facultics, have they not to be grateful for the cheering sun, for the boundless beauties of nature, with which we are all surrounded, and which is the undivided property of each one; and above all, for that, which is an exhaustless subject for gratitude, the hope of immortal bliss, which is offered alike to every one? Is my little Marian satisfied with my answer to her question?

MARIAN.

Yes; I see that Almighty God is very good; and I will try to be good that he may love me.

MRS. ABNEY.

That is right, my child; and if you are good, he will love you. But though our conversation has been, I hope, in some measure profitable to you all, I fear you have thought it rather serioús. I must therefore enliven the close of my

visit with a tale, which I brought purposely for your entertainment; and very glad shall I be, if it amuse you. Shall I read it?

ELIZABETH, (and the rest.)

We shall all listen with pleasure.

MRS. ABNEY.

I now take you back to a distant period. You must fancy yourselves in the year of the world, about 3590.

A TAL E.

THE Gods had long beheld with pleasure the good Menalcas, who lived in the island of Crete. He was distinguished by his learning, his wisdom and piety. He was born in the city of Gortyna, and there held a considerable appointment in the state; but being blessed with a family, he resolved to quit the court, to devote himself wholly to the education of his children. His wife, the virtuous Sabina, though still delighting in the gay scenes, to which she had been ever accustomed, was ready to submit to the will of her husband, and to resign pleasure at the call of duty. She cheerfully therefore resolved to accompany Menalcas, and to be the Their elguide of her children in retirement. dest son, the young Hyrcanus, was twelve years

of

of age, and their three other children, Berenice, Lycidas and Emira, were yet in their infancy. They fixed on a delightful valley at the foot of Mount Ida, for their residence. Here they passed their days in tranquil pleasures. Each morn, with the rising sun, they frequented the temple of Jupiter, and there taught their infant offspring to pay their vows, and to adore with humility the great God of Crete. They then returned to their dwelling; and while Sabina was employed in instructing her daughters in the care of the dairy, and the affairs of the house, the good Menalcas led his boys to the fields; sometimes to the vineyards, or the olives, sometimes to gather in the ripened corn. Bountiful nature, in this happy island, was abundant in all her gifts. These cares being ended, the family once more assembled, while Menalcas unfolded to his listening children the page of learning, or in

structed

structed them in the useful and ornamental arts of life. And again the setting sun found them in the temple, there performing with devout attention, each religious rite.

'Twas thus they passed many years; happy, and deserving to be so. The young Hyrcanus had now nearly attained manhood. He was cheerful, gay; still devout to the Gods, and submissive to his parents. Instructed by his wise sire, he could trace out the ways of the planets, was well acquainted with the fine arts that adorned Rome, and versed in the sciences which were the pride of Athens. Such was Hyrcanus, whom his parents beheld with pleasure; when one morning Menalcas thus addressed him; My Son, it is time your youthful vigour should be employed in active scenes; it is now time the talents you have acquired, should become useful to your king, serviceable

to