Shouldst thou refuse thy parents needful aid, It is a consoling reflection, however, that all do not act se unnatural and cruel a part; we, therefore, turn to a more pleasing picture, and for the honour of humanity would fain hope, that many will be found amongst the youthful readers of The CHEAP MAGAZINE, who like the EXEM PLARY BROTHERS in the following tale,† will need no other stimulus than that of a virtuous education, to urge them to filial duty; and make them sensible of the many claims their parents have upon them in the VICISSITUDES OF LIFE. "Mr. JEFFRIES was a rich merchant, who lived in the greatest splendour: he kept many servants, and had several carriages. His house in London was spacious, and fitted at the usual season. In all these circumstances, it is reported, their young ones assist them, covering them with their wings, and nourish. ing them with the warmth of their bodies; even bringing them provisions in their beaks, and carrying them from place to place on their backs, or supporting them with their wings: in this manner returning, as much as lies in their power, the care which was bestowed on them when they were young ones in the nest. A striking example of filial piety, inspired by instinct; from which, Reason itself need not be ashamed to take example! * Honour thy father and thy mother,that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, was an express commandment, and the only one to which a promise was annexed. Certainly, nothing can be more just and reasonable, than that we should love, honour, and succour those who are the very authors of our being, and to whose tender care (under Heaven) we owe the continuance of it, during the helpless state of our infancy. CHOICE EMBLEMS. From MELMOTH's "Beauties of British Prose." fitted up in the most costly manner; nor was his country seat less magnificent. This gentleman had two sons: LEWIS and ARCHIBALD. As soon as they were of proper age, they were put under the tuition of a worthy clergyman, who lived at some distance from the metropolis. As these children had been accustomed to a life of indolent indulgence, to do nothing for themselves, and to have servants constantly attending them, they were weak in body, and debilitated in mind. Their wishes, however absurd, had always been gratified, and hence, though of much possessed, they were with nothing pleased. Their desires increased. from the facility with which they were complied with, and only served to render them fretful and dissatisfied. What they had did not gratify them, and what they wished for when obtained, pleased them no longer. Such were the pupils Mr. BRIANT received; their pride was equal to their indolence, they constantly rang the bell for every trifle they wanted, and gave their orders in the most imperious manner. They complained of the fatigue they endured, because they were obliged to walk, instead of having a carriage always at their command. Mr. BRIANT, who was a man of sense and learning, and who knew much of life, was certain that with such dispositions his pupils could never be happy, notwithstanding. the bounty which distinguished their lot. To possess the means of happiness is not sufficient, unless we know how to apply them; and of this knowledge how. many are ignorant! how rarely is plenty enjoyed by those who riot in profusion! how seldom are the sweets of rest tasted by such as have no employment! To subdue superfluous wishes; to learn to prefer what is really good to what only appears so, is the way to be truly happy. We ought never to shrink even from labour and toil, if by it our virtue is strengthened, or the good of our fellow-crea tures is promoted. It was the active and arduous endeavour of Mr. BRIANT to erase from the minds of his pupils those pernicious maxims they had long been suffered to indulge; to lead them to nobler aims, than merely living at the expense of others, and passing their time in listless idleness. By dégrees he innured them to exercise, and they often assisted him in cultivating a garden which belonged to his house. Eager to imitate what they saw, they were insensibly led to better habits; and their minds as well as their bodies were strengthened by them. They arose early in the morning, which, though at first they found difficult, use soon made agreeable. A delightful walk, or a story from Mr. BRIANT, more than repaid them for every exertion. Their breakfast was rendered entertaining by a recapitulation of the events of the preceding day; and whenever they had performed any praise-worthy action, the warmest commendations recompensed their virtue. Their tempers also, which before were sour and morose, were now become pliant and oblig ing. When they returned in the holidays to their father's house, so great was the alteration a twelvemonth had made, that he could scarcely recognize them as his sons. They were healthy, active, good-tempered, and condescending. Fretfulness no longer made them disgusting, nor did they weary every one with the constant attendance they required. It is impossible to speak the delight of Mr. JEFFRIES upon this occasion, and he gave the most liberal proofs of his gratitude to Mr. BRIANT. At the expiration of their holidays, they returned to their improvements, and their useful avocations. Besides the studies and accomplishments deemed necessary for their rank, they were instructed by Mr. BRIANT in the knowledge of agriculture, in all its various and useful branches. They were astonished to see see by what numerous and extensive labours man is supplied with food; and in proportion as they saw how much they depended on others, they became more affable and obliging. They would frequently go into the fields to see the plough open the bosom of the earth, the sower scatter the seed, and the harrow finish the toil; they would watch the seed as it broke through the ground, and the green blade as it began to sprout. In the joyous time of harvest, they would assist the poor gleaners, and intreat Mr. BRIANT to throw them a few handfuls from the rich sheaves. By this conduct they endeared themselves to every one, and there was scarcely a cottager in the village who had not cause to revere the name of LEWIS and ARCHIBALD. Far from despising the menial, but useful offices of life, they felt the greatest pleasure in rendering themselves useful. They no longer sighed for a gilded coach, nor a numerous train of useless dependents. Their progress in learning was equal to the improvements of their minds, and whatever advantages they might derive from their rank, were far inferior to those their intrinsic merit bestowed. At length, after finishing their studies at Oxford, they returned to their father, such sons as any father might delight to own. The splendour, the opulence which surrounded them, gave them frequent opportunities of being serviceable to their fellow-creatures; nor did they ever let such opportunities pass unheeded. But, alas! how uncertain is every thing mortal! Mr. JEFFRIES, whose success in life had hitherto been invariable, now experienced a cruel reverse. The sudden breaking out of war first involved him in difficulties, and a house, with whom he had very large connections, stopping payment, plunged him still deeper in ruin. The information of several ships which were freighted for him being captured, completed the blow; after all his debts were paid he found himself 66 himself master of little more than what he had been accustomed to spend as the yearly expenses of his household, which was but a degree removed from poverty. In the first agony of grief and disappointment, he abandoned himself to despair, till the affectionate and dutiful attention of his sons recalled him to reason and reflection. They made use of every solacing argument they thought likely to comfort him, and added, as neither guilt nor imprudence had been the cause of his misfortunes, he could in no respect upbraid himself; but must endeavour more calmly to submit to the dispensations of heaven. "We are young," said they, healthy, and strong, and by our labour we will still support you in ease and plenty; long enough have you thus supported us. We have now an opportunity of shewing our gratitude; so sweet will be the offices, that the melancholy occasion which called it forth, shall be wholly forgotten." The afflicted father made no answer, but folded them tenderly to his bosom. By the advice of his friends, and the concurring wishes of his own breast, he determined to leave England, as he could not bear that the place which had witnessed his former grandeur, should behold his present abasement. He had unfortunately been accustomed to look on wealth as the only means of happiness; the luxuries it afforded, the respect it commanded, were dearer than ever to his bosom; and though while he possessed riches, he was still anxious for more, and still found that accumulation satisfied not his wishes, nor at all added to his real enjoyments, he could now neither resign his wealth with fortitude, nor bear its loss with submission. He had a lesson to learn which to him was very difficult, that industry and content are better securities of happiness, than wealth and parade. The small sum which was left of his immense riches, he proposed laying out in the purchase of |