higher Power, and that Power often dashes in pieces the instrument before the work be complete; or removes what appeared an honoured and successful agent from the scene of his usefulness, dooms him thenceforth to silence and inactivity; and finishes His work without him. Such was the case here, as if to prove the uncertain issue of human efforts, however well directed. The scourge of fever visited the village; the parsonage was not exempt from its ravages;—and its revered inmate, after a protracted struggle, was wrested from its grasp, only to be doomed to blindness during the remainder of his days!

Beggary now appeared the inevitable portion of him and of his children: his curacy must be resigned, for he was no longer equal to its duties. And what expedient, what refuge remained for him, who had nothing but his profession to rely upon? Necessity makes even the timid daring. A mother will venture much, to avert want from her children; and Mrs. M- who had been known to the Princess Charlotte in very early life, determined to lay her case before that benevolent Princess. A letter written on the very morning of her marriage-what a heart must that have been, which even in the very heyday of its happiness could remember the woes of

K

others and remedy them!— announced Mrs. M—'s * and concluded thus:

success;

66

I am commanded by H. R. H. to assure you, that steps have already been taken towards carrying your wishes into effect."

The next week but one brought a presentation. Oh, what gratitude, what joy-did its receipt occasion! what bitter disappointment,—what heartfelt regret were attendant on its rejection! The event was, without delay, communicated in person by M- to his diocesan. Bishop

though a mild "I com

and amiable man, was the slave of forms. miserate your case,” he said. “I would do anything in my power to serve or to assist you; but I cannot break through established usage, or create a mischievous precedent. Shew me how you intend to read yourself in, and I will give my Secretary the necessary instructions forthwith."

Protracted correspondence and repeated interviews, left the matter in this perplexing situation— as undecided as ever. How long affairs could have remained in this state, or whether any adjustment would ever have taken place, cannot now be decided; for one evening, when Mhimself was begin

* Lady SR-, afterwards Viscountess E-, was the writer.

ing to feel the sickness of hope deferred, and the spirits of his family were deeply depressed, a new turn was given to affairs by Arthur, the eldest boy, starting up and exclaiming, "Father, since the Bishop says you MUST read yourself in; and Mr. the Bishop's Secretary, says the same; and Mr. the Proctor, says the same; and you say (truly enough) you can do nothing of the kind : suppose you were to repeat yourself in? I am sure, since I have heard you say the whole of the first book of Virgil, you could manage the thirty-nine Articles; and I would be with you in the desk, and stand prompter."

Blessings on you, my dear Arthur," was the reply of the agitated parent, "you have suggested a plan which will relieve us from all our difficulties.” And it did. I was not at the church myself on that eventful morning; but there sits by my side one who was. He tells me that there was scarcely a dry eye in that crowded building, when Arthur guided his blind and aged parent into the desk; that the old man's voice faltered greatly at the commencement of the morning prayers, and the services of his prompter were put into active requisition-that he gained courage as he proceeded, and made a noble ending:-that most cordial, and

hearty and sincere were the congratulations offered him at its close by his new parishioners; and that many a rough and weather-beaten hand seized his, and shook it with friendly sympathy, as he was guided through the churchyard, at the end of the service, by his dutiful and delighted son.

And, reader, upon these details you may rely. Would you know who it is that smiles as I write this, and tells me that I am spinning a long yarn,”—but a true one? It is (bronzed with foreign service, and not altogether so choice in his expressions as I could wish) my Friend, and I hope, yours, Captain Arthur

THE CONVERT OF THE HAREM.

Perchè sempre v'ho amato, ed amo molto,
Questo consiglio, gli dicea, vi dono;

E quando già, signor, per me l'ho tolto,
Creder potete ch'io l'estimo buono.
Cristo conobbi Dio, Maumetto stolto;

E bramo voi por nella via in ch'io sono;
Nella via di salute, signor, bramo
Che siate meco, e tutti gli altri ch'amo.

Orl. Fur. Canto. 41.

ZARA. "I sought thee;-'t was to say ' Forget!'
Loved, Selim, as thou wast, and art,

Farewell! we part to-night; but yet,
Without one word 't was hard to part.
Farewell;-forget me!"

SELIM.

"Words like these

From Zara's lips to Selim's ear!
Oh, she is far too prompt to tease,
Or he is far too quick to fear."