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diff --git a/9078-0.txt b/9078-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a1b690f --- /dev/null +++ b/9078-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,16690 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of Sanders' Union Fourth Reader, by Charles +W. Sanders + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world 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 +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you +will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before +using this eBook. + +Title: Sanders' Union Fourth Reader + +Author: Charles W. Sanders + +Release Date: October 1, 2005 [eBook #9078] +Last Updated: September 10, 2023 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +Produced by: David Garcia, Tonya Allen, Charles Franks, +and the Distributed Proofreaders + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SANDERS' UNION FOURTH +READER *** + + + + +SANDERS' UNION FOURTH READER: + +EMBRACING A FULL EXPOSITION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF RHETORICAL READING; + +WITH NUMEROUS EXERCISES FOR PRACTICE, + +BOTH IN PROSE AND POETRY, VARIOUS IN STYLE, AND CAREFULLY ADAPTED TO THE +PURPOSES OF TEACHING IN SCHOOLS OF EVERY GRADE. + +BY CHARLES W. SANDERS, A.M. + + + + +PREFACE. + +THIS FOURTH READER is designed to pass the pupil from the comparatively +easy ground occupied by the THIRD to the more difficult course embraced +in THE UNION FIFTH READER, which is next higher in the series. It is, +therefore, carefully graded to this intermediate position. + +In one sense, however, it is the most important in the set; since the +great mass of pupils, in our common schools, are drawn away from +scholastic pursuits long before the proper time for entering upon any +course of reading more advanced than that which is here presented. This +consideration has had its full weight in the preparation of the +following pages. + +Every exercise will be found to bear the impress of that special +adaptation to the purposes of teaching, without which no book of this +kind can fully perform the office which it assumes. The labor expended +in this direction, though all unseen by the casual observer, has been +neither light nor brief. It can be duly appreciated by none but the +experienced teacher. + +All words in the exercises, requiring explanation, have been arranged, +as regular lessons in spelling and definition. In these definitions, +however, it must be kept in mind, that no attempt has been made to give +_all the meanings of which a word is susceptible, but that only which it +bears in the particular place in the exercise where it is found._ There +is a special educational advantage in thus leading the mind of the pupil +definitely to fix upon the _precise import_ of a word, in some +particular use or application of it. + +All proper names occurring in the text, and at all likely to embarrass +the learner, have been explained in brief, comprehensive notes. These +notes involve many matters, Geographical, Biographical, and Historical, +which are not a little interesting in themselves, aside from the special +purpose subserved by them in the present connection. + +All this has been done, and more, in order to secure that kind of +interest in the exercises which comes of reading what is clearly +understood; and because no perfect reading is possible, where the reader +himself fails to perceive the meaning of what he reads. + +In the selection and adaptation of the pieces, the highest aim has been +to make and to leave the best moral impression; and this, not by dull +and formal teachings, but by the pleasanter, and, therefore, more +powerful, means of incidental and unexpected suggestion. Admonition is +then most likely to be heeded, when it comes through the channel of +events and circumstances. + +The direct and ostensible aim of the book, however, has been kept +steadily in view; which is to furnish the best possible exercises for +practice in Rhetorical reading. To this end, the greatest variety of +style and sentiment has been sought. There is scarcely a tone or +modulation, of which the human voice is capable, that finds not here +some piece adapted precisely to its best expression. There is not an +inflection, however delicate, not an emphasis, however slight, however +strong, that does not here meet with something fitted well for its +amplest illustration. No tenderness of pathos, no earnestness of +thought, no play of wit, no burst of passion, is there, perhaps, of +which the accomplished teacher of Elocution may not find the proper +style of expression in these pages, and, consequently, the best examples +for the illustration of his art. + +The book, thus briefly described, is, therefore, given to the public +with the same confidence that has hitherto inspired the author in +similar efforts, and with the hope that it may reach even a higher +measure of usefulness than that attained by any of its predecessors, in +the long line of works which he has prepared for the use of schools. + +NEW YORK, April, 1863. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +PART FIRST. +ELOCUTION. + +SECTION I.--ARTICULATION + + ELEMENTARY SOUNDS OF THE LETTERS + + SUBSTITUTES FOR THE VOWEL ELEMENTS + + SUBSTITUTES FOR THE CONSONANT ELEMENTS + + ERRORS IN ARTICULATION + + COMBINATIONS OF CONSONANTS + + EXAMPLES TO ILLUSTRATE INDISTINCT ARTICULATION + + MISCELLANEOUS EXAMPLES + +SECTION II--ACCENT AND EMPHASIS + + EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ACCENT + + EXAMPLES OF INTENSIVE EMPHASIS + + EXAMPLES OF ABSOLUTE EMPHASIS + + EXAMPLES OF ANTITHETIC EMPHASIS + +SECTION III.--INFLECTIONS + + MONOTONE + + RISING AND FALLING INFLECTIONS + + RULES FOR THE USE OF INFLECTIONS + + THE CIRCUMFLEX + +SECTION IV.--MODULATION + + PITCH OF VOICE + + QUANTITY + + RULES FOR QUANTITY + + QUALITY + + RULES FOR QUALITY + +NOTATION IN MODULATION + + EXAMPLES FOR EXERCISE IN MODULATION + + SECTION V.--THE RHETORICAL PAUSE + + + + +PART SECOND. + +1. TRUE HEROISM, _Adapted. Osborne_ + +2. YOU AND I, _Charles Mackay_ + +3. LIFE'S WORK + +4. THE YOUNG CAPTIVES + +5. MY MOTHER'S LAST KISS, _Mrs. E. Oakes Smith_ + +6. THE DEAD CHILD'S FORD, _Mrs. E. Oakes Smith_ + +7. LAME AND LAZY--_A Fable_ + +8. FAITHFULNESS IN LITTLE THINGS, _Adapted, Eliza A. Chase_ + +9. THE AMERICAN BOY + +10. THE SAILOR BOY'S SONG + +11. CHASE OF THE PET FAWN, _Adapted. Miss Cooper_ + +12. KINDNESS + +13. CARELESS WORDS + +14. WEBSTER AND THE WOODCHUCK, _Adapted. Boston Traveler_ + +15. DO IT YOURSELF + +16. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER + +17. THE ADOPTED CHILD, _Mrs. Hemans_ + +18. THE OLD EAGLE TREE, _Rev. John Todd_ + +19. THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE, _Elihu Burritt_ + +20. NIGHT'S LESSONS, _L.H. Sigourney_ + +21. NATURE'S TEACHINGS, _Chambers' Journal_ + +22. SOWING AND HARVESTING, _Anon._ + +23. A THRILLING INCIDENT, _Adapted. Anon._ + +24. THE TRUTHFUL KING + +25. WHEN SHALL I ANSWER, NO, _J.N. McElligott_ + +26. TO MASTER ROBERT AND JOHN, _Davis_ + +27. WHANG, THE MILLER, _Goldsmith_ + +28. CHIMNEY-SWALLOWS, _Henry Ward Beecher_ + +29. THE DOUBTING HEART, _Adelaide Procter_ + +30. THE COMING OF WINTER, _T.B. Read_ + +31. CHILD TIRED OF PLAY, _N.P. Willis_ + +32. THE RESCUE, _By a Sea Captain_ + +33. ROBERT BRUCE AND THE SCOTCH WOMAN + +34. ROBERT BRUCE AND THE SPIDER, _Bernard Barton_ + +35. WEALTH AND FASHION + +36. MY FIRST JACK-KNIFE + +37. THE PINE-TREE SHILLINGS, _Nathaniel Hawthorne_ + +38. HIAWATHA'S HUNTING, _Longfellow_ + +39. DESPERATE ENCOUNTER WITH A PANTHER, _Bk. of Adventures_ + +40. THE POWER OF HABIT, _John B. Gough_ + +41. THE DRUNKARD'S DAUGHTER + +42. THE TWO YOUNG TRAVELERS, _Adapted. Merry's Museum_ + +43. HIGHER! + +44. LABOR, _Caroline F. Orne_ + +45. THE AMBITIOUS APPRENTICE + +46. SO WAS FRANKLIN, _Anon._ + +47. NOW AND THEN, _Jane Taylor_ + +48. AN INGENIOUS STRATAGEM, _Days of Washington_ + +49. FRANCES SLOCUM, THE YOUNG CAPTIVE, _B.J. Lossing_ + +50. THE RAIN-DROPS, _Delia Louise Colton_ + +51. SMALL THINGS, _F. Bennoch_ + +52. MURDERER'S CREEK, _James K. Paulding_ + +53. NAPOLEON'S ARMY CROSSING THE ALPS, _Adapted. Anon._ + +54. WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY, _Eliza Cook_ + +55. "I CAN" + +56. NOW, TO-DAY, _Adelaide A. Procter_ + +57. CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRE + +58. BENEDICT ARNOLD + +59. BEHIND TIME, _Freeman Hunt_ + +60. HOW HAPPY I'LL BE + +61. THE SWORD OF BUNKER HILL, _William R. Wallace_ + +62. BIBLE LEGEND OF THE WISSAHIKON, _Lippard_ + +63. ADVICE TO THE YOUNG, _E.H. Chapin_ + +64. THE INTREPID YOUTH + +65. THE FOUR MISFORTUNES, _John G. Saxe_ + +66. MRS. CREDULOUS AND THE FORTUNE-TELLER + +67. FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY--_An Allegory_ + +68. NOT TO MYSELF ALONE, _S.W. Partridge_ + +69. THE WORLD WOULD BE THE BETTER FOR IT, _W.H. Cobb_ + +70. SELECT PROVERBS OF SOLOMON, _Bible_ + +71. WINTER BEAUTY, _Henry Ward Beecher_ + +72. FROSTED TREES + +73. THE MOUNTAINS OF LIFE, _James G. Clark_ + +74. IMAGINARY EVILS, _Chas. Swain_ + +75. SIR WALTER AND THE LION, _A. Walchner_ + +76. CHOICE EXTRACTS + + I. WHAT REALLY BENEFITS US. + II. GOD'S LOVE. + III. LIFE-WORK. + IV. HUMILITY. + V. BENEFITS OF ADVERSITY. + VI. OUR MOUNTAIN HOMES. + VII. MAKE A BEGINNING. + VIII. INFLUENCE. + IX. PLEASURE IN ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE. + X. WHAT IS FAME? + XI. CULTIVATED INTELLECT. + XII. GOD'S WORKS ATTEST HIS GREATNESS. + +77. CAPTURE OF THE WHALE + +78. LEAVES FROM AN AERONAUT, _Willis Gaylord Clark_ + +79. THE DAPPLE MARE, _John G. Saxe_ + +80. A LEAP FOR LIFE, _George P. Morris_ + +81. THE INDIAN BRIDE'S REVENGE, _Adapted. L.M. Stowell_ + +82. A MOTHER'S LOVE, _Albert Barnes_ + +83. THE LIFE-BOOK, _Home Journal_ + +84. ODE ON SOLITUDE, _Pope_ + +85. GETTING THE RIGHT START, _J.G. Holland_ + +86. THE PRESUMPTION OF YOUTH, _Rollin_ + +87. SONG OF THE AMERICAN EAGLE + +88 THE ARMY OF REFORM, _Sarah Jane Lippincott_ + +89. LAST CRUISE OF THE MONITOR, _Adapted. Grenville M. Weeks_ + +90. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WOMEN, _Gail Hamilton_ + +91. SCENE FROM WILLIAM TELL, _J. Sheridan Knowles_ + +92. THE RICH MAN AND THE POOR MAN, _Khemnitzer_ + +93. GRANDEUR OF THE OCEAN, _Walter Colton_ + +94. A BURIAL AT SEA, _Walter Colton_ + +95. THE TREASURES OF THE DEEP, _Mrs. Hemans_ + +96. THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS, _Thomas Hood_ + +97. A REQUIEM + +98. VISIT TO MOUNT VERNON, _A.C. Ritchie_ + +99. LA FAYETTE, _Charles Sprague_ + +100. THE MYSTIC WEAVER, _Rev. Dr. Harbaugh_ + +101. WORK AWAY, _Harpers' Magazine_ + +102. QUEEN ISABELLA'S RESOLVE, _Vinet_ + +103. DISCOVERY OF THE NEW WORLD, _Lamartine_ + +104. THE RETURN OF COLUMBUS, _Vinet_ + +105. TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO, _Grenville Mellen_ + +106. PRESS ON, _Park Benjamin_ + +107. THE THREE FORMS OF NATURE, _From the French of Michelet_ + +108. THE WHALE AND THE WHALER, _From the French of Michelet_ + +109. RIENZI'S ADDRESS TO THE ROMANS, _Miss Mitford_ + +110. SONG OF THE FORGE + +111. CHOICE EXTRACTS + + I. SWIFTNESS OF TIME. + II. THE SHIP OF STATE. + III. THE TRUE HERO. + IV. HEART ESSENTIAL TO GENIUS. + V. EDUCATION. + VI. VANITY OF WEALTH. + VII. CONSOLATION OF THE GOSPEL. + VIII. THE LIGHT OF HOPE. + IX. PAMPERING THE BODY AND STARVING THE SOUL. + +112. WE ALL DO FADE AS A LEAF, _Gail Hamilton_ + +113. TEACHINGS OF NATURE, _Pollok_ + +114. PASSING UNDER THE ROD, _Mary S.B. Dana_ + +115. THE PETULANT MAN, _Osborne_ + +116. THE BRAHMIN AND THE ROGUES, _Versified by J.N. McElligott_ + +117. LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS, _S.W. Partridge_ + +118. GRANDEUR OF THE UNIVERSE, _O.M. Mitchel_ + +119. "WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN BUT THEE?", _Pamelia S. Vining_ + +120. THE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON, _Kossuth_ + +121. THE LOST ONE'S LAMENT + + + + +EXPLANATION OF THE PAUSES. + + . +The Period is the longest pause--a full stop. It marks the end of a +sentence, and shows the sense complete; as, The sky is blue`. Pause the +time of counting _six_, and let the voice fall. + + ? + +The Interrogation is used at the end of a question; as, Is the sky +blue'? If the question can be answered by _yes_ or _no_, the voice +rises; if not, it falls; as, Where is your map`;? Pause the time of +counting _six_. + + ! + +The Exclamation denotes wonder, surprise, pain, or joy; as, O'! what a +sweet rose`! Pause the time of counting _one_, after a single word, and +let the voice rise; but after a complete sentence, pause the time of +counting _six_, and let the voice fall. + + : + +The Colon is a pause shorter than the Period; as, The sky is clear`: the +sun shines. Pause the time of counting _four_, and let the voice fall. + + ; + +The Semicolon is a pause shorter than the Colon; as, The rose is fair`; +but it soon fades. Pause the time of counting _two_, and let the voice +fall. Sometimes the voice should rise, as the sense may require. + + , + +The Comma is the shortest pause; as, Jane goes to school', and learns to +read. Pause the time of counting _one_, and keep the voice up. + + -- + +The Dash denotes a sudden pause or change of subject; as, I saw him--but +what a sight! When the dash is used after any other pause, the time of +that pause is doubled. + + * * * * * + +EXPLANATION OF OTHER MARKS. + + ' + +The Apostrophe has the form of the comma. It denotes the possessive +case; as, John's book; also, that one or more letters have been left out +of a word; as, lov'd for loved. + + " " + +The Quotation includes a passage that is taken from some other author or +speaker; as, John said: "See my kite." + + ( ) + +The Parenthesis includes words not properly a part of the main sentence; +as, I like these people (who would not?) very much. The words within the +parenthesis should be read in a lower tone of voice. + + [ ] + +The Brackets inclose words that serve to explain the preceding word or +sentence; as, James [the truthful boy] went home. + + ^ + +The Caret shows where words are to be put in that have been omitted by +mistake; as, Live ^in peace. + + (..) + +The Diæresis is placed over the latter of two vowels, to show that they +belong to two distinct syllables; as, aërial. + + - + +The Hyphen is used to connect compound words; as, Well-doing; or the +parts of a word separated at the end of a line. + + [Index] + +The Index points to something special or remarkable; as, => Important +News! + + *** .... or ---- + +The Ellipsis shows that certain words or letters have been purposely +omitted; as, K**g, k..g, or k--g, for king. + + [Paragraph] + +The Paragraph denotes the beginning of a new subject. It is chiefly used +in the Bible; as, [Paragraph] The same day came to him, etc. + + [Section] + +The Section is used to divide a book or chapter into parts; as, +[Section]45. + + * [Obelisk] [Double Dagger] + +The Asterisk, the Obelisk, the Double Dagger, and sometimes other marks, +[Footnote: For instance: the Section mark, [Section], and the Parallel, +||.] refer to notes in the margin. + + + + +APPLICATIONS OF THE MARKS USED IN WRITING. + + LINE + 1 My Young Friends', never tell a falsehood`; but always + + 2 speak the truth`; this is pleasing to your Maker. + + 3 Do you read His holy word--the Bible'? O! remem- + + 4 ber, that He has there said: "He that speaketh lies, shall + + 5 not escape: he shall perish."* Remember, too, that the + + 6 All-seeing God knows all that we say or do. + + + 7 [Paragraph] Tho' wisdom's voice is seldom heard in k--g's + + 8 palaces,--there have been _wise_ kings, (_e.g._ Solomon,) who + + 9 were lov'd and obey'd by their subjects.[Obelisk] + + + 10 Here, [i.e. in the U.S.,] we can not boast of our kings, + + 11 princes, lords, &c.; yet we have had a PRESIDENT, who, + + 12 in true greatness, surpass'ed them all; viz., the great + + 13 WASHINGTON.---- [Index] Washington feared and hon- + + 14 ored God. + + + 15 [S] Section, [/=] Double Dagger, and || Parallel, are also used + + 16 for reference to the margin. + + * * * * * + + * Proverbs xix. 5 and 9. [Obelisk] 1 Kings. + + + + + + +PART FIRST. + +ELOCUTION. + +Elocution is the art of delivering written or extemporaneous composition +with force, propriety, and ease. + +It deals, therefore, with words, not only as individuals, but as members +of a sentence, and parts of a connected discourse: including every thing +necessary to the just expression of the sense. Accordingly, it demands, +in a _special_ manner, attention to the following particulars; viz., +ARTICULATION, ACCENT, EMPHASIS, INFLECTION, MODULATION, and PAUSES. + + * * * * * + +SECTION I. + +ARTICULATION. + +Articulation is the art of uttering distinctly and justly the letters +and syllables constituting a word. + +It deals, therefore, with the elements of words, just as elocution deals +with the elements of sentences: the one securing the true enunciation of +each letter, or combination of letters, the other giving to each word, +or combination of words, such a delivery as best expresses the meaning +of the author. It is the basis of all good reading, and should be +carefully practiced by the learner. + + + + +ELEMENTARY SOUNDS OF THE LETTERS. + +VOWEL SOUNDS. + +TONICS. + + _Element_. _Power_. + + 1.--1 A as in _A_pe. + 2.--2 A " _A_rm. + 3.--3 A " _A_ll. + 4.--4 A " _A_t. + 5.--5 A " C_a_re. + 6.--6 A " _A_sk. + 7.--1 E " _E_ve. + 8.--2 E " _E_nd. + 9.--1 I " _I_ce. + 10.--2 I " _I_t. + 11.--1 O " _O_ld. + 12.--2 O " D_o_. + 13.--3 O " _O_x. + 14.--1 U " _U_se. + 15.--2 U " _U_p. + 16.--3 U " P_u_ll. + 17.--OI " O_i_l. + 18.--OU " O_u_t. + + +CONSONANT SOUNDS. + +SUB-TONICS. + + 19.--B as in _B_at. + 20.--D " _D_un. + 21.--G " _G_un. + 22.--J " _J_et. + 23.--L " _L_et. + 24.--M " _M_an. + 25.--N " _N_ot. + 26.--R " _R_un. + 27.--V " _V_ent. + 28.--W " _W_ent. + 29.--Y " _Y_es. + 30.--1 Z " _Z_eal. + 31.--2 Z " A_z_ure. + 32.--NG " Si_ng_. + 33.--TH " _Th_y. + +A-TONICS. + + 34.--F as in _F_it. + 35.--H " _H_at. + 36.--K " _K_id. + 36.--P " _P_it. + 38.--S " _S_in. + 39.--T " _T_op. + 40.--CH " _Ch_at. + 41.--SH " _Sh_un. + 42.--TH " _Th_in. + 43.--WH " _Wh_en. + + 21: Soft G is equivalent to J; soft C to S, and hard C and Q to K. + X is equivalent to K and S, as in _box_, or to G and Z + as in _exalt_. + + 42: WH is pronounced as if the H preceded W, otherwise it would be + pronounced _W hen_. R should be slightly trilled before a + vowel. For further instructions, see Sanders and Merrill's + Elementary and Elocutionary Chart. + + + + +SUBSTITUTES FOR THE VOWEL ELEMENTS. + +For Long A. + + _ai_ as in s_ai_l. + _au_ " g_au_ge. + _ay_ " l_ay_. + _ea_ " gr_ea_t. + _ei_ " d_ei_gn. + _ey_ " th_ey_. + +For Flat A. + + _au_ as in d_au_nt. + _ea_ " h_ea_rt. + _ua_ " g_ua_rd. + +For Broad A. + + _au_ as in p_au_se. + _aw_ " l_a_w. + _eo_ " G_eo_rge. + _oa_ " gr_oa_t. + _o_ " h_o_rn. + _ou_ " s_ou_ght. + +For Short A. + + _ai_ as in pl_ai_d. + _ua_ " g_ua_ranty. + +For Intermediate A. + + _ai_ as in h_ai_r. + _ea_ " b_ea_r. + _e_ " wh_e_re. + _ei_ " th_ei_r. + +For Long E. + + _ea_ as in w_ea_k. + _ei_ " s_ei_ze. + _eo_ " p_eo_ple. + _ey_ " k_ey_. + _ie_ " br_ie_f. + _i_ " p_i_que. + +For Short E. + + _a_ as in _a_ny. + _ai_ " s_ai_d. + _ay_ " s_ay_s. + _ea_ " d_ea_d. + _ei_ " h_ei_fer. + _eo_ " l_eo_pard. + _ie_ " fr_ie_nd. + _ue_ " g_ue_ss. + _u_ " b_u_ry. + +For Long I. + + _ai_ as in _ai_sle. + _ei_ " sl_ei_ght. + _ey_ " _ey_e. + _ie_ " d_ie_. + _oi_ " ch_oi_r. + _ui_ " g_ui_de. + _uy_ " b_uy_. + _y_ " tr_y_. + +For Short I. + + _e_ as in _E_nglish. + _ee_ " b_ee_n. + _ie_ " s_ie_ve. + _o_ " w_o_men. + _u_ " b_u_sy. + _ui_ " b_ui_ld. + _y_ " s_y_mbol. + +For Long O. + + _au_ as in h_au_tboy. + _eau_ " b_eau_. + _eo_ " y_eo_man. + _ew_ " s_ew_. + _oa_ " b_oa_t. + _oe_ " h_oe_. + _ou_ " s_ou_l. + _ow_ " fl_o_w. + +For Long Slender O. + + _oe_ as in sh_oe_. + _ou_ " s_ou_p. + +For Short O. + + _a_ as in w_a_s. + _ou_ " h_ou_gh. + _ow_ " kn_ow_ledge. + +For Long U. + + _eau_ as in b_eau_ty. + _eu_ " f_eu_d. + _ew_ " d_ew_. + _ieu_ " ad_ieu_. + _ou_ " y_ou_r. + _ue_ " c_ue_. + _ui_ " s_ui_t. + +For Short U. + + _e_ as in h_e_r. + _i_ " s_i_r. + _oe_ " d_oe_s. + _o_ " l_o_ve. + _ou_ " y_ou_ng. + +For Short Slender U. + + _o_ as in w_o_lf. + _ou_ " w_ou_ld. + +For the Diphthong OI. + + _oy_ as in j_oy_. + +For the Diphthong OU. + + _ow_ as in n_ow_. + +There is no pure Triphthongal sound in the language. _Buoy_ is +equivalent to _bwoy_. _U_ being a consonant. + + + + +SUBSTITUTES FOR THE CONSONANT ELEMENTS. + + F. + + _gh_ as in lau_gh_. + _ph_ " s_ph_ere. + + J. + + _g_ " _g_em. + + K. + + _c_ " _c_an. + _ch_ " _ch_ord. + _gh_ " hou_gh_. + _q_ " _q_uit. + + S. + + _c_ " _c_ent. + + T. + + _d_ " face_d_. + _phth_ " _phth_isic. + + V. + + _f_ " o_f_. + _ph_ " Ste_ph_en. + + Y. + + _i_ " val_i_ant. + + 1 Z. + + _c_ " suffi_c_e. + _s_ " wa_s_. + _x_ " _X_erxes. + + 2 Z. + + _s_ " trea_s_ure. + _z_ " a_z_ure. + _si_ " fu_si_on. + _zi_ " gla_zi_er. + + NG. + + _n_ " co_n_ch. + + SH. + + _ce_ " o_ce_an. + _ci_ " so_ci_al. + _ch_ " _ch_aise. + _si_ " pen_si_on. + _s_ " _s_ure. + _ss_ " i_ss_ue. + _ti_ " no_ti_on. + + CH. + + _ti_ " fus_ti_an. + + B, D, G, H, L, M, N, P, and R, have no substitutes. + + +The most common faults in ARTICULATION are + +I. _The suppression of a syllable; as,_ + + cab'n for cab-_i_n. + cap'n " cap-_tai_n. + barr'l " bar-r_e_l. + ev'ry " ev-_e_-ry. + hist'ry " his-t_o_-ry + reg'lar " reg-_u_-lar. + sev'ral " sev-_e_r-al. + rhet'ric " rhet-_o_-ric. + mem'ry " mem-_o_-ry. + jub'lee " ju-b_i_-lee. + trav'ler " trav-_e_l-er. + fam'ly " fam-_i_-ly. + vent'late " ven-t_i_-late. + des'late " des-_o_-late. + prob'ble " prob-_a_-ble. + par-tic'lar " par-tic-_u_-lar. + + +II. _The omission of any sound properly belonging to a word; as,_ + + read-in for read-in_g_. + swif-ly " swif_t_-ly. + com-mans " com-man_d_s. + wam-er " wa_r_m-er. + um-ble " _h_um-ble. + ap-py " _h_ap-py. + con-sis " con-sis_t_s. + fa-t'l " fa-tal. + pr'-tect " pr_o_-tect. + b'low " b_e_-low. + p'r-vade " p_e_r-vade. + srink-in " s_h_rink-in_g_. + th'if-ty " th_r_if-ty. + as-ter-is " as-ter-is_k_. + gov-er-ment " gov-er_n_-ment. + Feb-u-ary " Feb-_r_u-a-ry. + +III. _The substitution of one sound for another; as,_ + + _uf_-ford for _a_f-ford. + wil-l_e_r " wil-lo_w_. + sock-_i_t " sock-_et_. + fear-l_u_ss " fear-l_e_ss. + cul-t_e_r " cult-_u_re. + prod-u_x_ " prod-u_cts_. + judg-m_u_nt " judg-m_e_nt. + chil-dr_i_n " chil-dr_e_n. + mod-_i_st " mod-_e_st. + _u_p-prove " _a_p-prove. + _w_in-e-gar " _v_in-e-gar. + sep-_e_-rate " sep-_a_-rate. + temp-er-_i_t " tem-per-_a_te. + croc-_e_r-dile " croc-_o_-dile. + t_u_b-ac-c_u_r " t_o_-bac-c_o_. + com-pr_u_m-ise " com-pr_o_-mise. + +IV. Produce the sounds denoted by the following combinations of +consonants:-- + +Let the pupil first produce the sound of the letters, and then the word +or words in which they occur. Be careful to give a clear and distinct +enunciation to every letter. + + 1. _Bd_, as in ro_b'd_; _bdst_, pro_b'dst_; _bl_, _bl_ and, + a_bl_e; _bld_, hum-_bl'd; bldst_, trou_bl'dst_; _blst_, + trou_bl'st; blz_, crum_bles; br_, _br_and; _bz_, ri_bs_. + + 2. _Ch_, as in _ch_ur_ch; cht_, fet_ch'd_. + + 3. _Dj_, as in e_dg_e; _djd_, he_dg'd; dl_, bri_dle; dld_, + rid_dl'd; dlst_, han_dl'st_; _dlz_, bun_dles; dn_, + har_d'n; dr_, _dr_ove; _dth_, wi_dth; dths_, brea_dths; + dz_, o_dds_. + + 4. _Fl_, as in _fl_ame; _fld_, ri_fl'd_; _flst_, sti_fl'st_; + _flx_, ri_fles_; _fr_, _fr_om; _fs_, qua_ffs_, lau_ghs_; + _fst_, lau_gh'st_, qua_ff'st_; _ft_, ra_ft_; _fts_, + wa_fts; ftst_, gr_ft'st_. + + 5. _Gd_, as in beg_g'd_; _gdst_, brag_g'dst; gl_, _gl_ide; + _gld_, strug_gl'd; gldst_, hag_gl'dst; gist_, stran_gl'st; + glz_, min_gles; gr, gr_ove; _gst_, beg_g'st; gz_, fi_gs_. + + 6. _Kl_, as in un_cle_, an_kle_; _kld_, trick_l'd; kldst_, + truck_l'dst; klst_, chuc_kl'st; klz_, wrin_kles; kn_, + blac_k'n; knd_, rec_k'n'd; kndst_, rec_k'n'dst; knst_, + blac_k'n'st; knz_, rec_k'ns; kr, cr_ank; _ks_, chec_ks; + kt_, a_ct_. + + 7. _Lb_, as in bu_lb_; _lbd_, bu_lb'd; lbs_, bu_lbs; lch_, + fi_lch; lcht_, be_lch'd; ld_, ho_ld; ldst_, fo_ld'st; + ldz_, ho_lds; lf_, se_lf; lfs_, gu_lfs; lj_, bu_lge; lk_, + e_lk; lks_, si_lks; lkt_, mi_lk'd; lkts_, mu_lcts; lm_, + e_lm; lmd_, whel_m'd; lmz_, fi_lms; ln_, fa_ll'n;_ _lp_, + he_lp_; _lps_, sca_lps_; _lpst_, _help'st_; _ls_, fa_lse_; + _lst_, ca_ll'st_; _lt_, me_lt_; _lth_, hea_lth_; _lths_, + stea_lths_; _lts_, co_lts_; _lv_, de_lve_; _lvd_, + she_lv'd_; _lvz_, el_ves_; _lz_, ha_lls_. + + 8. _Md_, as in doo_m'd_; _mf_, triu_mph_; _mp_, he_mp_; + _mpt_, te_mpt_; _mpts_, atte_mpts_; _mst_, ento_mb'st_; + _mz_, to_mbs_. + + 9. _Nch_, as in be_nch_; _ncht_, pi_nch'd_; _nd_, a_nd_; + _ndst_, e_nd'st_; _ndz_, e_nds_; _ng_, su_ng_; _ngd_, + ba_nged_; _ngth_, le_ngth_; _ngz_, so_ngs_; _nj_, ra_nge_; + _njd_, ra_ng'd_; _nk_, i_nk_; _nks_, ra_nks_; _nkst_, + tha_nk'st_; _nst_, wi_ne'd_; _nt_, se_nt_; _nts_, re_nts_; + _ntst_, we_nt'st_; _nz_, ru_ns_. + + 10. _Pl_, as in _pl_ume; _pld_, rip_pl'd_; _plst_, rip_pl'st_; + _plz_, ap_ples_; _pr_, _pr_ince; _ps_, si_ps_; _pst_, + rap_p'st_; _pt_, rip_p'd_. + + 11. _Rb_, as in he_rb_; _rch_, sea_rch_; _rcht_, chu_rch'd_; + _rbd_, o_rbd_; _rbdst_, ba_rb'dst_; _rbst_, distu_rb'st_; + _rbz_, o_rbs_; _rd_, ha_rd_; _rdst_, hea_rd'st_; _rdz_, + wo_rds_; _rf_, tu_rf_; _rft_, sca_rfd_; _rg_, bu_rg_; + _rgz_, bu_rgs_; _rj_, di_rge_; _rjd_, u_rg'd_; _rk_, + a_rk_; _rks_, a_rks_; _rkst_, wo_rk'st_; _rkt_, di_rk'd_; + _rktst_, emba_rk'dst_; _rl_, gi_rl_; _rld_, wo_rld_; + _rldst_, hu_rld'st_; _rlst_, whi_rl'st_; _rlz_, hu_rls_; + _rm_, a_rm_; _rmd_, a_rm'd_; _rmdst_, ha_rm'dst_; _rmst_, + a_rm'st_; _rmz_, cha_rms_; _rn_, tu_rn_; _rnd_, tu_rn'd_; + _rndst_, ea_rn'dst_; _rnst_, lea_rn'st_; _rnz_, u_rns_; + _rp_, ca_rp_; _rps_, ha_rps_; _rpt_, wa_rp'd_; _rs_, + ve_rs_e; _rsh_, ha_rsh_; _rst_, fi_rst_; _rsts_, bu_rsts_; + _rt_, da_rt_; _rth_, ea_rth_; _rths_, bi_rths_; _rts_, + ma_rts_; _rtst_, da_rt'st_; _rv_, cu_rve_; _rvd_, + ne_rv'd_; _rvdst_, cu_rv'dst_; _rvst_, swe_rv'st_; _rvz_, + ne_rves_; _rz_, e_rrs_. + + 12. _Sh_, as in _sh_ip; _sht_, hu_sh'd_; _sk_, _sc_an, _sk_ip; + _sks_, tu_sks_; _skst_, fri_sk'st_; _skt_, ri_sk'd_; _sl_, + _sl_ow; _sld_, ne_stl'd_; _slz_, we_stles_; _sm_, _sm_ile; + _sn_, _sn_ag; _sp_, _sp_ort; _sps_, li_sps_; _spt_, + cla_sp'd_; _st_, _st_ag; _str_, _str_ike; _sts_, re_sts_; + _sw_, _sw_ing. + + 13. _Th_, as in _th_ine, _th_in; _thd_, brea_th'd_; _thr_, + _thr_ee; _thst_, brea_th'st_; _thw_, _thw_ack; _thz_, + wri_thes_; _tl_, ti_tle_; _tld_, set_tl'd_; _tldst_, + set_tl'dst_; _tlst_,set_tl'st_; _tlz_, net_tles_; _tr_, + _tr_uuk; _ts_, fi_ts_; _tw_, _tw_irl. + + 14. _Vd_, as in cur_v'd_; _vdst_, li_v'dst_; _vl_, dri_v'l_; + _vld_, gro_v'l'd_; _vldst_, gro_v'l'dst_; _vlst_, + dri_v'l'st_; _un_, dri_v'n_; _vst_, li_v'st_; _vz_, + li_ves_. + + 15. _Wh_, as in _wh_en, _wh_ere. + + 16. _Zd_, as in mu_s'd_; _zl_, daz_zle_; _zld_, muz_zl'd_; + _zldst_, daz_zl'dst_; _zlst_, daz_zl'st_; _zlz_, + muz_zles_; _zm_, spa_sm_; _zmz_, cha_sms_; _zn_, ri_s'n_; + _znd_, rea_s'n'd_; _znz_, pri_s'nz_; _zndst_, + impri_s'n'dst_. + + +V. Avoid blending the termination of one word with the beginning of +another, or suppressing the final letter or letters of one word, when +the next word commences with a similar sound. + +EXAMPLES. + + His small eyes instead of His small lies. + She keeps pies " She keeps spies. + His hour is up " His sour is sup. + Dry the widow's tears " Dry the widow steers. + Your eyes and ears " Your rise sand dears. + He had two small eggs " He had two small legs. + Bring some ice cream " Bring some mice scream. + Let all men praise Him " Let tall men pray sim. + He was killed in war " He was skilled in war. + Water, air, and earth " Water rare rand dearth. + Come and see me once more " Come mand see me one smore. + +NOTE.--By an indistinct Articulation the sense of a passage is often +liable to be perverted. + +EXAMPLES. + + 1. Will he attempt to conceal hi_s acts?_ + Will he attempt to conceal hi_s sacks?_ + 2. The man ha_d o_ars to row he_r o_ver. + The man ha_d d_oors to row he_r r_over. + 3. Can there be a_n a_im more lofty? + Can there be _a n_ame more lofty? + 4. The judge_s o_ught to arrest the culprits. + The judge_s s_ought to arrest the culprits. + 5. Hi_s i_re burned when she told him he_r a_ge. + Hi_s s_ire burned when she told him he_r r_age. + 6. He wa_s a_wed at the works of labor a_nd a_rt. + He wa_s s_awed at the works of labor a_n d_art. + 7. He wa_s tr_ained in the religion of his fathers. + He wa_s st_rained in the religion of his fathers. + +MISCELLANEOUS EXAMPLES. + + 1. _Br_avely o'er _th_e _b_oi_st_e_r_ous _b_i_ll_ow_s_, + _H_is _g_a_ll_a_nt_ _b_a_rk_ _w_a_s_ _b_o_rn_e. + 2. _C_a_n_ _cr_a_v_e_n_ _c_owa_rds_ e_x_pe_ct_ to + _c_o_nq_ue_r_ _th_e _c_ou_ntr_y? + 3. _Cl_i_ck_, _cl_i_ck_, _g_oe_s_ _th_e _cl_o_ck_; _cl_a_ck_, + _cl_a_ck_, _g_oe_s_ _th_e _m_i_ll_. + 4. _D_i_d_ _y_ou _d_esi_r_e to _h_ea_r_ _h_i_s_ _d_a_rk_ + a_nd_ _d_o_l_e_f_u_l_ _dr_ea_ms_? + 5. "_F_ir_m_-_p_a_c_e_d_ a_nd_ _sl_ow, a _h_o_rr_i_d_ + _fr_o_nt_ _th_ey _form_, + _St_i_ll_ a_s_ _th_e _br_ee_ze_; _b_u_t_ _dr_ea_df_u_l_ + a_s_ _th_e _st_or_m_." + 6. _Th_e _fl_a_m_i_ng_ _f_i_r_e _fl_a_sh_ed _f_ea_rf_u_ll_y + i_n_ _h_i_s_ _f_a_c_e. + 7. _Th_e _gl_a_ss_y _gl_a_ci_e_rs_ _gl_ea_m_e_d_ i_n_ + _gl_owi_ng_ _l_igh_t_. + 8. _H_ow _h_igh _h_i_s_ ho_n_o_rs_ _h_ea_v_e_d_ _h_i_s_ + _h_augh_t_y _h_ea_d_! + 9. _H_e _dr_ew _l_o_ng_, _l_e_g_i_bl_e _lin_e_s_ a_l_o_ng_ + _th_e _l_ove_l_y _l_a_ndsc_a_p_e. + 10. _M_a_ss_e_s_ of i_mm_e_ns_e _m_a_gn_i_t_u_d_e _m_o_v_e + _m_a_j_e_st_i_c_a_ll_y _thr_ough _th_e _v_a_st_ e_mp_i_r_e + of _th_e _s_o_l_a_r_ _s_y_st_e_m_. + 11. _R_ou_nd_ _th_e _r_ou_gh_ a_nd_ _r_u_gg_e_d_ _r_o_cks_ + _th_e _r_a_gg_e_d_ _r_a_sc_a_l_ _r_a_n_. + 12. _Th_e _str_i_pl_i_ng_ _str_a_ng_e_r_ _str_aye_d_ + _str_aigh_t_ _to_wa_rd_ _th_e _str_u_ggl_i_ng_ _str_ea_m_. + 13. _Sh_e u_tt_e_r_e_d_ a _sh_a_rp_, _shr_i_ll_ _shr_ie_k_, + a_nd_ _th_e_n_ _shr_u_nk_ _fr_o_m_ _th_e _shr_i_v_e_l_e_d_ + _f_o_rm_ _th_a_t_ _sl_u_mb_e_r_e_d_ i_n_ _th_e _shr_ou_d_. + 14. _F_or _f_ear o_f_ o_ff_ending _th_e _fr_ight_f_ul + fugitive, _th_e _v_i_l_e _v_a_g_a_b_o_nd_ _v_e_nt_u_r_e_d_ + _t_o _v_i_l_i_fy_ _th_e _v_e_n_e_r_a_bl_e _v_e_t_e_r_a_n_. + 15. A_midst_ _th_e _m_i_sts_, _w_i_th_ a_ngr_y _b_oa_sts_, + _H_e _thr_u_sts_ _h_i_s_ _f_i_sts_ a_g_ai_nst_ _th_e + _p_o_sts_, + A_nd_ _st_i_ll_ i_ns_i_sts_ _h_e _s_ee_s_ _th_e + _g_ho_sts_. + 16. Peter Prangle, the prickly prangly pear picker, picked + three pecks of prickly prangly pears, from the prangly + pear trees, on the pleasant prairies. + 17. Theophilus Thistle, the successful thistle sifter, in + sifting a sieve full of unsifted thistles, thrust three + thousand thistles through the thick of his thumb; now, if + Theophilus Thistle, the successful thistle sifter, in + sifting a sieve full of unsifted thistles, thrust three + thousand thistles through the thick of _his_ thumb, see + that _thou_, in sifting a sieve full of unsifted thistles, + thrust not three thousand thistles through the thick of + _thy_ thumb. Success to the successful thistle sifter. + 18. We travel _sea_ and _soil_; we _pry_, we _prowl_; + We _progress_, and we _prog_ from _pole_ to _pole_. + + + + +SECTION II. + +ACCENT AND EMPHASIS. + +ACCENT and EMPHASIS both indicate some special stress of voice. + +Accent is that stress of voice by which one _syllable_ of a word is made +more prominent than others; EMPHASIS is that stress of voice by which +one or more _words_ of a sentence are distinguished above the rest. + +ACCENT. + +The accented syllable is sometimes designated thus: ('); as, +_com-mand'-ment_. + +NOTE I.--Words of more than two syllables generally have two or more of +them accented. + +The more forcible stress of voice, is called the _Primary Accent_; and +the less forcible, the _Secondary Accent_. + +EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ACCENT. + +In the following examples the Primary Accent is designated by double +accentual marks, thus: + +_Ed''-u-cate'_, _ed'-u-ca''-tion_, _mul''-ti-ply'_, +_mul'-ti-pli-ca''-tion_, _sat''-is-fy'_, _sat'-is-fac''-tion_, +_com'-pre-hend''_, _com'-pre-hen''-sion_, _rec'-om-mend''_, +_rec'-om-mend-a''-tion_, _mo''-ment-a'-ry_, _com-mun''-ni-cate'_, +_com'-pli-ment''-al_, _in-dem'-ni-fi-ca''-tion_, +_ex'-tem-po-ra''-ne-ous_, _coun'-ter-rev'-o-lu''-tion-a-ry_. + +NOTE II.--The change of accent on the same word often changes its +meaning. + +EXAMPLES. + + col'-league, _a partner_. + col-league', _to unite with_. + con'-duct, _behavior_. + con-duct', _to lead_. + des'-cant, _a song or tune_. + des-cant', _to comment_. + ob'-ject, _ultimate purpose_. + ob-ject', _to oppose_. + in'-ter-dict, _a prohibition_. + in-ter-dict', _to forbid_. + o'ver-throw, _ruin; defeat_. + o-ver-throw', _to throw down_. + +NOTE III.--Emphatic words are often printed in _Italics_. When, however, +different degrees of emphasis are to be denoted, the higher degrees are +designated by the use of Capitals, LARGER or SMALLER, according to the +degree of intensity. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Our motto shall be, _our country_, OUR WHOLE COUNTRY, and NOTHING BUT +OUR COUNTRY. + +2. _Thou Child of Joy!_ SHOUT round me: let me HEAR _thy shouts, thou +happy Shepherd Boy!_ + +3. Freedom calls you! _quick_, be ready, + Think of what your sires have done; + _Onward_, ONWARD! strong and steady, + Drive the tyrant to his den; + ON, and let the watchword be, + _Country_, HOME, and LIBERTY. + +NOTE IV.--Emphasis, as before intimated, varies in degrees of intensity. + +EXAMPLES OF INTENSIVE EMPHASIS. + + 1. He shook the fragment of his blade, + And shouted: "VICTORY! + _Charge_, Chester, CHARGE! _On_, Stanley, ON!" + + 2. A _month!_ O, for a single WEEK! I as not for _years'_, though an + AGE were _too little_ for the _much_ I have to do. + + 3. _Now_ for the FIGHT! _now_ for the CANNON PEAL! ONWARD! through + _blood_, and _toil_, and _cloud_, and _fire!_ _Glorious_--the SHOUT, + the SHOCK, the CRASH of STEEL, The VOLLEY'S ROLL, the ROCKET'S + BLAZING SPIRE! + + 4. Hear, O HEAVENS! and give ear, O EARTH! + +NOTE V.--Emphasis sometimes changes the seat of accent from its ordinary +position. + +EXAMPLES. + +There is a difference between _pos'_sibility and _prob'_ability. And +behold, the angels of God _as'_cending and _de'_scending on it. For this +corruptible must put on _in'_corruption, and this mortal must put on +_im'_mortality. Does his conduct deserve _ap'_probation or +_rep'_robation? + +NOTE VI.--There are two kinds of Emphasis:--_Absolute_ and _Antithetic_. +ABSOLUTE EMPHASIS is used to designate the important words of a +sentence, without any direct reference to other words. + +EXAMPLES OF ABSOLUTE EMPHASIS. + + 1. Oh, speak to passion's raging tide, + _Speak_ and _say_: "PEACE, BE STILL!" + + 2. The UNION, it MUST and SHALL BE PRESERVED! + + 3. HUSH! _breathe it not aloud_, + _The wild winds must not hear it! Yet, again_, + _I tell thee_--WE ARE FREE! + KNOWLES. + + 4. When my country shall take her place among the nations of the + earth, THEN and not TILL then, let my epitaph be written. + EMMETT. + + 5. If you are MEN, _follow_ ME! STRIKE DOWN _yon guard, and gain + the mountain passes._ + + 6. OH! _shame on us_, countrymen, SHAME _on us_ ALL, + If we CRINGE to so dastard a race. + + 7. This doctrine _never was received_; it NEVER CAN, _by any_ + POSSIBILITY, BE RECEIVED; and, if admitted at ALL, it _must be + by_ THE TOTAL SUBVERSION OF LIBERTY! + + 8. Are you _Christians_, and, by upholding duelists, will you _deluge + the land with blood_, and _fill it with widows and orphans._ + BEECHER. + + 9. LIBERTY _and_ UNION, NOW _and_ FOREVER, ONE _and_ INSEPARABLE. + WEBSTER. + + 10. _Treason!_ cried the speaker; _treason_, TREASON, TREASON, + reechoed from every part of the house. + + 11. _The war is inevitable_,--and LET IT COME! I repeat it, + Sir,--LET IT COME! + PATRICK HENRY. + + 12. Be we _men_, + And suffer such dishonor? MEN, and wash not + The stain away in BLOOD? + MISS MITFORD. + + 13. O SACRED FORMS! how _proud_ you look! + How _high_ you lift your heads into the sky! + How _huge_ you are! how _mighty_ and how _free_! + KNOWLES. + + 14. I shall know but _one_ country. The ends _I_ aim at, shall be "My + COUNTRY'S, my GOD'S, and TRUTH'S." + WEBSTER. + +NOTE VII.--ANTITHETIC EMPHASIS is that which is founded on the contrast +of one word or clause with another. + +EXAMPLES OF ANTITHETIC EMPHASIS. + + 1. The faults of _others_ should always remind us of our _own_. + + 2. He desired to _protect_ his friend, not to _injure_ him. + + 3. But _yesterday_, the word of Caesar might + Have stood against the world; _now_ lies he there, + And none so poor to do him reverence. + SHAKESPEARE. + + 4. A _good name_ is rather to be chosen than _great riches_. + BIBLE. + + 5. We can do nothing _against_ the truth; but _for_ the truth. + BIBLE. + + 6. He that is _slow to anger_, is better than the _mighty_; and he + that _ruleth his spirit_, than he that _taketh a city_. + BIBLE. + +NOTE VIII.--The following examples contain two or more sets of +Antitheses. + + 1. _Just men_ are only _free_, the _rest_ are _slaves_. + + 2. _Beauty_ is like the _flower of spring; virtue_ is like the + _stars of heaven_. + + 3. _Truth_ crushed to earth shall _rise_ again, + The eternal years of God are hers; + But _error_, wounded, _writhes_ in pain, + And _dies_ amid her worshipers. + BRYANT. + + 4. A _false balance_ is _abomination to the Lord_; but a _just + weight_ is _his delight_. + BIBLE. + + 5. A _friend_ can not be _known_ in _prosperity;_ and an _enemy_ + can not be _hidden_ in _adversity_. + + 6. It is my _living sentiment_, and, by the blessing of God, it + shall be my _dying sentiment:_ INDEPENDENCE NOW, and INDEPENDENCE + FOREVER. + WEBSTER. + + 7. We live in _deeds_, not _years_,--in _thoughts_, not _breaths_,--in + _feelings_, not in _figures on a dial_. We should count time by + _heart throbs_. He _most lives_, who THINKS THE MOST,--FEELS THE + NOBLEST,--ACTS THE BEST. + + 8. _You_ have done the _mischief_, and _I_ bear the _blame_. + + 9. The _wise man_ is happy when he gains his _own_ approbation; + the _fool_ when he gains that of _others_. + + 10. We must hold _them_ as we hold the _rest_ of mankind--_enemies_ + in _war_,--in _peace, friends_. + JEFFERSON. + +NOTE IX.--The sense of a passage is varied by changing the place of the +emphasis. + +EXAMPLES. + + 1. Has _James_ seen his brother to-day? No; but _Charles_ has. + + 2. Has James _seen_ his brother to-day? No; but he has _heard_ + from him. + + 3. Has James seen _his_ brother to-day? No; but he saw _yours_. + + 4. Has James seen his _brother_ to-day? No; but he has seen his + _sister_. + + 5. Has James seen his brother _to-day_? No; but he saw him + _yesterday_. + +REMARK.--To determine the emphatic words of a sentence, as well as the +_degree_ and _kind_ of emphasis to be employed, the reader must be +governed wholly by the _sentiment_ to be expressed. The idea is +sometimes entertained that emphasis consists merely in _loudness_ of +tone. But it should be borne in mind that the most _intense_ emphasis +may often be effectively expressed, even by a whisper. + + + + +SECTION III. + +INFLECTIONS. + +INFLECTIONS are turns or slides of the voice, made in reading or +speaking; as; Will you go to New [Transcriber's Note: Two missing lines +in printing, page 25 in original.] or to [Transcriber's Note: Remainder +of paragraph is missing.] + +All the various sounds of the human voice may be comprehended under the +general appellation of _tones_. The principal modifications of these +tones are the MONOTONE, the RISING INFLECTION, the FALLING INFLECTION, +and the CIRCUMFLEX. + + The Horizontal Line (--) denotes the Monotone. + The Rising Slide (/) denotes the Rising Inflection. + The Falling Slide (\) denotes the Falling Inflection. + The Curve (\_/) denotes the Circumflex. + +The MONOTONE is that sameness of sound, which arises from repeating the +several words or syllables of a passage in one and the same general +tone. + +REMARK.--The Monotone is employed with admirable effect in the delivery +of a passage that is solemn or sublime. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. O thou that rollest above, round as the shield of my fathers: whence +are thy beams, O sun, thy everlasting light? OSSIAN. + +2. + 'Tis midnight's holy hour, and silence now + Is brooding, like a gentle spirit, o'er + The still and pulseless world. Hark! on the winds + The bells' deep tones are swelling; 'tis the knell + Of the departed year. + PRENTICE. + +3. God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His +glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. + +4. Before Him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at His +feet. He stood and measured the earth: He beheld, and drove asunder the +nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual +hills did bow: His ways are everlasting. BIBLE. + +5. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His +handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth +knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not +heard. ID. + +6. + How brief is life! how passing brief! + How brief its joys and cares! + It seems to be in league with time, + And leaves us unawares. + +7. The thunder rolls: be hushed the prostrate world, + While cloud to cloud returns the solemn hymn. THOMSON. + +REMARK.--The inappropriate use of the monotone,--a fault into which +young people naturally fall,--is a very grave and obstinate error. It is +always tedious, and often even ridiculous. It should be studiously +avoided. + +The RISING INFLECTION is an upward turn, or slide of the voice, used in +reading or speaking; as, + + s? + n/ + o/ + s/ + s/ + é/ + Are you prepared to recite your l/ + +The FALLING INFLECTION is a downward turn, or slide of the voice, used +in reading or speaking; as, + + \d + \ò + \i + \n + What are you \g? + +In the falling inflection, the voice should not sink below the _general +pitch_; but in the rising inflection, it is raised above it. + +The two inflections may be illustrated by the following diagrams: + + 1. + \ì + \m + y, \p \p + l/ \r \r + t/ \u \ú + n/ \d \d + e/ \e \e + d/ \n \n + ú/ \t \t + r/ \l \l + Did he act p/ or \y? He acted \y. + + 2. + \ù + \n + y, \w \w + l/ \i \i + g/ \l \l + n/ \l \l + i/ \i \í + l/ \n \n + l/ \g \g + í/ \l \l + Did they go w/ or \y? They went \y. + + 3. + r, + e/ + h/ + g/ + í/ + If the flight of Dryden is h/ Pope continues longer on the + + r, + e/ + t/ + h/ + \w g/ + \ì í/ + \n r/ + \g. If the blaze of Dryden's fire is b/ the heat of Pope's is + + \c + \ò + \n + \s + \t + \a + \n + more regular and \t. + + 4. Is honor's lofty soul forever fled'? + Is virtue lost'? Is martial ardor dead'? + Is there no heart where worth and valor dwell'? + No patriot WALLACE'? No undaunted TELL'? + Yes`, Freedom, yes`! thy sons, a noble band, + Around thy banner, firm, exulting stand`. + +REMARK.--The same _degree_ of inflection is not, at all times, used, or +indicated by the notation. The due degree to be employed, depends on the +_nature_ of what is to be expressed. For example; if a person, under +great excitement, asks another: + + t? + s + e + n + r + a + Are you in e the degree of inflection would be much greater, + + t? + s + e + n + r + a + than if he playfully asks: Are you in e The former + inflection may be called _intensive_, the latter, _common_. + + + + +RULES FOR THE USE OF INFLECTIONS. + + +RULE I. + +Direct questions, or those which may be answered by _yes_ or _no_, +usually take the rising inflection; but their answers, generally, the +falling. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Will you meet me at the depot'? Yes`; or, I will`. + +2. Did you intend to visit Boston'? No`; or, I did not`. + +3. Can you explain this difficult sentence'? Yes`; I can. + +4. Are they willing to remain at home'? They are`. + +5. Is this a time for imbecility and inaction'? By no means`. + +6. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets'? I know that thou +believest`. + +7. Were the tribes of this country, when first discovered, making any +progress in arts and civilization'? By no means`. + +8. To purchase heaven has gold the power'? + Can gold remove the mortal hour'? + In life, can love be bought with gold'? + Are friendship's pleasures to be sold'? + No`; all that's worth a wish, a thought, + Fair virtue gives unbribed, unbought. + +9. What would content you`? Talents'? No`. Enterprise'? No`. Courage'? +No`. Reputation'? No`. Virtue'? No`. The man whom you would select, +should possess not one, but all of these`. + +NOTE I.--When the direct question becomes an appeal, and the reply to it +is anticipated, it takes the intense _falling_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. _Is_` he not a bold and eloquent speaker`? + +2. _Can_` such inconsistent measures be adopted`? + +3. _Did_` you ever hear of such cruel barbarities`? + +4. _Is_ this reason`? _Is_` it law`? _Is_ it humanity`? + +5. _Was_` not the gentleman's argument conclusive`? + + +RULE II. + +Indirect questions, or those which can not be answered by _yes_ or _no_, +usually take the _falling_ inflection, and their answers the same. + +1. How far did you travel yesterday`? Forty miles`. + +2. Which of you brought this beautiful bouquet`? Julia`. + +3. Where do you intend to spend the summer`? At Saratoga`. + +4. When will Charles graduate at college`? Next year`. + +5. What is one of the most delightful emotions of the heart`? +Gratitude`. + +NOTE I.--When the indirect question is one asking a repetition of what +was not, at first, understood, it takes the _rising_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. When do you expect to return? Next week. + When_ did you say'? Next week. + +2. _Where_ did you say William had gone'? To New York. + +NOTE II.--Answers to questions, whether direct or indirect, when +expressive of indifference, take the _rising_ inflection, or the +circumflex. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Did you admire his discourse? Not much'. + +2. Which way shall we walk? I am not particular'. + +3. Can Henry go with us? If he chooses'. + +4. What color do you prefer? I have no particular choice'. + +NOTE III.--In some instances, direct questions become indirect by a +change of the inflection from the rising to the falling. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Will you come to-morrow' or next day'? Yes. + +2. Will you come to-morrow,' or next day`? I will come to-morrow. + +REMARK.--The first question asks if the person addressed will _come_ +within the two days, and may be answered by _yes_ or _no_; but the +second asks on _which_ of the two days he will come, and it can not be +thus answered. + + +RULE III. + +When questions are connected by the conjunction _or_, the first requires +the _rising_, and the second, the _falling_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Does he study for amusement', or improvement`? + +2. Was he esteemed for his wealth', or for his wisdom`? + +3. Sink' or swim`, live' or die`, survive' or perish`, I give my hand +and heart to this vote. WEBSTER. + +4. Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath-days', or to do evil`? to save +life', or to kill`? + +5. Was it an act of moral courage', or cowardice`, for Cato to fall on +his sword`? + + +RULE IV. Antithetic terms or clauses usually take opposite inflections; +generally, the former has the _rising_, and the latter the _falling_ +inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. If you seek to make one rich, study not to increase his stores' but +to diminish his desires`. + +2. They have mouths',--but they speak not`: + Eyes have they',--but they see not`: + They have ears',--but they hear not`: + Noses have they',--but they smell not`: + They have hands',--but they handle not`: + Feet have they',--but they walk not`. + BIBLE. + +NOTE I.--When one of the antithetic clauses is a _negative_, and the +other an _affirmative_, generally the negative has the _rising_, and +the affirmative the _falling_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. I said an elder soldier` not a better'. + +2. His acts deserve punishment` rather than commiseration'. + +3. This is no time for a tribunal of justice', but for showing mercy`; +not for accusation', but for philanthropy`; not for trial', but for +pardon`; not for sentence and execution', but for compassion and +kindness`. + + +RULE V. The Pause of Suspension, denoting that the sense is incomplete, +usually has the _rising_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Although the fig tree shall not blossom', neither shall fruit be in +the vine'; the labor of the olive shall fail', and the fields shall +yield no meat'; the flocks shall be cut off from the fold', and there +shall be no herd in the stalls'; yet will I rejoice in the Lord`, I will +joy in the God of my salvation`. BIBLE. + +NOTE I.--The ordinary direct address, not accompanied with strong +emphasis, takes the _rising_ inflection, on the principle of the pause +of suspension. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Men', brethren', and fathers', hear ye my defense which I make now +unto you. BIBLE. + +2. Ye living flowers', that skirt the eternal frost'! + Ye wild goats', sporting round the eagle's nest'! + Ye eagles', playmates of the mountain storm'! + Ye lightnings', the dread arrows of the clouds'! + Ye signs' and wonders' of the elements'! + Utter forth GOD`, and fill the hills with praise`! + COLERIDGE. + +NOTE II.--In some instances of a pause of suspension, the sense requires +an intense _falling_ inflection. + +EXAMPLE. + +1. The prodigal, if he does not become a _pauper_`, will, at least, have +but little to bestow on others. + +REMARK.--If the _rising_ inflection is given on _pauper_, the sense +would be perverted, and the passage made to mean, that, in order to be +able to bestow on others, it is necessary that he should become a +pauper. + + +RULE VI. Expressions of tenderness, as of grief, or kindness, commonly +incline the voice to the _rising_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Mother',--I leave thy dwelling'; + Oh! shall it be forever'? + With grief my heart is swelling', + From thee',--from thee',--to sever'. + +2. O my son Absalom'! my son', my son Absalom'! Would God I had died for +thee', Absalom', my son', my son'! BIBLE. + + +RULE VII. The Penultimate Pause, or the last but one, of a passage, is +usually preceded by the _rising_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. Diligence`, industry`, and proper improvement of time', are material +duties of the young`. + +2. These through faith subdued kingdoms`, wrought righteous-ness`, +obtained promises`, stopped the mouths of lions`, quenched the violence +of fire`, escaped the edge of the sword`, out of weakness were made +strong`, waxed valiant in fight', turned to flight the armies of the +aliens`. + +REMARK.--The rising inflection is employed at the penultimate pause in +order to promote variety, since the voice generally falls at the end of +a sentence. + + +RULE VIII. Expressions of strong emotion, as of anger or surprise, and +also the language of authority and reproach, are expressed with the +_falling_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. On YOU`, and on your CHILDREN`, be the peril of the innocent blood +which shall be shed this day`. + +2. What a piece of workmanship is MAN`! How noble in REASON`! How +infinite in FACULTIES`! + +3. O FOOLS`! and _slow of heart_ to believe all that the prophets have +written concerning me`! BIBLE. + +4. HENCE`, HOME`, _you idle creatures_`, GET YOU HOME`, YOU BLOCKS`, YOU +STONES`, YOU WORSE THAN USELESS THINGS`! + +5. Avaunt`! and quit my sight`! let the earth hide thee`! Thy bones are +marrowless`; thou hast no speculation in thine eyes which thou dost +glare` with. SHAKSPEARE. + +6. Slave, do thy office`! Strike`, as I struck the foe`! + Strike`, as I would have struck the tyrants`! + Strike deep as my curse`! Strike`, and but once`! ID. + + +RULE IX. An emphatic succession of particulars, and emphatic repetition, +require the _falling_ inflection. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. _Beware_` what earth calls happiness; BEWARE` + All joys but joys that never can expire`. + +2. A great mind`, a great heart`, a great orator`, a great career`, have +been consigned to history`. BUTLER. + +REMARK.--The stress of voice on each successive particular, or +repetition, should gradually be increased as the subject advances. + +The CIRCUMFLEX is a union of the two inflections on the same word, +beginning either with the _falling_ and ending with the _rising_, or +with the _rising_ and ending with the _falling_; as, If he goes to ____ +I shall go to ____. + +The circumflex is mainly employed in the language of irony, and in +expressing ideas implying some condition, either expressed or +understood. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. You, a beardless youth, pretend to teach a British general. + +2. What! shear a wolf? a prowling wolf? + +3. My father's trade? ah, really, that's too bad! + My father's trade? Why, blockhead, are you mad? + My father, sir, did never stoop so low,-- + He was a gentleman, I'd have you know. + +4. What! confer a crown on the author of the public calamities? + +5. But you are very wise men, and deeply learned in the truth; we are +weak, contemptible, mean persons. + +6. They pretend they come to improve our state, enlarge our thoughts, +and free us from error. + +7. But youth, it seems, is not my only crime; I have been accused of +acting a theatrical part. + +8. And this man has become a god and Cassius a wretched creature. + + + + +SECTION IV. + +MODULATION. + +MODULATION implies those variations of the voice, heard in reading or +speaking, which are prompted by the feelings and emotions that the +subject inspires. + +EXAMPLES. + +EXPRESSIVE OF COURAGE AND CHIVALROUS EXCITEMENT. + + FULL .- Once more unto the breach, dear friends, _once more_, + TONE '- Or close the wall up with our English dead! + MIDDLE .- In peace, there's nothing so becomes a man, + TONE '- As modest stillness and humility; + .- But when the blast of war blows in our ears, + SHORT | Then imitate the action of the tiger; + AND + Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, + QUICK '- Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage. + .- _On_, ON, you noblest English, + HIGH | Whose blood is fetched from fathers of war-proof! + AND + _Fathers_, that, like so many Alexanders, + LOUD | Have, in these parts, from morn till even fought, + '- And sheathed their swords for lack of argument. + QUICK .- I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, + AND | Straining upon the start. The game's afoot; + VERY + Follow your spirits, and, upon this charge, + LOUD '- CRY--HEAVEN FOR HARRY! ENGLAND! AND ST. GEORGE! + + SHAKSPEARE. + +REMARK.--To read the foregoing example in one dull, monotonous tone of +voice, without regard to the sentiment expressed, would render the +passage extremely insipid and lifeless. But by a proper modulation of +the voice, it infuses into the mind of the reader or hearer the most +animating and exciting emotions. + +The voice is modulated in _three_ different ways. _First_, it is varied +in PITCH; that is, from _high_ to _low_ tones, and the reverse. +_Secondly_, it is varied in QUANTITY, or in _loudness_ or _volume_ of +sound. _Thirdly_, it is varied in QUALITY, or in the _kind_ of sound +expressed. + + +PITCH OF VOICE. + +Pitch of voice has reference to its degree of elevation. + +Every person, in reading or speaking, assumes a certain pitch, which may +be either _high_ or _low_, according to circumstances, and which has a +governing influence on the variations of the voice, above and below it. +This degree of elevation is usually called the KEY NOTE. + +As an exercise in varying the voice in pitch, the practice of uttering a +sentence on the several degrees of elevation, as represented in the +following scale, will be found beneficial. First, utter the musical +syllables, then the vowel sound, and lastly, the proposed +sentence,--ascending and descending. + + ---------8.--do--#--_e_-in-m_e_.---Virtue alone survives.---- + 7. si # _i_ in d_i_e. Virtue alone survives. + -------6.--la--#--_o_-in-d_o_.---Virtue alone survives.------ + 5. sol # _o_ in n_o_. Virtue alone survives. + -----4.--fa--#--_a_-in-_a_t.---Virtue alone survives.-------- + 3. mi # _a_-in _a_te. Virtue alone survives. + ---2.--re--#--_a_-in-f_a_r.--Virtue alone survives.---------- + 1. do # _a_ in _a_ll. Virtue alone survives + +Although the voice is capable of as many variations in speaking, as are +marked on the musical scale, yet for all the purposes of ordinary +elocution, it will be sufficiently exact if we make but _three_ degrees +of variation, viz., the _Low_, the _Middle_, and the _High_. + +1. THE LOW PITCH is that which falls below the usual speaking key, and +is employed in expressing emotions of _sublimity_, _awe_, and +_reverence_. + +EXAMPLE. + + Silence, how dead! darkness, how profound! + Nor eye, nor list'ning ear, an object finds; + Creation sleeps. 'Tis as the general pulse + Of life stood still, and Nature made a pause.-- + An awful pause! prophetic of her end. + YOUNG. + +2. THE MIDDLE PITCH is that usually employed in common conversation, and +in expressing _unimpassioned thought_ and _moderate emotion_. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. It was early in a summer morning, when the air was cool, the earth +moist, the whole face of the creation fresh and gay, that I lately +walked in a beautiful flower garden, and, at once, regaled the senses +and indulged the fancy. HERVEY. + +2. + "_I love to live_," said a prattling boy, + As he gayly played with his new-bought toy, + And a merry laugh went echoing forth, + From a bosom filled with joyous mirth. + +3. THE HIGH PITCH is that which rises above the usual speaking key, and +is used in expressing _joyous_ and _elevated feelings_. + +EXAMPLE. + + Higher, _higher_, EVER HIGHER,-- + Let the watchword be "ASPIRE!" + Noble Christian youth; + Whatsoe'er be God's behest, + Try to do that duty best, + In the strength of Truth. + M.F. TUPPER. + + +QUANTITY. + +QUANTITY is two-fold;--consisting in FULLNESS or VOLUME of sound, as +_soft_ or _loud_; and in TIME, as _slow_ or _quick_. The former has +reference to STRESS; the latter, to MOVEMENT. + +The degrees of variation in quantity are numerous, varying from a +slight, soft whisper to a vehement shout. But for all practical +purposes, they may be considered as _three_, the same as in pitch;--the +_soft_, the _middle_, and the _loud_. + +For exercise in quantity, let the pupil read any sentence, as, + + "Beauty is a fading flower," + +first in a slight, soft tone, and then repeat it, gradually increasing +in quantity to the full extent of the voice. Also, let him read it first +very slowly, and then repeat it, gradually increasing the movement. In +doing this, he should be careful not to vary the pitch. + +In like manner, let him repeat any vowel sound, or all of them, and also +inversely. Thus: + +[Illustration] + +[Transcriber's Note: The illustration is a row of the letter "O," +increasing in size across the page, followed by a row of the letter "O" +decreasing in size. The presumed intent is to convey loudness.] + + +REMARK.--Quantity is often mistaken for Pitch. But it should be borne in +mind that quantity has reference to _loudness_ or _volume_ of sound, and +pitch to the _elevation_ or _depression_ of a tone. The difference may +be distinguished by the slight and heavy strokes on a bell;--both of +which produce sounds alike in _pitch_; but they differ in _quantity_ or +_loudness_, in proportion as the strokes are light or heavy. + + +RULES FOR QUANTITY. + +1. SOFT, OR SUBDUED TONES, are those which range from a whisper to a +complete vocality, and are used to express _fear_, _caution_, _secrecy_, +_solemnity_, and all _tender emotions_. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. + We watched her breathing through the night, + Her breathing soft and low, + As in her breast the wave of life + Kept heaving to and fro. HOOD. + +2. + Softly, peacefully, + Lay her to rest; + Place the turf lightly, + On her young breast. D.E. GOODMAN. + +3. + The loud wind dwindled to a whisper low, + And sighed for pity as it answered,--"No." + +2. A MIDDLE TONE, or medium loudness of voice, is employed in reading +_narrative_, _descriptive_, or _didactic sentences_. + +EXAMPLE. + + I love my country's pine-clad hills, + Her thousand bright and gushing rills, + Her sunshine and her storms; + Her rough and rugged rocks that rear + Their hoary heads high in the air, + In wild fantastic forms. + +3. A LOUD TONE, or fullness and stress of voice, is used in expressing +_violent passions_ and _vehement emotions_. + +EXAMPLES. + +1. + STAND! _the ground's your own_, my braves,-- + Will ye give it up to _slaves_? + Will ye look for _greener graves_? + Hope ye mercy still? + What's the mercy _despots_ feel? + Hear it in that _battle-peal_,-- + Read it on yon bristling steel, + Ask it--_ye who will!_ PIERPONT. + +2. + "HOLD!" Tyranny cries; but their resolute breath + Sends back the reply: "INDEPENDENCE or DEATH!" + + +QUALITY. + +QUALITY has reference to _the kind of sound_ uttered. + +Two sounds may be alike in quantity and pitch, yet differ in quality. +The sounds produced on the clarinet and flute may agree in pitch and +quantity, yet be unlike in quality. The same is true in regard to the +tones of the voice of two individuals. This difference is occasioned +mainly by the different positions of the vocal organs. + +The qualities of voice mostly used in reading or speaking, and which +should receive the highest degree of culture, are the _Pure Tone_, the +_Orotund_, the _Aspirated_, and the _Guttural_. + +RULES FOR QUALITY. + +1. THE PURE TONE is a clear, smooth, sonorous flow of sound, usually +accompanied with the middle pitch of voice, and is adapted to express +emotions of _joy, cheerfulness, love_, and _tranquillity_. + +EXAMPLE. + + Hail! beauteous stranger of the wood, + Attendant on the spring, + Now heaven repairs thy vernal seat, + And woods thy welcome sing. + +2. THE OROTUND is a full, deep, round, and pure tone of voice, +peculiarly adapted in expressing _sublime_ and _pathetic emotions_. + +EXAMPLE. + + It thunders! Sons of dust, in reverence bow! + Ancient of Days! Thou speakest from above: + Almighty! trembling, like a timid child, + I hear thy awful voice. Alarmed--afraid-- + I see the flashes of thy lightning wild, + And in the very grave would hide my head. + +3. THE ASPIRATED TONE of voice is not a pure, vocal sound, but rather a +forcible breathing utterance, and is used to express _amazement, fear, +terror, anger, revenge, remorse_, and _fervent emotions_. + +EXAMPLE. + + Oh, coward conscience, how dost thou affright me! + The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight; + Cold, fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh. + +4. THE GUTTURAL QUALITY is a deep, aspirated tone of voice, used to +express _aversion, hatred, loathing_, and _contempt_. + +EXAMPLE. + + Tell me I _hate_ the bowl? + HATE is a feeble word: + I _loathe_, ABHOR, my very soul + With strong disgust is stirred, + Whene'er I see, or hear, or tell, + Of the dark beverage of hell. + + +NOTATION IN MODULATION. + + (o) high. + (oo) high and loud. + ([o]) low. + ([oo]) low and loud. + (=) quick. + (_''_) short and quick. + (_sl_.) slow. + (_p_.) soft. + (_pp_.) very soft. + (_f_.) loud. + (_ff_.) very loud. + (_pl_.) plaintive. + (<) increase. + (>) decrease. + +EXAMPLES FOR EXERCISE IN MODULATION. + + + (_p_.) Soft is the strain when zephyr gently blows, + And the smooth stream in smoother numbers flows; + (_f_.) But when loud surges lash the sounding shore, + The hoarse rough verse should like the torrent roar. + + (_sl_.) When Ajax strives some rock's vast weight to throw, + The line, too, labors, and the words move slow: + (=) Not so, when swift Camilla scours the plain, + Flies o'er the unbending corn, and skims along the main. POPE. + + + (o=) Go ring the bells and fire the guns, + And fling the starry banner out; + (_ff_.) Shout "FREEDOM" till your lisping ones + Give back the cradle shout. WHITTIER. + + + (_pl_.) "And now, farewell! 'Tis hard to give thee up, + With death so like a gentle slumber on thee!-- + And thy dark sin!--oh! I could drink the cup + If from this woe its bitterness had won thee. + May God have called thee, like a wanderer, home, + My lost boy, Absalom!" WILLIS. + + + (_sl_.) The sun hath set in folded clouds,-- + Its twilight rays are gone, + (o) And, gathered in the shades of night, + The storm is rolling on. + (_pl_.) Alas! how ill that bursting storm + (>) The fainting spirit braves, + (_p_.) When they,--the lovely and the lost,-- + (_pl_.) Are gone to early graves! + + + (o) On! onward still! o'er the land he sweeps, + (>) With wreck, and ruin, and rush, and roar, + Nor stops to look back + On his dreary track + (_''_) But speeds to the spoils before. MISS J.H. LEWIS. + + +From every battle-field of the revolution--from Lexington and Bunker +Hill--from Saratoga and Yorktown--from the fields of Entaw--from the +cane-brakes that sheltered the men of Marion--the repeated, +long-prolonged echoes came up--(_f_.) "THE UNION: IT MUST BE PRESERVED" +(<) From every valley in our land--from every cabin on the pleasant +mountain sides--from the ships at our wharves--from the tents of the +hunter in our westernmost prairies--from the living minds of the living +millions of American freemen--from the thickly coming glories of +futurity--the shout went up, like the sound of many waters, +(_ff._) "THE UNION: IT MUST BE PRESERVED." BANCROFT. + + + (_p_.) Hark! + (_sl_.) Along the vales and mountains of the earth + ([o]) There is a deep, portentous murmuring, + (=) Like the swift rush of subterranean streams, + Or like the mingled sounds of earth and air, + When the fierce tempest, with sonorous wing, + Heaves his deep folds upon the rushing winds, + (<) And hurries onward, with his night of clouds, + Against the eternal mountains. 'Tis the voice + Of infant FREEDOM,--and her stirring call + Is heard and answered in a thousand tones + (<) From every hill-top of her western home; + And lo! it breaks across old Ocean's flood,-- + (oo) And "FREEDOM! FREEDOM!" is the answering shout + Of nations, starting from the spell of years. G.D. PRENTICE. + + + (<) The thunders hushed,-- + The trembling lightning fled away in fear,-- + (_p._) The foam-capt surges sunk to quiet rest,-- + The raging winds grew still,-- + (_pp_.) There was a calm. + (o,o,) "Quick! Man the boat!" (=) Away they spring + The stranger ship to aid, + (_f_.) And loud their hailing voices ring, + As rapid speed they made. + + + (p) Hush! lightly tread! still tranquilly she sleeps; + I've watched, suspending e'en my breath, in fear + To break the heavenly spell. (_pp_.) Move silently. + Can it be? + Matter immortal? and shall spirit die? + Above the nobler, shall less nobler rise? + (<) Shall man alone, for whom all else revives, + No resurrection know? (o<) Shall man alone, + Imperial man! be sown in barren ground, + Less privileged than grain, on which he feeds? YOUNG. + + + (=) Away! away to the mountain's brow, + Where the trees are gently waving; + (_''_) Away! away to the vale below, + Where the streams are gently laving. + + + An hour passed on;--the Turk awoke;-- + That bright dream was his last;-- + He woke--to hear his sentry's shriek, + (oo) "To ARMS! they come! (_ff_.) THE GREEK! THE GREEK!" + (_pl_.) He woke to die, midst flame and smoke, + And shout, and groan, and sabre stroke, + And death shots falling thick and fast + As lightnings from the mountain cloud; + And heard, with voice as trumpet loud, + Bozzaris cheer his band;-- + (oo) "_Strike_--till the last armed foe expires! + _Strike_--for your altars and your fires! + _Strike_--for the green graves of your sires! + God, and your native land!" HALLECK. + + + He said, and on the rampart hights arrayed + His trusty warriors, few, but undismayed; + (_sl_) Firm paced and slow, a horrid front they form, + (_pp_) Still as the breeze, ([oo]) but dreadful as the storm! + (_p_.) Low, murmuring sounds along their banners fly, + (_ff_.) REVENGE, or DEATH!--the watchword and reply; + (oo) Then pealed the notes, omnipotent to charm, + (_f_.) And the loud tocsin tolled their last alarm! CAMPBELL. + + + ([o]') His speech was at first low toned and slow. Sometimes + his voice would deepen, ([oo]) like the sound of distant + thunder; and anon, (_''_) his flashes of wit and enthusiasm + would light up the anxious faces of his hearers, (<) like the + far-off lightning of a coming storm. + + + (>) Receding now, the dying numbers ring + (_p_.) Fainter and fainter, down the rugged dell: + (_pp_.) And now 'tis silent all--enchantress, fare thee well. + + + (=) Oh, joy to the world! the hour is come, + When the nations to freedom awake, + When the royalists stand agape and dumb, + And monarchs with terror shake! + Over the walls of majesty, + "Upharsin" is writ in words of fire, + And the eyes of the bondmen, wherever they be, + Are lit with their wild desire. + (<) Soon, soon shall the thrones that blot the world, + Like the Orleans, into the dust be hurl'd, + And the world roll on, like a hurricane's breath, + Till the farthest nation hears what it saith.-- + (_ff_.) "ARISE! ARISE! BE FREE!" T.B. READ. + + + (_p_.[o]) Tread softly--bow the head,-- + In reverent silence bow,-- + No passing bell doth toll,-- + (_pl_.) Yet an immortal soul + Is passing now. MRS. SOUTHEY. + + +(o[_f_].) SPEAK OUT, my friends; would you exchange it for the DEMON'S +DRINK, (_ff_.) ALCOHOL? A _shout_, like the _roar_ of a tempest, +answered, (oo) NO! + + + (oo) The combat deepens! (_ff_.) ON! YE BRAVE! + (=) Who rush to GLORY, (_p_.) or the GRAVE! + (_ff_.) WAVE, _Munich_, all thy banners WAVE! + And CHARGE with all thy CHIVALRY! + (_pl_.) Ah! few shall part where many meet! + The snow shall be their winding sheet, + And every turf beneath their feet + (_sl._[o]) Shall be a soldier's sepulcher! CAMPBELL. + + + (_sl_.) At length, o'er Columbus slow consciousness breaks, + (oo) "LAND! LAND!" cry the sailors; (_ff_.) "LAND! LAND!"--he + awakes,-- + (_''_) He runs,--yes! behold it! it blesseth his sight! + THE LAND! _O, dear spectacle! transport! delight!_ + + + + +SECTION V. + +THE RHETORICAL PAUSE. + +RHETORICAL PAUSES are those which are frequently required by the voice +in reading and speaking, although the construction of the passage admits +of no grammatical point. + +These pauses should be as manifest to the ear, as those which are +indicated by the comma, semicolon, or other grammatical points, though +not commonly denoted by any visible sign. In the following examples they +are denoted thus, (||). + +EXAMPLES. + +1. + In slumbers of midnight || the sailor-boy lay, + His hammock swung loose || at the sport of the wind; + But watch-worn and weary, || his cares flew away, + And visions of happiness || danced o'er his mind. DIMOND. + +2. + There is a land, || of every land the pride, + Beloved of heaven || o'er all the world beside; + Where brighter suns || dispense serener light, + And milder moons || imparadise the night. + O, thou shalt find, || howe'er thy footsteps roam, + That land thy country, || and that spot thy home! + +This pause is generally made before or after the utterance of some +important word or clause on which it is especially desired to fix the +attention. In such cases it is usually denoted by the use of the dash +(--). + +EXAMPLES. + +1. God said--"_Let there be light!_" + +2. + All dead and silent was the earth, + In deepest night it lay; + The Eternal spoke creation's word, + And called to being--Day! + +No definite rule can be given with reference to the length of the +rhetorical, or grammatical pause. The correct taste of the reader or +speaker must determine it. For the voice should sometimes be suspended +much longer at the same pause in one situation than in another; as in +the two following + +EXAMPLES. + +LONG PAUSE. + +Pause a moment. I heard a footstep. Listen now. I heard it again; but it +is going from us. It sounds fainter,--still fainter. It is gone. + +SHORT PAUSE. + +John, be quick. Get some water. Throw the powder overboard. "It can not +be reached." Jump into the boat, then. Shove off. There goes the powder. +Thank Heaven. We are safe. + + * * * * * + +REMARKS TO TEACHERS. + +It is of the utmost importance, in order to secure an easy and elegant +style in reading, to refer the pupil often to the more important +principles involved in a just elocution. To this end, it will be found +very advantageous, occasionally to review the rules and directions given +in the preceding pages, and thus early accustom him to apply them in the +subsequent reading lessons. For a wider range of examples and +illustrations, it is only necessary to refer to the numerous and various +exercises which form the body of this book. They have been selected, in +many cases, with a special view to this object. + + + + + + +PART SECOND. + + +LESSON I. + + HER' O ISM, bravery; courage. + MA LI'' CIOUS, ill disposed; resentful. + AM BI'' TION, eager desire. + SAR CAS' TIC, severe; cutting. + DE RIS' ION, ridicule. + CON FER' RED, bestowed. + RES' CU ED, saved; preserved. + DIS AS' TER, calamity. + IN CLIN' ED, disposed. + SYM' PA THY, fellow-feeling. + TEN' DER ED, offered. + A POL' O GY, excuse. + + +TRUE HEROISM. + +OSBORNE. + +1. I shall never forget a lesson which I received when quite a young +lad, while attending an Academy. Among my schoolmates were Hartly and +Vincent. They were both older than myself, and Vincent was looked up to, +as a sort of leader in matters of opinion, and in directing our sports. + +2. He was not, at heart, a malicious boy; but he had a foolish ambition +of being thought witty and sarcastic; and he made himself feared by a +habit of turning things into ridicule. He seemed to be constantly +looking out for something to occur, which he could turn into derision. + +3. Hartly was a new scholar, and little was known of him among the boys. +One morning as we were on our way to school, he was seen driving a cow +along the road toward the pasture. A group of boys, among whom was +Vincent, met him as he was passing. + +4. "Now," said Vincent, "let us have a little sport with our country +rustic." So saying, he exclaimed: "Halloo, Jonathan! [Footnote: A title +frequently applied to the Yankees by the English.] what is the price of +milk? What do you feed her on? What will you take for all the gold on +her horns? Boys, if you want to see the latest Paris style, look at +those boots!" + +5. Hartly waved his hand at us with a pleasant smile, and, driving the +cow to the field, took down the bars of a rail-fence, saw her safely in +the pasture, and then, putting up the bars, came and entered the school +with the rest of us. After school, in the afternoon, he let out the cow, +and drove her away, none of us knew where. Every day, for two or three +weeks, he went through the same task. + +6. The boys who attended the Academy, were nearly all the sons of +wealthy parents, and some of them were foolish enough to look down, with +a sort of disdain, upon a scholar who had to drive a cow to pasture; and +the sneers and jeers of Vincent were often repeated. + +7. One day, he refused to sit next to Hartly in school, on a pretense +that he did not like the odor of the barn. Sometimes he would inquire of +Hartly after the cow's health, pronouncing the word "ke-ow," after the +manner of some people. + +8. Hartly bore all these silly attempts to wound his feelings and annoy +him, with the utmost good nature. He never once returned an angry look +or word. One time, Vincent said: "Hartly, I suppose your father intends +to make a milkman of you." + +9. "Why not?" said Hartly. "Oh, nothing," said Vincent; "only do not +leave much water in the cans after rinsing them--that's all!" The boys +laughed, and Hartly, not in the least mortified, replied: "Never fear; +if I ever rise to be a milkman, I will give _good measure_ and _good +milk_ too." + +10. A few days after this conversation, there was a public exhibition, +at which a number of ladies and gentlemen from the city, was present. +Prizes were awarded by the Principal of the Academy, and Hartly and +Vincent each received one; for, in respect to scholarship, they were +about equal. + +11. After the prizes were distributed, the Principal remarked that there +was _one prize_, consisting of a medal, which was _rarely_ awarded, not +so much on account of its great value, as because the instances are +_rare_ that merit it. It is THE PRIZE FOR HEROISM. The last boy on whom +it was conferred, was Master Manners, who, three years ago, rescued the +blind girl from drowning. + +12. The Principal then said, "With the permission of the company, I will +relate a short story. Not long since, some boys were flying a kite in +the street, just as a poor boy on horseback rode by, on his way to mill. +The horse took fright, and threw the boy, injuring him so badly that he +was carried home, and confined for some weeks to his bed. + +13. "None of the boys who had caused the disaster, followed to learn the +fate of the wounded boy. There was one, however, who witnessed the +accident from a distance, and went to render what service he could. He +soon learned that the wounded boy was the grandson of a poor widow, +whose only support consisted in selling the milk of a fine cow, of which +she was the owner. + +14. "Alas! what could she now do? She was old and lame, and her +grandson, on whom she depended to drive the cow to pasture, was now sick +and helpless. 'Never mind, good woman,' said the boy, 'I can drive your +cow.' With thanks, the poor widow accepted his offer. + +15. "But the boy's kindness did not stop here. Money was wanted to +purchase medicine. 'I have money that my mother sent me to buy a pair of +boots,' said the boy; 'but I can do without them for the present.' + +16. "'Oh, no!' said the old lady, 'I can not consent to that; but here +is a pair of cowhide boots that I bought for Henry, who can not wear +them. If you will buy them, giving me what they cost, I can get along +very well.' The boy bought the boots, clumsy as they were, and has worn +them up to this time. + +17. "When the other boys of the Academy saw this scholar driving a cow +to the pasture, he was assailed with laughter and ridicule. His thick +cowhide boots, in particular, were made matters of mirth. But he kept on +cheerfully and bravely, day after day, driving the widow's cow to the +pasture, and wearing his thick boots, contented in the thought that he +was _doing right_, not caring for all the jeers and sneers that could be +uttered. + +18. "He never undertook to explain why he drove the cow; for he was not +inclined to display his charitable motives, and besides, in heart, he +had no sympathy with the false pride that looks with ridicule on any +useful employment. It was by _mere accident_ that his course of conduct +and self-denial, was yesterday discovered by his teacher. + +19. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, I appeal to you. Was there not _true +heroism_ in this boy's conduct? Nay, Master Hartly, do not steal out of +sight behind the blackboard! You were not ashamed of _ridicule_--you +must not shun _praise. Come forth, come forth, Master Edward James +Hartly, and let us see your honest face!_" + +20. As Hartly, with blushing cheeks, made his appearance, the whole +company greeted him with a round of applause for his _heroic conduct_. +The ladies stood upon benches, and waved their handkerchiefs. The old +men clapped their hands, and wiped the moisture from the corners of +their eyes. Those clumsy boots on Hartly's feet seemed prouder +ornaments, than a crown would have been on his head. The medal was +bestowed on him, amid the applause of the whole company. + +21. Vincent was heartily ashamed of his ill-natured sneers, and, after +the school was dismissed, he went, with tears in his eyes, and tendered +his hand to Hartly, making a handsome apology for his past ill manners. +"Think no more about it," said Hartly; "let us all go and have a ramble +in the woods, before we break up for vacation." The boys, one and all, +followed Vincent's example, and then, with shouts and huzzas, they all +set forth into the woods--a happy, cheerful group. + +QUESTIONS.--1. In what way did Vincent try to make derision of Hartly? +2. How did Hartly receive it? 3. For what did Hartly receive a prize +from his teacher? 4. How did the spectators manifest their approbation +of Hartly's conduct? + + * * * * * + +LESSON II. + + A VERT' ED, turned aside. + RE PENT' ANT, contrite; sorrowful. + SIN CERE', honest; true-hearted. + SE VERE', harsh; rigid + TAUNTS, scoffs; insults. + PLATE, dishes of gold or silverware. + DE SERT', forsake; abandon. + FAIL' URE, want of success. + SID' ING, taking part. + TYR' AN NY, oppression; cruelty. + + +YOU AND I. + +CHARLES MACKAY. + +1. Who would scorn his humble fellow + For the coat he wears? + For the poverty he suffers? + For his daily cares? + Who would pass him in the foot-way + With averted eye? + Would you, brother'? No`,--you _would_ not. + If _you_ would,--not _I_. + +2. Who, when vice or crime repentant, + With a grief sincere, + Asked for pardon, would refuse it, + More than heaven severe? + Who, to erring woman's sorrow, + Would with taunts reply? + Would _you_, brother'! No`,--you _would_ not. + If _you_ would,--not _I_. + +3. Would you say that Vice is Virtue + In a hall of state'? + Or, that rogues are not dishonest + If they dine off plate'? + Who would say Success and Merit + Ne'er part company? + Would _you_, brother'? No`,--you _would_ not. + If _you_ would,--not _I_. + +4. Who would give a cause his efforts + When the cause is strong; + But desert it on its failure, + Whether right or wrong`? + Ever siding with the upmost, + Letting downmost lie? + Would _you_, brother'? No`,--you _would_ not. + If _you_ would,--not _I_. + +5. Who would lend his arm to strengthen + Warfare with the right`? + Who would give his pen to blacken + Freedom's page of light`? + Who would lend his tongue to utter + Praise of tyranny? + Would _you_, brother'? No`,--you _would_ not. + If _you_ would,--not _I_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What rule for the rising and falling inflections, first +verse? See page 28. 2. Repeat the rule. 3. What rule for the falling +inflections, fifth verse? See page 29. 4. Repeat the rule. What is the +meaning of the suffix _en_, in the words _strengthen_, _blacken?_ See +SANDERS and McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH WORDS, p. 132, Ex. 174. + + * * * * * + +LESSON III. + + WAR' FARE, conflict; struggle. + CLUTCH ES, paws; firm grasp. + DO MIN' ION, rule; sway. + PIN' ION, wing; as of a bird. + PRE' CIOUS, costly; valuable. + SCOFF' ER, scorner. + VA' RI ED, changing; different. + WAVES, moves to and fro. + PRO PHET' IC, (_ph_ like _f_.) foretelling. + DE SPISE', scorn; disdain. + GOAL, the mark that bounds a race. + BECK' ON, motion; invite with the hand. + + +LIFE'S WORK. + +1. _Life is onward:_ use it + With a forward aim; + Toil is heavenly: choose it, + And its warfare claim. + Look not to another + To perform your will; + Let not your own brother + Keep your warm hand still. + +2. _Life is onward:_ never + Look upon the past; + It would hold you ever + In its clutches fast. + _Now_ is your dominion; + Weave it as you please; + Bid not the soul's pinion + To a bed of ease. + +3. _Life is onward:_ try it, + Ere the day is lost; + It hath virtue: buy it, + At whatever cost. + If the World should offer + Every precious gem, + Look not at the scoffer, + Change it not for them. + +4. _Life is onward:_ heed it, + In each varied dress; + Your own _act_ can speed it + On to happiness. + His bright pinion o'er you + Time waves not in vain, + If Hope chant before you + Her prophetic strain. + +5. _Life is onward:_ prize it, + In sunshine and in storm; + Oh! do not despise it + In its humblest form. + Hope and Joy together, + Standing at the goal, + Through life's darkest weather + Beckon on the soul. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What do _it_ and _them_ refer to, third verse, last line? +2. Repeat the word _sunshine_ several times in quick succession. + + * * * * * + +LESSON IV. + + AC CUS' TOM ED, used; habituated. + PLAN TA' TIONS, settlements. + PRO TEC' TION, safety; defense. + RE PROACH' FUL, reproving. + CAP' TUR ED, taken prisoners. + DE CID' ED, concluded. + COR O NET, little crown. + SA LUT' ED, greeted. + MON' ARCH, sovereign; ruler. + CON CEAL' ED, hid; secreted. + RE STOR' ED, brought back. + VI' O LENCE, outrage; wrong. + RE BUK' ED, reproved. + LEAGUE, compact; alliance. + TER' RI BLE, fearful; dreadful. + AT TEND' ANT, waiter; servant. + + +THE YOUNG CAPTIVES. + +1. Many years ago, dining the early settlements in New England, the +children were accustomed to gather large quantities of nuts, which grew +in great abundance in the forests that surrounded their little +plantations. + +2. In one of these nut-gatherings, a little boy and girl, the one eight +and the other four years of age, whose mother was dead, became separated +from their companions. On their way home, they came across some wild +grapes, and were busily engaged in gathering them, till the last rays of +the setting sun were fading away. + +3. Suddenly they were seized by two Indians. The boy struggled +violently, and his little sister cried to him for protection; but in +vain. The Indians soon bore them far beyond the bounds of the +settlement. Night was far advanced before they halted. Then they kindled +a fire, and offered the children some food. + +4. The heart of the boy swelled high with grief and anger, and he +refused to eat. But the poor little girl took some parched corn from the +hand of the Indian who held her on his knee. He smiled as he saw her eat +the kernels, and look up in his face with a wondering, yet reproachful +eye. Then they lay down to sleep in the dark forest, each with an arm +over his little captive. + +5. Great was the alarm in the colony when these children did not return. +Every spot was searched, where it was thought possible they might have +lost their way. But when, at length, their little basket was found, +overturned in a tangled thicket, they came to the conclusion that they +must have been captured by the Indians. + +6. It was decided that before any warlike measures were adopted, the +father should go peacefully to the Indian king, and demand his children. +At the earliest dawn of morning he departed with his companions. They +met a friendly Indian pursuing the chase, who consented to be their +guide. + +7. They traveled through rude paths, until the day drew near a close. +Then, approaching a circle of native dwellings, in the midst of which +was a tent, they saw a man of lofty form, with a coronet of feathers +upon his brow, and surrounded by warriors. The guide saluted him as his +monarch, and the bereaved father, bowing down, thus addressed him: + +8. "King of the red men, thou seest a father in pursuit of his lost +children. He has heard that your people will not harm the stranger in +distress. So he trusts himself fearlessly among you. The king of our own +native land, who should have protected us, became our foe. We fled from +our dear homes--from the graves of our fathers. + +9. "The ocean wave brought us to this New World. We are a peaceful race, +pure from the blood of all men. We seek to take the hand of our red +brethren. Of my own kindred, none inhabit this wilderness, save two +little buds, from a broken, buried stem. + +10. "Last night, sorrow entered into my soul, because I found them not. +Knowest thou, O king, if thy people have taken my children'? Knowest +thou where they have concealed them'? Cause them, I pray thee, to be +restored to my arms. So shall the Great Spirit bless thy own tender +plants, and lift up thy heart when it weigheth heavily on they bosom." + +11. The Indian monarch, fixing on him a piercing glance, said: "Knowest +thou me'? Look in my eyes`! Look`! Answer me`! Are they the eyes of a +stranger`!" The bereaved father replied that he had no recollection of +having ever before seen his countenance. + +12. "Thus it is with the white man. He is dim-eyed. He looketh on the +_garments_ more than on the _soul_. Where your plows turn up the earth, +oft have I stood watching your toil. There was no coronet on my brow. +But I was king. And you knew it not. + +13. "I looked upon your people. I saw neither pride nor violence. I went +an _enemy_, but returned a _friend_. I said to my warriors, 'Do these +men no harm. They do not hate Indians.' Then our white-haired prophet of +the Great Spirit rebuked me. He bade me make no league with the pale +faces, lest angry words should be spoken of me, among the shades of our +buried kings. + +14. "Yet, again, I went where thy brethren have reared their dwellings. +Yes; I entered thy house. _And thou knowest not this brow'?_ I could +tell _thine_ at midnight, if but a single star trembled through the +clouds. My ear would know _thy_ voice, though the storm was abroad with +all its thunders. + +15. "I have said that I was king. Yet I came to thee hungry, and thou +gavest me bread. My head was wet with the tempest. Thou badest me lie +down on thy couch, and thy son, for whom thou mournest, covered me. + +16. "I was sad in spirit, and thy little daughter, whom thou seekest +with tears, sat on my knee. She smiled when I told her how the beaver +buildeth his house in the forest. My heart was comforted, for I saw that +she did not hate Indians. + +17. "Turn not on me such a terrible eye. I am no stealer of babes. I +have reproved the people who took thy children. I have sheltered them +for thee. Not a hair of their head is hurt. Thinkest thou that the red +man can forget kindness'? They are sleeping in my tent. Had I but a +single blanket, it should have been their bed. Take them, and return +unto thy people." + +18. He waved his hand to an attendant, and, in a moment, the two +children were in the arms of their father. The white men were kindly +sheltered for that night, and, the next day, they bore the children to +their home, and the people rejoiced at their safe return. + +QUESTIONS.--1. By whom wore those children taken captive? 2. Who went in +search of them? 3. What did he say to the king of the tribe? 4. What +reply did the Indian monarch make? 5. Were the children restored to +their father? 6. What is meant by the _New World_, 9th paragraph? 7. +What by _two little buds, from a broken, buried stem_, same paragraph? + + * * * * * + +LESSON V. + + IM' AGE. form; likeness. + ELAPS' ED, glided away. + WAY' WARD NESS, perverseness. + SHUD' DER ING, chilling tremor. + PAS' SION ATE, easily excited to anger. + MAS' TER Y, rule; sway. + HEAD' STRONG, stubborn; obstinate. + UN DER WENT', experienced. + AF FEC' TION, love; attachment. + THRESH' OLD, entrance. + ANX I' E TY, care; solicitude. + PER PET' U AL, continual. + + +MY MOTHER'S LAST KISS. + +MRS. E. OAKES SMITH. + +1. I was but five years old when my mother died; but her image is as +fresh in my mind, now that twenty years have elapsed, as it was at the +time of her death. I remember her, as a pale, gentle being, with a sweet +smile, and a voice soft and cheerful when she praised me; and when I had +erred, (for I was a wild, thoughtless child,) there was a mild and +tender earnestness in her reproofs, that always went to my little heart. + +2. Methinks I can now see her large, blue eyes moist with sorrow, +because of my childish waywardness, and hear her repeat: "My child, how +can you grieve me so?" She had, for a long time, been pale and feeble, +and sometimes there would come a bright spot on her cheek, which made +her look so lovely, I thought she must be well. But then she spoke of +dying, and pressed me to her bosom, and told me to be good when she was +gone, and to love my father, and be kind to him; for he would have no +one else to love. + +3. I recollect she was ill all day, and my little hobbyhorse and whip +were laid aside, and I tried to be very quiet. I did not see her for the +whole day, and it seemed very long. At night, they told me my mother was +too sick to kiss me, as she always had done before I went to bed, and I +must go without it. But I could not. I stole into the room, and placing +my lips close to hers, whispered: "Mother, dear mother, won't you kiss +me?" + +4. Her lips were very cold, and when she put her hand upon my cheek, and +laid my head on her bosom, I felt a cold shuddering pass all through me. +My father carried me from the room; but he could not speak. After they +put me in bed, I lay a long while thinking; I feared my mother would, +indeed, die; for her cheek felt cold, as my little sister's did when she +died, and they carried her little body away where I never saw it again. +But I soon fell asleep. + +5. In the morning I rushed to my mother's room, with a strange dread of +evil to come upon me. It was just as I feared. A white linen covered her +straight, cold form. I removed it from her face: her eyes were closed, +and her cheeks were hard and cold. But my mother's dear, dear smile was +there, or my heart would have broken. + +6. In an instant, all the little faults, for which she had so often +reproved me, rushed upon my mind. I longed to tell her how good I would +always be, if she would but stay with me. I longed to tell her how, in +all time to come, her words would be a law to me. I would be all that +she had wished me to be. + +7. I was a passionate, headstrong boy; and never did this frame of +temper come upon me, but I seemed to see her mild, tearful eyes full +upon me, just as she used to look in life; and when I strove for the +mastery over my passions, her smile seemed to cheer my heart, and I was +happy. + +8. My whole character underwent a change, even from the moment of her +death. Her spirit seemed to be always with me, _to aid the good_ and +_root out the evil_ that was in me. I felt it would grieve her gentle +spirit to see me err, and I _could not_, _would not_, do so. + +9. I was the child of her affection. I knew she had prayed and wept over +me; and that even on the threshold of the grave, her anxiety for my +welfare had caused her spirit to linger, that she might pray once more +for me. I never forgot my mother's last kiss. It was with me in sorrow; +it was with me in joy; it was with me in moments of evil, like a +perpetual good. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What was the age of the person represented in this piece? +2. What, when his mother died? 3. What did he say of himself when a +child? 4. Had he ever grieved his mother? 5. What did he say of his +_faults_, after his mother's death? 6. What did he desire to tell her? +7. How ought you to treat your mother, in order to avoid the reproaches +of your own conscience? + + * * * * * + +LESSON VI. + + SUR PRISE', amazement. + PER' ISH ED, died. + STINT' ED, small of size. + STERN, severe; harsh; rigid. + LOI' TER, linger; tarry. + STAG' GER ED, reeled to and fro. + FORD' ED, waded. + ES CAP ED, fled from. + + +THE DEAD CHILD'S FORD. + +MRS. E. OAKES SMITH. + +1. "Dear mother, here's the _very_ place + Where little John was found, + The water covering up his face, + His feet upon the ground. + Now won't you tell me _all about_ + The death of little John'? + And how the woman sent him out + Long after sun was down'? + And tell me _all about the wrong_, + And _that_ will make the story long." + +2. I took the child upon my knee + Beside the lake so clear; + For _there_ the tale of misery + Young Edward begged to hear + He looked into my _very_ eyes, + With sad and earnest face, + And caught his breath with wild surprise, + And turned to mark the place + Where _perished_, years agone, the child + Alone, beneath the waters wild. + +3. "A weakly orphan boy was John, + A barefoot, stinted child, + Whose work-day task was never done, + Who wept when others smiled. + Around his home the trees were high, + Down to the water's brink, + And almost hid the pleasant sky, + Where wild deer came to drink." +('') "And did they come, the pretty deer'? + And did they drink the water here'?" + +4. Cried Edward, with a wondering eye: + "Now, mother, tell to me, + Was John about as _large_ as I'? + Pray tell, how _big_ was he'?" + "He was an _older_ boy than _you_, + And _stouter_ every way; + For, water from the well he drew, + And hard he worked all day. + But then poor John was sharp and thin, + With sun-burnt hair and sun-burnt skin. + +5. "His mother used to spin and weave; + From farm to farm she went; + And, though it made her much to grieve, + She John to service sent. + He lived with one, a woman stern, + Of hard and cruel ways; + And he must bring her wood to burn, + From forest and highways; + And then, at night, on cold, hard bed, + He laid his little, aching head. + +6. "The weary boy had toiled all day + With heavy spade and hoe; + His mistress met him on the way, + And bade him quickly go + And bring her home some sticks of wood, + For she would bake and brew; + When he returned, she'd give him food; + For she had much to do. + And then she charged him not to stay, + Nor loiter long upon the way. + +7. "He went; but scarce his toil-worn feet + Could crawl along the wood, + He was so spent with work and heat, + And faint for lack of food. + He bent his aching, little back + To bear the weight along, + And staggered then upon the track; + For John was _never_ strong; + His eyesight, too, began to fail, + And he grew giddy, faint, and pale. + +8. "The load was small, _quite_ small, 'tis true, + But John could bring no more; + The woman in a rage it threw,-- + She stamped upon the floor. +(_f_.) 'No supper you shall have to-night; + So go along to bed, + You good-for-nothing, ugly fright, + You little stupid-head!'" + Said Edward: "_I_ would _never_ go; + She wouldn't _dare_ to serve _me_ so!" + +9. "The moon-beams fell upon the child + As, weeping, there he lay; + And gusty winds were sweeping wild + Along the forest way, + When up rose John, at dead of night; + For he would see his mother; + _She_ loved her child, although _he_ might + Be _nothing_ to another. + That narrow creek he forded o'er,-- + 'Tis nearer than around the shore. + +10. "But here the shore is rough, you see; + The bank is high and steep; + And John, who climbed on hands and knee, + His footing could not keep. + He backward fell, all, all alone; + Too weak was he to rise; +(_pl._) And no one heard his dying moan, + Or closed his dying eyes. + How still he slept! And grief and pain + Could never come to him again. + +11. "A stranger, passing on his way, + Found him, as you have said; + His feet were out upon the clay, + The water o'er his head. + And then his foot-prints showed the path + He took, adown the creek, + When he escaped the woman's wrath, + So hungry, faint, and weak. + And people now, as you have heard, + Do call the place, THE DEAD CHILD'S FORD." + +QUESTIONS.--1. Was John an orphan, or half orphan? 2. Was he drowned at +night, or in the daytime? 8. By whom was he found? 4. What is the place +called where he was drowned? 5. Give the rule for the rising +inflections, as marked in the 1st, 2d, and 4th verses. 6. Why are there +no quotation marks at the beginning of the 2d verse? 7. Why are half +quotations used in the 3d and 8th verses? 8. How should a part of the +8th and 10th verses be read, according to the notation marks? See page +41. + + * * * * * + +LESSON VII. + + EX CLAIM' ED, cried out. + DE MAND' ING, asking; requiring. + A MISS', wrong; improperly. + AC CUS' ED, charged with. + BREACH, violation. + VIS' ION, sight; view. + DE SCRIP' TION, account. + SLUG' GARD, lazy person. + + +LAME AND LAZY,--A FABLE. + +[Footnote: For an explanation of the term fable, see page 236.] + +1. Two beggars, LAME and LAZY, were in want of bread. _One_ leaned on +his crutch, the _other_ reclined on his couch. Lame called on Charity, +and humbly asked for a _cracker_. Instead of a cracker, he received a +_loaf_. + +2. Lazy, seeing the gift of Charity, exclaimed: "What`! ask a _cracker_ +and receive a _loaf'_? Well, I will ask a loaf." Lazy now applied to +Charity, and called for a loaf of bread. "Your demanding a loaf," said +Charity, "proves you a _loaf_-er. You are of that class and character +who _ask_ and _receive not_; because you ask amiss." + +3. Lazy, who always found fault, and had rather whine than work, +complained of _ill-treatment_, and even accused Charity of a breach of +an exceeding great and precious promise: "Ask, and ye shall receive." + +4. Charity pointed him to a painting in her room, which presented to his +vision three personages, Faith, Hope and Charity. Charity appeared +larger and fairer than her sisters. He noticed that her right hand held +a pot of honey, which fed a bee disabled, having lost its wings. Her +left hand was armed with a whip to keep off the drones. + +5. "I do not understand it," said Lazy. Charity replied: "It means that +Charity _feeds_ the lame, and _flogs_ the lazy." Lazy turned to go. +"Stop," said Charity, "instead of _coin_, I will give you _counsel_. Do +not go and live on your poor mother; I will send you to a _rich ant_." + +6. "_Rich aunt'_?" echoed Lazy. "Where shall I find her'?" "You will +find a description of her," replied Charity, "in Proverbs, sixth +chapter, sixth, seventh, and eighth verses, which read as follows: 'Go +to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise; which, having +no guide, overseer, or ruler, provided her meat in summer, and gathereth +her food in the harvest.'" + +7. MORAL. Instead of waiting and wishing for a rich UNCLE to _die_, go +and see how a rich ANT _lives_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where is the quotation in the 3d paragraph to be found? +Answer. John, 16th chapter, 24th verse. 2. Where, the quotation in the +sixth paragraph? 3. Why does it commence with a half quotation? Answer. +Because it denotes a quotation within a quotation. + + * * * * * + +LESSON VIII. + + HAUGH'TY, proud; disdainful. + PAR TIC' U LAR LY, especially. + TRANS ACT', do; perform. + A BASH' ED, confused. + DIS COV' ER, find out. + EX AM' INE (_egz am' in_), look over; inspect. + REC' TI FY, correct; make right. + REC' OM PENSE, reward. + DE SERVES', merits. + DE CLIN' ING, failing. + PRE VENT' ED, hindered. + AP PRO BA' TION, approval. + PRE'CEPTS, instructions; counsels. + BEN E FAC' TOR, friend; one that benefits. + A MASS' ED, gathered. + A DAPT' ED, suited. + CON FI DEN' TIAL, trusty; trusted. + IN TEG' RI TY, honesty. + + +FAITHFULNESS IN LITTLE THINGS. + +ELIZA A. CHASE. + +1. "Is Mr. Harris in'?" inquired a plainly, but neatly dressed boy, +twelve or thirteen years of age, of a clerk, as he stood by the counter +of a large bookstore. + +The clerk regarded the boy with a haughty look, and answered: "Mr. +Harris is in; but he is engaged." + +2. The boy looked at the clerk hesitatingly, and then said: "If he is +not particularly engaged, I would like to see him." + +"If you have any business to transact, _I_ can attend to it," replied +the clerk. "Mr. Harris can not be troubled with boys like you." + +3. "What is this, Mr. Morley?" said a pleasant-looking man, stepping up +to the clerk; "what does the boy want?" + +"He insisted on seeing you, though I told him you were engaged," +returned the clerk, a little abashed by the manner of his employer. + +4. "And what do you wish to see me about, my lad?" inquired Mr. Harris, +kindly. + +The boy raised his eyes, and, meeting the scornful glance of the clerk, +said timidly: "I wish you to look at the bill of some books which I +bought here, about three months since. There is a mistake in it, which I +wish to correct." + +5. "Ah, my boy, I see," replied Mr. Harris; "you have _overpaid_ us, I +suppose!" + +"No, sir," answered the boy. "On the contrary, I purchased some books +which are _not charged_ in the bill, and I have called to pay for them." + +6. Mr. Harris looked at the boy earnestly for a moment, and then asked: +"When did you discover this mistake?" + +"Not until I reached home," replied the lad. "When I paid for the books +I was in a great hurry, fearing the boat would leave before I could +reach it, and I did not examine the bill." + +7. "Why did you not return before, and rectify the mistake?" asked the +gentleman, in a tone slightly altered. + +"Because, sir, I live some distance from the city, and have not been +able to return till now." + +8. "My dear boy," said Mr. Harris, "you have given me great pleasure. In +a long life of mercantile business, I have never met with an instance of +this kind before. You have _acted nobly_ and deserve a recompense." + +"I ask no recompense," returned the boy. "_I have done nothing but my +duty_--a simple act of justice, and that deserves no reward, but +itself." + +9. "May I ask who taught you such noble principles'?" inquired Mr. +Harris. + +"My mother'," answered the boy, bursting into tears. + +10. "Blessed is the child who has such a mother," said Mr. Harris, "and +blessed is the mother of such a child. Be faithful to her teachings, my +dear boy, and you will be the staff of her declining years." + +"Alas, sir," said the boy, "my mother is dead! It was her sickness and +death which prevented me from coming here before." + +11. "What is your name?" inquired Mr. Harris. + +"Edward Delong." + +"Have you a father living'?" + +"No, sir. My father died when I was an infant." + +12. "Where do you reside?" + +"In the town of Linwood, about fifty miles from this city." + +"Well, my boy, what are the books which were forgotten?" + +"Tacitus and a Latin Dictionary." + +13. "Let me see the bill. Ha! signed by A. C. Morley. I will see to +that. Here, Mr. Morley!" called Mr. Harris; but the clerk was busily +engaged in waiting on a customer at the opposite side of the store, +bowing and smiling in the most attentive manner. + +14. "Edward," continued Mr. Harris, "I am not going to _reward_ you for +what you have done; but I wish to manifest my approbation of your +conduct in such a manner, as to make you remember the wise and excellent +precepts of your departed mother. Select from my store any ten books you +choose, which, in addition to the two you had before, shall be a +_present_ to you; and henceforth, as now, my boy, remember and not +'despise the day of small things.' If ever you need a friend, call on +me, and I will assist you." + +15. The grateful boy thanked his kind benefactor, and, with tears in his +eyes, bowed and left the store. + +Edward Delong wished for knowledge, and, though the scanty means left +him by his mother, could hardly satisfy his desire, by diligence and +economy he had advanced far beyond most boys of his age. By working +nights and mornings for a neighbor, he had amassed, what seemed to him, +a large sum of money, and this was expended in books. + +16. Edward's home was now with a man who regarded money as the chief end +and aim of life, and severe and constant physical labor as the only +means of obtaining that end. For two years Edward struggled with his +hopeless condition, toiling early and late to obtain a livelihood. + +17. Edward now resolved to go to the city, to seek some employment, +better adapted to promote his education. He entered the same store where +he purchased the books, and inquired for Mr. Harris. + +"He is engaged," replied the polite clerk. "If you will wait a moment, +he will be at liberty." + +18. "Did you wish to see me?" asked Mr. Harris of the boy, whose +thoughts were so intense that he had not noticed the approach of his +friend. + +"Mr. Harris!" exclaimed Edward, and it was all he could say. For the +remembrance of past favors bestowed on him by his kind benefactor, so +filled his heart with gratitude, that further utterance was denied. + +"My noble Edward!" said the old gentleman. "And so you needed a friend. +Well, you shall have one." + +19. Five years from that time, Edward Delong was the confidential clerk +of Mr. Harris, and, in three more, a partner in the firm. The integrity +of purpose, which first won the regard of his benefactor, was his guide +in after life. Prosperity crowned his efforts, and happiness blessed his +heart,--the never-failing result of _faithfulness in little things_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Why did Edward Delong wish to see Mr. Harris? 2. Had he +overpaid for the books he purchased? 3. What did he say when Mr. Harris +told him he deserved a recompense? 4. What books were not charged in the +bill? 5. In what way did Mr. Harris manifest his approval of Edward's +conduct? 6. How long after this, before he again called on Mr. Harris? +7. Why could he not, at first, talk with Mr. Harris? 8. What did Edward +finally become? + + * * * * * + +LESSON IX. + + GRACE' FUL LY, beautifully. + PROUD' LY, splendidly. + FOR' EIGN (_for' en_), distant. + CLIMES, countries; regions. + SYM' BOL, sign; emblem. + FEAR' FUL, dreadful; terrible. + CAN' NON RY, discharge of cannon. + JU' BI LEE, season of public joy. + WIT' NESS ED, seen; beheld. + NA' TIVE, birth-giving. + BOON, gift; blessing. + PAR' A DISE, blissful abode. + + +THE AMERICAN BOY. + + +SON. + +Father, look up, and see that flag! + How gracefully it flies! +Those pretty stripes, they seem to be + A rainbow in the skies. + +FATHER. + +It is your country's flag, my boy, + And proudly drinks the light, +O'er ocean's wave, in foreign climes, + A symbol of our might. + +SON. + +Father, what fearful noise is that, + Now thundering in the clouds? +Why do they, cheering, wave their hat, + And rush along in crowds? + +FATHER. + +It is the voice of cannonry, + The glad shouts of the free; +This is a day of memory, + 'Tis FREEDOM'S JUBILEE! + +SON. + +I wish that _I_ was now a man, +_I'd free my country_ too, +And cheer as loudly as the rest; + But, father, why don't _you_? + +FATHER. + +I'm getting old and weak; but still + My heart is big with joy; +I've witnessed many a day like this, + Shout you aloud, my boy! + +SON. + +(oo) HURRAH, FOR FREEDOM'S JUBILEE, + God bless our native land! +And may _I_ live to hold the boon + Of _freedom_ in my hand. + +FATHER. + +Well done, my boy, grow up, and love + The land that gave you birth,-- +A land where Freedom loves to dwell,-- + A paradise on earth. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Of what is our flag a symbol? 2. What is meant by +_Freedom's jubilee_? 3. What is the use of the apostrophes in the words +_I'd_, _I'm_, _I've_, &c. + + * * * * * + +LESSON X. + + BIL' LOWS, waves; surges. + DE LIGHT', joy; pleasure. + DOOM, fate; end. + TWINK' LES, sparkles. + GLARE, bright, dazzling light. + EX PANSE', surface; extent. + SWEEP, pass or drive over. + RIFE, filled; abounding. + VOY' AGE, passage; journey. + AN' CHOR ED, moored; fixed. + HA' VEN, harbor. + PEACE' FUL LY, quietly; calmly. + + +THE SAILOR BOY'S SONG. + +WRITTEN BY A GIRL THIRTEEN YEARS OF AGE. + +1. + (_''_) Oh! the sea, the sea + Is the place for me, + With its billows blue and bright; + I love its roar, + As it breaks on the shore, + And its danger to me is delight. + +2. + Oh! I love the wave, + And the sailor brave, + Who often meets his doom + On the ocean vast, + And sleeps his last + In a shell and coral tomb. + +3. + And, in the night, + The moon's soft light + Smiles sweetly on the foamy billow: + And many a star, + As it twinkles afar, + Seems to rise from a watery pillow. + +4. + In the noontide glare, + Oh! bright and fair + Is the wide expanse of ocean; + In the morn's first light + 'Tis a glorious sight, + So full of life and motion. + +5. + When the tempests sweep + The rolling deep, + And the angry billows swell, + I mind not the strife, + Which to me is rife + With thoughts that I can not tell. + +6. + When life's voyage is o'er, + And I sail no more + On the ocean's troubled breast, + Safe anchored above, + In the haven of love, + May the sailor boy peacefully rest. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is meant by _coral tomb_, 2d verse? 2. What, by +_watery pillow_, third verse. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XI. + + FOUN DA' TION, commencement. + DO MES' TI CA TED, tamed. + FA' VOR ITE, one specially favored. + CA RESS' ED, fondled; petted. + GAM' BOL ING, skipping; frolicking. + IM' PULSE, feeling of excitement. + DI LAT' ED, distended. + SPEC TA' TORS, observers; lookers on. + EN DEAV' OR ED, tried; attempted. + ANX' IOUS, very desirous. + IN TER CEPT', (INTER, _between_; CEPT, _to take_ or _seize_;) + to stop on the way. + BE TRAY' ED, showed; disclosed. + RE STRAIN' ED, held back; checked. + COW' ED, depressed with fear. + EN GRAV' ED, cut; inscribed. + +In this lesson every pause is marked with its appropriate inflection. + + +CHASE OF THE PET FAWN. + +MISS COOPER. + +1. Within twenty years from the foundation of our village', [Footnote: +Cooperstown, New York.] the deer had already become scarce', and', in a +brief period later', they had almost entirely fled from the country`. +One of the last of these beautiful creatures, a pretty little fawn, had +been brought in from the woods, when it was very young, and had been +nursed and petted by a young lady in the village, until it became +completely domesticated. + +2. It was graceful, as those little creatures always are, and so gentle +and playful that it became a great favorite. Following the different +members of the family about, it was caressed and welcomed everywhere. +One morning, after gamboling about as usual, until weary, it threw +itself down in the sunshine, at the feet of one of its friends, upon the +door-step of a store. + +3. There came along a countryman, who, for several years, had been a +hunter by pursuit, and who still kept several hounds, one of which came +to the village with him, on this occasion. The dog, as it approached the +place where the fawn lay, suddenly stopped; the little animal saw him, +and darted to its feet. + +4. It had lived more than half its life among the villagers, and had +apparently lost all fear of them; but it now seemed to know +instinctively that an enemy was at hand. In an instant, its whole +character and appearance seemed changed; all its past habits were +forgotten; every wild impulse was awake; its head erect, its nostrils +dilated, its eyes flashing. + +5. In another instant, before the spectators had thought of the danger, +and before its friends could secure it, the fawn was leaping wildly +through the street, and the hound in full chase. The by-standers were +eager to save it; several persons instantly followed its track; the +friends who had long fed and fondled it, were calling the name it had +hitherto known; but, in vain. + +6. The hunter endeavored to call back his dog; but, with no better +success. In half a minute, the fawn had turned the first corner, dashed +onward toward the lake, and thrown itself into the water. But, if, for a +moment, the startled creature believed itself safe in the lake, it was +soon undeceived; for the hound followed in hot and eager chase, while a +dozen village dogs joined in the pursuit. + +7. A large crowd collected on the bank--men, women, and +children,--anxious for the fate of the little animal. Some threw +themselves into boats, hoping to intercept the hound before he reached +his prey. But the splashing of the oars, the voices of men and boys, and +the barking of the dogs, must have filled the beating heart of the poor +fawn with terror and anguish; as if every creature on the spot where it +had once been caressed and fondled, had suddenly turned into a deadly +foe. + +8. It was soon seen that the fawn was directing its course across a bay, +toward the nearest borders of the forest. Immediately the owner of the +hound crossed the bridge, ran at full speed in the same direction, +hoping to stop his dog as he landed. On swam the fawn, as it had never +swam before; its delicate head scarcely seen above the water, but +leaving a disturbed track which betrayed its course alike to anxious +friends and fierce enemies. + +9. As it approached the land, the interest became intense. The hunter +was already on the same side of the lake, calling loudly and angrily to +his dog; but the animal seemed to have quite forgotten his master's +voice in the pitiless pursuit. The fawn touched the land; in one leap, +it had crossed the narrow piece of beach, and, in another instant, it +would reach the cover of the woods. + +10. The hound followed true to the scent, aiming at the same spot on the +shore. His master, anxious to meet him, had run at full speed, and was +now coming up at the same critical moment. Would the dog listen to his +voice? Could the hunter reach him in time to seize and control him? A +shout from the spectators proclaimed that the fawn had passed out of +sight into the forest. At the same instant, the hound, as he touched the +land, felt the hunter's strong arm clutching his neck. + +11. The worst was believed to be over; the fawn was leaping up the +mountain-side, and its enemy restrained. The other dogs, seeing their +leader cowed, were easily managed. A number of men and boys dispersed +themselves through the wood in search of the little creature; but, +without success. They all returned to the village, reporting that the +animal had not been seen by them. Some persons thought that, after its +fright had passed over, it would return of its own accord. + +12. It wore a pretty collar with its owner's name engraved upon it, so +that it could be easily known from any other fawn, that might be +straying about the woods. Before many hours had passed, a hunter +presented himself before the lady, whose pet the little creature had +been, and showed a collar with her name upon it. He said that he was out +hunting in the morning, and saw a fawn in the distance. The little +creature, instead of bounding away as he expected, moved toward him. He +took aim, fired, and shot it to the heart. + +13. When he found the collar about its neck, he was very sorry he had +killed it. One would have thought that that terrible chase would have +made it afraid of man; but no; _it forgot the evil_, and _remembered the +kindness only_; and came to meet, as a friend, the hunter who shot it. +It was long mourned by its best friend. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where did the lady reside who kept this pet fawn? 2. Is +there a lake near that village? 3. What river rises in that lake? 4. +Describe the chase of the pet fawn. 5. How came it to be shot? 6. What +did it forget, and what remember? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XII. + + IN' FLU ENCE, moral power. + DROOP' ED. bent over; languished. + TING' ED, stained; colored. + DEL' I CATE, soft; tender. + TRIB' UTE, pay; requital. + CASE' MENT, window. + PERCH' ED, alighted. + PLAINT' IVE, sorrowful. + AF FRIGHT' ED, alarmed. + TIM' ID, fearful; timorous. + RE STRAIN' ED, held back. + AT TEST', bear witness. + SUA' SION, act of persuading. + COM PLI' ANCE, submission. + PAL' ED, inclosed. + DE BAS' ED, degraded. + DE' VI ATE, wander; stray. + LE' NI ENT, mild; merciful. + + +KINDNESS. + +KATE CLARENCE. + +1. Not _man_ alone, but _every thing_ in nature, owns its influence. I +knew a little flower that sprang up amidst the weeds and brambles of a +long-neglected garden; but soon drooped its slender stem, and its leaves +grew tinged from the waste around. + +2. I took it to my home, supported its drooping stem, and placed it +where the warm sunshine and refreshing showers cheered its little life. +Again it raised its beautiful head, and its delicate buds burst forth in +gladness; and when the winds of autumn came, the dying flower gave up to +me its golden seeds--a thankful tribute for my love. 'Twas a little +thing, but _kindness_ did the deed. + +3. There came to my casement, one winter's morning, a shivering, +starving bird, and perched itself there, striving to tell its tale of +suffering; but feeble were its plaintive notes, and its glossy breast +was ruffled in the blast. I raised the window. Affrighted, the little +wanderer spread its wings, as if to soar away; but, weak and faint, it +sank fluttering in my outstretched hands. I drew it in. Alarmed, it +darted round and round the room, and beat against the frosted pane. _O +Cruelty! thou hast taught even the little birds to doubt!_ + +4. When the little stranger grew less timid, I gave it clear water, and +tempting food, and so, for many weeks, we dwelt together; but when came +the first warm, sunny day, I opened my doors, and it flew away,--_away +up, up_ into the dark-blue heavens, till it was lost to my eager gaze. + +5. But not an hour had passed, ere I heard the flutter of its tiny +wings, and saw, without, its little breast glittering in the golden +sunbeams. It had a joyous life. No wired cage restrained its restless +wing; but, free as the summer cloud, would it come each day, and gladly +would my delighted soul drink in the silvery notes of its gladdening +melody. + +6. And it is not _birds_ and _flowers_ alone, that, treated with +kindness flourish so brightly 'neath its heaven-born rays. Individuals, +families, nations, attest its truth. _Legal suasion_ may frighten to +compliance, but _moral suasion_ rules the will. + +7. To the erring wanderer, in the by and forbidden paths of sin, with a +heart paled in darkness, and lost to every better feeling of his nature, +one little word, one little act of kindness, however slight, will find a +sunny resting-place in that sinful shade, and prove a light to guide the +wayward one to holier and better deeds. The lion licked the hand that +drew the thorn from his wounded foot; and Powhatan stayed the descending +club, when the burning lips of the Indian girl pressed the prisoner's +[Footnote: Captain Smith] pallid brow. + +8. And it is _ever_ thus. There beats not a heart, however debased by +sin, or darkened by sorrow, that has not its noblest impulses aroused, +in view of a _generous and kindly action_. The Holy Father implanted His +own pure principles in the breast of _every one_, and widely do we +deviate from their just dictates, when an unkind word, or an unkind act, +wounds a broken heart, or crushes a loving, gentle nature. + +9. "_Speak not harshly_,--much of care + Every human heart must bear; + Enough of shadows rudely play + Around the very sunniest way; + Enough of sorrows darkly lie + Vailed within the merriest eye. + By thy childhood's gushing tears, + By thy grief in after years, + By the anguish thou dost know, + _Add not to another's woe._ + +10. "_Speak not harshly_,--much of sin + Dwelleth every heart within; + In its closely caverned cells, + Many a wayward passion dwells. + By the many hours misspent, + By the gifts to error lent, + By the wrongs thou didst not shun, + By the good thou hast not done, + With a lenient spirit scan + The weakness of thy brother man." + +QUESTIONS.--1. On what has kindness an influence? 2. What influence had +it upon the little flower? 3. What, upon the little bird? 4. What is +said of cruelty? 5. What is said of legal and moral suasion? 6. What is +said of the lion? 7. Of Powhatan? 8. Why ought we not to speak harshly? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XIII. + + SHAFT, arrow; _here_, careless word. + MES' SEN GERS, message-bearers. + PANG, distress; anguish. + SPELLS, charms; enchantments. + SEAL' ED, closed up; under seal. + SEP' UL CHER, (_ch_ like _k_), grave; tomb. + SUM' MON ED, called. + AG' O NY, extreme suffering. + WRING, writhe. + UN A WARES, unconsciously. + MIN' GLES, unites; mixes. + EN DEAR' ING, kind; affectionate. + E CLIPSE', darkness; obscuration. + CHER' ISH ED, fostered. + EN SHRIN' ED, sacredly preserved. + UT' TER ED, expressed. + + +CARELESS WORDS. + + 1. Oh, never say a careless Word + Hath not the power to pain; + The shaft may ope some hidden wound, + That closes not again! + Weigh _well_ those light-winged messengers; + God marked your heedless Word, + And with it, too, the falling tear, + The heart-pang that it stirred. + + 2. Words! what are Words? A simple Word + Hath spells to call the tears, + That long have lain a sealed fount, + Unclosed through mournful years. + Back from the unseen sepulcher, + A Word hath summoned forth + A form that hath its place no more + Among the things of Earth, + + 3. Words! heed them well; some whispered one + Hath yet a power to fling + A shadow on the brow, the soul + In agony to wring; + A name, forbidden, or forgot, + That sometimes, unawares, + Murmurs upon our wak'ning lips, + And mingles in our prayers. + + 4. Oh, Words! sweet Words! A blessing comes + Softly from kindly lips; + Tender, endearing tones, that break + The Spirit's drear eclipse. + Oh! are there not some cherished tones + In the deep heart enshrined? + Uttered but once--they passed--and left + A track of light behind. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of _careless words_? 2. What, of _sweet +words_? 3. What is the use of the apostrophe in _wak'ning_, third verse? +4. What is the meaning of the suffix _less_, in the words _careless, +heedless_? See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, DEFINER, AND ANALYZER, page 143, +Ex. 369. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XIV. + + VEG' E TA BLES, plants. + DEP RE DA' TION, robbery; plunder. + CAP TUR' ING, catching. + TRES' PASS ER, transgressor. + AP PEAL' ED, referred. + COUN' SEL, lawyer; advocate. + AR' GU MENT, plea; reason. + URG' ING, enforcing; advocating. + MIS' CHIEV OUS, hurtful; injurious. + PRAC' TI CAL, pertaining to practice. + DIS TIN' GUISH ED, celebrated. + JU' RIST, one versed in law. + AF FECT' ED, moved; impressed. + FUR' NISH ED, supplied. + VI' O LA TED, broken; transgressed. + DE PRIVE', rob; hinder. + AL LUD' ED, referred; adverted. + RE STORE', give back. + + +WEBSTER AND THE WOODCHUCK. + +BOSTON TRAVELER. + +1. Ebenezer Webster, the father of Daniel, was a farmer. The vegetables +in his garden had suffered considerably from the depredations of a +woodchuck, which had his hole or habitation near the premises. Daniel, +some ten or twelve years old, and his older brother Ezekiel, had set a +trap, and finally succeeded in capturing the trespasser. + +2. Ezekiel proposed to kill the animal, and end, at once, all further +trouble from him; but Daniel looked with compassion upon his meek, dumb +captive, and offered to let him again go free. The boys could not agree, +and they appealed to their father to decide the case. + +3. "Well, my boys," said the old gentleman, "_I_ will be the _judge_. +There is the _prisoner_, (pointing to the wood-chuck,) and _you_ shall +be the _counsel_, and plead the case _for_ and _against_ his life and +liberty." + +4. Ezekiel opened the case with a strong argument, urging the +mischievous nature of the criminal, the great harm he had already done; +said that much time and labor had been spent in his capture, and now, if +he were suffered to live and go again at large, he would renew his +depredations, and be cunning enough not to suffer himself to be caught +again. + +5. He urged, further, that his skin was of some value, and that, to make +the most of him they could, it would not repay half the damage he had +already done. His argument was ready, practical, to the point, and of +much greater length than our limits will allow us to occupy in relating +the story. + +6. The father looked with pride upon his son, who became a distinguished +jurist in his manhood. "Now, Daniel, it is _your_ turn: I'll hear what +_you_ have to say." + +7. It was his first case. Daniel saw that the plea of his brother had +sensibly affected his father, the judge; and as his large, brilliant, +black eyes looked upon the soft, timid, expression of the animal, and he +saw it tremble with fear in its narrow prison-house, his heart swelled +with pity, and he urged, with eloquent words, that the captive might +again go free. + +8. "God," he said, "had made the woodchuck; he made him to live, to +enjoy the bright sunlight, the pure air, the free fields and woods. God +had not made him, or _any_ thing, in vain; the woodchuck had as much +right to life as any _other_ living thing." + +9. "He was not a destructive animal, as the wolf and the fox were; he +simply ate a few common vegetables, of which they had plenty, and could +well spare a part; he destroyed nothing except the little food he needed +to sustain his humble life; and that little food was as sweet to him, +and as necessary to his existence, as was to them the food upon their +mother's table." + +10. "God furnished to them food; he gave them all they possessed; and +would they not spare a little for the dumb creature, that really had as +much right to his small share of God's bounty, as they themselves had to +their portion?" + +11. "Yea, more, the animal had never violated the laws of his nature or +the laws of God, as man often did; but strictly followed the simple, +harmless instincts he had received from the hand of the Creator of all +things. Created by God's hand, he had a right--a right from God--to +life, to food, to liberty; and they had no right to deprive him of +either." + +12. He alluded to the mute, but earnest pleadings of the animal for that +life, as sweet, as dear to him, as their own was to them, and the just +judgment they might expect, if, in selfish cruelty and cold +heartlessness, they took the life they could not restore--the life that +God alone had given. + +13. During this appeal, the tears had started to the old man's eyes, and +were fast running down his sun-burnt cheeks; every feeling of a father's +heart was stirred within him; he saw the future greatness of his son +before his eyes, he felt that God had blessed him in his children, +beyond the lot of most men. + +14. His pity and sympathy were awakened by the eloquent words of +compassion, and the strong appeal for mercy; and, forgetting the judge +in the man and father, he sprang from his chair, (while Daniel was in +the midst of his argument, without thinking he had already won his +case,) and, turning to his older son, dashing the tears from his eyes, +exclaimed, "_Ezekiel, Ezekiel, you let that woodchuck go!_" + +QUESTIONS.--1. What did Ezekiel propose to do with the woodchuck after +he was caught? 2. What argument did he offer for so doing? 3. What did +Daniel wish to do with him? 4. What argument did he offer? 4. What was +their father's decision? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XV. + + SOLVE, explain; work out. + PROB' LEM, question for solution. + COM PELL' ED, obliged. + IN' DO LENT, idle; lazy. + DINT, force; means. + CON' SCIOUS, self-perceived; felt. + DEM ON STRA' TION, formal proof. + RE CLIN' ING, leaning back. + PON' DERS, weighs; examines. + PROC' ESS, operation. + + +DO IT YOURSELF. + +1. Do not ask the teacher or some classmate to solve that hard problem. +DO IT YOURSELF. You might as well let him eat your dinner as "do your +sums" for you. It is in studying as in eating; _he who does it_, gets +the benefit, and not _he who sees it done_. In almost any school, the +teacher learns more than the best scholars, simply because he is +compelled to solve all the difficult problems, and answer all the +questions of the indolent pupils. + +2. Do not ask your teacher to parse that difficult word, or assist you +in the performance of any of your studies. DO IT YOURSELF. Never mind, +though they _do_ look dark. Do not ask even a hint from any one. TRY +AGAIN. Every trial increases your ability, and you will finally succeed +by dint of the very wisdom and strength gained in the effort, even +though, at first, the problem was beyond your skill. It is the _study_, +and not the _answer_, that really rewards your labor. + +3. Look at that boy, who has just succeeded after six hours of hard +study. How his large eye is lit up with a proud joy, as he marches to +his class! He treads like a conqueror! And well he may. Last night his +lamp burned, and this morning he waked at dawn. Once or twice he nearly +gave it up. He had tried his last thought; but a new thought strikes +him, and he ponders the last process. He tries once more, and succeeds; +and now mark the air of conscious strength with which he pronounces his +demonstration. + +4. His poor, weak schoolmate, who gave up that same problem, after his +first trial, now looks up to him with something of a wonder, as a +superior being. And he _is_ his superior. That problem lies there, a +great gulf between those boys who stood side by side yesterday. + +5. The boy who _did it for himself_, has taken a stride upward, and what +is better still, _has gained strength_ to take other and better ones. +The boy who waited to see _others do it_, has lost both strength and +courage, and is already looking for some good excuse to give up school +and study forever. + +6. DO IT YOURSELF. Remember the counsel given to the artist, who lay +reclining upon his couch, and wondering what the fates would work out +for him. Directing his attention to a block of unhewn marble, with a +chisel lying by its side, the sculptor in the vision is represented as +thus addressing him: "Sir, + + "There's the marble, there's the chisel, + Take it, work it to thy will; + _Thou alone_ must shape thy future, + Heaven send thee strength and skill!" + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who is benefited in studying? 2. What really rewards the +labor of study? 3. What is said of the boy who succeeded after six hours +of hard study? 4. What, of the boy who gave up, after the first trial? +5. What counsel was given to the artist who wondered what the fates +would work out for him? + +How are the words to be read, which are printed in Italics and in +capitals? See page 22, Note III. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XVI. + + SLACK' EN, relax; lessen. + EN DEAV' OR, effort; exertion. + WHOLE' SOME, useful; salutary. + EX CEL', surpass; outdo. + OUT STRIP' PED, outrun; excelled. + SUR PASS' ED, excelled. + VIC' TO RY, conquest; triumph. + UT' TER MOST, very best. + DAR' ING, courage; bravery. + DE FECT', fault; deficiency. + REPIN'ING, fretting; complaining. + UN A VAIL' ING, vain; useless. + COR RECT', amend; make right. + MAX' IM, proverb; saying. + + +BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. + +1. _Life is a race_, where some succeed, + While others are beginning; + 'Tis luck, at times, at others, speed, + That gives an early winning. + But, if you chance to fall behind, + Ne'er slacken your endeavor; + Just keep this wholesome truth in mind: + _'Tis better late than never!_ + +2. If you can keep ahead, 'tis well; + But never trip your neighbor; + 'Tis noble when you can excel + By honest, patient labor. + But, if you are outstripped, at last, + Press on, as bold as ever; + Remember, though you are surpassed, + _'Tis better late than never!_ + +3. Ne'er labor for an idle boast + Of victory o'er another; + But, while you strive your uttermost, + Deal fairly with a brother. + Whate'er your station, do your best, + And, hold your purpose ever; + And, if you fail to beat the rest, + _'Tis better late than never!_ + +4. Choose well the path in which you run,-- + Succeed by noble daring; + Then, though the last, when once 'tis won, + Your crown is worth the wearing. + Then never fret, if left behind, + Nor slacken your endeavor; + But ever keep this truth in mind: + _'Tis better late than never!_ + +5. Yet, would you cure this sad defect, + Repining's unavailing; + Begin, _at once_, and _now_ correct + This very common failing. + _This day_ resolve,--_this very hour,_ + Nor e'en a moment wait; + Go, make this better maxim yours,-- + _'Tis better never late!_ + +QUESTIONS.--1. To what is life compared, first verse? 2. What advice is +given _if you chance to fall behind?_ 3. How ought you to treat your +competitors? 4. What is a very common failing? 5. How may it be +corrected? 6. What is the use of the apostrophe in the word +_repining's_, fifth verse? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XVII. + + A DOPT' ED, taken as one's own. + PIL' LAR ED, supported by pillars. + TWI' LIGHT, faint light after sunset and before sunrise. + THYME, (_time_,) fragrant plant. + VINE' YARD, plantation of grapevines. + DYE, hue; color. + SPARK' LING, emitting bubbles. + + +THE ADOPTED CHILD. + +MISS. HEMANS. + + +LADY. + Why wouldst thou leave me, O gentle child? + _Thy home_ on the mountains is bleak and wild, + A straw-roofed cabin with lowly wall; + _Mine_ is a fair and a pillared hall, + Where many an image of marble gleams, + And the sunshine of picture forever streams. + +BOY. + Oh, green is the turf where my brothers play, + Through the long, bright hours of the summer-day; + They find the red cup-moss where they climb, + And they chase the bee o'er the scented thyme; + And the rocks where the heath-flower blooms they know, + Lady, kind lady! oh, let me go! + +LADY. + Content thee, boy, in my bower to dwell; + Here are sweet sounds which thou lovest well,-- + Flutes on the air in the stilly noon, + Harps which the wandering breezes tune, + And the silvery wood-note of many a bird + Whose voice was ne'er in thy mountains heard. + +BOY. + My mother sings, at the twilight's fall, + A song of the hills, far more sweet than all; + She sings it under our own green tree, + To the babe half-slumbering on her knee; + I dreamed, last night, of that music low,-- + Lady, kind lady! oh, let me go! + +LADY. + (_pl._) Thy mother hath gone from her cares to rest; + She hath taken the babe on her quiet breast; + Thou wouldst meet her footstep, my boy, no more, + Nor hear her song at the cabin-door: + Come thou with me to the vineyards nigh, + And we'll pluck the grapes of the richest dye. + +BOY. + Is my mother gone from her home away?-- + But I know that my brothers are there at play, + I know they are gathering the fox-glove's bell, + Or the long fern leaves by the sparkling well; + Or they launch their boats where the bright streams flow, + Lady, kind lady! oh, let me go! + +LADY. + Fair child, thy brothers are wanderers now, + They sport no more on the mountain's brow; + They have left the fern by the spring's green side, + And the streams where the fairy barks were tried: + Be thou at peace in thy brighter lot, + For thy cabin-home is a lonely spot. + +BOY. + Are they gone, all gone from the sunny hill? + But the bird and the blue-fly rove o'er it still, + And the red deer bound in their gladness free, + And the heath is bent by the singing bee, + And the waters leap, and the fresh winds blow,-- + Lady, kind lady! oh, let me go! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What kind of words are _straw-roofed, heath-flower, +wood-note,_ &c.? 2. What is the use of the apostrophes in the words +_o'er, ne'er, twilight's_, &c.? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XVIII. + + AP PAR' ENT LY, evidently. + CEN' TU RY, hundred years. + GI GAN' TIC, very large. + SPE' CIES, sort; kind. + DI MEN' SION, size; bulk. + SUB LIME', grand; magnificent. + UN MO LEST' ED, free from disturbance. + DIS PERS' ED, separated; scattered. + CLAM' OR OUS, noisy; importunate. + IN DE CIS' ION, doubt; irresolution. + POIS' ED, balanced. + AT' MOS PHERE, surrounding air. + TAL' ONS, claws. + DIS TRI BU' TION, division. + EC' STA SY, excessive joy; transport. + PER' SE CUT ED, harassed; injured. + + +THE OLD EAGLE TREE. + +REV. JOHN TODD. + +1. In a remote field stood a large tulip tree, apparently of a century's +growth, and one of the most gigantic of that splendid species. It looked +like the father of the surrounding forest. A single tree, of huge +dimensions, standing all alone, is a sublime object. + +2. On the top of this tree, an old eagle, commonly called the "Fishing +Eagle," had built her nest every year, for many years, and, unmolested, +raised her young. What is remarkable, as she procured her food from the +ocean, this tree stood full ten miles from the sea-shore. It had long +been known as the "Old Eagle tree." + +3. On a warm, sunny day, the workmen were hoeing corn in an adjoining +field. At a certain hour of the day, the old eagle was known to set off +for the sea-side, to gather food for her young. As she this day returned +with a large fish in her claws, the workmen surrounded the tree, and, by +yelling, and hooting, and throwing stones, so scared the poor bird that +she dropped her fish, and they carried it off in triumph. + +4. The men soon dispersed; but Joseph sat down under a bush near by, to +watch, and to bestow unavailing pity. The bird soon returned to her nest +without food. The eaglets at once set up a cry for food, so shrill, so +clear, and so clamorous, that the boy was greatly moved. + +5. The parent bird seemed to try to soothe them; but their appetites +were too keen, and it was all in vain. She then perched herself on a +limb near them, and looked down into the nest with a look that seemed to +say, "I know not what to do next." + +6. Her indecision was but momentary; again she poised herself, uttered +one or two sharp notes, as if telling them to "lie still," balanced her +body, spread her wings, and was away again for the sea! + +7. Joseph was determined to see the result. His eyes followed her till +she grew small, smaller,--a mere speck in the sky,--and then +disappeared. What boy has not often watched the flight of the bird of +his country in this way? + +8. She was gone nearly two hours, about double her usual time for a +voyage, when she again returned, on a slow, weary wing, flying +uncommonly low, in order to have a heavier atmosphere to sustain her, +with another fish in her talons. + +9. On nearing the field, she made a circuit around it, to see if her +enemies were again there. Finding the coast clear, she once more reached +her tree, drooping, faint, and weary, and evidently nearly exhausted. +Again the eaglets set up their cry, which was soon hushed by the +distribution of a dinner, such as--save the cooking--a king might +admire. + +10. "GLORIOUS BIRD!" cried the boy in ecstacy, and aloud; "what a +spirit! Other birds can fly swifter, others can sing more sweetly, +others can scream more loudly; but what _other bird_, when persecuted +and robbed--when weary--when discouraged--when so far from sea,--would +have done this! + +11. "GLORIOUS BIRD! I will learn a lesson from thee to-day. I will never +forget hereafter, that when the spirit is determined, it can do almost +anything. Others would have drooped and hung the head, and mourned over +the cruelty of man, and sighed over the wants of the nestlings; but +_thou,_ by at once recovering the loss, hast forgotten all. + +12. "I will learn of thee, _noble bird!_ I will remember this. I will +set my mark high. I will try to do something, and to be something in the +world; _I will never yield to discouragements."_ + +QUESTIONS.--1. How far was this Old Eagle tree from the seashore? 2. In +what way did the workmen obtain the fish she brought for her young? 3. +What is said of the eaglets and the parent bird, when she returned to +the nest? 4. What did she then do? 5. What did Joseph say when she +returned with another fish? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XIX. + + AUC' TION, vendue; public sale. + HOME' LESS, (LESS, _without or destitute of,_) without home. + PEN' NI LESS, destitute of pennies. + WASTE' LESS, without waste. + UN LIGHT' ED, (UN, _not_,) not lighted. + SELF' ISH NESS, devoted to one's self. + RE VERSE' (RE, _back_ or _again_; VERSE, _turn_), turn back, + or exchange places. + AC QUIRE', gain; obtain. + IL LUS TRA' TION, explanation. + SOL' I TA RY, single. + DIS PEL', drive away; disperse. + BE NIGHT' ED, unenlightened. + + +THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE. + +ELIHU BURRITT. + +1. Knowledge can not be stolen from you. It can not be bought or sold. +You may be _poor_, and the sheriff come into your house, and sell your +furniture at auction, or drive away your cow, or take your lamb, and +leave you homeless and penniless; but he can not lay the law's hand upon +the _jewelry of your mind_. This can not be taken for debt; neither can +you _give it away_, though you give enough of it to fill a million +minds. + +2. I will tell you what such giving is like. Suppose, now, that there +were no sun nor stars in the heavens, nor any thing that shone in the +black brow of night; and suppose that a lighted lamp were put into your +hand, which should burn wasteless and clear amid all the tempests that +should brood upon this lower world. + +3. Suppose next, that there were a thousand millions of human beings on +the earth with you, each holding in his hand an unlighted lamp, filled +with the same oil as yours, and capable of giving as much light. Suppose +these millions should come, one by one, to you, and light each his lamp +by yours, would they rob you of any light? Would less of it shine on +your own path? Would your lamp burn more dimly for lighting a thousand +millions? + +4. Thus it is, young friends. In getting rich in the things which perish +with the using, men have often obeyed to the letter that first +commandment of selfishness: _"Keep what you can get, and get what you +can."_ In filling your minds with the wealth of knowledge, you must +reverse this rule, and obey this law: _"Keep what you give, and give +what you can."_ + +5. The fountain of knowledge is filled by its _outlets,_ not by its +inlets. You can _learn_ nothing which you do not _teach;_ you can +acquire nothing of intellectual wealth, except by _giving._ In the +illustration of the lamps, which I have given you, was not the light of +the thousands of millions which were lighted at yours, as much your +light, as if it all came from your solitary lamp? Did you not dispel +darkness by giving away light? + +6. Remember this parable, and, whenever you fall in with an unlighted +mind in your walk of life, drop a kind and glowing thought upon it from +yours, and set it a-burning in the world with a light that shall shine +in some dark place to beam on the benighted. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of knowledge? 2. What is the giving of +knowledge like? 3. In getting rich, what precept have men obeyed? 4. +What precept must be obeyed in getting knowledge? 5. How is knowledge +best acquired? 6. What is meant by the _jewelry of the mind,_ first +paragraph? 7. What, by _intellectual wealth,_ fifth paragraph? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XX. + + EX TIN' GUISH ED, put out. + SOL' EMN, grave; serious. + GAR' RI SON, fortress furnished with soldiers, for defense. + SEN' TI NEL, soldier on guard. + CAR A VAN, company of traveling traders or pilgrims. + CON STEL LA' TIONS, clusters of fixed stars. + BRILL' IANT, shining; sparkling. + HOST, great multitude. + EX' TRA, additional. + CRES' CENT, form of the new moon. + HAIL' ED, saluted. + EF FUL' GENCE, splendor. + RE' GEN CY, rule; government. + WAN' ING, decreasing. + SUP PLI CA TION, prayer; petition. + RAPT' URE, great joy; transport. + +[Headnote 1: PAL' ES TINE includes that part of Turkey in Asia, lying on +the eastern borders of the Mediterranean Sea.] + + +NIGHT'S LESSONS. + +L.H. SIGOURNEY. + +1. The lessons of our school are over. The lights in the distant windows +are extinguished, one after the other. The village will soon be lost in +slumber. When all the men and the women are asleep, must we keep awake +to learn lessons? + +2. In large cities, there may be heard, now and then, the rushing wheel +of the traveler. The watchmen pace their round, and cry, _"All is +well."_ In the long, cold nights of Norway, the watchmen who guard the +capitol, pronounce, in a solemn tone, "God bless our good city of +Bergen!" + +3. In the garrison, or the endangered fortress, the armed sentinel keeps +watch, lest they should be surprised by the foe. But in this peaceful +village there is no need of either sentinel or watchman. Why may we not +go to sleep, instead of learning Night's lessons? + +4. My son, one of these you may learn in a moment. Did you say that all +will soon be sleeping? No! there is one Eye that never slumbers. He who +made all the people, keepeth watch above the everlasting hills. Commit +yourself to His care. + +5. Now, will you learn with me the second lesson of the night? Lift your +eyes to yon glorious canopy. Seest thou not there a sentinel, set by the +Eternal, at the northern gate of heaven,--the pole-star? + +6. The pole-star! Blessings are breathed upon it, by the weary caravan, +fearing the poisonous wind of the desert,--by the red forest-children, +seeking their home beyond the far Western prairies,--and by the lonely +mariner, upon the pathless ocean. + +7. The stars! See them! The oil in their lamps never burns out. These +glorious constellations wheel their mighty course unchanged, while "man +dieth and wasteth away, yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?" +[Footnote: Job, 14th chap., 10th verse.] + +8. Yon brilliant orbs maintain their places, while countless generations +pass away, and nations disappear and are forgotten. Let us bow in +humility before "Him who bringeth out their host by number, who calleth +them all by names, by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong +in power; not one faileth." [Footnote: Isaiah. 40th chap., 26th verse.] + +9. Thirteen times in the year, Night, the teacher, gives extra lessons. +Will you be there to learn them? First, she hangs up a pale crescent in +the west. The ancient Jews hailed its infant beam, and answering fires +of joy were kindled on the hills of Palestine.[Headnote 1] + +10. Next, she summons forth a rounded orb, clad in full effulgence, and +commits to it the regency when the sun retires. Lastly, a slender, +waning crescent appears nightly, like an aged man, ready to descend into +the night of the tomb. + +11. + "Soon as the evening shades prevail, + The moon takes up the wondrous tale, + And nightly to the listening earth, + Repeats the story of her birth; + While all the stars that round her burn, + And all the planets in their turn, + Confirm the tidings as they roll, + And spread the truth from pole to pole." + +12. These are some of Night's lessons. Are you tired of them? Or, will +you learn one more? Lift up your heart to Him who has given you the past +day, with thanks for its blessings,--with penitence for its +faults,--with supplication for strength and wisdom for the time that is +to come. + +13. "Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth +knowledge" [Footnote: Psalm 19th, 2nd verse.] of God. Thus, meekly and +faithfully studying Night's lessons, may we find + + "Even sorrow, touched by Heaven, grows bright + With more than rapture's ray, + As darkness shows us worlds of light, + We never saw by day." + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who watches over us when asleep? 2. In what way is the +pole-star useful to man? 3. What is said of the stars? 4. What extra +lessons is it that night gives thirteen times a year? 5. Describe the +first appearance of the moon. 6. How does it next appear? 7. Where is +Palestine? 8. Where are the passages to be found, quoted in the 7th, +8th, and 13th paragraphs? 9. Do you know who is the author of the 11th +verse? Ans. Addison. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXI. + + HID' DEN, secret; concealed. + QUAIL, sink; droop. + SCORN' ING, disdaining. + GREET' ING, salutation. + VIEW' LESS, not to be seen. + YEARN' ETH, longeth. + CHANT, sing; carol. + PORT' AL, entrance; gate-way. + CHEER' Y, gay; lively. + E TER' NI TY, endless duration. + + +NATURE'S TEACHINGS. + +CHAMBERS' JOURNAL. + + +FIRST VOICE. + +1. Sunlight! tell the hidden meaning + Of the rays thou lettest fall; + Are they lessons writ in burning, + Like God's warning on the wall? + +SECOND VOICE. + + Strive, O man, to let a loving + Spirit cheer the sad and poor; + So shall many a fair hope blossom, + Where none grew before! + +FIRST VOICE. + +2. Stars! what is it ye would whisper, + With your pure and holy light? + Looking down so calm and tender + From the watch-tower of the night. + +SECOND VOICE. + + When thy soul would quail from scorning, + Keep a brave heart and a bold; + As we always shine the brightest + When the nights are cold. + + +FIRST VOICE. + +3. Hast thou not a greeting for me, + Heaven's own happy minstrel-bird'? + Thou whose voice, like some sweet angel's, + Viewless, in the cloud is heard'? + +SECOND VOICE. + + Though thy spirit yearneth sky-ward, + Oh, forget not human worth! + I, who chant at heaven's portal, + Build my nest on earth. + +FIRST VOICE. + +4. River! river'! singing gayly + From the hill-side all day long, + Teach my heart the merry music + Of thy cheery, rippling song. + +SECOND VOICE. + + Many winding ways I follow; + Yet, at length, I reach the sea. + Man, remember that _thy_ ocean + Is ETERNITY! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is meant by _God's warning on the wall?_ See the 5th +chap. of Daniel. 2. What is meant by _minstrel-bird?_ Ans. The lark. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXII. + + GLARE, dazzling light. + BLITHE' LY, gayly; joyfully. + WROUGHT, worked; labored. + RE MORSE', painful regret. + WANE, decrease; grow less. + FAN' CIES, whims; notions. + + A NON._'_ is an abbreviation of _anonymous_, which means + _without name; nameless_. See SANDERS' ANALYSIS, page 88, + Exercise 108. + + +SOWING AND HARVESTING. + +ANON. + +1. They are sowing their seed in the daylight fair, + They are sowing their seed in the noonday's glare, + They are sowing their seed in the soft twilight, + They are sowing their seed in the solemn night; + _What_ shall their harvest be? + +2. They are sowing their seed of pleasant thought, + In the spring's green light they have blithely wrought; + They have brought their fancies from wood and dell, + Where the mosses creep, and the flower-buds swell; + _Rare_ shall the harvest be! + +3. They are sowing the seeds of word and deed, + Which the cold know not, nor the careless heed,-- + Of the gentle word and the kindest deed, + That have blessed the heart in its sorest need; + _Sweet_ shall the harvest be! + +4. And some are sowing the seeds of pain, + Of late remorse, and in maddened brain; + And the stars shall fall, and the sun shall wane, + Ere they root the weeds from the soil again; + _Dark_ will the harvest be! + +5. And some are standing with idle hand, + Yet they scatter seeds on their native land; + And some are sowing the seeds of care, + Which their soil has borne, and still must bear; + _Sad_ will the harvest be! + +6. They are sowing the seed of noble deed, + With a sleepless watch and an earnest heed; + With a ceaseless hand o'er the earth they sow, + And the fields are whitening where'er they go; + _Rich_ will the harvest be! + +7. Sown in darkness, or sown in light, + Sown in weakness, or sown in might, + Sown in meekness, or sown in wrath, + In the broad work-field, or the shadowy path, + SURE will the harvest be! + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who are meant by _they_ in this lesson? 2. What is said +of those who are _sowing the seeds of word and deed?_ 3. What, of those +who are sowing the _seeds of care?_ 4. Repeat the last verse. 5. What +passage of Scripture teaches the same idea? Ans. "Whatsoever a man +soweth, that shall he also reap."--Gal., 6th chap., 7th verse. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXIII. + + FOR' TI FI ED, strengthened by works of art for defense. + SUL' TRY, close; oppressively hot. + BOAT' SWAIN, one who has charge of a ship's boats, rigging, &c. + TARS, sailors. + MOOR' ED, anchored. + BUOYS, floats. + AN' CHOR, iron instrument for holding ships. + STAR' BOARD, right side of a ship. + FORE' CAS TLE, short deck in the fore part of a ship. + WAKE, track. + BE REFT', deprived. + IM' MI NENT, impending. + PIERC' ED, went through. + FORE AND AFT, before and behind. + SWAY' ED, swung; moved. + CAR' CASS, dead body. + EX CITE' MENT, agitation. + PHA' SES, forms; appearances. + +[Headnote 1: SA HA' RA, is a Great Desert in Africa, lying south of the +Barbary States, and extending from the Atlantic on the west to Egypt and +Nubia on the east. The winds that come from this desert, are hot and +suffocating.] + + +A THRILLING INCIDENT. + +ANON. + +1. Our noble ship lay at anchor in the Bay of Tangier, a fortified town +in the extreme northwest of Africa. The day had been extremely mild, +with a gentle breeze sweeping to the northward and westward; but, toward +the close of the afternoon, the sea-breeze died away, and one of those +sultry, oven-like breathings came from the great, sun-burnt Sahara +[Headnote 1]. + +2. Half an hour before sundown, the captain gave the cheering order for +the boatswain to call the hands to "go in swimming;" and, in less than +five minutes, the forms of our tars were seen leaping from the arms of +the lower yards, into the water. One of the studding sails, with its +corners suspended from the main yard-arm and the swinging boom, had been +lowered into the water, and into this most of the swimmers made their +way. + +3. Among those who seemed to be enjoying the sport most heartily, were +two of the boys, Timothy Wallace and Frederic Fairbanks, the latter of +whom was the son of our old gunner; and, in a laughing mood, they +started out from the studding sail on a race. There was a loud ringing +shout of joy on their lips as they put off, and they darted through the +water like fishes. The surface of the sea was smooth as glass, though +its bosom rose in long, heavy swells that set in from the Atlantic. + +4. The vessel was moored with a long sweep from both cables, and one of +the buoys of the anchor was far away on the starboard quarter, where it +rose and fell with the lazy swells of the waves. Toward this buoy the +two lads made their way, young Fairbanks taking the lead; but, when they +were within about twenty or thirty fathoms of the buoy, Wallace shot +ahead and promised to win the race. + +5. The old gunner had watched the progress of his little son with a +great degree of pride; and when he saw him drop behind, he leaped upon +the quarter-deck, and was just upon the point of urging him on by a +shout, when a cry was heard that struck him with instant horror. + +6. "_A shark! a shark!_" was sounded from the captain of the forecastle; +and, at the sound of these terrible words, the men who were in the +water, leaped and plunged toward the ship. Right abeam, at the distance +of three or four cables' lengths, was seen the wake of a shark in the +water, where the back of the monster was visible. His course was for the +boys. + +7. For a moment, the gunner stood like one bereft of reason; but, on the +next, he shouted at the top of his voice, for the boys to turn; but they +heard him not. Stoutly the two swimmers strove for the goal, all +unconscious of their imminent danger. Their merry laugh still rang over +the waters, and, at length, they both touched the buoy together. + +8. Oh, what agony filled the heart of the gunner! A boat had put off, +but he knew that it could not reach the boys in season, and every moment +he expected to see the monster sink from sight,--_then_ he knew that all +hope would be gone. At this moment, a cry reached the ship, that pierced +every heart,--the boys had discovered their enemy. + +9. The cry started the old gunner to his senses, and quicker than +thought, he sprang from the quarter-deck. The guns were all loaded and +shotted, fore and aft, and none knew their temper better than he. With +steady hand, made strong by sudden hope, the old gunner seized a +priming-wire and picked the cartridge of one of the quarter guns; then +he took from his pocket a percussion cap, fixed it in its place, and set +back the hammer of the patent lock. + +10. With a giant strength the old man swayed the breech of the heavy gun +to its bearing, and then seizing the string of the lock, he stood back +and watched for the next swell that would bring the shark in range. He +had aimed the piece some distance ahead of his mark; but yet a little +moment would settle his hopes and fears. + +11. Every breath was hushed, and every heart in that old ship beat +painfully. The boat was yet some distance from the boys, while the +horrid sea-monster was fearfully near. Suddenly the air was rent by the +roar of the heavy gun; and, as the old man knew his shot was gone, he +sank back upon the hatch, and covered his face with his hands, as if +afraid to see the result of his own efforts; for, if he had failed, he +knew that his boy was lost. + +12. For a moment after the report of the gun had died away upon the air, +there was an unbroken silence; but, as the dense smoke arose from the +surface of the water, there was, at first, a low murmur breaking from +the lips of the men,--that murmur grew louder and stronger, till it +swelled to a joyous, deafening shout. The old gunner sprang to his feet, +and gazed off on the water, and the first thing that met his view, was +the huge carcass of the shark, floating on his back--a mangled, lifeless +mass. + +13. In a few moments, the boats reached the daring swimmers, and, +greatly frightened, they were brought on board. The old man clasped his +boy in his arms, and then, overcome by the powerful excitement, he +leaned upon a gun for support. I have seen men in all the phases of +excitement and suspense, but never have I seen three human beings more +overcome by thrilling emotions, than on that startling moment when they +first knew the effect of our gunner's shot. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where is the town of Tangier? 2. What order had been +given by the captain of the vessel? 3. Who seemed most to enjoy the +sport? 4. What is said of the old gunner? 5. What did he do? 6. What +effect did his shot produce? 7. Describe the closing scene. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXIV. + + DIS GUISE', concealment. + WAY' LAID, beset by the way. + THREAT' EN ED, declared the intention. + IN CLINE, dispose. + RUF' FIANS, robbers; murderers. + DIS TRIB'UTE, divide; apportion. + TREAS' UR Y, place for keeping money. + ALMS, gifts; donations. + MI' SER LY, covetous; niggardly. + SAL' A RY, wages; allowance for services. + IN VOLV' ING, entangling. + BE WIL' DER ED, puzzled; perplexed. + LOG' IC, reasoning. + SAGE, wise man. + FUL FILL' ING, performing. + E VA' SION, departure from truth. + DE CEIT', deception; fraud. + + +THE TRUTHFUL KING. + +1. A certain Persian king, while traveling in disguise, with but few +attendants, was waylaid by robbers, who threatened to take not only his +goods, but his life. + +2. Feeling himself beyond the reach of human aid, he inwardly made a +vow, that if God would incline the hearts of these ruffians to mercy, +and restore him in safety to his family and people, he would distribute +all the money then in his treasury, in alms to the needy of his realm. + +3. The robbers, from some unknown cause, liberated him, and he soon +reached home in safety, having sustained no injury, save the loss of the +small purse of gold that he had carried in his girdle. + +4. Desirous of keeping the vow he had made, he summoned his officers, +and commanded them to make immediate distribution to the poor, of all +that the treasury contained, at the time of his return. + +5. But his officers, more miserly than himself, and, fearful that they +might fall short in their salaries and pensions, began to urge upon the +monarch the folly of keeping this rash vow, and the danger of thus +involving himself and his kingdom in difficulties. + +6. Finding he still remained firm, they took other grounds, and +plausibly argued that the troops and other officials needed aid as well +as the poor; and, as by the _words_ of his vow, he had bound himself to +distribute the contents of the treasury to those who had claim to +relief, the public servants certainly came within the required limits. + +7. Bewildered by their false logic, and sincerely desirous of doing +right, he appealed to a certain sage who dwelt near the royal palace, +and determined to abide by his decision. + +8. The sage, after hearing the case, only asked the following simple +question: "Of whom were you thinking when you made the vow,--the poor, +or the public servants?" The monarch replied, "Of the poor." "Then," +answered the sage, "it is to the _poor_ you are bound to distribute +these funds; for you are not _really_ fulfilling your vow, unless you do +that which you intended to do when it was made." The king was satisfied +that this was the right decision, and did as the sage advised. + +9. Let the young bear in mind that God is a being of truth, requiring +truth in the inward heart; and, if they would have His approval, and +that of their own consciences, they must avoid not only the _outward_ +appearance of falsehood, but the slightest evasion or deceit; and when +promises have been made, fulfill not only the _letter_, but the _spirit_ +of that which they agreed to perform. + +10. Beware of the first and slightest departure from truth, of the least +endeavor to deceive, and even of the desire to have others believe what +is not so. Let your motto be, _"The truth, the whole truth, and nothing +but the truth."_ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What happened to a certain Persian king? 2. What vow did +he then make? 3. What objection did his officers make to this? 4. What +did the king then do? 5. What was the sage's decision? 6. What motto +ought you to adopt? 7. What rule for spelling the word _traveling_ with +one _l_? See SANDERS & McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 13, Rule 10. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXV. + + EN TIC' ES, allures; leads astray. + PRE TEXT, pretense; false reason. + PRO FANE, pollute; defile, + TEMP TA' TION, allurement. + IN' LY, within; in the heart. + DE CLARES, says; asserts. + CHAFE, vex; provoke. + MAL' ICE, hatred; malevolence. + AV' A RICE, excessive love of money. + FORE GO', give up; renounce. + MAM' MON, god of wealth; riches. + IN DIG' NANT, with anger; disdainfully. + LU' CRE, gain; profit. + EM PRISE', enterprise; undertaking. + SURE' TY, security. + O VER THROW', subvert; destroy. + CON TEMPT', scorn; disdain. + SOR' CER ESS, enchantress. + EX PEL', (EX, _out_; PEL, _to drive_) drive out; banish. + RE SIST', (RE, _again_; SIST, _to stand_,) stand again; hence, + to withstand. + + See SANDERS and McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 90, Ex. 113; also, + page 110, Ex. 142. + + +WHEN SHALL I ANSWER NO? + +J.N. McELLIGOTT. + + 1. When FALSEHOOD fair entices thee + Against the truth to go, + No matter what the pretext be, + Be thy firm answer,--No! + + 2. When RASHNESS would thy tongue profane + With language vile and low, + O, make the gross temptation vain, + By answering inly,--No! + + 3. When PRIDE the silly wish declares, + That thou should'st fashion know, + And lifts thy head with empty airs, + Be wise, and answer,--No! + + 4. When ENVY would thy spirit chafe, + That others prosper so, + On calm contentment resting safe, + Expel her with a--No! + + 5. When MALICE foul, or deadly HATE, + Would turn thee on a foe, + And dark, revengeful thirst create, + In horror answer,--No! + + 6. When sluggish SLEEP, with folded arms, + Would make thee health forego, +('')Rise up at once, resist her charms; + _Act out_ the answer,--No! + + 7. When AVARICE would, with heartless speed, + Shout out the sight of woe, + And whisper joy from Mammon's greed, + Indignant answer,--No! + + 8. When filthy LUCRE lifts her hand, + Ungodly gains to show, + Though she should promise all the land, + Be thy prompt answer,--No! + + 9. When greedy GAIN, or rash EMPRISE, + Would have thee surety go, + Keep Wisdom's words [Footnote 1] before thine eyes, + And firmly answer,--No! + + 10. When mad AMBITION would seduce, + The _right_ to overthrow, + And turn the selfish passions loose, + In mercy answer,--No! + + 11. When foul CONTEMPT of Holy Writ + Would in thy bosom sow + The wish to be where scorners sit,[Footnote 2] + Let Conscience answer,--No! + + 12. When SIN, indeed, whate'er her style, + Would have thee with her go; + Stay not to hear the Sorceress vile, + But leave her with a--No! + + [Footnote 1: Prov., 11th Chap., 15th verse.] + [Footnote 2: 1st Psalm, 1st verse.] + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXVI. + + PE RUSE', read; study. + AL LOT' TED, assigned. + ME RID' I AN, noon; mid-day. + GEN' U INE, true; real. + ART' FUL, cunning; crafty. + MIM' ICK ED, pretended; counterfeited. + PRE SIDE', have sway or rule. + DE MER' IT, ill-desert; defect. + RU' BY, precious stone. + PUP' PET, little image. + DE TER' MINE, decide; find out. + ER' MINE, fine fur--(of the ermine.) + CAP' TOR, one who takes a prize. + SCEP' TERS, emblems of authority. + CHA' RY, careful; wary. + MYS' TIC, secret; mysterious. + +We have seldom seen any thing so full of wit, truth, and practical +wisdom, as this poem inscribed. + + +TO MASTERS ROBERT AND JOHN. + + 1. Take this book, my boys, + Earnestly peruse it; + Much of after lies + In the way ye use it: + Keep it neat and clean; + For, remember, in it, + Every stain that's seen, + Marks a thoughtless minute. + + 2. Life is like a book, + Time is like a printer, + Darting now his look + Where has gloomed no winter. + Thus he'll look, and on, + Till each page allotted, + Robert, thee and John, + Printed be or blotted. + + 3. Youth's a sunny beam, + Dancing o'er a river, + With a flashing gleam, + Then away forever. + Use it while ye may, + Not in childish mourning,-- + Not in childish play, + But in _useful learning_. + + 4. As your years attain + Life's meridian brightness, + Hourly seek and gain + _Genuine politeness:_ + This lives not in forms, + As too many teach us,-- + Not in open arms, + Not in silken speeches, + + 5. Not in haughty eye, + Not in artful dealing, + Not within the sigh + Of a mimicked feeling: + But its lights preside + Rich in nature's splendor, + Over honest pride, + Gentleness and candor. + + 6. Slight ye not the soul + For the frame's demerit; + Oft a shattered bowl + Holds a mighty spirit: + Never search a breast + By thy ruby's glances; + Pomp's a puppet guest, + Danced by circumstances. + + 7. What is good and great, + Sense can soon determine; + Prize it though ye meet, + Or in rags or ermine. + Fortune's truly blind; + Fools may be her captors; + But the _wealth of mind_ + Stands above their scepters. + + 8. Value not the lips + Swiftest kept in motion, + Fleetly-sailing ships + Draw no depth of ocean: + Snatch the chary gleam, + From the cautious knowing + For the deepest stream + Scarcely lisps 'tis flowing. + + 9. Cull from bad and good + Every seeming flower, + Store it up as food + For some hungry hour: + Press its every leaf, + And remember, Johnny, + Even weeds the chief + May have drops of honey. + +10. Pomp and power alone + Never make a blessing; + Seek not e'en a throne + By one wretch distressing. + Better toil a slave + For the blood-earned penny, + Than be rich, and have + A curse on every guinea. + +11. Think, my gentle boys, + Every man a brother! + _That's where honor lies,_ + Nay, but _greatness_ rather: + One's the mystic whole, + Lordly flesh won't know it; + But the kingly soul, + Sees but vice below it. + +12. Robert, thoughts like these, + Store you more than money; + Read them not to please, + But to practice, Johnny. + Artless though their dress, + As an infant's dimple, + _Truth is none the less_ + _For being truly simple._ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What did the writer tell Robert and John to do with the +book, given them? 2. What use did he tell them to make of Youth? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXVII. + + AV A RI'' CIOUS, greedy after gain. + IN' TI MATE, close in friendship. + EA' GER NESS, ardent desire. + FRU GAL' I TY, wise economy. + AC QUI SI'' TIONS, gains. + AF' FLU ENCE, great wealth. + SUC' CES SION, regular order. + MOIL' ING, drudging; laboring. + DIS CON TIN' U ED, ceased. + AS SI DU' I TY, untiring diligence. + DIS GUST' ED, greatly dissatisfied. + IN DULG' ED, gratified. + MON' STROUS, very large. + SUC CEED' ING, following. + MAT' TOCK, pick-ax. + UN DER MINE', dig under. + O' MEN, sign; token. + IM AG' IN ED, conceived. + + +WHANG, THE MILLER. + +GOLDSMITH. + +1. Whang, the miller, was naturally avaricious; nobody loved money +better than he, or more respected those that had it. When people would +talk of a rich man in company, Whang would say, "_I_ know him very well, +_he_ and _I_ have been very long acquainted; _he_ and _I_ are intimate." + +2. But, if a poor man was mentioned, he had not the least knowledge of +the man; he might be very well, for aught _he_ knew; but he was not fond +of making many acquaintances, and loved to choose his company. + +3. Whang, however, with all his eagerness for riches, was poor. He had +nothing but the profits of his mill to support him; but, though these +were small, they were certain: while it stood and went, he was sure of +eating; and his frugality was such, that he, every day, laid some money +by; which he would, at intervals, count and contemplate with much +satisfaction. + +4. Yet still his acquisitions were not equal to his desires; he only +found himself above want; whereas he desired to be possessed of +affluence. One day, as he was indulging these wishes, he was informed +that a neighbor of his had found a pan of money under ground, having +dreamed of it three nights in succession. + +5. These tidings were daggers to the heart of poor Whang. "Here am I," +said he, "toiling and moiling from morning till night for a few paltry +farthings, while neighbor Thanks only goes quietly to bed, and dreams +himself into thousands before morning. Oh, that I could dream like him! +With what pleasure would I dig round the pan! How slyly would I carry it +home! Not even my wife should see me! And then, oh the pleasure of +thrusting one's hands into a heap of gold up to the elbows!" + +6. Such reflections only served to make the miller unhappy. He +discontinued his former assiduity; he was quite disgusted with small +gains; and his customers began to forsake him. Every day he repeated the +wish, and every night laid himself down in order to dream. Fortune, that +was for a long time unkind, at last, however, seemed to smile upon his +distress, and indulged him with the wished-for vision. + +7. He dreamed that under a certain part of the foundation of his mill, +there was concealed a monstrous pan of gold and diamonds, buried deep in +the ground, and covered with a large flat stone. He concealed his good +luck from every person, as is usual in money-dreams, in order to have +the vision repeated the two succeeding nights, by which he should be +certain of its truth. His wishes in this, also, were answered; he still +dreamed of the same pan of money, in the very same place. + +8. Now, therefore, it was past a doubt; so, getting up early the third +morning, he repaired, alone, with a mattock in his hand, to the mill, +and began to undermine that part of the wall to which the vision +directed. The first omen of success that he met with, was a broken ring; +digging still deeper, he turned up a house-tile, quite new and entire. + +9. At last, after much digging, he came to a broad flat stone; but then +it was so large, that it was beyond his strength to remove it. +"_There_," cried he in raptures to himself, "_there it is!_ under this +stone, there is room for a very large pan of diamonds indeed. I must +e'en go home to my wife, and tell her the whole affair, and get her to +assist me in turning it up." Away, therefore, he goes, and acquaints his +wife with every circumstance of their good fortune. + +10. Her raptures, on this occasion, may easily be imagined; she flew +round his neck, and embraced him in an agony of joy. But these +transports, however, did not allay their eagerness to know the exact +sum; returning, together, to the place where Whang had been digging, +there they found--not, indeed, the expected treasure--but the mill, +their only support, undermined and fallen! + +QUESTIONS.--1. Upon what was Whang, the miller, dependent for support? +2. Why was he not satisfied? 3. What did he say to himself, after the +information he had received from a neighbor? 4. What effect had such +reflections upon him? 5. What did he dream three nights successively? 6. +What did he do? 7. What was the result? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXVIII. + + PO LITE' NESS, good manners. + FI DEL' I TY, faithfulness. + IN CU BA' TION, act of hatching eggs. + REC RE A' TION, pastime; amusement. + DE MURE' LY, gravely; with affected modesty. + AP PRE CI A' TION, estimate. + LITHE, nimble; flexible. + EX' IT, departure; going out. + ARCH' I TECTS, (_ch_, like _k_,) builders. + SA LI' VA, spittle. + SE CRETE', to deposit; produce. + CON'' GRE GATE, collect together. + FLEDG' ED, furnished with feathers. + DO MAIN', realm; kingdom. + AC COM MO DA' TIONS, conveniences. + MI' GRATE, remove; travel. + SPHERE, (_ph_ like _f_,) circuit of action. + + +CHIMNEY-SWALLOWS. + +HENRY WARD BEECHER. + +1. Every one knows, who lives in the country, what a chimney-swallow is. +They are among the birds that seem to love the neighborhood of man. Many +birds there are, that nestle confidingly in the protection of their +superiors, and are seldom found nesting or breeding far from human +habitations. + +2. The wren builds close to your door. Sparrows and robins, if well +treated, will make their nests right under your window, in some favorite +tree, and will teach you, if you choose to go into the business, how to +build birds' nests. + +3. A great deal of politeness and fidelity may be learned. The female +bird is waited upon, fed, cheered with singing, during her incubation, +in a manner that might give lessons to the household. Nay, when she +needs exercise and recreation, her husband very demurely takes her +place, and keeps the eggs warm in the most gentlemanly way. + +4. Barn-swallows have a very sensible appreciation of the pleasures of +an ample barn. A barn might not be found quite the thing to live in, +(although we have seen many a place where we would take the barn sooner +than the house,) but it is one of the most charming places in a +summer-day to lounge, read, or nap in. + +5. And, as you lie on your back upon the sweet-scented hay-mow, or upon +clean straw thrown down on the great floor, reading books of natural +history, it is very pleasant to see the flitting swallows glance in and +out, or course about under the roof, with motion so lithe and rapid as +to seem more like the glancing of shadows than the winging of birds. +Their mud-nests are clean, if they _are_ made of dirt; and you would +never dream, from their feathers, what sort of a house they lived in. + +6. But, it was of _chimney-swallows_ that we began to write; and they +are just now roaring in the little, stubbed chimney behind us, to remind +us of our duty. Every evening we hear them; for a nest of young ones +brings the parents in with food, early and late, and every entrance or +exit is like a distant roll of thunder, or like those old-fashioned +rumblings of high winds in the chimney, which made us children think +that all out-of-doors was coming down the chimney in stormy nights. + +7. These little architects build their simple nests upon the sides of +the chimney with sticks, which they are said to break off from dead +branches of trees, though they might more easily pick them up already +prepared. But they, doubtless, have their own reasons for cutting their +own timber. Then these are glued to the wall by a saliva which they +secrete, so that they carry their mortar in their mouths, and use their +bills for trowels. + +8. When the young are ready to leave, they climb up the chimney to the +top, by means of their sharp claws, aided by their tail-feathers, which +are short, stiff, and at the end armed with sharp spines. Two broods are +reared in a season. From the few which congregate in any one +neighborhood, one would not suspect the great numbers which assemble at +the end of the season. Audubon estimated that _nine thousand_ entered a +large sycamore-tree, every night, to roost, near Louisville, Kentucky. + +9. Sometimes the little nest has been slighted in building, or the +weight proves too great, and down it comes into the fire-place, to the +great amusement of the children, who are all a-fever to hold in their +hands these clean, bright-eyed little fellows. Who would suspect that +they had ever been bred in such a flue? + +10. And it was just this thought that set us to writing. Because a bird +lives in a chimney, he need not be _smutty_. There is many a fine +feather that lives in a chimney-corner. Nor are birds the _only_ +instances. Many men are born in a garret, or in a cellar, who fly out of +it, as soon as fledged, as fine as any body. A lowly home has reared +many high natures. + +11. On these bare sticks, right against the bricks, in this smoky flue, +the eggs are laid, the brooding goes on, the young are hatched, fed, +grown. But then comes the day when they spread the wing, and the whole +heaven is theirs! From morning to night, they can not touch the bounds +of their liberty! + +12. And, in like manner, it is with the human soul that has learned to +know its liberty. Born in a body, pent up, and cramped, it seems +imprisoned in a mere smoky flue for passions. But, when once faith has +taught the soul that it has wings, then it begins to fly; and flying, +finds that all God's domain is its liberty. + +13. And, as the swallow that comes back to roost in its hard hole at +night, is quite content, so that the morning gives it again all the +bright heavens for its soaring-ground, so may men, close quartered and +cramped in bodily accommodations, be quite patient of their narrow +bounds, for their thoughts may fly out every day gloriously. + +14. And as, in autumn, these children of the chimney gather in flocks, +and fly away to heavens without a winter, so men shall find a day when +they, too, shall migrate; and, rising into a higher sphere, without +storm or winter, shall remember the troubles of this mortal life, as +birds in Florida may be supposed to remember the northern chills, which +drove them forth to a fairer clime. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What birds seem to love the neighborhood of man? 2. In +what respects may men be like birds? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXIX. + +The first part of each verse, or that portion read by the _First Voice_, +should be expressed in a slow and despondent tone of voice: the second +part, or that read by the _Second Voice_, should be expressed in a more +sprightly and cheerful manner. + + +THE DOUBTING HEART. + +ADELAIDE A. PROCTER. + + +FIRST VOICE. + + 1. Where are the swallows fled? + Frozen and dead, +Perchance, upon some bleak and stormy shore. + +SECOND VOICE. + + O doubting heart! + Far over purple seas, + They wait, in sunny ease, + The balmy southern breeze, +To bring them to their northern homes once more. + + +FIRST VOICE. + + 2. Why must the flowers die? + Poisoned they lie +In the cold tomb, heedless of tears or rain. + +SECOND VOICE. + + O doubting heart! + They only sleep below + The soft, white ermine snow, + While winter winds shall blow, +To breathe and smile upon you soon again. + + +FIRST VOICE. + + 3. The sun has hid its rays + These many days; +Will dreary hours never leave the earth? + +SECOND VOICE. + + O doubting heart! + The stormy clouds on high + Vail the same sunny sky, + That soon, (for Spring is nigh,) +Shall wake the Summer into golden mirth. + + +FIRST VOICE. + + 4. Fair Hope is dead, and light + Is quenched in night. +What sound can break the silence of despair? + +SECOND VOICE. + + O doubting heart! + The sky is overcast, + Yet stars shall rise at last, + Brighter for darkness past, +And angels' silver voices stir the air. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXX. + + DECK'ED, dressed; arrayed. + TRAIL'ING, hanging down; following one after another. + UN FAIL'ING, constant; continually. + UN PLI'ANT, stiff; unbending. + DE FI'ANT, daring; bidding defiance. + VES'PER, evening. + CRISP'ER, more brittle. + TREAS'URES, wealth; riches. + MER'IT, desert; goodness. + IN HER'IT, occupy; possess. + MOR'SEL, bit; small piece. + WAIL'ING, loudly lamenting. + RAIL'ING, clamoring. + + +THE COMING OF WINTER. + +T.B. READ. + +1. Autumn's sighing, + Moaning, dying, + Clouds are flying + On like steeds; + While their shadows + O'er the meadows. + Walk like widows + Decked in weeds. + +2. Red leaves trailing, + Fall unfailing, + Dropping, sailing, + From the wood, + That, unpliant, + Stands defiant, + Like a giant + Dropping blood. + +3. Winds are swelling + Round our dwelling, + All day telling + Us their woe; + And, at vesper, + Frosts grow crisper, + As they whisper + Of the snow. + +4. From th' unseen land, + Frozen inland, + Down from Greenland, + Winter glides, + Shedding lightness + Like the brightness + When moon-whiteness + Fills the tides. + +5. Now bright Pleasure's + Sparkling measures + With rare treasures + Overflow! + With this gladness + Comes what sadness! + Oh, what madness, + Oh, what woe! + +6. Even merit + May inherit + Some bare garret, + Or the ground; + Or, a worse ill, + Beg a morsel + At some door-sill, + Like a hound. + +7. Storms are trailing, + Winds are wailing, + Howling, railing, + At each door. + 'Midst this trailing + Howling, railing, + List the wailing + Of the poor! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is the first sign of the coming of winter? 2. What, +the second? 3. What, the third? 4. What are some of the pleasures of +winter? 5. What is said of the poor in winter? 6. What is the use of the +apostrophes in the words _autumn's, o'er, pleasure's, 'midst,_ &c.? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXI. + + LIVE' LONG, whole; entire. + EAVES, edges of a roof. + E' VEN TIDE, evening. + STRIV' EN, struggled; contended. + RE LIEV' ED, mitigated; alleviated. + WRETCH' ED NESS, distress; destitution. + OF FENSE', fault; crime. + PEN' I TENCE, repentance; contrition. + EL' O QUENT LY, forcibly; persuasively. + + +CHILD TIRED OF PLAY. + +N.P. WILLIS. + + 1. Tired of play`! tired of play`! + What hast thou done this livelong day`? + The birds are silent', and so is the bee`; + The sun is creeping up steeple and tree`; + The doves have flown to the sheltering eaves', + And the nests are dark with the drooping leaves'; + Twilight gathers', and day is done`,-- + How hast them spent it`,--restless one'? + + 2. Playing`? But what hast thou done beside, + To tell thy mother at eventide`? + What promise of morn is left unbroken`? + What kind word to thy playmates spoken`? + Whom hast thou pitied, and whom forgiven`? + How with thy faults has duty striven`? + What hast thou learned by field and hill, + By greenwood path, and by singing rill`? + + 3. There will come an eve to a longer day', + That will find thee tired`,--but not of play'! + And thou wilt lean, as thou leanest now, + With drooping limbs, and aching brow, + And wish the shadows would faster creep, + And long to go to thy quiet sleep. + _Well_ were it then, if thine aching brow + Were as free from sin and shame as now! + _Well_ for thee, if thy lip could tell + A tale like this, of _a day spent well_. + + 4. If thine open hand hath relieved distress',-- + If thy pity hath sprung to wretchedness',-- + If thou hast forgiven the sore offense', + And humbled thy heart with penitence',-- + If Nature's voices have spoken to thee + With her holy meanings eloquently',-- + If every creature hath won thy love', + From the creeping worm to the brooding dove',-- + If never a sad, low-spoken word + Hath pled with thy human heart unheard',-- + _Then_`, when the night steals on, as now, + It will bring relief to thine aching brow, + And, with joy and peace at the thought of rest, + Thou wilt sink to sleep on thy mother's breast. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What had the child been doing? 2. What questions did the +mother ask? 3. What did she tell the child would come? 4. What is meant +by _eve to a longer day_, third verse? 5. What, by _quiet sleep_, same +verse? 6. What ought we to do in life, in order to have a joyful and +peaceful death? 7. What rule for the rising inflection on _restless +one_, first verse? See page 32, Note I. 8. What rule for the falling +inflection on _playing_, second verse? See page 29, Rule II. 9. What +rule for the rising inflections in the fourth verse? Rule V., page 31. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXII. + + NORTH-EAST' ERS, north-east winds. + EX HAUST' ED, (_x_ like _gz_,) tired out. + VIG' I LANT, watchful. + DE TECT' ED, discovered. + LEE' WARD, pertaining to the part toward which the wind blows. + RE CED' ING, retiring; passing away. + BRILL' IAN CY, brightness; luster. + TILL' ER, bar used to turn the rudder. + TORT' URE, anguish of spirit. + DE SERT' ED, relinquished; abandoned. + RA PID' I TY, speed; swiftness. + EN VEL' OP ED, inclosed; covered. + GEN' ER A TED, produced. + LETH' AR GY, drowsiness; dullness. + RES' CUE, deliverance. + IN EV' I TA BLY, surely; certainly. + ES PY' ING, seeing; discovering. + CON' TACT, (CON, _together_; TAC, _touch_,) a touching together; + close union. + + +THE RESCUE. + +BY A SEA CAPTAIN. + +1. On a bright moonlight night, in the month of February, 1831, when it +was intensely cold, the little brig which I commanded, lay quietly at +her anchors, inside of Sandy Hook. We had had a hard time, beating about +for eleven days off this coast, with cutting north-easters blowing, and +snow and sleet falling for the most part of that time. + +2. Forward, the vessel was thickly coated with ice, and it was hard work +to handle her; as the rigging and sails were stiff, and yielded only +when the strength of the men was exerted to the utmost. When we, at +length, made the port, all hands were worn down and exhausted. + +3. "A bitter cold night, Mr. Larkin," I said to my mate, as I tarried +for a short time upon deck. The worthy down-easter buttoned his coat +more tightly around him, and, looking up to the moon, replied, "It's a +whistler, captain; and nothing can live comfortably out of blankets +to-night." + +4. "The tide is running out swift and strong, and it will be well to +keep a sharp look-out for this floating ice, Mr. Larkin," said I, as I +turned to go below. "Ay, ay, sir," responded the faithful mate. + +5. About two hours afterward, I was aroused from a sound sleep by the +vigilant officer. "Excuse me for disturbing you, captain," said he, as +he detected an expression of vexation in my face, "but I wish you would +turn out, and come on deck as soon as possible." + +6. "What's the matter, Mr. Larkin," said I. "Why, sir, I have been +watching a large cake of ice, which swept by at a distance, a moment +ago; and I saw something black upon it, something that I thought moved. +The moon is under a cloud, and I could not see distinctly; but I believe +there is a child floating out to the sea, this freezing night, on that +cake of ice." + +7. We were on deck before either spoke another word. The mate pointed +out, with no little difficulty, the cake of ice floating off to the +leeward, with its white, glittering surface broken by a black spot. "Get +the glass, Mr. Larkin," said I; "the moon will be out of that cloud in a +moment, and then we can see distinctly." + +8. I kept my eye upon the receding mass of ice, while the moon was +slowly working her way through a heavy bank of clouds. The mate stood by +me with the glass; and when the full light fell upon the water with a +brilliancy only known in our northern latitudes, I put the glass to my +eye. One glance was enough. + +9. (_''_)"_Forward, there!_" I hailed at the top of my voice; and, with +one bound, I reached the main hatch, and began to clear away the little +cutter, which was stowed in the ship's yawl. Mr. Larkin had taken the +glass to look for himself, "_There are two children on that cake of +ice!_" he exclaimed, as he hastened to assist me in getting out the +boat. + +10. The men answered my hail, and walked quickly aft. In a short space +of time, we launched the cutter, into which Mr. Larkin and myself +jumped, followed by the two men, who took the oars. I rigged the tiller, +and the mate sat beside me in the stern sheets. + +11. "Do you see that cake of ice with something black upon it, my lads? +Put me alongside of that, and I'll give you a month's extra wages when +you are paid off," said I to the men. + +12. They bent to their oars, but their strokes were uneven and feeble; +for they were worn out by the hard duty of the preceding fortnight; and, +though they did their best, the boat made little more headway than the +tide. It was a losing chase, and Mr. Larkin, who was suffering torture +as he saw how little we gained, cried out, "_Pull, lads! I'll double the +captain's prize: two months' extra pay: pull, lads! pull for life!_" + +13. A convulsive effort at the oars told how willing the men were to +obey; but the strength of the strong man was gone. One of the poor +fellows washed us twice in recovering his oar, and then gave out; and +the other was nearly as far gone. Mr. Larkin sprang forward and seized +the deserted oar. "Lie down in the bottom of the boat," said he to the +man; "and, captain, take the other oar; we must row for ourselves." + +14. I took the second man's place. Larkin had stripped off his coat, +and, as he pulled the bow, I waited for the signal stroke. It came +gently, but firm; and the next moment we were pulling a long, steady +stroke; gradually increasing in rapidity, until the wood seemed to smoke +in the row-locks. We kept time, each by the long, deep breathing of the +other. + +15. Such a pull! We bent forward until our faces almost touched our +knees; and then throwing all our strength into the backward movement, +drew on the oar until every inch covered by the sweep was gained. Thus +we worked at the oars for fifteen minutes; and it seemed to me as many +hours. The sweat rolled off in great drops, and I was enveloped in a +steam generated from my own body. + +16. "Are we almost up to it, Mr. Larkin?" I gasped out. "Almost, +captain," said he: "and _don't give up!_ for the love of our dear little +ones at home: _don't give up_, captain!" The oars flashed as their +blades turned up to the moonlight, for the men who plied them were +fathers, and had fathers' hearts. + +17. Suddenly Mr. Larkin ceased pulling; and my heart, for a moment, +almost stopped its beating; for the terrible thought that he had given +out, crossed my mind. But I was re-assured by his voice, (_p_) "Gently, +captain, gently: a stroke or two more: there, that will do;" and the +next moment Mr. Larkin sprang upon the ice. I started up, and, calling +to the men to make fast the boat to the ice, followed him. + +18. We ran to the dark spot in the center of the mass, and found two +little boys. The head of the smaller was resting in the bosom of the +larger; and both were fast asleep. The lethargy, which would have been +fatal but for the timely rescue, had overcome them. + +19. Mr. Larkin grasped one of the lads, cut off his shoes, tore off his +jacket, and then, loosening his own garments to the skin, placed the +cold child in contact with his own warm body, carefully wrapping his +overcoat around him. I did the same with the other child, and we then +returned to the boat. + +20. The children, as we learned when we had the delight of restoring +them to their parents, were playing on the cake of ice, which had jammed +into a bend of the river, about ten miles above New York. A movement of +the tide set the ice in motion, and the little fellows were borne away, +that cold night, and would have inevitably perished, but for Mr. +Larkin's espying them as they were sweeping out to sea. + +21. "How do you feel, Mr. Larkin?" I said to the mate, the morning after +this adventure. "A little stiff in the arms, captain," the noble fellow +replied, while the big tears of grateful happiness gathered in his +eyes,--"a little stiff in the arms, captain, but very easy here," +laying his hand on the rough chest in which beat a true and manly heart. +My quaint down-easter, He who lashes the seas into fury, and lets loose +the tempest, will care for thee! The storms may rage without, but in +_thy_ bosom peace and sunshine abide always. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Describe the condition of the vessel as she lay at anchor +inside Sandy Hook. 2. What did the captain say to Mr. Larkin, as he +retired to rest? 3. Why did Mr. Larkin wake up the captain? 4. What did +they discover on a cake of ice, floating out to sea? 5. Who went to +their rescue? 6. What did the captain say to the rowers of the boat? 7. +What did Mr. Larkin say to them? 8. Did they finally succeed in rescuing +the children? 9. How came the two boys to be on that cake of ice? 10. +What did Mr. Larkin say, when the captain asked him how he felt? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXIII. + + A DORN' ED, decorated; embellished. + SPOILS, booty; prey. + ANT' LERS, branching horns. + SUS PEND' ED, hung; atatched. + DIS TRACT' ED, disturbed; disordered. + FU' GI TIVE, runaway; wanderer. + BE SET', hemmed in; surrounded. + TRAI' TORS, betrayers. + HEATH, place overgrown with shrubs. + LIEGE, lord; sovereign. + LOY' AL, true; faithful. + FE' AL TY, loyalty; fidelity. + MA' TRON, married woman. + REC OG NIZ' ED, knew; recollected. + IN VAD' ERS, persons invading. + + +ROBERT BRUCE AND THE SCOTCH WOMAN. + +ANON. + +1. Many years ago, an old Scotch woman sat alone, spinning by the +kitchen fire, in her little cottage. The room was adorned with the +spoils of the chase, and many implements of war and hunting. There were +spears, bows and arrows, swords, and shields; and, against the side of +the room, hung a pair of huge antlers, once reared on the lordly brow of +a "stag of ten," [Footnote: That is, a stag ten years old. The age of +the animal is known by the number of prongs or tines, each year one new +prong being added.] on which were suspended skins, plaids, bonnets, and +one or two ponderous battle-axes. + +2. The table, in the middle of the floor, was spread for supper, and +some oatmeal cakes were baking before the fire. But the dame was not +thinking of any of _these things_, nor of her two manly sons, who, in an +adjoining room, were busily preparing for the next day's sport. + +3. She was thinking of the distracted state of her native land, and of +the good king, Robert Bruce, a fugitive in his own kingdom, beset, on +every hand, by open enemies and secret traitors. "Alas!" thought she, +"to-night I dwell here in peace, while to-morrow may see me driven out +into the heath; and even now our king is a wanderer, with no shelter for +his weary limbs." + +4. A loud knock at the door broke in upon her musings. She rose, +trembling with fear, to unbar the entrance, and beheld a man closely +muffled in a cloak. "My good woman," said he, "will you grant a poor +traveler the shelter of your roof to-night'?" + +5. "Right willingly will I," said she; "for the love of _one_, for whose +sake all travelers are welcome here." 6. "For whose sake is it that you +make all wanderers welcome?" asked the stranger. + +7. "For the sake of our good king, Robert Bruce, who, though he is now +hunted like a wild beast, with horn and hound, I trust yet to see on the +throne of Scotland!" + +8. "Nay, then, my good woman," replied the man, "since you love him so +well, know that you see him now _I_ am Robert Bruce." + +9. "_You'!_--are _you_ our king'?" she inquired, sinking on her knees, +and reverently kissing his hand; "where, then, are your followers, and +why are you thus alone?" + +10. "I have no followers now," replied Bruce, "and am, therefore, +compelled to travel alone." + +11. "Nay, my liege," exclaimed the loyal dame, "that you shall do no +longer; for here are my two sons, whom I give to you, and may they long +live to serve and defend your majesty!" + +12. The Scottish youths bent their knees, and took the oath of fealty; +and then, sitting beside the fire, the king entered into conversation +with his new retainers, while their mother was busied in preparing the +evening meal. + +13. Suddenly, they were startled by the tramp of horses' hoofs, and the +voices of men. "'_Tis the English!_" shouted the matron, "_fight to the +last, my sons, and defend your king!_" But, at this moment, the king +recognized the voices of Lord James, of Douglas, and of Edward Bruce, +and bade them have no fear. + +14. Bruce was overjoyed at meeting with his brother, and his faithful +friend Douglas, who had with them a band of one hundred and fifty men. +He bade farewell to the brave and loyal woman, and, taking with him her +two sons, left the place. + +15. The two young Scots served Bruce well and faithfully, and were high +officers in his service when, at the head of a conquering army, he drove +the English invaders from the soil of Scotland, and rendered her again a +_free and independent kingdom_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Describe the room in which the Scotch woman resided. 2, +What is meant by a "_stag of ten?_" 3. Who did the stranger prove to be? +4. Who joined Bruce? 5. What did Bruce and his men then do? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXIV. + + PROS PER' ITY, success; good fortune. + DIG' NI FIES, elevates; ennobles. + SUS TAIN' ED, endured; suffered. + AD VERS' I TY, calamity; misfortune. + UN ERR' ING, sure; certain. + FOR LORN', forsaken; wretched. + CAN' O PY, covering overhead. + EI DER DOWN, fine, soft feathers from the eider-duck. + DE VOID', destitute. + IM MERS' ED, inwrapped; sunk. + GOS' SA MER Y, like gossamer; filmy. + RE COIL' ED, started back. + FOIL' ED, frustrated; defeated. + RO MANCE', fiction. + TRIV' I AL, small; trifling. + CON FIDE', trust; believe. + AD' VERSE, contrary; opposite. + PALM, token of victory. + + +ROBERT BRUCE AND THE SPIDER. + +BERNARD BARTON. + + 1. Not in _prosperity's broad light_, + Can reason justly scan + The _sterling worth which_, viewed aright, + _Most dignifies the man_. + Favored at once by wind and tide, + The skillful pilot well may guide + The bark in safety on; + Yet, when his harbor he has gained, + He who no conflict hath sustained, + No meed has fairly won. + + 2. But in _adversity's dark hour_ + _Of peril and of fear,_ + When clouds above the vessel lower, + With scarce one star to cheer; + When winds are loud, and waves are high, + And ocean, to a timid eye, + Appears the seaman's grave; + Amid the conflict, calm, unmoved, + By truth's unerring test is proved + _The skillful and the brave._ + + 3. For Scotland and her freedom's right + The Bruce his part had played; + _In five successive fields of fight_ + _Been conquered and dismayed._ + _Once more, against the English host_ + _His band he led, and once more lost_ + _The meed for which he fought;_ + And now, from battle faint and worn, + The homeless fugitive forlorn + A hut's lone shelter sought. + + 4. And cheerless was that resting-place + For him who claimed a throne; + His canopy, devoid of grace,-- + The rude, rough beams alone; + The heather couch his only bed, + Yet well I know had slumber fled + From couch of eider down; + Through darksome night to dawn of day, + Immersed in wakeful thought he lay, + Of Scotland and her crown. + + 5. The sun rose brightly, and its gleam + Fell on that hapless bed, + And tinged with light each shapeless beam + Which roofed the lowly shed; + When, looking up with wistful eye, + The Bruce beheld a spider try + His filmy thread to fling + From beam to beam of that rude cot; + And well the insect's toilsome lot + Taught Scotland's future king. + + 6. Six times his gossamery thread + The wary spider threw: + In vain the filmy line was sped; + For, powerless or untrue, + Each aim appeared and back recoiled + The patient insect, _six times foiled_, + And yet unconquered still; + And soon the Bruce, with eager eye, + Saw him prepare once more to try + His courage, strength, and skill. + + 7. _One effort more, the seventh and last_,-- + The hero hailed the sign! + And on the wished-for beam hung fast + The slender, silken line. + Slight as it was, his spirit caught + The more than omen; for his thought + The lesson well could trace, + Which even "he who runs may read," + That _perseverance gains its meed_, + And _patience wins the race_. + + 8. Is it a tale of mere romance'? + Its moral is the same,-- + A light and trivial circumstance'? + Some thought, it still may claim. + Art thou a father'? teach thy son + Never to deem that _all is done_, + While _aught remains untried_; + To hope, though every hope seems crossed, + And when his bark is tempest-tossed + Still calmly to confide. + + 9. Hast thou been long and often foiled + (<) By adverse wind and seas'? + And vainly struggled, vainly toiled, + For what some win with ease'? + Yet bear up heart, and hope, and will, + Nobly resolved to struggle still, + With patience persevere; + Knowing, when darkest seems the night, + The dawn of morning's glorious light + Is swiftly drawing near. + +10. Art thou a Christian? shall the frown + Of fortune cause dismay'? + The Bruce but won an _earthly crown_, + Which long hath passed away; + For thee a _heavenly crown_ awaits; + For thee are oped the pearly gates,-- + Prepared the deathless palm: + But bear in mind that _only those_ + _Who persevere unto the close,_ + _Can join in Victory's psalm_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Will smooth seas and favoring gales make a skillful +mariner? 2. What will make skillful and brave men? 3. In what respect is +adversity better than prosperity? 4. What story illustrates this fact? +5. How many times did the spider try, before it succeeded? 6. In how +many battles had Bruce been defeated? 7. What important lesson is taught +youth? 8. What encouragement is given to the Christian? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXV. + + PA' TRI OT' IC, having love of country. + OB SER VA' TION, remark, expression. + POP' U LAR, well received; prevailing. + E QUAL' I TY, sameness of social position. + AUD' I BLE, that may be heard. + DE TER' MIN ED, fully resolved. + HES' I TATE, scruple. + BRA' VO, well done. + BROILS, wrangles; quarrels. + RENOWN' ED, famed; celebrated. + O' DI OUS, hateful; offensive. + COUNT' ESS, wife of a count or earl. + FAG-END', the meaner part. + NO BIL' I TY, noble rank. + BUR LESQUE', (_burlesk',_) ridicule. + HE RED' I TA RY, coming by descent. + CON' STI TUTES, forms; composes. + APH' O RISMS, precepts; maxims. + TEM' PO RA RY, continuing for a time. + BECK, sign with the hand; nod. + +[Headnote 1: LA VA' TER, (John Gaspar,) a celebrated physiognomist, that +is, one skilled in the art of determining character by the external +features, born in Zurich, in 1741.] + +That part of this dialogue uttered by Caroline, should be read in a very +earnest and spirited style,--that uttered by Horace in a more grave, +deliberate, and candid manner. + + +WEALTH AND FASHION. + +_Caroline_. What a pity it is that we are born under a Republican +government! + +_Horace_. Upon my word, Caroline, that is a patriotic observation for an +American. + +_Caroline_. Oh, I know that it is not a _popular_ one! We must all join +in the cry of liberty and equality, and bless our stars that we have +neither kings nor emperors to rule over us, and that our very first +audible squeak was republicanism. If we don't join in the shout, and +hang our caps on liberty-poles, we are considered monsters. For my part, +I am _tired_ of it, and am determined to _say what I think_. I _hate_ +republicanism; I hate liberty and equality; and I don't hesitate to +_declare_ that I am for monarchy. You may laugh, but I would say it at +the stake. + +_Horace_. Bravo, Caroline! You have almost run yourself out of breath. +You deserve to be prime minister to the king. + +_Caroline_. You mistake; I have no wish to mingle in political broils, +not even if I could be as renowned as Pitt or Fox; but I must say, I +think our equality is _odious_. What do you think! To-day, the new +chamber-maid put her head into the door, and said, "Caroline, your marm +wants you!" + +_Horace_. _Excellent!_ I suppose if ours were a _monarchical_ +government, she would have bent to the ground, or saluted your little +foot, before she spoke. + +_Caroline_. No, Horace; you _know_ there are no such forms in this +country. + +_Horace_. May I ask your highness what you _would_ like to be? + +_Caroline_. I should like to be a countess. + +_Horace_. Oh, you are moderate in your ambition! A countess, now-a-days, +is the fag-end of nobility. + +_Caroline_. Oh! but it sounds so delightfully,--_"The young Countess +Caroline!"_ + +_Horace_. If _sound_ is all, you shall have that pleasure; we will call +you _the young countess_. + +_Caroline_. That would be mere burlesque, Horace, and would make one +ridiculous. + +_Horace_. Nothing can be more inconsistent in us, than aiming at titles. + +_Caroline_. For _us_, I grant you; but, if they were _hereditary,_ if we +had been born to them, if they came to us through belted knights and +high-born dames, _then_ we might be proud to wear them. I never shall +cease to regret that I was not born under a monarchy. + +_Horace_. You seem to forget that all are not lords and ladies in +_royal_ dominions. Suppose you should have drawn your first breath among +the _lower classes_,--suppose it should have been your lot to crouch and +bend, or be trodden under foot by some titled personage, whom in your +heart you despised; what then? + +_Caroline_. You may easily suppose that I did not mean to take _those_ +chances. No; I meant to be born among the _higher_ ranks. + +_Horace_. Your own reason must tell you, that _all_ can not be born +among the _higher ranks_; for then the _lower ones_ would be wanting, +which constitute the comparison. Now, Caroline, is it not better to be +born under a government where there are no such ranks, and where _the +only nobility is talent and virtue'?_ + +_Caroline_. Talent and virtue! I think _wealth_ constitutes our +nobility, and the right of abusing each other, our liberty. + +_Horace_. You are as fond of aphorisms as Lavater[Headnote 1] was. + +_Caroline_. Let me ask you if our rich men, who ride in their own +carriages, who have fine houses, and who count by millions, are not our +_great_ men? + +_Horace_. They have all the greatness that _money_ can buy; but this is +very limited. + +_Caroline_. Well, in _my_ opinion, _money is power_. + +_Horace_. You mistake. Money may be _temporary power_, but _talent_ is +_power itself_; and, _when united with virtue, is godlike power_, before +which the mere man of millions quails. + +_Caroline_. Well, Horace, I really wish you the possession of _talent_, +and _principle_, and _wealth_ into the bargain. The latter, you think, +will follow the two former, simply at your beck;--you smile; but _I_ +feel as determined in _my_ way of thinking, as _you_ do in _yours_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is the subject of this dialogue? 2. What did +Caroline regret? 3. What reply did Horace make? 4. What did Caroline +wish to be? 5. What did Horace say constituted true nobility? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXVI. + + RE SERV'ING, keeping; retaining. + AC CU' MU LA TED, collected. + IN DIG NA' TION, angry feeling. + RE SOURC' ES, means; funds. + DIS SER TA' TION, discourse; essay. + EX PAN' SION, enlargement. + DE POS' IT ED, put; laid. + EX ER' TION (_egs er shun_,) effort. + JU DI' CIOUS, wise, prudent. + VO CA' TION, business; employment. + EU PHON' IC, agreeable; well-sounding. + CO TEM' PO RA RIES, those living at the same time. + DI GRES' SION, departure from the subject. + PRE DIC' TIONS, prophecies. + IM PELL' ED, driven forward. + + AR IS TOC' RA CY, (ARISTO, _the best_; CRACY, _government_,) + government by the best, or nobles. See SANDERS' ANALYSIS, + page 200, Ex. 283. + +[Headnote 1: SOC' RA TES, the most celebrated philosopher of antiquity, +was born at Athens, 470 years before Christ. The purity of his +doctrines, and his independence of character, rendered him popular with +the most enlightened Athenians, though they created him many enemies. +He was _falsely accused_, arraigned, and condemned to drink _hemlock_, +the juice of a poisonous plant. When the hour to take the poison had +come, the executioner handed him the cup, with tears in his eyes. +Socrates received it with composure, drank it with unaltered +countenance, and, in a few moments, expired.] + +[Headnote 2: DE MOS' THE NES, a great Grecian orator, who, rather than +fall into the hands of his enemies, destroyed himself by taking poison. +It is said that, when a youth, he frequently declaimed on the sea-shore, +while the waves were roaring around him, in order to secure a large +compass of voice, and to accustom himself to the tumult of a popular +assembly.] + +[Headnote 3: KING DA' VID, the sweet singer and poet of Israel. For the +interesting account of his triumph over Goliath, the great champion of +the Philistines, see I Sam., chap. 17.] + + +MY FIRST JACK-KNIFE. + +1. I remember it well! Its horn handle, so smooth and clear, glowing +with the unmeaning, but magic word, "_Bunkum;_" and the blade +significantly inviting you to the test, by the two monosyllables, "_Try +me_." + +2. I know not how it is, but I never could take half the comfort in any +thing which I have since possessed, that I took in this _jack-knife_. I +earned it myself; and, therefore, I had a feeling of independence; it +was bought with my _own money_,--not teazed out of my uncle, or still +kinder father,--_money_ that I had silently earned on the afternoons of +those days set apart for boys to amuse themselves. + +3. Yes! with a spirit of persevering industry and self-denial, at which +I now wonder, I went, every afternoon, during "berry-time," and picked +the ripened fruit with eagerness; for my heart was in the task. I sold +my berries, and, carefully reserving the proceeds, shortly accumulated +enough to purchase the treasure, for which I so eagerly longed. + +4. I went to one of the village-stores, and requested the clerk to show +me his jack-knives; but he, seeing that I was only a boy, and thinking +that I merely meant to amuse myself in looking at the nicest, and +wishing it was mine, told me not to plague him, as he was otherwise +engaged. + +5. I turned with indignation; but I felt the inward comfort of a man who +has _confidence_ in his own resources, and knows he has the power in his +own hands. I quietly jingled the money in my pockets, and went to the +opposite store. I asked for jack-knives, and was shown a lot fresh from +the city, which were temptingly laid down before me, and left for me to +select one, while the trader went to another part of his store to wait +upon an older customer. I looked over them, opened them, breathed upon +the blades, and shut them again. + +6. One was too hard to open, another had no spring; finally, after +examining them with all the judgment which, in my opinion, the extent of +the investment required, I selected one with a hole through the handle; +and, after a dissertation with the owner upon jack-knives in general, +and _this one_ in particular,--upon hawk-bill, and dagger-blades,--and +handles, iron, bone, and buck-horn,--I succeeded in closing a bargain. + +7. I took the instrument I had purchased, and felt a sudden expansion of +my boyish frame! It was my world! I deposited it in my pocket among +other valuables,--twine, marbles, slate-pencils, &c. I went home to my +father; I told him how long I had toiled for it, and how eagerly I had +spent time, which others had allotted to play, to possess myself of my +treasure. + +8. My father gently chided me for not telling him of my wants; but I +observed his glistening eye turn affectionately to my mother and then to +me, and I thought that his manly form seemed to straighten up and to +look prouder than I had ever before seen him. At any rate, he came to +me, and, patting my curly head, told me there was no object in life, +which was reasonably to be desired, that _honesty, self-denial, +well-directed industry_, and _perseverance_ would not place within my +reach; and if, through life, I carried the spirit of independent +exertion into practice, which I had displayed in the purchase of the +jack-knife, I should become a "_great man_." + +9. From that moment, I was a new being. I had discovered that I could +_rely upon myself_. I took my jack-knife, and many a time, while cutting +the walnut-saplings for my bow, or the straight pine for my arrow, or +carving my mimic ship, did I muse upon these words of my father,--so +deeply are the kind expressions of a judicious parent engraven on the +heart and memory of boyhood. + +10. My knife was my constant companion. It was my carpenter, my +ship-builder, and my toy-manufacturer. It was out upon all occasions, +never amiss, and always "handy;" and, as I valued it, I never let it +part from me. I own my selfishness; I would divide my apples among my +playmates, my whole store of marbles was at their service,--they might +knock my bats, kick my foot-ball as they chose; but I had no partnership +of enjoyments in my jack-knife. Its possession was connected in my mind +with something so _exclusive_, that I could not permit another to take +it for a moment. Oh! there is a wild and delicious luxury in one's +boyish anticipations and youthful day-dreams! + +11. If, however, the _use_ of my jack-knife afforded me pleasure, the +idea of its possession was no less a source of enjoyment. I was, for the +time being, a little prince among my fellows,--a perfect monarch. Let no +one exclaim against aristocracy; were we all perfectly _equal to-day_, +there would be an _aristocracy to-morrow_. Talent, judgment, skill, +tact, industry, perseverance, will place some on the top, while the +contrary attributes will place others at the bottom of fortune's +ever-revolving wheel! + +12. The plowman is an aristocrat, if he excels in his vocation: he is an +aristocrat, if he turns a better or a straighter furrow than his +neighbor. The poorest poet is an aristocrat, if he writes more +feelingly, in a purer language, or with more euphonic jingle than his +cotemporaries. The fisherman is an aristocrat, if he wields his harpoon +with more skill, and hurls it with a deadlier energy than his messmates, +or has even learned to fix his bait more alluringly on his barbed hook. + +13. All _have_ had, and _still_ have their foibles; all have some +possession, upon which they pride themselves, and I was proud of my +jack-knife! Spirit of Socrates, [Headnote 1] forgive me! was there no +pride in dying like a philosopher'? Spirit of Demosthenes, [Headnote 2] +forgive me! was there no pride in your addresses to the boundless and +roaring ocean'? Spirit of David! [Headnote 3] was there no pride in the +deadly hurling of the smooth pebble, which sank deep into the forehead +of your enemy'? + +14. But I must take my jack-knife and _cut short_ this digression. Let +no man say _this_ or _that_ occurrence "will make _no difference fifty +years hence_,"--a common, but dangerous phrase. I am _now_ a man of +three-score years. I can point my finger _here_ to my ships, _there_ to +my warehouse. My name is well known in two hemispheres. I have drank +deeply of intellectual pleasures, have served my country in many +important stations, have had my gains and my losses. + +15. I have seen many, who started with fairer prospects, but with no +compass, wrecked before me; but I have been impelled in my operations, +no matter how extensive, by the _same spirit_ which conceived and +executed the purchase of the jack-knife. And I have found my reward in +it; and, perhaps, in after years, there will be those who will say that +the predictions of my father were fulfilled in their case; and that, +from _small beginnings_, by "_honesty, self-denial, well-directed +industry_, and _perseverance_," they also, BECAME TRULY "GREAT MEN." + +QUESTIONS.--1. How did this boy obtain his first jack-knife? 2. What did +his father say to him, when he told how he had earned it? 3. What use +did he make of his knife? 4. What is said about _aristocracy_? 5. What +is said of this boy when he came to be three-score years old? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXVII. + + COIN' ED, stamped. + BAR' TER, trade; exchange. + COM MOD' I TIES, goods; wares. + BULL'ION, uncoined silver or gold. + BUC' CA NEERS, pirates; freebooters. + IM MENSE', very great; enormous. + DAIN' TIES, delicacies. + SMALL-CLOTHES, breeches. + AT TIR' ED, dressed; arrayed. + PE' ONY, plant and beautiful flower. + PER' SON A BLE, handsome; graceful. + ES PE' CIAL LY, mainly; chiefly. + RE CEP' TA CLE, that which receives or holds. + PON' DER OUS, heavy; bulky. + RE SUM' ING, taking again. + + +THE PINE-TREE SHILLINGS. + +1. Captain John Hull was the mint-master of Massachusetts, and coined +all the money that was made there. This was a new line of business; for, +in the earlier days of the colony, the current coinage consisted of gold +and silver money of England, Portugal, and Spain. + +2. These coins being scarce, the people were often forced to barter +their commodities, instead of selling them. For instance, if a man +wanted to buy a coat, he, perhaps, exchanged a bear-skin for it. If he +wished for a barrel of molasses, he might purchase it with a pile of +pine-boards. Musket-bullets were used instead of farthings. + +3. The Indians had a sort of money, called _wampum_, which was made of +clam-shells; and this strange sort of specie was, likewise, taken in +payment of debts, by the English settlers. Bank-bills had never been +heard of. There was not money enough of any kind, in many parts of the +country, to pay the salaries of the ministers; so that they sometimes +had to take quintals of fish, bushels of corn, or cords of wood, instead +of silver or gold. + +4. As the people grew more numerous, and their trade one with another +increased, the want of current money was still more sensibly felt. To +supply the demand, the general court passed a law for establishing a +coinage of shillings, sixpences, and threepences. Captain John Hull was +appointed to manufacture this money, and was to have _one shilling_, out +of every twenty, to pay him for the trouble of making them. + +5. Hereupon, all the old silver in the colony was handed over to Captain +John Hull. The battered silver cans, and tankards, and silver-buckles, +and broken spoons, and silver-buttons of worn-out coats, and silver +hilts of swords that had figured at courts,--all such curious old +articles were, doubtless, thrown into the melting-pot together. But by +far the greater part of the silver consisted of bullion from the mines +of South America, which the English buccaneers, (who were little better +than pirates,) had taken from the Spaniards, and brought to +Massachusetts. + +6. All this old and new silver being melted down and coined, the result +was an immense amount of splendid shillings, sixpences, and threepences. +Each had the date, 1652, on the one side, and the figure of a +_pine-tree_ on the other. Hence, they were called _pine-tree shillings_. +And, for every _twenty shillings_ that he coined, you will remember, +Captain John Hull was entitled to put _one shilling_ into his own +pocket. + +7. The magistrates soon began to suspect that the mint-master would have +the best of the bargain. They offered him a large sum of money, if he +would but give up that _twentieth shilling_, which he was continually +dropping into his own pocket. But Captain Hull declared himself +perfectly satisfied with the shilling. And well he might be; for, so +diligently did he labor, that, in a few years, his pockets, his +money-bags, and his strong box, were overflowing with pine-tree +shillings. This was probably the case when he came into possession of +Grandfather's chair; and, as he had worked so hard at the mint, it was +certainly proper that he should have a comfortable chair to rest himself +in. + +8. When the mint-master had grown very rich, a young man, Samuel Sewell +by name, fell in love with his only daughter. His daughter, whom we will +call Betsey, was a fine, hearty damsel, by no means so slender as some +young ladies of our own days. As Samuel was a young man of good +character, industrious in his business, and a member of the church, the +mint-master very readily gave his consent. + +9. "Yes; you may take her," said he, in his rough way; "and you'll find +her a heavy burden enough!" On the wedding-day, we may suppose that +honest John Hull dressed himself in a plum-colored coat, all the buttons +of which were made of pine-tree shillings. The buttons of his waistcoat +were sixpences; and the knees of his small-clothes were buttoned with +silver threepences. + +10. Thus attired, he sat with great dignity in Grandfather's chair; and, +being a portly old gentleman, he completely filled it from elbow to +elbow. On the opposite side of the room, between her bridemaids, sat +Miss Betsey, blushing like a full-blown peony. + +11. There, too, was the bridegroom, dressed in a fine purple coat, and +gold-lace waistcoat, with as much other finery as the Puritan laws and +customs would allow him to put on. His hair was cropped close to his +head, because Governor Endicott had forbidden any man to wear it below +the ears. But he was a very personable young man; and so thought the +bridemaids and Miss Betsey herself. + +12. The mint-master, also, was pleased with his new son-in-law; +especially as he had courted Miss Betsey out of pure love, and had said +nothing at all about her portion. So, when the marriage ceremony was +over, Captain Hull whispered a word to two of his men-servants, who +immediately went out, and soon returned, lugging in a large pair of +scales. They were such a pair as wholesale merchants use for weighing +bulky commodities; and quite a bulky commodity was now to be weighed in +them. + +13. "Daughter Betsey," said the mint-master, "get into one side of these +scales." Miss Betsey, or Mrs. Sewell, as we must now call her, did as +she was bid, like a dutiful child, without any question of the why and +wherefore. But what her father could mean, unless to make her husband +pay for her by the pound, (in which case she would have been a dear +bargain,) she had not the least idea. + +14. "And now," said honest John Hull to the servants, "bring that box +hither." The box, to which the mint-master pointed, was a huge, square, +iron-bound, oaken chest. The servants tugged with might and main; but +could not lift this enormous receptacle, and were finally obliged to +drag it across the floor. + +15. Captain Hull then took a key from his girdle, unlocked the chest, +and lifted its ponderous lid. Behold! _it was full to the brim of bright +pine-tree shillings_, fresh from the mint; and Samuel Sewell began to +think that his father-in-law had got possession of all the money in the +Massachusetts' treasury. But it was only the mint-master's honest share +of the coinage. + +16. Then the servants, at Captain Hull's command, heaped double handfuls +of shillings into one side of the scales, while Betsey remained in the +other. Jingle, jingle, went the shillings, as handful after handful was +thrown in, till, plump and ponderous as she was, they fairly weighed the +young lady from the floor. + +17. "There, son Samuel," said the honest mint-master, resuming his seat +in Grandfather's chair, "take these shillings for my daughter's portion. +Use her kindly, and thank Heaven for her. _It is not every wife that's +worth her weight in silver!_" + +QUESTIONS.--1. What was Captain John Hull's business? 2. What portion of +the money coined, was he to receive? 3. How did he get silver to coin? +4. Describe the shillings he coined. 5. How did he become wealthy? 6. +Describe his dress on his daughter's wedding-day. 7. What did he say to +his son-in-law, after weighing her with shillings? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXVIII. + + LODG' ES, dens; caves. + MAR' VEL OUS, wonderful. + TIP' PED, pointed. + HERD, gather in herds. + FA' MOUS, noted; remarkable. + ROE' BUCK, small species of deer. + STRAIGHT' WAY, immediately. + E RECT', upright. + FROL' IC, fun; play. + FORD, place where water can be waded. + FLECK' ED, spotted; striped. + FLUT' TER ED, quivered. + PAL' PI TA TED, beat; throbbed. + WA' RY, watchful; cautious. + FA' TAL, deadly; mortal. + EX ULT' ED, (_x_ like _gz_,) greatly rejoiced. + + +HIAWATHA'S HUNTING. + +LONGFELLOW. + +This lesson is taken from "The Song of Hiawatha," a poem, founded upon +traditions current among some tribes of North American Indians, +respecting an imaginary being of more than mortal powers and gifts, +named Hiawatha. The scene of the poem is laid among the Ojibways, or +Chippewas, a tribe of Indians, occupants, from the period of our +earliest history, of the basin of Lake Superior. + + 1. + Then the little Hiawatha + Learned of every bird its language, + Learned their names and all their secrets, + How they built their nests in summer, + Where they hid themselves in winter, + Talked with them where'er he met them, + Called them "Hiawatha's chickens." + + 2. + Of all beasts he learned the language, + Learned their names and all their secrets, + How the beavers built their lodges, + Where the squirrels hid their acorns, + How the reindeer ran so swiftly, + Why the rabbit was so timid, + Talked with them whene'er he met them, + Called them "Hiawatha's brothers." + + 3. + Then Ia'goo, the great boaster, + He, the marvelous story-teller, + He, the traveler and the talker, + Made a bow for Hiawatha; + From a branch of ash he made it, + From an oak-bough made the arrows, + Tipped with flint, and winged with feathers, + And the cord he made of deer-skin. + + 4. + Then he said to Hiawatha, + "Go, my son, into the forest, + Where the red deer herd together, + Kill for us a famous roebuck, + Kill for us a deer with antlers." + Forth into the forest straightway + All alone walked Hiawatha + Proudly with his bow and arrows. + + 5. + And the birds sang round him, o'er him + "Do not shoot us, Hiawatha." + Sang the robin, sang the bluebird, + "Do not shoot us, Hiawatha." + Up the oak-tree, close beside him, + Sprang the squirrel, lightly leaping + In and out among the branches; + Coughed and chattered from the oak-tree, + Laughed, and said between his laughing, + "Do not shoot me, Hiawatha." + + 6. + And the rabbit from his pathway + Leaped aside, and, at a distance, + Sat erect upon his haunches, + Half in fear, and half in frolic, + Saying to the little hunter, + "Do not shoot me, Hiawatha." + + 7. + But he heeded not nor heard them, + For his thoughts were with the red deer; + On their tracks his eyes were fastened, + Leading downward to the river, + To the ford across the river, + And as one in slumber walked he. + + 8. + Hidden in the alder bushes, + There he waited till the deer came, + Till he saw too antlers lifted, + Saw two eyes look from the thicket, + Saw two nostrils point to windward, + And the deer came down the pathway, + Flecked with leafy light and shadow. + And his heart within him fluttered, + Trembled like the leaves above him, + Like the birch leaf palpitated, + As the deer came down the pathway. + + 9. + Then, upon one knee uprising, + Hiawatha aimed an arrow; + Scarce a twig moved with his motion, + Scarce a leaf was stirred or rustled, + But the wary roebuck started, + Stamped with all his hoofs together, + Listened with one foot uplifted, + Leaped as if to meet the arrow; + Ah, the singing, fatal arrow, + Like a wasp it buzzed and stung him. + + 10. + Dead he lay there in the forest, + By the ford across the river; + Beat his timid heart no longer; + But the heart of Hiawatha + Throbbed, and shouted, and exulted, + As he bore the red deer homeward. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XXXIX. + + TRAIL, track; footprints. + IN' DICATED, pointed out; shown. + MURK' Y, dark; gloomy. + FLAM' BEAU, (_flam' bo_,) lighted torch. + RE FLECT' ING, throwing back. + LU' RID LY, gloomily; dismally. + SUS PECT' ING, mistrusting. + AS SAIL' ANTS, assaulters. + ECH' O, (_ek' o_,) sound reverberated. + RE LAPS' ED, fell back; returned. + EN VEL' OPED, inwrapped. + SUF FO CATED, smothered. + BRAND' ISHING, flourishing; waving. + RIG' ID, stiff. + BIV' OUAC, (_biv' wak_,) pass the night without tents. + PEER' ED, came in sight; appeared. + DE CLIV' I TY, gradual descent. + PRO LONG' ED, lengthened; continued. + COM' RADE, companion; associate. + + +A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER WITH A PANTHER. + +BOY'S BOOK OF ADVENTURES. + +1. I had left the hunting party more than an hour, when I came upon the +track of my old friend Konwell, who was, with his dogs, on the bloody +trail of a panther. The animal must have had one of his legs broken; +this was indicated by the marks on the soft ground; and it was plain +that the tracks were made by three feet instead of four, and accompanied +by blood at every leap. + +2. I determined to follow; and, after a tramp of nearly an hour, I +overtook my friend at the entrance of a cavern, where he stood waiting +for me. The wounded animal had taken refuge in this cave, leaving us to +do whatever we thought best. The poor beast doubtless supposed that +within this murky recess he was safe from pursuit; but he was mistaken. +Konwell informed me that he had hidden a bundle of pine splinters in a +gulley, about half a mile distant, and that if I would keep guard over +the mouth of the cave, he would go and bring it. + +3. I agreed to this measure; and, with ready gun and drawn knife, +prepared for any attack that might be made. I lay down at the entrance +of the panther's cave. My friend soon returned, bringing the pine, as he +had promised. His next movement was to kindle a large fire at the mouth +of the cave, at which we lighted our torches; and, having taken the +flambeaus in our left hand, while we carried our guns in the right, we +cautiously entered the cave. I crept on before; but the space within +soon became so high and roomy, that we could stand upright, and keep +close to each other. + +4. Bending toward the left, the cavity extended a considerable distance +within the hill. After we had advanced about two hundred steps, we saw +the glaring eyes of the wounded beast, which gleamed forth like two +fiery balls, reflecting most luridly the light of our torches. Konwell +now took my flambeau and stepped behind me. I leveled my gun in the +direction of those flaming eyes, and fired. After the report, we heard a +bustle; but could not exactly make out what it meant. + +5. I reloaded my gun, resumed my torch, and Konwell now took his place +in front. But, as those flaming eyes were no longer to be seen, we felt +obliged to go farther. Our guns ready loaded, we believed ourselves to +be prepared for anything. We proceeded carefully, as men are likely to +do when suspecting danger, when, instantly, the panther started up from +a hollow, in which he was lying, quite close to our feet. + +6. It was a fearful sight to look upon him as he stood with ears laid +back, his white teeth set together, as if in intense anger, and those +wide open eyes glowing and sparkling as they rested upon us, his +assailants. I can never forget his appearance. In a moment our guns were +discharged, and the cave returned the thundering echo. We had both fired +so precisely at the same moment, that neither of us could believe the +other had discharged his gun. + +7. We were certain that our enemy had been struck, but we knew not +whether killed or only disabled. Quick as thought, we dropped our guns +and drew our knives from the sheath. And haste was necessary; for the +echo had not relapsed into silence, before we felt the weight of the +panther against us; and we began cutting at him with our knives, and, at +the same moment, in consequence of our hurried movements, our torches +died out, and we were left in utter darkness. + +8. Deafened by the noise and utterly bewildered, I turned to fly from +the now raging enemy, and only became perfectly aware of what I was +doing, when I found myself standing beside Konwell outside the cave in +the open air. I only know now, that, enveloped in thick darkness, and +almost suffocated with the smoke of gunpowder, I groped about, not +knowing what I wished or intended; and that Konwell, at last, drew me +forcibly to the mouth of the cave. + +9. There we stood, each one brandishing his hunting-knife in his right +hand, and holding the extinguished torch in the left; as we looked on +each other, we scarcely knew whether to laugh or to be frightened at the +strange figures we made. We were black with powder-smoke, covered with +sweat and blood, and our clothing torn to rags. + +10. Konwell complained of a pain in his breast. I opened the bosom of +his shirt, and found two deep gashes made by the panther's claws, +extending from the left shoulder to the pit of the stomach. I also +received a few scratches, but our stout hunting-shirts were torn to +shreds. + +11. Until this moment, neither of us had felt that he was wounded; and +even now, before we began to think of dressing those wounds, we made a +large fire at the mouth of the cavern, in order to prevent the panther +from coming forth. This done, we sat down beside the genial blaze to +wash and bind up our scratches, and consult on what plan it was now best +to proceed. + +12. That the panther was still in the cave we were certain; but, whether +living or dead, we did not know; at all events, he was wounded; for our +hunting-knives were covered with blood quite up to the hilt. But we had +no choice left; we must return; for our guns and Konwell's powder-flask, +which the animal dragged off with him, still lay within the cavern. We +therefore plucked up new courage; and, having relighted our torches, we +brandished our knives, and prepared, though not without some heart +throbbings, once more to enter the panther's den. + +13. With light and cautious steps, lest we might be as unpleasantly +surprised as we had been when we made our hasty retreat, we advanced, +holding our torches before us, to the spot where we had dropped our +guns, and without meeting with any hinderance from our enemy. Once more +in possession of our trusty weapons, we reloaded them, and stepped +forward with lighter hearts, yet still with great caution, when Konwell +exclaimed, as he raised the flaming pine high above his head, and +pointed with it in a certain direction, "_See! there he is!_" + +14. This was the first word that had been spoken since we reentered the +cavern. I looked in the indicated direction, and there, indeed, lay the +panther, stretched out at full length, but no longer dangerous. His eyes +were set, his limbs were rigid,--the last agony was over. We skinned and +cut him up as he lay. All three bullets had struck him, and both knives +penetrated his body; and it must have been in the death-struggle that he +leaped upon us. + +15. When our work was ended, and we again came to the open air, the sun +was low in the horizon, and all haste was necessary that we should set +out on our forest-path without further delay. Our wounds smarted not a +little, and, although we took time once more to wash them, they became +so stiff that our progress was both toilsome and tedious. We soon became +convinced that we should not succeed in reaching our companions while +daylight remained, and we determined to bivouac for the night, at the +foot of a rocky declivity, which promised a good shelter from the +cutting wind. + +16. To add to our discomfort, hunger began to make itself painfully +felt; but this was soon overpowered by weariness, and, having gathered +up the dry pine branches, we kindled up a good fire, and, without +troubling ourselves to prepare any thing for supper, we stretched +ourselves on the grass before it, and found the warmth most grateful. + +17. Worn out by the toils of the day, in a few minutes Konwell was fast +asleep; but, although much inclined to follow his example, I was +prevented by the restlessness of my dog, which seemed to wish to warn me +of the presence of danger. The faithful animal, cringing closely to me, +laid his nose on my shoulder, raising his head from time to time, and +whined, as though he wished to communicate something, and then, for a +few moments, would remain quiet. Then, suddenly, he would rise up as in +the attitude of listening, occasionally uttering a low growl. + +18. Completely awakened by this strange behavior on the part of my +faithful dog, it seemed to me as if I heard a slight rustling among the +dry bushes; and, rising up to a half-sitting posture, I looked toward +the rock behind me, and, to my great astonishment, became aware of a +pair of glaring eyes fastened upon me. As my head was between the fire +and those fearful eyes, I could plainly distinguish the fiery balls as, +reflected on by the red light, they peered above the naked rocks. + +19. It was a panther, and evidently, from the position in which I saw +it, was ready for a spring. Happily on this, as on every other night, my +trusty gun lay close beside me. I seized it, and, half-rising, so that +the fire behind me afforded light for a steady aim, I leveled it exactly +between the eyes. I fired, the bullet sped on its deadly errand, and the +crack of the noble rifle, thundering against the steep rocks, returned +with loud and prolonged echo. + +20. Konwell, to whom the report of a gun was ever the sweetest music, +now started up, as if roused by an electric shock, and grasped his gun. +The dog continued his barking, smelling all around, and looking in my +face as if to inquire in what direction he should go. There was no +rustling movement on the rock, and the bullet must have taken effect. + +21. Konwell shook his head as he inquired, "Why I had shot?" Without +answering, I began to reload my gun: this finished, I took up a blazing +pine brand from the fire, and proceeded to climb the steep wall of rock, +that raised itself like a barrier, about twenty steps distant from the +spot upon which we rested. Here I found an old panther, the largest I +had ever seen, lying dead--my well-directed bullet had finished him. I +flung the body over the rock, and my old comrade dragged him to the +fire. + +22. The ball had struck him directly in the right eye, passing through +the brain. He was a fearful-looking animal, with terrible teeth and +claws, and the more to be dreaded, as, when we cut him up, his stomach +was found entirely empty. I believed that hunger had driven him so close +to the fire; but Konwell thought he had scented the fresh venison we had +with us. Be that as it may, there was little doubt but that he would +have made a leap, as soon as the intervening fire had burned down; to +its friendly presence, therefore, on this occasion, as a means of +Providence, we owed our lives. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What had Konwell driven into a den? 2. What preparation +did he make, before entering into the cavern? 3. How far had the men +proceeded before they saw the panther? 4. Describe the appearance of the +panther, as they came near him after the first shot? 5. What did the +panther do after the men both fired at him? 6. Did they finally succeed +in killing the panther? 7. Describe the manner in which they killed +another panther. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XL. + + RAP' IDs, part of a river where the current is swift. + TUR' BU LENCE, violent agitation. + HELM, instrument for steering a vessel. + EX CUR' SION, tour; ramble. + A HOY', sea term used in hailing a vessel. + QUAFF, drink largely. + HOIST, raise; lift up. + BLAS PHEM' ING, uttering impious language. + SHRIEK' ING, screaming; crying out. + + +THE POWER OF HABIT. + +JOHN B. GOUGH. + +1. I remember once riding from Buffalo to the Niagara Palls. I said to a +gentleman, "What river is that, sir?" "That," said he, "is Niagara +river." + +2. "Well, it is a beautiful stream," said I; "bright, and fair, and +glassy. How far off are the rapids?" "Only a mile or two," was the +reply. + +3. "Is it _possible_ that only a mile from us, we shall find the water +in the turbulence which it must show near the Falls'?" + +"You will find it so, sir." And so I found it; and the first sight of +Niagara I shall never forget. + +4. Now, launch your bark on that Niagara river; it is bright, smooth, +beautiful, and glassy. There is a ripple at the bow; the silver wake you +leave behind, adds to your enjoyment. Down the stream you glide, oars, +sails, and helm in proper trim, and you set out on your pleasure +excursion. + +5. Suddenly, some one cries out from the bank, "_Young men, ahoy!_" + +"What is it?" + +"_The rapids are below you!_" + +6. "Ha! ha! we have heard of the rapids; but we are not such fools as to +get there. If we go too fast, then we shall up with the helm, and steer +to the shore; we will set the mast in the socket, hoist the sail, and +speed to the land. Then on, boys; don't be alarmed,--there is no +danger." + +7. "Young men, ahoy there!" + +"What is it?" + +"_The rapids are below you!_" + +8. "Ha! ha! we will laugh and quaff; all things delight us. What care we +for the future! No man ever saw it. Sufficient for the day is the evil +thereof. We will enjoy life while we may,--will catch pleasure as it +flies. This is enjoyment; time enough to steer out of danger when we are +sailing swiftly with the current." + +9 (_ff._) "YOUNG MEN, AHOY!" + +"What is it?" + +"BEWARE! BEWARE! THE RAPIDS ARE BELOW YOU!" + +10. "Now you see the water foaming all around. See how fast you pass +that point! Up with the helm! Now turn! Pull hard! (=) Quick! quick! +quick! pull for your lives! pull till the blood starts from your +nostrils, and the veins stand like whip-cords upon your brow! Set the +mast in the socket! hoist the sail! (_sl._) Ah! ah! it is too late! +Shrieking, howling, blaspheming; over they go." + +11. Thousands go over the rapids of intemperance every year, through +_the power of habit_, crying all the while, "_When I find out that it_ +[Footnote: Temperate drinking.] _is injuring me, I will give it up!_" + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where are the Niagara Falls? 2. How does the water appear +just above the Falls? 3. How does it appear farther up? 4. What reply +are the young men represented as making, when first told the rapids were +below them? 5. What, when told the second time? 6. What must they do, to +escape destruction? 7. What is said of _the power of habit?_ + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLI. + + BE SOT' TED, stupefied. + BUR LESQU' ED, mocked; derided. + DE FI' ED, set at defiance. + CHER' ISH ED, fostered; encouraged. + STREW' ED, scattered; spread. + LIV' ID, discolored; black and blue. + MIR' ROR ED, reflected, as in a glass. + RE VEAL' INGS, disclosures. + PLIGHT' ED, pledged. + FOR SWORN', perjured. + STAMP' ED, impressed; fixed deeply. + BLIGHT, blasting disease. + A TONE', make reparation. + PRO CLAIM' ED, openly declared. + LOATHE, detest; abhor. + BEV' ER AGE, drink. + +These verses should be read in a firm, half-indignant, yet imploring +tone of voice,--except the last verse, which should be expressed in a +very decided and impassioned manner. + + +THE DRUNKARD'S DAUGHTER. + +[Footnote: These beautiful and touching verses were written by a young +lady, in reply to a friend who had called her a monomaniac on the +subject of temperance.] + +1. Go, feel what I have felt, + Go, bear what I have borne; + Sink 'neath a blow a father dealt, + And the cold, proud world's scorn; + Thus struggle on from year to year, + Thy sole relief,--the scalding tear. + +2. Go, weep as I have wept, + O'er a loved father's fall, + See every cherished promise swept,-- + Youth's sweetness turned to gall; + Hope's faded flowers strewed all the way + That led me up to woman's day. + +3. Go, kneel as I have knelt; + Implore, beseech, and pray, + Strive the besotted heart to melt, + The downward course to stay; + Be cast with bitter curse aside,-- + Thy prayers burlesqued, thy tears defied. + +4. Go, stand where I have stood, + And see the strong man bow; + With gnashing teeth, lips bathed in blood, + And cold and livid brow; + Go, catch his wandering glance, and see + There mirrored, his soul's misery. + +5. Go, hear what I have heard,-- + The sobs of sad despair, + As memory's feeling fount hath stirred, + And its revealings there + Have told him what he might have been, + Had he the drunkard's fate foreseen. + +6. Go to my mother's side, + And her crushed spirit cheer; + Thine own deep anguish hide, + Wipe from her cheek the tear; + Mark her dimmed eye,--her furrowed brow, + The gray that streaks her dark hair now; + Her toil-worn frame, her trembling limb, + And trace the ruin back to him + Whose plighted faith, in early youth, + Promised eternal love and truth; + But who, forsworn, hath yielded up + That promise to the deadly cup, + And led her down from love and light, + From all that made her pathway bright, + And chained her there 'mid want and strife, + That lowly thing,--_a drunkard's wife!_ + And stamped on childhood's brow so mild, + That withering blight, _a drunkard's child!_ + +7. Go, hear, and see, and feel, and know, + All that _my soul_ hath felt and known, + Then look upon the wine-cup's glow; + See if its brightness can atone; + Think if its flavor you will try, + If all proclaimed, "_'Tis drink and die!_" + +8. Tell me I _hate_ the bowl; + _Hate_ is a feeble word: +(f.) _I loathe_, ABHOR,--_my very soul_ + _With strong disgust is stirred_, + Whene'er I see, or hear, or tell, + Of the DARK BEVERAGE OF HELL!! + +QUESTIONS.--1. By whom was this poetry written? 2. What circumstance +induced her to write it? 3. What is the meaning of _monomaniac?_ Ans. +One who is deranged in a single faculty of the mind, or with regard to a +particular subject, the other faculties being in regular exercise. 4. +What reasons does she assign for her hatred of alcoholic drink? 5. What +does she say of her mother? 6. With what tone of voice should the last +verse be read? See page 40, Rule 4. 7. Why are some words and sentences +printed in Italics and Capitals? See page 22, Note III. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLII. + + REC' ORDS, accounts; minutes. + AD VENT' URES, doings; strange occurences. + EN CUM' BER, load; clog. + GRAT I FI CA' TION, indulgence. + SCHEME, plan; progress. + DE LIB ER A' TION, thought; consideration. + LUX U RI OUS, pleasure-loving. + EX PE DI' TION, tour; enterprise. + MO ROSE', sour; ill-humored. + RE VOLT' ING, disgusting; abhorrent. + CON TEM' PLATE, consider; think upon. + REL' IC, remains. + IN VES' TI GATE, examine; look into. + AC COM' PLISH ED, effected. + PIC TUR ESQUE', (_pikt yur esk'_)grand; beautiful; picture-like. + + +THE TWO YOUNG TRAVELERS. + +MERRY'S MUSEUM. + +1. Horace and Herman, two young men who were friends, set out to travel +in distant countries. Before they departed, each had formed a _plan_ of +proceeding. Horace determined to give himself up entirely to +_pleasure,_--to go wherever his humor might dictate,--and to keep no +records of his adventures. In short, he resolved to _enjoy himself_ as +much as possible, and, by no means, to encumber his mind with cares, +duties, or troubles of any kind. + +2. Herman was as fond of amusement as Horace; but the _mode_ he adopted +for the gratification of his wishes, was quite different. In the first +place, he made out a scheme of his travels: he procured maps, read +books, and, after mature deliberation, adopted a certain route, as most +likely to afford him pleasure as well as instruction. + +3. In the formation of this plan, he spent several weeks; and, in this +occupation, he found quite as much satisfaction as he afterwards did in +traveling. Thus he obtained one great advantage over his idle and +luxurious friend, who foolishly thought that the essence of enjoyment +lay in freedom from thought, restraint, and toil. Even before they set +out on their journey, Herman had actually found nearly as _much_ +pleasure as Horace received in the whole course of his expedition. + +4. The two young men started together; and, as there were then no canals +or railroads, they both set out on foot. They had not proceeded far +before they separated,--Horace taking one road and Herman another. + +5. After the lapse of three years, they both returned; but what a +difference between them! Horace was morose and dissatisfied; he had seen +a good deal of the world, but, as he had traveled with no other design +than to _gratify himself_ from hour to hour, he had soon exhausted the +cup of pleasure, and found nothing at the bottom but the bitter dregs of +discontent. + +6. He pursued pleasure, till, at last, he found the pursuit to be +distasteful and revolting. He grew tired even of amusement. He indulged +his tastes, humors, and passions, until indulgence itself was +disgusting. When he returned to his friends, he had laid up nothing in +his memory, by the relation of which he could amuse them; he had kept no +record of things he had seen; he brought back no store of pleasing and +useful recollections for himself, or others. Such was the result of +three years' travel for pleasure. + +7. It was quite otherwise with Herman. Adhering to his plans, he visited +a great many places, and, each day, he recorded in his journal what he +had seen. Whenever he met with an interesting object, he stopped to +contemplate it. If it was some aged relic, famous in history, he took +pains to investigate its story, and to write it down. If it was an +object of interest to the eye, he made a sketch of it in a book which he +kept for that purpose. + +8. In this way, Herman accomplished three good objects. In the first +place, by taking pleasure in a moderate way, and mixing with it a little +toil and industry, he prevented that cloying surfeit which, at last, +sickened and disgusted Horace. + +9. In the second place, he greatly increased his enjoyments by the plan +he adopted. Merely executing a plan is agreeable, and a source of great +pleasure. It is natural to derive happiness from following out a +design,--from seeing, hour by hour, day by day, how results come about, +in conformity to our intentions. + +10. But _this_ was not the _only_ advantage which Herman received from +his system. The very toil he bestowed; the investigations he made; the +pleasant thoughts and curious knowledge that were unfolded to his mind; +the excitement he found in his exertions; the pleasure he took in +drawing picturesque scenes; _all_ constituted a rich harvest of +pleasure, which was wholly denied to Horace. + +11. Thus it was that labor and industry, exerted in carrying out a plan, +afforded the young traveler a vast deal of gratification. The very +things that Horace looked upon as hateful, were, in fact, the sources of +his friend's most permanent enjoyment. + +12. In the third place, Herman had come back laden with rich stores of +knowledge, observation, and experience. Not only was his journal rich in +tales, legends, scenes, incidents, and historical records, but in +putting these things down on paper, his memory had been improved, and he +had acquired the habit of observing and remembering. His mind was full +of pleasant things, and nothing could be more interesting than to hear +him tell of his travels, and of what he had seen. + +13. While Horace was dull, silent, and sour, Herman was full of +conversation, life, and interest. The one was happy', the other +unhappy`; one was agreeable', the other disagreeable`; one had exhausted +the cup of pleasure', the other seemed always to have the cup full and +sparkling before him`. It was agreed on all hands that Horace was a +disagreeable person, and everybody shunned him; while Herman was +considered by all a most agreeable companion, and everybody sought his +society. + +14. So much for the two travelers; _one_, a luxurious lover of pleasure, +who thought only of the passing moment, and, in his folly, abused and +threw away his powers of enjoyment; the _other_, a lover of pleasure +also; but who pursued it moderately, with a wise regard to the future, +and careful attention, every day, to the rules of duty; and who thus +secured his true happiness. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What plan had Horace determined to pursue while +traveling? 2. What was Herman's plan? 3. What is said of Horace, after +his return? 4. How was it with Herman? 5. What is said of the two in +contrast? 6. What effect has the emphasis on the place of the accent in +the words _unhappy_ and _disagreeable_, 13th paragraph? See page 22, +note V. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLIII. + + IM' PORT, meaning. + GROV' EL ING, mean; creeping. + A CHIEVE' MENT, performance. + AS PI RA' TION, wish; ardent desire. + SAN' GUINE, ardent; hopeful. + RE' AL IZ ED, attained. + IN SPI RA' TION, natural impulse. + STATE' LI NESS, dignity: majesty. + AD VENT' TUR OUS, daring; enterprising. + EX UL TA' TION, (_x_ like _gz_,) triumph. + RI' VALS, competitors. + DIG' NI TY, elevation; majesty. + OR' A CLES, wise words or sentences. + A' PEX, hight; summit. + TEN' E MENT, dwelling; _here means_, the body. + AD MON' ISH. warn. + RAPT' UR OUS, joyous; ecstatic. + AN TIC I PA' TION, foretaste. + + PHI LOS' O PHY, (PHILO, _love_; SOPHY, _wisdom_,) love of wisdom; + reason of things. See SANDERS & McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 236, + Ex. 334 + + +HIGHER! + +1. HIGHER! It is a word of noble import. It lifts the soul of man from +low and groveling pursuits, to the achievement of great and noble deeds, +and ever keeps the object of his aspiration in view, till his most +sanguine expectations are fully realized. + +2. HIGHER! lisps the infant that clasps its parent's knee, and makes its +feeble effort to rise from the floor. It is the first inspiration of +childhood to burst the narrow confines of the cradle, and to exercise +those feeble, tottering limbs, which are to walk forth in the +stateliness of manhood. + +3. HIGHER! echoes the proud school-boy in his swing; or, as he climbs +the tallest tree of the forest, that he may look down upon his less +adventurous comrades with a flush of exultation,--and abroad over the +fields, the meadows, and his native village. + +4. HIGHER! earnestly breathes the student of philosophy and nature. He +has a host of rivals; but he must excel them all. The midnight oil burns +dim; but he finds light and knowledge in the lamps of heaven, and his +soul is never weary, when the last of them is hid by the splendors of +the morning. + +5. And HIGHER! his voice thunders forth, when the dignity of manhood has +mantled his form, and the multitude is listening with delight to his +oracles, burning with eloquence, and ringing like true steel in the +cause of _Freedom_ and _Right_. And when time has changed his locks to +silver,--when the young and the old unite to do him honor, he still +breathes forth from his generous heart fond wishes for their welfare. + +6. HIGHER YET! He has reached the apex of earthly honor; yet his spirit +burns as warm as in youth, though with a steadier and purer light. And +even now, while his frail tenement begins to admonish him, that "the +time of his departure is at hand," he looks forward, with rapturous +anticipation, to the never-fading glory, attainable only in the presence +of the Most High. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of the word _Higher_, first paragraph? 2. +When does the school-boy say Higher? 3. What is said of the student? 4. +What, when he arrives at manhood? 5. What, when he becomes old? 6. Where +is the passage within the quotation to be found? Ans. 2 Timothy, 4th +chapter, 6th verse. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLIV. + + IN TENS' ER, more fervent. + STUB' BORN, unyielding; rugged. + DEEM, think; imagine. + OLD' EN, old; ancient. + CLINGS, sticks; adheres closely. + GAL' LANT, fine; noble. + YAWN' ING, wide-opening. + FU' RY, rage; madness. + RAVE, rage; become furious. + HEC' TIC, habitual; continuous. + MEN' TAL, intellectual. + WIELD, sway; exert. + PRIV' I LEGE, right; opportunity. + DOW' ER, gift; portion. + + +LABOR. + +[Footnote: These lines were suggested by the simple incident of an +industrious wood-sawyer's reply to a man who told him that _his was a +hard work_. "Yes, it is hard, to be sure; but _it is harder to do +nothing_," was his answer.] + +CAROLINE F. ORNE. + +1. Ho, ye who at the anvil toil, And strike the sounding blow, Where, +from the burning iron's breast, The sparks fly to and fro, While +answering to the hammer's ring, And fire's intenser glow!--Oh, while ye +feel 'tis hard to toil And sweat the long day through, Remember, it is +harder still _To have no work to do!_ + +2. Ho, ye who till the stubborn soil, Whose hard hands guide the plow, +Who bend beneath the summer sun, With burning cheek and brow!--Ye deem +the curse still clings to earth From olden time till now; But, while ye +feel 'tis hard to toil And labor all day through, Remember, it is harder +still _To have no work to do_! + +3. Ho, ye who plow the sea's blue field, Who ride the restless wave, +Beneath whose gallant vessel's keel There lies a yawning grave, Around +whose bark the wint'ry winds Like fiends of fury rave!--Oh, while ye +feel 'tis hard to toil And labor long hours through, Remember, it is +harder still _To have no work to do!_ 4 Ho, ye upon whose fevered cheeks +The hectic glow is bright, Whose mental toil wears out the day, And half +the weary night, Who labor for the souls of men, Champions of truth and +right!--Although ye feel your toil is hard, Even with this glorious +view, Remember, it is harder still _To have no work to do!_ 5. Ho, all +who labor,--all who strive Ye wield a lofty power; Do with your might, +do with your strength, Fill every golden hour! The glorious privilege +_to do_ Is man's most noble dower. Oh, to your birthright and yourselves +To your own souls be true! A weary, wretched life is theirs, _Who have +no work to do!_ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What incident suggested these thoughts to the writer? 2. +Who toil at the anvil? 3. Who till the stubborn soil? 4. Who plow the +sea's blue wave? 5. Who toil mentally? 6. Who labor for the souls of +men? 7. What is man's most noble dower? 8. What is said to all these +different laborers? 9. What is the meaning of the suffix _less_ in the +word _restless?_ See SANDERS & McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 140, Ex. 187. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLV. + + E LIC' IT, draw forth. + IN TEL' LI GENT, knowing; well-informed. + RE FRAIN, hold in, or keep back. + IG NO RA' MUS, ignorant person. + RE TORT', reply; answer back. + IN DEL' I BLY, in a way not to be effaced. + MYS' TE RIES, profound secrets. + AB SORB' ED, engrossed; occupied. + MOR TI FI CA' TION, deep disappointment. + OB STA CLE, hinderance; impediment. + RE VOLT ED, shrank back. + POR' ING, earnestly perusing. + EM I NENCE, distinction. + IN FOR MA' TION, knowledge. + IL LIT' ER ATE, ignorant; unlearned. + PRO FES' SION, business; employment. + DIS' CI PLIN ED trained; instructed. + CON TEMPT' U OUS, scornful; hateful. + AN TAG' O NIST, opponent; adversary. + + +THE AMBITIOUS APPRENTICE. + +1. "How far is it from here to the sun?" asked Harmon Lee of his +father's apprentice, James Wallace, intending by the question to elicit +some reply that would exhibit the boy's ignorance. + +2. James Wallace, a boy of fourteen, turned his bright, intelligent eyes +upon the son of his employer, and replied, "I don't know, Harmon. How +far is it?" + +3. There was something so honest and earnest in the tone of the boy, +that, much as Harmon had felt disposed, at first, to sport with his +ignorance, he could not refrain from giving him a true answer. Still, +his contempt for the ignorant apprentice was not to be concealed, and he +replied, "_Ninety-five millions of miles_, you ignoramus!" James did not +retort; but, repeating over in his mind the distance named, fixed it +indelibly upon his memory. + +4. On the same evening, after he had finished his day's work, he +obtained a small text-book on astronomy, which belonged to Harmon Lee, +and went up into his garret with a candle, and there, alone, attempted +to dive into the mysteries of that sublime science. As he read, the +earnestness of his attention fixed nearly every fact upon his mind. So +intent was he, that he perceived not the flight of time, until the +town-clock struck ten. + +5. He lay down upon his hard bed, and gave full scope to his thoughts. +Hour after hour passed away, but he could not sleep, so absorbed was he +in reviewing the new and wonderful things he had read. At last, wearied +nature gave way, and he fell into a slumber, filled with dreams of +planets, moons, comets, and fixed stars. + +6. The next morning the apprentice boy resumed his place at the +work-bench with a new feeling; and, with _this_ feeling, was mingled one +of regret, that he could not go to school as well as Harmon. + +"But I can study at night, while he is asleep," he said to himself. + +7. Just then Harmon Lee came into the shop, and, approaching James, +said, for the purpose of teasing him, "How big round is the earth, +James?" + +"_Twenty-five thousand miles,_" was the quick reply. + +8. Harmon looked surprised, for a moment, and then responded, with a +sneer,--for he was not a kind-hearted boy, but, on the contrary, very +selfish, and disposed to _injure_ rather than _do good_ to others,--"Oh! +how wonderfully wise you are all at once! And no doubt you can tell how +many moons Jupiter has? Come, let us hear." + +9. "Jupiter has four moons," James answered, with something of +exultation in his tone. + +"And, no doubt, you can tell how many rings it has?" + +"Jupiter has no rings. Saturn has rings, and Jupiter belts," James +replied, in a decisive tone. + +10. For a moment or two Harmon was silent with surprise and +mortification, to think that his father's _apprentice_, whom he esteemed +so far below him, should be possessed of knowledge equal to his, and on +the points in reference to which he had chosen to question him,--and +that he should be able to convict him of an error, into which he had +purposely fallen. + +11. "I should like to know how long it is since you became so +wonderfully wise," said Harmon, with a sneer. + +"Not very long," James replied calmly. "I have been reading one of your +books on astronomy." + +12. "I should like to know what business _you_ have to touch one of _my_ +books! You had better be minding your work." + +"I did not neglect it, Harmon; I read at _night_, after I was done with +my work; and I did not hurt your book." + +"I don't care if you _didn't_ hurt it. You are not going to have _my_ +books, I can tell you. So, you just let them alone." + +13. Poor James's heart sank within him at this unexpected obstacle, so +suddenly thrown in his way. He had no money of his own to buy, and knew +of no one from whom he could borrow the book, that had become so +necessary to his happiness. "Do, Harmon," he said, "lend me the book; I +will take good care of it." + +"No; I will not. And don't you dare to touch it," was the angry reply. + +14. James Wallace knew well enough the selfish disposition of Harmon, to +be convinced that there was now but little hope of his having the use of +his books, except by stealth; and from that his naturally open and +honest principles revolted. All day he thought earnestly of the means +whereby he should be able to obtain a book on astronomy, to quench the +ardent thirst he had created in his own mind. + +15. He was learning the trade of a blind-maker. Having been already an +apprentice for two years, and being industrious and intelligent, he had +acquired a readiness with tools, and much skill in some parts of his +trade. While sitting alone, after he had finished his work for the day, +it occurred to him that he might, by working in the evening, earn some +money, and with it buy such books as he wanted. + +16. By consent of his employer, he succeeded in getting a small job, +from one of his neighbors; and, in a short time, by working evenings, he +obtained sufficient money to purchase a book of his own, and had a half +dollar left, with which he bought a second-hand dictionary. Every night +found him poring over his books; and, as soon as it was light enough in +the morning to see, he was up and reading. During the day, his mind was +pondering over the things he had read, while his hands were diligently +employed in the labor assigned him. + +17. It occurred, just at this time, that a number of benevolent +individuals established, in the town where James lived, one of those +excellent institutions, an Apprentices' Library. To this he applied, and +obtained the books he needed. And thus, did this poor apprentice boy lay +the foundation of future eminence and usefulness. At the age of +twenty-one, he was master of his trade; and, what was more, had laid up +a vast amount of general and scientific information. + +18. Let us now turn to mark the progress of the young student, Harmon +Lee, in one of the best seminaries in his native city, and afterwards at +college. The idea that he was to be a lawyer, soon took possession of +his mind, and this caused him to feel contempt for other boys, who were +merely designed for trades or store-keeping. + +19. Like too many others, he had no love for learning. To be a _lawyer_ +he thought would be much more honorable than to be a mere mechanic; and, +for this reason _alone_, he desired to be one. As for James Wallace, the +poor illiterate apprentice, he was most heartily despised, and never +treated by Harmon with the least degree of kind consideration. + +20. At the age of eighteen, Harmon was sent away to one of the eastern +universities, and there remained until he was twenty years of age, when +he graduated, and came home with the honorary title of Bachelor of Arts. +On the very day that James completed his term of apprenticeship, Harmon +was admitted to the bar. + +21. From some cause, James determined he would make law _his_ +profession. To the acquirement of a knowledge of legal matters, +therefore, he bent all the energies of a well disciplined mind. Two +years passed away in an untiring devotion to the studies he had assigned +himself, and he then made application for admission to the bar. + +22. Young Wallace passed his examinations with some applause, and the +first case on which he was employed, chanced to be one of great +difficulty, which required all his skill; the lawyer on the opposite +side was Harmon Lee, who entertained for his father's apprentice the +utmost contempt. + +23. The cause came on. There was a profound silence and a marked +attention and interest, when the young stranger arose in the court-room +to open the case. A smile of contempt curled the lip of Harmon Lee, but +Wallace saw it not. The prominent points of the case were presented in +plain, but concise language to the court; and a few remarks bearing upon +its merits being made, the young lawyer took his seat, and gave room for +the defense. + +24. Instantly Harmon Lee was on his feet, and began referring to the +points presented by his "very learned brother," in a very flippant +manner. There were those present who marked the light that kindled in +the eye of Wallace, and the flash that passed over his countenance at +the first contemptuous word and tone that were uttered by his antagonist +at the bar. These soon gave place to attention, and an air of conscious +power. Nearly an hour had passed when Harmon resumed his seat with a +look of exultation, which was followed by a pitying and contemptuous +smile, as Wallace again slowly rose. + +25. Ten minutes, however, had not passed when that smile had changed to +a look of surprise, mortification, and alarm. The young lawyer's first +speech showed him to be a man of calm, deep, systematic thought,--well +skilled in points of law and in authorities,--and, more than all, a +lawyer of practical and comprehensive views. When he sat down, no +important point in the case had been left untouched, and none that had +been touched, required further elucidation. + +20. Lee followed briefly, in a vain attempt to torture his language and +break down his positions. But he felt that he was contending with +weapons whose edges were turned at every blow. When he took his seat +again, Wallace merely remarked that he was prepared, without further +argument, to submit the case to the court. + +27. The case was accordingly submitted, and a decision unhesitatingly +made in favor of the plaintiff, or Wallace's client. From that hour +James Wallace took his true position. _The despised apprentice became +the able and profound lawyer,_ and was esteemed for real talent and real +moral worth, which, when combined, ever place their possessor in his +true position. Ten years from that day, Wallace was elevated to the +bench, while Lee, a second-rate lawyer, never rose above that position. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What profession did James study, after he had learned his +trade? 2. Who was his opponent in the first cause he tried? 3. Which won +the case? 4. What did James finally become? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLVI. + + TAUNT' ING LY, insultingly. + DIG' NI FI ED, noble. + DIS PU' TANTS, persons disputing. + RES O LU' TION, decision. + IM AG' IN ED, fancied. + RE FLEC' TION, thought; consideration. + SU PE RI OR' I TY, preeminence. + SUB OR DI NATE, one inferior in position. + BUF' FET ED, struggled against. + THRALLS, bondage. + DES POT' IC, tyrannical. + OP PRES' SION, tyranny. + PEN' U RY, poverty; destitution. + PRED E CES' SORS, those who have gone before. + DIS PEN SA' TIONS, dealings. + CRI TE' RI ON, standard; measure. + + +"SO WAS FRANKLIN." + +ANON. + +1. "Oh, you're a _'prentice!_" said a little boy, the other day, +tauntingly, to his companion. The boy addressed turned proudly round, +and, while the fire of injured pride, and the look of pity were +strangely blended in his countenance, coolly answered, "_So was +Franklin!_" + +2. This dignified reply struck me forcibly, and I turned to mark the +disputants more closely. The former, I perceived by his dress, was of a +higher class in society than his humble, yet more dignified companion. +The latter was a sprightly, active lad, scarce twelve years old, and +coarsely, but neatly attired. But, young as he was, there was visible in +his countenance much of genius, manly dignity, and determinate +resolution; while that of the former showed only fostered pride, and the +imagined superiority of riches. + +3. That little fellow, thought we, gazing at our young hero, displays +already much of the man, though his calling be a humble one; and, though +poverty extends to him her dreary, cheerless reality, still he looks on +the brightest side of the scene, and already rises in anticipation from +poverty and wretchedness! Once, "_so was Franklin_" and the world may +one day witness in our little "_'prentice_" as great a philosopher as +they have already seen in his noble pattern! And we passed on, buried in +meditation. + +4. The motto of our infantile philosopher contains much,--too much to be +forgotten, and should be engraven on the minds of all. What can better +cheer man in a humble calling, than the reflection that the greatest and +the best of earth--the greatest statesmen, the brightest philosophers, +and the proudest warriors--have once graced the same profession? + +5. + "Look at Franklin! He who + With the thunder talked, as friend to friend, + And wove his garland of the lightning's wing, + In sportive twist." + +What was he? A _printer!_ once a subordinate in a printing office! +Poverty stared him in the face; but her blank, hollow look, could +nothing daunt him. He struggled against a harder current than most are +called to encounter; but he did not yield. He pressed manfully onward; +bravely buffeted misfortune's billows, and gained the desired haven! + +6. Look at Cincinnatus! At the call of his country he laid aside the +plow and seized the sword. But having wielded it with success, when his +country was no longer endangered, and public affairs needed not his +longer stay, "he beat his sword Into a ploughshare," and returned with +honest delight to his little farm. + +7. Look at Washington! What was his course of life? He was first a +_farmer;_ next a _Commander in Chief_ of the hosts of freedom, fighting +for the liberation of his country from the thralls of despotic +oppression; next, called to the highest seat of government by his +ransomed brethren, a _President of the largest Republic on earth_, and +lastly, a _farmer_ again. + +8. What was the famous Ben Jonson? He was first a _brick-layer, or +mason!_ What was he in after years? 'Tis needless to answer. + +What was Burns? An Ayrshire _plowman!_ What was he in after life, in the +estimation of his countrymen, and the world? Your library gives the +answer! + +9. But shall we go on, and call up, in proud array, all the mighty host +of worthies that have lived and died, who were cradled in the lap of +penury, and received their first lessons in the school of affliction'? +Nay'; we have cited instances enough already,--yea, more than enough to +prove the point in question--namely, _that there is no profession, +however low in the opinion of the world, but has been honored with +earth's greatest and worthiest._ + +10. Young man! Does the iron hand of misfortune press hard upon you, and +disappointments well-nigh sink your despairing soul'? Have courage! +Mighty ones have been your predecessors, and have withstood the current +of opposition that threatened to overwhelm their fragile bark. + +11. Do you despise your humble station, and repine that Providence has +not placed you in some nobler sphere'? Murmur not against the +dispensations of an All-wise Creator! Remember that wealth is no +criterion of moral rectitude or intellectual worth,--that riches +dishonestly gained, are a lasting curse,--that virtue and uprightness +work out a rich reward,--and that + + "An honest man's the noblest work of God." + +12. And when dark Disappointment comes, do not wither at her stare; but +press forward, and the prize is yours! It was thus with _Franklin_,--it +can be thus with _you_. He strove for the prize, and he won it! So may +_you!_ 'Tis well worth contending for; and may success attend you, and +the "stars" grow brighter, as the "stripes" wear deeper! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What did the rich boy say of the poor boy? 2. What reply +did the poor boy make? 3. What other examples are cited of eminent men +who were once poor? 4. What is said of Cincinnatus? 5. Of Washington? 6. +Of Ben Jonson? 7. Of Burns? 8. What do all these examples prove? 9. What +encouragement is given to young men? 10. What are the full forms of the +words _you're, 'prentice?_ + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLVII. + + MAG'IC, power of enchantment. + CONTEN'TION, strife; controversy. + TRA DI'TION, facts or events handed down from age to age. + SUB TILE, thin; slight; slender. + IN VEST'ED, clothed. + CREST'ED, adorned with a plume or crest. + AZ'URE, light-blue; sky-colored. + PER SPECT' IVE, (PER, _through_; SPECT, _to see_; IVE, _having + the power_,) having the power to see through; a view through. + UN DI VERT' ED, (UN, _not_; DI, _aside_; VERTED, _turned_,) + not turned aside; unheeded. + VEST'URE, garment. + SE DATE', calm; quiet. + FAN TAS'TIC, fanciful; visionary. + RA DI ANCE, brightness; luster. + IN VEC'TIVE, railing speech. + I DE'AL, imaginary. + FA TIGU ING, wearisome, toilsome. + AS PIR'ING, aiming; seeking to rise. + + +NOW AND THEN. + +JANE TAYLOR. + + 1. In distant days,--of wild romance, + Of magic, mist, and fable,-- + When stones could argue, trees advance,[Footnote 1] + And brutes to talk were able,-- + When shrubs and flowers were said to preach, + And manage all the parts of speech,-- + + 2. 'Twas _then_, no doubt, if 'twas at all, + (But doubts we need not mention,) + That _Then_ and _Now_, two adverbs small, + Engaged in sharp contention; + But how they made each other hear, + Tradition doth not make appear. + + 3. _Then_ was a sprite of subtile frame, + With rainbow tints invested.-- + On clouds of dazzling light she came, + And stars her forehead crested; + Her sparkling eyes of azure hue, + Seemed borrowed from the distant blue. + + 4. _Now_ rested on the solid earth, + And sober was her vesture; + She seldom either grief or mirth + Expressed, by word or gesture; + Composed, sedate, and firm she stood, + And looked industrious, calm, and good. + + 5. _Then_ sang a wild, fantastic song, + Light as the gale she flies on, + Still stretching, as she sailed along, + Toward the far horizon, + Where clouds of radiance, fringed with gold, + O'er hills of emerald beauty rolled. + + 6. _Now_ rarely raised her sober eye + To view that golden distance; + Nor let one idle minute fly + In hope of _Then's_ assistance; + But still with busy hands she stood, + Intent on doing _present_ good. + + 7. She ate the sweet, but homely fare, + That passing moments brought her; + While _Then_, expecting dainties rare, + Despised such bread and water; + And waited for the fruits and flowers + Of future, still receding hours. + + 8. _Now_, venturing once to ask her why, + She answered with invective; + And pointed, as she made reply, + _Toward that long perspective + Of years to come_,--in distant blue, + Wherein she meant to _live_ and _do_, + + 9. "Alas!" says she, _"how hard you toil!_ + With undiverted sadness; + Behold yon land of wine and oil! + Those sunny hills of gladness! + Those joys I wait, with eager brow," + _"And so you always will!"_ said _Now_. + +10. "That fairy land that looks so real, + Recedes as you pursue it; + Thus, while you wait for time's ideal, + _I take my work and do it;_ + Intent to form, when time is gone, + A _pleasant past_ to look upon." + +11. "Ah, well," said _Then_, "I envy not + Your dull, fatiguing labors,-- + Aspiring to a brighter lot, + With thousands of my neighbors; + Soon as I reach that golden hill,"-- + "But that," says _Now_, "you _never will!"_ + +12. "And e'en suppose you should," said she, + "(Though mortal ne'er attained it,) + Your nature you must change with me, + The moment you have gained it; + Since hope fulfilled, (you must allow,) + Turns NOW to _Then_, and THEN to _Now_." + +[Footnote 1: The reference is to Orpheus, (or' fuse,) an ancient poet +and musician of Greece. The skill of Orpheus on the lyre, was fabled to +have been such as to move the very trees and rocks, and to assemble the +beasts around him as he touched its chords.] + +QUESTIONS.--1. What two words are represented as holding a controversy? +2. Describe the appearance of each. 3. When did _Then_ propose to do +something? 4. How did Now act? 5. What answer did _Then_ make, when +_Now_ asked her why she waited? 6. What was _Now's_ reply? 7. What did +_Now_ finally say to _Then_? 8. How should passages, within a +parenthesis, be read? See SANDERS' UNION READER, NUMBER THREE, page 20. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLVIII. + + IN GEN' IOUS, artful; skillful. + STRAT' A GEM, trick; artifice. + EX CEED' ED, surpassed. + SIG' NALS, signs. + AM' I CA BLE, friendly; peaceable. + RE PEL', (RE, _back_; PEL, _to drive_,)drive back. + MU' TU AL, reciprocal. + EX TRAOR' DI NA RY, uncommon. + IN VET' ER ATE, obstinate; violent. + HARANGUE', declamatory speech. + EN TER TAIN' ED, held; had. + SUS PI' CION, mistrust. + EN COUN' TER ED, met face to face. + EX' E CU TED, carried out. + FOR' MI DA BLE, fearful; dreadful. + PER FID' I OUS, treacherous. + PRE CIP' ITATELY, headlong. + IN AN' I MATE, dead; lifeless. + + +AN INGENIOUS STRATAGEM. + +DAYS OF WASHINGTON. + +1. In the early part of the war, a sergeant and twelve armed men +undertook a journey through the wilderness, in the State of New +Hampshire. Their route was remote from any settlement, and they were +under the necessity of encamping over night in the woods. Nothing +material happened the first day of their excursion; but, early in the +afternoon of the second, they, from an eminence, discovered a body of +armed Indians advancing toward them, whose number rather exceeded their +own. + +2. As soon as the whites were perceived by their red brethren, the +latter made signals, and the two parties approached each other in an +amicable manner. The Indians appeared to be much gratified with meeting +the sergeant and his men, whom, they observed, they considered as their +protectors. They said they belonged to a tribe which had raised the +hatchet with zeal in the cause of liberty, and were determined to do all +in their power to repel the common enemy. + +3. They shook hands in friendship. When they had conversed with each +other for some time, and exchanged mutual good wishes, they, at length, +separated, and each party traveled in a different direction. After +proceeding to the distance of a mile or more, the sergeant, who was +acquainted with all the different tribes, and knew on which side of the +contest they were respectively ranked, halted his men, and addressed +them in the following words: + +4. "My brave companions, we must use the utmost caution, or this night +may be our last. Should we not make some extraordinary exertions to +defend ourselves, to-morrow's sun may find us sleeping, never to wake. +You are surprised, comrades, at my words, and your anxiety will not be +lessened, when I inform you that we have just passed _our most +inveterate foe_, who, under the mask of pretended friendship, which you +have witnessed, would lull us to security, and, by such means, in the +unguarded moments of our midnight slumber, without resistance, seal our +fate." + +5. The men with astonishment listened to this short harangue; and their +surprise was greater, as not one of them had entertained the suspicion +but that they had just encountered friends. They all immediately +resolved to enter into some scheme for their mutual preservation, and +the destruction of their enemies. By the proposal of their leader, the +following plan was adopted and executed. + +6. The spot selected for their night's encampment, was near a stream of +water, which served to cover their rear. They felled a large tree, +before which, on the approach of night, a brilliant fire was lighted. +Each individual cut a log of wood, about the size of his body, rolled it +nicely in his blanket, placed his hat upon one end, and laid it before +the fire, that the enemy might be deceived, and mistake it for a man. + +7. After they had thus fitted out logs, equal in number to the +sergeant's party, and had so artfully arranged them, that they might be +easily mistaken for so many soldiers, the men with loaded muskets placed +themselves behind the fallen tree, by which time the shades of evening +began to close around. The fire was kept burning brilliantly until late +in the evening, when it was suffered to decline. + +8. The critical time was now approaching, when an attack might be +expected from the Indians; but the sergeant's men rested in their place +of concealment with great anxiety, till near midnight, without +perceiving any movement of the enemy. At length, a tall Indian was +discovered, through the glimmering of the fire, cautiously moving toward +them, making no noise, and apparently using every means in his power to +conceal himself from any one about the camp. + +9. For a time, his actions showed him to be suspicious that a guard +might be stationed to watch any unusual appearance, who would give the +alarm in case of danger; but, all appearing quiet, he ventured forward +more boldly, rested upon his toes, and was distinctly seen to move his +finger as he numbered each log of wood, or what he supposed to be a +human being quietly enjoying repose. + +10. To satisfy himself more fully, as to the number, he counted them +over a second time, and cautiously retired. He was succeeded by another +Indian, who went through the same movements, and retired in the same +manner. Soon after, the whole party, sixteen in number, were discovered +approaching, and greedily eyeing their supposed victims. + +11. The feelings of the sergeant's men can be better imagined than +described, when they saw the base and cruel purpose of their enemies, +who were now so near that they could scarcely be restrained from firing +upon them. The plan, however, of the sergeant, was to have his men +remain silent in their places of concealment, till the muskets of the +savages were discharged, that their own fire might be effectual, and +opposition less formidable. + +12. Their suspense was not of long duration. The Indians, in a body, +cautiously approached till within a short distance: they then halted, +took deliberate aim, discharged their pieces upon inanimate logs, gave a +dreadful war-whoop, and instantly rushed forward, with tomahawk and +scalping knife in hand, to dispatch the living, and obtain the scalps of +the dead. + +13. As soon as they had collected in close order, more effectually to +execute their horrid intentions, the sergeant's party discharged their +pieces, not on logs of wood, but perfidious savages,--many of whom fell +under the hot fire of the little band, and the rest precipitately fled. +But for this ingenious scheme, it is probable that not one of these +twelve men would have escaped the tomahawk of the savages. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What did the sergeant say to his men, after parting with +the Indians? 2. What plan did the sergeant propose for their +preservation? 3. Did the plan succeed? 4. Describe the closing scene. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XLIX. + + VEN' ER A BLE, worthy of reverence. + IN VA' SION, irruption; inroad. + EX CIT' ED, roused; stirred up. + IRE, wrath; indignation. + VENGE' ANCE, retaliation. + RE LEAS' ED, set free; liberated. + TRO PHIES, memorials of victory. + BE REFT', deprived. + VULT' URE, rapacious bird. + TRAV' ERS ED, crossed over. + DE SCRIP' TION, representation. + MA TER' NAL, motherly. + FIL' IAL, becoming a child. + CON SAN GUIN' I TY, blood relationship. + IN TEL' LI GENCE, news; information. + I DEN' TI TY, sameness. + SUR VIV' ED, remained alive. + AS CER TAIN' ED, found out. + IN TER' PRET ER, explainer. + LIN' E A MENTS, features. + + +FRANCES SLOCUM, THE YOUNG CAPTIVE. + +[Footnote: The great massacre at Wyoming was, perhaps, the most bloody +and terrible chapter of the Revolution. A combined Indian and Tory force +had flung itself upon the peaceful valley, and murdered or made captive +nearly all its unoffending inhabitants; its old and its young,--men, +women, and children alike,--were either indiscriminately butchered or +made prisoners. Among the prisoners taken on that occasion, was an +infant child by the name of Frances Slocum. The story is a very strange +one; we copy it from Lossing's very excellent work, "The Field Book of +the Revolution."] + +B.J. LOSSING. + +1. I passed the evening with the venerable Joseph Slocum, whose family +was among the sufferers, in Wyoming Valley. He related to me all the +particulars of the capture and final discovery of his sister Frances, +and other incidents connected with the sufferings of his family. + +2. His father was a Quaker, and was distinguished for his kindness to +the Indians. He remained unharmed at the time of the invasion, and, +while the torch was applied to the dwellings of others, _his_ was left +untouched. But his son Giles was in the battle. This, doubtless, excited +the ire of the Indians, and they resolved on vengeance. 3. Late in the +autumn, they were seen prowling about the house, which was situated +about one hundred rods from the Wilkesbarre Fort. A neighbor, named +Kingsley, had been made prisoner, and his wife and two sons had a +welcome home in Mr. Slocum's family. One morning, the boys were grinding +a knife near the house, when a rifle-shot and a shriek brought Mrs. +Slocum to the door. An Indian was scalping the eldest boy, a lad of +fifteen, with the knife he had been grinding. + +4. The savage then went into the house, and caught up a little son of +Mrs. Slocum. "See!" exclaimed the frightened mother, "he can do thee no +good; he is lame." The Indian released the boy, took up her little +daughter Frances, aged five years, gently in his arms, and, seizing the +younger Kingsley, hastened to the mountains. + +5. Two Indians who were with him, carried off a black girl, about +seventeen years of age. Mr. Slocum's daughter caught up her brother +Joseph, (my informant,) two and a half years old, and fled in safety to +the fort, where an alarm was given; but the savages were beyond +successful pursuit. + +6. About six weeks afterward, Mr. Slocum and his father-in-law Ira +Tripp, were shot and scalped by some Indians while foddering cattle near +the house. Again the savages escaped with their horrid trophies. Mrs. +Slocum, bereft of father, husband, and child, and stripped of all +possessions but the house that sheltered her, could not leave the +valley, for nine helpless children were yet in her household. + +7. She trusted in the God of Elijah; and, if she was not fed by the +ravens, she was spared by the vultures. She mourned not for the dead; +for they were at rest: but little Frances, her lost darling, where was +she? The lamp of hope kept on burning; but years rolled by, and no +tidings of the little one came. + +8. When peace returned, and friendly intercourse with Canada was +established, two of the little captive's brothers started in search of +her. They traversed the wilderness to Niagara, offering rewards for her +recovery; but all in vain. They returned to Wyoming, convinced that the +child was dead. But the mother's heart was still the shrine of hope, and +she felt assured that Frances was not in the grave. + +9. Her soul appeared to commune with that of her child, and she often +said, "I know Frances is still living." At length, the mother's heart +was cheered: a woman (for many years had now passed, and Frances, if +living, must have arrived to womanhood) was found among the Indians, +answering the description of the lost one. She only remembered being +carried away from the Susquehanna. + +10. Mrs. Slocum took her home, and cherished her with a mother's +tenderness. Yet the mysterious link of sympathy which binds the maternal +spirit to its offspring, was unfelt, and the bereaved mother was +bereaved still. "It may be Frances, but it does not seem so; yet the +woman shall ever be welcome," said Mrs. Slocum. The foundling, also, +felt no filial yearnings; and, both becoming convinced that no +consanguinity existed, the orphan returned to her Indian friends. + +11. From time to time, the hope of the mother would be revived, and +journeys were made to distant Indian settlements in search of the lost +sister; but in vain. The mother went "down into the grave, mourning," +and little Frances was almost forgotten. Her brothers had become aged +men, and their grandchildren were playing upon the very spot, whence she +had been taken. + +12. In the summer of 1837, fifty-nine years after her capture, +intelligence of Frances was received. Colonel Ewing, an Indian agent and +trader, in a letter from Logansport, Indiana, to the editor of the +_Lancaster Intelligencer_, gave such information, that all doubts +respecting her identity were removed; and Joseph Slocum, with the sister +who carried him to the fort, and yet survived, immediately journeyed to +Ohio, where they were joined by their younger brother Isaac. + +13. They proceeded to Logansport, where they found Mr. Ewing, and +ascertained that the woman spoken of by him, lived about twelve miles +from the village. She was immediately sent for; and, toward evening the +next day, she came into the town, riding a spirited young horse, +accompanied by her two daughters, and the husband of one of them,--all +dressed in full Indian costume. + +14. An interpreter was procured, (for she could not speak or understand +English,) and she listened seriously to what her brothers had to say. +She answered but little, and, at sunset, departed for her home, +promising to return the next morning. The brother and sister were quite +sure that it was indeed Frances, though in her face nothing but Indian +lineaments were seen, her color alone revealing her origin. + +15. True to her appointment, she appeared the following morning, +accompanied as before. Mr. Joseph Slocum then mentioned a mark of +recognition, which, his mother had said, was a sure test. While playing, +one day, with a hammer in a blacksmith's shop, Joseph, then a child two +and a half years old, gave Frances a blow upon the middle finger of the +left hand, which crushed the bone, and deprived the finger of its nail. + +16. This test Mr. Slocum had withheld until others should fail. When he +mentioned it, the aged woman was greatly agitated; and, while tears +filled the furrows of her face, she held out the wounded finger. There +was no longer a doubt, and a scene of great interest ensued. Her +affections for her kindred, that had slumbered half a century, were +aroused, and she made earnest inquiries after her father, mother, +brothers, and sisters. Her full heart--full with the cherished secrets +of her history--was opened, and the story of her life freely given. + +17. She said the savages, who were Delawares, after taking her to a +rocky cave in the mountains, departed to the Indian country. The first +night was the unhappiest of her life. She was kindly treated,--being +carried tenderly in their arms when she was weary. She was adopted in an +Indian family, and brought up as their daughter. For years she lived a +roving life, and loved it. She was taught the use of the bow and arrow, +and became expert in all the employments of savage existence. + +18. When she was grown to womanhood, both her Indian parents died, and +she soon afterward married a young chief of the nation, and removed to +the Ohio country. She was treated with more respect than the Indian +women generally; and so happy was she in her domestic relations, that +the chance of being discovered, and compelled to return among the +whites, was the greatest evil that she feared; for she had been taught +that they were the implacable enemies of the Indians, whom she loved. + +19. Her husband died; and, her people having joined the Miamies, she +went with them, and married one of that tribe. The last husband was also +dead, and she had been a widow many years. Children and grandchildren +were around her, and her life was passing pleasantly away. When she +concluded the narrative, she lifted her right hand in a solemn manner, +and said, "All this is as true as that there is a Great Spirit in the +heavens!" she had entirely forgotten her native language, and was a +pagan. + +20. On the day after the second interview, the brothers and sisters, +with the interpreter, rode out to her dwelling. It was a well-built +log-house, in the midst of cultivation. A large herd of cattle and sixty +horses were grazing in the pasture. Everything betokened plenty and +comfort; for she was wealthy, when her wants and her means were +compared. Her annuity from government, which she received as one of the +Miami tribe, had been saved, and she had about one thousand dollars in +specie. + +21. Her white friends passed several days very agreeably with her; and +subsequently her brother Joseph, with his daughter, the wife of the Hon. +Mr. Bennet, of Wyoming, made her another visit, and bade her a last +farewell. She died a few years ago, and was buried with considerable +pomp; for she was regarded as a queen among her tribe. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where is the Wyoming Valley? 2. Relate the incidents +connected with the capture of little Frances. 3. What efforts were made +to find her? 4. How many years after her capture before she was found? +5. Where did they find her? 6. By what test did Mr. Slocum prove that +she was his sister? 7. What history did she relate of herself? 8. +Describe her home. + + * * * * * + +LESSON L. + + FRING' ING, bordering; edging. + LEDGE, layer; ridge. + DAI SY, (literally _day's eye_,) a little wild flower very + common in summer. + RI' OT OUS, noisy; reveling. + BOIS' TER OUS, tumultuous; violent. + CULL' ING, selecting; picking. + BOU QUETS', (_boo kas_,) bunches of flowers. + SULK' Y, morose. + BOTH' ER ING, perplexing. + UN WONT' ED, rare: uncommon. + TE' DI OUS, tiresome; wearisome. + + +THE RAIN-DROPS. + +DELIA LOUISE COLTON. + +1. _The silver rain, the golden rain,_ + _The tripping, dancing, laughing rain!_ + Stringing its pearls on the green leaf's edge, + Fringing with gems the brown rock's ledge, + Spinning a vail for the water-fall, + And building an amber-colored wall + Across the West where the sun-beams fall: + _The gentle rain_, in the shady lane, + _The pattering, peering, winning rain!_ + +2. _The noisy rain, the marching rain,_ + _The rushing tread of the heavy rain!_ + Pouring its rivers from out the blue, + Down on the grass where the daisies grew, + Darting in clouds of angry drops + Across the hills and the green tree-tops, + And kissing, at last, in its giant glee, + The foaming lips of the great green sea: + _The fierce, wild rain, the riotous rain,_ + _The boisterous, dashing, shouting rain!_ + +3. _The still night rain, the solemn rain!_ + _The soldier-step of the midnight rain!_ + With its measured beat on the roof o'erhead, + With its tidings sweet of the faithful dead, + Whispers from loves who are laid asleep + Under the sod where the myrtles creep, + Culling bouquets from the sun-lit past, + Of flowers too sweet, too fair to last: + _The faithful rain, the untiring rain,_ + _The cooing, sobbing, weeping rain!_ + +4. _The sulky rain, the spiteful rain,_ + _The bothering, pilfering, thieving rain!_ + Creeping so lazily over the sky, + A leaden mask o'er a bright blue eye, + And shutting in, with its damp, strong hands, + The rosy faces in curls, and bands + Of girls who think, with unwonted frown + Of the charming laces and things down-town, + That might as well for this tiresome rain, + Be in the rose land of Almahain: + _The horrid rain, the tedious rain,_ + _The never-ending, dingy rain!_ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is the meaning of the suffix _ing_, in such words as +_tripping, dancing, laughing_, &c.? See SANDERS & McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, +page 153, Ex. 206. 2. What is the use of the hyphen in such words as +_water-fall, amber-colored_, &c.? See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, page l65. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LI. + + LAV' ISH, liberal; profuse. + PER' FUMES, pleasant odors. + HAR MO' NI OUS, concordant. + RAPT' URE, extreme joyousness. + GERMS, seed-buds; beginnings. + PAR'TICLES, minute parts; atoms. + MOTES, very small particles. + VENT' URE, dare; have courage. + COL' UMNS, pillars. + DOME, arched roof; cupola. + TI' NY, very small. + ES' SENCE, perfume. + + +"SMALL THINGS." + +F. BENNOCH. + +1. Who dares to scorn the meanest thing, + The humblest weed that grows, + While pleasure spreads its joyous wing + On every breeze that blows? + The simplest flower that, hidden, blooms + The lowest on the ground, + Is lavish of its rare perfumes, + And scatters sweetness round. + +2. The poorest friend upholds a part + Of life's harmonious plan; + The weakest hand may have the art + To serve the strongest man. + The bird that highest, clearest sings, + To greet the morning's birth, + Falls down to drink, with folded wings, + Love's rapture on the earth. + +3. From germs too small for mortal sight + Grow all things that are seen, + Their floating particles of light + Weave Nature's robe of green. + The motes that fill the sunny rays + Build ocean, earth, and sky,-- + The wondrous orbs that round us blaze + Are motes to Deity! + +4. Life, love, devotion, closely twine, + Like tree, and flower, and fruit; + They ripen by a power divine, + Though fed by leaf and root. + And he who would be truly great, + Must venture to be small; + On airy columns rests the dome + That, shining, circles all. + +5. Small duties grow to mighty deeds; + Small words to thoughts of power; + Great forests spring from tiny seeds, + As moments make the hour. + And life, howe'er it lowly grows, + The essence to it given, + Like odor from the breathing rose, + Floats evermore to Heaven. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LII. + + EX TINCT', extinguished. + IN COR' PO RA TED, united. + TAC' IT, silent; implied. + SUB SIST' ED, existed. + HOS PI TAL' I TY, kind treatment. + IN POR' TU NATE, urgent; pressing. + EN CROACH' MENT, intrusion. + IR' RI TA TED, provoked; exasperated. + MAS' SA CRE, (_mas' sa ker_,) slaughter. + GRAV' I TY, seriousness. + DE LIB' ER ATE, take council. + TREA' SON, treachery; disloyalty. + AP PRIS' ING, informing. + BE TRAY', expose. + IN VIN CI BLE, unconquerable. + WAX' ED, became, grew. + BE SOUGHT', entreated; implored. + SUF FICE, (_c like z_,) prove sufficient. + + +MURDERER'S CREEK. + +[Footnote: In Orange County, New York.] + +JAMES K. PAULDING. + +1. Little more than a century ago, the beautiful region watered by this +stream, was possessed by a small tribe of Indians, which has long since +become extinct, or incorporated with some other savage nation of the +West. Three or four hundred yards from where the stream discharges +itself into the Hudson, a white family, of the name of Stacy, had +established itself in a log-house, by tacit permission of the tribe, to +whom Stacy had made himself useful by his skill in a variety of little +arts, highly estimated by the savages. + +2. In particular, a friendship subsisted between him and an old Indian, +called Naöman, who often came to his house, and partook of his +hospitality. _The Indians never forgive injuries, nor forget benefits_. +The family consisted of Stacy, his wife, and two children, a boy and a +girl, the former five, the latter three years old. + +3. One day, Naöman came to Stacy's log-hut, in his absence, lighted his +pipe, and sat down. He looked very serious, sometimes sighed deeply, but +said not a word. Stacy's wife asked him what was the matter,--if he was +sick. He shook his head, sighed, but said nothing, and soon went away. +The next day, he came again and behaved in the same manner. Stacy's wife +began to think strange of this, and related it to her husband, who +advised her to urge the old man to an explanation the next time he came. + +4. Accordingly, when he repeated his visit the day after, she was more +importunate than usual. At last, the old Indian said. "I am a red man, +and the pale faces are our enemies: why should I speak?"--"But my +husband and I are your friends: you have eaten salt with us a thousand +times, and my children have sat on your knees as often. If you have +anything on your mind, tell it me."--"It will cost me my life if it is +known, and the white-faced women are not good at keeping secrets," +replied Naöman. + +5. "Try me, and see."--"Will you swear by your Great Spirit that you +will tell none but your husband?"--"I have none else to tell."--"But +will you swear?"--"I do swear by our Great Spirit, I will tell none but +my husband."--"Not if my tribe should _kill you_ for not telling?"--"Not +if your tribe should kill me for not telling." + +6. Naöman then proceeded to tell her that, owing to some encroachments +of the white people below the mountains, his tribe had become irritated, +and were resolved that night to massacre all the white settlers within +their reach; that she must send for her husband, inform him of the +danger, and, as secretly and speedily as possible, take their canoe and +paddle, with all haste, over the river to Fishkill for safety. "Be +quick, and do nothing that may excite suspicion," said Naöman, as he +departed. + +7. The good wife sought her husband, who was down on the river fishing, +told him the story, and, as no time was to be lost, they proceeded to +their boat, which was unluckily filled with water. It took some time to +clear it out, and, meanwhile, Stacy recollected his gun, which had been +left behind. He proceeded to the house, and returned with it. All this +took up considerable time, and precious time it proved to this poor +family. + +8. The daily visits of old Naöman, and his more than ordinary gravity, +had excited suspicion in some of the tribe, who had, accordingly, paid +particular attention to the movements of Stacy. One of the young +Indians, who had been kept on the watch, seeing the whole family about +to take to the boat, ran to the little Indian village, about a mile off, +and gave the alarm. Five Indians collected, ran down to the river, where +their canoes were moored, jumped in, and paddled after Stacy, who, by +this time, had got some distance out into the stream. + +9. They gained on him so fast, that twice he dropped his paddle, and +took up his gun. But his wife prevented his shooting by telling him +that, if he fired, and they were afterwards overtaken, they would meet +with no mercy from the Indians. He accordingly refrained, and plied his +paddle till the sweat rolled in big drops down his forehead. All would +not do; they were overtaken within a hundred yards from the shore, and +carried back with shouts of yelling triumph. + +10. When they got ashore, the Indians set fire to Stacy's house, and +dragged himself, his wife, and children, to their village. Here the +principal old men, and Naoman among them, assembled to deliberate on the +affair. The chief men of the council stated that some of the tribe had, +undoubtedly, been guilty of treason, in apprising Stacy, the white man, +of the designs of the tribe, whereby they took the alarm, and well-nigh +escaped. + +11. He proposed to examine the prisoners, to learn who gave the +information. The old men assented to this, and Naöman among the rest. +Stacy was first interrogated by one of the old men, who spoke English +and interpreted to the others. Stacy refused to betray his informant. +His wife was then questioned; while, at the same moment, two Indians +stood threatening the two children, with tomahawks, in case she did not +confess. + +12. She attempted to evade the truth, by declaring she had a dream the +night before, which alarmed her, and that she had persuaded her husband +to fly. "The Great Spirit never deigns to talk in dreams to a white +face," said the old Indian. "Woman, thou hast two tongues, and two +faces. Speak the truth, or thy children shall surely die." The little +boy and girl were then brought close to her, and the two savages stood +over them, ready to execute their bloody orders. + +13. "Wilt thou name," said the old Indian, "the red man who betrayed his +tribe? I will ask thee three times." The mother answered not. "Wilt thou +name the traitor? This is the second time." The poor mother looked at +her husband, and then at her children, and stole a glance at Naoman, who +sat smoking his pipe with invincible gravity. + +14. She wrung her hands, and wept; but remained silent. "Wilt thou name +the traitor? 'Tis the third and last time." The agony of the mother +waxed more bitter; again she sought the eye of Naoman; but it was cold +and motionless. A pause of a moment awaited her reply, and the tomahawks +were raised over the heads of the children, who besought their mother +not to let them be murdered. + +15. "Stop!" cried Naöman. All eyes were turned upon him. "Stop!" +repeated he, in a tone of authority. "White woman, thou hast kept thy +word with me to the last moment. _I am the traitor_. I have eaten of the +salt, warmed myself at the fire, shared the kindness, of these Christian +white people, and it was _I_ that told them of their danger. I am a +withered, leafless, branchless trunk. Cut me down, if you will: I am +ready." + +16. A yell of indignation sounded on all sides. Naöman descended from +the little bank where he sat, shrouded his face with his mantle of +skins, and submitted to his fate. He fell dead at the feet of the white +woman by a blow of the tomahawk. + +17. But the sacrifice of Naöman, and the firmness of the Christian white +woman, did not suffice to save the lives of the other victims. They +perished,--how, it is needless to say; and the memory of their fate has +been preserved in the name of the pleasant stream, on whose banks they +lived and died, which, to this day, is called MURDERER'S CREEK. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where is Murderer's Creek? 2. What is said of Naöman and +Stacy's family? 3. Why did Naöman, at first, refuse to tell Mrs. Stacy +of her danger? 4. Did Stacy's family make their escape? 5. Where were +they taken? 6. Did Mrs. Stacy tell who had informed her? 7. What +measures did the Indians adopt, to make her tell? What did Naoman say? +9. What did the Indians do with Naoman and Stacy's family? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LIII. + + PER' IL OUS, hazardous; dangerous. + DE FILES', narrow passages. + PREC' I PIC ES, steep descents. + SOL'I TUDE, lonely places. + AM MU NI' TION, military stores, as powder, balls, &c. + DRA GOONS, mounted soldiers. + SUM' MIT, top; highest point. + AV A LANCHE', snow-slip. + CROUCH' ED, cringed. + AD VANCE', forward; proceed. + BE NUMB' ED, deprived of feeling. + EX PLOITS', heroic deeds. + IL LUS' TRATES, explains; makes clear. + HE RO'IC, brave; fearless. + UN FLINCH'ING, determined; resolute. + + BAY' O NET, a short, pointed instrument of iron, or broad dagger, + fitted to the barrel of a gun. It is so called, because the first + bayonets were made at Bayonne, in France. + + +NAPOLEON'S ARMY CROSSING THE ALPS. + +1. When Napoleon was carrying war into Italy, he ordered one of his +officers, Marshal Macdonald, to cross the Splugen with fifteen thousand +soldiers, and join him on the plains below. The Splugen is one of the +four great roads which cross the Alps from Switzerland to Italy. + +2. When Macdonald received the order, it was about the last of November, +and the winter storms were raging among the mountain passes. It was a +perilous undertaking, yet he must obey; and the men began their terrible +march through narrow defiles and overhanging precipices, six thousand +feet up, up among the gloomy solitudes of the Alps. + +3. The cannon were placed on sleds drawn by oxen, and the ammunition was +packed on mules. First came the guides, sticking their long poles in the +snow, in order to find the path; then came workmen to clear away the +drifts; then the dragoons, mounted on their most powerful horses, to +beat down the track; after which followed the main body of the army. + +4. They encountered severe storms and piercing cold. When half-way up +the summit, a rumbling noise was heard among the cliffs. The guides +looked at each other in alarm; for they knew well what it meant. It grew +louder and louder. "_An avalanche! an avalanche!_" they shrieked, and +the next moment a field of ice and snow came leaping down the mountain, +striking the line of march, and sweeping thirty dragoons in a wild +plunge below. The black forms of the horses and their riders were seen +for an instant struggling for life, and then they disappeared forever. + +5. The sight struck the soldiers with horror; they crouched and shivered +in the blast. Their enemy was not now flesh and blood, but wild winter +storms; swords and bayonets could not defend them from the desolating +avalanche. Flight or retreat was hopeless; for all around lay the +drifted snow, like a vast winding-sheet. On they must go, or death was +certain, and the brave men struggled forward. + +6. "Soldiers!" exclaimed their commander, "you are called to Italy; your +general needs you. Advance and conquer, first the mountain and the snow, +then the plains and the enemy!" Blinded by the winds, benumbed with the +cold, and far beyond the reach of aid, Macdonald and his men pressed on. +Sometimes a whole company of soldiers were suddenly swept away by an +avalanche. + +7. On one occasion, a poor drummer, crawling out from the mass of snow, +which had torn him from his comrades, began to beat his drum for relief. +The muffled sound came up from his gloomy resting-place, and was heard +by his brother soldiers; but none could go to his rescue. For an hour, +he beat rapidly, then the strokes grew fainter, until they were heard no +more, and the poor drummer laid himself down to die. Two weeks were +occupied in this perilous march, and two hundred men perished in the +undertaking. + +8. This passage of the Splugen is one of the bravest exploits in the +history of Napoleon's generals, and illustrates the truth of the +proverb, "_Where there is a will there is a way_." No one can read the +heroic deeds of brave men grappling with danger and death, without a +feeling of respect and admiration; but heroic deeds are always the fruit +of _toil_ and _self-sacrifice_. _No one can accomplish great things, +unless he aims at great things, and pursues that aim with unflinching +courage and perseverance._ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What orders had Napoleon given to Marshal Macdonald? 2. +What time of year was it? 3. Describe the march of the army over the +Alps. 4. What disaster occurred to them? 5. How did their commander +address the army? 6 Describe the drummer boy's fate. 7. How many men +perished? 8. What does this exploit of the army illustrate? 9. What is +said of heroic deeds? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LIV. + + PROV' ERBS, sayings; maxims. + TRAC' ED, shown; marked out. + WOO ERS, suitors; lovers. + DENSE, close; thick. + STRIV' ING, making efforts. + CON TROL', restraint; government. + COPE, strive; contend. + DE FY' ING, daring; outbraving. + GHOST, specter; apparition. + RE LY' ING, trusting; depending. + WIN' NING, getting; gaining. + BRAM' BLES, prickly shrubs. + + +WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY. + +ELIZA COOK. + +1. We have faith in old proverbs full surely, + For wisdom has traced what they tell, + And truth may be drawn up as purely + From them, as it may from a "well." + Let us question the thinkers and doers, + And hear what they honestly say, + And you'll find they believe, like bold wooers, + In "_Where there's a WILL there's a WAY._" + +2. The hills have been high for man's mounting, + The woods have been dense for his ax, + The stars have been thick for his counting, + The sands have been wide for his tracks. + The sea has been deep for his diving, + The poles have been broad for his sway, + But bravely he's proved by his striving, + That "_Where there's a WILL there's a WAY._" + +3. Have ye vices that ask a destroyer, + Or passions that need your control? + Let Reason become your employer, + And your body be ruled by your soul. + Fight on, though ye bleed at the trial, + Resist with all strength that ye may, + Ye may conquer Sin's host by denial, + For, "_Where there's a WILL there's a WAY._" + +4. Have ye poverty's pinching to cope with'? + Does suffering weigh down your might'? + Only call up a spirit to hope with, + And dawn may come out of the night. + Oh! much may be done by defying + The ghost of Despair and Dismay, + And much may be gained by relying + On "_Where there's a WILL there's a WAY._" + +5. Should ye see afar off that worth winning, + Set out on a journey with trust, + And ne'er heed though your path at beginning + Should be among brambles and dust. + Though it is by footsteps ye do it, + And hardships may hinder and stay, + Keep a heart and be sure ye go through it, + For, "_Where there's a WILL there's a WAY._" + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is the meaning of this proverb, "_Where there's a +WILL there's a WAY?_" 2. What instances can you mention in which its +truth has been realized? 3. Do you apply this proverb in getting your +lessons? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LV. + + TAL' IS MAN, charm; amulet. + VAN, front or head of an army. + FI' ER Y, ardent; passionate. + PLUMES, supplies with feathers. + TENSE' LY, tightly. + SWERVES, deviates. + DAUNT, frighten; terrify. + BAN' ISH, expel; drive away. + + TEL EGRAPH,(TELE,_far off_; GRAPH, _writing or marking_,) a machine + to convey news far off. See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, p. 161, Ex. 419. + + +"I CAN!" + +1. "I CAN!" oh yes,--we _know_ you can! + We read it in your eye; + There is a mystic talisman + Flashing all gloriously! + Speak it out boldly, let it ring, + There is a volume there, + There's meaning in the eagle's wing + _Then soar, and do, and dare!_ + +2. "I CAN!" climbs to the mountain top, + And plows the billowy main; + He lifts the hammer in the shop, + And drives the saw and plane; + He's fearless in the battle shock, + And always leads the van + Of young America's brave sons,-- + They never quailed nor ran. + +3. "I CAN!" He is a fiery youth, + And WILL a brother twin, + And, arm in arm, in love and truth. + They'll either die or win. + Shoulder to shoulder, ever ready, + All firm and fearless still + These brothers labor,--true and steady,-- + "I CAN," and brave "I WILL." + +4. "I CAN," e'en on his pleasure trips, + Travels by telegraph; + He plumes the snowy wing of ships, + And never works by half; + His music is the humming loom, + And shuttles are his dancers., + Then clear the way, and quick give room + For the noble-souled "I CAN," sirs! + +5. "I CAN!" Indeed, we _know_ you can! + 'Tis lithe in every limb, + To your blood 'tis a busy fan, + How can the flame burn dim? + It tensely draws your sturdy nerves,-- + No bow's without a string, + And when nor bow nor bow-string swerves, + An arrow's on the wing. + +6. There is a magic in the power + Of an unbending _will_, + That makes us stronger every hour, + For greater efforts still. + Then banish from you every CAN'T, + And show yourself a MAN, + And nothing will your purpose daunt, + Led by the brave "I CAN!" + +QUESTIONS.--1. What does "_I can_" do? 2. Who is called his twin +brother? 3. What is said of an unbending will? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LVI. + + CAS' ED, invested. + ARM' OR, defensive arms. + STORM' ING, taking by assault. + AIR' Y, fanciful; visionary. + FOR' TRESS, fort; strong-hold. + DE TAIN', hinder; keep back. + WEAP' ONS, instruments for defense, or offense. + UN WOR' THY, undeserving. + RE GRET', sorrow for the past. + PHAN' TOM, specter; ghost-like. + SCARCE' LY, hardly. + + +NOW, TO-DAY. + +ADELAIDE A. PROCTER. + + 1. ARISE`! for the day is passing, + And you lie dreaming on; + Your brothers are cased in armor, + And forth to the fight are gone! + A place in the ranks awaits you; + Each man has some part to play; + The Past and the Future are nothing + In the face of stern TO-DAY. + + 2. ARISE from your dreams of the Future,-- + Of gaining some hard-fought field, + Of storming some airy fortress, + Or bidding some giant yield; + Your Future has deeds of glory, + Of honor, (God grant it may!) + But your arm will never be stronger, + Or needed as _now_,--TO-DAY. + + 3. ARISE`! if the Past detain you, + Her sunshine and storms forget; + No chains so unworthy to hold you + As those of a vain regret; + Sad or bright, she is lifeless ever; + Cast her phantom arms away, + Nor look back, save to learn the lesson + Of a nobler strife TO-DAY. + + 4. ARISE`! for the day is passing; + The sound that you scarcely hear, + Is the enemy marching to battle! +(f.) _Rise_`! RISE`! for the foe is near! + Stay not to sharpen your weapons, + Or the hour will strike at last, + When, from dreams of a coming battle, + You may wake to find it past! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What reasons are assigned why we should arouse to effort +_now, to-day?_ 2. What rule for the falling inflection on _arise?_ See +Rule VIII., page 33. 3. How, according to the notation mark, should the +last verse be read? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LVII. + + REV O LU' TION, change of government. + FAN' CI ED, thought; imagined, + UN GEN' ER OUS, mean; ignoble. + AC KNOWL' EDG ED, owned. + PLOT' TING, planning; contriving. + DE SIGN', purpose; intention. + COR RE SPOND' ENCE, intercourse by letters. + CON' QUEST, victory. + IN' TER VIEW, meeting; conference. + SOL' I TA RY, lonely; retired. + CON GRAT' U LA TING, rejoicing with. + IS' SU ED, started up; come forth. + SUS PECT' ING, mistrusting. + DE TECT' ED, exposed; found out. + A' MI A BLE, lovely; agreeable. + FEL' ON, criminal. + CON' SE QUENCE, (CON, _with_; SEQUENCE, _a following_,) a following + with, as an effect, or result. + IM PRESS' IVE, (IM, _in_; PRESS, _to bear upon_; IVE, _tending to_,) + tending to press in, or upon; producing an effect. + IN VOLV' ED, (IN, _in_; VOLVED, _rolled_,) rolled in; enveloped. + + +THE CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRE. + +1. One of the saddest events in the history of the American Revolution +is the _treason of Arnold_, and, in consequence of it, _the death of +Major Andre_. Arnold was an officer in the American army, who, though +brave, had a proud and impatient spirit. + +2. He fancied he had not all the honor and the pay due for his services, +and, having plunged himself into debt by his expensive style of living, +these things soured his heart; and, as is the case with ungenerous +minds, he never acknowledged a fault, or forgave an injury. More than +this, he sought revenge against his countrymen by plotting _treason +against his country_. + +3. Soon after forming this bad design, he opened a secret correspondence +with the English General, Henry Clinton, and, at the same time, asked +General Washington to give him the command of West Point, an important +post on the Hudson river. Washington let him have it, and this he +determined to betray into the hands of the enemy, provided he could make +out of it a good bargain for himself. + +4. He wrote to General Clinton what he would do, and asked to have a +secret interview with some English officer, in order to agree upon the +terms. General Clinton was delighted; for he thought an army divided +against itself, must prove an easy conquest; and he asked Major Andre, a +gallant young officer, to meet Arnold, and settle the price of his +treason. + +5. Andre did not wish to engage in such business; but he obeyed, and +went up the Hudson in an English sloop-of-war for this purpose. Arnold +agreed to meet him at a certain spot, and when night came on, sent a +little boat to bring him ashore. He landed at the foot of a mountain +called the Long Clove, on the western side of the river, a few miles +from Haverstraw, where he found the traitor hid in a clump of bushes. + +6. Little did poor Andre foresee the fatal consequences of this step. +All that still star-light night they sat and talked; daylight came, and +the business was not concluded. Arnold dismissed the boatmen, and led +his companion to a solitary farm-house on the river's bank, where the +papers were finally drawn up, and hid in one of Andre's stockings. Andre +felt how exposed he was to danger in the enemy's country, and heartily +wished himself back to the sloop. + +7. Forced now, however, to go by land, Arnold gave him a pass to go +through the American lines; and, at sunset, he set off, on horseback, +with a guide. They crossed the river, and, getting along on their +dangerous journey with but few alarms, the guide left the next morning, +and Andre rode briskly on, congratulating himself upon leaving all +dangers behind, for he was rapidly nearing the English lines, when there +was a loud shout, "_Stand!_ HALT!" and three men [Footnote: Paulding, +Williams, and Van Wart.] issued from the woods, one seizing the bridle, +and the others presenting their guns. + +8. Andre told them he had a pass to White Plains, on urgent business +from General Arnold, and begged them not to detain him; but the men, +suspecting that all was not right, began to search him; and, hauling off +his boots, they discovered his papers in his stockings. + +9. Finding himself detected, he offered them any sum of money, if they +would let him go. "No;" answered the sturdy men, "not if you would give +us ten thousand guineas;" for, though poor, they were above selling +their country at any price. Andre was sent a prisoner to General +Washington's camp. Arnold, on learning the news of his capture, +immediately fled from West Point, and made his escape to the English +sloop. + +10. According to the rules of war, poor Andre was sentenced to the death +of a spy. Great efforts were made to save him. General Clinton offered a +large sum to redeem him. So young, so amiable, so gallant, and to meet a +felon's doom! but, in ten days he was hung. + +11. Arnold lived; but, with the thirty thousand dollars--the price of +his treachery--he lived a miserable man, despised even by those who +bought him. And one impressive lesson which the story teaches, is, that +_the consequences of guilt do not fall alone on the guilty man;_ others +are often involved in distress, disgrace, and ruin. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is one of the saddest events in the history of the +American Revolution? 2. Who was Arnold? 3. What reason is assigned why +he plotted treason against his country? 4. What measures did he adopt to +do this? 5. With whom, and where did he make the agreement? 6. By whom +was Andre detected? 7. What became of Andre and Arnold? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LVIII. + + SE CUR' ED, obtained. + HES' I TA TED, paused. + MIS' ER A BLE, wretched. + SUP' PLI ANT, petitioner; beggar. + PECUL' IAR, singular; remarkable. + IN DIC' A TIVE, showing; intimating. + SO LIC' IT ED, asked; requested. + COS TUME', mode of dress. + VIG' OR OUS, stout; strong. + SYN' O NYM, a word meaning the same as some other word. + IN' FA MY, utter disgrace. + +[Headnote 1: TAL' LEY RAND, a distinguished French statesman, was born +Feb. 13th, 1754. He died May 20th, 1838.] + + +BENEDICT ARNOLD. + +1. There was a day when Talleyrand [Headnote 1] arrived in Havre, direct +from Paris. It was the darkest hour of the French Revolution. Pursued by +the blood-hounds of the Reign of Terror, stripped of every wreck of +property or power, Talleyrand secured a passage to America, in a ship +about to sail. He was a beggar and a wanderer in a strange land, to earn +his bread by daily labor. + +2. "Is there an American staying at your house?" he asked the landlord +of the hotel. "I am bound to cross the water, and should like a letter +to a person of influence in the New World." The landlord hesitated a +moment, then replied: "There is a gentleman up-stairs, either from +America or Britain; but whether an American or an Englishman, I can not +tell." + +3. He pointed the way, and Talleyrand, who, in his life, was Bishop, +Prince, and Prime Minister, ascended the stairs. A miserable suppliant, +he stood before the stranger's door, knocked, and entered. In the far +corner of the dimly-lighted room, sat a man of some fifty years, his +arms folded, and his head bowed on his breast. From a window directly +opposite, a faint light rested on his forehead. + +4. His eyes looked from beneath the downcast brows, and gazed on +Talleyrand's face with a peculiar and searching expression. His face was +striking in outline,--the mouth and chin indicative of an iron will. His +form, vigorous, even with the snows of fifty winters, was clad in a +dark, but rich and distinguished costume. + +5. Talleyrand advanced, stated that he was a fugitive; and, under the +impression that the gentleman before him was an American, he solicited +his kind and generous offices. He related his history in eloquent French +and broken English. + +6. "I am a wanderer, and an exile. I am forced to flee to the New World, +without a friend or home. You are an American! Give me, then, I beseech +you, a letter of yours, so that I may be able to earn my bread. I am +willing to toil in any manner; the scenes of Paris have seized me with +such horror, that a life of labor would be a paradise to a career of +luxury in France. You will give me a letter to one of your friends? A +gentleman like yourself has, doubtless, many friends." + +7. The strange gentleman rose. With a look that Talleyrand never forgot, +he retreated to the door of the next chamber,--his eyes looking still +from beneath his darkened brow. He spoke as he retreated backward,--his +voice was full of meaning. "I am the only man born in the New World, who +can raise his hand to God and say, I have not a friend, not one, in all +America!" Talleyrand never forgot the overwhelming sadness of that look +which accompanied these words. + +8. "Who are you?" he cried, as the strange man retreated to the next +room: "your name?" "My name," he replied, with a smile that had more of +mockery than joy in its convulsive expression,--"my name is Benedict +Arnold!" He was gone: Talleyrand sank into his chair, gasping the words, +"ARNOLD, THE TRAITOR!" + +9. Thus, you see, he wandered over the earth another Cain, with the +wanderer's mark upon his brow. Even in that secluded room, in that inn +at Havre, his crimes found him out, and forced him to tell his name: +that name the synonym of infamy. The last twenty years of his life are +covered with a cloud, from whose darkness but a few gleams of light +flash out upon the page of history. + +10. The manner of his death is not exactly known; but we can not doubt +that he died utterly friendless,--that remorse pursued him to the grave, +whispering "John Andre" in his ear,--and that the memory of his course +of infamy gnawed like a canker at his heart, murmuring forever, "True to +your country, what might you have been, O ARNOLD, THE TRAITOR!" + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who was Talleyrand? 2. Why was he obliged to flee from +Paris? 3. Whom did he seek at Havre? 4. Why did he wish to see the +stranger? 5. Describe the appearance of this stranger. 6. What did he +say to Talleyrand? 7. Who did the stranger prove to be? 8. What is said +of Arnold? 9. Where is Havre? 10. Where is Paris? 11. What is meant by +_New World_? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LIX. + + LO CO MO' TIVE, steam-engine to propel rail-cars. + COL LIS' ION, (_s_ like _zh_,) shock; violent contact. + EN GIN EER', one who manages an engine. + PRE CIP' I TA TED, thrown headlong. + RE-EN FORCE' MENTS, additional forces. + OB' STI NATE, unyielding. + CORPS, (_kore_,) body of troops. + BANK' RUPT CY, insolvency. + E NOR' MOUS, immense; very large. + AS' SETS, amounts due. + RE MIT' TANCE, money remitted. + PRE SERV' ED, secured; saved. + MA TU' RI TY, time of payment. + RE PRIEVE', respite. + IN SOLV' ENT, one unable to pay his debts. + PROV O CA' TION, incitement to anger. + IG NO MIN' I OUS, disgraceful. + SAC RI FIC' ED, (_c_ like _z_,) thrown away. + + +BEHIND TIME. + +FREEMAN HUNT. + +1. A railroad train was rushing along at almost lightning speed. A curve +was just ahead, beyond which was a station, at which the cars usually +passed each other. The conductor was late,--so late that the period +during which the down train was to wait, had nearly elapsed: but he +hoped yet to pass the curve safely. Suddenly, a locomotive dashed into +sight right ahead. In an instant, there was a collision. A shriek, a +shock, and fifty souls were in eternity; and all because an engineer had +been _behind time_. + +2. A great battle was going on. Column after column had been +precipitated for eight mortal hours on the enemy posted along the ridge +of a hill. The summer sun was sinking to the west; re-enforcements for +the obstinate defenders were already in sight; it was necessary to carry +the position with one final charge, or every thing would be lost. A +powerful corps had been summoned from across the country, and, if it +came up in season, all would yet be right. The great conqueror, +confident in its arrival, formed his reserve into an attacking column, +and led them down the hill. The whole world knows the result. Grouchy +[Footnote: Pronounced _Groo' shee_.] failed to appear; the imperial +guard was beaten back; Waterloo was lost. Napoleon died a prisoner at +St. Helena, because one of his marshals was _behind time_. + +3. A leading firm, in commercial circles had long struggled against +bankruptcy. As it had enormous assets in California, it expected +remittances by a certain day; and if the sums promised arrived, its +credit, its honor, and its future prosperity would be preserved. But +week after week elapsed without bringing the gold. At last, came the +fatal day on which the firm had bills maturing to enormous amounts. The +steamer was telegraphed at daybreak; but it was found on inquiry that +she brought no funds; and the house failed. The next arrival brought +nearly half a million to the insolvents, but it was too late; they were +ruined, because their agent, in remitting, had been _behind time_. + +4. A condemned man was led out for execution, he had taken human life, +but under circumstances of the greatest provocation, and public sympathy +was active in his behalf. Thousands had signed petitions for a reprieve, +a favorable answer had been expected the night before, and, though it +had not come, even the sheriff felt confident that it would yet arrive +in season. Thus the morning passed without the appearance of the +messenger. The last moment was up. The prisoner took his place on the +drop, the cap was drawn over his eyes, the bolt was drawn, and a +lifeless body hung suspended in the air. Just at that moment a horseman +came into sight, galloping down the hill, his steed covered with foam. +He carried a packet in his right hand, which he waved to the crowd. He +was the express rider with the reprieve. But he had come too late. A +comparatively innocent man had died an ignominious death, because a +watch had been five minutes too slow, making its bearer arrive _behind +time_. + +5. It is continually so in life. The best laid plans, the most important +affairs, the fortunes of individuals, the wealth of nations, honor, +happiness, life itself, are daily sacrificed because somebody is "behind +time." There are men who always fail in whatever they undertake, simply +because they are "behind time." Five minutes in a crisis are worth +years. It is but a little period, yet it has often saved a fortune, or +redeemed a people. If there is one virtue that should be cultivated more +than another by him who would succeed in life, it is _punctuality_; if +there is one error that should be avoided, it is being _behind time_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What sad results are mentioned, in consequence of being +_behind time?_ 2. What virtue should be cultivated, and what error +avoided? 3. What is the use of the hyphen in the word _re-enforcements?_ +See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, page 165. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LX. + + TWIN' ED, interwoven. + GAR' LAND, wreath of flowers. + MUS' ED, thought; meditated. + AN TIQUE', (_an teek'_,) ancient. + MOLD, shape; form. + RARE, scarce; seldom seen. + SOOTH ED, calmed; quieted. + THROB' BED, beat; palpitated. + CO' ZY, snug; comfortable. + EBB' ED, flowed back. + JOUR' NEY, travel. + LONG' ING, earnestly desiring. + TIE, bond of affection. + RIV' EN, torn asunder. + + +"HOW HAPPY I'LL BE." + +1. A little girl sat amid the flowers, + In the blush and bloom of childhood's hours; + She twined the buds in a garland fair, + And bound them up in her shining hair: + "Ah, me!" said she, "_how happy I'll be_, + When ten years more have gone over me, + And I am a maiden with youth's bright glow + Flushing my cheek, and lighting my brow!" + +2. A maiden mused in a pleasant room, + Where the air was filled with a soft perfume; + Vases were near of antique mold, + And beautiful pictures, rare and old; + And she, amid all the beauty there, + Was by far the loveliest and most fair. + "Ah, me!" said she, "_how happy I'll be_, + When my heart's own choice comes back to me, + When I proudly stand by my dear one's side, + With the thrilling joy of a youthful bride!" + +3. A mother bent o'er the cradle nest + Where she soothed her babe to his smiling rest; + She watched the sleep of her cherub-boy, + And her spirit throbbed with exulting joy. + "Ah, me!" said she, "_how happy I'll be_, + When he reaches manhood, proud and free, + And the world bows down, in its rapture wild, + It the earnest words of my darling child!" + +4. An aged one sat by the cozy hearth, + Counting life's sands as they ebbed from earth; + Feeble and frail; the race she run + Had borne her along to the setting sun. + "Ah, me!" said she, "_how happy I'll be_, + When from time's long fever my soul is free, + When the world fades out with its weary strife, + And I soar away to a better life!" + +5. 'Tis thus we journey from youth to age, + Longing to turn to another page, + Striving to hasten the years away, + Lighting our hearts with the future's ray, + Hoping on earth till its visions fade, + Wishing and waiting, through sun and shade, + But turning, when earth's last tie is riven, + To the beautiful rest of a fadeless Heaven. + +QUESTIONS.--1. When did the little girl think she would be happy? 2. +What did she say when she became old? 3. What are we constantly +expecting from youth to age? 4. What is the meaning of the suffix _ing_, +in such words as _longing, striving, lighting_, &c.? See SANDERS & +McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 134, Ex. 176. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXI. + + VET' ER AN, old soldier. + GRASP' ED, seized hold of. + AN' CIENT, old. + MUR' MUR, ED, uttered in a low voice. + IM MOR' TAL, imperishable. + RAG' ED, was furious. + RE MAIN', still exists. + SIRE, father. + LIGHT' EN ED, (EN, _make_; ED, _did_,) did make light. + + +THE SWORD OF BUNKER HILL. + +WILLIAM R. WALLACE. + +1. He lay upon his dying bed, +(pl.) His eye was growing dim, + When, with a feeble voice, he called + His weeping son to him: + "Weep not, my boy," the veteran said, + "I bow to Heaven's high will; + But quickly from yon antlers bring, + The sword of Bunker Hill." + +2. The sword was brought; the soldier's eye + Lit with a sudden flame; + And, as he grasped the ancient blade, + He murmured Warren's[1] name; + Then said, "My boy, I leave you gold, + But what is richer still, + I leave you, mark me, mark me, now, + The sword of Bunker Hill. + +3. "'Twas on that dread, immortal day, + I dared the Briton's band, + A captain raised his blade on me, + I tore it from his hand; + And while the glorious battle raged, + It lightened Freedom's will; + For, boy, the God of Freedom blessed + The sword of Bunker Hill. + +4. "Oh! keep this sword," his accents broke,-- + A smile--and he was dead; + But his wrinkled hand still grasped the blade, + Upon that dying bed. + The son remains, the sword remains, + Its glory growing still, + And twenty millions bless the sire + And sword of Bunker Hill. + +[Footnote 1: General Warren, a brave and valuable officer, fell by a +musket-ball, while fighting the British at Bunker's Hill, June 17th, +1775.] + +QUESTIONS.--1. What request did the old veteran make of his son? 2. What +bequest did he make to him? 3. How did he obtain that sword? 4. What did +he say to his son? 5. Who was Warren? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXII. + + LE' GEND, fictitious narrative. + MOR' TAL, deadly. + COM' BAT, battle; conflict. + PRI ME' VAL, first; primitive. + MUS' CU LAR, strong; vigorous. + CA DAV' ER OUS, pale; sickly. + REF U GEE', runaway; fugitive. + QUAR' TER, mercy; indulgence. + PIN' ION ED, confined; shackled. + A BYSS', yawning gulf. + PRO POS' AL, offer; proposition. + DI SHEV' EL ED, disordered. + IM BO' SOM ED, surrounded; inclosed. + CON FESS' ED, owned; acknowledged. + RE LENT' ING, pitying; compassionate. + RAN' DOM, venture. + SU PER STI' TION, false religious belief. + A VENGE', take satisfaction for. + UN CON' SCIOUS, unaware. + SUB LIM' I TY, grandeur. + + +THE BIBLE LEGEND OF THE WIS SA HI' KON. + +LIPPARD. + +1. It was here in the wilds of the Wis sa hi' kon, on the day of battle, +as the noonday sun came shining through the thickly clustered leaves, +that two men met in mortal combat. They grappled in deadly conflict near +a rock that rose, like the huge wreck of some primeval world, at least +one hundred feet above the dark waters of the Wis sa hi'kon. + +2. That man with the dark brow and the darker gray eye,--with the +muscular form, clad in the blue hunting-frock of the Revolution,--is a +Continental, named Warner. His brother was murdered at the massacre of +Pao'li. That _other_ man, with long black hair drooping along his +cadaverous face, is clad in the half-military costume of a Tory refugee. +_That_ is the murderer of Pao'li, named Dabney. + +3. They had met there in the woods by accident; and now they fought, not +with sword or rifle, but with long and deadly hunting-knives, that flash +in the light as they go turning, and twining, and twisting over the +green-sward. At last, the Tory is down!--down on the green-sward, with +the knee of the Continental upon his breast,--that up-raised knife +quivering in the light,--that dark-gray eye flashing death into his +face! + +4. "Quarter! I yield!" gasped the Tory, as the knee was pressed upon his +breast. "Spare me!--I yield!" + +5. "_My_ brother," said the patriot soldier, in a low tone of deadly +hate,--"_My_ brother cried for quarter on the night of Pa o' li, and, +even as he clung to your knees, you struck that knife into his heart. +Oh, I will give you the quarter of Pa o' li!" And his hand was raised +for the blow, and his teeth were clinched in deadly hate. He paused for +a moment, and then pinioned the Tory's arms, and, with one rapid stride, +dragged him to the verge of the rock, and held him quivering over the +abyss. + +6. "Mercy!" gasped the Tory, turning black and ashy by turns, as that +awful gulf yawned below. "_Mercy! I have a wife! a child! spare me!_" + +7. Then the Continental, with his muscular strength gathered for the +effort, shook the murderer once more over the abyss, and then hissed +this bitter sneer between his teeth,--"_My brother had a wife and two +children_. The morning after the night of Pa o' li, that wife was a +widow,--those children were orphans! Would not you like to go and beg +your life of that widow and her children?" + +8. The proposal, made by the Continental in the mere mockery of hate, +was taken in serious earnest by the horror-stricken Tory. He begged to +be taken to the widow and her children, to have the pitiful privilege of +begging his life. After a moment's serious thought, the patriot soldier +consented. He bound the Tory's arms yet tighter, placed him on the rock +again, and then led him up the woods. A quiet cottage, imbosomed among +the trees, broke on their eyes. + +9. They entered that cottage. There, beside the desolate hearth-stone, +sat the widow and her children. She was a matronly woman of about thirty +years, with a face faded by care, a deep, dark eye, and long, disheveled +hair about her shoulder. On one side was a dark-haired boy, of some six +years; on the other, a little girl, one year younger, with light hair +and blue eyes. The Bible, an old, venerable volume, lay open on that +mother's lap. + +10. And then that pale-faced Tory flung himself on his knees, confessed +that he had butchered her husband on the night of Pa o'li, but begged +his life at her hands! _"Spare me, for the sake of my wife--my child!"_ +He had expected that his pitiful moan would touch the widow's heart; but +not one relenting gleam softened her pale face. + +11. "The Lord shall judge between us!" she said in a cold, icy tone, +that froze the murderer's heart. "Look! The Bible lies open before me. I +will close that volume, and then this boy shall open it, and place his +finger at random upon a line, and by _that line_ you shall live or die!" +This was a strange proposal, made in full faith of a wild and dark +superstition of the olden time. For a moment, the Tory, kneeling there, +livid as ashes, was wrapt in thought. Then, in a faltering voice, he +signified his consent. + +12. Raising her dark eyes to heaven, the mother prayed the Great Father +to direct the finger of her son. She closed the book, and handed it to +that boy, whose young cheek reddened with loathing as he gazed upon his +father's murderer. He took the Bible, opened its holy pages at random, +and placed his fingers upon a verse. + +13. Then there was a silence. That Continental soldier, who had sworn to +avenge his brother's death, stood there with dilating eyes and parted +lips. Then the culprit, kneeling on the floor, with a face like +discolored clay, felt his heart leap to his throat. Then, in a clear, +bold voice, the widow read this line from the Old Testament. It was +short, yet terrible: "_That man shall die!_" + +14. Look! The brother springs forward to plunge a knife into the +murderer's heart; but the Tory, pinioned as he is, begs that one more +trial may be made by the little girl,--that child of five years, with +golden hair and laughing eyes. The widow consents. There is an awful +pause. With a smile in her eye, without knowing what she does, the +little girl opens the Bible,--she turns her laughing face away,--she +places her fingers upon the page. + +15. That awful silence grows deeper. The deep-drawn breath of the +brother, and the broken gasps of the murderer, alone disturb the +stillness. The widow and dark-eyed boy are breathless. That little girl, +unconscious as she was, caught a feeling of awe from the countenances +around her, and stood breathless, her face turned aside, and her tiny +fingers resting on that line of life or death. At last, gathering +courage, the widow bent her eyes on the page, and read. It was a line +from the New Testament: "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES." Ah! that moment was +sublime! + +16. Oh, awful Book of God! in whose dread pages we see Job talking face +to face with Jehovah, or Jesus waiting by Samaria's well, or wandering +by the waves of dark Galilee! Oh, awful Book! shining to-night, as I +speak, the light of that widow's home,--the glory of the mechanic's +shop,--shining where the world comes not, to look on the last night of +the convict in his cell, lightening the way to God, even over that dread +gibbet! + +17. Oh, Book of terrible majesty and child-like love,--for sublimity +that crushes the soul into awe,--of beauty that melts the heart with +rapture! you never shone more strangely beautiful than there in the +lonely cot of the Wissa hi'kon, where you saved the murderer's life. +For,--need I tell you?--_that murderer's life was saved_. That widow +recognized the finger of God, and even the stern brother was awed into +silence. The murderer went his way. + +18. Now look ye, how wonderful are the ways of Heaven! That very night, +as the widow sat by her lonely hearth, her orphans by her side,--sat +there with a crushed heart and hot eye-balls, thinking of her husband, +who, she supposed, now lay moldering on the blood-drenched soil of Pa o' +li,--there was a tap at the door. She opened it, and that husband, +living, though covered with wounds, was in her arms! He had fallen at Pa +o' li, but not in death. _He was alive_,--his wife lay panting on his +breast. That night there was a prayer in that wood-embowered cot of the +Wis sa hi' kon. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What two men are said to have engaged in deadly combat? +2. Which gained the mastery? 3. What did the patriot soldier say to the +Tory, when he cried, _Quarter_? 4. What, when the Tory told him he had a +wife and child? 5. What proposal was made to him? 6. How was his fate to +be decided? 7. Was his life spared? 8. What proved the justice of the +decision? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXIII. + + VES' TI BULE, porch, entrance. + VI' BRATE, move to and fro. + IM MOR' TALS, undying creatures. + MON' U MENTS, memorials. + A CHIEVE', accomplish. + MU TA BLE, changeable. + IM MOR TAL' I TY, deathless existence. + IL LU' MIN ATE, enlighten. + UN DER STAND' ING, intellect. + RE AL' I TIES, truths; facts. + AS SAULTS', violent attacks. + DE SER' TION, abandonment. + IN EX HAUST' I BLE, never-failing. + CHAR' TER, title; deed. + + +ADVICE TO THE YOUNG. + +E.H. CHAPIN. + +1. Young friends', in whatever pursuits you may engage, you must not +forget that the lawful objects of human efforts, are but means to higher +results and nobler ends. Start not forward in life with the idea of +becoming mere seekers of pleasure,--sportive butterflies searching for +gaudy flowers. Consider and act with reference to the true ends of +existence. + +2. This world is but the vestibule of an immortal life. Every action of +your life touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. These +thoughts and motives within you, stir the pulses of a deathless spirit. +Act not, then, as mere creatures of this life, who, for a little while, +are to walk the valleys and the hills, to enjoy the sunshine and to +breathe the air, and then pass away and be no more; but _act_ as +immortals, with an _aim_ and a _purpose_ worthy of your high nature. + +3. Set before you, as the chief object to be obtained, an _end_ that is +superior to any on earth,--_a desirable end_, A PERFECT END. Labor to +accomplish a work which shall survive unchanged and beautiful, when time +shall have withered the garland of youth, when thrones of power and +monuments of art shall have crumbled into ashes; and, finally, aim to +achieve something, which, when these our mutable and perishing voices +are hushed forever, shall live amid the songs and triumphs of +IMMORTALITY. + +4. Well will it be for you, if you have a _guide_ within, which will aid +you in every issue which will arm you in every temptation, and comfort +you in every sorrow. Consult, then, that Volume whose precepts will +never fail you. Consult it with a deep aspiration after the true and +good, and it shall illuminate your understanding with divine realities. + +5. Open your soul, and it shall breathe into it a holy influence, and +fill all its wants. Bind it close to your heart; it will be a shield +against all the assaults of evil. Read it in the lonely hour of +desertion; it will be the best of companions. Open it when the voyage of +life is troubled'; it is a sure chart. Study it in poverty'; it will +unhoard to you inexhaustible riches. Commune with it in sickness'; it +contains the medicine of the soul. Clasp it when dying'; IT IS THE +CHARTER OF IMMORTALITY. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What ought we not to forget? 2. How ought the world to be +regarded? 3. How ought we to act and labor? 4. What ought we to consult? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXIV. + + IN TREP' ID, brave; heroic. + BE TO' KEN ED, showed; indicated. + E LAS' TIC, springy; agile. + AT' TI TUDE, posture; position. + UN' DER GROWTH, shrubbery. + CON FRONT', stand before. + CA TAS' TRO PHE, disaster; calamity. + DE TER' RED, hindered; prevented. + HUR' RI CANE, violent tempest. + BUF' FET ING, beating with the hands. + ATH LET' IC, strong; powerful. + MI RAC' U LOUS, wonderful. + TRE MEN DOUS, terrible; frightful. + DES' PE RATE, rash; furious. + IN VOL' UN TA RY, spontaneous. + CAT' A RACT, waterfall. + RE SUS' CI TATE, revive; bring to life. + CH AR' AC TER IZ ED, distinguished. + + +THE INTREPID YOUTH. + +1. It was a calm, sunny day in the year 1750; the scene, a piece of +forest land in the north of Virginia, near a noble stream of water. +Implements of surveying were lying about, and several men reclining +under the trees, betokened, by their dress and appearance, that they +composed a party engaged in laying out the wild lands of the country. + +2. These persons had apparently just finished their dinner. Apart from +the group, walked a young man of a tall and compact frame, and moved +with the elastic tread of one accustomed to constant exercise in the +open air. His countenance wore a look of decision and manliness not +usually found in one so young, for he was apparently little over +eighteen years of age. His hat had been cast off, as if for comfort, and +he had paused, with one foot advanced, in a graceful and natural +attitude. + +3. Suddenly there was a shriek, then another, and several in rapid +succession. The voice was that of a woman, and seemed to proceed from +the other side of a dense thicket. At the first scream, the youth turned +his head in the direction of the sound; but when it was repeated, he +pushed aside the undergrowth which separated him from it, and, +quickening his footsteps, as the cries succeeded each other in alarming +rapidity, he soon dashed into an open space on the banks of the stream, +where stood a rude log-cabin. + +4. As the young man broke from the undergrowth, he saw his companions +crowded together on the banks of the river, while in the midst stood the +woman, from whom proceeded the shrieks, held back by two of the men, but +struggling vigorously for freedom. It was but the work of a moment for +the young man to make his way through the crowd and confront the female. +The instant her eye fell on him, she exclaimed, "Oh! sir, you will do +something for me. Make them release me,--for the love of God! _My +boy,--my poor boy is drowning, and they will not let me go!"_ "It would +be madness; she will jump into the river," said one, "and the rapids +would dash her to pieces in a moment!" + +5. The youth had scarcely waited for these words, for he recollected the +child, a bold little boy of four years old, whose beautiful blue eyes +and flaxen ringlets made him a favorite with all who knew him. He had +been accustomed to play in the little inclosure before the cabin, but +the gate having been left open, he had stolen incautiously out, reached +the edge of the bank, and was in the act of looking over, when his +mother saw him. + +6. The shriek she uttered only hastened the catastrophe she feared; for +the child, frightened at the cry of its mother, lost its balance, and +fell into the stream, which here went foaming and roaring along amid +innumerable rocks, constituting the most dangerous rapids known in that +section of the country. Scream now followed scream in rapid succession, +as the agonized mother rushed to the bank. + +7. The party we left reclining in the shade within a few steps of the +accident, were immediately on the spot. Fortunate it was that they were +so near, else the mother would have jumped in after her child, and both +been lost. Several of the men approached the brink, and were on the +point of springing in after the child, when the sight of the sharp rocks +crowding the channel, the rush and whirl of the waters, and the want of +any knowledge where to look for the boy, deterred them, and they gave up +the enterprise. + +8. Not so with the noble youth. His first work was to throw off his +coat; next to spring to the edge of the bank. Here he stood for a +moment, running his eyes rapidly over the scene below, taking with a +glance the different currents and the most dangerous of the rocks, in +order to shape his course when in the stream. He had scarcely formed his +conclusion, when he saw in the water a white object, which he knew to be +the boy's dress, and he plunged into the wild and roaring rapids. + +9. _"Thank God, he will save my child,"_ cried the mother; _"there he +is!--oh! my boy, my darling boy, how could I leave you!"_ Every one had +rushed to the brink of the precipice, and was now following with eager +eyes the progress of the youth, as the current bore him onward, like a +feather in the embrace of the hurricane. Now it seemed as if he would be +dashed against a jutting rock, over which the water flew in foam, and a +whirlpool would drag him in, from whose grasp escape would appear +impossible. + +10. At times, the current bore him under, and he would be lost to sight; +then, just as the spectators gave him up, he would appear, though far +from where he vanished, still buffeting amid the vortex. Oh, how that +mother's straining eyes followed him in his perilous career! how her +heart sunk when he went under,--and with what a gush of joy when she saw +him emerge again from the waters, and, flinging the waves aside with his +athletic arms, struggle on in pursuit of her boy! + +11. But it seemed as if his generous efforts were not to avail; for, +though the current was bearing off the boy before his eyes, scarcely ten +feet distant, he could not, despite his gigantic efforts, overtake the +drowning child. On flew the youth and child; and it was miraculous how +each escaped being dashed in pieces against the rocks. Twice the boy +went out of sight, and a suppressed shriek escaped the mother's lips; +but twice he reappeared, and then, with hands wrung wildly together, and +breathless anxiety, she followed his progress, as his unresisting form +was hurried with the onward current. + +12. The youth now appeared to redouble his exertions, for they were +approaching the most dangerous part of the river, where the rapids, +contracting between the narrow shores, shot almost perpendicularly down +a declivity of fifteen feet. The rush of the waters at this spot was +tremendous, and no one ventured to approach its vicinity, even in a +canoe, lest he should be dashed in pieces. What, then, would be the +youth's fate, unless he soon overtook the child? He seemed fully +sensible of the increasing peril, and now urged his way through the +foaming current with a desperate strength. + +13. Three times he was on the point of grasping the child, when the +waters whirled the prize from him. The third effort was made just as +they were entering within the influence of the current above the fall; +and when it failed, the mother's heart sunk within her, and she groaned, +fully expecting the youth to give up his task. But no; he only pressed +forward the more eagerly; and, as they breathlessly watched amid the +boiling waters, they saw the form of the brave youth following close +after that of the boy. + +14. And now, like an arrow from the bow, pursuer and pursued shot to the +brink of the precipice. An instant they hung there, distinctly visible +amid the foaming waters. Every brain grew dizzy at the sight. But a +shout of involuntary exultation burst from the spectators, when they saw +the boy held aloft by the right arm of the youth,--a shout that was +suddenly checked with horror, when they both vanished into the abyss +below! + +15. A moment elapsed before a word was spoken, or a breath drawn. The +mother ran forward, and then stood gazing with fixed eyes at the foot of +the cataract, as if her all depended upon what the next moment should +reveal. Suddenly she gave the glad cry, (_f_.) "_There they are! See! +they are safe!_--Great God, I thank thee!" And, sure enough, there was +the youth still unharmed, and still buffeting the waters. He had just +emerged from the boiling vortex below the cataract. With one hand he +held aloft the child, and with the other he was making for the shore. + +16. They ran, they shouted, they scarcely knew what they did, until they +reached his side, just as he was struggling to the bank. They drew him +out almost exhausted. The boy was senseless; but his mother declared +that he still lived, as she pressed him frantically to her bosom. The +youth could scarcely stand, so faint was he from his exertions. + +17. Who can describe the scene that followed,--the mother's calmness +while she strove to resuscitate her boy, and her wild gratitude to his +preserver, when the child was out of danger, and sweetly sleeping in her +arms? Our pen shrinks at the task. But her words, pronounced then, were +remembered afterwards by more than one who heard them. + +18. "_God will reward you_," said she, "as _I_ can not. He will do great +things for you in return for this day's work, and the blessings of +thousands besides mine will attend you." And so it was; for, to the +_hero_ of that hour, were subsequently confided the destinies of a +mighty nation. But, throughout his long career, what tended to make him +more honored and respected beyond all men, was the _self-sacrificing +spirit_, which, in the rescue of that mother's child, as in the more +august events of his life, characterized OUR BELOVED WASHINGTON. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Describe the scene where this accident took place. 2. +What did the woman say to the young man? 3. Why would not the men +release the woman? 4. What did the young man do? 5. Did he finally +succeed in saving the child? 6. What did the mother say to him? 7. Who +did this youth prove to be? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXV. + + RAB' BI, teacher or doctor. + HEA' THEN, pagan; gentile. + BOUND' A RIES, limits. + WAN' DER ED, strayed. + SUB MIS' SIVE, resigned; humble. + PIL' GRIM, wanderer. + RE PEL' LED, drove off. + IN HOS' PI TA BLE, unkind to strangers. + MAN' TLE, garment, cloak. + CON SOL' ING, comforting. + RE POS' ING, lying down; resting. + CA LAM' I TY, misfortune. + POUN' CED, fell or jumped suddenly. + IM PLOR' ING, begging; entreating. + DE SPOIL' ED, robbed. + CHURL' ISH, surly; rude. + + +THE FOUR MISFORTUNES. + +JOHN G. SANE. + + 1. A pious Rabbi, forced by heathen hate, + To quit the boundaries of his native land, + Wandered abroad, submissive to his fate, + Through pathless woods and wastes of burning sand. + + 2. A patient ass, to bear him in his flight, + A dog, to guard him from the robber's stealth, + A lamp, by which to read the law at night,-- + Was all the pilgrim's store of worldly wealth. + + 3. At set of sun he reached a little town, + And asked for shelter and a crumb of food; + But every face repelled him with a frown, + And so he sought a lodging in the wood. + + 4. "'Tis very hard," the weary traveler said, + "And most inhospitable, I protest, + To send me fasting to this forest bed; + But God is good, and means it for the best!" + + 5. He lit his lamp to read the sacred law, + Before he spread his mantle for the night; + But the wind rising with a sudden flaw, + He read no more,--the gust put out the light. + + 6. "'Tis strange," he said, "'tis very strange, indeed, + That ere I lay me down to take my rest, + A chapter of the law I may not read,-- + But God is good, and all is for the best!" + + 7. With these consoling words the Rabbi tries + To sleep,--his head reposing on a log,-- + But, ere he fairly shut his drowsy eyes, + A wolf came up and killed his faithful dog. + + 8. "What new calamity is this?" he cried; + "My honest dog--a friend who stood the test + When others failed--lies murdered at my side! + Well,--God is good, and means it for the best." + + 9. Scarce had the Rabbi spoken, when, alas!-- + As if, at once, to crown his wretched lot, + A hungry lion pounced upon the ass, + And killed the faithful donkey on the spot. + +10. "Alas!--alas!" the weeping Rabbi said, + "Misfortune haunts me like a hateful guest; + My dog is gone, and now my ass is dead,-- + Well, God is good, and all is for the best!" + +11. At dawn of day, imploring heavenly grace, + Once more he sought the town, but all in vain; + A band of robbers had despoiled the place, + And all the churlish citizens were slain. + +12. "Now God be praised!" the grateful Rabbi cried, + "If I had tarried in the town to rest, + I too, with these poor villagers had died,-- + Sure, God is good, and all is for the best!" + +13. "Had not the saucy wind put out my lamp, + By which the sacred law I would have read, + The light had shown the robbers to my camp, + And here the villains would have left me dead. + +14. "Had not my faithful animals been slain, + Their noise, no doubt, had drawn the robbers near, + And so their master, it is very plain, + Instead of them, had fallen murdered here. + +15. "Full well I see that this hath happened so + To put my faith and patience to the test; + Thanks to His name! for now I surely know + That God is good, and all is for the best!" + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXVI. + + FU TU' RI TY, events to come. + CON SULT', counsel with. + PRE TEN' SIONS, claims; assumptions. + FOR' TI TUDE, patience; endurance. + MOD' EL, pattern; example. + RES IG NA' TION, submissiveness. + O VER WHELMS', overcomes. + IN GRAT' I TUDE, unthankfulness. + VAG' A BOND, vagrant; worthless. + IM' PU DENCE, sauciness. + DES' TI NY, fate; final lot. + DE CEAS' ED, dead. + DE PRIV' ED, robbed. + IN CUR' RED, brought on; caused. + CON SUL TA' TIONS, couselings. + CAL CU LA' TIONS, reckonings. + PRE TER NAT' U RAL, (PRETER, _beyond_;) beyond what is natural; + miraculous. + IN VOLV' ED, (IN, _in_; VOLVED, _rolled_;) rolled in; enveloped. + IN TER RUPT', (INTER, _in, between_; RUPT, _to break_;) break in + between; stop; hinder. + +[Headnote 1: JOB, a patriarch, celebrated for his patience, constancy, +and piety. For note on DAVID, see page 138.] + +NOTE.--The dash at the end of a remark denotes that the speaker is +interrupted by the one with whom he is conversing. + + +MRS. CREDULOUS AND THE FORTUNE-TELLER. + +_Mrs. Credulous._ Are you the fortune-teller, sir, that knows every +thing? + +_Fortune-Teller._ I sometimes consult futurity, madam; but I make no +pretensions to any supernatural knowledge. + +_Mrs. C._ Ay, so _you_ say; but every body else says you know _every +thing_; and I have come all the way from Boston to consult you; for you +must know I have met with a dreadful loss. + +_F. T._ We are liable to losses in this world, madam. + +_Mrs. C._ Yes; and I have had my share of them, though I shall be only +fifty, come Thanksgiving. + +_F. T._ You must have learned to bear misfortunes with fortitude, by +this time. + +_Mrs. C._ I don't know how that is, though my dear husband, rest his +soul, used to say, "Molly, you are as patient as Job,[Headnote 1] though +you never had any children to lose, as he had." + +_F. T._ Job was a model of patience, madam, and few could lose their all +with so much resignation. + +_Mrs. C._ Ah, sir', that is too true'; for even the small loss _I_ have +suffered, overwhelms me! + +_F. T._ The loss of property, madam, comes home to the bosom of the best +of us. + +_Mrs. C._ Yes, sir; and when the thing lost can not be replaced, it is +doubly distressing. When my poor, good man, on our wedding day, gave me +the ring, "Keep it, Molly," said he, "till you die, for my sake." And +now, that I should have lost it, after keeping it thirty years, and +locking it up so carefully all the time, as I did-- + +_F. T._ We can not be too careful in this world, madam; our best friends +often deceive us. + +_Mrs. C._ True, sir, true,--but who would have thought that the child I +took, as it were, out of the street, and brought up as my own, could +have been guilty of such ingratitude? She never would have touched what +was not her own, if her vagabond lover had not put her up to it. + +_F. T._ Ah, madam, ingratitude is the basest of all crimes! + +_Mrs. C._ Yes; but to think that the impudent creature should deny she +took it, when I saw it in the possession of that wretch myself. + +_F. T._ Impudence, madam, usually accompanies crime. But my time is +precious, and the star that rules your destiny will set, and your fate +be involved in darkness, unless I proceed to business immediately. The +star informs me, madam, that you are a widow. + +_Mrs. C._ La! sir, were you acquainted with my deceased husband? + +_F. T._ No, madam; we do not receive our knowledge by such means. Thy +name is Mary, and thy dwelling-place is Boston. + +_Mrs. C._ Some spirit must have told you this, for certain. + +_F. T._ This is not all, madam. You were married at the age of twenty +years, and were the sole heir of your deceased husband. + +_Mrs. C._ I perceive, sir, you know _every_ thing. + +_F. T._ Madam, I can not help knowing what I _do_ know; I must therefore +inform you that your adopted daughter, in the dead of night-- + +_Mrs. C._ No, sir; it was in the day-time. + +_F. T._ Do not interrupt me, madam. In the dead of night, your adopted +daughter planned the robbery which deprived you of your wedding-ring. + +_Mrs. C._ No earthly being could have told you this, for I never let my +right hand know that I possessed it, lest some evil should happen to it. + +_F. T._ Hear me, madam; you have come all this distance to consult the +fates, and find your ring. + +_Mrs. C._ You have guessed my intention exactly, sir. + +_F. T._ Guessed'! madam'. I _know_ this is your object; and I know, +moreover, that your ungrateful daughter has incurred your displeasure, +by receiving the addresses of a worthless man. + +_Mrs. C._ Every word is gospel truth. + +_F. T._ This man has persuaded your daughter-- + +_Mrs. C._ I knew he did, I told her so. But good sir, can you tell me +who has the ring? + +_F. T._ This young man has it. + +_Mrs. C._ But he denies it. + +_F. T._ No matter, madam, he has it. + +_Mrs. C._ But how shall I obtain it again? + +_F. T._ The law points out the way, madam,--it is _my_ business to point +out the rogue,--you must catch him. + +_Mrs. C._ You are right, sir,--and if there is law to be had, I will +spend every cent I own, but I will have it. I knew he was the robber, +and I thank you for the information. [_Going_.] + +_F. T._ But thanks, madam, will not pay for all my nightly vigils, +consultations, and calculations. + +_Mrs. C._ Oh, right, sir! I forgot to pay you. What am I indebted to +you? + +_F. T._ Only five dollars, madam. + +_Mrs. C._ [_Handing him the money_.] There it is, sir. I would have paid +twenty rather than not have found the ring. + +_F. T._ I never take but five, madam. Farewell, madam, your friend is at +the door with your chaise. + +[_He leaves the room_.] + +[_Enter, Friend_.] + +_Friend_. Well, Mary, what does the fortune-teller say? + +_Mrs. C._ Oh, he told me I was a widow, and lived in Boston, and had an +adopted daughter,--and---- + +_Friend._ But you knew all this before, did you not? + +_Mrs. C._ Yes; but how should _he_ know it? He told me, too, that I had +lost a ring,-- + +_Friend._ Did he tell you where to find it? + +_Mrs. C._ Oh yes! he says that fellow has it, and I must go to law and +get it, if he will not give it up. What do you think of that? + +_Friend._ It is precisely what any fool could have told you. But how +much did you pay for this precious information? + +_Mrs. C._ Only five dollars. + +_Friend._ How much was the ring worth? + +_Mrs. C._ Why, two dollars, at least. + +_Friend._ Then you have paid ten dollars for a chaise to bring you here, +five dollars for the information that you had already, and all this to +gain possession of a ring not worth one quarter of the expense! + +_Mrs. C._ Oh, the rascal! how he has cheated me! I will go to the +world's end but I will be revenged. + +_Friend._ You had better go home, and say nothing about it; for every +effort to recover your money, will only expose your folly. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What had Mrs. Credulous said, by which the fortune-teller +knew all the circumstances relative to the loss of her ring? 2. How was +she told she must get her ring? 3. What did she pay the fortune-teller? +4. How much for the chaise? 5. What was her ring worth? 6. Was she a +bright dame? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXVII. + + UN FAL' TER ING, steady. + CON FID' ING LY, trustingly. + SOOTH' ING LY, tenderly, calmly. + AL LUR'ING, seductive; flattering. + AP PRO' PRI ATE, proper; peculiar. + SUB MIS' SION, resignation. + IN' VA LID, sick or infirm person. + CON TENT' MENT, satifaction. + MEA' GER, scanty. + CON' FI DENCE, faith; reliance. + AS SUAG' ED, relieved; mitigated. + FER' VEN CY, heat; ardent feeling. + RA DI A TION luster. + FRU I' TION, realization; enjoyment. + + +FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY.--AN ALLEGORY. + +[Footnote: AL' LE GO RY is a word of Greek origin. It is made up of two +parts; ALL, _other_; and EGORY, _discourse_; the literal meaning of the +compound being, _discourse_ about _other_ things; that is, things other +than those expressed by the words, literally interpreted. Allegory is, +therefore, the general name for that class of compositions, as _Fables_, +_Apologues_, _Parables_, and _Myth_, in which there is a _double_ +signification, one _literal_ and the other _figurative_; the literal +being designed merely to give a more clear and impressive view of that +which is figurative.] + +1. Many years ago, three beautiful sisters came into our world to +lighten the burdens of earth's toiling pilgrims, and aid them in +preparation for a higher state of existence. Alike commissioned by the +Great Father, they were sent on errands of mercy, and were not to turn +away from scenes of darkness, sorrow, and suffering. + +2. FAITH had a firm, unfaltering step; HOPE, a beaming eye, ever turned +to the future; and LOVE, a pitying glance, and a helping hand. They +journeyed confidingly together; and when they found a stricken being in +danger of perishing by the wayside, FAITH soothingly whispered, "My +Father doeth all things well;" HOPE pointed to the cooling shade just in +advance; and LOVE assisted him to rise, and aided his feeble steps. + +3. Groups of fair children played near the path in which they were +traveling. Some of these did not understand the tones of FAITH; but they +all listened eagerly to the alluring strains of HOPE, who painted +brighter scenes than those they were enjoying, and flowers more fragrant +than any they yet had gathered. LOVE delighted to linger with the +youthful band, lessening their trials, and increasing their pleasures. + +4. Her gentle touch arrested the little hand that was lifted against a +playmate, and her soothing voice calmed the angry passions which were +swelling in the bosom. When a child stumbled in the way, she tenderly +raised it up again, or when a thorn pierced the unwary finger, she +kindly removed it, and bound up the bleeding wound. + +5. While the sisters were busy in their appropriate mission, a +pale-cheeked lad mingled with the group of merry children, though too +weak to share their sports. FAITH stole to his side, and whispered of +the great Parent above, who afflicts in wisdom, and chastens in love. +His eye brightened while she spoke, and he looked upward with that trust +and submission which he had never before experienced. + +6. Then HOPE came, with visions of returning health, when his frame +would be strong and his heart buoyant. But when HOPE and FAITH were +gone, again his head drooped, and the tear started. Then LOVE sat down +by the invalid, twining a garland of summer blossoms for his pale brow, +and singing sweet melodies which charmed his listening ear. The pain was +all gone now; smiles wreathed his pallid lips, and the sick boy laughed +as merrily as his more robust companions. + +7. The sisters, in their journeyings, entered the abode of poverty. It +was a humble dwelling, and yet it looked cheerful, yea, even inviting, +when the three graced it with their presence. FAITH shed a spirit of +calm contentment and heavenly trust in those lowly walls; HOPE whispered +of the better mansions prepared for the followers of the Lamb; and LOVE, +not less exalted than her sisters, threw a charm over the meager fare +and scanty attire of the inmates. FAITH taught them to offer the daily +prayer in trusting confidence; HOPE pointed beyond this world to joys +which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; while LOVE lessened each burden, +and increased each simple pleasure. FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY! ye, +indeed, can make a paradise of the humblest home! + +8. There was a darkened chamber, with a wan form tossing restlessly upon +the couch. Wealth was there; but it could not allay pain, or prolong +life. FAITH, noiseless as a spirit form, glided to the sick one's side. +"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him," was her language, as she +pointed upward. HOPE fain would have whispered of length of days, but +she knew this could not be; so she spoke of life eternal, where there is +no more pain. Then LOVE smoothed the pillow, and bathed the fevered +brow, pausing not in her tender ministries through the night-watches. +When morning dawned, the spirit of the sick man passed away, though not +until FAITH, and HOPE, and LOVE had assuaged the anguish of the parting +pang. + +9. Weeping mourners gathered around the dead. There were tears,--for +"tears well befit earth's partings;" there was sorrow,--for what +bitterness is like unto that of the bereaved, when the grave opens to +infold the heart's best treasure? Yet FAITH, and HOPE, and LOVE were +there, assuaging those tears, and mitigating that sorrow. FAITH, even +while her cheeks were wet, exclaimed, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath +taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." + +10. HOPE'S language was, "Not lost, but gone before;" and her eye, +having lost none of its brightness, saw with prophetic vision a reunion +yet to come. LOVE tenderly wiped away each gathering tear, and gave +deeper fervency to the trusting confidence of FAITH, and the inspiring +strains of HOPE. And when the sleeper was committed to the dust, these +gentle sisters lingered in the lonely house, and by the darkened hearth. + +11. Such are FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY,--given by God to lighten human +sorrow, and bless the creatures He has made. They have each a mission to +fulfill,--different, it is true, and yet they move in harmony. FAITH +enables us to submit trustingly to daily trials, viewing a kind Father's +hand in each passing event. HOPE, when the sky is dark, and the path +thorny, points not only to fairer scenes below, but to that brighter +world where there is no night and no sorrow. + +12. LOVE lightens every burden, and reflects upon earth a faint +radiation of heavenly blessedness,--for the Scriptures assure us that +"God is love: and every one that loveth is born of God." The time will +come when, the purposes of the wise Creator being accomplished, Faith +and Hope will cease. Faith will be lost in sight, Hope in fruition; but +Love will remain, binding the spirits of the redeemed in blissful +communion, and uniting them to God the Father and Christ the Elder +Brother. + +13. Faith, Hope, and Charity! blessed spirits! May they be inmates of +every heart! May they assist each of us in the peculiar trials which +none can know but ourselves! They will come to us if we seek their +presence; but they must be carefully nurtured. Let us cherish them in +our bosoms, and they will bless us constantly in our pilgrimage below, +and conduct us to the presence of our God. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXVIII. + + TRANSPORT' ED, highly delighted. + THREAT' EN ING, impending. + COR' O NAL, crown; chaplet. + MYR' I AD, innumerable. + LUS' CIOUS, delicious. + LUS TY, strong; vigorous. + WAR' BLING, singing; caroling. + CHURL, sour, surly man. + RE FRESH', cool; make fresh. + LAN' GUID, dull; sluggish. + DROUTH' Y, dry; arid. + SUS TAIN', uphold; support. + UN GRUDG'ING, free-hearted; liberal. + NIG GARD, miser; stingy person. + + +"NOT TO MYSELF ALONE." + +S.W. PARTRIDGE. + + 1. "_Not to myself alone,_" + The little opening flower transported cries. + "Not to myself alone I bud and bloom; + With fragrant breath the breezes I perfume, + And gladden all things with my rainbow dyes. + The bee comes sipping, every eventide, + His dainty fill; + The butterfly within my cup doth hide + From threatening ill." + + 2. "_Not to myself alone,_" + The circling star with honest pride doth boast, + "Not to myself alone I rise and set; + I write upon night's coronal of jet + His power and skill who formed our myriad host; + A friendly beacon at heaven's open gate, + I gem the sky. + That man might ne'er forget, in every fate, + His home on high." + + 3. "_Not to myself alone_," + The heavy-laden bee doth murmuring hum, + "Not to myself alone, from flower to flower, + I rove the wood, the garden, and the bower, + And to the hive at evening weary come; + For man, for man, the luscious food I pile + With busy care, + Content if he repay my ceaseless toil + With scanty share." + + 4. "_Not to myself alone_," + The soaring bird with lusty pinion sings, + "Not to myself alone I raise my song; + I cheer the drooping with my warbling tongue, + And bear the mourner on my viewless wings; + I bid the hymnless churl my anthem learn, + And God adore; + I call the worldling from his dross to turn, + And sing and scar." + + 5. _"Not to myself alone,"_ + The streamlet whispers on its pebbly way, + "Not to myself alone I sparkling glide; + I scatter health and life on every side, + And strew the fields with herb and floweret gay. + I sing unto the common, bleak and bare, + My gladsome tune; + I sweeten and refresh the languid air + In droughty June." + + 6. _"Not to myself alone:"_-- + O man, forget not thou,--earth's honored priest, + Its tongue, its soul, its life, its pulse, its heart,-- + In earth's great chorus to sustain _thy_ part! + Chiefest of guests at Love's ungrudging feast, + Play not the niggard; spurn thy native clod, + And _self_ disown; + Live to thy neighbor; live unto thy God; + _Not to thyself alone!_ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What things are mentioned, that contribute to our comfort +and happiness? 2. How does the suffix _less,_ affect the meaning of the +words _cease, view, hymn,_ &c.? 3. What is the meaning of the suffixes +_let_ and _et,_ in the words _streamlet_ and _floweret?_ See SANDERS & +McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 140, Ex. 185 and 187. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXIX. + + NURS'ING, nourishing; cherishing. + AB HOR', detest; loathe. + RE LI' ED, depended. + FRA TER' NAL, brotherly. + SU PER' NAL, heavenly. + COM BINE', unite; join together. + RE HEARS' AL, recital; repetition. + BIG' OT RY, blind zeal; prejudice. + SHEATHE, put in a sheath. + U NI VERS AL, general. + CUS TOM, practice; usage. + TAL' ENT, natural ability. + AF FECT'ING, making false show. + IS' O LATE, separate; detach. + + +THE WORLD WOULD BE THE BETTER FOR IT. + +W.H. COBB. + +1. If men cared less for wealth and fame, + And less for battle-fields and glory,-- + If writ in human hearts a name + Seemed better than in song and story,-- + If men instead of nursing pride, + Would learn to hate it and abhor it,-- + If more relied + On _love_ to guide,-- + _The world would be the better for it._ + +2. If men dealt less in stocks and lands, + And more in bonds and deeds fraternal,-- + If Love's work had more willing hands + To link this world to the supernal,-- + If men stored up Love's oil and wine, + And on bruised human hearts would pour it,-- + If _"yours"_ and _"mine"_ + Would once combine,-- + _The world would be the letter for it._ + +3. If more would _act_ the play of Life, + And fewer spoil it in rehearsal,-- + If Bigotry would sheathe his knife + Till Good became more universal,-- + If Custom, gray with ages grown, + Had fewer blind men to adore it,-- + If talent shone + In Truth alone,-- + _The world would be the better for it._ + +4. If men were wise in little things, + Affecting less in all their dealings,-- + If hearts had fewer rusted strings + To isolate their kindly feelings,-- + If men, when Wrong beats down the Right, + Would strike together and restore it,-- + If Right made Might + In every fight,-- + _The world would be the letter for it._ + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXX. + +In reading these antithetic sentences, an excellent effect may be +produced by dividing the class equally into two parts, and letting one +part read, in concert, the line marked _1st Voice_, and the other part, +the line marked _2d Voice;_ or, one pupil may read one line, and the +next pupil the other, alternately. + + +SELECT PROVERBS OF SOLOMON. + + _1st Voice_. A wise son maketh a glad father; + _2d Voice_, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. + + _1 V_. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; + _2 V_. but righteousness delivereth from death. + + _1 V_. He becometh poor, that dealeth with a slack hand; + _2 V_. but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. + + _1 V_. Blessings are upon the head of the just; + _2 V_. but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. + + _1 V_. The memory of the just is blessed; + _2 V_. but the name of the wicked shall rot. + + _1 V_. The wise in heart will receive commandment; + _2 V_. but a prating fool shall fall. + + _1 V._ He that walketh uprightly, walketh surely; + _2 V._ but he that perverteth his ways, shall be known. + + _1 V._ Wise men lay up knowledge; + _2 V._ but the mouth of the wicked is near destruction. + + _1 V._ He is in the way of life, that keepeth instruction; + _2 V._ but he that refuseth reproof, erreth. + + _1 V._ It is as sport to a fool to do mischief; + _2 V._ but a man of understanding hath wisdom. + + _1 V._ The fear of the Lord prolongeth days; + _2 V._ but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. + + _1 V._ The hope of the righteous shall be gladness; + _2 V._ but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. + + _1 V._ The righteous shall never be removed; + _2 V._ but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. + + _1 V._ The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom; + _2 V._ but the froward tongue shall be cut out. + + _1 V._ A false balance is an abomination to the Lord; + _2 V._ but a just weight is his delight. + + _1 V._ Riches profit not in the day of wrath; + _2 V._ but righteousness delivereth from death. + + _1 V._ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way; + _2 V._ but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. + + _1 V._ By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; + _2 V._ but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. + + _1 V._ Where no counsel is, the people fall, + _2 V._ but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. + + _1 V._ He that diligently seeketh good, procureth favor; + _2 V._ but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. + + _1 V._ The righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; + _2 V._ but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. + + _1 V_. The lip of truth shall be established forever; + _2 V_. but a lying tongue is but for a moment. + + _1 V_. Lying lips are abomination to the Lord; + _2 V_. but they that deal truly are His delight. + + _1 V_. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; + _2 V_. but the slothful shall be under tribute. + + _1 V_. A wise son heareth his father's instruction; + _2 V_. but a scorner heareth not rebuke. + + _1 V_. He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his life; + _2 V_. but he that openeth wide his lips, shall have destruction. + + _1 V_. A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; + _2 V_. but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. + + _1 V_. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; + _2 V_. but the end thereof are the ways of death. + + _1 V_. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; + _2 V_. but the fool rageth, and is confident. + + _1 V_. The poor is hated even of his neighbor; + _2 V_. but the rich hath many friends. + + _1 V_. He that oppresseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker; + _2 V_. but he that honoreth Him, hath mercy on the poor. + + _1 V_. He that is slow to wrath, is of great understanding; + _2 V_. but he that is hasty in spirit, exalteth folly. + + _1 V_. A soft answer turneth away wrath; + _2 V_. but grievous words stir up anger. + + _1 V_. He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise; + _2 V_. but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. + + _1 V_. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; + _2 V_. but a man of understanding will draw it out. + + _1 V_. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness; + _2 V_. but the righteous hath hope in his death. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXI. + + IM PRES' SION, idea; notion. + AT TRAC' TIONS, allurements. + SA TI' E TY, excessive fullness. + SAT' ED, glutted; satiated. + PAM' PER ED, over-fed. + SUC' CU LENT, full of sap; juicy. + UM BRA' GEOUS, shady. + GOR' GEOUS, showy; brilliant. + DREAR' I NESS, gloominess. + REG' IS TER, record; note down. + SUG GEST' IVE, giving signs. + DEC LA RA' TION, announcement. + EX TREM' I TIES, ends. + DRA' PER Y, hangings; decorations. + EN CHANT' MENT, charms; fascination. + FRET' TED, furnished with frets, of ornamental raised work. + DEC O RA' TIONS, adornments. + +[Headnote 1: AR' A BESQUES, is a word, denoting ornaments after the +Arabian manner, often intricate and fantastic, from the intermingling +of foliage, fruits, &c., with other objects real or imaginary.] + + +WINTER BEAUTY. + +HENRY WARD BEECHER. + +1. It is the impression of many, that only in summer, including spring +and autumn, of course, is the _country_ desirable as a residence. The +country in summer, and the city for the winter. It is true, that the +winter gives attractions to the city, in endless meetings, lectures, +concerts, and indoor amusements; but it is not true that the country +loses all interest when the leaves are shed and the grass is gone. On +the contrary, to one who has learned how to use his senses and his +sensibilities, there are attractions in the winter of a peculiar kind, +and pleasures which can be reaped only then. + +2. It appears to me, that winter comes in to relieve the year of +satiety. The mind grows sated with greenness. After eight or nine months +of luxuriant growths, the eye grows accustomed to vegetation. To be +sure, we never are less pleased with the wide prospect; with forms of +noble trees, with towns and meadows, and with the whole aspect of +nature. But it is the pleasure of one pampered. We lose the keen edge of +hunger. The eye enjoys, without the relish of newness. We expect to +enjoy. Every thing loses surprise. + +3. Of course, the sky is blue, the grass succulent, the fields green, +the trees umbrageous, the clouds silent and mysterious. They were so +yesterday, they are so to-day, they will be so to-morrow, next week, +next month. In short, the mind does not cease to feel the charm of +endless growths; but needs variety, change of diet, less of perpetual +feasting, and something of the blessings of a fast. _This_ winter gives. +It says to us: You have had too much. You are luxurious and dainty. You +need relief and change of diet. + +4. The cold blue of the sky, the cold gray of rocks, the sober warmth of +browns and russets, take the place of more gorgeous colors. If, now, one +will accept this change in the tone of nature, after a time a new and +relishful pleasure arises. The month formed by the last fortnight of +November and the first two weeks of December, is, to me, the saddest of +the year. It most nearly produces the sense of desolateness and +dreariness of any portion of the year. + +5. From the hour that the summer begins to shorten its days, and +register the increasing change along the horizon, over which the sun +sets, farther and farther toward the south, we have a genial and gentle +sadness. But sadness belongs to all very deep joys. It is almost as +needful to the perfectness of joy, as shadows in landscapes are to the +charm of the picture. Then, too, comes the fading out of flowers,--each +variety in its turn, saying, "Farewell till next summer." + +6. Scarcely less suggestive of departing summer are the new-comers, the +late summer golden-rod, the asters, and all autumnal flowers. Long +experience teaches us that these are the latest blossoms that fall from +the sun's lap, and next to them is snow. By association we already see +white in the yellow and blue. Then, too, birds are thinking of other +things. No more nests, no more young, no more songs,--except +signal-notes and rallying-calls; for they are evidently warned, and go +about their little remaining daily business, as persons who expect every +hour to depart to a distant land. + +7. It is scarcely ever that we see the birds _go_. They are here to-day, +and gone to-morrow. They disappear without observation. The fields are +empty and silent. It seems as if the winds had blown them away with the +leaves. The first sight of northern waterfowl, far up in the air, +retreating from Labrador and the short, Arctic summer, is always to us +like the declaration: "Summer is gone; winter is behind us; it will soon +be upon you." At last come the late days of November. All is +gone,--frosts reap and glean more sharply every night. + +8. A few weeks bring earnest winter. Then begin to dawn other delights. +The bracing air, the clean snow-paths, the sled and sleigh, the +revelation of forms that all summer were grass-hidden; the +sharp-outlined hills lying clear upon the sky; the exquisite tracery of +trees,--especially of all such trees as that dendral child of God, the +elm, whose branches are carried out into an endless complexity of fine +lines of spray, and which stands up in winter, showing in its whole +anatomy, that all its summer shade was founded upon the most substantial +reality. + +9. In winter, too, particularly in the latter periods of it, the +extremities of shrubs and branches begin to take on ruddy hues, or +purplish browns, and the eye knows that these are the first faint +blushes of coming summer. Now, too, we find how beautiful are the mosses +in the woods; and under them we find solitary green leaves, that have +laughed all winter because they had outwitted the frost. + +10. Wherever flowing springs gush from sheltered spots looking south, +one will find many green edges, young grass, and some few tougher +leaves. Now, too, in still days, the crow swings heavily through the +air, cawing with a pleasing harshness. For dieting has performed its +work. Your appetite is eager. A little now pleases you more than +abundance did in August. Every tiny leaf is to you like a cedar of +Lebanon. + +11. All these things are unknown to dwellers in cities. It is nothing +to them that a robin appeared for the first time yesterday morning, or +that a blue-bird sang over against the house. Some new _prima-donna_ +[Footnote: The first female singer in an opera.] exhausts their +admiration. They are yet studying laces, and do not care for the fringe +of swamps, for the first catkins of the willow. They are still coveting +the stores of precious stones at the jewelers, and do not care for my +ruby buds, and red dogwood, and scarlet winter berries, and ground +pine, and partridge-berry leaves. + +12. There is one sight of the country, at about this time of the +year--the first of March--that few have seen, or else they have passed +it by as if it were not worthy of record. I mean the drapery of rocks +in gorges, or along precipitous sides of hills or mountains. The seams +of rocks are the outlets of springs. The water, trickling through, is +seized by the frost, and held fast in white enchantment. Every day adds +to the length of the ice drapery; and, as the surface is overlaid by +new issuings, it is furred and fretted with silver-white chasings, the +most exquisite. + +13. Thus, one may find a succession, in a single gorge, of extraordinary +ice-curtains, and pendent draperies, of varying lengths, of every +fantastic form, of colors varying by thickness, or by the tinge of earth +or rock shining through them. In my boyhood, I used to wander along +these fairy halls, imagining them to be now altars in long, white +draperies; now, grand cathedral pillars of white marble; then, long +tapestries chased in white, with arabesques [Headnote 1] and crinkled +vines and leaves. + +14. Sometimes they seemed like gigantic bridal decorations, or like the +robes of beings vast and high, hung in their wardrobes while they slept. +But, whatever fancy interpreted them, or whether they were looked upon +with two good, sober, literal eyes, they were, and still are, among the +most delightful of winter exhibitions, to those who are wise enough to +search out the hidden beauty of winter in the country. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What are some of the attractions of winter in the city? +2. What are some of the delights of winter in the country? 3. What is +said of the drapery of rocks? 4. What did the writer imagine them to be, +in boyhood? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXII. + + UN SUL' LIED, pure; clear. + PHE NOM' E NON, appearance. + TRANS PAR' EN CY, clearness. + AS TON' ISH ING, amazing. + RAM I FI CA' TION, branch, or branching out. + IN DE SCRIB' A BLY, beyond description. + MA JES' TIC, grand. + OC CA' SION AL, occurring at times. + IM PRESS'IVE, powerful; effective. + IN TER SECT' ING, meeting and crossing. + PEN' E TRA TING, piercing. + E' THER, thin or refined air. + CON GEAL' ED, frozen. + BUR' NISH ING, brightening. + EN GEN' DER ED, produced. + EM' BLEM, symbol. + CON TEM PLA' TION, meditation. + EL E VA' TION, loftiness. + + +FROSTED TREES. + +1. + "Ere yet the clouds let fall the treasured snow, + Or winds begun their hazy skies to blow, + At evening, a keen eastern breeze arose, + And the descending rain unsullied froze. + Soon as the silent shades of night withdrew, + The ruddy morn disclosed at once to view + The face of Nature in a rich disguise, + And brightened every object to my eyes. + For every shrub, and every blade of grass, + And every pointed thorn, seemed wrought in glass." + +2. Since Sunday, [Feb. 1st, 1852,] we have had presented to our view, +the beautiful phenomenon of FROSTED TREES, the most astonishing and +brilliant that I ever remember to have noticed. The previous storm and +mist had thickly covered every exposed object,--the loftiest trees, the +minutest blade, hill and dale, with the icy garment. This transparency +was most perfect, defining every form and ramification into exact models +of the entire body, branch, or limb. + +3. Dwellings and barns were incrusted by the chilling vapor. It hung +upon the manes of the cattle, and decorated, wherever seen, the humble +grass, which appeared bending, like threads of crystal. The small bushes +were indescribably beautiful, and seemed as if chiseled out of the +whitest marble. As far as the eye could extend, over brooks, fields, and +woods, the same striking and singular sight was universal. + +4. I could not remain contented in the house, and toward sunset, +hastened away, where the view might be free and uninterrupted. Here, the +scene, if possible, was more impressive and interesting. There was +scarcely a breath of air, and the general silence was only interrupted +by the occasional flight of some winter bird, which, alighting on a +limb, would shake down a thousand feathery showers, until he seemed +frightened at the unusual sound. The forest trees made a truly majestic +appearance, with their naked, giant arms and mossy branches intersecting +each other, and fast bound by the frozen barriers. + +5. I shall not attempt to describe the brilliancy of the undergrowth and +dwarf trees, upon whose limbs hung a delicate frosting, like unwrought +silver, nor the crimson glow of the holly-berries through their +transparent and icy covering,--all, all was a dazzling and splendid +winter array, + + "That buries wide the works of man." + +It brought to my mind some of the Eastern fairy tales, and their gardens +ornamented with shrubs and plants of sparkling crystals. + +6. The exposed sides of the rocks and fences were completely iced over, +not the smallest particle escaping the penetrating and congealed ether. +It was truly astonishing to examine its thickness. On some twigs, not +larger than a wheat straw, the ice measured half an inch through. One +would scarcely imagine what an immense weight of the frozen mass a tree +will sustain, before it breaks under the unusual load. Many branches +were bent so low that I could reach them with my hands; and, shaking off +their frosted barks, they would instantly spring far above my reach. +Every few minutes, I was startled by the rattling noise of these falling +icicles from some neighboring tree or grove. + +7. Just when the sun went down, there was not a single cloud to be seen +in the horizon, and his cold, bright, setting rays brought out, on every +hand, frozen gems, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, in every possible +prismatic beauty, wherever his departing beams fell. Presently the moon +bathed the whitened earth, and every congealed drop, in her soft light, +burnishing, with dazzling icy brilliancy, trees, dwellings, and streams. +I am an ardent lover of Nature and her scenery, and have often, +delighted, gazed upon the Queen of Night; but _never_ did I behold such +a brilliant moonlight night as this. + +8. Who could help bringing to mind the sublimities of Job and of +David,--"The hoary frost of heaven, who hath engendered it? The waters +are hid, as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen."--"By the +breath of the Mighty God, ice is produced, and the waters which were +spread on all sides, are held in chains." The Psalmist says, "He giveth +the snow like wool, He scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes. Wash me, +and I shall be whiter than snow."--Well may poets look to the falling +snow-flake for their images of purity and innocence, ere it receives the +stain of earth. I know of no litter emblem. + +9. Such a winter's night! _and the skies! the skies!_ So resplendent in +brightness are the hosts of heaven at this moment, that they should be +contemplated by every lover and student of the works of God. Their +numbers who can count,--their twinkling beauty who can describe, as +onward they roll in the deep blue of midnight? In their contemplation +are inspired "thoughts that wander through eternity," with an elevation +of feeling, as if we were separated from the toils and tumults of earth, +and exalted into a higher state of being than that in which we toiled +through the day! These heavens tell us of a WISDOM and POWER we can not +search or estimate. There we seem to stand more immediately in the +vailed presence of the Infinite Majesty, who "laid the foundations of +the earth, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God +shouted for joy." + +QUESTIONS.--1. Describe the appearance of frosted trees. 2. What is +said of the appearance of shrubs, bushes, &c.? 3. What, of the weight +sustained by a single tree? 4. What was the appearance at sunset? +5. What passages of Scripture did the scene bring to mind? 6. Of what +is the snowflake an emblem? 7. What is said of the skies? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXIII. + + SPLEN' DOR, brightness; glory. + E TER' NAL LY, everlastingly. + WAY'-WEA RY, tired; fatigued. + GAZE, eager look. + EV' ER GREEN, always green. + LONG' ED, earnestly desired. + RE POSE, rest; quietude. + RAN' SOM ED, redeemed. + PAL' ACE, mansion; abode. + UN CEAS' ING LY, constantly. + + +THE MOUNTAINS OF LIFE. + +JAMES G. CLARK. + +1. There's a land far away, 'mid the stars, we are told, + Where they know not the sorrows of time,-- + Where the pure waters wander through valleys of gold, + And life is a treasure sublime; + 'Tis the land of our God, 'tis the home of the soul, + Where the ages of splendor eternally roll,-- + Where the way-weary traveler reaches his goal, + On the evergreen Mountains of Life. + +2. Our gaze can not soar to that beautiful land, + But our visions have told of its bliss; + And our souls by the gale from its gardens are fanned, + When we faint in the desert of this; + And we sometimes have longed for its holy repose, + When our spirits were torn with temptations and woes, + And we've drank from the tide of the river that flows + From the evergreen Mountains of Life. + +3. Oh! the stars never tread the blue heavens at night, + But we think where the ransomed have trod; + And the day never smiles from his palace of light, + But we feel the bright smile of our God. + We are traveling homeward, through changes and gloom, + To a kingdom where pleasures unceasingly bloom, + And our guide is the glory that shines through the tomb, + From the evergreen Mountains of Life. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of that land far away? 2. How do we know +there is such a land? 3. Of what do the stars remind us? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXIV. + + IM AG' IN A RY, not real. + AN TIC' I PATE, take beforehand. + PRE FER' RED, chosen. + OC CUR' RED, happened. + SUS TAIN', support; uphold. + PER MIT', allow. + IN VIS' I BLE, unseen. + EN CHAIN', bind; fasten. + FORE BOD' ING, dread of evil. + IN VEN' TION, contrivance. + CON FER' RED, bestowed. + AP PRE HEN' SION, dread; fear. + + +IMAGINARY EVILS. + +CHARLES SWAIN. + +1. Let to-morrow take care of to-morrow; + Leave things of the future to fate; + What's the use to anticipate sorrow? + Life's troubles come never too late. + If to hope overmuch be an error, + 'Tis one that the wise have preferred; + And how often have hearts been in terror + Of evils that never occurred. + +2. Have faith, and thy faith shall sustain thee; + Permit not suspicion and care + With invisible bonds to enchain thee, + But bear what God gives thee to bear. + By His Spirit supported and gladdened, + Be ne'er by forebodings deterred; + But think how oft hearts have been saddened + By fears of what never occurred! + +3. Let to-morrow take care of to-morrow; + Short and dark as our life may appear, + We may make it still darker by sorrow, + Still shorter by folly and fear; + Half our troubles are half our invention, + And often from blessings conferred, + Have we shrunk in the wild apprehension + Of evils that never occurred! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of imaginary evils? 2. How may we be +supported under trials? 3. What tends to shorten life? 4. Whence proceed +half our troubles? 5. What rule for doubling the _r_ and _d_ in such +words as _occurred_, _saddened_, &c.? See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, page +168, Rule II. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXV. + + WASTE, desolate region. + PRO CEED', come forth. + CHASM, gap; opening. + COILS, folds; convolutions. + MAN I FEST, plain; evident. + PRE SERV' ER, protector. + AL LE' GI ANCE, duty; loyalty. + RAY, make bright; adorn. + EX PAND, swell; dilate. + FA' THER LAND, native land. + GUER DON, reward; recompense. + PROF' FER, offer; tender. + PIT' E OUS, mournful; sorrowful. + IM PET' U OUS LY, furiously. + + AT TRACT', (AT, _to_; TRACT, _draw_;) draw to; allure. + + IN VEST', (IN, _to_; VEST, _clothe_;) clothe in or with; + inclose; surround. + + PRO TEST, (PRO, _before_; TEST, _witness_;) witness before; + openly declare. + +[Headnote 1: PY THON is the name of a large serpent, fabled to have been +slain by the god Apollo.] + + +SIR WALTER AND THE LION. + +A. WALCHNER. + +1. Sir Walter of Thurn, over the Syrian waste, + Rides away with a flowing rein; + But he hears a groan that checks his haste, + As if death were in the strain. + He spurs his steed + Whence the sounds proceed; + And there, from a rocky chasm, arise + Fierce cries of pain, that assail the skies; + And his horse uprears + In excess of fears, + As the glance of a lion attracts his eyes. + +2. Fierce struggling there in the monster folds + Of a serpent that round him twines; + Sir Walter a moment the scene beholds, + Then to save the beast inclines. + His good sword stout + From its sheath leaps out, + When down it falls on the Python's [Headnote 1] crest, + And cleaves the coils that the lion invest; + And the noble beast, + From its thrall released, + Shows grateful joy most manifest. + +3. He shakes his mane, and bends his form, + And licks his preserver's hand, + As if he yields allegiance warm + To his supreme command. + Like the faithful hound + To be constant found, + And follow his steps for evermore; + And thus he follows, on sea and shore, + In the battle's tide, + He stands by his side, + Or with him rests when the strife is o'er. + +4. In Palestine Sir Walter is known,-- + Long years attest his fame; + And many brave deeds he there hath done, + That ray with glory his name; + But his heart doth expand + For the fatherland, + And he fain its pleasant scenes would see, + With his friendly lion for company; + But with fearful breast, + The sailors protest, + As they glanced at the beast and his majesty. + +5. Rich guerdon he proffers, and golden store; + But though the prize were great, + The sailors hurry away from the shore + As if from the doom of fate. + The poor beast moans + In piteous tones, + Then darts impetuously o'er the sands,-- + Then looks to the ship, and mournfully stands; + Then plunges into the gloomy wave, + The perils of the depths to brave. + Already he nears the flying bark, + Already his roar of grief they hark; + But his strength is spent, and the sea is strong, + And he may not the fearful struggle prolong. + His dying glances are fondly cast + Along the track where the loved one passed; + Then sinks to his grave + Beneath the wave, + And the night and the ocean behold him the last. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What did Sir Walter discover as he was riding over the +Syrian waste? 2. What did he do? 3. What did the lion do, after being +released? 4. Did the sailors allow the lion to go on board the ship? 5. +What did the lion then do? 6. What became of him? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXVI. + + VAL' IANT, strong; courageous, + INC LI NA' TION, desire; tendency. + RE PLEN' ISH ED, filled up. + DIS SEV' ER, part; sunder. + SHIV' ER, dash to pieces. + EC STAT' IC, rapturous. + CON CLU' SION, result. + CON CEP' TION, thought; idea. + DEF' ER ENCE, respect. + PHYS I CAL, material. + AR' RANT, mere; vile. + TIME'-BAN DI ED, time-lost. + DE VEL' OP ED, brought out. + CON STEL LA' TIONS, clusters of stars. + DE SIGN ED, planned. + COM BIN' ED, united. + + UNINTERRUPTED, (UN, _not_; INTER, _in between_; RUPTED, + _broken_;) not broken in between; unbroken. + +It is sometimes desirable to have each member of the class read a piece +complete in itself. To answer this end, the following collection of +brief, though beautiful productions, have been brought together all +under one head. + + +CHOICE EXTRACTS. + + +I. + +WHAT REALLY BENEFITS US. + +It is not what we earn, but what we save, that makes us rich. It is not +what we eat, but what we digest, that makes us strong. It is not what we +read, but what we remember, that makes us learned. It is not what we +intend, but what we do, that makes us useful. It is not a few faint +wishes, but a life-long struggle, that makes us valiant. + + +II. + +GOD'S LOVE. + + There's not a flower that decks the vale, + There's not a beam that lights the mountain, + There's not a shrub that scents the gale, + There's not a wind that stirs the fountain, + There's not a hue that paints the rose, + There's not a leaf around us lying, + But in its use or beauty shows + God's love to us, and love undying! + + +III. + +LIFE-WORK. + +To acquire a thorough knowledge of our own hearts and characters, to +restrain every irregular inclination, to subdue every rebellious +passion, to purify the motives of our conduct, to form ourselves to that +temperance which no pleasure can seduce, to that meekness which no +provocation can ruffle, to that patience which no affliction can +overwhelm, and that integrity which no interest can shake; _this is the +task which is assigned to us_,--a task which can not be performed +without the utmost diligence and care. + + +IV. + +HUMILITY. + + The brightest stars are burning suns; + The deepest water stillest runs; + The laden bee the lowest flies; + The richest mine the deepest lies; + The stalk that's most replenished, + Doth bow the most its modest head. + Thus, deep Humility we find + The mark of every master-mind; + The highest-gifted lowliest bends, + And merit meekest condescends, + And shuns the fame that fools adore,-- + That puff that bids a feather soar. + + +V. + +BENEFITS OF ADVERSITY. + +A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner. Neither do uninterrupted +prosperity and success qualify man for usefulness or happiness. The +storms of adversity, like the storms of the ocean, rouse the faculties +and excite the invention, prudence, skill, and fortitude of the voyager. + + +VI. + +OUR MOUNTAIN HOMES. + +MRS. S.R.A. BARNES. + + Why turn we to our mountain homes + With more than filial feeling? + 'Tis _here_ that Freedom's altars rise, + And Freedom's sons are kneeling! + Why sigh we not for softer climes? + Why cling to that which bore us? + _'Tis here we tread on Freedom's soil,_ + _With Freedom's sunshine o'er us!_ + + +VII. + +MAKE A BEGINNING. + +If you do not begin, you will never come to the end. The first weed +pulled up in the garden, the first seed set in the ground, the first +dollar put in the savings-bank, and the first mile traveled on a +journey, are all important things; they make a _beginning_, and thereby +give a hope, a promise, a pledge, an assurance that you are in earnest +in what you have undertaken. How many a poor, idle, erring, hesitating +outcast is now creeping his way through the world, who might have held +up his head and prospered, if, instead of putting off his resolutions of +amendment and industry, he had only made a beginning! + + +VIII. + +INFLUENCE. + +GEORGE W. BUNGAY. + +1. Drop follows drop, and swells + With rain the sweeping river; + Word follows word, and tells + A truth that lives forever. + +2. Flake follows flake, like sprites + Whose wings the winds dissever; + Thought follows thought, and lights + The realm of mind forever. + +3. Beam follows beam to cheer, + The cloud a bolt might shiver; + Throb follows throb, and fear + Gives place to joy forever. + +4. The drop, the flake, the beam, + Teach us a lesson ever; + The word, the thought, the dream + Impress the soul forever. + + +IX. + +PLEASURE IN ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE. + +CAROLINE F. ORNE. + +1. Note the ecstatic joy of the student, who has labored long over a +problem or proposition, but finally comes to a logical conclusion; who +has struggled with the misty darkness of his own mind, for a clear view +of some difficult subject, until the clouds, one after another, have +dispersed, and he beholds, with his mental vision, in bright and +glorious light, the conception for which he labored. Think you he would +exchange his joys for the pleasures of sense'? It is of a higher and +more ennobling character, and not to be bartered for paltry wealth. + +2. What dignity and self-respect invest the man of thought! His very +looks bespeak of mind. He is approached with deference, as a being of +higher order in the scale of intelligence,--as one who has a right to +command and be obeyed. For what moves mind, but mind? A strong +intellect, coming in contact with one of less energy, will as naturally +move it, as superior physical strength will overcome the weaker. + + +X. + +WHAT IS FAME? + +MOTHERWELL. + + What is glory`? What is fame`? + The echo of a long-lost name`; + A breath`, an idle hour's brief talk`; + The shadow of an arrant naught`; + A flower that blossoms for a day`, + Dying next morrow'; + A stream that hurries on its way, + Singing of sorrow'; + A fortune that to lose were gain`; + A word of praise, perchance of blame`; + The wreck of a time-bandied name`-- + _Ay` this is glory`! this is fame`!_ + + +XI. + +CULTIVATED INTELLECT. + +Ah! well do we all know the worth of intelligence, the power of +knowledge, and the beauty and glory of wisdom. It is _educated manhood_ +that wakes up the sleeping soil, covers the earth with good, that +gathers in the golden harvest, that clothes the naked, that feeds the +hungry. It is the _cultivated mind_ that applies the strength of the ox +and the fleetness of the horse; that bridges the river, that turns to +use the flying winds, that makes the lightning its swift messenger, that +makes beautiful palaces of dull clay, that rouses the dead ore to active +life, that covers the sea with ships, and the land with mighty engines +of wealth. It is the _developed intellect_ that flies through the upper +air, that mingles with the stars, that follows the moon in her course, +that overtakes the constellations in their orbits, that weighs the sun, +that measures the distance to the polar star. It is the _enlightened +soul_ that worships God. + + +XII. + +GOD'S WORKS ATTEST HIS GREATNESS. + +MRS. OPIE. + +1. There's not a leaf within the bower; + There's not a bird upon the tree; + There's not a dew-drop on the flower, + But bears the impress, Lord, of Thee. + +2. Thy hand the varied leaf designed, + And gave the bird its thrilling tone; + Thy power the dewdrop's tints combined, + Till like the diamond's blaze they shone. + +3. Yes, dewdrops, leaves, and buds, and all + The smallest, like the greatest things,-- + The sea's vast space, the earth's wide ball, + Alike proclaim Thee King of kings. + +4. But man alone to bounteous Heaven, + Thanksgiving's conscious strains can raise; + To favored man alone 'tis given + To join the angelic choir in praise! + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXVII. + + MO NOT' O NOUS, dull; uniform. + HAR POON', barbed spear. + AG' I TA TED, disturbed. + RE VER' BER ATES, rebounds; re-echoes. + WRITHES, twists, or turns in agony. + CON TOR' TIONS, twistings; writhings. + VE LOC' I TY, swiftness. + IG NITES', takes fire. + FRIC' TION, rubbing together. + COILS, winds into a ring. + PRO JECT' ED, thrown out or forward. + VO CIF' ER A TED, shouted. + IN FU' RI A TED, enraged. + UN RE LENT' ING, unfeeling. + CON VUL' SIONS, violent spasms. + REN COUN' TER, fight; conflict. + + +CAPTURE OF THE WHALE. + +1. Let the reader suppose himself on the deck of a South-seaman, +cruising in the North Pacific ocean. He may be musing over some past +event, the ship may be sailing gently along over the smooth ocean, every +thing around solemnly still, with the sun pouring its intense rays with +dazzling brightness. Suddenly the monotonous quietude is broken by an +animated voice from the masthead, exclaiming, _"There he spouts!"_ + +2. The captain starts on deck in an instant, and inquires _"Where +away?"_ but, perhaps, the next moment every one aloft and on deck, can +perceive an enormous whale lying about a quarter of a mile from the +ship, on the surface of the sea, having just come up to breathe,--his +large "hump" projecting three feet out of the water. At the end of every +ten seconds, the spout is seen rushing from the fore part of his +enormous head, followed by the cry of every one on board, who join in +the chorus of _"There again!"_ keeping time with the duration of the +spout. + +3. But, while they have been looking, a few seconds have expired. They +rush into the boats, which are directly lowered to receive them; and in +two minutes from the time of first observing the whale, three or four +boats are down, and are darting through the water with their utmost +speed toward their intended victim, perhaps accompanied with a song from +the headsman, who urges the quick and powerful plying of the oar, with +the common whaling chant of + + "Away, my boys, away, my boys, 'tis time for us to go." + +4. But, while they are rushing along, the whale is breathing; they have +yet, perhaps, some distance to pull before they can get a chance of +striking him with the harpoon. His "spoutings are nearly out," he is +about to descend, or he hears the boats approaching. The few sailors +left on board, and who are anxiously watching the whale and the gradual +approach of the boats, exclaim, _"Ah, he is going down!"_ Yet he spouts +again, but slowly, the water is seen agitated around him; the spectators +on board with breathless anxiety think they perceive him rising in +preparation for his descent. _"He will be lost!"_ they exclaim; for the +boats are not yet near enough to strike him, and the men are still +bending their oars in each boat with all their strength, to claim the +honor of the first blow with the harpoon. + +5. The bow-boat has the advantage of being the nearest to the whale; the +others, for fear of disturbing the unconscious monster, are now ordered +to drop astern. One more spout is seen slowly curling forth,--it is his +last; but the boat shoots rapidly alongside of the gigantic creature. +_"Peak your oars!"_ exclaims the mate, and directly they flourish in the +air; the glistening harpoon is seen above the head of the harpooner. In +an instant it is darted with unerring force and aim, and is buried +deeply in the side of the huge animal. It is "socket up;" that is, it is +buried in his flesh up to the socket which admits the handle or pole of +the harpoon. + +6. A cheer from those in the boats, and from the seamen on board, +reverberates along the still deep at the same moment. The sea, which a +moment before was unruffled, now becomes lashed into foam by the immense +strength of the wounded whale, which, with its vast tail, strikes in all +directions at his enemies. Now his enormous head rises high into the +air, then his flukes are seen lashing everywhere, his huge body writhes +in violent contortions from the agony the harpoon has inflicted. The +water all around him is a mass of foam, and the sounds of the blows from +his tail on the surface of the sea, can be heard for miles! + +7. _"Stern all!"_ cries the headsman; but the whale suddenly disappears; +he has "sounded;" the line is running through the groove at the head of +the boat, with lightning-like velocity; it smokes; it ignites from the +heat produced by the friction; but the headsman, cool and collected, +pours water upon it as it passes. But an oar is now held up in their +boat; it signifies that their line is rapidly running out; two hundred +fathoms are nearly exhausted; up flies one of the other boats, and +"bends on" another line, just in time to save that which was nearly +lost. + +8. But still the monster descends; he is seeking to rid himself of his +enemies by descending deeply into the dark and unknown depths of the +vast ocean. Two more lines are exhausted,--he is _six hundred fathoms +deep! "Stand ready to bend on!"_ cries the mate to the fourth boat; (for +sometimes they take the whole four lines away with them,--_eight hundred +fathoms!!_) but, it is not required, he is rising. _"Haul in the +slack!"_ observes the headsman, while the boat-steerer coils it again +carefully into the tubs as it is drawn up. + +9. The whale is now seen approaching the surface; the gurgling and +bubbling water which rises, proclaims that he is near; his nose starts +from the sea; the rushing spout is projected high and suddenly, from his +agitation. The slack of the line is now coiled in the tubs, and those in +the fast boat, haul themselves gently toward the whale. The boat-steerer +places the headsman close to the fin of the trembling animal, who +immediately buries his long lance in the vitals of the leviathan, while, +at the same moment, those in one of the other boats, dart another +harpoon into his opposite side. Then, _"Stern all!"_ is again +vociferated, and the boats shoot rapidly away from the danger. + +10. Mad with the agony which he endures from these fresh attacks, the +infuriated "sea monster" rolls over and over, and coils an amazing +length of line around him. He rears his enormous head, and, with +wide-expanded jaws, snaps at every thing around him. He rushes at the +boats with his head,--they are propelled before him with vast swiftness, +and sometimes utterly destroyed. + +11. He is lanced again,--and his pain appears more than he can bear. He +throws himself, in his agony, completely out of his element; the boats +are violently jerked, by which one of the lines is snapped asunder; at +the same time the other boat is upset, and its crew are swimming for +their lives. The whale is now free! he passes along the surface with +remarkable swiftness, "going head out;" but the two boats that have not +yet "fastened," and are fresh and free, now give chase. + +12. The whale becomes exhausted from the blood which flows from his deep +and dangerous wounds, and the two hundred fathoms of line belonging to +the overturned boat, which he is dragging after him through the water, +checks him in his course; his pursuers again overtake him, and another +harpoon is darted and buried deeply in his flesh. + +13. The fatal lance is, at length, given; the blood gushes from the +nostrils of the unfortunate animal in a thick, black stream, which +stains the clear blue water of the ocean to a considerable distance +around the scene of the affray. The immense creature may now again +endeavor to "sound," to escape from his unrelenting pursuers; but he is +powerless. He soon rises to the surface, and passes slowly along until +the death-pang seizes him, when his appearance is awful in the extreme. + +14. Suffering from suffocation, or from the stoppage of some important +organ, the whole strength of his enormous frame is set in motion, for a +few seconds, when his convulsions throw him into a hundred different +contortions of the most violent description, by which the sea is beaten +into foam, and boats are sometimes crushed to atoms, with their crews. + +15. But this violent action being soon over, the now unconscious animal +passes rapidly along, describing in his rapid course the segment of a +circle; this is his "flurry," which ends in his sudden dissolution. The +mighty rencounter is finished. The gigantic animal rolls over on his +side, and floats an inanimate mass on the surface of the crystal +deep,--a victim to the tyranny and selfishness, as well as a wonderful +proof of the _great power of the mind of man_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. How are whales generally discovered? 2. Why do they come +to the surface of the water? 3. How far do they sometimes descend in the +ocean? 4. Describe the manner in which they are captured. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXVIII. + + A'ER O NAUT, one who sails in the air. + RE DOUB LED, repeated. + MAG NIF I CENT, grand; splendid. + EL' E VA TED, raised; excited. + GON' DO LA, small boat. + BE GIRT', surrounded. + RO TA RY, turning; revolving. + IN TEN' SI TY, extreme degree. + A' ER OS TAT, air-balloon. + IN TER MI NA BLE, boundless. + VA' RI E GA TED, diversified; varied. + VERG' ING, tending; inclining. + OB LIQUE' LY, slantingly. + RES PI RA' TION, act of breathing. + ZE' NITH, point in the heavens directly over head. + MAN' DI BLES, jaws. + EU ROC' LY DON, tempestuous wind. + + +LEAVES FROM AN AERONAUT. + +WILLIS GAYLORD CLARK. + +1. My hour had now come, and I entered the car. With a singular taste, +the band struck up, at this moment, the melting air of "Sweet Home." It +almost overcame me. A thousand associations of youth, friends, of all +that I must leave, rushed upon my mind. But I had no leisure for +sentiment. A buzz ran through the assemblage; unnumbered hands were +clapping, unnumbered hearts beating high; and _I_ was the cause. Every +eye was upon me. There was pride in the thought. + +2. "Let go!" was the word. The cheers redoubled; handkerchiefs waved +from many a fair hand; bright faces beamed from every window, and on +every side. One dash with my knife, and I rose aloft, a habitant of air. +How magnificent was the sight which now burst upon me! How sublime were +my sensations! I waved the flag of my country; the cheers of the +multitude from a thousand housetops, reached me on the breeze; and a +taste of the rarer atmosphere elevated my spirits into ecstasy. + +3. The city, with a brilliant sunshine striking the spires and domes, +now unfolded to view a sight incomparably beautiful. My gondola went +easily upward, cleaving the depths of heaven like a vital thing. A +diagram placed before you, on the table, could not permit you to trace +more definitely than I now could, the streets, the highways, basins, +wharves, and squares of the town. The hum of the city arose to my ear, +as from a vast bee-hive; and I seemed the monarch-bee, directing the +swarm. + +4. I heard the rattling of carriages, the hearty _yo-heavo-s!_ of +sailors from the docks that, begirt with spars, hemmed the city round. I +was a spectator of all, yet aloof, and alone. Increasing stillness +attended my way; and, at last, the murmurs of earth came to my ear like +the vast vibrations of a bell. My car tilted and trembled, as I rose. A +swift wind sometimes gave the balloon a rotary motion, which made me +deathly sick for a moment; but strong emotion conquered all my physical +ailings. + +5. My brain ached with the intensity of my rapture. Human sounds had +fainted from my ear. I was in the abyss of heaven, and _alone_ with my +God. I could tell my direction by the sun on my left; and, as his rays +played on the aerostat, it seemed only a bright bubble, wavering in the +sky, and I, a suspended mote, hung by chance to its train. Looking below +me, the distant Sound and Long Island appeared to the east; the bay lay +to the south, sprinkled with shipping; under me, the city, girded with +bright rivers and sparry forests. + +6. The free wind was on my cheek, and in my locks; afar, the ocean +rolled its long, blue waves, checkered with masses of shadow, and gushes +of ruby sunlight; to the north and west, the interminable land, +variegated like a map, dotted with purple, and green, and silver, faded +to the eye. The atmosphere which I now breathed, seemed to dilate my +heart at every breath. I uttered some audible expressions. My voice was +weaker than the faintest sound of a reed. There was no object near to +make it reverb or echo. + +7. My barometer now denoted an immense hight; and, as I looked upward +and around, the concave above seemed like a mighty waste of purple air, +verging to blackness. Below, it was lighter; but a long, lurid bar of +cloud stretched along the west, temporarily excluding the sun. The +shadows rushed afar into the void, and a solemn, Sabbath twilight +reigned around. I was now startled by a fluttering in my gondola. It was +my carrier-pigeon. I had forgotten him entirely. I attached a string to +his neck, with a label, announcing my hight, then nearly four miles, and +the state of the barometer. + +8. As he sat on the side of the car, and turned his tender eyes upon me +in mute supplication, every feather shivering with apprehension, I felt +that it was a guilty act to push him into the waste beneath. But it was +done; he attempted to rise, but I out-sped him; he then fell obliquely, +fluttering and moaning, till I lost him in the haze. My greatest +altitude had not yet been reached. I was now five miles from _terra +firma_. [Footnote: Solid earth.] I began to breathe with difficulty. The +atmosphere was too rare for safe respiration. + +9. I pulled my valve-cord to descend. It refused to obey my hand. For a +moment I was horror-struck. What was to be done? If I ascended much +higher, the balloon would explode. I threw over some tissue paper to +test my progress. It is well known that this will _rise_ very swiftly. +It _fell_, as if blown downward by a wind from the zenith. I was going +upward like an arrow. I attempted to pray, but my parched lips could not +move. I seized the cord again, with desperate energy. Blessed Heaven! it +moved. + +10. I threw out more tissue. It rose to me like a wing of joy. I was +descending. Though far from sunset, it was now dark about me, except a +track of blood-red haze in the direction of the sun. I encountered a +strong current of wind; mist was about me; it lay like dew upon my coat. +At last, a thick bar of vapor being past, what a scene was disclosed! A +storm was sweeping through the sky, nearly a mile beneath; and I looked +down upon an ocean of rainbows, rolling in indescribable grandeur, to +the music of the thunder-peal, as it moaned afar and near, on the coming +and dying wind. + +11. A frightened eagle had ascended through the tempest, and sailed for +minutes by my side, looking at me with panting weariness, and quivering +mandibles, but with a dilated eye, whose keen iris flashed unsubdued. +Proud emblem of my country! As he fanned me with his heavy wing, and +looked with a human intelligence at the car, my pulse bounded with +exulting rapture. Like the genius of my native land, he had risen above +every storm, unfettered and FREE. + +12. But my transports were soon at an end. He attempted to light on the +balloon, and my heart sunk; I feared his huge claws would tear the silk. +I pulled my cord; he rose, as I sank, and the blast swept him from my +view in a moment. A flock of wild-fowl, beat by the storm, were coursing +below, on bewildered pinions; and, as I was nearing them, I knew I was +descending. A breaking rift now admitted the sun. The rainbows tossed +and gleamed; chains of fleecy rack, shining in prismatic rays of gold, +and purple, and emerald, "beautiful exceedingly," spread on every hand. + +13. Vast curtains of clouds pavilioned the immensity, brighter than +celestial roses; masses of mist were lifted on high, like strips of +living fire, more radiant than the sun himself, when his glorious +noontide culminates from the equator. A kind of aërial Euroclydon now +smote my car, and three of the cords parted, which tilted my gondola to +the side, filling me with terror. I caught the broken cords in my hand, +but could not tie them. + +14. The storm below was now rapidly passing away, and beneath its waving +outline, to the south-east, I saw the ocean. Ships were speeding on +their course, and their bright sails melting into distance; a rainbow +hung afar; and the rolling anthems of the Atlantic came like celestial +hymnings to my ear. Presently all was clear below me. The fresh air +played around. I had taken a noble circuit; and my last view was better +than the first, I was far over the bay, "afloating sweetly to the west." +The city, colored by the last blaze of day, brightened remotely to the +view. + +15. Below, ships were hastening to and fro through the Narrows, and the +far country lay smiling like an Eden. Bright rivers ran like ribbons of +gold and silver, till they were lost in the vast inland, stretching +beyond the view; the gilded mountains were flinging their purple shadows +over many a vale; bays were blushing to the farewell day-beams; and now +I was passing over a green island. I sailed to the mainland; saw the +tall, old trees waving to the evening breeze; heard the rural lowing of +herds, and the welcome sound of human voices; and, finally, sweeping +over forest-tops and embowered villages, at last, descended with the +sun, among a kind-hearted, surprised, and hospitable community, in as +pretty a town as one could desire to see, "safe and well." + +QUESTIONS.--1. What demonstrations were made by the people as the +aeronaut began to ascend? 2. How did the city and other objects appear +to him? 3. What could he hear? 4. Describe the appearance of the ocean. +5. What did he do with his carrier-pigeon? 6. How high did he ascend? +7. Describe his descent. 8. What is said about the eagle that came near +him? 9. Describe the appearance of the clouds beneath him. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXIX. + + BOUN' TY, charity; favor. + FRU' GAL, prudent; economical. + FLOUR' ISH ED, thrived; prospered. + DIS CHARG' ED, performed. + BREED' ING, education. + EM BRAC' ED, accepted. + MAIN TAIN' ED, supported. + TRUDG' ED, traveled. + BE GUIL' ED, amused. + LE' GAL, lawful. + TWAIN, two. + BE WITCH' ING, charming. + YOUNK' ER, lad; youngster. + MED' I TA TIVE, thoughtful. + PRO VOK' ED, (PRO, _forward, forth_; VOKED, _called_;) called + forth; excited. + IN CLUDE', (IN, _in_; CLUDE, _shut_;) shut in; inclose. + IN SERT', (IN, _in_; SERT, _join, set_;) join, or set in; put in. + + +THE DAPPLE MARE. + +JOHN G. SAXE. + + 1. "Once on a time," as ancient tales declare, + There lived a farmer in a quiet dell + In Massachusetts, but exactly where, + Or when, is really more than I can tell,-- + Except that quite above the public bounty, + He lived within his means and Bristol county. + + 2. By patient labor and unceasing care, + He earned, and so enjoyed, his daily bread; + Contented always with his frugal fare, + Ambition to be rich ne'er vexed his head; + And thus unknown to envy, want, or wealth, + He flourished long in comfort, peace, and health. + + 3. The gentle partner of his humble lot, + The joy and jewel of his wedded life, + Discharged the duties of his peaceful cot, + Like a true woman and a faithful wife; + Her mind improved by thought and useful reading, + Kind words and gentle manners showed her breeding. + + 4. Grown old, at last, the farmer called his son, + The youngest, (and the favorite I suppose,) And said,-- + "I long have thought, my darling John, + 'Tis time to bring my labors to a close; + So now to toil I mean to bid adieu, + And deed, my son, the homestead-farm to you." + + 5. The boy embraced the boon with vast delight, + And promised, while their precious lives remained, + He'd till and tend the farm from morn till night, + And see his parents handsomely maintained; + God help him, he would never fail to love, nor + Do aught to grieve his gen'rous old gov'nor. + + 6. The farmer said,--"Well, let us now proceed, + (You know there's always danger in delay,) + And get 'Squire Robinson to write the deed; + Come,--where's my staff?--we'll soon be on the way." + But John replied, with tender, filial care, + "You're old and weak--I'll catch the Dapple Mare." + + 7. The mare was saddled, and the old man got on, + The boy on foot trudged cheerfully along, + The while, to cheer his sire, the duteous son + Beguiled the weary way with talk and song. + Arrived, at length, they found the 'Squire at home, + And quickly told him wherefore they had come. + + 8. The deed was writ in proper form of law, + With many a "foresaid," "therefore," and "the same," + And made throughout without mistake or flaw, + To show that John had now a legal claim + To all his father's land--conveyed, given, sold, + Quit-claimed, et cetera,[Footnote 1]--to have and hold. + + 9. Their business done, they left the lawyer's door, + Happier, perhaps, than when they entered there; + And started off as they had done before,-- + The son on foot, the father on the mare. + But ere the twain a single mile had gone, + A brilliant thought occurred to Master John. + +10. Alas for truth!--alas for filial duty!-- + Alas that Satan in the shape of pride, + (His most bewitching form save that of beauty,) + Whispered the lad--"My boy, you ought to ride!" + "Get off!" exclaimed the younker--"'t isn't fair + That you should always ride the Dapple Mare!" + +11. The son was lusty, and the sire was old, + And so, with many an oath and many a frown, + The hapless father did as he was told; + The man got off the steed, the boy got on, + And rode away as fast as she could trot, + And left his sire to trudge it home on foot! + +12. That night, while seated round the kitchen fire + The household sat, cheerful as if no word + Or deed, provoked the injured father's ire, + Or aught to make him sad had e'er occurred,-- + Thus spoke he to his son: "We quite forgot, + I think, t'include that little turnip lot!" + +13. "I'm very sure, my son, it wouldn't hurt it," + Calmly observed the meditative sire, + "To take the deed, my lad, and just insert it;" + Here the old man inserts it--_in the fire!_ + Then cries aloud with most triumphant air, + "Who now, my son, shall ride the Dapple Mare?" + +[Footnote 1: And so forth.] + +QUESTIONS.--1. What proposition did the father make to his son? 2. What +did the son promise to do? 3. How did the son treat his father after he +got the deed? 4. What did the old gentleman do? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXX. + + HARD' I HOOD, bravery. + MAIN TRUCK, small cap at the top of a flagstaff or masthead. + A GHAST', horrified. + GROUPS, clusters; crowds. + PAL' LID, pale. + LU' RID, dismal; gloomy. + HUE, color. + RIV' ET TED, firmly fixed. + FOLD' ED, embraced; clasped. + + +A LEAP FOR LIFE. + +GEORGE P. MORRIS. + +1. Old Ironsides at anchor lay, +(sl.) In the harbor of Mahon [Footnote 1]; + A dead calm rested on the bay,-- + The waves to sleep had gone,-- + When little Jack,[Footnote 2] the captain's son, + With gallant hardihood, + Climbed shroud and spar,--and then upon + The main-truck rose and stood! + +2. A shudder ran through every vein,-- + All eyes were turned on high! + There stood the boy, with dizzy brain, + Between the sea and sky! + No hold had he above,--below, + Alone he stood in air! + At that far hight none dared to go,-- + No aid could reach him there. + +3. We gazed,--but not a man could speak; + With horror all aghast, + In groups, with pallid brow and cheek, + We watched the quivering mast! + The atmosphere grew thick and hot, + And of a lurid hue, + As, riveted unto the spot, + Stood officers and crew. + +4. The father came on deck. He gasped, + "O God, Thy will be done!" + Then suddenly a rifle grasped, + And aimed it at his son! + "Jump far out, boy, into the wave! + Jump, or I fire!" he said. + "That only chance your life can save: +('') Jump! jump, boy!" He obeyed. + +5. He sank,--he rose,--he lived,--he moved,-- + He for the ship struck out! + On board we hailed the lad beloved + With many a manly shout. + His father drew, in silent joy, + Those wet arms round his neck, + Then folded to his heart the boy, + And fainted on the deck! + +[Footnote 1: MA HON', (_Ma hone_,) a sea-port town on the island of +Minorca, in the Mediterranean Sea.] + +[Footnote 2: A name commonly applied to a young sailor.] + +QUESTIONS.--1. What did the captain's son do, on board the Ironsides? 2. +Describe his situation. 3. What is said of the officers and crew? 4. +What did the father say and do? 5. What did the boy do? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXI. + + COM MIN' GLE, mix or unite. + PE DES' TRI AN, traveler on foot. + PROM' I NENT, important. + TRAG' lC, fatal; mournful. + NAR RATE', tell; relate. + YORE, olden time. + WI' LY, craft; cunning. + RE LENT' LESS, hard-hearted; cruel. + WIG' WAM, Indian hut or cabin. + EM BARK' ED, went aboard. + TWANG, quick, sharp sound. + SPA' CIOUS, large; capacious. + WA' RI LY, cautiously. + MYS TE' RI OUS LY, strangely. + OM' IN OUS, foreboding ill. + IM PLA' CA BLE, relentless. + UN TRACE' A BLE, (UN, _not_; TRACE, _mark_; ABLE, _that can be_;) + that can not be marked, or traced; not found out. + + +THE INDIAN BRIDE'S REVENGE. + +L.M. STOWELL. + +1. In the State of New York, where the dark, foaming waters of the Black +River, after roaring and surging through many pleasant fields, beautiful +groves, and dense woodlands, commingle with the clear, cold waters of +Lake Ontario, the wandering pedestrian or the lone fisherman may see, +resting upon a gravelly flat, the remains of an _old Indian canoe_, +whose once beautiful proportions, now untraceable in its rottenness, +bore a prominent part in the tragic event I am about to narrate. + +2. Through these pleasant valleys, among the broken hills, and in the +majestic forests, of yore, the wily Indian and his dusky mate, held +undisputed possession; and many are the incidents, yet unwritten, of +tragic and thrilling interest, that transpired around the red men's +camp-fire, ere the white man disturbed their forest homes. + +3. Si öus' ka, or the "Wild Flower," was the daughter of a powerful +chief of the Onondagas, and the only being ever known to turn the +relentless old chief from a savage purpose. Something of this influence +was owing to her great beauty; but more to the gentleness of which that +beauty was the emblem. Her downcast eye, her trembling lip, her quiet, +submissive motion, all bespoke its language; and many were the young +chieftains that sought to win her affections. + +4. Among her admirers were two young chiefs of the Oneidas, with whom +the Onondagas were on the most friendly terms. Si öus' ka's father, in +order to cherish the friendly feeling of the two tribes, and, at the +same time, strengthen his power, besought her to accept the more +powerful chief, "Eagle Eye." He did not plead in vain; for she had long +loved the young Oneida. + +5. One bright sunny morning, in early spring, as the old chief was out +hunting, the young Oneida crossed his path, upon which the old man +advanced, and, laying his hand upon his shoulder, pointed to the +dwelling of Si öus' ka. Not a word was spoken. The proud old man and the +strong, young chief proceeded toward her wigwam, and entered together. + +6. Si öus' ka was seated in one corner, engaged upon some fancy +basket-work, and did not notice their approach until they had entered. +The old chief looked upon her with an expression of love, which his +stern countenance never wore except in her presence. "Siöus'ka," he said +in a subdued tone, "Go to the wigwam of the Oneida, that your father's +tribe may be strengthened, and many moons may shine upon their peace and +prosperity." + +7. There was mingled joy and modesty in the upward glance of the "Wild +Flower" of the Onondagas, and, when the young chief saw the light of her +mild eye suddenly and timidly vailed by its deeply-fringed lid, he knew +that her love had lost none of its power. The marriage song was soon +sung in the royal wigwam, in which the sweet voice of Siöus'ka was +happily heard to mingle. + +8. When the rejected chief of the Oneidas heard that the "Wild Flower" +had mated with the "Eagle Eye," his wrath knew no bounds, and he +secretly resolved upon revenge. Two years passed away, and, as yet, no +good opportunity had arrived; for he dared not attack "Eagle Eye" in +open conflict, for fear of his superior powers; and, assassin-like, he +sought to give the blow unperceived. + +9. At length, the spring came, and a number of the tribe prepared to +visit Lake Ontario, on a fishing and hunting excursion. Among the number +who went, were the "Eagle Eye," Siöus'ka, and their little boy. They +were obliged to carry their light, birchen canoes from home, and these +were packed with the necessary tackle, skins for beds, &c. The strong +men of the party carried the canoes on their shoulders, and the women +the smaller articles of furniture. + +10. They had advanced across the country, until they reached the Black +River, and, by carrying their canoes around falls and rapids, gently +floated down the stream till they reached the great falls, about six +miles from the Lake. Here they halted for the night, and encamped about +half a mile above the falls. + +11. The morning came; and, as the first beam of the rising sun pierced +the forest shade, the party again embarked in their canoes for the mouth +of the river, the gaudy canoe of Si öus' ka, which her father had given +her, taking the lead. They had scarcely started from the shore, ere the +sharp twang of a bow-string was heard from the shore, and an unerring +arrow pierced the heart of "Eagle Eye." He fell over the side of the +canoe, and was swept by the current over the great falls. + +12. The party immediately started in pursuit of the coward murderer; but +they sought in vain. His hiding-place was too sure,--he had taken refuge +in a cave, the entrance of which was hid from observation by a thick +clump of cedars. Here he remained till he was certain the company had +departed. This cave is still there, and I have often been in its many +chambers,--some of which are very spacious. + +13. The fatal shaft was winged from the bow of the revenged Oneida +chief. Having been apprised of the expedition, he had warily dogged the +steps of the party, until a favorable opportunity presented itself, and +then satisfied his secret longing for revenge upon the enemy, whom he +did not dare to attack even-handed. The party sought him far and near; +but, as no trace of any one could be found, they imagined, with +superstitious fear, that the "Great Spirit" had thus summoned "Eagle +Eye" to the "Spirit's Hunting Ground." + +14. When they returned to their canoes, no traces of Si öus' ka and her +child were to be found. They, too, had mysteriously disappeared, and the +whole party, with ominous silence, hastened around the falls, and away +from the fearful place. When Si ous' ka saw the fatal shaft pierce her +companion, with, a fearful shriek she fell into the bottom of the canoe, +hid herself in the furs, and immediately her reason forsook her. + +15. When she recovered, she found that her canoe, urged on by the +current, had floated into a large cave, and was firmly wedged in between +two rocks; and her little boy, with his bow and arrow in his hand, was +quietly sleeping by her side. Dislodging the canoe, she plied the oars, +and was soon outside the cave. + +16. On finding her people had left her, she sought the shore, and, +fastening the canoe, proceeded below the falls, where she found the body +of the ill-fated "Eagle Eye," where it had washed ashore. With +superhuman strength, she bore the mangled body to a thick grove of +cedars, and, with her own hands, dug a rude grave, and covered his +remains with dried leaves and earth. That night she kept her lonely +watch beside the grave of all that she held dear on earth, save her boy, +intending to follow the party on the morrow. + +17. The morning came, and the mid-day sun began to descend toward the +western hills, ere she left the grave of the murdered chief. But, at +length, she sorrowfully departed; and, on arriving where she moored the +canoe the day before, what was her surprise to see the murderer of her +husband, quietly sleeping upon the skins where last "Eagle Eye" had +reposed, in the bow of the canoe. + +18. From that moment Si öus' ka was changed. Her quiet, submissive air +immediately gave place to fierce sternness, and the eye that had always +beamed with the smile of love, shot forth flashes of bitter hate and +passion, implacable as the most bloodthirsty of her tribe. Noiselessly +throwing the oars from the boat, with a wild shriek, she quickly swung +it around into the rapidly rolling current, and it was hurried toward +the brink of that awful cataract, over which no living being had ever +passed alive. + +19. The young chief, awakened by that fearful, exulting cry of revenge, +and seeing the peril of his situation, leaped from the bark that was +hurrying him to sure destruction, and vainly sought to gain the shore. +After struggling with the swift tide for a moment, in which he was +carried nearer and nearer the awful brink, he turned, and, with a wild, +unearthly yell, plunged over, and the boiling waters only responded to +his death-wail, as he sunk to rise no more, and his spirit joined that +of his victim in the "Spirit Land." + +20. After the gentle "Wild Flower" had avenged the death of the "Eagle +Eye," she returned to her father's wigwam, and spent the remainder of +her life to the memory of her heart's first devotion. The canoe, all +battered and broken, floated to the mouth of the river, bottom side up, +where it was seen by one of the party while fishing, drawn to the shore, +and left to decay. The party supposed that "Eagle Eye," Siöus'ka, and +her child, had all perished in some mysterious manner. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who was Siöus'ka? 2. Who became her husband? 3. What +effect had her marriage upon the rejected Oneida chief? 4. In what way +did he seek revenge? 5. How did Siöus'ka avenge the death of her +husband? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXII. + + EN TER TAIN' ED, had; harbored. + PE CUL IAR' I TY, something special. + CHA GRIN'ED, (_sha grin'ed_,) vexed. + MOR' TI FI ED, hurt in feeling. + OUT STRIP', go beyond; excel. + RI' VAL RY, emulation. + RE VERS' ES, troubles; difficulties. + IN VIG' OR A TED, made strong. + DES O LA' TION, waste; ruin. + REF' UGE, shelter; protection. + SYM' PA THIZ ED, (SYM, _with_; PATH, _feeling_; IZE, _make, have_; + ED, _did_;) did have feeling with. See Note on the suffix IZE, + p. 132 of the ANALYSIS. + +[Headnote 1: SIS' ER A, captain of the army of the Canaanitish king, +Jabin. He was utterly defeated by Barak. Fleeing on foot, he took refuge +in the tent of Jael, wife of Heber. There, while asleep, Jael drove a +nail through his temples, and so he died. His mother, finding he did not +return from the battle, "looked out at a window, and cried through the +lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming?" Read 4th and 5th +chapters of Judges.] + + +A MOTHER'S LOVE. + +ALBERT BARNES. + +1. Many of us who are advanced beyond the period of childhood, went out +from home to embark on the stormy sea of life. Of the feelings of a +father, and of his interest in our welfare, we have never entertained a +doubt, and our home was dear because he was there; but there was a +peculiarity in the feeling that it was the home of our mother. Where +_she_ lived, there was a place that we felt was _home_. There was _one +place_ where we would always be welcome, _one place_ where we would be +met with a smile, _one place_ where we would be sure of a friend. + +2. The world might be indifferent to us. We might be unsuccessful in our +studies or our business. The new friends which we supposed we had made, +might prove to be false. The honor which we thought we deserved, might +be withheld from us. We might be chagrined and mortified by seeing a +rival outstrip us, and bear away the prize which we sought. But there +_was_ a place where no feelings of rivalry were found, and where those +whom the world overlooked, would be sure of a friendly greeting. Whether +pale and wan by study, care, or sickness, or flushed with health and +flattering success, we were _sure_ that we should be welcome there. + +3. Though the world was cold toward us, yet there was _one_ who always +rejoiced in our success, and always was affected in our reverses; and +there was a _place_ to which we might go back from the storm which began +to pelt us, where we might rest, and become encouraged and invigorated +for a new conflict. So have I seen a bird, in its first efforts to fly, +leave its nest, and stretch its wings, and go forth to the wide world. +But the wind blew it back, and the rain began to fall, and the darkness +of night began to draw on, and there was no shelter abroad, and it +sought its way back to its nest, to take shelter beneath its mother's +wings, and to be refreshed for the struggles of a new day; but then it +flew away to think of its nest and its mother no more. + +4. But not thus did we leave our home when we bade adieu to it to go +forth alone to the manly duties of life. Even amidst the storms that +then beat upon us, and the disappointments that we met with, and the +coldness of the world, we felt still that there _was one_ who +sympathized in our troubles, as well as rejoiced in our success, and +that, whatever might be abroad, when we entered the door of her +dwelling, we should be met with a smile. We expected that a mother, like +the mother of Sisera [Headnote 1], as she "looked out at her window," +waiting for the coming of her son laden with the spoils of victory, +would look out for _our_ coming, and that _our_ return would renew her +joy and ours in our earlier days. + +5. It makes a sad desolation when, from such a place, a mother is taken +away, and when, whatever may be the sorrows or the successes in life, +she is to greet the returning son or daughter no more. The home of our +childhood may be still lovely. The old family mansion--the green +fields--the running stream--the moss-covered well--the trees--the +lawn--the rose--the sweet-brier--may be there. Perchance, too, there may +be an aged father, with venerable locks, sitting in his loneliness, with +every thing to command respect and love; but she is not there. Her +familiar voice is not heard. The mother has been borne forth to sleep by +the side of her children who went before her, and the place is not what +it was. + +6. There may be those there whom we much love; but _she_ is not there. +We may have formed new relations in life, tender and strong as they can +be; we may have another home, dear to us as was the home of our +childhood, where there is all in affection, kindness, and religion, to +make us happy; but _that_ home is not what it was, and it will _never_ +be what it was again. It is a loosening of one of the cords which bound +us to earth, designed to prepare us for our eternal flight from every +thing dear here below, and to teach us that there is _no_ place here, +that is to be our permanent home. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What renders home doubly endearing? 2. Where are we +always welcome? 3. Who always rejoices in our successes, and is affected +in our reverses? 4. Who was Sisera, and what account is given of him? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXIII. + + UN SPOT' TED, pure; unstained. + FAL' TER, fail. + TRA' CER Y, traces; impressions. + IM' PRESS, mark: stamp. + DO MIN' ION, authority; predominance. + SHRINK, withdraw. + PUR SU' ING, following. + STERN ER, harsher; more rigid. + DE FY', dare; challenge. + WHO' SO, any person whatever. + TO' KEN, sign; indication. + BROTH' ER HOOD, fraternity. + + +THE LIFE-BOOK. + +HOME JOURNAL. + +1. Write, mother, write! + A new, unspotted book of life before thee, + Thine is the hand to trace upon its pages + The first few characters, to live in glory, + Or live in shame, through long, unending ages! + Write, mother, write! + Thy hand, though woman's, must not faint nor falter: + The lot is on thee,--nerve thee then with care,-- + A _mother's tracery_ time may never alter; + Be its first impress, then, the breath of prayer! + Write, mother, write! + +2. Write, father, write! + Take thee a pen plucked from an eagle's pinion, + And write _immortal actions_ for thy son; + Teach him that man forgets man's high dominion, + Creeping on earth, leaving _great deeds_ undone! + Write, father, write! + Leave on his life-book a fond father's blessing, + To shield him 'mid temptation, toil, and sin. + And he shall go to glory's field, possessing + _Strength to contend, and confidence to win_. + Write, father, write! + +3. Write, sister, write! + Nay, shrink not, for a sister's love is holy! + Write words the angels whisper in thine ears,-- + No bud of sweet affection, howe'er lowly, + But planted here, will bloom in after years. + Write, sister, write! + Something to cheer him, his rough way pursuing, + For manhood's lot is sterner far than ours; + He may not pause,--he must be up and doing, + Whilst thou sitt'st idly, dreaming among flowers. + Write, sister, write! + +4. Write, brother, write! + Strike a bold blow upon those kindred pages,-- + Write; shoulder to shoulder, brother, we will go; + Heart linked to heart, though wild the conflict rages, + We will defy the battle and the foe. + Write, brother, write! + We who have trodden boyhood's path together, + Beneath the summer's sun and winter's sky, + What matter if life brings us some foul weather, + We may be stronger than adversity! + Write, brother, write! + +5. Fellow immortal, write! + One GOD reigns in the Heavens,--there is no other,-- + And _all mankind are brethren_--thus 'tis spoken,-- + And whoso aids a sorrowing, struggling brother, + By kindly word, or deed, or friendly token, + Shall win the favor of our heavenly Father, + Who judges evil, and rewards the good, + And who hath linked the race of man together, + In one vast, universal brotherhood! + Fellow immortal, write! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What may the mother write in the Life-Book? 2. What, the +father? 3. What, the sister? 4. What, the brother? 5. What may all +write? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXIV. + + ODE, short poem. + PA TER' NAL, coming by inheritance. + AT TIRE', clothing; raiment. + UN CON CERN' ED LY, without care. + REC RE A' TION, amusement. + IN' NO CENCE, freedom from guilt. + MED I TA' TION, contemplation. + UN LA MENT' ED, unmourned. + + +ODE ON SOLITUDE. + +POPE. + +Written when the author was twelve years of age. + +1. Happy the man whose wish and care + A few paternal acres bound, + Content to breathe his native air + In his own ground. + +2. Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, + Whose flocks supply him with attire; + Whose trees in summer yield him shade, + In winter fire. + +3. Blest who can unconcern'dly find + Hours, days, and years glide soft away, + In health of body, peace of mind, + Quiet by day. + +4. Sound sleep by night; study and ease, + Together mixed; sweet recreation; + And innocence, which most doth please + With meditation. + +5. Thus let me live, unseen, unknown; + Thus unlamented let me die; + Steal from the world, and not a stone + Tell where I lie. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who, did the writer think, were happy? 2. How did he wish +to live and die? 3. Analyse the word _recreation_, (RE _back_; CREATION, +_act of bringing into life_;) act of bringing back to life; a reviving. + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXV. + + AD MI RA' TION, esteem. + FRA TER' NAL, brotherly. + IN SIG NIF' I CANCE, worthlessness. + CRIT' IC AL, perilous. + THOR' OUGH LY, completely; fully. + COM PRE HEND', understand. + CON VIC' TION, strong belief. + COM PE TI' TION, strife; rivalry. + EM U LA' TION, competition. + IN TRIN' SIC AL LY, really; truly. + AP PRE' CI ATE, value; esteem. + BRAWN, physical strength. + PIN' NA CLE, summit; highest point. + SIN' U OUS, winding; bending. + LE GIT' I MATE, lawful. + REQ' UI SITE, necessary. + CON SER VA' TION, act of keeping. + DE VEL' OP MENT, training. + + +GETTING THE RIGHT START. + +J.G. HOLLAND. + +1. The first great lesson a young man should learn, is, that _he knows +nothing;_ and that the earlier and more thoroughly this lesson is +learned, the better it will be for his peace of mind, and his success in +life. A young man bred at home, and growing up in the light of parental +admiration and fraternal pride, can not readily understand how it is, +that every one else can be his equal in talent and acquisition. If bred +in the country, he seeks the life of the town, he will very early obtain +an idea of his insignificance. + +2. This is a critical period in his history. The result of his reasoning +will decide his fate. If, at this time, he thoroughly comprehend, and in +his soul admit and accept the fact, that _he knows nothing_ and _is +nothing;_ if he bow to the conviction that his mind and his person are +but ciphers, and that whatever he is _to be_, and is _to win_, must be +achieved by _hard work_, there is abundant hope of him. + +3. If, on the contrary, a huge self-conceit still hold possession of +him, and he straightens stiffly up to the assertion of his old and +valueless self,--or, if he sink discouraged upon the threshold of a life +of fierce competitions, and more manly emulations, he might as well be a +dead man. The world has no use for such a man, and he has only to retire +or be trodden upon. + +4. When a young man has thoroughly comprehended the fact that _he knows +nothing_, and that, intrinsically, he is of but _little value_, the next +thing for him to learn is that _the world cares nothing for him_,--that +he is the subject of no man's overwhelming admiration and esteem,--that +he must take care of himself. + +5. If he be a stranger, he will find every man busy with his own +affairs, and none to look after him. He will not be noticed until he +becomes _noticeable_, and he will not become noticeable, until he _does +something_ to prove that he has an absolute value in society. No letter +of recommendation will give him this, or ought to give him this. No +family connection will give him this, except among those few who think +more of blood than brains. + +6. Society demands that a young man _shall be somebody_, not only, but +that _he shall prove his right to the title_; and it has a right to +demand this. Society will not take this matter upon trust,--at least, +not for a long time; for it has been cheated too frequently. Society is +not very particular what a man does, so that it prove him to be a _man_: +then it will bow to him, and make room for him. + +7. There is no surer sign of an unmanly and cowardly spirit, than a +vague desire for _help_,--a wish to _depend_, to _lean_ upon somebody, +and enjoy the fruits of the industry of others. There are multitudes of +young men who indulge in dreams of help from some quarter, coming in at +a convenient moment, to enable them to secure the success in life which +they covet. The vision haunts them of some benevolent old gentleman, +with a pocket full of money, a trunk full of mortgages and stocks, and a +mind remarkably appreciative of merit and genius, who will, perhaps, +give or lend them from ten to twenty thousand dollars, with which they +will commence and go on swimmingly. + +8. To me, one of the most disgusting sights in the world, is that of a +young man with healthy blood, broad shoulders, and a hundred and fifty +pounds, more or less, of good bone and muscle, standing with his hands +in his pockets, longing for help. I admit that there are positions in +which the most independent spirit may accept of assistance,--may, in +fact, as a choice of evils, desire it; but for a man who is able to help +himself, to desire the help of others in the accomplishment of his plans +of life, is positive proof that he has received a most unfortunate +training, or that there is a leaven of meanness in his composition, that +should make him shudder. + +9. When, therefore, a young man has ascertained and fully received the +fact that he does not know any thing, that the world does not care any +thing about him, that what he wins must be won by his own brain and +brawn, and that while he holds in his own hands the means of gaining his +own livelihood and the objects of his life, he can not receive +assistance without compromising his self-respect and selling his +freedom, he is in a fair position for beginning life. When a young man +becomes aware that only by _his own efforts_ can he rise into +companionship and competition with the sharp, strong, and well-drilled +minds around him, he of ready for work, and not before. + +10. The next lesson is, that of _patience_, thoroughness in preparation, +and contentment with the regular channels of business effort and +enterprise. This is, perhaps, one of the most difficult to learn, of all +the lessons of life. It is natural for the mind to reach out eagerly for +immediate results. + +11. As manhood dawns, and the young man catches in its first light the +pinnacles of realized dreams, the golden domes of high possibilities, +and the purpling hills of great delights, and then looks down upon the +narrow, sinuous, long, and dusty path by which others have reached +them, he is apt to be disgusted with the passage, and to seek for +success through broader channels, by quicker means. Beginning at the +very foot of the hill, and working slowly to the top, seems a very +discouraging process; and precisely at this point, have thousands of +young men made shipwreck of their lives. + +12. Let this be understood, then, at starting; that the patient conquest +of difficulties, which rise in the regular and legitimate channels of +business and enterprise, is not only essential in securing the successes +which you seek, but it is essential to that preparation of your mind, +requisite for the enjoyment of your successes, and for retaining them +when gained. It is the general rule of Providence, the world over, and +in all time, that unearned success is a curse. It is the rule of +Providence, that the process of earning success, shall be the +preparation for its conservation and enjoyment. + +13. So, day by day, and week by week; so, month after month, and year +after year, _work on_, and in that process gain strength and symmetry, +and nerve and knowledge, that when success, patiently and bravely worked +for, shall come, it may find you prepared to receive it and keep it. The +development which you will get in this brave and patient labor, will +prove itself, in the end, the most valuable of your successes. It will +help to make a _man_ of you. It will give you power and self-reliance. +It will give you not only _self-respect_, but the _respect of your +fellows and the public_. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is the first lesson a young man should learn? 2. +What is the next lesson he should learn? 3. What does society demand of +a young man? 4. What is a sure sign of an unmanly and cowardly spirit? +5. When is a young man in a fair position for beginning life? 6. What +is a general rule of Providence? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXVI. + + PRE SUMP' TION, arrogance. + SOPH' ISTS, professed teachers of wisdom. + AC COST' ED, addressed. + GEN' IUS, natural aptitude. + IN DUC' ED, prevailed upon. + PHI LOS' O PHER, lover of wisdom. + BAR' BA ROUS, foreign; uncivilized. + DIS SUADE', turn away from. + EX CESS' IVE. overmuch. + ES TEEM' ED, highly regarded. + RE TRENCH, lessen; curtail. + SU PER' FLU OUS, extravagant; needless. + UN DER TAK' ING, engaging in. + IN CA PAC' I TY, inability. + +[Headnote 1: THE MIS' TO CLES, a celebrated Athenian statesman and +military leader, was born about 514 before Christ.] + +[Headnote 2: CI' MON, an illustrious Athenian general and statesman, +born about the year 510, before Christ. He belonged to the aristocratic +party of his time, and contributed to the banishment of Themistocles, +the leader of the opposite party. He was also the political opponent of +Pericles.] + +[Headnote 3: PER' I CLES, an Athenian statesman, born about 495 before +Christ. He labored to make Athens the capital of all Greece, and the +seat of art and refinement.] + +[Headnote 4: PLA' TO, a celebrated Greek philosopher, born in Athens +about the year 429 before Christ. He was a pupil of Socrates.] + + +THE PRESUMPTION OF YOUTH. + +ROLLIN. + +1. The young people of Athens, amazed at the glory of +Themistocles,[Headnote 1] of Cimon,[Headnote 2] of Pericles,[Headnote 3] +and full of a foolish ambition, after having received some lessons from +the sophists, who promised to render them very great politicians, +believed themselves capable of every thing, and aspired to fill the +highest places. One of them, named Glaucon, took it so strongly in his +head that he had a _peculiar genius_ for public affairs, although he was +not yet twenty years of age, that no person in his family, nor among his +friends, had the power to divert him from a notion so little befitting +his age and capacity. + +2. Socrates, who liked him on account of Plato [Headnote 4] his brother, +was the only one who succeeded in making him change his resolution. +Meeting him one day, he accosted him with so dexterous a discourse, that +he induced him to listen. He had already gained much influence over him. +"You have a desire to govern the republic?" said Socrates. "True," +replied Glaucon. "You can not have a finer design," said the +philosopher, "since, if you succeed in it, you will be in a state to +serve your friends, to enlarge your house, and to extend the limits of +your native country. + +3. "You will become known not only in Athens, but through all Greece; +and it may be that your renown will reach even to the barbarous nations, +like that of Themistocles. At last, you will gain the respect and +admiration of everybody." A beginning so flattering pleased the young +man exceedingly, and he very willingly continued the conversation. +"Since you desire to make yourself esteemed and respected, it is clear +that you think to render yourself useful to the public." "Assuredly." +"Tell me, then, I beseech you, what is the first service that you intend +to render the state?" + +4. As Glaucon appeared to be perplexed, and considered what he ought to +answer,--"Probably," replied Socrates, "it will be to enrich the +republic, that is to say, to increase its revenues." "Exactly so." "And, +undoubtedly, you know in what the revenues of the state consist, and the +extent to which they may be increased. You will not have failed to make +it a private study, to the end that if one source should suddenly fail, +you may be able to supply its place immediately with another." "I assure +you," answered Glaucon, "that this is what I have never thought of." + +5. "Tell me, at least, then, the necessary expenses of maintaining the +republic. You can not fail to know of what importance it is to retrench +those which are superfluous." "I confess to you that I am not more +instructed with regard to this article than the other." "Then it is +necessary to defer till another time the design that you have of +enriching the republic; for it is impossible for you to benefit the +state while you are ignorant of its revenues and expenses." + +6. "But," said Glaucon, "there is still another means that you pass over +in silence,--one can enrich a state by the ruin of its enemies." "You +are right." replied Socrates, "but, in order to do that, you must be the +more powerful; otherwise you run the risk of losing that which you +possess. So, he who speaks of undertaking a war, ought to know the power +of both parties, to the end that if he finds his party the stronger, he +may boldly risk the adventure; but, if he find it the weaker, he should +dissuade the people from undertaking it. + +7. "But, do you know what are the forces of our republic, by sea and by +land, and what are those of our enemies'? have you a statement of them +in writing'? You will do me the pleasure to allow me a perusal of it." +"I have none yet," replied Glaucon. "I see, then," said Socrates, "that +we shall not make war so soon, if they intrust _you_ with the +government; for there remain many things for you to know, and many cares +to take." + +8. The sage mentioned many other articles, not less important, in which +he found Glaucon equally inexperienced, and he pointed out how +ridiculous they render themselves, who have the rashness to intermeddle +with government, without bringing any other preparation to the task than +_a great degree of self-esteem and excessive ambition_. "Fear, my dear +Glaucon," said Socrates, "fear, lest a too ardent desire for honors +should blind you; and cause you to take a part that would cover you with +shame, in bringing to light your incapacity, and want of talent." + +9. The youth was wise enough to profit by the good advice of his +instructor, and took some time to gain private information, before he +ventured to appear in public. This lesson is for all ages. + +QUESTIONS.--1. To what did the young people of Athens aspire? 2. What +did Glaucon believe he possessed? 3. Who succeeded in making him change +his resolution? 4. How did Socrates do this? 5. What did Socrates +finally say to him? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXVII. + + CREST, topmost height. + TOR' RENTS, rushing streams. + TYPE, symbol; token. + AE' RIE, (_â' ry_,) eagle's nest. + VAULT' ED, arched. + LIQ' UID, (_lik' wid_,) clear; flowing. + BASK, lie exposed to warmth. + CAN' O PY, covering. + REV' EL RY, noisy merriment. + BIDE, stay; continue. + VO LUP' TU OUS, devoted to pleasure. + HAUNTS, places of resort. + EX PIRES', dies; becomes extinct. + SMOL' DER ING, burning and smoking without vent. + HER' IT AGE, inheritance. + QUENCH' ED, extinguished. + PEN' NON, flag; banner. + WRENCH, wrest; twist off. + CRA' VEN, base; cowardly. + + +SONG OF THE AMERICAN EAGLE. + +1. I build my nest on the mountain's crest, + Where the wild winds rock my eaglets to rest,-- + Where the lightnings flash, and the thunders crash, + And the roaring torrents foam and dash; + For my spirit free henceforth shall be + A type of the sons of Liberty. + +2. Aloft I fly from my aërie high, + Through the vaulted dome of the azure sky; + On a sunbeam bright take my airy flight, + And float in a flood of liquid light; + For I love to play in the noontide ray, + And bask in a blaze from the throne of day. + +3. Away I spring with a tireless wing, + On a feathery cloud I poise and swing; + I dart down the steep where the lightnings leap, + And the clear blue canopy swiftly sweep; + For, dear to me is the revelry + Of a free and fearless Liberty. + +4. I love the land where the mountains stand, + Like the watch-towers high of a Patriot band; + For I may not bide in my glory and pride, + Though the land be never so fair and wide, + Where Luxury reigns o'er voluptuous plains, + And fetters the free-born soul in chains. + +5. Then give to me in my flights to see + The land of the pilgrims _ever free_! + And I never will rove from the haunts I love + But watch, from my sentinel-track above, + Your banner free, o'er land and sea, + And exult in your glorious Liberty. + +6. _O, guard ye well the land where I dwell_, + Lest to future times the tale I tell, + When slow expires in smoldering fires + The goodly heritage of your sires,-- + How Freedom's light rose clear and bright + O'er fair Columbia's beacon-hight, + Till ye quenched the flame in a starless night. + +7. Then will I tear from your pennon fair + The stars ye have set in triumph there; + My olive-branch on the blast I'll launch, + The fluttering stripes from the flagstaff wrench, + And away I'll flee; for I scorn to see + _A craven race_ in the land of the free! + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where does the eagle build its nest? 2. Describe its +flights. 3. Where does it love to dwell? 4. Of what is the eagle a type? +5. What warning does it give to the people of this country? 6. What is +there peculiar in the construction of the first, third, and fifth lines +of each verse? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXVIII. + + AN' THEM, ode; song. + DAUNT' LESS, bold; fearless. + WAG' ED, carried on. + UN AW' ED, undismayed. + SCROLL, roll of paper; document. + COUNT' LESS, unnumbered. + ROY' AL, regal; noble. + U' NI VERSE, whole creation. + BAF' FLED, frustrated. + TY RAN' NIC, oppressive; despotic. + CURB, check; restrain. + SUC CEED' ING, following. + HURL' ED, thrown. + PEAL' ED, resounded. + +[Headnote 1: HEL' LES PONT, now the Dardanelles, a narrow strait between +Asia and Europe.] + +[Headnote 2: XER' XES, (_zerks' ees_,) the celebrated king of Persia, +during his famous expedition into Greece, caused a bridge of boats to be +built over the Hellespont; but the work having been destroyed by a +storm, he was greatly enraged against the sea, and ordered it to be +lashed, and fetters to be cast into it to restrain its violence.] + + +THE ARMY OF REFORM. + +SARAH JANE LIPPINCOTT. + + 1. Yes, _ye are few_,--and _they were few_, + Who, daring storm and sea, + Once raised upon old Plymouth rock + "The anthem of the free." + + 2. _And they were few_ at Lexington, + To battle, or to die,-- + That lightning-flash, that thunder-peal, + Told that the storm was nigh. + + 3. _And they were few_, who dauntless stood, + Upon old Bunkers hight, + And waged with Britain's strength and pride + The fierce, unequal fight. + + 4. _And they were few_, who, all unawed + By kingly "rights divine," + The Declaration, rebel scroll,[Footnote 1] + Untrembling dared to sign. + + 5. _Yes, ye are few_; for one proud glance + Can take in all your band, + As now against a countless host, + Firm, true, and calm, ye stand. + + 6. Unmoved by Folly's idiot laugh, + Hate's curse, or Envy's frown,-- + Wearing your rights as royal robes, + Your manhood as a crown,-- + + 7. With eyes whose gaze, unvailed by mists, + Still rises, clearer, higher,-- + With stainless hands, and lips that Truth + Hath touched with living fire,-- + + 8. With one high hope, that ever shines + Before you as a star,-- + One prayer of faith, one fount of strength, + _A glorious few ye are!_ + + 9. Ye _dare_ not fear, ye _can not_ fail, + Your destiny ye bind + To that sublime, eternal law + That rules the march of mind. + +10. See yon bold eagle toward the sun + Now rising free and strong, + And see yon mighty river roll + Its sounding tide along! + +11. Ah! yet near earth the eagle tires, + Lost in the sea, the river; + _But naught can stay the human mind_,-- + _'Tis upward, onward, ever!_ + +12. It yet shall tread the starlit paths, + By highest angels trod, + And pause but at the farthest world + In the universe of God. + +13. 'Tis said that Persia's baffled king, + In mad, tyrannic pride, + Cast fetters on the Hellespont,[Headnote 1] + To curb its swelling tide: + +14. But freedom's own true spirit heaves + The bosom of the main; + It tossed those fetters to the skies, + And bounded on again! + +15. The scorn of each succeeding age + On Xerxes'[Headnote 2] head was hurled, + And o'er that foolish deed has pealed + The long laugh of a world. + +16. Thus, thus, defeat, and scorn, and shame, + Is _his_, who strives to bind + _The restless, leaping waves of thought,_ + _The free tide of the mind._ + +[Footnote 1: The reference is to the Declaration of Independence, made +July 4th, 1776.] + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who raised the anthem of the free on Plymouth Rock? +2. What is said of the few on Bunker's Hight? 3. How many signed the +Declaration of Independence? Ans. 56. 4. What is said of the eagle? +5. Of the human mind? 6. Of Freedom? 7. Where is the Hellespont? + + * * * * * + +LESSON LXXXIX. + + FRESH' EN ED, grew brisk or strong. + FIT FUL LY, at intervals. + IN DI CA' TION, sign; token. + EN THU' SI ASM, strong feeling. + AP PRE HEND' ING, fearing. + A BAN' DON, give up; forsake. + HAW' SERS, cables; large ropes. + VOL UN TEER' ED, offered willingly. + IN' TER VAL, intervening time. + DE VOT' ED, doomed; ill-fated. + THWARTS, seats placed across a boat. + GUAR' AN TY, warrant. + IN EV' I TA BLY, certainly; surely. + AC CU' MU LA TED, collected; heaped. + STAN' CHION, (_stan' shun_,) small post. + VI' ED, strove; contended. + DIS' LO CA TED, out of joint; disjointed. + AM' PU TA TED, cut off. + + +THE LAST CRUISE OF THE MONITOR. + +GREENVILLE M. WEEKS. + +1. On the afternoon of December 29th, 1862, she put on steam, and, in +tow of the "Rhode Island," passed Fortress Monroe, and out to sea. As we +gradually passed out, the wind freshened somewhat; but the sun went down +in glorious clouds of purple and crimson, and the night was fair and +calm above us, though, in the interior of our little vessel, the air had +already begun to lose its freshness. We suffered more or less from its +closeness through the night, and woke in the morning to find it heavy +with impurity, from the breaths of some sixty persons, composing the +officers and crew. + +2. Sunshine found us on deck, enjoying pure air, and watching the east. +During the night we had passed Cape Henry, and now, at dawn, found +ourselves on the ocean,--the land only a blue line in the distance. A +few more hours, and that had vanished. No sails were visible; and the +Passaic, which we had noticed the evening before, was now out of sight. +The morning and afternoon passed quietly; we spent most of our time on +deck, on account of the confined air below, and, being on a level with +the sea, with the spray dashing over us occasionally, amused ourselves +with noting its shifting hues and forms, from the deep green of the +first long roll, to the foam-crest and prismatic tints of the falling +wave. + +3. As the afternoon advanced, the freshening wind, the thickening +clouds, and the increasing roll of the sea, gave those most accustomed +to ordinary ship-life, some new experiences. The little vessel plunged +through the rising waves, instead of riding them, and, as they increased +in violence, lay, as it were, under their crests, which washed over her +continually; so that, even when we considered ourselves safe, the +appearance was that of a vessel sinking. + +4. "I'd rather go to sea in a diving-bell!" said one, as the waves +dashed over the pilot-house, and the little craft seemed buried in +water. "Give me an oyster-scow!" cried another,--"any thing! only let it +be _wood_, and something that will float _over_, instead of _under_ the +water!" Still she plunged on; and about 6:30 P.M., we made Cape +Hatteras; in half an hour we had rounded the point. A general hurrah +went up,--"Hurrah for the first iron-clad that ever rounded Cape +Hatteras! Hurrah for the little boat that is first in every thing!" + +5. At half-past seven, a heavy shower fell, lasting about twenty +minutes. At this time the gale increased; black, heavy clouds covered +the sky, through which the moon glittered fitfully, allowing us to see +in the distance a long line of white, plunging foam rushing toward +us,--sure indication, to a sailor's eye, of a stormy time. A gloom +overhung every thing; the banks of cloud seemed to settle around us; the +moan of the ocean grew louder and more fearful. Still our little boat +pushed doggedly on: victorious through all, we thought that here, too, +she would conquer, though the beating waves sent shudders through her +whole frame. + +6. An hour passed; the air below, which had all day been increasing in +closeness, was now almost stifling; but our men lost no courage. Some +sang as they worked; and the cadence of their voices, mingling with the +roar of waters, sounded like a defiance to Ocean. Some stationed +themselves on top of the turret, and a general enthusiasm filled all +breasts, as huge waves, twenty feet high, rose up on all sides, hung +suspended for a moment like jaws open to devour, and then, breaking, +gnashed over in foam from side to side. + +7. Those of us new to the sea, and not apprehending our peril, hurrahed +for the largest wave; but the captain and one or two others, old +sailors, knowing its power, grew momentarily more and more--anxious, +feeling, with a dread instinctive to the sailor, that, in case of +extremity, no wreck yet known to ocean, could be so hopeless as this. +Solid iron from keelson to turret-top, clinging to any thing for safety, +if the "Monitor" should go down, would only insure a share in her fate. +No mast., no spar, no floating thing, to meet the outstretched hand in +the last moment. + +8. The sea gathered force from each attack. Thick and fast came the +blows on the iron mail of the "Monitor," and still the brave little +vessel held her own, until, at half-past eight, the engineer, faithful +to the end, reported a leak. The pumps were instantly set in motion, and +we watched their progress with an intense interest. She had seemed to +us like an old-time knight, in armor, battling against fearful odds, but +still holding his ground. We who watched, when the blow came which made +the strong man reel and the life-blood spout, felt our hearts faint +within us; then, again, ground was gained, and the fight went on, the +water lowering somewhat under the laboring pumps. + +9. From nine to ten it kept pace with them. From ten to eleven the sea +increased in violence, the waves now dashing entirely over the turret, +blinding the eyes, and causing quick catchings of the breath, as they +swept against us. At ten the engineer had reported the leak as gaining +on us; at half-past ten, with several pumps in constant motion, one of +which threw out three thousand gallons a minute, the water was rising +rapidly, and nearing the fires. When these were reached, the vessel's +doom was sealed; for, with their extinction, the pumps must cease, and +all hope of keeping the "Monitor" above water more than an hour or two, +expired. + +10. Our knight had received his death-blow, and lay struggling and +helpless under the power of a stronger than he. A consultation was +held, and, not without a conflict of fueling, it was decided that +signals of distress should be made. Ocean claimed our little vessel, and +her trembling frame and failing fire proved she would soon answer his +call; yet a pang went through us, as we thought of the first iron-clad +lying alone at the bottom of this stormy sea, her guns silenced, herself +a useless mass of metal. Each quiver of her strong frame seemed to plead +with us not to abandon her. + +11. The work she _had_ done, the work she _was_ to do, rose before us: +might there not be a possibility of saving her yet? Her time could not +have come so soon. But we who descended for a moment to the cabin, knew, +by the rising-water through which we waded, that the end was near. Small +time was there for regrets. Rockets were thrown up, and answered by the +"Rhode Island," whose brave men prepared at once to lower boats, though, +in that wild sea, it was almost madness. + +12. The "Monitor" had been attached to the "Rhode Island" by two +hawsers, one of which had parted at about seven P.M. The other remained +firm; but now it was necessary it should be cut. How was that possible, +when every wave washed clean over the deck? What man could reach it +alive? "Who'll cut the hawser?" shouted Captain Bankhead. Acting master +Stodder volunteered, and was followed by another. Holding by one hand to +the ropes at her side, they cut through, by many blows of the hatchet, +the immense rope which united the vessels. Stodder returned in safety, +but his brave companion was washed over, and went down. + +13. Meanwhile the boat launched from the "Rhode Island," had started, +manned by a crew of picked men. A mere heroic impulse could not have +accomplished this most noble deed. For hours they had watched the raging +sea. Their captain and _they_ knew the danger; every man who entered +that boat, did it at the peril of his life; and yet all were ready. Are +not such acts as these convincing proofs of the divinity of human +nature'? We watched her with straining eyes; for few thought she could +live to reach us. She neared; we were sure of her, thank Heaven! + +14. In this interval, the cut hawser had become entangled in the +paddle-wheel of the "Rhode Island," and she drifted down upon us; we, +not knowing this fact, supposed her coming to our assistance; but a +moment undeceived us. The launch sent to our relief was now between us +and her,--too near for safety. The steamer bore swiftly down, stern +first, upon our starboard quarter. "_Keep off! keep off!_" we cried, and +then first saw she was helpless. + +15. Even as we looked, the devoted boat was caught between the steamer +and the iron-clad,--a sharp sound of crushing wood was heard,--thwarts, +oars, and splinters flew in air,--the boat's crew leaped to the +"Monitor's" deck, Death stared us in the face; our iron prow must go +through the Rhode Island's side,--and then an end to all. One awful +moment we held our breath,--then the hawser was cleared,--the steamer +moved off, as it were, step by step, first one, then another, till a +ship's length lay between us, and then we breathed freely. + +16. But the boat!--had she gone to the bottom, carrying brave souls with +her? No; there she lay, beating against our iron sides; but still, +though bruised and broken, a lifeboat to us. There was no hasty scramble +for life when it was found she floated,--all held back. The men kept +steady on at their work of bailing,--only those leaving, and in the +order named, whom the captain bade save themselves. They descended from +the turret to the deck with mingled fear and hope, for the waves tore +from side to side, and the coolest head and bravest heart could not +guaranty safety. Some were washed over as they left the turret, and, +with a vain clutch at the iron deck, a wild throwing up of the arms, +went down, their death-cry ringing in the ears of their companions. + +17. The boat sometimes held her place by the "Monitor's" side, then was +dashed hopelessly out of reach, rising and falling on the waves. A +sailor would spring from the deck to reach her, to be seen for a moment +in mid-air, and then, as she rose, fall into her. So she gradually +filled up; but some poor souls who sought to reach her, failed, even as +they touched her receding sides, and went down. We had a little +messenger-boy, the special charge of one of our sailors, and the pet of +all; he must inevitably have been lost, but for the care of his adopted +father, who, holding him firmly in his arms, escaped, as by a miracle, +being washed overboard, but finally succeeded in placing him safely in +the boat. + +18. The last but one to make the desperate venture, was the surgeon; he +leaped from the deck, at the very instant when the boat was being swept +away by the merciless sea. Making one final effort, he threw his body +forward as he fell, striking across the boat's side so violently, it was +thought some of his ribs must be broken. "_Haul the Doctor in!_" shouted +Lieutenant Greene, perhaps remembering how, a little time back, he +himself, almost gone down in the unknown sea, had been "hauled in" by a +quinine rope flung him by the Doctor. Stout sailor-arms pulled him in; +one more sprang to a place in her, and the boat, now full, pushed +off,--in a sinking condition, it is true, but still bearing hope with +her, for _she was wood_. + +19. Over the waves we made little progress, though pulling for life. The +men stuffed their pea-jackets into the leaks, and bailed incessantly. We +neared the "Rhode Island;" but now a new peril appeared. Eight down upon +our center, borne by the might of the rushing water, came the whale-boat +sent to rescue others from the iron-clad. We barely floated; if she +struck us with her bows full on us, we must go to the bottom. One +sprang, and, as she neared, with outstretched arms, met and turned her +course. She passed against us, and his hand, caught between the two +boats, was crushed, and the arm, wrenched from its socket, fell a +helpless weight against his side; but life remained. We were saved, and +an arm was a small price to pay for life. + +20. We reached the "Rhode Island;" ropes were flung over her side, and +caught with a death-grip. Some lost their hold, were washed away, and +again dragged in by the boat's crew. What chance had one whose right arm +hung a dead weight, when strong men with their two hands, went down +before him? He caught at a rope, found it impossible to save himself +alone, and then for the first time said,--"I am injured; can any one +help me?" Ensign Taylor, at the risk of his own life, brought the rope +around his shoulder in such a way that it could not slip, and he was +drawn up in safety. + +21. In the mean time, the whale-boat, which had nearly caused our +destruction, had reached the side of the "Monitor;" and now the captain +said, "It is madness to remain here longer: let each man save himself." +For a moment, he descended to the cabin for a coat, and his faithful +servant followed to secure a jewel-box, containing the accumulated +treasure of years. A sad, sorry sight it was! In the heavy air the lamps +burned dimly, and the water, waist-deep, splashed sullenly against the +sides of the wardroom. One lingering look, and he left the "Monitor's" +cabin forever! + +22. Time was precious; he hastened to the deck, where, in the midst of a +terrible sea, Lieutenant Greene nobly held his post. He seized the rope +from the whale-boat, wound it about an iron stanchion, then around his +wrists, and, by this means, was drawn aboard the boat. Thus, one by one, +watching their time between the waves, the men filled in, and, at last, +after making all effort for others, and none for themselves, Captain +Bankhead and Lieutenant Greene took their places in the boat The gallant +Brown pushed off, and soon laid his boat-load safe upon the "Rhode +Island's" deck. + +23. Here the heartiest and most tender reception met us. Our drenched +clothing was replaced by warm and dry garments, and all on board vied +with each other in acts of kindness. The only one who had received any +injury, Surgeon Weeks, [Footnote: The writer of this account.] was +carefully attended to, the dislocated arm set, and the crushed fingers +amputated, by the gentlest and most considerate of surgeons, Dr. Webber, +of the "Rhode Island." + +24. For an hour or more we watched, from the deck of the steamer, the +lonely light upon the "Monitor's" turrets; a hundred times we thought it +gone forever,--a hundred times it reappeared, till, at last, about two +o'clock, Wednesday morning, December 31st, it sank, and we saw it no +more. An actor in the scenes of that wild night, when the "Monitor" went +down, relates the story of her last cruise. _Her_ work is now over. She +lies a hundred fathoms deep under the stormy-waters off Cape Hatteras; +but she has made herself a name, which will not soon be forgotten by the +American people. + +QUESTIONS.--1. When and where was the Monitor lost? 2. What signal +service had she rendered? 3. Who was the writer of this account? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XC. + + RE SPON SI BIL' I TIES, obligations. + LA' TENT, secret; hidden. + IN IQ' UI TY, wickedness. + EF FECT' IVE, powerful; efficient. + REC' TI TUDE, right. + PEN' E TRA TIVE, entering; piercing. + MAL' ICE, ill-will; hatred. + CHIV' AL RY, heroism; valor. + WAN' TON LY, wastefully. + SHEEN, brightness. + SHIM' MER, glitter; gleam. + RE VER' SION, future possession. + IN SID' I OUS, crafty; deceitful. + A THWART', across. + SUS' TE NANCE, food; support. + IM POS' ED, laid on; assigned. + + +DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WOMAN. + +GAIL HAMILTON. + +1. Oh, if this latent power could be aroused! If woman would shake off +this slumber, and put on her strength, her beautiful garments, how would +she go forth conquering and to conquer! How would the mountains break +forth into singing, and the trees of the field clap their hands! How +would our sin-stained earth arise and shine, her light being come, and +the glory of the Lord being risen upon her! + +2. One can not do the _world's_ work; but one can do _one's_ work. You +may not be able to turn the world from iniquity; but you can, at least, +keep the dust and rust from gathering on your own soul. If you can not +be directly and actively engaged in fighting the battle, you can, at +least, polish your armor and sharpen your weapons, to strike an +effective blow when the hour comes. You can stanch the blood of him who +has been wounded in the fray,--bear a cup of cold water to the thirsty +and fainting,--give help to the conquered, and smiles to the victor. + +3. You can gather from the past and the present stores of wisdom, so +that, when the future demands it, you may bring forth from your +treasures things new and old. Whatever of bliss the "Divinity that +shapes our ends" may see fit to withhold from you, you are but very +little lower than the angels, so long as you have the + + "Godlike power to do,--the godlike aim to know." + +4. You can be forming habits of self-reliance, sound judgment, +perseverance, and endurance, which may, one day, stand you in good +stead. You can so train yourself to right thinking and right acting, +that uprightness shall be your nature, truth your impulse. His head is +seldom far wrong, whose heart is always right. We bow down to mental +greatness, intellectual strength, and they are divine gifts; but _moral +rectitude_ is stronger than they. It is irresistible,--always in the +end triumphant. + +5. There is in _goodness_ a penetrative power that nothing can +withstand. Cunning and malice melt away before its mild, open, steady +glance. Not alone on the fields where chivalry charges for laurels, with +helmet and breastplate and lance in rest, can the true knight exultingly +exclaim, + + "My strength is as the strength of ten, + Because my heart is pure;" + +but wherever man meets man, wherever there is a prize to be won, a goal +to be reached. Wealth, and rank, and beauty, may form a brilliant +setting to the diamond; but they only expose more nakedly the false +glare of the paste. Only when the king's daughter is all glorious +within, is it fitting and proper that her clothing should be of wrought +gold. + +6. From the great and good of all ages rings out the same monotone. The +high-priest of Nature, the calm-eyed poet who laid his heart so close to +hers, that they seemed to throb in one pulsation, yet whose ear was +always open to the "still sad music of humanity," has given us the +promise of his life-long wisdom in these grand words:-- + + "True dignity abides with him alone + Who, in the silent hour of inward thought, + Can still suspect and still revere himself." + +7. Through the din of twenty rolling centuries, pierces the sharp, stern +voice of the brave old Greek: "_Let every man, when he is about to do a +wicked action, above all things in the world, stand in awe of himself, +and dread the witness within him._" All greatness, and all glory, all +that earth has to give, all that Heaven can proffer, lies within the +reach of the lowliest as well as the highest; for He who spake as never +man spake, has said that the very "kingdom of God is within you." + +8. Born to such an inheritance, will you wantonly cast it away? With +such a goal in prospect, will you suffer yourself to be turned aside by +the sheen and shimmer of tinsel fruit? With earth in possession, and +Heaven in reversion, will you go sorrowing and downcast, because here +and there a pearl or ruby fails you? Nay, rather forgetting those things +which are behind, and reaching forth unto those which are before, _press +forward_! + +9. Discontent and murmuring are insidious foes; trample them under your +feet. Utter no complaint, whatever betide; for complaining is a sign of +weakness. If your trouble can be helped, _help it_; if not, _bear it_. +You can be whatever you _will_ to be. Therefore, form and accomplish +worthy purposes. + +10. If you walk alone, let it be with no faltering tread. Show to an +incredulous world + + "How grand may be Life's might, + Without Love's circling crown." + +Or, if the golden thread of love shine athwart the dusky warp of duty, +if other hearts depend on yours for sustenance and strength, give to +them from your fullness no stinted measure. Let the dew of your kindness +fall on the evil and the good, on the just and on the unjust. + +11. Compass happiness, since happiness alone is victory. On the +fragments of your shattered plans, and hopes, and love,--on the +heaped-up ruins of your past, rear a stately palace, whose top shall +reach unto heaven, whose beauty shall gladden the eyes of all beholders, +whose doors shall stand wide open to receive the way-worn and weary. +Life is a burden, but it is imposed by God. What you _make_ of it, it +will _be_ to you, whether a millstone about your neck, or a diadem upon +your brow. _Take it up bravely, bear it on joyfully, lay it down +triumphantly._ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What are some of the duties of women? 2. What is said of +goodness? 3. What was the adage of the old Greek? 4. What is said of +discontent and murmuring? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCI. + + ID' I OT, one devoid of reason. + HOR' RI BLE, awful; dreadful. + WOE' FUL, afflicted. + HAR' ROW, disturb; harass. + PRE SERVE', safely keep. + SOOTH, fact; truth. + SPOIL' ED, stripped; plundered. + YEARN' ING, longing. + IN SUF' FER A BLE, intolerable. + CAN' TON, district; region. + PAS TIME, amusement; diversion. + ES PI' ED, saw; discovered. + MOUNT AIN EER', dweller on a mountain. + BRAWN' Y, strong; firm. + FAG OTS, bundles of sticks. + AUG MENT', increase; make larger. + BEA' CON, signal-fire. + BE TIDE', happen; befall. + + +SCENE FROM WILLIAM TELL. + +J. SHERIDAN KNOWLES. + + _Emma._ I never knew a weary night before! + I have seen the sun a dozen times go down, + And still no William,--and the storm was on, + Yet have I laid me down in peace to sleep, + The mountain with the lightning all a-blaze, + And shaking with the thunder,--but to-night + Mine eyes refuse to close, (_sl._) The old man rests: + Pain hath outworn itself, and turned to ease. + How deadly calm's the night! (_''_) What's that? I'm grown + An idiot with my fears. I do not know,-- + The avalanche! Great Power that hurls it down, + Watch o'er my boy, and guide his little steps! + What keeps him? 'tis but four hours' journey hence: + He'd rest; then four hours back again. _What keeps him?_ + Erni would sure be found by him,--he knows + The track, well as he knows the road to Altorf! + + _Melchtal_. Help! (_in his sleep_.) + + _Emma_. What's the matter? Only the old man dreaming. + He thinks again they're pulling out his eyes. + I'm sick with terror! Merciful powers! what's this + That fills my heart with horrible alarm? + And yet it can not see. + + _Melch_. (_waking_) Where am I? + + _Emma_. Father! + + _Melch_. My daughter, is it thou'! Thank Heaven, I'm here! + Is't day yet'? + + _Emma_. No'. + + _Melch_. Is't far on the night'? + + _Emma_. Methinks, about the turn on't. + + _Melch_. Is the boy + Come back'? + + _Emma_. No', father'. + + _Melch_. Nor thy husband'? + + _Emma_. No'. + + _Melch_. A woeful wife and mother have I made thee! + Would thou hadst never seen me. + + _Emma_. Father'! + + _Melch_. Child'! + + _Emma_. Methinks I hear a step !--I do! (_knocking_.) A knock! + + _Melch_. 'Tis William! + + _Emma_. No; it is not William's knock. (_Opens the door_.) I + told you so. Your will? + + _Enter_ STRANGER. + + _Stran_. Seeing a light, I e'en made bold to knock, to ask for + shelter; For I have missed my way. + + _Emma_. Whence come you` friend'? + + _Stran_. From Altorf. + + _Emma_. Altorf'! Any news from thence'? + + _Stran_. Ay`! News to harrow parents' hearts, and make The + barren bless themselves that they are childless! + + _Emma_. May Heaven preserve my boy! + + _Melch_. What say'st thy news? + + _Stran_. Art thou not Melchtal--he whose eyes, 'tis said, + The tyrant has torn out'? + + _Melch_. Yes`, friend', the same. + + _Stran_. Is this thy cottage'? + + _Melch_. No`; 'tis William Tell's. + + _Stran_. 'Tis William Tell's--and that's his wife--Goodnight. + + _Emma_. (_Rushing between him and the door_.) Thou stirr'st + not hence until thy news be told! + + _Stran_. My news! In sooth 'tis nothing thou would'st heed. + + _Emma_. 'Tis something none should heed so well as I! + + _Stran_. I must be gone, + + _Emma_. Thou seest a tigress, friend, + Spoiled of her mate and young, and yearning for them. + Don't thwart her! Come, thy news! What fear'st thou, man? + What more hath she to dread, who reads thy looks, + And knows the most has come? Thy news! Is't bondage'? + + _Stran_. It is. + + _Emma_. Thank Heaven, it is not death! Of one--Or two? + + _Stran_. Of two. + + _Emma_. A father and a son, + Is't not? + + _Stran_. It is. + + _Emma_. My husband and my son + Are in the tyrant's power! There's worse than that! + What's that is news to harrow parents' breasts. + The which the thought to only tell, 'twould seem, + Drives back the blood to thine?--Thy news, I say! + Wouldst thou be merciful, this is not mercy! + Wast thou the mark, friend, of the bowman's aim. + Wouldst thou not hare the fatal arrow speed, + Rather than watch it hanging in the string? + Thou'lt drive me mad! Let fly at once! + + _Melch_. Thy news from Altorf, friend, whatever it is! + + _Stran_. To save himself and child from certain death, + Tell is to hit an apple, to be placed + Upon the stripling's head. + + _Melch_. My child! my child! + Speak to me! Stranger, hast thou killed her? + + _Emma_. No! + No`, father'. I'm the wife of William Tell; + Oh, but to be a man!--to have an arm + To fit a heart swelling with the sense of wrong! + Unnatural--insufferable wrong! + When makes the tyrant trial of his skill? + + _Stran_. To-morrow. + + _Emma_. Spirit of the lake and hill, + Inspire thy daughter! On the head of him + Who makes his pastime of a mother's pangs, + Launch down thy vengeance by a mother's hand. + Know'st the signal when the hills shall rise'? (_To Melchtal._) + + _Melch_. Are they to rise'? + + _Emma_. I see thou knowest naught. + + _Stran_. Something's on foot! 'Twas only yesterday, + That, traveling from our canton, I espied + Slow toiling up a steep, a mountaineer + Of brawny limb, upon his back a load + Of fagots bound. Curious to see what end + Was worthy of such labor, after him + I took the cliff; and saw its lofty top + Receive his load, which went but to augment + A pile of many another. + + _Emma_. 'Tis by fire! Fire is the signal for the hills to + rise! (_Rushes out_.) + + _Melch_. Went she not forth! + + _Stran_. She did,--she's here again, + And brings with her a lighted brand. + + _Melch_. My child, + What dost thou with a lighted brand? + + (_Re-enter_ EMMA _with a brand_.) + + _Emma_. Prepare + To give the signal for the hills to rise! + + _Melch_. Where are the fagots, child, for such a blaze? + + _Emma_. I'll find the fagots, father. (_Exit_.) + + _Melch_. She's gone Again! + + _Stran_. She is,--I think into her chamber. + + _Emma_. (_Rushing in_.)--Father, the pile is fired! + + _Melch_. What pile, my child! + + _Emma_. The joists and rafters of our cottage, father! + + _Melch_. Thou hast not fired thy cottage?--but thou hast; + Alas, I hear the crackling of the flames! + + _Emma_. Say'st thou, alas! when I do say, thank Heaven. + Father, this blaze will set the land a-blaze + With fire that shall preserve, and not destroy it. + (_f_.) _Blaze on!_ BLAZE ON! Oh, may'st thou be a beacon + To light its sons enslaved to liberty! + How fast it spreads! A spirit's in the fire: + It knows the work it does.--(_Goes to the door, and opens it_.) + The land is free! + Yonder's another blaze! Beyond that, shoots + Another up!--Anon will every hill + Redden with vengeance! Father, come! Whate'er + Betides us, worse we're certain can't befall, + And better may! Oh, be it liberty, + Safe hearts and homes, husbands and children! Come,-- + It spreads apace. (_ff_.) Blaze on--_blaze on_--BLAZE ON! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What rule for the rising inflection on _father_? See Note +I., page 32. 2. What rule for the falling inflection on _no_? See Rule +I., page 28. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCII. + + HON' OR A BLE, noble; illustrious. + IN' TEL LECT, mind; understanding. + SCORE, account; motive. + CLEV' ER, skillful; expert. + SO' CIAL, familiar. + CON FU' SION, fuss; tumult. + CON DE SCEN' SION, loveliness; deference. + COM PRE HEN' SION, understanding. + +[Headnote 1: CROE SUS, a very wealthy king of ancient Lydia, in Asia +Minor, was born about 591 before Christ.] + + +THE RICH MAN AND THE POOR MAN. + +KHEMNITZER. + +1. So goes the world`;--if wealthy, you may call + _This_--friend, _that_--brother`;--friends and brothers all + Though you are worthless, witless,--never mind it; + You may have been a stable-boy,--what then? + 'Tis _wealth_, my friends, makes _honorable_ men. + You seek respect, no doubt, and you will find it. + +2. But, if you are poor', heaven help you`! though your sire + Had royal blood in him`, and though you + Possess the intellect of angels too. + 'Tis all in vain`;--the world will ne'er inquire + On such a score`:--why should it take the pains? + 'Tis easier to weigh purses`, sure, than brains'. + +3. I once saw a poor fellow, keen and clever. + Witty and wise`; he paid a man a visit, + And no one noticed him', and no one ever + Gave him a welcome`. "Strange`," cried I', "whence is it`?" + He walked on this side', then on that`, + He tried to introduce a social chat`; + Now here', now there`, in vain he tried`; + Some formally and freezingly replied, + And some said by their silence,--"Better stay at home." + +4. A rich man burst the door, + As Croesus [Headnote 1] rich;--I'm sure + He could not pride himself upon his wit`; + And, as for wisdom, he had none of it`; + He had what's better`,--he had wealth. + What a confusion!--all stand up erect,-- + These crowd around to ask him of his health; + These bow in _honest_ duty and respect; + And these arrange a sofa or a chair, + And these conduct him there. + "Allow me, sir, the honor`;"--Then a bow + Down to the earth`.--_Is't_ possible to show + Meet gratitude for such kind condescension`! + +5. The poor man hung his head, + And to himself he said, + "This is indeed beyond my comprehension:" + Then looking round, one friendly face he found, + And said,--"Pray tell me why is wealth preferred + "To wisdom?"--"That's a silly question, friend!" + Replied the other,--"have you never heard. + A man may lend his store + Of gold or silver ore, + But wisdom none can borrow, none can lend?" + +QUESTIONS.--1. How do you account for the different inflections in the +last line of the second verse? See page 31, Note I. 2. What rule for the +falling inflection on _condescension_? See page 29, Note I. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCIII. + + EX HI BI' TIONS, displays. + CIR CUM SCRIB' ED, encompassed. + NA' VIES, ships of war. + ARM' A MENTS, forces equipped for war. + IM PED' ED, hindered, obstructed. + LE VI' A THAN, huge sea-monster. + MAG NIF' I CENCE, grandeur. + UN A BAT' ED, undiminished. + RE SERV' ED, kept. + EN TRANC' ED, enraptured. + PROM' ON TO RY, headland. + RE VEAL'ED, laid open. + SYM' BOL, token; sign. + AD A MAN TINE, exceedingly hard. + AP PER TAIN' ING, belonging. + TRANS FORM' ING, changing. + +[Headnote 1: AC' TI UM is the ancient name of a promontory of Albania, +in Turkey in Europe, near which was fought (B.C. 29) the celebrated +naval battle that made Augustus Caesar master of the Roman world.] + +[Headnote 2: SAL' A MIS, an island opposite Attica, in Greece, near +which (B.C. 480) occurred the famous naval engagement which resulted in +the defeat of the Persians.] + +[Headnote 3: NAV A RI' NO is a seaport town on the southwestern coast of +Greece. It was the scene of the memorable victory of the combined +English, French, and Russian fleets over those of the Turks and +Egyptians, gained on the 20th of October, 1827.] + +[Headnote 4: TRA FAL GAR', a cape on the southwestern coast of Spain. +It is famous for the great naval battle, fought in its vicinity, +Oct. 21st, 1805, between the fleets of the French and Spanish on the +one side, and the English, under Lord Nelson, on the other. The English +were victorious, though Nelson was mortally wounded.] + + +GRANDEUR OF THE OCEAN. + +WALTER COLTON. + +1. The most fearful and impressive exhibitions of power known to our +globe, belong to the ocean. The volcano, with its ascending flame and +falling torrents of fire, and the earthquake, whose footstep is on the +ruin of cities, are circumscribed in the desolating range of their +visitations. But the ocean, when it once rouses itself in its chainless +strength, shakes a thousand shores with its storm and thunder. Navies of +oak and iron are tossed in mockery from its crest, and armaments, manned +by the strength and courage of millions, perish among its bubbles. + +2. The avalanche, shaken from its glittering steep, if it rolls to the +bosom of the earth, melts away, and is lost in vapor; but if it plunge +into the embrace of the ocean, this mountain mass of ice and hail is +borne about for ages in tumult and terror; it is the drifting monument +of the ocean's dead. The tempest on land is impeded by forests, and +broken by mountains; but on the plain of the deep it rushes unresisted; +and when its strength is at last spent, ten thousand giant waves still +roll its terrors onward. + +3. The mountain lake and the meadow stream are inhabited only by the +timid prey of the angler; but the ocean is the home of the +leviathan,--his ways are in the mighty deep. The glittering pebble and +the rainbow-tinted shell, which the returning tide has left on the +shore, and the watery gem which the pearl-diver reaches at the peril of +his life, are all that man can filch from the treasures of the sea. The +groves of coral which wave over its pavements, and the halls of amber +which glow in its depths, are beyond his approaches, save when he goes +down there to seek, amid their silent magnificence, his burial monument. + +4. The islands, the continents, the shores of civilized and savage +realms, the capitals of kings, are worn by time, washed away by the +wave, consumed by the flame, or sunk by the earthquake; but the ocean +still remains, and still rolls on in the greatness of its unabated +strength. Over the majesty of its form and the marvel of its might, time +and disaster have no power. Such as creation's dawn beheld, it rolleth +now. + +5. The vast clouds of vapor which roll up from its bosom, float away to +encircle the globe: on distant mountains and deserts they pour out their +watery treasures, which gather themselves again in streams and torrents, +to return, with exulting bounds, to their parent ocean. These are the +messengers which proclaim in every land the exhaustless resources of the +sea; but it is reserved for those who go down in ships, and who do +business in the great waters, to see the works of the Lord and His +wonders in the deep. + +6. Let one go upon deck in the middle watch of a still night, with +naught above him but the silent and solemn skies, and naught around and +beneath him but an interminable waste of waters, and with the conviction +that there is but a plank between him and eternity, a feeling of +loneliness, solitude, and desertion, mingled with a sentiment of +reverence for the vast, mysterious and unknown, will come upon him with +a power, all unknown before, and he might stand for hours entranced in +reverence and tears. + +7. Man, also, has made the ocean the theater of _his_ power. The ship in +which he rides that element, is one of the highest triumphs of his +skill. At first, this floating fabric was only a frail bark, slowly +urged by the laboring oar. The sail, at length, arose and spread its +wings to the wind. Still he had no power to direct his course when the +lofty promontory sunk from sight, or the orbs above him were lost in +clouds. But the secret of the magnet is, at length, revealed to him, and +his needle now settles, with a fixedness which love has stolen as the +symbol of its constancy, to the polar star. + +8. Now, however, he can dispense even with sail, and wind, and flowing +wave. He constructs and propels his vast engines of flame and vapor, +and, through the solitude of the sea, as over the solid land, goes +thundering on his track. On the ocean, too, thrones have been lost and +won. On the fate of Actium [Headnote 1] was suspended the empire of the +world. In the gulf of Salamis,[Headnote 2] the pride of Persia found a +grave; and the crescent set forever in the waters of Navarino;[Headnote +3] while, at Trafalgar [Headnote 4] and the Nile, nations held their +breath, + + As each gun, + From its adamantine lips, + Spread a death-shade round the ships + Like the hurricane's eclipse + Of the sun. + +9. But, of all the wonders appertaining to the ocean, the greatest, +perhaps, is its transforming power on man. It unravels and weaves anew +the web of his moral and social being. It invests him with feelings, +associations, and habits, to which he has been an entire stranger. It +breaks up the sealed fountain of his nature, and lifts his soul into +features prominent as the cliffs which beetle over its surge. + +10. Once the adopted child of the ocean, he can never bring back his +entire sympathies to land. He will still move in his dreams over that +vast waste of waters, still bound in exultation and triumph through its +foaming billows. All the other realities of life will be comparatively +tame, and he will sigh for his tossing element, as the caged eagle for +the roar and arrowy light of his mountain cataract. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of the volcano and earthquake? 2. Of the +avalanche and tempest? 3. Of the ocean? 4. Of ships? 5. Where have +naval battles been fought? 6. What influence has the ocean on man? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCIV. + + RE LAX' ED, loosened. + AS SI DU' I TIES, kind, constant attentions. + CON SIGN' ED, committed; given over. + EX TE' RI OR, outer appearance. + UN AF FECT' ED, sincere. + UN PRE TEND' ING, unostentatious. + HA BIL' I MENTS, vestments. + SU PER STI' TIOUS, full of scruples. + REC' ON CILE, make willing. + PEN' E TRATES, sees through. + PER VADE', (PER, _through_; VADE, _go_, or _pass_;) pass + through; appear throughout. + + +A BURIAL AT SEA. + +WALTER COLTON. + +1. Death is a fearful thing, come in what form it may,--fearful, when +the vital chords are so gradually relaxed, that life passes away sweetly +as music from the slumbering harp-string,--fearful, when in his own +quiet chamber, the departing one is summoned by those who sweetly follow +him with their prayers, when the assiduities of friendship and affection +can go no farther, and who discourse of heaven and future blessedness, +till the closing ear can no longer catch the tones of the long-familiar +voice, and who, lingering near, still feel for the hushed pulse, and +then trace in the placid slumber, which pervades each feature, a quiet +emblem of the spirit's serene repose. + +2. What, then, must this dread event be to one, who meets it +comparatively alone, far away from the hearth of his home, upon a +troubled sea, between the narrow decks of a restless ship, and at that +dread hour of night, when even the sympathies of the world seem +suspended! Such has been the end of many who traverse the ocean; and +such was the hurried end of him, whose remains we have just consigned to +a watery grave. + +3. He was a sailor; but, beneath his rude exterior, he carried a heart +touched with refinement, pride, and greatness. There was something about +him, which spoke of better days and a higher destiny. By what errors or +misfortunes he was reduced to his humble condition, was a secret which +he would reveal to none. Silent, reserved, and thoughtful, he stood a +stranger among his free companions, and never was his voice heard in the +laughter or the jest. He has undoubtedly left behind many who will long +look for his return, and bitterly weep when they are told they shall see +his face no more. + +4. As the remains of the poor sailor were brought up on deck, wound in +that hammock which, through many a stormy night, had swung to the wind, +one could not but observe the big tear that stole unconsciously down the +rough cheeks of his hardy companions. When the funeral service was read +to that most affecting passage, "we commit this body to the deep," and +the plank was raised which precipitated to the momentary eddy of the +wave the quickly disappearing form, a heavy sigh from those around, told +that the strong heart of the sailor can be touched with grief, and that +a truly unaffected sorrow may accompany virtue, in its most unpretending +form, to its ocean grave. Yet how soon is such a scene forgotten! + + "As from the wing the sky no scar retains, + The parted wave no furrow from the keel, + So dies in human hearts the thought of death." + +5. There is something peculiarly melancholy and impressive in a burial +at sea: there is here no coffin or hearse, procession or tolling +bell,--nothing that gradually prepares us for the final separation. The +body is wound in the drapery of its couch, much as if the deceased were +only in a quiet and temporary sleep. In these habiliments of seeming +slumber, it is dropped into the wave, the waters close over it, the +vessel passes quickly on, and not a solitary trace is left to tell where +sunk from light and life, one that loved to look at the sky and breathe +this vital air. + +6. There is nothing that, for one moment, can point to the deep, +unvisited resting-place of the departed,--it is a grave in the midst of +the ocean,--in the midst of a vast, untrodden solitude. Affection can +not approach it, with its tears; the dews of heaven can not reach it; +and there is around it no violet, or shrub, or murmuring stream. + +7. It may be superstitious; but no advantages of wealth, or honor, or +power, through life, would reconcile me at its close to such a burial. I +would rather share the coarse and scanty provisions of the simplest +cabin, and drop away unknown and unhonored by the world, so that my +final resting-place be beneath some green tree, by the side of some +living stream, or in some familiar spot, where the few that loved me in +life, might visit me in death. + +8. But, whether our grave be in the fragrant shade, or in the fathomless +ocean, among our kindred, or in the midst of strangers, the day is +coming when we shall all appear at one universal bar, and receive from a +righteous Judge the award of our deeds. He that is wisest, penetrates +the future the deepest. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of death? 2. What, of death at sea? +3. What renders a burial at sea peculiarly melancholy and impressive? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCV. + + MYS TE' RI OUS, secret; mystical. + UN RECK' ED, unheeded. + AR' GO SIES, ships of great burden. + WR ATH' FUL, furious; raging. + PAL' A CES, splendid mansions. + SCORN' FUL, disdainful. + DE CAY', ruin; destruction. + BOOM' ING, roaring. + FES' TAL, joyous; merry. + RE CLAIM', claim again; recover. + + +THE TREASURES OF THE DEEP. + +MRS. HERMANS. + +1. What hid'st thou in thy treasure-caves and cells? + Thou hollow-sounding and mysterious main! + Pale, glistening pearls, and rainbow-colored shells, + Bright things which gleam unrecked of, and in vain! + Keep, keep thy riches, melancholy sea! + We ask not such from thee. + +2. Yet more, the depths have more! what wealth untold, + Far down, and shining through their stillness lies! + Thou hast the starry gems, the burning gold, + Won from ten thousand royal argosies! + Sweep o'er thy spoils, thou wild and wrathful main! + Earth claims not _these_ again. + +3. Yet more, the depths have more! thy waves have rolled + Above the cities of a world gone by! + Sand hath filled up the palaces of old, + Sea-weed o'ergrown the halls of revelry. + Dash o'er them, Ocean! in thy scornful play! + Man yields them to decay. + +4. Yet more, the billows and the depths have more! + High hearts and brave are gathered to thy breast! + They hear not now the booming waters roar; + The battle-thunders will not break their rest. + Keep thy red gold and gems, thou stormy grave! + Give back the true and brave! + +5. Give back the lost and lovely,--those for whom + The place was kept at board and hearth so long, + The prayer went up through midnight's breathless gloom, + And the vain yearning woke 'midst festal song! + Hold fast thy buried isles, thy towers o'erthrown; + But all is not thine own. + +6. To thee the love of woman hath gone down; + Dark flow thy tides o'er manhood's noble head, + O'er youth's bright locks, and beauty's flowery crown, + Yet must thou hear a voice,--_Restore the dead!_ + Earth shall reclaim her precious things from thee! + _Restore the dead, thou Sea!_ + +QUESTIONS.--1. What are some of the treasures of the deep? 2. What +treasures has the sea won from trading vessels? 3. Over what does the +sea roll? 4. What does the writer call on the sea to restore? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCVI. + + UN FOR' TU NATE, wretched person. + CER E MENTS, grave-clothes. + SCRU' TI NY, inquiry. + MU' TI NY, resistance to rightful rule. + WON' DER MENT, curiosity. + PROV' I DENCE, care; protection. + A MAZE' MENT, astonishment. + DIS' SO LUTE, abandoned; licentious. + SPUR' RED, pushed on; impelled. + CON' TU ME LY, scorn; insult. + IN HU MAN' I TY, cruel treatment. + IN SAN' I TY, madness. + + +THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS. + +THOMAS HOOD. + + 1. One more Unfortunate, + Weary of breath, + Rashly importunate, + Gone to her death! + + 2. Take her up tenderly, + Lift her with care, + Fashioned so slenderly, + Young, and so fair! + + 3. Look at her garments + Clinging like cerements; + While the wave constantly + Drips from her clothing; + Take her up instantly, + Loving, not loathing. + + 4. Touch her not scornfully; + Think of her mournfully, + Gently and humanly; + Not of the stains of her; + All that remains of her + Now, is pure womanly. + + 5. Make no deep scrutiny + Into her mutiny, + Rash and undutiful; + Past all dishonor, + Death has left on her + Only the beautiful. + + 6. Loop up her tresses + Escaped from the comb,-- + Her fair auburn tresses; + While wonderment guesses + Where was her home? + + 7. Who was her father`? + Who was her mother`? + Had she a sister'? + Had she a brother'? + Or, was there a dearer one + Still, and a nearer one + Yet, than all other'? + + 8. Alas! for the rarity + Of Christian charity + Under the sun! + Oh! it was pitiful! + Near a whole city full, + Home she had none. + + 9. Sisterly, brotherly, + Fatherly, motherly, + Feelings had changed: + Love, by harsh evidence, + Thrown from its eminence; + Even God's providence + Seeming estranged. + +10. Where the lamps quiver + So far in the river, + With many a light + From window and casement, + From garret to basement, + She stood with amazement, + Houseless by night. + +11. The bleak winds of March + Made her tremble and shiver + But not the dark arch, + Or the black flowing river, + Mad from life's history, + Glad to death's mystery, + Swift to be hurled-- + Anywhere, anywhere, + Out of the world! + +12. In she plunged boldly, + No matter how coldly + The rough river ran-- + Picture it--think of it, + Dissolute Man! + +13. Take her up tenderly, + Lift her with care, + Fashioned so slenderly, + Young, and so fair! + +14. Perishing gloomily, + Spurred by contumely, + Cold inhumanity, + Burning insanity, + Into her rest, + Cross her hands humbly, + As if praying dumbly, + Over her breast! + +15. Owning her weakness, + Her evil behavior, + And leaving, with meekness, + Her sins to her Savior! + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCVII. + + RE' QUI EM, hymn in honor of the dead. + WED, joined; united. + HENCE' FORTH, hereafter. + DROOP, languish; fail. + AF FEC TION, love. + DIM' MED, dull; obscured. + + +A REQUIEM. + +1. Breathe low, thou gentle wind, +(pl) Breathe soft and low; + The beautiful lies dead! + The joy of life is fled! + And my lone heart is wed + Henceforth to woe! + +2. That thou should'st droop and die + At early morn! + While yet thy graceful dew + A joyous fragrance drew + From every flower that grew + Life's path along! + +3. The green earth mourns for thee, + Thou dearest one; + A plaintive tone is heard, + And flower and leaflet stirred, + And every fav'rite bird + Sings sad and lone. + +4. Pale is thy brow, and dimmed + Thy sparkling eye! + Affection's sweetest token + Is lost fore'er and broken! + The last kind word is spoken,-- + Why did'st thou die? + +5. Breathe low, thou gentle wind, + Breathe soft and low; + The beautiful lies dead! + The joy of life is fled! + And my lone heart is wed + Henceforth to woe! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What rule for changing _y_ into _i_ in the word +_beautiful?_ See ANALYSIS, page 13, Rule XI. 2. Why are _r_ and _m_ +doubled in the words _stirred, dimmed?_ See Rule IX. 3. What is the +meaning of the suffix _let_, in the word _leaflet?_ See page 240, Ex. +185. + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCVIII. + + LUX U' RI ANT, rich; plentiful. + UN OS TEN TA' TIOUS, plain; not showy. + RE VER EN' TIAL, deeply respectful. + RE CEP' TA CLE, place of reception. + SEM' I CIR CLE, half-circle. + REC OG NI' TION, act of knowing. + AG RI CUL' TUR AL, relating to farming. + BEN E DIC' TION, blessing. + DI' A RY, note-book; journal. + SO JOURN' ED, resided for a while. + AC CLA MA' TIONS, shouts. + TRI UMPH' AL, relating to victory. + GRAT U LA' TION, rejoicing. + IN AUG U RA' TION, act of investing with office. + EN FRAN' CHIS ED, freed; liberated. + +[Headnote 1: SAR COPH' A GUS, (SARCO, _flesh_; and PHAGUS, _that which +eats or devours_,) is made up of two Greek words, signifying together +_flesh-eating_, and was applied by the ancients to a species of stone, +used for making coffins. Hence, sarcophagus came to signify a +_stone-coffin_. The form of the plural in Latin, is _sarcophagi_.] + +[Headnote 2: BAS' TILE, (_bas' teel_,) an old state prison in Paris, +built in 1369, and destroyed by a mob in 1789.] + + +VISIT TO MOUNT VERNON. + +A.C. RITCHIE. + +1. At this moment, we drew near the rude wharf at Mount Vernon; the boat +stopped, and the crowd of passengers landed. By a narrow pathway we +ascended a majestic hill thickly draped with trees. The sun scarcely +found its way through the luxuriant foliage. We mounted slowly, but had +only spent a few minutes in ascending, when we came suddenly upon a +picturesque nook, where a cluster of unostentatious, white marble +shafts, shot from the greenly sodded earth, inclosed by iron railings. +Those unpretending monuments mark the localities where repose the mortal +remains of Washington's kindred. + +2. Just beyond stands a square brick building. In the center you see an +iron gate. Here the crowd pauses in reverential silence. Men lift their +hats and women bow their heads. You behold within, two sarcophagi. +[Headnote 1] In those moldering tombs lie the ashes of the great +Washington and his wife. Not a word is uttered as the crowd stand +gazing on this lowly receptacle of the dust of America's mighty dead. + +3. Are there any in that group who can say, "this was _our_ country's +father'?" If there be, can they stand pilgrims at that grave without +Washington's examples, his counsels, his words, heretofore, it may be, +half-forgotten, stealing back into their minds, until the sense of +reverence and gratitude is deepened almost to awe? Do they not feel that +Washington's spirit is abroad in the world, filling the souls of a +heaven-favored people with the love of freedom and of country, though +his ashes are gathered here'? + +4. Some one moves to pass on; and, with that first step, the spell is +broken; others follow. Herman and Jessie linger last. After a period of +mute and moving reflection, they turn away and slowly approach the +mansion that, in simple, rural stateliness, stands upon a noble +promontory, belted with woods, and half-girdled by the sparkling waters +of the Potomac, which flow in a semicircle around a portion of the +mount. + +5. The water and woodland view from the portico is highly imposing. But +it was not the mere recognition of the picturesque and beautiful in +nature, that moved Herman and Jessie. They would have felt that they +were on holy ground, had the landscape been devoid of natural charm. +Here the feet of the first of heroes had trod, and here, in boyhood, he +had sported with his beloved brother Lawrence. + +6. In those forests, those deep-wooded glens, he had hunted, when a +stripling, by the side of old Lord Fairfax; here he took his first +lessons in the art of war; to this home he brought his bride; by this +old-fashioned, hospitable-looking fireside, he sat with that dear and +faithful wife; beneath yonder alley of lofty trees he has often wandered +by her side; here he indulged the agricultural tastes in which he +delighted; here resigned his Cincinnatus vocation, and bade adieu to his +cherished home at the summons of his country. + +7. Here his wife received the letter which told her that he had been +appointed Commander-in-chief of the army; here, when the glorious +struggle closed at the trumpet notes of victory--when the British had +retired--when, with tears coursing down his benignant, manly +countenance, he had uttered a touching farewell--bestowed a paternal +benediction on the American army, and resigned all public service-- +_here_ he returned, thinking to resume the rural pursuits that charmed +him, and to end his days in peace! + +8. Here are the trees, the shrubbery he planted with his own hands, and +noted in his diary; here are the columns of the portico round which he +twined the coral honeysuckle; the ivy he transplanted still clings to +yonder garden wall; these vistas he opened through yon pine groves to +command far-off views! Here the valiant Lafayette sojourned with him; +there hangs the key of the Bastile [Headnote 2] which he presented. + +9. Here flocked the illustrious men of all climes, and were received +with warm, unpretending, almost rustic hospitality. Here the French +Houdon modeled his statue, and the English Pine painted his portrait, +and caused that jocose remark, "I am so hackneyed to the touches of the +painters' pencil, that I am altogether at their beck, and sit like +'Patience on a monument!'" + +10. Then came another summons from the land he had saved, and he was +chosen by unanimous voice its chief ruler. Thousands of men, women, and +children, sent up acclamations, and called down blessings on his head, +as he made his triumphal progress from Mount Vernon to New York, to take +the presidential oath. The roar of cannon rent the air. The streets +through which he passed, were illuminated and decked with flags and +wreaths. Bonfires blazed on the hills. From ships and boats floated +festive decorations. At Gray's Ferry, he passed under triumphal arches. + +11. On the bridge across the Assumpink, at Trenton, (the very bridge +over which he had retreated in such blank despair, before the army of +Cornwallis, on the eve of the battle of Princeton,) thirteen pillars, +twined with laurel and evergreens, were reared by woman's hands. The +foremost of the arches those columns supported, bore the inscription, +_"The Defender of the Mothers will he the Protector of the Daughters."_ +Mothers, with their white-robed daughters, were assembled beneath the +vernal arcade. Thirteen maidens scattered flowers beneath his feet, as +they sang an ode of gratulation. The people's hero ever after spoke of +this tribute, as the one that touched him most deeply. + +13. When his first presidential term expired, and his heart yearned for +the peace of his domestic hearth, the entreaties of Jefferson, Randolph, +and Hamilton, forced him to forget that home for the one he held in the +hearts of patriots, and to allow his name to be used a second time. A +second time he was unanimously elected to preside over his country's +welfare. But, the period happily expired, he thankfully laid aside the +mantle of state, the scepter of power, and, five days after the +inauguration of Adams, returned here to his Mount Vernon home. And here +the good servant, whom his Lord, when He came, found watching and ready, +calmly yielded up his breath, exclaiming, "It is well!" and his spirit +was wafted to Heaven by the blessings of his enfranchised countrymen. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Where is Mount Vernon? 2. What is said of Washington's +tomb? 3. Mention some of the things which he did here? 4. What +demonstrations were made by the people, as he went to New York to take +the oath of office? 5. Did he serve more than one term as President? + + * * * * * + +LESSON XCIX. + + CHIV' AL ROUS, gallant; heroic. + HAL' LOW, consecrate; keep sacred. + MER' CE NA RY, mean; venal. + AD VEN' TUR ER, fortune-seeker. + VAN' QUISH ED, conquered. + OUT' CAST, exile; castaway. + TRAP' PINGS, ornaments; equipments. + CRU SADE', battle zealously. + CA REER' ED, moved rapidly. + PHAL' ANX, compact body of men. + TRANS PORT' ING, exulting. + TRO PHIES, memorials of victory. + PA' GEANT, pompous; showy. + MIN' ION, favorite. + + +LA FAYETTE. + +CHARLES SPRAGUE. + +1. While we bring our offerings for the mighty of our _own_ land, shall +we not remember the chivalrous spirits of _other_ shores, who shared +with them the hour of weakness and woe'? Pile to the clouds the majestic +column of glory`; let the lips of those who can speak well, hallow each +spot where the bones of your bold repose`; but forget not those who, +with your bold, went out to battle. + +2. Among those men of noble daring, there was _one_, a young and gallant +stranger, who left the blushing vine-hills of his delightful France. The +people whom he came to succor, were not _his_ people; he knew them only +in the melancholy story of their wrongs. He was no mercenary adventurer, +striving for the spoil of the vanquished; the palace acknowledged him +for its lord, and the valley yielded him its increase. He was no +nameless man, staking life for reputation; he ranked among nobles, and +looked unawed upon kings. + +3. He was no friendless outcast, seeking for a grave to hide a broken +heart; he was girdled by the companions of his childhood; his kinsmen +were about him; his wife was before him. Yet from all these loved ones +he turned away. Like a lofty tree that shakes down its green glories, to +battle with the winter storm, he flung aside the trappings of place and +pride, to crusade for Freedom, in Freedom's holy land. He came`; but not +in the day of successful rebellion', not when the new-risen sun of +Independence had burst the cloud of time, and careered to its place in +the heavens'. + +4. He came when darkness curtained the hills, and the tempest was abroad +in its anger`; when the plow stood still in the field of promise, and +briers cumbered the garden of beauty`; when fathers were dying, and +mothers were weeping over them`; when the wife was binding up the gashed +bosom of her husband, and the maiden was wiping the death-damp from the +brow of her lover`. He came when the brave began to fear the power of +man, and the pious to doubt the favor of God. It was _then_ that this +one joined the ranks of a revolted people. + +5. Freedom's little phalanx bade him a grateful welcome. With them he +courted the battle's rage; with theirs, his arm was lifted; with theirs, +his blood was shed. Long and doubtful was the conflict. At length, kind +Heaven smiled on the good cause, and the beaten invaders fled. The +profane were driven from the temple of Liberty, and, at her pure shrine, +the pilgrim-warrior, with his adored commander, knelt and worshiped. +Leaving there his offering, the incense of an uncorrupted spirit, he at +length rose, and, crowned with benedictions, turned his happy feet +toward his long-deserted home. + +6. After nearly fifty years, that _one_ has come again. Can mortal +tongue tell? can mortal heart feel, the sublimity of that coming? +Exulting millions rejoice in it; and their loud, long, transporting +shout, like the mingling of many winds, rolls on, undying, to Freedom's +farthest mountains. A congregated nation comes around him. Old men bless +him, and children reverence him. The lovely come out to look upon him; +the learned deck their halls to greet him; the rulers of the land rise +up to do him homage. + +7. How his full heart labors! He views the rusting trophies of departed +days; he treads the high places where his brethren molder; he bends +before the tomb of his "father;" [Footnote: Washington] his words are +tears,--the speech of sad remembrance. But he looks round upon a +ransomed land and a joyous race; he beholds the blessings these trophies +secured, for which these brethren died, for which that "father" lived; +and again his words are tears,--the eloquence of gratitude and joy. + +8. Spread forth creation like a map; bid earth's dead multitudes revive; +and of all the pageant splendors that ever glittered to the sun, when +looked his burning eye on a sight like this? Of all the myriads that +have come and gone, what cherished minion ever ruled an hour like this? +Many have struck the redeeming blow for their own freedom; but who, like +this man, has bared his bosom in the cause of strangers? + +9. Others have lived in the love of their own people; but who, like this +man, has drank his sweetest cup of welcome with another? Matchless +chief! of glory's immortal tablets there is one for him, for _him_ +alone! Oblivion shall never shroud its splendor; the everlasting flame +of Liberty shall guard it, that the generations of men may repeat the +name recorded there, the beloved name of LA FAYETTE. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Of what country was La Fayette a native? 2. What was his +position at home? 3. In what condition was this country when he came to +join our army? 4. How many years after, before he revisited this +country? 5. What demonstrations were manifested by the people? 6. What +is said of his fame? + + * * * * * + +LESSON C. + + PRO FU' SION, abundance; variety. + CON FU' SION, intricacy; indistinct movement. + COM MO TION, agitation; shaking. + RE SULT', effect. + DI MIN' ISH, lessen. + MYS' TER Y, maze; secrecy. + HIS' TO RY, plain matter of fact. + PA' GES, boy-servants; attendants. + SPAR' RING, boxing; disputing. + PUP' PETS, dolls; small figures of persons. + FIN ISH, completion. + GLO' RI OUS, grand; splendid. + RE JECT, refuse; deny. + RE FLECT' ED, turned back; borrowed. + + +THE MYSTIC WEAVER. + +REV. DR. HARBAUGH. + + 1. Weaver at his loom is sitting, + Throws his shuttle to and fro; + Foot and treadle, + Hand and pedal, + Upward, downward, + Hither, thither, + How the weaver makes them go! + As the weaver _wills_ they go. + Up and down the web is plying, + And across the woof is flying; + What a rattling! + What a battling! + What a shuffling! + What a scuffling! + As the weaver makes his shuttle, + Hither, thither, scud and scuttle. + + 2. Threads in single, + Threads in double; + How they mingle! + What a trouble, + Every color! + What profusion! + Every motion-- + What confusion! + While the web and woof are mingling, + Signal bells above are jingling, + Telling how each figure ranges, + Telling when the color changes, + As the weaver makes his shuttle, + Hither, thither, scud and scuttle. + + 3. Weaver at his loom is sitting, + Throws his shuttle to and fro; + 'Mid the noise and wild confusion, + Well the weaver seems to know, + As he makes his shuttle go, + What each motion, + And commotion, + What each fusion, + And confusion, + In the _grand result_ will show: + Weaving daily, + Singing gayly, + As he makes his busy shuttle, + Hither, thither, scud and scuttle. + + 4. Weaver at his loom is sitting, + Throws his shuttle to and fro; + See you not how shape and order + From the wild confusion grow, + As he makes his shuttle go'? + As the web and woof diminish, + Grows beyond the beauteous finish: + Tufted plaidings, + Shapes and shadings, + All the mystery + Now is history: + And we see the reason subtle, + Why the weaver makes his shuttle, + Hither, thither, scud and scuttle. + + 5. See the Mystic Weaver sitting, + High in Heaven--His loom below. + Up and down the treadles go: + Takes for web the world's long ages, + Takes for woof its kings and sages, + Takes the nobles and their pages, + Takes all stations and all stages. + Thrones are bobbins in His shuttle; + Armies make them scud and scuttle. + + 6. Web into the woof must flow, + Up and down the nations go, + As the Weaver _wills_ they go. + Men are sparring, + Powers are jarring, + Upward, downward, + Hither, thither, + See how strange the nations go, + Just like puppets in a show. + Up and down the web is plying + And across the woof is flying. + What a rattling! + What a battling! + What a shuffling! + What a scuffling! + As the Weaver makes His shuttle + Hither, thither, scud and scuttle. + + 7. Calmly see the Mystic Weaver, + Throw His shuttle to and fro; + 'Mid the noise and wild confusion, + Well the Weaver seems to know + What each motion + And commotion, + What each fusion + And confusion, + In the grand result will show, + As the nations, + Kings and stations, + Upward, downward, + Hither, thither, + As in mystic dances, go. + + 8. In the Present all is mystery, + In the Past 'tis beauteous History. + O'er the mixing and the mingling, + How the signal bells are jingling! + See you not the Weaver leaving + Finished work behind in weaving'? + See you not the reason subtle, + As the web and woof diminish, + Changing into beauteous finish, + Why the Weaver makes His shuttle, + Hither, thither, scud and scuttle'? + + 9. _Glorious wonder_! What a weaving! + To the dull beyond believing! + Such no fabled ages know. + Only Faith can see the mystery + How, along the aisle of History + Where the feet of sages go, + Loveliest to the purest eyes, + Grand the mystic tapet lies! + Soft and smooth and even-spreading + As if made for angels' treading; + Tufted circles touching ever, + Inwrought figures fading never; + Every figure has its plaidings, + Brighter form and softer shadings; + Each illuminated,--what a riddle!-- + From a Cross that gems the middle. + +10. 'Tis a saying--some reject it,-- + That its light is all reflected: + That the tapet's hues are given + By a Sun that shines in Heaven! + 'Tis believed, by all believing + That great God Himself is weaving! + Bringing out the world's dark mystery + In the light of Faith and History; + And, as web and woof diminish, + Comes the grand and glorious finish: + When begin the golden ages, + Long foretold by seers and sages. + +QUESTIONS.--1. Describe the process of weaving. 2. Who are weaving the +web of history? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CI. + + CON FOUND', perplex; confuse. + WOOF, cloth; texture. + RAR' ER, scarcer; more excellent. + PRAI' RIES, large tracts of land, with few trees, and covered + with grass. + SAV' AGE, wild; uncultivated. + SAVAN'NA, open meadow or plain. + PI O NEERS', persons that go before to prepare the way for + others. + SCOUTS, spies. + HEART' EN, encourage. + SCAN' NED, closely examined. + CLEAV' ING, parting; separating. + HOL' I DAY, day of rest or joy. + + +WORK AWAY. + +HARPERS' MAGAZINE. + +1. Work away! + For the Master's eye is on us, + Never off us, still upon us, + Night and day! + Work away! + Keep the busy fingers plying, + Keep the ceaseless shuttles flying, + See that never thread lie wrong; + Let not clash or clatter round us, + Sound of whirring wheels, confound us; + Steady hand! let woof be strong + And firm, that has to last so long? + Work away! + +2. Keep upon the anvil ringing + Stroke of hammer; on the gloom + Set 'twixt cradle and the tomb, + Showers of fiery sparkles flinging; + Keep the mighty furnace glowing; + Keep the red ore hissing, flowing + Swift within the ready mold; + See that each one than the old + Still be fitter, still be fairer + For the servant's use, and rarer + For the Master to behold: + Work away! + +3. Work away! + For the Leader's eye is on us, + Never off us, still upon us, + Night and day! + Wide the trackless prairies round us, + Dark and unsunned woods surround us, + Steep and savage mountains bound us; + Far away + Smile the soft savannas green, + Rivers sweep and roll between: + Work away! + +4. Bring your axes, woodmen true; + Smite the forest till the blue + Of heaven's sunny eye looks through + Every wild and tangled glade; + Jungled swamp and thicket shade + Give to day! + +5. O'er the torrents fling your bridges, + Pioneers! Upon the ridges + Widen, smooth the rocky stair,-- + They that follow far behind + Coming after us, will find + Surer, easier footing there; + Heart to heart, and hand with hand, + From the dawn to dusk of day, + Work away! + Scouts upon the mountain's peak,-- + Ye that see the Promised Land, + Hearten us! for ye can speak + Of the Country ye have scanned, + Far away! + +6. Work away! + For the Father's eye is on us, + Never off us, still upon us, + Night and day! + WORK AND PRAY! + Pray! and Work will be completer; + Work! and Prayer will be the sweeter; + Love! and Prayer and Work the fleeter + Will ascend upon their way! + +7. Fear not lest the busy finger + Weave a net the soul to stay; + Give her wings,--she will not linger, + Soaring to the source of day; + Clearing clouds that still divide us + From the azure depths of rest, + She will come again! beside us, + With the sunshine on her breast, + Sit, and sing to us, while quickest + On their task the fingers move, + While the outward din wars thickest, + Songs that she hath learned above. + +8. Live in Future as in Present; + Work for both while yet the day + Is our own! for lord and peasant, + Long and bright as summer's day, + Cometh, yet more sure, more pleasant, + Cometh soon our Holiday; + Work away! + + * * * * * + +LESSON CII. + + PROP O SI' TION, proposal. + AD HE' SION, attraction. + AB SURD I TY, folly; nonsense. + VIS' ION ARY, fanciful; imaginary. + DIS CUS' SION, debate; controversy. + THE' O RY, idea; scheme of doctrine. + AM BAS' SA DOR, messenger; deputy. + NAV' I GA TORS, voyagers; seamen. + SPEC U LA' TION, theory; mental view. + EN' TER PRISE, attempt; undertaking. + FRI VOL' I TY, levity; triflingness. + PRE SENT' I MENT, previous notice. + + AN TIP' O DES, (ANTI, _opposite_; PODES, _the feet_;) having + their feet opposite to ours; that is, living on the other side + of the earth. + +[Headnote 1: GEN O ESE', a native of Genoa,--a famous fortified seaport +city in Northern Italy.] + +[Headnote 2: LAC TAN' TIUS, one of the fathers of the Latin church, born +about the year A.D. 250. He was celebrated as a teacher of eloquence, +and before his conversion to Christianity, had so successfully studied +the great Roman orator that he afterwards received the appellation of +the "Christian Cicero."] + + +QUEEN ISABELLA'S RESOLVE. + +FROM VINET. + + + QUEEN ISABELLA OF SPAIN, DON GOMEZ, AND COLUMBUS. + +_Isabella._ And so, Don Gomez, it is your conclusion that we ought to +dismiss the proposition of this worthy Genoese.[Headnote 1] + +_Don Gomez._ His scheme, your majesty, seems to me fanciful in the +extreme; but I am a plain matter-of-fact man, and do not see visions and +dreams, like some. + +_Isa._ And yet Columbus has given us cogent reasons for believing that +it is practicable to reach the eastern coast of India by sailing in a +westerly direction. + +_Don G._ Admitting that his theory is correct, namely, that the earth is +a sphere, how would it be possible for him to return, if he once +descended that sphere in the direction he proposes`? Would not the +coming back be all up-hill'? Could a ship accomplish it with even the +most favorable wind'? + +_Columbus._ Will your majesty allow me to suggest that, if the earth is +a sphere, the same laws of adhesion and motion must operate at every +point on its surface; and the objection of Don Gomez would be quite as +valid against our being able to return from crossing the Strait of +Gibraltar. + +_Don G._ This gentleman, then, would have us believe the monstrous +absurdity, that there are people on the earth who are our +antipodes,--who walk with their heads down, like flies on the ceiling. + +_Col._ But, your majesty, if there is a law of attraction which makes +matter gravitate to the earth, and prevents its flying off into space, +may not this law operate at every point on the round earth's surface'? + +_Isa._ Truly, it so seems to me; and I perceive nothing absurd in the +notion that this earth is a globe floating or revolving in space. + +_Don G._ May it please your majesty, the ladies are privileged to give +credence to many wild tales which we plain matter-of-fact men can not +admit. Every step I take, confutes this visionary idea of the earth's +rotundity. Would not the blood run into my head, if I were standing +upside down! Were I not fearful of offending your majesty, I would quote +what the great Lactantius [Headnote 2] says. + +_Isa_. We are not vain of our science, Don Gomez; so let us have the +quotation. + +_Don G_. "Is there any one so foolish," he asks, "as to believe that +there are antipodes with their feet opposite to ours,--that there is a +part of the world in which all things are topsy-turvy, where the trees +grow with their branches downward, and where it rains, hails, and snows, +upward'?" + +_Col_. I have already answered this objection. If there are people on +the earth who are our antipodes, it should be remembered that we are +theirs also. + +_Don G_. Really, that is the very point wherein we matter-of-fact men +abide by the assurance of our own senses. We know that we are not +walking with our heads downward. + +_Isa_. To cut short the discussion, you think that the enterprise which +the Genoese proposes, is one unworthy of our serious consideration; and +that his theory of an unknown shore to the westward of us is a fallacy. + +_Don G_. As a plain matter-of-fact man, I must confess that I so regard +it. Has your majesty ever seen an ambassador from this unknown coast? + +_Isa_. Don Gomez, do you believe in the existence of a world of spirits? +Have you ever seen an ambassador from that unknown world? + +_Don G_. Certainly not. By faith we look forward to it. + +_Isa_. Even so by faith does the Genoese look forward, far over misty +ocean, to an undiscovered shore. + +_Col._ Your majesty is right; but let it be added that I have reasons, +oh! most potent and resistless reasons, for the faith that is in me: the +testimony of many navigators who have picked up articles that must have +drifted from this distant coast: the nature of things, admitting that +the earth is round: the reports current among the people of one of the +northern nations, that many years ago their mariners had sailed many +leagues westward till they reached a shore where the grape grew +abundantly; these and other considerations have made it the fixed +persuasion of my mind, that there is a great discovery reserved for the +man who will sail patiently westward, trusting in God's good providence, +and turning not back till he has achieved his purpose. + +_Don G._ Then truly we should never hear of him again. Speculation! mere +speculation, your majesty! When this gentleman can bring forward some +solid facts that will induce us plain matter-of-fact men to risk money +in forwarding his enterprise, it will then be time enough for royalty to +give it heed. Why, your majesty, the very boys in the streets point at +their foreheads as he passes along. + +_Isa._ And so you bring forward the frivolity of boys jeering at what +they do not comprehend, as an argument why Isabella should not give heed +to this great and glorious scheme? Ay, sir, though it should fail, +still, it has been urged in language so intelligent and convincing, by +this grave and earnest man, whom you think to undervalue by calling him +an adventurer, that I am resolved to test the "absurdity," as you style +it, and that forthwith. + +_Don G._ Your majesty will excuse me if I remark, that I have from your +royal consort himself the assurance that the finances are so exhausted +by the late wars, that he can not consent to advance the necessary funds +for fitting out an expedition of the kind proposed. + +_Isa._ Be _mine_, then, the privilege! I have jewels, by the pledging of +which I can raise the amount required; and I have resolved that they +shall be pledged to this enterprise, without any more delay. + +_Col._ Your majesty shall not repent your heroic resolve. I will return, +your majesty; be sure I will return, and lay at your feet such a jewel +as never queen wore yet, an imperishable fame,--a fame that shall couple +with your memory the benedictions of millions yet unborn, in climes yet +unknown to civilized man. There is an uplifting presentiment in my mind, +a conviction that your majesty will live to bless the hour you came to +this decision. + +_Don G._ A presentiment? A plain matter-of-fact man, like myself, must +take leave of your majesty, if his practical common-sense is to be met +and superseded by presentiments! An ounce of fact, your majesty, is +worth a ton of presentiment. + +_Isa._ That depends altogether upon the source of the presentiment, Don +Gomez. If it come from the Fountain of all truth, shall it not be good? + +_Don G._ I humbly take my leave of your majesty. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What reasons did Don Gomez advance in proof that the +earth is not a sphere? 2. What argument did Columbus present in proof +that it was? 3. What did Queen Isabella resolve to do? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CIII. + + CON FIRM' ING, corroborating. + AS SUR AN CES, assertions. + MU TI NEER', one who resists orders. + IN FER' RED, concluded. + CRAV' ED, begged. + AS SO' CIA TING, joining; connecting. + EX PEC TA' TION, hope; a looking for. + VER' I FIED, made true; realized. + PHOS PHO RES' CENCE, faint light. + HES I TA' TION, doubt. + EN JOIN' ING, commanding; ordering. + AM PHI THE' A TER, circular theater. + CON TR AST' ED, set in opposition. + DE MEAN' OR, behavior. + DE FAULT', defect; absence. + IN SIG' NIA, marks; signs. + IN I' TIALS, first letters. + DEV AS TA TION, a laying waste. + + +DISCOVERY OF THE NEW WORLD. + +LAMARTINE. + +1. At sunrise, on the second day, some rashes recently torn up, were +seen near the vessels. A plank, evidently hewn by an ax, a stick +skillfully carved by some cutting instrument, a bough of hawthorn in +blossom,--and lastly, a bird's nest built on a branch which the wind +had broken, and full of eggs, on which the parent bird was sitting amid +the gently-rolling waves,--were seen floating past on the waters. The +sailors brought on board these living and inanimate witnesses of their +approach to land. They were a voice from the shore, confirming the +assurances of Columbus. Before the land actually appeared in sight, its +neighborhood was inferred from these marks of life. + +2. The mutineers fell on their knees before the Admiral, whom they had +insulted but the day before, craved pardon for their mistrust, and +struck up a hymn of thanksgiving to God for associating them with this +triumph. Night fell on these songs welcoming a new world. The Admiral +gave orders that the sails should be close-reefed, and the lead kept +going; and that they should sail slowly, being afraid of breakers and +shoals, and feeling certain that the first gleam of daybreak would +discover land under their bows. + +3. On the last anxious night none slept. Impatient expectation had +removed all heaviness from their eyes; the pilots and the seamen, +clinging about the masts, yards, and shrouds, each tried to keep the +best place and the closest watch to get the earliest sight of the new +hemisphere. The Admiral had offered a reward to the first who should cry +_Land_, provided his announcement was verified by its actual discovery. + +4. Providence, however, reserved to Columbus himself this first glimpse, +which he had purchased at the expense of twenty years of his life, and +of untiring perseverance. While walking the quarter-deck alone, at +midnight, and sweeping the dark horizon with his keen eye, a gleam of +fire passed and disappeared, and again showed itself on the level of the +waves. Fearful of being deceived by the phosphorescence of the sea, he +quietly called a Spanish gentleman of Isabella's court, in whom he had +more confidence than in the pilots, pointed out the direction in which +he had seen the light, and asked him whether he could discern any thing +there. + +5. He replied that he did, indeed, see a flickering light in that +quarter. To make the fact still more sure, Columbus called another in +whom he had confidence to look in the same direction. He said he had no +hesitation in pronouncing that there was a light on the horizon. But the +blaze was hardly seen before it again disappeared in the ocean, to show +itself anew the next moment. Whether it was the light of a fire on a low +shore, alternately appearing and disappearing beyond the broken horizon, +or whether it was the floating beacon of a fisherman's boat now rising +on the waves, and now sinking in the trough of the sea, they could not +determine. + +6. Thus both land and safety appeared together in the shape of fire to +Columbus and his two friends, on the night between the 11th and 12th of +October, 1492. The Admiral, enjoining silence, kept his observation to +himself, for fear of again raising false hopes, and giving a bitter +disappointment to his ships' companies. He lost sight of the light, and +remained on deck until two in the morning,--praying, hoping, and +despairing alone, awaiting the _triumph or the return_ on which the +morrow was to decide. + +7. He was seized with that anguish which precedes the great discoveries +of truth, when, suddenly, a cannon-shot, sounding over the sea, a few +hundred yards in advance of him, burst upon his ear the announcement of +a _new-born world_, which made him tremble, and fall upon his knees. It +was the signal of land in sight! made by firing a shot, as had been +arranged with the _Pinta_, which was sailing in advance of the squadron, +to guide their course and take soundings. + +8. At this signal a general shout of _"Land ho!"_ arose from all the +yards and riggings of the ships. The sails were furled, and daybreak was +anxiously awaited. The mystery of the ocean had breathed its first +whisper in the bosom of night. Daybreak would clear it up openly to +every eye. Delicious and unknown perfumes reached the vessels from the +outline of the shore, with the roar of the waves upon the reefs and the +soft land breeze. + +9. The fire seen by Columbus indicated the presence of man, and of the +first element of civilization. Never did the night appear so long in +clearing away from the horizon; for this horizon was to Columbus and his +companions a second creation of God. The dawn, as it spread over the +sky, gradually raised the shores of an island from the waves. Its +distant extremities were lost in the morning mist. It ascended +gradually, like an amphitheater, from the low beach to the summit of the +hills, whose dark-green covering contrasted strongly with the blue +heavens. + +10. Within a few paces from where the foam of the waves breaks on the +yellow sand, forests of tall and unknown trees stretched away, one above +another, over the successive terraces of the island. Green valleys and +bright clefts in the hollows, afforded a half glimpse into these +mysterious wilds. Here and there could be discovered a few scattered +huts, which, with their outlines and roofs of dry leaves, looked like +bee-hives, and thin columns of blue smoke rose above the tops of the +trees. Half-naked groups of men, women, and children, more astonished +than frightened, appeared among the thickets near the shore, advancing +timidly, and then drawing back, exhibiting, by their gestures and +demeanor, as much fear as curiosity and wonder, at the sight of these +strange vessels, which the previous night had brought to their shores. + +11. Columbus, after gazing in silence on this foremost shore of the land +so often determined by his calculations, and so magnificently colored by +his imagination, found it to exceed even his own expectations. He burned +with impatience to be the first European to set foot on the sand, and to +plant the flag of Spain,--the standard of the conquest of God and of his +sovereigns, effected by his genius. But he restrained the eagerness of +himself and of his crew to land, being desirous of giving to the act of +taking possession of a new world, a _solemnity_ worthy of the greatest +deed, perhaps, ever accomplished by a seaman; and, in default of men, to +call God and His angels, sea, earth, and sky, as witnesses of his +conquest of an unknown hemisphere. + +12. He put on all the insignia of his dignities as Admiral of the Ocean, +and the Viceroy of these future realms; he wrapped himself in his purple +cloak, and taking in his hand an embroidered flag, in which the initials +of Ferdinand and Isabella were interlaced, like their two kingdoms, and, +surmounted by a crown, he entered his boat, and pulled toward the shore, +followed by the boats of his two lieutenants. + +13. On landing, he fell on his knees, to acknowledge, by this act of +humility and worship, the goodness and greatness of God in this new +sphere of His works. He kissed the ground, and, with his face on the +earth, he wept tears of double import, as they fell on the dust of this +hemisphere, now, for the first time, visited by Europeans,--tears of joy +for the overflowing of a proud spirit, grateful and pious,--tears of +sadness for this virgin soil, seeming to foreshadow the calamities, and +devastation, with fire and sword, and blood and destruction, which the +strangers were to bring with their pride, their knowledge, and their +power. + +14. It was the _man_ that shed these tears; but it was the _earth_ that +was destined to weep. As Columbus raised his forehead from the dust, +with a Latin prayer, which his companions have handed down to us, he +thus addressed the Sovereign Ruler of the world: (_sl_.) "Almighty and +eternal God, who, by the energy of thy creative word, hast made the +firmament, the earth, and sea, blessed and glorified be Thy name in all +places! May Thy majesty and dominion be exalted forever and ever, as +Thou hast permitted Thy holy name to be made known and spread by the +most humble of Thy servants, in this hitherto unknown portion of Thy +empire." + +15. He then gave to this land the name of San Salvador. His lieutenants, +his pilots, and his seamen, full of gladness, and impressed with a +superstitious respect for him whose glance had pierced beyond the +visible horizon, and whom they had offended by their unbelief,--overcome +by the evidence of their eyes, and by that mental superiority which +overawes the minds of men,--fell at the feet of the Admiral, kissed his +hands and his clothes, and recognized, for a moment, the power and the +almost divine nature of genius; _yesterday_ the victims of his +obstinacy,--_now_ the companions of his success, and sharers in the +glory which they had mocked. Such is humanity,--persecuting discoverers, +yet reaping the fruits of their inventions. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What evidences had Columbus that land was near? 2. What +did the mutineers do? 3. In what month and year was the _new world_ +discovered? 4. What is said of the natives? 5. What did Columbus do on +landing? 6. What was the conduct of the officers and seamen? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CIV. + + FER' MENT, heat; glow. + EN THU' SI ASM, excitement. + PRO DIG' IOUS, very great. + SPEC I MENS, samples. + LEAGU' ED, joined; banded. + PER SUAD' ED, convinced. + PRE POS' TEROUS, absurd; ridiculous. + VAUNT' ED, boasted. + DE LU' SION, deception. + CRED' U LOUS, apt to believe. + UN RE LI' A BLE, untrustworthy. + SUS PI'' CION, doubt; mistrust. + + +THE RETURN OF COLUMBUS. + +VINET. + + +DON GOMEZ AND HIS SECRETARY. + +_Don Gomez_. WHAT! what is this you tell me? Columbus returned? A new +world discovered? Impossible! + +_Secretary_. It is even so, sir. A courier arrived at the palace but an +hour since with the intelligence. Columbus was driven by stress of +weather to anchor in the Tagus. All Portugal is in a ferment of +enthusiasm, and all Spain will be equally excited soon. The sensation is +prodigious! + +_Don G_. Oh, it is a trick! It must be a trick! + +_Sec_. But he has brought home the proofs of his visit,--gold and +precious stones, strange plants and animals; and, above all, specimens +of a new race of men, copper-colored, with straight hair. + +_Don G_. Still I say, a trick! He has been coasting along the African +shore, and there collected a few curiosities, which he is passing off +for proofs of his pretended discovery. + +_Sec_. It is a little singular that all his men should be leagued with +him in keeping up so unprofitable a falsehood. + +_Don G_. But 'tis against reason, against common sense, that such a +discovery should be made. + +_Sec_. King John of Portugal has received him with royal magnificence, +has listened to his accounts, and is persuaded that they are true. + +_Don G._ We shall see, we shall see. Look you, sir, a plain +matter-of-fact man, such as I, is not to be taken in by any such +preposterous story! This vaunted discovery will turn out no discovery at +all. + +_Sec._ The king and queen have given orders for preparations on the most +magnificent scale for the reception of Columbus. + +_Don G._ What delusion! Her majesty is so credulous. A practical, +common-sense man, like myself, can find no points of sympathy in her +nature. + +_Sec._ The Indians on board the returned vessels, are said to be unlike +any known race of men. + +_Don G._ Very unreliable all that! I take the common-sense view of the +thing. I am a matter-of-fact man; and do you remember what I say, it +will all turn out a trick! The crews may have been deceived. Columbus +may have steered a southerly course, instead of a westerly. Any thing is +probable, rather than that a coast to the westward of us has been +discovered. + +_Sec._ I saw the courier, who told me he had conversed with all the +sailors; and they laughed at the suspicion that there could be any +mistake about the discovery, or that any other than a westerly course +had been steered. + +_Don G._ Still I say, a trick! An unknown coast reached by steering +west? Impossible! The earth a globe, and men standing with their heads +down in space? Folly! An ignorant sailor from Genoa in the right, and +all our learned doctors and philosophers in the wrong? _Nonsense!_ I'm a +matter-of-fact man, sir. I will believe what I can see, and handle, and +understand. But as for believing in the antipodes, or that the earth is +round, or that Columbus has discovered land to the west,--Ring the +bell, sir; call my carriage; I will go to the palace and undeceive the +king. + + * * * * * + +LESSON CV. + + HAR' BIN GER, forerunner; precursor. + UN PIL' LAR ED, unsupported by pillars. + UN YIELDING, stubborn. + DE CREES', edicts; laws. + HAL' LOW ED, sacred; consecrated. + MOLD' ER ING, decaying. + + +TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO, + +GRENVILLE MULLEN. + + 1. Wake your harp's music!--louder,--higher, + And pour your strains along; + And smite again each quivering wire, + In all the pride of song! +(f.)Shout like those godlike men of old, + Who, daring storm and foe, + On this blessed soil their anthem rolled, + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 2. From native shores by tempests driven, + They sought a purer sky; + And found, beneath a milder heaven, + _The home of Liberty!_ + An altar rose,--and prayers,--a ray + Broke on their night of woe,-- + The harbinger of Freedom's day, + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 3. They clung around that symbol too, + Their refuge and their all; + And swore, while skies and waves were blue, + That altar should not fall! + They stood upon the red man's sod, + 'Neath heaven's unpillared bow, + With home,--a country, and a God,-- + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 4. Oh! 'twas a hard, unyielding fate + That drove them to the seas; + And Persecution strove with Hate, + To darken her decrees: + But safe, above each coral grave, + Each booming ship did go,-- + A God was on the western wave,-- + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 5. They knelt them on the desert sand, + By waters cold and rude, + Alone upon the dreary strand + Of oceaned solitude! + They looked upon the high, blue air, + And felt their spirits glow, + Resolved to live or perish there,-- + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 6. The warrior's red right arm was bared, + His eyes flashed deep and wild: + Was there a foreign footstep dared + To seek his home and child'? + The dark chiefs yelled alarm, and swore + The white man's blood should flow, + And his hewn bones should bleach their shore, + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 7. But lo! the warrior's eye grew dim,-- + His arm was left alone; + The still, black wilds which sheltered him, + No longer were his own! + Time fled,--and on the hallowed ground + His highest pine lies low,-- + And cities swell where forests frowned, + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 8. Oh! stay not to recount the tale,-- + 'Twas bloody, and 'tis past; + The firmest cheek might well grow pale, + To hear it to the last. + The God of Heaven who prospers us, + Could bid a nation grow, + And shield us from the red man's curse,-- + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + + 9. Come, then,--great shades of glorious men, + From your still glorious grave! + Look on your own proud land again, + O bravest of the brave! + We call you from each mouldering tomb, + And each blue wave below, + To bless the world ye snatched from doom, + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + +10. Then to your harps!--yet louder,--higher + And pour your strains along; + And smite again each quivering wire, + In all the pride of song! +(f.)Shout for those godlike men of old, + Who, daring storm and foe, + On this blessed soil their anthem rolled, + TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! + +QUESTIONS.--1. Who are meant by _godlike men of old_? 2. Why did they +flee to this country? 3. Who warred against them? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CVI. + + SE RENE' LY, calmly; quietly. + SUR MOUNT', rise above; overcome. + TRAMP, tread, or travel. + EB' ON, black, as ebony. + GUARD' I AN, defender; protector. + CHIV' AL RIC, brave; heroic. + MAIL, defensive armor. + EX ALT', lift up. + FRAIL' TY, weakness. + BLIGHT' ED, blasted. + RE NOWN', fame; celebrity. + STEAD' FAST, firm; resolute. + + IN TER VENE', (INTER, _between_; VENE, _to come_;) come between; + interpose. + + SUC CEED', (SUC, _after;_ CEED, _to come;_) come after; follow. + + +PRESS ON. + +PARK BENJAMIN. + +1. _Press on!_ there's no such word as fail! + Press nobly on! the goal is near,-- + Ascend the mountain! breast the gale! + Look upward, onward,--never fear! + Why shouldst thou faint? Heaven smiles above, + Though storms and vapor intervene; + That Sun shines on, whose name is Love, + Serenely o'er Life's shadowed scene. + +2. _Press on!_ surmount the rocky steeps, + Climb boldly o'er the torrent's arch: + He fails alone who feebly creeps; + He wins, who dares the hero's march. + Be thou a hero! let thy might + Tramp on eternal snows its way, + And, through the ebon walls of night, + Hew down a passage unto day. + +3. _Press on!_ if once and twice thy feet + Slip back and stumble, harder try; + From him who never dreads to meet + Danger and death, they're sure to fly. + To coward ranks the bullet speeds; + While on their breasts who never quail, + Gleams, guardian of chivalric deeds, + Bright courage, like a coat of mail. + +4. _Press on_! if Fortune play thee false + To-day, to-morrow she'll be true; + Whom now she sinks she now exalts, + Taking old gifts and granting new. + The wisdom of the present hour + Makes up her follies past and gone: + To weakness strength succeeds, and power + From frailty springs;--_press on_! PRESS ON! + +5. _Press on_! what though upon the ground + Thy love has been poured out like rain? + That happiness is always found + The sweetest, which is born of pain. + Oft 'mid the forest's deepest glooms, + A bird sings from some blighted tree, + And, in the dreariest desert, blooms + A never-dying rose for thee. + +6. Therefore, _press on_! and reach the goal, + And gain the prize, and wear the crown: + Faint not! for, to the steadfast soul, + Come wealth, and honor, and renown. + To thine own self be true, and keep + Thy mind from sloth, thy heart from soil; + _Press on_! and thou shalt surely reap + A heavenly harvest for thy toil! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What encouragement is given to those who press on? 2. Who +fails, and who wins? 3. What is said of those who never dread to meet +danger and death? 4. How are they rewarded, who press on? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CVII. + + EX PAND, develop; enlarge. + EL E VATE, raise; dignify. + VAR RI A BLE, changeable. + PHAN TAS MA GO' RIA, magic lantern; illusive representations. + UN' DU LA TING, waving; irregular. + MO BIL'I TY, movableness; readiness to move. + DO' CILE, teachable; obedient. + CE LES' TIAL, heavenly. + DIS' SI PATES, scatters, or confuses. + IN FIN' I TY, boundlessness. + GYM NAS' TIC, athletic exercise. + O PAC' I TY, state of being opaque or dark. + PA THET' IC, feeling; tender. + IN DOM' I TA BLE, unconquerable. + CO-OP' ER ATE, work with; join with. + + MOUNT PER' DU, one of the high summits of the Pyrenees + mountains, in Spain. The name signifies "Lost Mountain;" in + allusion, probably, to its peak being lost in the clouds. + + +THE THREE FORMS OF NATURE. + +FROM THE FRENCH OF MICHELET. + +1. There are three forms of Nature, which especially command and elevate +our souls, release her from her heavy clay and earthly limits, and send +her, exulting, to sail amidst the wonders and mysteries of the Infinite. +_First_, there is the unstable _Ocean of Air_ with its glorious banquet +of light, its vapors, its twilight, and its shifting phantasmagoria of +capricious creatures, coming into existence only to depart the next +instant. + +2. _Second_, there is the fixed _Ocean of the Earth_, its undulating and +vast waves, as we see them from the tops of "the earth o'er gazing +mountains," the elevations which testify to antique mobility, and the +sublimity of its mightier mountain-tops, clad in eternal snows. _Third_, +there is the _Ocean of Waters_, less mobile than air, less fixed than +earth, but liable, in its movements, to the celestial bodies. + +3. _These three things_ form the gamut by which the Infinite speaks to +our souls. Nevertheless, let us point out some very notable differences. +The _Air-ocean_ is so mobile that we can scarcely examine it. It +deceives; it decoys; it diverts; it dissipates, and breaks up our chain +of thought. + +4. For an instant, it is an immense hope, the day of all infinity; anon, +it is not so; all flies from before us, and our hearts are grieved, +agitated, and filled with doubt. Why have I been permitted to see for a +moment that immense flood of light? The memory of that brief gleaming +must ever abide with me, and that memory makes all things here on earth +look dark. + +5. The _fixed Ocean of the mountains_ is not thus transient or fugitive; +on the contrary, it stops us at every step, and imposes upon us the +necessity of a very hard, though wholesome gymnastic. Contemplation here +has to be bought at the price of the most violent action. Nevertheless, +the opacity of the earth, like the transparency of the air, frequently +deceives and bewilders us. Who can forget that for ten years, Ramon, in +vain, sought to reach Mount Perdu though often within sight of it? + +6. Great, _very great_, is the difference between the elements; the +earth is mute and the ocean speaks. The ocean is a voice. It speaks to +the distant stars; it answers to their movements in its deep and solemn +language. It speaks to the earth on the shores, replying to the echoes +that reply again; by turns wailing, soothing, threatening--its deepest +roar is presently succeeded by a sad, pathetic silence. + +7. And it especially addresses itself to man. It is creation's living +eloquence. It is Life speaking to Life. The millions, the countless +myriads of beings to which it gives birth, are its words. All these, +mingled together make the unity, the great and solemn voice of the +ocean. And "what are those wild waves saying?" They are talking of +_Life,--of Immortality._ + +8. An indomitable strength is at the bottom of Nature--how much more so +at Nature's summit, the Soul! And it speaks of partnership, of union. +Let us accept the swift exchange which, in the individual, exists +between the diverse elements; let us accept the superior Law which +unites the living members of the same body--Humanity; and, still more, +let us accept and respect the supreme Law which makes us co-operate with +the great Soul, associated as we are--in proportion with our +powers--with the loving harmony of the world--copartners in the life of +God. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What are three great forms of Nature? 2. What is said of +the Air-ocean? 3. How does the Ocean address itself to man? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CVIII. + + MO NOP' O LIZED, engrossed. + CEL' E BRA TED, praised; talked of. + PO' TENT LY, powerfully. + MAR' I TIME, pertaining to sea. + SA GAC' I TY, acuteness. + IN TRE PID' I TY, daring valor. + SAN' GUINE, bloody; cruel. + EC CEN TRIC' I TY, peculiarity, oddity. + WA' RI NESS, cautiousness. + ED' I BLE, eatable. + E MAN' CI PA TED, freed; liberated. + IN TER ME' DI ATE, lying between. + DEV AS TA TING, laying waste. + DOUB' LE, sail around. + +[Headnote 1: BASQUES, (_basks_), an ancient and peculiar people, living +on the slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains.] + +[Headnote 2: BRE' TON, a native of Brittany, an ancient province in +France.] + +[Headnote 3: NOR' MAN, that is, Northman, a name given to the ancient +inhabitants of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, and afterward to their +descendants who settled in the north of France.] + + +THE WHALE AND THE WHALER. + +FROM THE FRENCH OF MICHELET. + +1. Who opened up to men the great distant navigation? Who revealed the +ocean, and marked out its zones and its liquid highways? Who discovered +the secrets of the globe? _The Whale and the Whaler!_ And all this +before Columbus and the famous gold-seekers, who have monopolized all +the glory, found again, with much outcry about their discovery, what had +so long before been discovered by the whalers. + +2. That crossing of the ocean, which was so boastfully celebrated in the +fifteenth century, had often been made, not only by the narrow passage +between Iceland and Greenland, but, also, by the open sea; for the +Basques [Headnote 1] went to Newfoundland. The smallest danger was the +mere voyage; for these men, who went to the very end of the _then_ known +world, to challenge the whale to single combat, to steer right away into +the Northern sea, to attack the mighty monster, amid darkness and +storms, with the dense fog all around, and the foaming waves +below,--those who could do this, were not the men to shrink from the +ordinary dangers of the voyage. + +3. Noble warfare! Great school of courage! That fishery was not _then_, +as it is _now_, an easy war to wage, made from a distance, and with a +potently murderous machine. No; the fisher then struck with his own +strong hand, impelled and guided by his own fearless heart, and he +risked life to take life. The men of that day killed but few whales; but +they gained infinitely in maritime ability, in patience, in sagacity, +and in intrepidity. They brought back _less_ of oil; but _more, far +more_ of glory. + +4. Every nation has its own peculiar genius. We recognize each by its +own style of procedure. There are a hundred forms of courage, and these +graduated varieties formed, as it were, another heroic game. At the +North, the Scandinavian, the rude race from Norway to Flanders, had +their sanguine fury. At the South, the wild burst, the gay daring, the +clear-headed excitement, that impelled, at once, and guided them over +the world. In the center, the silent and patient firmness of the +Breton [Headnote 2], who yet, in the hour of danger, could display a +quite sublime eccentricity. And, lastly, the Norman [Headnote 3] +wariness, considerately courageous; daring all, but daring all for +success. Such was the beauty of man, in that sovereign manifestation of +human courage. + +5. We owe a vast deal to the whale. But for it, the fishers would still +have hugged the shore; for, almost every edible fish seeks the shore and +the river. It was the whale that emancipated them, and led them afar. It +led them onward, and onward still, until they found it, after having +almost unconsciously passed from one world to the other. Greenland did +not seduce them; it was not _the land_ that they sought; but _the sea, +and the tracks of the whale_. + +6. The ocean at large is its home, and _especially_ the broad and open +sea. Each species has its especial preference for this or that +latitude,--for a certain zone of water, more or less cold. And it was +_that_ preference which traced out the great divisions of the Atlantic. +The tribe of inferior whales, that have a dorsal fin, are to be found in +the warmest and in the coldest seas,--under the line and in the polar +seas. + +7. In the great intermediate region, the fierce Cachalot inclines toward +the south, devastating the warm waters. On the contrary, the Free Whale +fears the warm waters,--we should rather say, that they did, formerly, +fear them,--they have become so scarce. They are never found in the warm +southern current; it is _that_ fact that led to the current being +noticed, and thence to the discovery of the _true course from America to +Europe_. From Europe to America, the trade winds will serve us. + +8. If the Free Whale has a perfect horror of the warm waters, and can +not pass the equator, it is clear that he can not double the southern +end of America. How happens it, then, that when he is wounded on one +side of America, in the Atlantic, he is sometimes found on the other +side of America, and in the Pacific? _It proves that there is a +north-western passage_. Another discovery which we owe to the whale, and +one which throws a broad light alike on the form of the globe, and the +geography of the seas! + +9. By degrees, the whale has led us everywhere. Rare as he is at +present, he has led us to both poles, from the uttermost recesses of the +Pacific to Behring's Strait, and the infinite wastes of the Antarctic +waters. There is even an enormous region that no vessel, whether +war-ship or merchantman, ever traverses, at a few degrees beyond the +southern points of America and Africa. No one visits that region but the +whaler. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What has been done by the whaler? 2. By whom had +Newfoundland been discovered? 3. What is said of the courage of the +whaler? 4. What proof is given that there is a north-western passage, +by water, from the Atlantic to the Pacific? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CIX. + + THRALL' DOM, bondage; slavery. + IG NO' BLE, mean; degraded. + HORDE, clan; tribe. + FEUD' AL, pertaining to military tenure. + DES' POTS, tyrants. + PAL' TRY, mean; contemptible. + RAP' INE,(_rapin;_) plunder; violence. + FOR SOOTH', in truth; in fact. + RUF' FIAN, robber; cut-throat. + SERV' ILE, slavish; cringing. + LIM' NERS, painters. + DIS CI' PLE, learner; follower. + CORSE, corpse; dead body. + BRAWL, wrangle; contention. + DIS TAIN' ED, sullied; stained. + ECH' O ED, resounded. + + +RIENZI'S ADDRESS TO THE ROMANS. + +[Footnote: RI EN' ZI, the last of the Roman Tribunes, was born in Rome +about the year 1310. He was assassinated Oct. 8th, 1354 He was a person +of extraordinary eloquence. In his day, Rome was a prey to contending +factions of nobles. This kept the city in constant turmoil, and +subjected the people to continual abuse and tyranny. It was the endeavor +of Rienzi to arouse them to a resolution to be free.] + +MISS MITFORD. + +1. Friends! + I come not here to _talk_. You know too well + The story of our thralldom. We are _slaves!_ + The bright sun rises to his course, and lights + A race of _slaves!_ He sets, and his last beam + Falls on a _slave_: not such as, swept along + By the full tide of power, the conqueror leads + To crimson glory and undying fame; + _But base, ignoble slaves!_ slaves to a horde + Of petty tyrants, feudal despots, lords, + Rich in some dozen paltry villages; + Strong in some hundred spearmen; only great + In that strange spell,--_a name_. + +2. Each hour, dark fraud, + Or open rapine, or protected murder, + Cries out against them. But this very day, + An honest man, my neighbor,--there he stands, + Was struck, _struck_ like a dog, by one who wore + The badge of Ursini; because, forsooth, + He tossed not high his ready cap in air, + Nor lifted up his voice in servile shouts, + At sight of that great ruffian! + +3. (f.) Be we _men_, + And suffer such dishonor'? MEN, and wash not + The stain away in blood'? Such shames are common! + I have known deeper wrongs. I, that speak to ye, + I had a brother once, a gracious boy, + Full of gentleness, of calmest hope, + Of sweet and quiet joy; there was the look + Of heaven upon his face, which limners give + To the beloved disciple! + +4. How I loved + That gracious boy! Younger by fifteen years, + Brother at once, and son! He left my side, + A summer bloom on his fair cheek,--a smile + Parting his innocent lips. In one short hour, + That pretty, harmless boy was slain! (_p_.) I saw + The corse, the mangled corse, and then I cried + For vengeance! (_ff_.) _Rouse ye, Romans!_--ROUSE YE, SLAVES! + Have ye brave sons? Look in the next fierce brawl + To see them die! Have ye fair daughters? Look + To see them live, torn from your arms, distained, + Dishonored; and if ye dare call for justice, + Be answered by the lash! + +5. Yet this is Rome, + That sat on her seven hills, and, from her throne + Of beauty, ruled the world! Yet we are Romans! + Why, in that elder day, to be a Roman, + Was greater than a king! And once again,-- + Hear me, ye walls, that echoed to the tread + Of either Brutus! Once again I swear, + The eternal city shall be free! + +QUESTIONS.--1. In what condition did the writer say the Roman people +were? 2. What wrongs are complained of? 3. What special cases are +mentioned? 4. What are the people exhorted to do? 5. What is the meaning +of the suffix _dom_, in the word _thralldom?_ See ANALYSIS, page 142, +Ex. 189. 6. What is the meaning of the suffix _less_, in the word +_harmless?_ See page 140, Ex. 187. 7. How, according to the notation +mark, should the first part of the third verse be read? 8. What rule for +the rising inflections, third verse? See page 28, Rule I. + + * * * * * + +LESSON CX. + + MUL' TI PLY, increase; continue. + COL'TER, part of the plow that cuts the sod. + GE' NI AL, productive. + BE NIG' NANT, kind; bounteous. + SAUN' TER ING, loitering. + WOOD' BINE, honeysuckle. + RE SPLEN DENT, splendid, beautiful. + PO' TENT, powerful. + ROAD' STEAD, place where ships may anchor. + RE LI' ANT, trusting; depending. + PES TI LEN' TIAL, infectious; noxious. + PER PET' U AL, continual. + STER' ILE, barren. + +[Headnote 1: LE ON' I DAS, the celebrated Spartan leader who, with three +hundred men, perished in the effort to resist the Persian hosts, at the +mountain pass of Thermopylae, (B.C., 480.)] + +[Headnote 2: MARS' TON, that is, Marston Moor, a place in Yorkshire, +England, memorable for the defeat of Charles I., (in 1644,) by the +forces of Cromwell and others.] + +[Headnote 3: BAN' NOCK BURN, a village in Stirlingshire, Scotland, +famous for the battle between the patriots, under Robert Bruce, and the +English invading army, under Edward II., fought, June 25, 1314.] + +[Headnote 4: AR MA' DA, a great naval armament sent by Philip II. of +Spain, in 1588, for the conquest of England. It failed utterly, however, +of its object, having been scattered and disabled by violent storms.] + + +SONG OF THE FORGE. + +1. Clang! clang! the massive anvils ring,-- + Clang! clang! a hundred hammers swing, + Like the thunder-rattle of a tropic sky, + The mighty blows still multiply: + Clang! clang! + Say, brothers of the dusky brow, + What are your strong arms forging now? + +2. Clang! clang!--we forge the _colter_ now-- + The colter of the kindly plow; + Benignant Father, bless our toil; + May its broad furrow still unbind + To genial rains, to sun and wind, + The most productive soil! + +3. Clang! clang!--our colter's course shall be + On many a sweet and sunny lea, + By many a streamlet's silver tide, + Amidst the song of morning birds, + Amidst the low of sauntering herds, + Amidst soft breezes which do stray + Through woodbine-hedges and sweet May, + Along the green hill's side. + +4. When regal Autumn's bounteous hand, + With wide-spread glory clothes the land,-- + When, to the valleys, from the brow + Of each resplendent slope, is rolled + A ruddy sea of living gold, + We bless,--we bless the PLOW. + +5. Clang! clang!--again, my mates, what glows + Beneath the hammer's potent blows? + Clink! clank!--we forge the _giant chain_, + Which bears the gallant vessel's strain, + 'Midst stormy winds and adverse tides; + Secured by this, the good ship braves + The rocky roadstead and the waves + Which thunder on her sides. + +6. Anxious no more, the merchant sees + The mist drive dark before the breeze. + The storm-cloud on the hill; + Calmly he rests, though, far away + In boisterous climes, his vessel lay + Reliant on our skill. + +7. Say, on what sands these links shall sleep, + Fathoms beneath the solemn deep`? + By Afric's pestilential shore',-- + By many an iceberg, lone and hoar',-- + By many a palmy western isle, + Basking in spring's perpetual smile',-- + By stormy Labrador'? + +8. Say, shall they feel the vessel reel, + When, to the battery's deadly peal, + The crashing broadside makes reply'? + Or else, as at the glorious Nile, + Hold grappling ships, that strive the while, + For death or victory'? + +9. _Hurrah!_--cling! clang!--once more, what glows, + Dark brothers of the forge, beneath + The iron tempest of your blows + The furnace's fiery breath? + +10. Clang! clang!--a burning torrent, clear + And brilliant, of bright sparks is poured + Around and up in the dusky air, + As our hammers forge the SWORD. + +11. The _sword!_ a name of dread; yet when + Upon the freeman's thigh 'tis bound, + While for his altar and his hearth,-- + While for the land that gave him birth, + The war-drums roll, the trumpets sound, + How _sacred_ is it then! + +12. Whenever for the truth and right + It flashes in the van of fight, + Whether in some wild mountain pass + As that where fell Leonidas [Headnote 1]; + Or on some sterile plain and stern, + A Marston [Headnote 2] or a Bannockburn [Headnote 3]; + Or, mid fierce crags and bursting rills, + The Switzer's Alps, gray Tyrol's hills,-- + Or, as when sunk the Armada's [Headnote 4] pride, + It gleams above the stormy tide,-- + Still, still, whene'er the battle word + Is LIBERTY, when men do stand + For _justice_ and their _native land_, + Then Heaven bless THE SWORD! + +QUESTIONS.--1. What things are mentioned as being forged? 2. What is +said of the colter? 3. What, of the iron cable? 4. What, of the sword? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXI. + + BEN E FAC' TION, gift; favor. + E LATE', flushed with success. + IN HER' ENT, natural. + PER FEC' TION, excellence. + VIG' ILS, watchfulness. + UN BRIB' ED, not influenced by gifts. + CON SO LA' TION, comfort. + AV' E NUE, way; entrance. + A TROC' I TIES, enormities. + MOCK' ER Y, derision; ridicule. + FAC' UL TIES, powers of the mind. + CA PAC' I TIES, abilities. + + +CHOICE EXTRACTS. + + +I. + +SWIFTNESS OF TIME. + +IDLER. + +Let him that desires to see others happy, make haste to give while his +gift can be enjoyed, and remember that every moment of delay takes away +something from the value of his benefaction. And let him who proposes +his own happiness, reflect, that while he forms his purpose, the days +roll on, and "the night cometh when no man can work." + + +II. + +THE SHIP OF STATE. + +LONGFELLOW. + + Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State! + Sail on, O Union, strong and great! + Humanity, with all its fears, + With all the hopes of future years, + Is hanging breathless on thy fate! + We know what Master laid thy keel, + What workmen wrought thy ribs of steel, + Who made each mast, and sail, and rope, + What anvils rang, what hammers beat, + In what a forge, and what a heat, + Were shaped the anchors of thy hope. + + +III. + +THE TRUE HERO. + +HORACE BUSHNELL. + +The true hero is the great, wise man of duty,--he whose soul is armed by +truth and supported by the smile of God,--he who meets life's perils +with a cautious but tranquil spirit, gathers strength by facing its +storms, and dies, if he is called to die, as a Christian victor at the +post of duty. And, if we must have heroes, and wars wherein to make +them, there is none so brilliant as a war with wrong,--no hero so fit to +be sung as he who hath gained the bloodless victory of truth and mercy. + + +IV. + +HEART ESSENTIAL TO GENIUS. + +W.G. SIMMS. + + We are not always equal to our fate, + Nor true to our conditions. Doubt and fear + Beset the bravest, in their high career, + At moments when the soul, no more elate + With expectation, sinks beneath the time. + The masters have their weakness. "I would climb," + Said Raleigh, gazing on the highest hill,-- + "But that I tremble with the fear to fall." + Apt was the answer of the high-souled queen: + "If thy heart fail thee, never climb at all!" + The heart! if that be sound, confirms the rest, + Crowns genius with his lion will and mien, + And, from the conscious virtue in the breast, + To trembling nature gives both strength and will. + + +V. + +EDUCATION. + +ADDISON. + +I consider a human soul without education, like marble in the quarry, +which shows none of its inherent beauties until the skill of the +polisher fetches out the colors, makes the surface shine, and discovers +every ornamental cloud, spot, and vein that runs through the body of it. +Education, after the same manner, when it works upon a noble mind, draws +out every latent virtue and perfection, which, without such helps, are +never able to make their appearance. + + +VI. + +THE VANITY OF WEALTH. + +DR. JOHNSON. + + No more thus brooding o'er yon heap, + With av'rice painful vigils keep; + Still unenjoyed the present store, + Still endless sighs are breathed for more. + Oh! quit the shadow, catch the prize, + Which not all India's treasure buys! + To purchase Heaven has gold the power'? + Can gold remove the mortal hour? + In life, can love be bought with gold? + Are friendship's pleasures to be sold? + No; all that's worth a wish--a thought, + Fair Virtue gives unbribed, unbought. + Cease then on trash thy hopes to bind; + Let _nobler views_ engage thy mind. + + +VII. + +CONSOLATION OF THE GOSPEL. + +A. ALEXANDER. + +Oh, precious gospel! Will any merciless hand endeavor to tear away from +our hearts, this last, this sweetest consolation? Would you darken the +only avenue through which one ray of hope can enter? Would you tear from +the aged and infirm poor the only prop on which their souls can repose +in peace? Would you deprive the dying of their only source of +consolation? Would you rob the world of its richest treasure? Would you +let loose the flood-gates of every vice, and bring back upon the earth +the horrors of superstition, or the atrocities of atheism? Then endeavor +to subvert the gospel; throw around you the firebrands of infidelity; +laugh at religion, and make a mockery of futurity; but be assured that +for all these things, God will bring you into judgment. + + +VIII. + +THE LIGHT OF HOPE. + +O.W.B. PEABODY. + +1. Oh, who that has gazed, in the stillness of even, + On the fast-fading hues of the west, + Has seen not afar, in the bosom of heaven, + Some bright little mansion of rest, + And mourned that the path to a region so fair + Should be shrouded with sadness and fears;-- + That the night-winds of sorrow, misfortune, and care, + Should sweep from the deep-rolling waves of despair, + To darken this cold world of tears? + +2. And who that has gazed, has not longed for an hour, + When misfortune forever shall cease; + And Hope, like the rainbow, unfold, through the shower, + Her bright-written promise of peace? + And, oh! if that rainbow of promise may shine + On the last scene of life's wint'ry gloom, + May its light in the moment of parting be mine; + I ask but one ray from a source so divine, + To brighten the vale of the tomb. + + +IX. + +PAMPERING THE BODY AND STARVING THE SOUL. + +EDWARD EVERETT. + +1. What`! feed a child's body, and let his soul hunger'? pamper his +limbs, and starve his faculties'? Plant the earth, cover a thousand +hills with your droves of cattle, pursue the fish to their hiding-places +in the sea, and spread out your wheat-fields across the plain, in order +to supply the wants of that body which will soon be as cold and as +senseless as the poorest clod, and let the pure spiritual essence within +you, with all its glorious capacities for improvement, languish and +pine'? + +2. What`! build factories, turn in rivers upon the water-wheels, unchain +the imprisoned spirits of steam, to weave a garment for the body, and +let the soul remain unadorned and naked'? What`! send out your vessels +to the furthest ocean, and make battle with the monsters of the deep, in +order to obtain the means of lighting up your dwellings and workshops, +and prolonging the hours of labor for the meat that perisheth, and +permit that vital spark, which God has kindled, which He has intrusted +to our care, to be fanned into a bright and heavenly flame,--permit it, +I say, to languish and go out'? + +3. What considerate man can enter a school, and not reflect, with awe, +that it is a seminary where immortal minds are training for eternity'? +What parent but is, at times, weighed down with the thought, that +_there_ must be laid the foundations of a building which will stand, +when not merely temple and palace, but the perpetual hills and +adamantine rocks on which they rest, have melted away`!--that a light +may _there_ be kindled which will shine, not merely when every +artificial beam is extinguished, but when the affrighted sun has fled +away from the heavens`? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXII. + + FRUIT' AGE, collection of fruits. + WAX' ES, grows; increases. + JU' BI LANT, joyous. + TINGE, imbue. + GLO' RI FI ED, exalted to glory. + UN WA' RY, incautious. + FAM' ISH ED, afflicted with hunger. + BAN' ISH ED, driven out; expelled. + RE NEW' ED, made new again. + MA TUR' ING, ripening. + VINT' AGE, produce of the vine. + DIS LOY' AL TY, unfaithfulness. + BE QUEATH' ED, left by inheritance. + CON SID' ER ATE, thoughtful. + + RE VIV' I FY, (RE, _again_; VIV, _live_; IFY, _to make_;) to + make alive again, to bring to life; renew. + + +WE ALL DO FADE AS A LEAF. + +GAIL HAMILTON. + +1. "_We all do fade as a leaf_." Change is the essence of life. "Passing +away," is written on all things; and passing away is passing on from +strength to strength, from glory to glory. Spring has its growth, summer +its fruitage, and autumn its festive in-gathering. The spring of eager +preparation waxes into the summer of noble work; mellowing in its turn +into the serene autumn, the golden-brown haze of October, when the soul +may robe itself in jubilant drapery, awaiting the welcome command, "Come +up higher," where mortality shall be swallowed up in life. + +2. Why, then, should autumn tinge our thoughts with sadness. We fade as +the leaf, and the leaf fades only to revivify. Though it fall, it shall +rise again. Does the bud fear to become a blossom, or the blossom +shudder as it swells into fruit; and shall the redeemed weep that they +must become glorified'? Strange inconsistency`! We faint with the burden +and the heat of the day. We bow down under the crosses that are laid +upon our shoulders. We are bruised and torn by the snares and pitfalls +which beset our way, and into which our unwary feet often fall. + +3. We are famished, and foot-sore, and travel-stained, from our long +journey, and yet we are saddened by tokens that we shall pass away from +all these,--away from sin and sorrow, from temptation and fall, from +disappointment, and weary waiting, and a fearful looking-for of evil, to +purity and holiness, and the full fruition of every hope,--bliss which +eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived,--to a world +whence all that made this dreary is forever banished, and where all that +made this delightful is forever renewed and increased,--a world where +the activities and energies of the soul shall have full scope, and love +and recognition wait upon its steps forever. + +4. Let him alone fear, who does not fade as the leaf,--him whose +sources are not in God, and who does not draw his life thence,--him +whose spring is gathering no strength, whose summer is maturing no +fruit, and whose autumn shall have no vintage. Is not this the real +sorrow of us all? not a dread of change, but a secret consciousness of +wasted power,--of disloyalty to God, as the supreme object of our love +and service. + +5. Yet even here the fading leaf brings hope. Our future is always +before us. The past is fixed. No tears can wash away its facts. Let us +waste no vain regrets upon it; but, from the wisdom which its very +mistakes and sins have bequeathed us, start afresh on the race. Though +yesterday we were weak, and selfish, and indolent, let us to-day--at +this moment--begin to be strong, and brave, and helpful, and just, and +generous, and considerate, and tender, and truthful, and pure, and +patient, and forgiving. "Now" is a glorious word. "HENCEFORTH" is always +within our grasp. + +QUESTIONS.--1. To what are we compared? 2. What is said of change? 3. +What change takes place in the leaf? 4. What, in man? 5. Who have reason +to fear? 6. What is said of the past and the future? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXIII. + + UN HEED' ED, not regarded. + EX POS' ED, unprotected. + EX HORT' ED, urged; persuaded. + AT TUN' ED, put in tune. + ES SEN' TIAL, real; true. + AN NOUNC' ED, proclaimed. + + +TEACHINGS OF NATURE. + +POLLOCK. + +1. The seasons came and went, and went and came, + To teach men gratitude; and, as they passed, + Gave warning of the lapse of time, that else + Had stolen unheeded by: the gentle flowers + Retired, and, stooping o'er the wilderness, + Talked of humility, and peace, and love. + The dews came down unseen at evening tide. + And silently their bounties shed, to teach + Mankind unostentatious charity. + +2. With arm in arm the forest rose on high, + And lesson gave of brotherly regard; + And, on the rugged mountain brow exposed, + Bearing the blast alone, the ancient oak + Stood, lifting high his mighty arm, and still + To courage in distress exhorted loud. + The flocks, the herds, the birds, the streams, the breeze, + Attuned the heart to melody and love. + +3. Mercy stood in the cloud, with eye that wept + Essential love; and, from her glorious brow, + Bending to kiss the earth in token of peace, + With her own lips, her gracious lips, which God + Of sweetest accent made, she whispered still, + She whispered to Revenge, Forgive! forgive! + +4. The Sun, rejoicing round the earth, announced + Daily the wisdom, power, and love of God. + The Moon awoke, and, from her maiden face + Shedding her cloudy locks, looked meekly forth, + And, with her virgin stars, walked in the heavens,-- + Walked nightly there, conversing as she walked + Of purity, and holiness, and God. + +5. In dreams and visions, sleep instructed much. + Day uttered speech to day, and night to night + Taught knowledge: silence had a tongue: the grave, + The darkness, and the lonely waste, had each + A tongue, that ever said, Man! think of God! + Think of thyself! think of eternity! + +6. Fear God, the thunders said; Fear God, the waves; + Fear God, the lightning of the storm replied; + Fear God, deep loudly answered back to deep. + And, in the temples of the Holy One, + Messiah's messengers, the faithful few, + Faithful 'mong many false, the Bible opened, + And cried: Repent! repent, ye Sons of Men! + Believe, be saved. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What do the seasons teach? 2. What, the trees? +3. What, the sun and moon? 4. What, Messiah's messengers? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXIV. + + BE DECK' ED, adorned. + AR RAY', dress; attire. + MAN' TLED, spread; rushed. + DE VO' TION, attachment. + I DOL A TROUS, excessive. + SEV' ER ED, rent; sundered. + EN CIR' CLED, inclosed; surrounded. + SA' BLES, mourning clothes. + GIFT' ED, talented. + FOUND ED, established. + AL LURE', (AL, _to_; LURE, _draw_;) draw to; entice. + + +PASSING UNDER THE ROD. + +[Footnote: These lines are founded on the following passage of Jewish +history:--"It was the custom of the Jews to select the tenth of their +sheep after this manner: The lambs were separated from their dams, and +inclosed in a sheep-cot, with only one narrow way out; the lambs +hastened to join the dams, and a man, placed at the entrance, with a rod +dipped in ocher, touched every tenth lamb, and so marked it with his +rod, saying, 'LET THIS BE HOLY.' Hence, God says by his prophet, '_I +will cause you to pass under the rod_.'"] + +MARY S.B. DANA. + +1. I saw the young bride, in her beauty and pride, + Bedecked in her snowy array; + And the bright flush of joy mantled high on her cheek, + And the future looked blooming and gay: + And with a woman's devotion she laid her fond heart + At the shrine of idolatrous love; + And she anchored her hopes to this perishing earth, + By the chain which her tenderness wove. + But I saw, when those heartstrings were bleeding and torn, + And the chain had been severed in two, + She had changed her white robes for the sables of grief, + And her bloom for the paleness of woe! + But the Healer was there, pouring balm on her heart, + And wiping the tears from her eyes; + And He strengthened the chain He had broken in twain, + And fastened it firm to the skies! + There had whispered a voice,--'twas the voice of her God: + "I love thee--I love thee--_pass under the rod!_" + +2. I saw the young mother in tenderness bend + O'er the couch of her slumbering boy; + And she kissed the soft lips as they murmured her name, + While the dreamer lay smiling in joy. + Oh, sweet as the rose-bud encircled with dew, + When its fragrance is flung on the air, + So fresh and so bright to that mother he seemed, + As he lay in his innocence there. + But I saw when she gazed on the same lovely form, + Pale as marble, and silent, and cold, + But paler and colder her beautiful boy, + And the tale of her sorrow was told! + But the Healer was there, who had stricken her heart, + And taken her treasure away; + To allure her to heaven, He has placed it on high, + And the mourner will sweetly obey. + There had whispered a voice,--'twas the voice of her God: + "I love thee--I love thee--_pass under the rod!_" + +3. I saw, too, a father and mother who leaned + On the arms of a dear gifted son; + And the star in the future grew bright to their gaze, + As they saw the proud place he had won; + And the fast coming evening of life promised fair, + And its pathway grew smooth to their feet, + And the starlight of love glimmered bright at the end, + And the whispers of fancy were sweet. + And I saw them again, bending low o'er the grave, + Where their hearts' dearest hope had been laid; + And the star had gone down in the darkness of night, + And the joy from their bosoms had fled. + But the Healer was there, and His arms were around, + And He led them with tenderest care; + And He showed them a star in the bright upper world, + 'Twas their star shining brilliantly there! + They had each heard a voice,--'twas the voice of their God: + "I love thee--I love thee--_pass under the rod_!" + +QUESTIONS.--1. What custom is alluded to, in the passage "_I will cause +you to pass under the rod?_" See note. 2. Where is that passage found in +the Scriptures? Ans. Ezekiel, 20th chap., 37th verse. 3. What instances +are mentioned of individuals "_passing under the rod_?" + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXV. + + PET' U LANT, cross; fretful. + CA LAM' I TY, misfortune. + SA TIR' IC AL, keenly severe; cutting. + NUI' SANCE, annoyance. + JUST' I FY, give a right to. + STU PID' I TY, extreme dullness. + CUL' PABLE, blamable; censurable. + IR RI TA BIL' I TY, excitableness. + AP PEL LA' TION, name; title. + VE' HE MENT, violent; furious. + VO CIF ER A' TIONS, loud outcries. + MEN' A CES, threats. + CEN' SUR ED, blamed. + VIN DI CA' TION, justification. + LON GEV' I TY, length of life. + CON TEMPT' I BLE, despicable. + + +THE PETULANT MAN. + +OSBORNE. + + +MR. GRIM--MICHAEL--COUSIN MARY. + +_Cousin Mary_. More breezes? What terrible thing has happened now, +Cousin Grim? What's the matter? + +_Grim_. Matter enough, I should think! I sent this stupid fellow to +bring me a pair of boots from the closet; and he has brought me two +rights, instead of a right and left. + +_Cousin_. What a serious calamity! But, perhaps, he thought it was but +_right_ to leave the _left_. + +_Grim_. None of your jokes, if you please. This is nothing to laugh at. + +_Cousin_. So it would seem, from the expression on your face,--rather +something to storm at, roar at, and fall into a frenzy about. + +_Michael_. That's right, Miss; give him a piece of your mind! He's the +crossest little man I have met with in the new country. You might scrape +old Ireland with a fine-tooth comb, and not find such another. + +_Grim_. How dare you talk to me in that style? I'll discharge you this +very day! + +_Michael_. I'm thinking of discharging _you_, if you don't take better +care of that _sweet temper_ of yours. + +_Grim_. Leave the room, sir! + +_Michael_. That I will, in search of better company, saving the lady's +presence. [_Exit._ + +_Grim_. There, cousin! there is a specimen of my provocations! Can you +wonder at my losing my temper? + +_Cousin_. Cousin Grim, that would be the most _fortunate_ thing that +could befall you. + +_Grim_. What do you mean? + +_Cousin_. I mean, if you could only _lose that temper_ of yours, it +would be a blessed thing for you; though I should pity the poor fellow +who _found it._ _Grim_. You are growing satirical in your old age, +Cousin Mary. + +_Cousin_. Cousin Grim, hear the plain truth; your ill temper makes you a +nuisance to yourself and every body about you. + +_Grim_. Really, Miss Mary Somerville, you are getting to be +complimentary! + +_Cousin_. No; I am getting to be _candid_. I have passed a week in your +house, on your invitation. I leave you this afternoon; but, before I go, +I mean to speak my mind. + +_Grim_. It seems to me that you have spoken it rather freely already. + +_Cousin_. What was there, in the circumstance of poor Michael's bringing +you the wrong boots, to justify your flying into a rage, and bellowing +as if your life had been threatened? + +_Grim_. That fellow is perpetually making just such provoking blunders! + +_Cousin_. And do you never make provoking blunders'? Didn't you send me +five pounds of Hyson tea, when I wrote for Souchong'? Didn't you send a +carriage for me to the cars, half an hour too late, so that I had to +hire one myself, after great trouble'? And did I roar at you, when we +met, because you had done these things'? + +_Grim_. On the contrary, this is the first time you have alluded to +them. I am sorry they should have happened. But surely you should make a +_distinction_ between any such little oversight of mine, and the +stupidity of a servant, hired to attend to your orders. + +_Cousin_. I do not admit that there should be a distinction. You are +both human; only, as you have had the better education, and the greater +advantages, stupidity or neglect on your part, is much the more +culpable. + +_Grim_. Thank you! Go on. + +_Cousin_. I mean to; so don't be impatient. If an uncooked potato, or a +burnt mutton-chop, happens to fall to your lot at the dinner-table, what +a tempest follows! One would think you had been wronged, insulted, +trampled on, driven to despair. Your face is like a thunder-cloud, all +the rest of the meal. Your poor wife endeavors to hide her tears. Your +children feel timid and miserable. Your guest feels as if she would like +to see you held under the nose of the pump, and thoroughly ducked. + +_Grim_. The carriage is waiting for you, Miss Somerville, and the driver +has put on your baggage. + +_Cousin_. I have hired that carriage by the hour, and so am in no hurry. +Your excuse for your irritability will be, I suppose, that it is +_constitutional_, and not to be controlled. A selfish, paltry, miserable +excuse! I have turned down a leaf in Dr. Johnson's works, and will read +what he says in regard to tempers like yours. + +_Grim_. You are always quoting Dr. Johnson! Cousin, I can not endure it! +Dr. Johnson is a bore! + +_Cousin_. Oh, yes! to _evil-doers_,--but to none else. Hear him: "There +is in the world a class of mortals known, and contentedly known, by the +appellation of _passionate men_, who imagine themselves entitled, by +this distinction, to be provoked on every slight occasion, and to vent +their rage in vehement and fierce vociferations, in furious menaces, and +licentious reproaches." + +_Grim_. That will do. + +_Cousin_. "Men of this kind," he tells us, "are often pitied rather than +censured, and are not treated with the severity which their neglect of +the ease of all about them, might justly provoke." But he adds: "It is +surely not to be observed without indignation, that men may be found of +minds mean enough to be satisfied with this treatment; wretches who are +proud to obtain the privilege of madmen, and----" + +_Grim_. I will hear no more! Have done! + +_Cousin_. So the shaft went home! I am not sorry. + +_Grim_. No one but a meddlesome old maid would think of insulting a man +in his own house. + +_Cousin_. So, when, at a loss for a vindication, you reproach me with +being an old maid! Cousin, it does not distress me, either to be an old +maid, or to be called one. I must, however, remark, that the manhood +that can charge against a woman her single state, either as a matter of +ridicule or reproach, is not quite up to my standard. + +_Grim_. Cousin Mary, I ask your pardon! But am I, indeed, the petulant, +disagreeable fellow, you would make me out? + +_Cousin_. My dear Caspar, you are generous enough in large things; but, +oh! consider that _trifles make up a good portion of the sum of life_; +and so "_a small unkindness is a great offense_." Why not be cheerful, +sunny, genial, in little things? Why not look on the bright side? Why +not present an unruffled front to petty annoyances? Why not labor,--ay, +labor,--to have those around you happy and contented, by reflecting from +yourself such a frame of mind upon them? + +Life is short, at the best; why not make it cheerful? Do you know that +longevity is promoted by a tranquil, happy habit of thought and temper'? +Do you know that cheerfulness, like mercy, is twice blessed; blessing +"him that gives, and him that takes'?" Do you know that good manners, as +well as good sense, demand that we should look at objects on their +bright side'? Do you know that it is contemptible selfishness in you to +shed gloom and sorrow over a whole family by your moroseness and +ill-humor'? + +_Grim_. Cousin Mary, the patience with which I have listened to your +cutting remarks, will prove to you, I hope, that, notwithstanding my +angry retorts, I am convinced there is much truth in what you have said +of me. I have a favor to ask. Send away your carriage; stay a week +longer,--a month,--a year, if you will. Hold the lash over this ugly +temper of mine,--and I give you my word that I will set about the cure +of it in earnest. + +_Cousin_. You should have begun earlier,--in youth, when the temper is +pliable, and strong impressions can work great changes. But we will not +despair. I will tarry with you a while, just to see if you are serious +in your wish for a reformation, and to help you bring it about. + +_Grim_. Thank you. We hear of reformed drunkards, and reformed thieves; +and _why may not a petulant temper be reformed_, but a system of total +abstinence from all harsh, unkind moods and expressions? Come, we will +try. + +QUESTIONS.--1. At what was Mr. Grim offended? 2. What did Cousin Mary +say would be fortunate for him? 3. What blunder had Mr. Grim made? 4. +How did he often behave at the table? 5. What does Dr. Johnson say of +such men? 6. What did Cousin Mary finally say to him? 7. Of what was he +convinced? 8. What did he resolve to do? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXVI. + + SAC' RI FICE, religious offering. + STRAIGHT, immediately. + SCUR' VY, low; mean. + SCRU' PLE, hesitate. + EN DURE', suffer'; tolerate. + IM PURE, filthy; unclean. + UT TER LY, entirely; completely. + BLEM' ISH, defect; deformity. + WA' VER ED, hesitated. + IM PAR' TIAL, just; free from bias. + RE FER', leave to another. + PAR' DON, forgive. + GHEE, kind of butter used in India. + DIS TRUST' ING, suspecting. + PAL PA BLE, obvious; evident. + LAUD' ING, praising. + + +THE BRAHMIN AND THE ROGUES. + +[Footnote: The fable, here thrown into verse, is related in English +prose by Macaulay, who says:--"Thus, or nearly thus, if we remember +rightly, runs the story of the Sanscrit Aesop."] + +AN EASTERN FABLE. + +VERSIFIED BY J.N. McELLIGOTT. + + 1. A Brahmin went out, the legends say, + To buy him a sheep a certain day; + For he had solemnly vowed to slay, + In sacrifice, a sheep that day, + And wanted a sheep his vow to pay. + Three neighboring rogues + (The cunning dogs!) + Finding this out, + Went straight about + (Moved, I ween, by the very Old Nick,) + To play the Brahmin a scurvy trick. + + 2. So one of them met him with the cry:-- + "O Brahmin! O Brahmin! won't you buy + A beautiful sheep? for here have I + A beautiful sheep for sacrifice, + As ever was seen by mortal eyes." + + 3. "Where is your sheep?" replied the Brahmin; + "Bring him out here, and let me examine." + With that the wag + Opened a bag, + And out he drew + To public view + An ugly, dirty, horrible dog! + Blind as a bat, and lame as a frog; + With a broken leg, climbing a log. + Or limping slowly over a bog. + + 4. "Wretch!" said the Brahmin indignant, "who + Shamelessly utterest things untrue, + And dost without a scruple endure + To handle creatures the most impure, + How darest thou call that cur a sheep? + Do you think, foul knave, that I'm asleep?" + + 5. "_Cur'!_" said the fellow with steady tone; + "A _sheep_ it is, and a sheep alone; + A sheep (see here, what a splendid fleece!) + With flesh the sweetest, and fat as grease; + And such a prize + For sacrifice, + As neither gods nor men can despise, + Unless they both have dust in their eyes!" + "Sir," said the Brahmin, surprised to find + A person so utterly out of his mind, + "'Tis certain that _you_ or _I_ am blind." + + 6. Then stepping up, + Patting the pup, + Rogue the second, as if amazed, + While on the dog he steadily gazed, + Exclaims aloud:--"The gods be praised! + Since I've no need to market to go + To buy me a sheep; for here's one so + From spot and blemish perfectly free, + That better could not possibly be. + Isn't it nice? + What's your price?" + + 7. The Brahmin, seeing this singular thing, + Wavered in mind, like one in a swing; + Yet answered the stranger, firmly,--"Sir, + This isn't a sheep, but only a cur." + "_Cur_?" with disdain, the new-comer said; + "Why, man, you're surely out of your head!" + + 8. As this occurred, + Came rogue the third, + To whom, as being a witness new, + And likely to take impartial view, + Brahmin proposed at once to refer, + Whether the creature was _sheep_ or _cur_. + All being agreed, the eager priest + Said:--"Stranger, what do you call this beast?" + "A _sheep_, to be sure!" the knave replied; + "As fine a sheep as ever you spied." + + 9. "Well," said the Brahmin, "the gods this day + Have surely taken my senses away!" + Then begging the rogue + That carried the dog, + To pardon him for doubting his word, + He, with a readiness most absurd, + Purchased the creature with rice and ghee, + Which went, of course, to the worthless three, + And which they shared with wonderful glee. + +10. Thus taken in, + The poor Brahmin + Offered it up, + The filthy pup, + Which so offended the gods, that they + Sent sore disease his folly to pay: + Thinking it right the man to chastise + For so distrusting his natural eyes, + And being led by palpable lies + To offer a dog as a sacrifice. + +MORAL. + + Look out for the arts of the puffing tribe,-- + People that praise for the sake of a bribe; + Lavishly lauding a book or a pill, + Or any thing else the pocket to fill; + Singing Simplicity fast asleep, + And making her dream a dog's a sheep. + +QUESTIONS.--1. What trick did the three rogues play off on the Brahmin? +2. In what way did they do this? 3. What moral is taught in this fable? + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXVII. + + E LAS TIC' I TY, returning vigor. + MIN' I FIES, lessens; makes small. + DEG RA DA' TION, abasement. + ES TRANGED, alienates. + UN ALMS' ED, not having received alms. + HA BIT' U AL, accustomed. + EX TRAV' A GANCE, superfluous expense. + IM PER' TI NENCE, that which is not pertinent. + SUS PI' CIOUS, distrustful. + E CON' O MY, frugality. + TRAN' QUIL, calm; undisturbed. + BE NUMB' ING, dull; stupefying. + IM PROV' I DENCE, wastefulness. + + +LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS. + +S.W. PARTRIDGE. + +1. _Oh, beware of debt_! + It crushes out the manhood of a man, + Robs his bright eye of boldness, cheats his limbs + Of elasticity, unnerves his hand, + Beclouds his judgment, dulls his intellect, + Perils his uprightness, and stains his name, + And minifies him to his fellow-men; + Yea, far worse degradation, to himself. + +2. Who hath the hurried step, the anxious eye, + Avoids the public haunt and open street, + And anxious waits for evening? Restlessly + Tosses upon his bed, and dreads the approach + Of the tell-tale morning sunlight? Who, unmanned, + Starts at the sudden knock, and shrinks with dread + E'en at his own shadow; shuns with care + The stranger's look, skulks from his fellow's glance, + And sees in every man a creditor? + +3. The _debtor_;--he is only half a man; + He saddens and estranges his chief friends, + Burdens his dearest relatives; he hears + In vain the stranger's tale, the widow's prayer, + And sends away the orphan all unalmsed. + None dare to place him in a post of trust, + And business men regard him with a shrug. + +4. "Owe no man aught." Stand in the world erect, + And lean alone upon thyself and God. + The habitual borrower will be ever found + Wicked, or weak, or both. Sweat, study, stint, + Yea, rather _any thing_ than meanly owe. + Let thine own honest hands feed thee and thine, + And, if not thy friend's purse, at least, respect + Thine own sweet independence. + +5. Have fewest wants: the book, however good, + Thou shouldst not purchase, let it go unbought; + And fashion's vests by thee be all unworn. + Soon luxuries become necessities, + But self-denying thrift more joy affords + Than all the pleasures of extravagance. + A cottage, free from clamorous creditors, + Is better than a mansion dunned; a coat, + However darned, if paid for, hath an ease, + And a respectability beside: + Gay, ill-afforded vests can never boast. + +6. However cheap, + Whatever thou want'st not, buy not. That is dear, + A mere extravagant impertinence, + For which thou hast no need. Feel first the want + Ere it be satisfied; bargains full oft + Are money-wasting things, that prudent men + Will keep afar from with suspicious eye; + Perchance to any but of little use, + And to themselves, most likely, none at all. + +7. The habit of economy once formed, + 'Tis easy to attain to prosperous things. + Thou then shalt lend, not borrow: shalt not want + A helping trifle when thy friend hath need, + Or means to seize an opportunity,-- + Seed-coin, to ensure a harvest. Thou shalt then + Want not an alms for pinching poverty; + And, though a sudden sickness dam the stream, + And cut off thy supplies, thou shalt lie down + And view thy morrows with a tranquil eye; + Even benumbing age shall scare thee not, + But find thee unindebted, and secure + From all the penury and wretchedness + That dog the footsteps of improvidence. + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXVIII. + + OM NIP' O TENT, all-powerful. + IN TER' MI NA BLE, endless. + MILK Y-WAY, galaxy; luminous circle in the heavens. + AS' TRAL, starry. + IN FIN' I TUDE, unlimited extent. + IM PET' U OUS, rushing. + AS TRON O MER, one skilled in the science of the stars. + AP PROX' I MATE LY, nearly. + OM NIS' CIENCE, knowledge of all things. + PER TUR BA' TIONS, irregularities of motion. + AB' SO LUTE, entire. + PRE CIS' ION, exactness. + AD JUST' MENTS, arrangements. + RET' I NUE, company. + SAT' EL LITES, small planets revolving round others. + + +GRANDEUR OF THE UNIVERSE. + +O.M. MITCHEL. + +1. If you would know the _glory_ of the Omnipotent Ruler of the +universe, examine the interminable range of suns and systems which crowd +the Milky-Way. Multiply the hundred millions of stars which belong to +our own "island universe" by the thousands of these astral systems that +exist in space, within the range of human vision, and _then_ you may +form some idea of the _infinitude_ of His kingdom; for lo! these are but +a part of His ways. + +2. Examine the scale on which the universe is built. Comprehend, if you +can, the vast dimensions of our sun. Stretch outward through his system, +from planet to planet, and circumscribe the whole within the immense +circumference of Neptune's orbit. This is but a single unit out of the +myriads of similar systems. + +3. Take the wings of light, and flash with impetuous speed, day and +night, and month, and year, till youth shall wear away, and middle age +is gone, and the extremest limit of human life has been attained;--count +every pulse, and, at each, speed on your way a hundred thousand miles; +and when a hundred years have rolled by, look out, and behold! the +thronging millions of blazing suns are still around you, each separated +from the other by such a distance, that, in this journey of a century, +you have only left half a score behind you. + +4. Would you gather some idea of the _eternity_ past of God's +existence,--go to the astronomer, and bid him lead you in one of his +walks through space; and, as he sweeps outward from object to object, +from universe to universe, remember that the light from those filmy +stains on the deep pure blue of heaven, now falling on your eye, has +been traversing space for a million of years. + +5. Would you gather some knowledge of the _omnipotence_ of God,--weigh +the earth on which we dwell, then count the millions of its inhabitants +that have come and gone for the last six thousand years. Unite their +strength into one arm, and test its power in an effort to move this +earth. It could not stir it a single foot in a thousand years; and yet +under the omnipotent hand of God, not a minute passes that it does not +fly more than a thousand miles. + +6. But this is a mere atom,--the most insignificant point among his +innumerable worlds. At his bidding, every planet, and satellite, and +comet, and the sun himself, fly onward in their appointed courses. His +single arm guides the millions of sweeping suns, and around His throne +circles the great constellation of unnumbered universes. + +7. Would you comprehend the idea of the _omniscience_ of God,--remember +that the highest pinnacle of knowledge reached by the whole human race, +by the combined efforts of its brightest intellects, has enabled the +astronomer to compute approximately the perturbations of the planetary +worlds. He has predicted roughly the return of half a score of comets. +But God has computed the mutual perturbations of millions of suns, and +planets, and comets, and worlds, without number, through the ages that +are passed, and throughout the ages which are yet to come, not +approximately, but with perfect and absolute precision. + +8. The universe is in motion,--system rising above system, cluster above +cluster, nebula above nebula,--all majestically sweeping around under +the providence of God, who alone knows the end from the beginning, and +before whose glory and power all intelligent beings, whether in heaven +or on earth, should bow with humility and awe. + +9. Would you gain some idea of the _wisdom_ of God,--look to the +admirable adjustments of the magnificent retinue of planets and +satellites which sweep around the sun. Every globe has been weighed and +poised, every orbit has been measured and bent to its beautiful form. + +10. All is changing; but the laws fixed by the wisdom of God, though +they permit the rocking to and fro of the system, never introduce +disorder, or lead to destruction. All is perfect and harmonious, and the +music of the spheres that burn and roll around our sun, is echoed by +that of ten millions of moving worlds, that sing and shine around the +bright suns that reign above. + +11. If, overwhelmed with the grandeur and majesty of the universe of +God, we are led to exclaim with the Hebrew poet-king,--"When I consider +Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou +hast ordained, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of +man, that Thou visitest him?"--If fearful that the eye of God may +overlook us in the immensity of His kingdom, we have only to call to +mind that other passage, "Yet Thou hast made him but a little lower than +the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him +to have dominion over all the works of Thy hand; Thou hast put all +things under his feet." Such are the teachings of the word, and such are +the lessons of the works of God. + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXIX. + + +"WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN BUT THEE?" + +MISS PAMELIA S. VINING. + +1. 'Twere naught to me, yon glorious arch of night, + Decked with the gorgeous blazonry of heaven, + If, to my faith, amid its splendors bright, + No vision of the Eternal One were given; + I could but view a dreary, soulless waste,-- + A vast expanse of solitude unknown, + More cheerless for the splendors o'er it cast,-- + For all its grandeur more intensely lone. + +2. 'Twere naught to me, this ever-changeful scene + Of earthly beauty, sunshine, and delight,-- + The wood's deep shadows and the valley's green,-- + Morn's tender glow, and sunset's splendors bright; + Naught, if my Father spoke not from the sky, + The cloud, the flower, the landscape, and the leaf; + My soul would pine 'mid earth's vain pageantry, + And droop in hopeless orphanage and grief. + +3. 'Twere naught to me, the ocean's vast expanse, + If His perfections were not mirrored there; + Hopeless across the unmeasured waste I'd glance, + And clasp my hands in anguish, not in prayer. + Naught Nature's anthem, ever swelling up + From Nature's myriad voices; for the hymn + Breathes not of love, or gratitude, or hope, + Robbed of the tones that tell my soul of Him. + +4. This wondrous universe how less than naught + Without my God! how desolate and drear! + A mock'ry, earth with her vain splendors fraught! + A gilded pageant, every rolling sphere! + The noonday sun with all his glories crowned, + A sickly meteor glimmers faint and pale! + And all earth's melodies, their sweetness drowned, + Are but the utterance of a funeral wail. + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXX. + + +THE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON. + +KOSSUTH. + +1. Mr. President: I consider it a particular favor of Providence that I +am permitted to partake, on the present solemn occasion, in paying the +tribute of honor and gratitude to the memory of your immortal +Washington. + +2. An architect having raised a proud and noble building to the service +of the Almighty, his admirers desired to erect a monument to his memory. +How was it done? His name was inscribed upon the wall, with these +additional words: "You seek his monument--look around." + +3. Let him who looks for a monument of Washington look around the United +States. The whole country is a monument to him. Your freedom, your +independence, your national power, your prosperity, and your prodigious +growth, is a monument to Washington. + +4. There is no room left for panegyric, none especially to a stranger +whom you had full reason to charge with arrogance, were he able to +believe that his feeble voice could claim to be noticed in the mighty +harmony of a nation's praise. Let me, therefore, instead of such an +arrogant attempt, pray that that God, to whose providential intentions +Washington was a glorious instrument, may impart to the people of the +United States the same wisdom for the conservation of the present +prosperity of the land and for its future security, which he gave to +Washington for the foundation of it. + +5. I yield to nobody in the world in reverence and respect to the +immortal memory of Washington. His life and his principles were the +guiding star of my life; to that star I looked up for inspiration and +advice, during the vicissitudes of my stormy life. Hence I drew that +devotion to my country and to the cause of national freedom, which you, +gentlemen, and millions of your fellow-citizens, and your national +government, are so kind as to honor by unexampled distinction. + +6. Sir, I have studied the history of your immortal Washington, and +have, from my early youth, considered his principles as a living source +of instruction to statesmen and to patriots. + +When, in that very year in which Washington issued his Farewell Address, +M. Adet, the French Minister, presented to him the flag of the French +Republic, Washington, as President of the United States, answered +officially, with these memorable words: + +"Born in a land of liberty, having early learned its value, having +engaged in a perilous conflict to defend it, having devoted the best +years of my life to secure its permanent establishment in my country, my +anxious recollections, my sympathetic feelings, and my best wishes, are +irresistibly attracted, whensoever in any country I see an oppressed +nation unfurl the banner of freedom." + +7. Thus spoke Washington. Have I not then full reason to say, that if he +were alive his generous sympathy would be with me; and the sympathy of a +Washington never was, and never would be, a barren word. Washington, who +raised the word "honesty" as a rule of policy, never would have +professed a sentiment which his wisdom as a statesman would not have +approved. + +8. Sir! here let me end. I consider it already as an immense benefit +that your generous attention connected the cause of Hungary with the +celebration of the memory of Washington. + +9. Spirit of the departed! smile down from heaven upon this appreciation +of my country's cause; watch over those principles which thou hast taken +for the guiding star of thy noble life, and the time will yet come when +not only thine own country, but liberated Europe, also, will be a living +monument to thy immortal name. + + * * * * * + +LESSON CXXI. + + +THE LOST ONE'S LAMENT. + +1. Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow, + Filling the sky and earth below; + Over the housetops, over the street, + Over the heads of the people you meet, + Dancing, + Flirting, + Skimming along! + Beautiful snow! it can do no wrong. + Flying to kiss a fair lady's cheek, + Clinging to lips in a frolicsome freak, + Beautiful snow from the Heaven above, + Pure as an angel, gentle as love! + +2. Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow, + How the flakes gather and laugh as they go? + Whirling about in its maddening fun, + It plays in its glee with every one; + Chasing, + Laughing, + Hurrying by, + It lights on the face and it sparkles the eye! + And even the dogs, with a bark and a bound, + Snap at the crystals that eddy around. + The town is alive, and its heart in a glow + To welcome the coming of beautiful snow. + +3. How wild the crowd goes swaying along, + Hailing each other with humor and song! + How the gay sledges, like meteors, flash by, + Bright for the moment, then lost to the eye! + Ringing, + Swinging, + Dashing they go + Over the crust of the beautiful snow; + Snow so pure when it falls from the sky, + To be trampled in mud by the crowd rushing by, + To be trampled and tracked by thousands of feet, + Till it blends with the filth in the horrible street + +4. How strange it should be that this beautiful snow, + Should fall on a sinner with nowhere to go! + How strange it should be, when the night comes again + If the snow and the ice struck my desperate brain! + Fainting, + Freezing, + Dying alone, + Too wicked for prayer, too weak for a moan + To be heard in the crazy town, + Gone mad in the joy of the snow coming down; + To lie and so die, in my terrible woe, + With a bed and a shroud of the beautiful snow! + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SANDERS' UNION FOURTH READER *** + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law 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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