very frequently, when he + did not get permission to gormandize, this naughty glutton + helped himself without leave. Even his dreams were like his + waking hours, for he had often a horrible nightmare about + lessons, thinking he was smothered with Greek lexicons or + pelted out of the school with a shower of English grammars, + while one night he fancied himself sitting down to devour an + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page439" id="page439"></a>[pg + 439]</span> enormous plum-cake, and all on a sudden it became + transformed into a Latin dictionary.</p> + + <p>One afternoon Master No-book, having played truant all day + from school, was lolling on his mother's best sofa in the + drawing-room, with his leather boots tucked up on the satin + cushions, and nothing to do but to suck a few oranges, and + nothing to think of but how much sugar to put upon them, when + suddenly an event took place which filled him with + astonishment.</p> + + <p>A sound of soft music stole into the room, becoming louder + and louder the longer he listened, till at length, in a few + moments afterwards, a large hole burst open in the wall of his + room, and there stepped into his presence two magnificent + fairies, just arrived from their castles in the air, to pay him + a visit. They had traveled all the way on purpose to have some + conversation with Master No-book, and immediately introduced + themselves in a very ceremonious manner.</p> + + <p>The fairy Do-nothing was gorgeously dressed with a wreath of + flaming gas round her head, a robe of gold tissue, a necklace + of rubies, and a bouquet in her hand of glittering diamonds. + Her cheeks were rouged to the very eyes, her teeth were set in + gold, and her hair was of a most brilliant purple; in short, so + fine and fashionable-looking a fairy never was seen in a + drawing-room before. The fairy Teach-all, who followed next, + was simply dressed in white muslin, with bunches of natural + flowers in her light-brown hair, and she carried in her hand a + few neat small volumes, which Master No-book looked at with a + shudder of aversion.</p> + + <p>The two fairies now informed him that they very often + invited large parties of children to spend some time at their + palaces, but as they lived in quite an opposite direction, it + was necessary for their young guests to choose which it would + be best to visit first; therefore they had now come to inquire + of Master No-book whom he thought it would be most agreeable to + accompany on the present occasion.</p> + + <p>"In my house," said the fairy Teach-all, speaking with a + very sweet smile and a soft, pleasing voice, "you shall be + taught to find pleasure in every sort of exertion, for I + delight in <span class="pagenum"><a name="page440" + id="page440"></a>[pg 440]</span> activity and diligence. My + young friends rise at seven every morning, and amuse themselves + with working in a beautiful garden of flowers, rearing whatever + fruit they wish to eat, visiting among the poor, associating + pleasantly together, studying the arts and sciences, and + learning to know the world in which they live, and to fulfil + the purposes for which they have been brought into it. In + short, all our amusements tend to some useful object, either + for our own improvement or the good of others, and you will + grow wiser, better, and happier every day you remain in the + palace of Knowledge."</p> + + <p>"But in Castle Needless, where I live," interrupted the + fairy Do-nothing, rudely pushing her companion aside with an + angry, contemptuous look, "we never think of exerting ourselves + for anything. You may put your head in your pocket and your + hands in your sides as long as you choose to stay. No one is + ever asked a question, that he may be spared the trouble of + answering. We lead the most fashionable life imaginable, for + nobody speaks to anybody. Each of my visitors is quite an + exclusive, and sits with his back to as many of the company as + possible, in the most comfortable arm-chair that can be + contrived. There, if you are only so good as to take the + trouble of wishing for anything, it is yours without even + turning an eye round to look where it comes from. Dresses are + provided of the most magnificent kind, which go on themselves, + without your having the smallest annoyance with either buttons + or strings; games which you can play without an effort of + thought; and dishes dressed by a French cook, smoking hot under + your nose, from morning till night; while any rain we have is + either made of lemonade or lavender-water, and in winter it + generally snows iced punch for an hour during the + forenoon."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/440.jpg" name="fig440s" + id="fig440s"><img width="300" src="images/440s.jpg" + alt="EACH OF MY VISITORS IS QUITE AN EXCLUSIVE" /> + </a><br /> + each of my visitors is quite an exclusive + </div> + + <p>Nobody need be told which fairy Master No-book preferred, + and quite charmed at his own good fortune in receiving so + agreeable an invitation, he eagerly gave his hand to the + splendid new acquaintance who promised him so much pleasure and + ease, and gladly proceeded in a carriage lined with velvet, + stuffed with downy pillows, and drawn by milk-white swans, to + that magnificent residence, Castle Needless, which was lighted + by a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page441" + id="page441"></a>[pg 441]</span> thousand windows during the + day, and by a million of lamps every night.</p> + + <p>Here Master No-book enjoyed a constant holiday and a + constant feast, while a beautiful lady covered with jewels was + ready to tell him stories from morning till night, and servants + waited to pick up his playthings if they fell, or to draw out + his purse or his pocket-handkerchief when he wished to use + them.</p> + + <p>Thus Master No-book lay dozing for hours and days on rich + embroidered cushions, never stirring from his place, but + admiring the view of trees covered with the richest burnt + almonds, grottoes of sugar-candy, a <i>jet d'eau</i> of + champagne, a wide sea which tasted of sugar instead of salt, + and a bright, clear pond, filled with gold fish that let + themselves be caught whenever he pleased. Nothing could be more + complete, and yet, very strange to say, Master No-book did not + seem particularly happy. This appears exceedingly unreasonable, + when so much trouble was taken to please him; but the truth is + that every day he became more fretful and peevish. No + sweetmeats were worth the trouble of eating, nothing was + pleasant to play at, and in the end he wished it were possible + to sleep all day, as well as all night.</p> + + <p>Not a hundred miles from the fairy Do-nothing's palace there + lived a most cruel monster called the giant Snap-'em-up, who + looked, when he stood up, like the tall steeple of a great + church, raising his head so high that he could peep over the + loftiest mountains, and was obliged to climb up a ladder to + comb his own hair.</p> + + <p>Every morning regularly this prodigiously great giant walked + round the world before breakfast for an appetite, after which + he made tea in a large lake, used the sea as a slop-basin, and + boiled his kettle on Mount Vesuvius. He lived in great style, + and his dinners were most magnificent, consisting very often of + an elephant roasted whole, ostrich patties, a tiger smothered + in onions, stewed lions, and whale soup; but for a side-dish + his greatest favorite consisted of little boys, as fat as + possible, fried in crumbs of bread, with plenty of pepper and + salt.</p> + + <p>No children were so well fed or in such good condition for + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page442" id="page442"></a>[pg + 442]</span> eating as those in the fairy Do-nothing's garden, + who was a very particular friend of the giant Snap-'em-up's, + and who sometimes laughingly said she would give him a license, + and call her own garden his "preserve," because she always + allowed him to help himself, whenever he pleased, to as many of + her visitors as he chose, without taking the trouble to even + count them; and in return for such extreme civility, the giant + very frequently invited her to dinner.</p> + + <p>Snap-'em-up's favorite sport was to see how many brace of + little boys he could bag in a morning; so, in passing along the + streets, he peeped into all the drawing-rooms, without having + occasion to get upon tiptoe, and picked up every young + gentleman who was idly looking out of the windows, and even a + few occasionally who were playing truant from school; but busy + children seemed always somehow quite out of his reach.</p> + + <p>One day, when Master No-book felt even more lazy, more idle, + and more miserable than ever, he lay beside a perfect mountain + of toys and cakes, wondering what to wish for next, and hating + the very sight of everything and everybody. At last he gave so + loud a yawn of weariness and disgust that his jaw very nearly + fell out of joint, and then he sighed so deeply that the giant + Snap-'em-up heard the sound as he passed along the road after + breakfast, and instantly stepped into the garden, with his + glass at his eye, to see what was the matter. Immediately, on + observing a large, fat, overgrown boy, as round as a dumpling, + lying on a bed of roses, he gave a cry of delight, followed by + a gigantic peal of laughter, which was heard three miles off, + and picking up Master No-book between his finger and thumb, + with a pinch that very nearly broke his ribs, he carried him + rapidly towards his own castle, while the fairy Do-nothing + laughingly shook her head as he passed, saying:</p> + + <p>"That little man does me great credit. He has only been fed + for a week, and is as fat already as a prize ox. What a dainty + morsel he will be! When do you dine to-day, in case I should + have time to look in upon you?"</p> + + <p>On reaching home the giant immediately hung up Master + No-book by the hair of his head, on a prodigious hook in the + larder, having first taken some large lumps of nasty suet, + forcing <span class="pagenum"><a name="page443" + id="page443"></a>[pg 443]</span> them down his throat to make + him become still fatter, and then stirring the fire, that he + might be almost melted with heat, to make his liver grow + larger. On a shelf quite near Master No-book perceived the + bodies of six other boys, whom he remembered to have seen + fattening in the fairy Do-nothing's garden, while he + recollected how some of them had rejoiced at the thoughts of + leading a long, useless, idle life, with no one to please but + themselves.</p> + + <p>The enormous cook now seized hold of Master No-book, + brandishing her knife with an aspect of horrible determination, + intending to kill him, while he took the trouble of screaming + and kicking in the most desperate manner, when the giant turned + gravely round, and said that, as pigs were considered a much + greater dainty when whipped to death than killed in any other + way, he meant to see whether children might not be improved by + it also; therefore she might leave that great hog of a boy till + he had time to try the experiment, especially as his own + appetite would be improved by the exercise. This was a dreadful + prospect for the unhappy prisoner, but meantime it prolonged + his life a few hours, as he was immediately hung up in the + larder and left to himself. There, in torture of mind and body, + like a fish upon a hook, the wretched boy began at last to + reflect seriously upon his former ways, and to consider what a + happy home he might have had, if he could only have been + satisfied with business and pleasure succeeding each other, + like day and night, while lessons might have come in as a + pleasant sauce to his play-hours, and his play-hours as a sauce + to his lessons.</p> + + <p>In the midst of many reflections, which were all very + sensible, though rather too late, Master No-book's attention + be- came attracted by the sound of many voices laughing, + talking, and singing, which caused him to turn his eyes in a + new direction, when, for the first time, he observed that the + fairy Teach-all's garden lay upon a beautiful sloping bank not + far off. There a crowd of merry, noisy, rosy-cheeked boys were + busily employed, and seemed happier than the day was long, + while poor Master No-book watched them during his own miserable + hours, envying the enjoyment with which they raked the + flower-borders, gathered the fruit, carried baskets of + vegetables to the poor, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page444" + id="page444"></a>[pg 444]</span> worked with carpenter's tools, + drew pictures, shot with bows-and-arrows, played at cricket, + and then sat in the sunny arbors learning their tasks, or + talking agreeably together, till at length, a dinner-bell + having been rung, the whole party sat merrily down with hearty + appetites and cheerful good humor, to an entertainment of plain + roast meat and pudding, where the fairy Teach-all presided + herself, and helped her guests moderately to as much as was + good for each.</p> + + <p>Large tears rolled down the cheeks of Master No-book while + watching this scene, and remembering that if he had known what + was best for him, he might have been as happy as the happiest + of these excellent boys, instead of suffering ennui and + weariness, as he had done at the fairy Do-nothing's, ending in + a miserable death. But his attention was soon after most + alarmingly roused by hearing the giant Snap-'em-up again in + conversation with his cook, who said that, if he wished for a + good large dish of scolloped children at dinner, it would be + necessary to catch a few more, as those he had already provided + would scarcely be a mouthful.</p> + + <p>As the giant kept very fashionable hours, and always waited + dinner for himself till nine o'clock, there was still plenty of + time; so, with a loud grumble about the trouble, he seized a + large basket in his hand, and set off at a rapid pace towards + the fairy Teach-all's garden. It was very seldom that + Snap-'em-up ventured to think of foraging in this direction, as + he never once succeeded in carrying off a single captive from + the enclosure, it was so well fortified and so bravely + defended; but on this occasion, being desperately hungry, he + felt as bold as a lion, and walked, with outstretched hands, + straight towards the fairy Teach-all's dinner-table, taking + such prodigious strides that he seemed almost as if he would + trample on himself.</p> + + <p>A cry of consternation arose the instant this tremendous + giant appeared, and, as usual on such occasions, when he had + made the same attempt before, a dreadful battle took place. + Fifty active little boys bravely flew upon the enemy, armed + with their dinner-knives, and looked like a nest of hornets, + stinging him in every direction, till he roared with pain, and + would have run away; but the fairy Teach-all, seeing his + intention, rushed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page445" + id="page445"></a>[pg 445]</span> forward with the + carving-knife, and brandishing it high over her head, she most + courageously stabbed him to the heart.</p> + + <p>If a great mountain had fallen to the earth it would have + seemed like nothing in comparison with the giant Snap-em-up, + who crushed two or three houses to powder beneath him, and + upset several fine monuments that were to have made people + remembered for ever. But all this would have seemed scarcely + worth mentioning had it not been for a still greater event + which occurred on the occasion, no less than the death of the + fairy Do-nothing, who had been indolently looking on at this + great battle without taking the trouble to interfere, or even + to care who was victorious; but being also lazy about running + away, when the giant fell, his sword came with so violent a + stroke on her head that she instantly expired.</p> + + <p>Thus, luckily for the whole world, the fairy Teach-all got + possession of immense property, which she proceeded without + delay to make the best use of in her power.</p> + + <p>In the first place, however, she lost no time in liberating + Master No-book from his hook in the larder, and gave him a + lecture on activity, moderation, and good conduct, which he + never afterwards forgot; and it was astonishing to see the + change that took place immediately in his whole thoughts and + actions. From this very hour Master No-book became the most + diligent, active, happy boy in the fairy Teach-all's garden; + and on returning home a month afterwards, he astonished all the + masters at school by his extraordinary reformation. The most + difficult lessons were a pleasure to him, he scarcely ever + stirred without a book in his hand, never lay on a sofa again, + would scarcely even sit on a chair with a back to it, but + preferred a three-legged stool, detested holidays, never + thought any exertion a trouble, preferred climbing over the top + of a hill to creeping round the bottom, always ate the plainest + food in very small quantities, joined a temperance society, and + never tasted a morsel till he had worked very hard and got an + appetite.</p> + + <p>Not long after this an old uncle, who had formerly been + ashamed of Master No-book's indolence and gluttony, became so + pleased at the wonderful change that on his death he left him a + magnificent estate, desiring that he should take his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page446" id="page446"></a>[pg + 446]</span> name; therefore, instead of being any longer one of + the No-book family, he is now called Sir Timothy Blue-stocking, + a pattern to the whole country around for the good he does to + everyone, and especially for his extraordinary activity, + appearing as if he could do twenty things at once. Though + generally very good-natured and agreeable, Sir Timothy is + occasionally observed in a violent passion, laying about him + with his walking-stick in the most terrific manner, and beating + little boys within an inch of their lives; but on inquiry it + invariably appears that he has found them out to be lazy, idle, + or greedy; for all the industrious boys in the parish are sent + to get employment from him, while he assures them that they are + far happier breaking stones on the road than if they were + sitting idly in a drawing-room with nothing to do.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page447" + id="page447"></a>[pg 447]</span> + + <h3>THE INQUISITIVE GIRL</h3> + + <p>Dr. Hammond was a physician in great practice in the West of + England. He resided in a small market-town and his family + consisted of one son, named Charles, and two daughters, Louisa + and Sophy.</p> + + <p>Sophy possessed many amiable qualities, and did not want for + sense, but every better feeling was lost in her extreme + inquisitiveness. Her faculties were all occupied in peeping and + prying about, and, provided she could gratify her own + curiosity, she never cared how much vexation she caused to + others.</p> + + <p>This propensity began when she was so very young that it had + become a habit before her parents perceived it. She was a very + little creature when she was once nearly squeezed to death + between two double doors as she was peeping through the keyhole + of one of them to see who was in the drawing-room; and another + time she was locked up for several hours in a closet in which + she had hid herself for the purpose of overhearing what her + mother was saying to one of the servants.</p> + + <p>When Sophy was eleven and her sister about sixteen years old + their mother died. Louisa was placed at the head of her + father's house, and the superintendence of Sophy's education + necessarily devolved on her. The care of such a family was a + great charge for a young person of Miss Hammond's age, and more + especially as her father was obliged to be so much from home + that she could not always have his counsel and advice even when + she most needed it. By this means she fell into an injudicious + mode of treating her sister.</p> + + <p>If Louisa received a note she carefully locked it up, and + never spoke of its contents before Sophy. If a message was + brought to her she always went out of the room to receive it, + and never suffered the servant to speak in her sister's + hearing. When any visitors came Louisa commonly sent Sophy out + of the room, or if they were intimate friends she would + converse with them in whispers; in short, it was her chief + study <span class="pagenum"><a name="page448" + id="page448"></a>[pg 448]</span> that everything which passed + in the family should be a secret from Sophy. Alas! this + procedure, instead of repressing Sophy's curiosity, only made + it the more keen; her eyes and ears were always on the alert, + and what she could not see, hear, or thoroughly comprehend she + made out by guesses.</p> + + <p>The worst consequence of Louisa's conduct was that as Sophy + had no friend and companion in her sister, who treated her with + such constant suspicion and reserve, she necessarily was + induced to find a friend and companion among the servants, and + she selected the housemaid Sally, a good-natured, + well-intentioned girl, but silly and ignorant and inquisitive + like herself, and it may be easily supposed how much mischief + these two foolish creatures occasioned, not only in the family, + but also among their neighbors.</p> + + <p>It happened soon after, that for an offence which was the + cause of very great vexation to her brother, and was the + occasion of his being for a time deprived of the friendship of + Sir Henry and Lady Askham, two of Dr. Hammond's nearest and + most intimate neighbors, her father ordered Sophy, as a still + further punishment, to be locked up in her own room till the + Sunday following. This was on Friday, and Sophy had two days of + solitude and imprisonment before her. The first day she passed + very dismally, but yet not unprofitably, for she felt truly + ashamed and sorry for her fault, and made many good resolutions + of endeavoring to cure herself of her mischievous propensity. + The second day she began to be somewhat more composed, and by + degrees she was able to amuse herself with watching the people + in the street, which was overlooked by the windows of her + apartment, and she began, almost unconsciously to herself, to + indulge in her old habit of trying to find out what everybody + was doing, and in guessing where they were going.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/448.jpg" name="fig448s" + id="fig448s"><img width="300" src="images/448s.jpg" + alt="IF LOUISA RECEIVED A NOTE, SHE CAREFULLY LOCKED IT UP" /> + </a><br /> + if louisa received a note, she carefully locked it up + </div> + + <p>She had not long been engaged in watching her neighbors + before her curiosity was excited by the appearance of a servant + on horseback, who rode up to the door, and, after giving a + little three-cornered note to Dr. Hammond's footman, rode off. + The servant she knew to be Mrs. Arden's, an intimate friend + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page449" id="page449"></a>[pg + 449]</span> of her father, and the note she conjectured was an + invitation to dinner, and the guessing what day the invitation + was for, and who were to be the company, and whether she was + included in the invitation, was occupying her busy fancy, when + she saw her sister going out of the house with the + three-cornered note in her hand, and cross the street to Mr. + McNeal's stocking shop, which was opposite. Almost immediately + afterwards Mr. McNeal's shopman came out of the shop, and, + running down the street, was presently out of sight, but soon + returned with Mr. McNeal himself. She saw Louisa reading the + note to Mr. McNeal, and in a few minutes afterwards return + home. Here was a matter of wonder and conjecture. Sophy forgot + all her good resolutions, and absolutely wearied herself with + her useless curiosity.</p> + + <p>At length the term of her imprisonment was over, and Sophy + was restored to the society of her family. At first she kept a + tolerable guard over herself. Once she saw her father and + sister whispering, and did not, though she longed much to do + it, hold her breath that she might hear what they were saying. + Another time she passed Charles's door when it was ajar and the + little study open, and she had so much self-command that she + passed by without peeping in, and she began to think she was + cured of her faults. But in reality this was far from being the + case, and whenever she recollected Mrs. Arden's mysterious note + she felt her inquisitive propensities as strong as ever. Her + eyes and ears were always on the alert, in hopes of obtaining + some clue to the knowledge she coveted, and if Mrs, Arden's or + Mr. McNeal's names were mentioned she listened with trembling + anxiety in the hope of hearing some allusion to the note.</p> + + <p>At last, when she had almost given up the matter in despair, + an unlooked-for chance put her in possession of a fragment of + this very note to which she attached so much importance.</p> + + <p>One day Louisa wanted to wind a skein of silk, and in + looking for a piece of paper to wind it upon she opened her + writing-box, and took out Mrs. Arden's note. Sophy knew it + again in an instant from its three-cornered shape. She saw + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page450" id="page450"></a>[pg + 450]</span> her sister tear the note in two, throw one-half + under the grate, and fold the other part up to wind her silk + upon. Sophy kept her eye upon the paper that lay under the + grate in the greatest anxiety, lest a coal should drop upon it + and destroy it, when it seemed almost within her grasp. Louisa + was called out of the room, and Sophy, overpowered by the + greatness of the temptation, forgot all the good resolutions + she had so lately made, and at the risk of setting fire to her + sleeve, snatched the paper from among the ashes, and concealed + it in her pocket. She then flew to her own room to examine it + at her ease. The note had been torn the lengthway of the paper, + and that part of it of which Sophy had possessed herself + contained the first half of each line of the note. Bolting her + door for fear of interruption, she read, with trembling + impatience, as follows:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6">Will you</p> + + <p>be kind enough to go to</p> + + <p>Mr. McNeal, and tell him</p> + + <p>he has made a great mistake</p> + + <p>the last stockings he sent;</p> + + <p>charging them as silk) he has cheated</p> + + <p>of several pounds.—I am sorry to say</p> + + <p>that he has behaved very ill</p> + + <p>And Mr. Arden tells me that</p> + + <p>it must end in his being hanged</p> + + <p>I am exceedingly grieved</p> + + <p>but fear this will be the end</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>When Sophy had read these broken sentences she fancied that + she fully comprehended the purport of the whole note, and she + now saw the reason of her sister's hastening to Mr. McNeal's + immediately on the receipt of the note, and of the hurry in + which he had been summoned back to his shop. It appeared very + clear to her that he had defrauded Mrs. Arden of a considerable + sum of money, and that he was no longer that honest tradesman + he had been supposed. The weight of this important discovery + quite overburdened her, and, forgetful of her past punishment, + and regardless of future consequences, she imparted the + surprising secret to Sally. Sally was not one who could keep + such a piece of news to herself; it was therefore soon + circulated through half the town that Mr. McNeal had defrauded + Mrs. Arden, and that Mr. Arden declared he would have him + hanged for it. Several persons in + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page451" id="page451"></a>[pg + 451]</span> consequence avoided Mr. McNeal's shop, who saw his + customers forsaking him without being able to know why they did + so. Thus the conduct of this inconsiderate girl took away the + good name of an honest tradesman, on no better foundation than + her own idle conjectures, drawn from the torn fragments of a + letter.</p> + + <p>Mr. McNeal at length became informed of the injurious report + that was circulated about him. He immediately went to Mrs. + Arden to tell her of the report, and to ask her if any + inadvertency of his own in regard to her dealings at his shop + occasioned her speaking so disadvantageously of him. Mrs. Arden + was much astonished at what he told her, as she might well be, + and assured him that she had never either spoken of him or + thought of him but as thoroughly an honorable and honest + tradesman. Mrs. Arden was exceedingly hurt that her name should + be attached to such a cruel calumny, and, on consulting with + Sir Henry Askham, it was agreed that he and Mrs. Arden should + make it their business to trace it back to its authors. They + found no real difficulty in tracing it back to Sally, Dr. + Hammond's servant. She was accordingly sent for to Mr. + McNeal's, where Sir Henry Askham and Mr. Arden, with some other + gentlemen, were assembled on this charitable investigation. + Sally, on being questioned who had told her of the report, + replied, without hesitation, that she had been told by Miss + Sophy, who had seen all the particulars in Mrs. Arden's + handwriting.</p> + + <p>Mr. Arden was greatly astonished at hearing this assertion, + and felt confident that the whole must have originated from + some strange blunder. He and the other gentlemen immediately + proceeded to Dr. Hammond's, and having explained their business + to him, desired to see Sophy. She, on being asked, confirmed + what Sally had said, adding that to satisfy them she could show + them Mrs. Arden's own words, and she accordingly produced the + fragment of the note. Miss Hammond, the instant she saw the + paper recollected it again, and winding off the silk from the + other half of Mrs. Arden's note, presented it to Mr. Arden, + who, laying the two pieces of paper together read as + follows:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page452" + id="page452"></a>[pg 452]</span> + + <blockquote> + <p>"<span class="sc">My dear Miss + Hammond</span>,—Will you as soon as you receive this + be kind enough to go to your opposite neighbor, Mr. McNeal, + and tell him I find by looking at his bill he has made a + great mistake as to the price of the last stockings he + sent; and it seems to me (by not charging them as silk) he + has cheated himself, as he'll see, of several + pounds.—I am sorry to say of our new dog, that he has + behaved very ill and worried two sheep, and Mr. Arden tells + me he very much fears it must end in his being hanged or + he'll kill all the flock. I am exceedingly grieved, for he + is a noble animal, but fear this will be the end of my poor + dog.</p> + + <p class="ctr">"I am, dear Louisa, yours truly</p> + + <p class="author">"Mary Arden."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Thus by the fortunate preservation of the last half of the + note the whole affair was cleared up, Mrs. Arden's character + vindicated from the charge of being a defamer, and Mr. McNeal + from all suspicion of dishonesty. And all their friends were + pleased and satisfied. But how did Sophy feel? She did feel at + last both remorse and humiliation. She had no one to blame but + herself; she had no one to take her part, for even her father + and her brother considered it due to public justice that she + should make a public acknowledgment of her fault to Mr. McNeal, + and to ask his pardon.</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page453" + id="page453"></a>[pg 453]</span> + + <h3>BUSY IDLENESS</h3> + + <h3>By JANE TAYLOR</h3> + + <p>Mrs. Dawson being obliged to leave home for six weeks, her + daughters, Charlotte and Caroline, received permission to + employ the time of her absence as they pleased; that is, she + did not require of them the usual strict attention to + particular hours and particular studies, but allowed them to + choose their own employments—only recommending them to + make a good use of the license, and apprising them, that, on + her return, she should require an exact account of the manner + in which the interval had been employed.</p> + + <p>The carriage that conveyed their mother away was scarcely + out of hearing, when Charlotte, delighted with her freedom, + hastened upstairs to the schoolroom, where she looked around on + books, globes, maps, drawings, to select some new employment + for the morning. Long before she had decided upon any, her + sister had quietly seated herself at her accustomed station, + thinking that she could do nothing better than finish the + French exercise she had begun the day before. Charlotte, + however, declined attending to French that day, and after much + indecision, and saying "I have a great mind to" three several + times without finishing the sentence, she at last took down a + volume of Cowper, and read in different parts for about half an + hour. Then throwing it aside, she said she had a great mind to + put the bookshelves in order—a business which she + commenced with great spirit. But in the course of her laudable + undertaking, she met with a manuscript in shorthand; whereupon + she exclaimed to her sister, "Caroline, don't you remember that + old Mr. Henderson once promised he would teach us shorthand? + How much I should like to learn! Only, mamma thought we had not + time. But now, this would be such a good opportunity. I am sure + I could learn it well in six weeks; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page454" id="page454"></a>[pg + 454]</span> and how convenient it would be! One could take down + sermons, or anything; and I could make Rachel learn, and then + how very pleasant it would be to write to each other in + shorthand! Indeed, it would be convenient in a hundred ways." + So saying, she ran upstairs, without any further delay, and + putting on her hat and spencer, set off to old Mr. + Henderson's.</p> + + <p>Mr. Henderson happened to be at dinner. Nevertheless, + Charlotte obtained admittance on the plea of urgent business; + but she entered his apartment so much out of breath, and in + such apparent agitation, that the old gentleman, rising hastily + from table, and looking anxiously at her over his spectacles, + inquired in a tremulous tone what was the matter. When, + therefore, Charlotte explained her business, he appeared a + little disconcerted; but having gently reproved her for her + undue eagerness, he composedly resumed his knife and fork, + though his hand shook much more than usual during the remainder + of his meal. However, being very good-natured, as soon as he + had dined he cheerfully gave Charlotte her first lesson in + shorthand, promising to repeat it regularly every morning.</p> + + <p>Charlotte returned home in high glee. She at this juncture + considered shorthand as one of the most useful, and decidedly + the most interesting of acquirements; and she continued to + exercise herself in it all the rest of the day. She was + exceedingly pleased at being able already to write two or three + words which neither her sister nor even her father could + decipher. For three successive mornings Charlotte punctually + kept her appointment with Mr. Henderson; but on the fourth she + sent a shabby excuse to her kind master; and, if the truth must + be told, he from that time saw no more of his scholar. Now the + cause of this desertion was twofold: first, and principally, + her zeal for shorthand, which for the last eight-and-forty + hours had been sensibly declining in its temperature, was, on + the above morning, within half a degree of freezing point; and, + second, a new and far more arduous and important undertaking + had by this time suggested itself to her mind. Like many young + persons of desultory inclinations, Charlotte often amused + herself with writing verses; and it now occurred to her that an + abridged history of England in verse was still a desideratum + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page455" id="page455"></a>[pg + 455]</span> in literature. She commenced this task with her + usual diligence; but was somewhat discouraged in the outset by + the difficulty of finding a rhyme to Saxon, whom she indulged + the unpatriotic wish that the Danes had laid a tax on. But, + though she got over this obstacle by a new construction of the + line, she found these difficulties occur so continually that + she soon felt a more thorough disgust at this employment than + at the preceding one. So the epic stopped short, some hundred + years before the Norman conquest. Difficulty, which quickens + the ardor of industry, always damps, and generally + extinguishes, the false zeal of caprice and versatility.</p> + + <p>Charlotte's next undertaking was, to be sure, a rapid + descent from the last in the scale of dignity. She now thought, + that, by working very hard during the remainder of the time, + she should be able to accomplish a patch-work counterpane, + large enough for her own little tent bed; and the ease of this + employment formed a most agreeable contrast in her mind with + the extreme difficulty of the last. Accordingly, as if + commissioned with a search warrant, she ransacked all her + mother's drawers, bags, and bundles in quest of new pieces; and + these spoils proving very insufficient, she set off to tax all + her friends, and to tease all the linen drapers in the town for + their odds and ends, urging that she wanted some particularly. + As she was posting along the street on this business, she + espied at a distance a person whom she had no wish to + encounter, namely, old Mr. Henderson. To avoid the meeting she + crossed over. But this maneuver did not succeed; for no sooner + had they come opposite to each other, than, to her great + confusion, he called out across the street, in his loud and + tremulous voice, and shaking his stick at her, "How d'ye do, + Miss Shorthand? I thought how it would be! Oh, fie! Oh, + fie!"</p> + + <p>Charlotte hurried on; and her thoughts soon returned to the + idea of the splendid radiating star which she designed for the + centerpiece of her counterpane. While she was arranging the + different patterns, and forming the alternations of light and + shade, her interest continued nearly unabated; but when she + came to the practical part of sewing piece to piece with + unvarying sameness, it began, as usual, to flag. She sighed + several <span class="pagenum"><a name="page456" + id="page456"></a>[pg 456]</span> times, and cast many + disconsolate looks at the endless hexagons and octagons, before + she indulged any distinct idea of relinquishing her task. At + length, however, it did forcibly occur to her that, after all, + she was not obliged to go on with it; and that, really, + patchwork was a thing that was better done by degrees, when one + happens to want a job, than to be finished all at once. So, + with this thought (which would have been a very good one if it + had occurred in proper time), she suddenly drew out her needle, + thrust all her pieces, arranged and unarranged, into a drawer, + and began to meditate a new project.</p> + + <p>Fortunately, just at this juncture some young ladies of + their acquaintance called upon Charlotte and Caroline. They + were attempting to establish a society among their young + friends for working for the poor, and came to request their + assistance. Caroline very cheerfully entered into the design; + but as for Charlotte, nothing could exceed the forwardness of + her zeal. She took it up so warmly that Caroline's appeared, in + comparison, only lukewarm. It was proposed that each member of + the society should have an equal proportion of the work to do + at her own house; but when the articles came to be distributed, + Charlotte, in the heat of her benevolence, desired that a + double portion might be allotted to her. Some of the younger + ones admired her industrious intentions, but the better judging + advised her not to undertake too much at once. However, she + would not be satisfied till her request was complied with. When + the parcels of work arrived, Charlotte with exultation seized + the larger one, and without a minute's delay commenced her + charitable labors. The following morning she rose at four + o'clock, to resume the employment; and not a little + self-complacency did she feel, when, after nearly two hours' + hard work, she still heard Caroline breathing in a sound sleep. + But, alas! Charlotte soon found that work is work, of whatever + nature, or for whatever purpose. She now inwardly regretted + that she had asked for more than her share; and the cowardly + thought that after all she was not obliged to do it next + occurred to her. For the present, therefore, she squeezed all + the things, done and undone, into what she called + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page457" id="page457"></a>[pg + 457]</span> her "Dorcas bag;" and to banish unpleasant + thoughts, she opened the first book that happened to lie within + reach. It proved to be "An Introduction to Botany." Of this she + had not read more than a page and a half before she determined + to collect some specimens herself; and having found a blank + copy-book she hastened into the garden, where, gathering a few + common flowers, she proceeded to dissect them, not, it is to be + feared, with much scientific nicety. Perhaps as many as three + pages of this copy-book were bespread with her specimens before + she discovered that botany was a dry study.</p> + + <p>It would be too tedious to enumerate all the subsequent + ephemeral undertakings which filled up the remainder of the six + weeks. At the expiration of that time Mrs. Dawson returned. On + the next morning after her arrival she reminded her daughters + of the account she expected of their employments during her + absence, and desired them to set out on two tables in the + schoolroom everything they had done that could be exhibited, + together with the books they had been reading. Charlotte would + gladly have been excused her part of the exhibition; but this + was not permitted; and she reluctantly followed her sister to + make the preparation.</p> + + <p>When the two tables were spread, their mother was summoned + to attend. Caroline's, which was first examined, contained, + first, her various exercises in the different branches of + study, regularly executed the same as usual. And there were + papers placed in the books she was reading in school hours, to + show how far she had proceeded in them. Besides these, she had + read in her leisure time, in French, Florian's "Numa + Pompilius," and in English, Mrs. More's "Practical Piety," and + some part of Johnson's "Lives of the Poets." All the needlework + which had been left to do or not, at her option, was neatly + finished; and her parcel of linen for the poor was also + completely and well done. The only instance in which Caroline + had availed herself of her mother's license, was that she had + prolonged her drawing lessons a little every day, in order to + present her mother with a pretty pair of screens, with flowers + copied from nature. These were, last of all, placed on the + table with an affectionate note, requesting her acceptance of + them.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page458" + id="page458"></a>[pg 458]</span> + + <p>Mrs. Dawson, having carefully examined this table, proceeded + to the other, which was quite piled up with different articles. + Here, amid the heap, were Charlotte's three pages of shorthand; + several scraps of paper containing fragments of her poetical + history; the piece (not large enough for a doll's cradle) of + her patchwork counterpane; her botanical specimens; together + with the large unfinished pile out of the Dorcas bag, many of + the articles of which were begun, but not one quite finished. + There was a baby's cap with no border, a frock body without + sleeves, and the skirt only half hemmed at the bottom; and + slides, tapes, and buttonholes were all, without exception, + omitted. After these, followed a great variety of thirds, + halves, and quarters of undertakings, each perhaps good in + itself, but quite useless in its unfinished state.</p> + + <p>The examination being at length ended, Mrs. Dawson retired, + without a single comment, to her dressing-room; where, in about + an hour afterwards, she summoned the girls to attend her. Here + also were two tables laid out, with several articles on each. + Their mother then leading Caroline to the first, told her that, + as the reward of her industry and perseverance, the contents of + the table were her own. Here, with joyful surprise, she beheld, + first, a little gold watch, which Mrs. Dawson said she thought + a suitable present for one who had made a good use of her time; + a small telescope next appeared; and lastly, Paley's "Natural + Theology," neatly bound. Charlotte was then desired to take + possession of the contents of the other table, which were + considerably more numerous. The first prize she drew out was a + very beautiful French fan; but upon opening it, it stretched + out in an oblong shape, for want of the pin to confine the + sticks at bottom. Then followed a new parasol; but when + unfurled there was no catch to confine it, so that it would not + remain spread. A penknife handle without a blade, and the blade + without the handle, next presented themselves to her astonished + gaze. In great confusion she then unrolled a paper which + discovered a telescope apparently like her sister's; but on + applying it to her eye, she found it did not contain a single + lens—so that it was no better than a roll of pasteboard. + She was, however, greatly encouraged to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page459" id="page459"></a>[pg + 459]</span> discover that the last remaining article was a + watch; for, as she heard it tick, she felt no doubt that this + at least was complete; but upon examination she discovered that + there was no hour hand, the minute hand alone pursuing its + lonely and useless track.</p> + + <p>Charlotte, whose conscience had very soon explained to her + the moral of all this, now turned from the tantalizing table in + confusion, and burst into an agony of tears. Caroline wept + also; and Mrs. Dawson, after an interval of silence, thus + addressed her daughters:</p> + + <p>"It is quite needless for me to explain my reasons for + making you such presents, Charlotte. I assure you your papa and + I have had a very painful employment the past hour in spoiling + them all for you. If I had found on your table in the + schoolroom any one thing that had been properly finished, you + would have received one complete present to answer it; but this + you know was not the case. I should be very glad if this + disappointment should teach you what I have hitherto vainly + endeavored to impress upon you—that as all those things, + pretty or useful as they are in themselves, are rendered + totally useless for want of completeness, so exertion without + perseverance is no better than busy idleness. That employment + does not deserve the name of industry which requires the + stimulus of novelty to keep it going. Those who will only work + so long as they are amused will do no more good in the world, + either to themselves or others, than those who refuse to work + at all. If I had required you to pass the six weeks of my + absence in bed or in counting your fingers, you would, I + suppose, have thought it a sad waste of time; and yet I appeal + to you whether (with the exception of an hour or two of + needlework) the whole mass of articles on your table could + produce anything more useful. And thus, my dears, may life be + squandered away, in a succession of busy nothings.</p> + + <p>"I have now a proposal to make to you. These presents, which + you are to take possession of as they are, I advise you to lay + by carefully. Whenever you can show me anything that you have + begun, and voluntarily finished, you may at the same time bring + with you one of these things, beginning with + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page460" id="page460"></a>[pg + 460]</span> those of least value, to which I will immediately + add the part that is deficient. Thus, by degrees, you may have + them all completed; and if by this means you should acquire the + wise and virtuous habit of perseverance, it will be far more + valuable to you than the richest present you could possibly + receive."</p> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page461" + id="page461"></a>[pg 461]</span> + + <h3>THE RENOWNED HISTORY OF LITTLE GOODY TWO-SHOES</h3> + + <h4>Ascribed to OLIVER GOLDSMITH</h4> + + <p> </p> + + <h4>INTRODUCTION</h4> + + <p>All the world must allow that Two-Shoes was not her real + name. No; her father's name was Meanwell; and he was for many + years a considerable farmer in the parish where Margery was + born; but by the misfortunes which he met with in business, and + the wicked persecutions of Sir Timothy Gripe, and an overgrown + farmer called Graspall, he was effectually ruined.</p> + + <p>The case was thus: The parish of Mould well, where they + lived, had for many ages been let by the lord of the manor in + twelve different farms, in which the tenants lived comfortably, + brought up large families, and carefully supported the poor + people who labored for them, until the estate by marriage and + by death came into the hands of Sir Timothy.</p> + + <p>This, gentleman, who loved himself better than all his + neighbors, thought it was less trouble to write one receipt for + his rent than twelve; and Farmer Graspall offering to take all + the farms as the leases expired, Sir Timothy agreed with him, + and in process of time he was possessed of every farm but that + occupied by little Margery's father, which he also wanted; for + as Mr. Meanwell was a charitable, good man, he stood up for the + poor at the parish meetings, and was unwilling to have them + oppressed by Sir Timothy and this avaricious farmer. Judge, O + kind, humane, and courteous reader, what a terrible situation + the poor must be in, when this covetous man was perpetual + overseer, and everything for their maintenance was drawn from + his hard heart and cruel hand. But he was not only perpetual + overseer, but perpetual churchwarden; and judge, O ye + Christians, what state the church must be in, when + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page462" id="page462"></a>[pg + 462]</span> supported by a man without religion or virtue. He + was also perpetual surveyor of the highways, and what sort of + roads he kept up for the convenience of travelers, those best + knew who have had the misfortune to pass through that parish. + Complaints indeed were made, but to what purpose are + complaints, when brought against a man who can hunt, drink, and + smoke, without the lord of the manor, who is also the justice + of peace?</p> + + <p>The opposition which Little Margery's father made to this + man's tyranny gave offense to Sir Timothy, who endeavored to + force him out of his farm; and, to oblige him to throw up the + lease, ordered both a brick-kiln and a dog kennel to be erected + in the farmer's orchard. This was contrary to law, and a suit + was commenced, in which Margery's father got the better. The + same offense was again committed three different times, and as + many actions brought, in all of which the farmer had a verdict, + and costs paid him; but notwithstanding these advantages, the + law was so expensive, that he was ruined in the contest, and + obliged to give up all he had to his creditors; which + effectually answered the purpose of Sir Timothy, who erected + those nuisances in the farmer's orchard with that intention. + Ah, my dear reader, we brag of liberty, and boast of our laws; + but the blessings of the one, and the protection of the other, + seldom fall to the lot of the poor; and especially when a rich + man is their adversary. How, in the name-of goodness, can a + poor wretch obtain redress, when thirty pounds are insufficient + to try his cause? Where is he to find money to fee counsel, or + how can he plead his cause himself (even if he was permitted) + when our laws are so obscure and so multiplied that an + abridgment of them cannot be contained in fifty volumes + folio?</p> + + <p>As soon as Mr. Meanwell had called together his creditors, + Sir Timothy seized for a year's rent, and turned the farmer, + his wife, Little Margery, and her brother out of doors, without + any of the necessaries of life to support them.</p> + + <p>This elated the heart of Mr. Graspall, this crowned his + hopes, and filled the measure of his iniquity; for, besides + gratifying his revenge, this man's overthrow gave him the sole + dominion over the poor, whom he depressed and abused in a + manner too horrible to + mention.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page463" + id="page463"></a>[pg 463]</span> + + <p>Margery's father flew into another parish for succor, and + all those who were able to move left their dwellings and sought + employment elsewhere, as they found it would be impossible to + live under the tyranny of two such people. The very old, the + very lame, and the blind were obliged to stay behind, and + whether they were starved, or what became of them, history does + not say; but the characters of the great Sir Timothy, and the + avaricious tenant, were so infamous, that nobody would work for + them by the day, and servants were afraid to engage themselves + by the year, lest any unforseen accident should leave them + parishioners in a place where they knew they must perish + miserably; so that great part of the land lay untilled for some + years, which was deemed a just reward for such diabolical + proceedings.</p> + + <p>But what, says the reader, can occasion all this? do you + intend this for children? Permit me to inform you, that this is + not the book, sir, mentioned in the title, but an introduction + to that book; and it is intended, sir, not for that sort of + children, but for children of six feet high, of which, as my + friend has justly observed, there are many millions in the + kingdom; and these reflections, sir, have been rendered + necessary by the unaccountable and diabolical scheme which many + gentlemen now give in to, of laying a number of farms into one, + and very often a whole parish into one farm; which in the end + must reduce the common people to a stage of vassalage, worse + than that under the barons of old, or of the clans in Scotland, + and will in time depopulate the kingdom. But as you are tired + of the subject, I shall take myself away, and you may visit + Little Margery.</p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>HOW AND ABOUT LITTLE MARGERY AND HER BROTHER</h4> + + <p>Care and discontent shortened the days of Little Margery's + father. He was forced from his family, and seized with a + violent fever in a place where Dr. James's powder was not to be + had, and where he died miserably. Margery's poor mother + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page464" id="page464"></a>[pg + 464]</span> survived the loss of her husband but a few days, + and died of a broken heart, leaving Margery and her little + brother to the wide world; but, poor woman, it would have + melted your heart to have seen how frequently she heaved her + head, while she lay speechless, to survey with languishing + looks her little orphans, as much as to say, "Do, Tommy, do, + Margery, come with me." They cried, poor things, and she sighed + away her soul; and I hope is happy.</p> + + <p>It would both have excited your pity, and have done your + heart good, to have seen how these two little ones were so fond + of each other, and how hand in hand they trotted about.</p> + + <p>They were both very ragged, and Tommy had no shoes, and + Margery had but one. They had nothing, poor things, to support + them (not being in their own parish) but what they picked from + the hedges, or got from the poor people, and they lay every + night in a barn. Their relations took no notice of them; no, + they were rich, and ashamed to own such a poor little ragged + girl as Margery, and such a dirty little curly-pated boy as + Tommy. Our relations and friends seldom take notice of us when + we are poor; but as we grow rich they grow fond. And this will + always be the case, while people love money better than they do + God Almighty. But such wicked folks who love nothing but money, + and are proud and despise the poor, never come to any good in + the end, as we shall see by and by.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>HOW AND ABOUT MR. SMITH</h4> + + <p>Mr. Smith was a very worthy clergyman, who lived in the + parish where Little Margery and Tommy were born; and having a + relation come to see him, who was a charitable, good man, he + sent for these children to come to him. The gentleman ordered + Little Margery a new pair of shoes, gave Mr. Smith some money + to buy her clothes, and said he would take Tommy and make him a + little sailor.</p> + + <p>After some days the gentleman intended to go to London, and + take little Tommy with him, of whom you will know more + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page465" id="page465"></a>[pg + 465]</span> by and by, for we shall at a proper time present + you with his history, his travels, and adventures.</p> + + <p>The parting between these little children was very + affecting. Tommy cried, and they kissed each other an hundred + times: at last Tommy thus wiped off her tears with the end of + his jacket, and bid her cry no more, for that he would come to + her again when he returned from sea.</p> + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>HOW LITTLE MARGERY OBTAINED THE NAME OF GOODY TWO-SHOES, + AND WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PARISH</h4> + + <p>As soon as Little Margery got up in the morning, which was + very early, she ran all round the village, crying for her + brother; and after some time returned greatly distressed.</p> + + <p>However, at this instant, the shoemaker very opportunely + came in with the new shoes, for which she had been measured by + the gentleman's order.</p> + + <p>Nothing could have supported Little Margery under the + affliction she was in for the loss of her brother, but the + pleasure she took in her two shoes. She ran out to Mrs. Smith + as soon as they were put on, and stroking down her ragged apron + thus cried out, "Two shoes, ma'am, see two shoes." And so she + behaved to all the people she met, and by that means obtained + the name of Goody Two-Shoes.</p> + + <p>Little Margery was very happy in being with Mr. and Mrs. + Smith, who were very charitable and good to her, and had agreed + to bring her up with their family: but as soon as that tyrant + of the parish, that Graspall, heard of her being there, he + applied first to Mr. Smith, and threatened to reduce his tithes + if he kept her; and after that he spoke to Sir Timothy, who + sent Mr. Smith a peremptory message by his servant, that he + should send back Meanwell's girl to be kept by her relations, + and not harbor her in the parish. This so distressed Mr. Smith, + that he shed tears, and cried, "Lord, have mercy on the + poor!"</p> + + <p>The prayers of the righteous fly upwards, and reach unto the + throne of heaven, as will be seen by the sequel.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Smith was also greatly concerned at being thus obliged + to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page466" id="page466"></a>[pg + 466]</span> discard poor Little Margery. She kissed her, and + cried, as did also Mr. Smith; but they were obliged to send her + away, for the people who had ruined her father could at any + time have ruined them.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <h4>HOW LITTLE MARGERY LEARNED TO READ, AND BY DEGREES TAUGHT + OTHERS</h4> + + <p>Little Margery saw how good and how wise Mr. Smith was, and + concluded that this was owing to his great learning, therefore + she wanted of all things to learn to read. For this purpose she + used to meet the little boys as they came from school, borrow + their books, and sit down and read till they returned. By this + means she got more learning than any of her playmates, and laid + the following scheme for instructing those who were more + ignorant than herself. She found that only the following + letters were required to spell all the words; but as some of + these letters are large, and some small, she with her knife cut + out of several pieces of wood ten sets of each of these:</p> + + <p>a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z.</p> + + <p>And having got an old spelling book, she made her companions + set up all the words they wanted to spell, and after that she + taught them to compose sentences. "You know what a sentence is, + my dear. 'I will be good' is a sentence; and is made up, as you + see, of several words."</p> + + <p>I once went her rounds with her, and was highly diverted, as + you may see, if you please to look into the next chapter.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <h4>HOW LITTLE TWO-SHOES BECAME A TROTTING TUTORESS, AND HOW + SHE TAUGHT HER YOUNG PUPILS</h4> + + <p>It was about seven o'clock in the morning when we set out on + this important business, and the first house we came to was + Farmer Wilson's. Here Margery stopped, and ran up to the door, + tap, tap, tap. "Who's there?" "Only Little Goody + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page467" id="page467"></a>[pg + 467]</span> Two-Shoes," answered Margery, "come to teach + Billy." "Oh! Little Goody," says Mrs. Wilson, with pleasure in + her face, "I am glad to see you Billy wants you sadly for he + has learned his lesson." Then out came the little boy. "How do, + Doody Two-Shoes," says he, not able to speak plain. Yet this + little boy had learned all his letters; for she threw down this + alphabet mixed together thus:</p> + + <p>b d f h k m o q s u w y x f a c e g i l n p r t v z j,</p> + + <p>and he picked them up, called them by their right names, and + put them all in order thus:</p> + + <p>a b c d e f g h i j k i m n o p q r s t u v w x y z.</p> + + <p>The next place we came to was Farmer Simpson's.</p> + + <p>"Bow, wow, wow," says the dog at the door. "Sirrah," says + his mistress, "what do you bark at Little Two-Shoes? come in, + Madge; here, Sally wants you sadly, she has learned all her + lesson." "Yes, that's what I have," replied the little one, in + the country manner: and immediately taking the letters she set + up these syllables:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>ba be bi bo bu, ca ce ci co cu,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>da de di do du, fa fe fi fo fu,</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>and gave them their exact sounds as she composed them.</p> + + <p>After this, Little Two-Shoes taught her to spell words of + one syllable, and she soon set up pear, plumb, top, ball, pin, + puss, dog, hog, fawn, buck, doe, lamb, sheep, ram, cow, bull, + cock, hen, and many more.</p> + + <p>The next place we came to was Gaffer Cook's cottage. Here a + number of poor children were met to learn, who all came round + Little Margery at once, who having pulled out her letters, + asked the little boy next her what he had for dinner? Who + answered, "Bread" (the poor children in many places live very + hard). "Well then," says she, "set up the first letter." He put + up the B, to which the next added r, and the next e, the next + a, the next d, and it stood thus, Bread.</p> + + <p>And what had you, Polly Comb, for your dinner? "Apple Pie," + answered the little girl; upon which the next in turn set up a + great A, the two next a p each, and so on, till the two words + Apple and Pie were united and stood thus, Apple Pie.</p> + + <p>The next had potatoes, the next beef and turnips; which + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page468" id="page468"></a>[pg + 468]</span> were spelled, with many others, till the game of + spelling was finished. She then set them another task, and we + proceeded.</p> + + <p>The next place we came to was Farmer Thomson's, where there + was a great many little ones waiting for her.</p> + + <p>"So, Little Mrs. Goody Two-Shoes," says one of them, "where + have you been so long?" "I have been teaching," says she, + "longer than I intended, and am, I am afraid, come too soon for + you now." "No, but indeed you are not," replied the other; "for + I have got my lesson, and so has Sally Dawson, and so has Harry + Wilson, and so have we all;" and they capered about as if they + were overjoyed to see her. "Why, then," says she, "you are all + very good, and God Almighty will love you; so let us begin our + lessons." They all huddled round her, and though at the other + place they were employed about words and syllables, here we had + people of much greater understanding who dealt only in + sentences.</p> + + <p>The letters being brought upon the table, one of the little + ones set up the following sentence:</p> + + <p>"The Lord have mercy upon me, and grant that I may be always + good, and say my prayers, and love the Lord my God with all my + heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength; and honor + the King and all good men in authority under him."</p> + + <p>Then the next took the letters, and composed this + sentence:</p> + + <p>"Lord, have mercy upon me, and grant that I may love my + neighbor as myself, and do unto all men as I would have them do + unto me, and tell no lies; but be honest and just in all my + dealings."</p> + + <h4>LESSON FOR THE CONDUCT OF LIFE</h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He that would thrive,</p> + + <p class="i2">Must rise by five.</p> + + <p>He that hath thriven,</p> + + <p class="i2">May lay till seven.</p> + + <p>Truth may be blamed</p> + + <p class="i2">But can't be shamed.</p> + + <p>Tell me with whom you go,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I'll tell what you do.</p> + + <p>A friend in your need,</p> + + <p class="i2">Is a friend indeed.</p> + + <p>They never can be wise,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who good counsel despise.</p> + </div> + </div><span class="pagenum"><a name="page469" + id="page469"></a>[pg 469]</span> + + <p>As we were returning home, we saw a gentleman, who was very + ill, sitting under a shady tree at the corner of the rookery. + Though ill, he began to joke with Little Margery, and said, + laughing, "So, Goody Two-Shoes, they tell me you are a cunning + little baggage; pray can you tell me what I shall do to get + well?" "Yes, sir," says she, "go to bed when your rooks do and + get up with them in the morning; earn, as they do, every day + what you eat, and eat and drink no more than you earn: and + you'll get health and keep it. What should induce the rooks to + frequent gentlemen's houses, only but to tell them how to lead + a prudent life? they never build under cottages or farmhouses, + because they see that these people know how to live without + their admonition.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thus wealth and wit you may improve.</p> + + <p class="i2">Taught by tenants of the grove."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The gentleman, laughing, gave Margery sixpence, and told her + she was a sensible hussy.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <h4>HOW THE WHOLE PARISH WAS FRIGHTENED</h4> + + <p>Who does not know Lady Ducklington, or who does not know + that she was buried at this parish church? Well, I never saw a + grander funeral in all my life; but the money they squandered + away would have been better laid out in little books for + children, or in meat, drink, and clothes for the poor.</p> + + <p>All the country round came to see the burying, and it was + late before the corpse was interred. After which, in the night, + or rather about two o'clock in the morning, the bells were + heard to jingle in the steeple, which frightened the people + prodigiously, who all thought it was Lady Ducklington's ghost + dancing among the bell ropes. The people flocked to Will + Dobbins, the clerk, and wanted him to go to see what it was; + but William said he was sure it was a ghost, and that he would + not offer to open the door. At length Mr. Long, the rector, + hearing such an uproar in the village, went to the clerk, to + know why he did not go into the church, and see who was there. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page470" id="page470"></a>[pg + 470]</span> "I go, sir?" says William; "why, the ghost would + frighten me out of my wits!" Mrs. Dobbins, too, cried, and + laying hold of her husband, said he should not be eat up by the + ghost. "A ghost, you blockhead," says Mr. Long, in a pet; "did + either of you ever see a ghost in a church, or know anybody + that did?" "Yes," says the clerk, "my father did once in the + shape of a windmill, and it walked all around the church in a + trice, with jack boots on, and had a gun by its side, instead + of a sword." "A fine picture of a ghost, truly," says Mr. Long; + "give me the key of the church, you monkey, for I tell you + there is no such thing now, whatever may have been formerly." + Then taking the key, he went to the church, all the people + following him. As soon as he had opened the door, what sort of + a ghost do you think appeared? Why, Little Two-Shoes, who being + weary had fallen asleep in one of the pews during the funeral + service, and was shut in all night. She immediately asked Mr. + Long's pardon for the trouble she had given him, told him she + had been locked into the church, and said she should not have + rung the bells, but that she was very cold, and hearing Farmer + Boult's man go whistling by with his horses, she was in hopes + he would have gone to the clerk for the key to let her out.</p> + + <h4>VII</h4> + + <h4>CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF ALL THE SPIRITS OR THINGS SHE SAW + IN THE CHURCH</h4> + + <p>The people were ashamed to ask Little Madge any questions + before Mr. Long, but as soon as he was gone, they all got round + her to satisfy their curiosity, and desired she would give them + a particular account of all that she had heard or seen.</p> + + <h4>HER TALE</h4> + + <p>"I went to the church," said she, "as most of you did last + night, to see the burying, and, being very weary, I sat me down + in Mr. Johns's pew, and fell fast asleep. At eleven of the + clock <span class="pagenum"><a name="page471" + id="page471"></a>[pg 471]</span> I awoke; which I believe was + in some measure occasioned by the clock's striking, for I heard + it. I started up, and could not at first tell where I was; but + after some time I recollected the funeral, and soon found that + I was shut in the church. It was dismal dark, and I could see + nothing; but while I was standing in the pew, something jumped + up upon me behind, and laid, as I thought, its hands over my + shoulders. I own I was a little afraid at first; however, I + considered that I had always been constant at prayers, and at + church, and that I had done nobody any harm, but had endeavored + to do what good I could; and then thought I, what have I to + fear? Yet I kneeled down to say my prayers. As soon as I was on + my knees, something very cold, as cold as marble, ay, as cold + as ice, touched my neck, which made me start, however, I + continued my prayers, and having begged protection from + Almighty God, I found my spirits come, and I was sensible I had + nothing to fear; for God Almighty protects not only all those + that are good, but also all those who endeavor to be + good—nothing can withstand the power, and exceed the + goodness of God Almighty. Armed with the confidence of his + protection; I walked down the church aisle, when I heard + something pit, pat, pit, pat, pit, pat, come after me, and + something touched my hand, which seemed as cold as a marble + monument. I could not think what this was, yet I knew that it + could not hurt me, and therefore I made myself easy; but being + very cold, and the church being paved with stones, which were + very damp, I felt my way, as well as I could, to the pulpit; in + doing which something rushed by me and almost threw me down, + However, I was not frightened, for I knew that God Almighty + would suffer nothing to hurt me.</p> + + <p>"At last I found out the pulpit, and having shut the door, I + laid me down on the mat and cushion to sleep; when something + thrust and pulled the door, as I thought, for admittance, which + prevented my going to sleep. At last it cries, 'Bow, wow, wow;' + and I concluded it must be Mr. Saunderson's dog, which had + followed me from their house to church; so I opened the door, + and called Snip, Snip, and the dog jumped upon me immediately. + After this, Snip and I lay down + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page472" id="page472"></a>[pg + 472]</span> together, and had a comfortable nap; for when I + awoke again it was almost light. I then walked up and down all + the aisles of the church to keep myself warm; and though I went + into the vaults, and trod on Lady Ducklington's coffin, I saw + nothing, and I believe it was owing to the reason Mr. Long has + given you, namely, that there is no such thing to be seen. As + to my part, I would as soon lie all night in a church as in any + other place; and I am sure that any little boy or girl, who is + good and loves God Almighty, and keeps his commandments, may as + safely lie in the church, or the churchyard, as anywhere else, + if they take care not to get cold, for I am sure there are no + things either to hurt or to frighten them; though any one + possessed of fear might have taken Neighbor Saunderson's dog + with his cold nose for a ghost; and if they had not been + undeceived, as I was, would never have thought otherwise." All + the company acknowledged the justness of the observation, and + thanked Little Two-Shoes for her advice.</p> + + <h4>REFLECTION</h4> + + <p>After this, my dear children, I hope you will not believe + any foolish stories that ignorant, weak, or designing people + may tell you about ghosts; for the tales of ghosts, witches, + and fairies are the frolics of a distempered brain. No wise man + ever saw either of them. Little Margery was not afraid; no, she + had good sense, and a good conscience, which is a cure for all + these imaginary evils.</p> + + <h4>VIII</h4> + + <h4>OF SOMETHING WHICH HAPPENED TO LITTLE MARGERY TWO-SHOES IN + A BARN, MORE DREADFUL THAN THE GHOST IN THE CHURCH; AND HOW SHE + RETURNED GOOD FOR EVIL TO HER ENEMY, SIR TIMOTHY.</h4> + + <p>Some days after this, a more dreadful accident befell Little + Madge. She happened to be coming late from teaching, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page473" id="page473"></a>[pg + 473]</span> when it rained, thundered, and lightened and + therefore she took shelter in a farmer's barn at a distance + from the village. Soon after, the tempest drove in four + thieves, who not seeing such a little creep-mouse girl as + Two-Shoes, lay down on the hay next to her, and began to talk + over their exploits, and to settle plans for future robberies. + Little Margery, on hearing them, covered herself with straw. To + be sure she was frightened, but her good sense taught her that + the only security she had was in keeping herself concealed; + therefore she lay very still and breathed very softly. About + four o'clock these wicked people came to a resolution to break + both Sir William Dove's house and Sir Timothy Gripe's, and by + force of arms to carry off all their money, plate, and jewels; + but as it was thought then too late, they all agreed to defer + it till the next night. After laying his scheme, they all set + out upon their pranks, which greatly rejoiced Margery, as it + would any other little girl in her situation. Early in the + morning she went to Sir William, and told him the whole of + their conversation. Upon which he asked her name, then gave her + something, and bid her call at his house the day following. She + also went to Sir Timothy, notwithstanding he had used her so + ill, for she knew it was her duty to do good for evil. As soon + as he was informed who she was, he took no notice of her; upon + which she desired to speak to Lady Gripe, and having informed + her ladyship of the affair she went away. This lady had more + sense than her husband which indeed is not a singular case; for + instead of despising Little Margery and her information, she + privately set people to guard the house. The robbers divided + themselves, and went about the time mentioned to both houses, + and were surprised by the guards and taken. Upon examining + these wretches (one of which turned evidence), both Sir William + and Sir Timothy found that they owed their lives to the + discovery made by Little Margery; and the first took great + notice of her and would no longer let her lie in a barn; but + Sir Timothy only said that he was ashamed to owe his life to + the daughter of one who was his enemy; so true it is, "That a + proud man seldom forgives those he has + injured."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page474" + id="page474"></a>[pg 474]</span> + + <h4>IX</h4> + + <h4>HOW LITTLE MARGERY WAS MADE PRINCIPAL OF A COUNTRY + COLLEGE</h4> + + <p>Mrs. Williams, who kept a college for instructing little + gentlemen and ladies in the science of A, B, C, was at this + time very old and infirm, and wanted to decline this important + trust. This being told to Sir William Dove, who lived in the + parish, he sent for Mrs. Williams, and desired she would + examine Little Two-Shoes, and see whether she was qualified for + the office. This was done, and Mrs. Williams made the following + report in her favor, namely, that Little Margery was the best + scholar, and had the best head and the best heart of any one + she had examined. All the country had a great opinion of Mrs. + Williams, and this character gave them also a great opinion of + Mrs. Margery, for so we must now call her.</p> + + <p>This Mrs. Margery thought the happiest period of her life; + but more happiness was in store for her. God Almighty heaps up + blessings for all those who love him, and though for a time he + may suffer them to be poor, and distressed, and hide his good + purposes from human sight, yet in the end they are generally + crowned with happiness here, and no one can doubt their being + so hereafter.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <h3>THE RENOWNED HISTORY OF MRS. MARGERY TWO-SHOES</h3> + + <h4>PART TWO</h4> + + <p>In the first part of this work the young student has read, + and I hope with pleasure and improvement, the history of this + lady, while she was known and distinguished by the name of + LITTLE TWO-SHOES. We are now come to a period of her life when + that name was discarded, and a more eminent one bestowed upon + her; I mean that of MRS. MARGERY TWO-SHOES; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page475" id="page475"></a>[pg + 475]</span> for as she was now president of the A, B, C + college, it became necessary to exalt her in title as in + place.</p> + + <p>No sooner was she settled in this office, but she laid every + possible scheme to promote the welfare and happiness of all her + neighbors, and especially of her little ones, in whom she took + great delight; and all those whose parents could not afford to + pay for their education, she taught for nothing but the + pleasure she had in their company; for you are to observe that + they were very good, or were soon made so by her good + management.</p> + + <h4>I</h4> + + <h4>OF HER SCHOOL, HER USHERS, OR ASSISTANTS, AND HER MANNER OF + TEACHING</h4> + + <p>We have already informed the reader, that the school where + she taught was that which was before kept by Mrs. Williams. The + room was very large and spacious, and as she knew that nature + intended children should be always in action, she placed her + different letters, or alphabets, all round the school, so that + every one was obliged to get up and fetch a letter, or to spell + a word when it came to their turn; which not only kept them in + health, but fixed the letters and points firmly in their + minds.</p> + + <h4>II</h4> + + <h4>A SCENE OF DISTRESS IN A SCHOOL</h4> + + <p>It happened one day, when Mrs. Two-Shoes was diverting the + children after dinner, as she usually did, with some innocent + games, or entertaining and instructive stories, that a man + arrived with the melancholy news of Sally Jones's father being + thrown from his horse, and thought past all recovery; nay, the + messenger said, that he was seemingly dying when he came away. + Poor Sally was greatly distressed, as indeed were all in the + school, for she dearly loved her father, and Mrs. Two-Shoes and + all her children dearly loved + her.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page476" + id="page476"></a>[pg 476]</span> + + <p>At this instant something was heard to flap at the window, + at which the children were surprised; but Mrs. Margery, knowing + what it was, opened the casement, and drew in a pigeon with a + letter.</p> + + <p>As soon as he was placed upon the table, he walked up to + little Sally, and dropping the letter, cried "Co, co, coo;" as + much as to say, "There, read it."</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"My dear Sally—God Almighty has been very merciful + and restored your papa to us again, who is now so well as + to be able to sit up. I hear you are a good girl, my dear, + and I hope you will never forget to praise the Lord for + that his great goodness and mercy to us. What a sad thing + it would have been if your father had died, and left both + you and me, and little Tommy in distress, and without a + friend. Your father sends his blessing with mine. Be good, + my dear child, and God Almighty will also bless you, whose + blessing is above all things.</p> + + <p style="text-indent:4em">"I am, my dear Sally,</p> + + <p class="ctr" style="margin-top:-1em;">"Your affectionate + mother,</p> + + <p class="author">"Martha Jones."</p> + </blockquote><br /> + + + <h4>III</h4> + + <h4>OF THE AMAZING SAGACITY AND INSTINCT OF A LITTLE DOG</h4> + + <p>Soon after this, a very dreadful accident happened in the + school. It was on a Thursday morning, I very well remember, + when the children having learned their lessons soon, she had + given them leave to play, and they were all running about the + school, and diverting themselves with the birds and the lamb; + at this time the dog, all of a sudden, laid hold of his + mistress's apron, and endeavored to pull her out of the school. + She was at first surprised; however, she followed him, to see + what he intended. No sooner had he led her back into the + garden, but he ran back, and pulled out one of the children in + the same manner; upon which she ordered them all to leave the + school immediately, and they had not been out five minutes + before the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page477" + id="page477"></a>[pg 477]</span> top of the house fell in. What + a miraculous deliverance was here! How gracious! How good was + God Almighty to save all these children from destruction, and + to make use of such an instrument as a little sagacious animal + to accomplish his divine will! I should have observed that, as + soon as they were all in the garden, the dog came leaping round + them to express his joy, and when the house was fallen, laid + himself down quietly by his mistress.</p> + + <p>Some of the neighbors who saw the school fall, and who were + in great pain for Margery and her little ones, soon spread the + news through the village, and all the parents, terrified for + their children, came crowding in abundance; they had, however, + the satisfaction to find them all safe, and upon their knees + with their mistress, giving God thanks for their happy + deliverance.</p> + + <p>You are not to wonder, my dear reader, that this little dog + should have more sense than you, or your father, or your + grandfather.</p> + + <p>Though God Almighty has made man the lord of the creation + and endowed him with reason; yet in many respects he has been + altogether as bountiful to other creatures of his forming. Some + of the senses of other animals are more acute than ours, as we + find by daily experience.</p> + + <p>The downfall of the school was a great misfortune to Mrs. + Margery; for she not only lost all her books, but was destitute + of a place to teach in; but Sir William Dove, being informed of + this, ordered it to be built at his own expense, and till that + could be done, Farmer Grove was so kind as to let her have his + large hall to teach in.</p> + + <h4>IV</h4> + + <h4>WHAT HAPPENED AT FARMER GROVE'S, AND HOW SHE GRATIFIED HIM + FOR THE USE OF HIS ROOM</h4> + + <p>While at Mr. Grove's, which was in the heart of the village, + she not only taught the children in the daytime, but the + farmer's servants and all the neighbors to read and write in + the evening; and it was a constant practice, before they went + away, to make <span class="pagenum"><a name="page478" + id="page478"></a>[pg 478]</span> them all go to prayers and + sing psalms. By this means the people grew extremely regular, + his servants were always at home instead of being at the + alehouse, and he had more work done than ever. This gave not + only Mr. Grove, but all the neighbors, a high opinion of her + good sense and prudent behavior; and she was so much esteemed + that the most of the differences in the parish were left to her + decision; and if a man and wife quarreled (which sometimes + happened in that part of the kingdom), both parties certainly + came to her for advice. Everybody knows that Martha Wilson was + a passionate, scolding jade, and that John her husband was a + surly, ill-tempered fellow. These were one day brought by the + neighbors for Margery to talk to them, when they talked before + her, and were going to blows; but she, stepping between them, + thus addressed the husband: "John," says she, "you are a man, + and ought to have more sense than to fly in a passion at every + word that is said amiss by your wife: and Martha," says she, + "you ought to know your duty better than to say anything to + aggravate your husband's resentment. These frequent quarrels + arise from the indulgence of your violent passions; for I know + you both love each other, notwithstanding what has passed + between you. Now, pray tell me, John, and tell me, Martha, when + you have had a quarrel over night, are you not both sorry for + it the next day?" They both declared that they were. "Why, + then," says she, "I'll tell you how to prevent this for the + future, if you promise to take my advice." They both promised + her. "You know," says she, "that a small spark will set fire to + tinder, and that tinder properly placed will set fire to a + house: an angry word is with you as that spark, for you are + both as touchy as tinder, and very often make your own house + too hot to hold you. To prevent this, therefore, and to live + happily for the future, you must solemnly agree, that if one + speaks an angry word, the other will not answer, till he or she + has distinctly called over the alphabet, and the other not + reply till he has told twenty; by this means your passions will + be stifled, and reason will have time to take the rule."</p> + + <p>This is the best recipe that was ever given for a married + couple to live in peace. Though John and his wife frequently + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page479" id="page479"></a>[pg + 479]</span> attempted to quarrel afterwards, they never could + get their passions to a considerable height; for there was + something so droll in thus carrying on the dispute, that, + before they got to the end of the argument, they saw the + absurdity of it, laughed, kissed, and were friends.</p> + + <h4>V</h4> + + <h4>THE CASE OF MRS. MARGERY</h4> + + <p>Mrs. Margery was always doing good, and thought she could + never sufficiently gratify those who had done anything to serve + her. These generous sentiments naturally led her to consult the + interest of Mr. Grove, and the rest of her neighbors; and as + most of their lands were meadow, and they depended much on + their hay, which had been for many years greatly damaged by the + wet weather, she contrived an instrument to direct them when to + mow their grass with safety, and prevent their hay being + spoiled. They all came to her for advice, and by that means got + in their hay without damage, while most of that in the + neighboring village was spoiled.</p> + + <p>This occasioned a very great noise in the country, and so + greatly provoked were the people who resided in the other + parishes, that they absolutely sent old Gaffer Goosecap (a busy + fellow in other people's concerns) to find out evidence against + her. The wiseacre happened to come to her to school, when she + was walking about with a raven on one shoulder, a pigeon on the + other, a lark on her hand, and a lamb and a dog by her side; + which indeed made a droll figure, and so surprised the man that + he cried out, "A witch! a witch! a witch!"</p> + + <p>Upon this she, laughing, answered, "a conjurer! a conjurer! + a conjurer!" and so they parted; but it did not end thus, for a + warrant was issued out against Mrs. Margery, and she was + carried to a meeting of the justices.</p> + + <p>At the meeting, one of the justices who knew little of life, + and less of the law, behaved very idly; and, though nobody was + able to prove anything against her, asked who she could bring + to her character. "Who can you bring against my + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page480" id="page480"></a>[pg + 480]</span> character, sir?" says she. "There are people enough + who would appear in my defense, were it necessary: but I never + supposed that any one here could be so weak as to believe there + was any such thing as a witch. If I am a witch, this is my + charm; and" (laying a barometer or weather-glass on the table) + "it is with this," says she, "that I have taught my neighbor to + know the state of the weather." All the company laughed; and + Sir William Dove, who was on the bench, asked her accusers how + they could be such fools as to think there was any such thing + as a witch?</p> + + <p>After this, Sir William inveighed against the absurd and + foolish notions which the country people had imbibed concerning + witches and witchcraft, and having proved that there was no + such thing, but that all were the effects of folly and + ignorance, he gave the court such an account of Mrs. Margery, + and her virtue, good sense, and prudent behavior, that the + gentlemen present were enamored with her, and returned her + public thanks for the great service she had done the country. + One gentleman in particular, I mean Sir Charles Jones, had + conceived such a high opinion of her that he offered her a + considerable sum to take care of his family, and the education + of his daughter, which, however, she refused; but this + gentleman sending for her afterwards, when he had a dangerous + fit of illness, she went, and behaved so prudently in the + family, and so tenderly to him and his daughter, that he would + not permit her to leave his house, but soon after made her + proposals of marriage. She was truly sensible of the honor he + intended her, but, though poor, she would not consent to be + made a lady till he had effectually provided for his daughter; + for she told him that power was a dangerous thing to be trusted + with, and that a good man or woman would never throw themselves + into the road of temptation.</p> + + <p>All things being settled, and the day fixed, the neighbors + came in crowds to see the wedding; for they were all glad that + one who had been such a good little girl, and was become such a + virtuous and good woman, was going to be made a lady; but just + as the clergyman had opened his book, a gentleman richly + dressed ran into the church and cried, "Stop! stop!" + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page481" id="page481"></a>[pg + 481]</span> This greatly alarmed the congregation, particularly + the intended bride and bridegroom, whom he first accosted and + desired to speak with them apart. After they had been talking + some little time, the people were greatly surprised to see Sir + Charles stand motionless, and his bride cry and faint away in + the stranger's arms. This seeming grief, however, was only a + prelude to a flood of joy which immediately succeeded; for you + must know, gentle reader, that this gentleman, so richly + dressed, was that identical little boy, whom you before saw in + the sailor's habit; in short, it was Mrs. Margery's brother, + who was just come from sea, where he had, after a desperate + engagement, taken a rich prize; and hearing, as soon as he + landed, of his sister's intended wedding, had rode post to see + that a proper settlement was made on her, which she was now + entitled to, as he himself was both able and willing to give + her an ample fortune. They soon returned to the communion + table, and were married in tears, but they were tears of + joy.</p> + + <h4>VI</h4> + + <h4>THE TRUE USE OF RICHES</h4> + + <p>About this time she heard that Mr. Smith was oppressed by + Sir Timothy Gripe and his friend Graspall; upon which she, in + conjunction with her brother, defended him in Westminster Hall, + where Mr. Smith gained a verdict. As a justice of the peace he + was struck off the list, and no longer permitted to act in that + capacity. A relation of his who had a right to the Mouldwell + estate, finding that it was possible to get the better at law + of a rich man, laid claim to it, brought his action, and + recovered the whole manor of Mouldwell; and being afterwards + inclined to sell it, he in consideration of the aid Lady + Margery had lent him during his distress, made her the first + offer, and she purchased the whole. This mortified Sir Timothy + and his friend Graspall, who experienced nothing but + misfortunes, and was in a few years so dispossessed of his + ill-gotten wealth, that his family were reduced to seek + subsistance from the parish, at which those who had felt the + weight of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page482" + id="page482"></a>[pg 482]</span> iron hand rejoiced; but Lady + Margery desired that his children might be treated with care + and tenderness; "for they" (says she) "are noways accountable + for the actions of their father." At her first coming into + power, she took care to gratify her old friends, especially Mr. + and Mrs. Smith, whose family she made happy.</p> + + <p> </p> + + <div class="figright" style="width:40%;"> + <a href="images/cover-2.jpg"><img width="100%" + src="images/cover-2s.jpg" alt="Back Cover of Book" /></a> + </div> + + <div class="figleft" style="width:40%;"> + <a href="images/cover-1.jpg"><img width="100%" + src="images/cover-1s.jpg" alt="Front Cover of Book" /></a> + </div><br clear="all" /> + + <p> </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page483" + id="page483"></a>[pg 483]</span> + + <h3>LIST OF BEST BOOKS OF CLASSIC TALES<br /> + AND OLD-FASHIONED STORIES</h3> + + <ul class="TOC"> + <li>ABBOTT, JACOB <span class="tocright"><i>Franconia + Stories</i></span></li> + + <li>ABBOTT, JACOB <span class="tocright"><i>Jonas + Stories</i></span></li> + + <li>ABBOTT, JACOB <span class="tocright"><i>Rollo + Books</i></span></li> + + <li>ADDISON, STEELE, BUDGELL + <span class="tocright"><i>Papers of Roger de + Coverley</i></span></li> + + <li>AIKIN, JOHN, AND BARBAULD, ANNA LETITIA + <span class="tocright"><i>Evenings at Home</i></span></li> + + <li>AGUILAR, GRACE <span class="tocright"><i>Home + Influence</i></span></li> + + <li>AGUILAR, GRACE <span class="tocright"><i>The Mother's + Recompense</i></span></li> + + <li>ARABIAN NIGHTS</li> + + <li>BARBAULD, MRS. <span class="tocright"><i>Juvenile + Forget-me-not</i></span></li> + + <li>BARNARD, MRS. CAROLINE <span class="tocright"><i>The + Parent's Offering</i></span></li> + + <li>BROOKE, HENRY <span class="tocright"><i>The Fool of + Quality</i></span></li> + + <li>BUNYAN, JOHN <span class="tocright"><i>Pilgrim's + Progress</i></span></li> + + <li>CERVANTES, MIGUEL <span class="tocright"><i>Don + Quixote</i></span></li> + + <li>CHAUCER, GEOFFREY <span class="tocright"><i>Canterbury + Tales</i></span></li> + + <li>DAY, THOMAS <span class="tocright"><i>Sandford and + Merton</i></span></li> + + <li>DAY, THOMAS <span class="tocright"><i>The History of + Little Jack</i></span></li> + + <li>DEFOE, DANIEL <span class="tocright"><i>Robinson + Crusoe</i></span></li> + + <li>EDGEWORTH, MARIA <span class="tocright"><i>Parent's + Assistant</i></span></li> + + <li>EDGEWORTH, MARIA <span class="tocright"><i>Harry and + Lucy</i></span></li> + + <li>EDGEWORTH, MARIA <span class="tocright"><i>Moral + Tales</i></span></li> + + <li>ELIOT, GEORGE <span class="tocright"><i>Silas + Marner</i></span></li> + + <li>FIELDING, SARAH <span class="tocright"><i>The + Adventures of David Simple</i></span></li> + + <li>GODWIN, MRS. WILLIAM <span class="tocright"><i>The + Stories of Old Daniel</i></span></li> + + <li>GOLDSMITH, OLIVER <span class="tocright"><i>The Vicar + of Wakefield</i></span></li> + + <li>GOODRICH, S.G. <span class="tocright"><i>Fagots for the + Fireside</i></span></li> + + <li>HOMER <span class="tocright"><i>The + Iliad</i></span></li> + + <li>HOMER <span class="tocright"><i>The + Odyssey</i></span></li> + + <li>HOWITT, MARY <span class="tocright"><i>Treasury of + Tales</i></span></li> + + <li>HUGO, VICTOR <span class="tocright"><i>Les + Misérables</i></span></li> + + <li>JAMES, G.P.R. <span class="tocright"><i>Prince + Life</i></span></li> + + <li>LAMB, CHARLES <span class="tocright"><i>Mrs. + Leicester's School</i></span></li> + + <li>LAMB, CHARLES AND MARY <span class="tocright"><i>Tales + from Shakespeare</i></span></li> + + <li>LUCAS, E.V. (Ed.) + <span class="tocright"><i>Old-Fashioned + Tales</i></span></li> + + <li>LUCAS, E.V. (Ed.) <span class="tocright"><i>Forgotten + Tales of Long Ago</i></span></li> + + <li>MARTIN, WILLIAM <span class="tocright"><i>Peter + Parley's Annual</i></span></li> + + <li>MANT, ALICIA CATHERINE <span class="tocright"><i>Tales + for Ellen</i></span></li> + + <li>MORE, HANNAH <span class="tocright"><i>Coelebs in + Search of a Wife</i></span></li> + + <li>PEARSON, MISS <span class="tocright"><i>A Few Weeks at + Clairmont Castle</i></span></li> + + <li>RASPE, RODOLPH ERIC <span class="tocright"><i>The + Travels of Baron Munchausen</i></span></li> + + <li>SHERWOOD, MRS. <span class="tocright"><i>The Fairchild + Family</i></span></li> + + <li>SINCLAIR, KATHERINE <span class="tocright"><i>Holiday + House</i></span></li> + + <li>SWIFT, JONATHAN <span class="tocright"><i>Gulliver's + Travels</i></span></li> + + <li>WAKEFIELD, PRISCILLA <span class="tocright"><i>Juvenile + Anecdotes</i></span></li> + + <li>WYSS, JOHANN RUDOLPH <span class="tocright"><i>Swiss + Family Robinson</i></span></li> + </ul> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG FOLKS TREASURY, VOLUME 3 (OF 12)***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 15560-h.txt or 15560-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/5/6/15560">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/5/6/15560</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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