ting his garden, sat down with thankfulness, and ate his meal with her. Mary was contented in the station allotted her, and nothing was wanting to complete her happiness, but a certainty of her dear brother's welfare; but she would not quit her kind friend the shepherd, and she could not reasonably indulge the hope that chance would conduct her beloved relative to her abode. Eight years had elapsed since their separation, and she was certain that if they were to meet, they would not recollect each other. She found some consolation, however, in reflecting on her brother's virtues, and she felt convinced that Heaven would not forsake him.

During this period, the situation of Francis was still improving, for his master, becoming daily better acquainted with his good qualities, and finding him an excellent economist, as a proof of his confidence, intrusted him with the management of all his property. Francis, that he might the more conscientiously discharge the duties annexed to his new vocation, went to examine his patron's estates, and observe what agricultural improvements they were capable of receiving.

A part of the very mountain where Mary lived, and several of the adjacent fields, belonged to his master. It happened, one evening after sunset, as he was walking alone through the valley, lost in thought, the night overtook him. He then attempted to return, but, being totally unacquainted with the place, mistook his way. He wandered for some time, without knowing whither: at length, he came to the

brink of a river, whence he fancied he perceived houses at a distance. He accordingly began to ford it, but, coming near the middle, he found the stream much deeper and more rapid than he had imagined. He then betook himself to swimming; but the current, being very strong, carried him along like a reed; and had he not had the presence of mind to throw himself against a bank, he must inevitably have perished; however, he fortunately succeeded in clinging to some willows that grew there, and crossed without sustaining any other damage than that of wetting his clothes.

In this state, he reached the top of the mountain, where, seeing a hut, he knocked at the door. The good old shepherd instantly got up and opened it. "Pardon me," said Francis, "if I have disturbed your rest; but I have had the misfortune to lose my way in the valley, and have just escaped drowning. I stand in great need, as you see, of your hospitality, both to dry my clothes, and recruit my strength after my fatigue." "Sleep, it is true,” replied the old man, "is very sweet; but I consider it much sweeter to assist a fellow creature. I beg, therefore, that you will make no apology, but walk in, and make use of my house as if it were your own." Having thus welcomed him, the old man lighted a fire, and, after giving him some refreshment, and hanging his clothes to dry, made him sleep in his own bed.

At the break of day, Mary arose to lead the flock to the pasture, and was surprised to find the old shepherd already up and busy. As soon as he had

related the adventure of the preceding night

Why," said she, "did you not wake me? I would have done whatever was necessary, and your rest would not have been broken."-"Ah! Mary," replied he, "do you imagine that I prefer my sleep to the exercise of humanity? I seldom have an opportunity of being serviceable to anybody, and I consider myself truly happy when an occasion offers." "And I also," rejoined Mary, "I constantly desire it, that I may, by my present and future conduct, make amends for what is past.". "Come, come," returned her aged friend, "you may today, in some degree, satisfy your wishes. I will endeavor to engage our guest to stay and partake of our frugal fare, and you will take care to choose the best of our provisions, and prepare it, as well as you are able, for him." Mary tripped off very light hearted, and as she went along, thought only how to dress their homely meal in the nicest manner. At the usual hour, she returned to the cottage, and covered the table with such excellent bread, milk, and new-laid eggs, that not only a person unused to refinement, but one accustomed to every delicacy, might have eaten with an appetite.

In the interval, Francis had risen; and, as he intended to reward the cottagers for their attention and kindness, he the more willingly consented to partake of their repast. While they sat at table, he found himself drawn by a secret impulse towards the young shepherdess, who, on her side, felt the same tender sympathy towards him, though she sat with her eyes

GIVE ME THE SWORD.

"O, SISTER! I am sick of toys, Although I have a plenteous hoard; But they are only fit for boys,

Or girls like Jane :- give me the sword.

"I care not for my bat and ball,

My kite and marbles closely stored,
I will part with them one and all,
So you will give me up the sword.

"Come, hark! the trumpet's stirring sound
Calls every hero brave away,

To mingle on the battle ground;

You would not have me, then, delay ?

"Give me the sword, and let me go,

To act the soldier's glorious part,

To fearless meet the traitor foe,

And stab him to his coward heart."

Hush, Charles, you know not what you speak;

The sword is oft a tyrant's toy,

To crush the free, to awe the weak,

To slay, to ravage, and destroy !