dearest, here are our treasures, and we shall yet be happy." We kissed our little darlings a thousand times; they clasped us round the neck, and seemed to share our transports, while their mother laughed and wept by turns. I now stood a calm spectator of the flames, and after some time began to perceive that my arm to the shoulder was scorched in a terrible manner. It was therefore out of my power to give my son any assistance, either in attempting to save our goods, or preventing the flames spreading to our corn. By this time the neighbours were alarmed, and came running to our assistance; but all they could do was to stand like us, spectators of the calamity. My goods, among which were the notes I had reserved for my daughters' fortunes, were entirely consumed, except a box with some papers, that stood in the kitchen, and two or three things more of little consequence, which my son brought away in the beginning. The neighbours contributed, however, what they could to lighten our distress. They brought us clothes, and furnished one of our outhouses with kitchen utensils; so that by daylight we had another, though a wretched dwelling to retire to. My honest next neighbour and his children were not the least assiduous in providing us with every thing necessary, and offering whatever consolation untutored benevolence could suggest. GOLDSMITH. HOME AND CLASS WORK. Learn the spellings at the top of the page; and write sentences containing these words. HYPOCRISY. Thus says the prophet of the Turk,- Thus, conscience freed from every clog, Mahometans eat up the hog. You laugh!-'tis well!-The tale applied May make you laugh on t'other side. "Renounce the world!" the preacher cries; "We do!" a multitude replies. While one as innocent regards A snug and friendly game at cards; And one, whatever you may say, Can see no evil in a play; Some love a concert, or a race, And others shooting and the chase. Reviled and loved, renounced and followed, Thus, bit by bit, the world is swallowed Each thinks his neighbour makes too free, With sophistry their sauce they sweeten, COWPER PURSUIT OF PLEASURE. A boy smitten with the colours of a butterfly, pursued it from flower to flower with indefatigable pains. First, he aimed to surprise it among the leaves of a rose; then to cover it with his hat, as it was feeding on a daisy. At one time, he hoped to secure it, as it revelled on a sprig of myrtle; and at another, grew sure of his prize, perceiving it to loiter on a bed of violets. But the fickle fly still eluded his attempts. At last, observing it half buried in a cup of a tulip, he rushed forward, and, snatching it with violence, crushed it to pieces. Thus, by his eagerness to enjoy, he lost the object of his pursuit. From this instance, young persons may learn, that pleasure is but a painted butterfly; which if temperately pursued, may serve to amuse; but which, when embraced with too much ardour, will perish in the grasp. LORD KAMES. CASABIANCA. The boy stood on the burning deck, The flames roll'd on-he would not go "Speak, father!" once again he cried, And"-but the booming shots replied, And look'd from that lone post of death In still yet brave despair. And shouted but once more aloud, "My father, must I stay?" While o'er him fast, through sail and shroud, The wreathing fires made way; They wrapt the ship in splendour wild, They caught the flag on high And streamed above the gallant child, Like banners in the sky. Then came a burst of thunder sound- But the noblest thing, which perished there HEMANS. THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE. He'd boast his flight were vain to follow, Come, tis a match-nay, no denial; "Twas "done," and "done," all fair a bet,' Judges prepared, and distance set; The scampering hare outstripped the wind; The creeping tortoise lagged behind, And scarce had passed a single pole When puss had almost reached the goal. "Friend tortoise," quoth the jeering hare, "Your burden's more than you can bear; |