on his hand, a deer started up before him. He let the hawk* fly, and followed the deer with great eagerness, till at length it was taken. The courtiers were all left behind in the chase.

2. The king, being thirsty, rode about in search of water, till, having reached the foot of a mountain, he discovered some trickling down in drops from the rock. He took a little cup from his quiver, and held it to catch the water. Just when the cup was filled, and he was about to drink, the hawk which had followed his master, alighted, shook his pinions, and overset the cup.

3. The king was vexed at the accident, and again applied the cup to the crevice in the rock. When the cup was replenished, and he was lifting it to his mouth, the hawk clapped his wings, and threw it down a second time; at this the king was so enraged, that he flung the bird with such force against the ground, that it immediately expired.

4. At this moment, one of the king's officers rode up. The king, having still a great mind to taste the water that trickled down the rock, but being too impatient to wait till it was again collected by drops, ordered the officer to go to the top of the rock, and fill the cup at the fountain head.

5. The officer having reached the top of the rock, found a large serpent lying dead in the spring, and perceived that the poisonous foam

Hawks were formerly trained for catching birds, and pursuing game.

of the reptile had mixed with the water, which fell in drops through the rock. He descended, related the fact to the king, and presented him a cup of cold water out of his own flagon.

6. As the king lifted up the cup to his lips, the tears gushed from his eyes. He then related to the officer the adventure of the hawk, and reproached himself deeply for the fatal consequence of his anger and precipitance. During the remainder of his life, his breast rankled with sorrow and regret, that he had been guilty of such rashness.

QUESTIONS.-1. What did the Persian king take with him on his hunting excursion? 2. Can this species of hawk be taught to pursue game? 3. What did the king do when he had caught the deer? 4. What did the hawk do as the king was about to drink? 5. At last what did the king rashly do to his hawk? 6. What did he then order his officer to do? 7. How did the king feel when the officer told him of the poisonous serpent in the spring?

LESSON LVII.

Spell and Define-1. FRA TER' NAL LY, in a brotherly manner. 2. RE CLI NED, leaned back or sidewise. 3. HAB I TA' TION, a place of abode. 4. MES' SEN GER, one who bears a message or errand. 5. IN VIS' I BLE, that can not be seen. 6. HUS' BAND' MAN, a farmer. 7. Ac coM'PLISH ED, finished; fulfilled. 8. IN' NO CENCE, freedom from guilt. 9. BEN E FACTOR, one who confers a benefit. 10. IM MOR' TALS, beings that never die. 11. WAFT ED, conveyed. 12. RU' RAL, pertaining to the country.

DEATH AND SLEEP.

1. FRATERNALLY the angel of eep, and the angel of death, wandered over the earth. It was evening. They reclined on a hill not far from the habitation of man. A melancholy

stillness reigned, and the evening clock in the distant village, was not heard. Silently, according to their custom, sat these two benevolent messengers, Death and Sleep, in a sad embrace, and already night drew near.

2. Then the angel of sleep arose from his mossy couch, and scattered with a gentle hand the invisible seed of slumber. The evening wind wafted it to the silent dwelling of the wearied husbandman.

3. Now sweet sleep embraced the inhabitants of the rural cottage, from the gray-haired man that leans upon his staff, to the infant in the cradle. The sick forgot their pain, the melancholy their sorrow, the poor their wants. Every eye was closed.

4. After his labor was accomplished, the benevolent angel of sleep again lay down with his serious brother, Death. "When the dawn appears," said he, in a tone of cheerful innocence, "then man will praise me as his friend and benefactor! O, it is sweet to do good unseen, and in secret! How happy are we, the invisible messengers of the good spirit! How lovely our noiseless occupation!" Thus spake the friendly angel of sleep.

5. The angel of death regarded him with silent grief, and a tear, such as immortals weep, stood in his large, dark eye. "Alas!" said he, “that I can not, like you, rejoice in the gratitude of man. The earth calls me her enemy, and the disturber of her joy."

6. "O, my brother," replied the angel of sleep, "will not the good, in awaking, discover in you their friend and benefactor, and gratefully bless you? Are we not brethren and messengers of one father?" Thus he spake. Then the eye of the angel of death brightened, and tenderly these brothers embraced each other.

QUESTIONS.-1. Can you tell me what is said of the angel of death and sleep? 2. What is it said the angel of sleep scattered abroad? 3. Why does he say he shall be called a benefactor? 4. Can you tell me what reply the angel of death made? 5. After this, what was the reply of the angel of sleep?

LESSON LVIII.

Spell and Define-1. CU' RI OUS LY, with exactness; eiegantly. 2. SPARK' LE, to twinkle; to glisten. 3. IN NUMER A BLE, that can not be numbered. 4. TRANS PA' RENT, admitting light to pass through. 5. IN GE' NI OUS, having an aptitude to contrive. 6. TRAIL, to run or draw along.

THE WONDERS OF CREATION.

1. THE works of God are like a large book, in which we read how wise and good He is. We may observe how curiously and excellently He has made all things. In every tree that grows in the fields, we may find something to admire; we may notice the beauty of its form, or the brightness of its color, or the sweetness of its smell.

2. See how some modest flowers just peep out from among the thick grass, like so many twinkling stars; while some lift up their large and noble heads upon a tall stem. See how

some tender plants trail along the ground, or climb for support around the firm trunks of the trees; while some grow up into thick bushes, and send out strong branches.

3. Observe how some of the trees are covered with green and leafy boughs, so thick that the birds of the air may lodge beneath their shadow; while some are covered with rich fruit, pleasant to the sight, and good for food. They are all excellent in their kind.

4. Look also at the clear streams of water, as they flow gently along beneath the shade of the trees, or sparkle in the bright sunshine. How fresh and green the grass that grows upon their banks! The water refreshes all the herbs and flowers of the field, and makes them lift up their drooping heads.

5. Look next at the rivers that rise among the hills, and then find their way into the great ocean. They have often many miles to go before they can reach it; but God has made a way for them. Look at the great and wide sea itself where the waters are gathered together in a heap, and wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great.

6. See how many large waves roll along the shore, or beat against the high rocks! Behold the steep and craggy rocks, how hard and firm they are! Though the waters of the sea rage and swell, yet can they not pass over them. "God has set them their bounds which they can not pass.

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