and we are satisfied; had we failed, there are others who would have executed our mission." It is almost needless (1) to say they were instantly cut to pieces.

(Historical.)

FATAL EFFECT OF DELAY.

In the month of october 1826, a private soldier (2), belonging to a regiment of the line, was tried (3) by a court martial (4) and condemned to be shot for desertion and for mutinous language.

On the day fixed for the execution of the sentence, he was conducted to the fatal spot accompanied by two priets and a military escort. A coffin (5) destined to receive his body, was carried before him and placed on the ground; he was to kneel (6) on it, and there receive the mortal blow. On arriving, he was conducted along the lines of the regiment, and then to the coffin; he knelt on it and prepared to meet his fate; the men who were to fire (7) waited only the signal. At that moment, the commanding officer, taking a paper from his pocket, advanced towards the regiment to read it; it was a reprieve (8) which he had received but a few minutes

(1) Needless, pas nécessaire, inutile. (2) A private soldier, un simple soldat. (5) Tried, jugé.

(4) Court martial, conseil de guerre.

(5) A coffin, une bière, un cercueil. (6) To kneel, se mettre à genoux.

(7) To fire, tirer.

(8) Reprieve, répit, surséance d'exécution.

FRATERNAL AFFECTION.

181

before, pardoning the poor soldier on account of (1) his previous good conduct. The officer, in order to produce the greatest possible effect on the mind, not only of the culprit, but of the whole regiment, would not communicate the happy news till the last moment. As the officer was advancing, the poor fellow, who had a handkerchief in his hand, let it fall in consequence of his agitation; the soldiers, taking it for the fatal signal, immediately fired, and he fell a lifeless corpse, at the very moment he was about to hear his pardon proclaimed. This event happened at LISBON. (Historical.)

FRATERNAL AFFECTION.

Eschylus, a celebrated Greek, was, in the early part of his life, a soldier, and fought in defence of his country at the battles of Marathon, Salamis, and Platea. His taste for poetry however caused him to leave the army and devote himself to the Muses. He wrote, it is said, more than ninety tragedies, of which forty were honoured with the public prize. Having in one of his plays employed some expressions that were deemed (2) impious, he was cited before the judges, and condemned to be stoned to death (5). He was led to the place of execution, attached to the stake (4), and about to un

(1) On account of, par rapport à, à cause de.

(2) Deemed, censé.

(5) Stoned to death, lapidé.

(4) The stake, le poteau.

dergo (1) the terrible punishment, when his brother Amynças, an officer who had fought bravely against the Persians, rushed through the crowd, ran to the stake, and placing himself by the side of his brother, cried out : "Executioners, stop, stain not your hands with the blood of your fellow citizen, blood that has already been shed in your defence; Athenians, hear me,

"Xerxes was marching against Greece at the head of eight hundred thousand men; consternation spread through your towns and villages; an army was hastily assembled to march against the invader, swearing to return victorious or to return no more. Who comman

ded that army? Who led them on to victory? It was 1! Many of you, Athenians, who now hear me, were witnesses of my conduct on the immortal day of Salamis, where, by your insurmountable courage and patriotic devotion, you enabled me to obtain the victory that saved our country from incalculable horrors. Xerxes was vanquished, Greece was saved; we returned triumphantly to Athens; but where is the arm which smote and drove back our invaders? I left it on the field that witnessed our glory.

"I have asked no reward, I desire none; it is the duty of every man to shed his blood in defence of his country. But I will not survive the disgrace of seeing my brother perish in an ignominious manner; therefore strike, executioner; assist, Athenians! we have already shed part of our blood for you, now take what remains!

(1) To undergo, subir, souffrir.

INGRATITUDE AND AVARICE PUNISHED.

183

The whole populace were struck with admiration; a ery of pardon! pardon! burst like thunder from the crowd. Eschylus was immediately unbound, and, with his generous brother, conducted in triumph through the town to their dwelling.

INGRATITUDE AND AVARICE PUNISHED.

A gentleman who had acquired a considerable fortune by care and industry in trade, finding himself at an advanced age, became desirous of quitting the hurry and bustle of business, and of passing the remainder of his days in tranquillity. He had a son newly married whom he had taken into partnership, and he now gave up the entire business and capital to him. The son and his wife expressed their gratitude for is bounty, and assured him that their greatest attention should be to render him happy.

During some time, he found himself very comfortable with his son and his daughter-in-law, and the old gentleman flattered himself that his worldly cares were finished. At length however he began to perceive a little inattention which grew by degrees into absolute neglect. Stung by such base ingratitude, he communicated his affliction to one of his old friends, who consoled him by assuring him that he should soon receive the usual attention from his children, if he would follow his advice. "What would you have me do?" said the old gentle"You must lend me 500 L (1), and it must be

man.

(1) Les Anglais se servent d'une Z barrée pour désigner pounds sterling; c'est l'initiale de librum, livre.

done in presence of your son.

Five hundred pounds!

Never

I have not so many shillings at my disposal. mind (1)," replied his friend, "I will furnish you; come with me. He gave him the sum and appointed

the following day for the experiment.

He called on (2) him in the morning about breakfast time, and told him before his son and daughter, that he had an opportunity of making an excellent speculation, but was rather short of (3) ready money (4). "Don't let that be an obstacle," said the old gentleman; "how much do you want?-About 500 L, " replied he.—“ O! if that is all, it is at your service, and twice the sum if necessary. The old gentleman went to his secretary, counted out the money, and told his friend to take his own time for payment. The son and his wife could but ill conceal their astonishment on finding, as they imagined, that their father had reserved a considerable sum of money their conduct changed, and from that day to his death the old gentleman had no reason to complain of want of attention.

He died some years after, having previously made his will (5), which he placed in the hands of his old friend. It is the custom in England, on the day of interment, to read the will of the deceased in presence of the fa

(1) Never mind, n'importe.

(2) To call on, passer chez; voyez la liste des verbes suivis de prépositions, Grammaire pratique.

(5) To be short of, manquer, n'avoir que très-peu de. (4) Ready money, argent comptant, espèces.

(5) His will, son testament,