rative. A young German nobleman of great merit and talents, paid his addresses to an accomplished young lady of the Palatinate; and applied to her father for his consent to marry her. The old nobleman, amongst other observations, asked him, "How he expected to maintain his daughter ?" The young man, surprised at such a question, observed, “That his possessions were known to be ample, and as secure as the honours of his family." "All this is very true," replied the father: "but you well know, that our country has suffered much from wars and devastation; and that new events of this nature may sweep away all your estate, and render you destitute. To keep you no longer in suspense," continued the father, with great politeness and affection, "I have seriously resolved never to marry my daughter to any person, who, whatever may be his honours or property, does not possess some mechanical art, by which he may be able to support her in case of unforeseen events." The young nobleman, deeply affected with his determination, was silent for a few minutes; when, recovering himself, he declared, "That he believed his happiness so much depended on the proposed union, that no difficulty or submission, consistent with his honour, should prevent him from endeavouring to accomplish it." He begged to know whether he might be allowed six

months to acquire the knowledge of some manual art. The father, pleased with the young man's resolution, and affection for his daughter, consented to the proposal; and pledged his honour that the marriage should take place, if, at the expiration of the time limited, he should succeed in his undertaking.

Animated by the tenderest regard, and by a high sense of the happiness he hoped to enjoy, he went immediately into Flanders, engaged himself to a white twig basket-maker, and applied every power of ingenuity and industry to become skilled in the business. He soon obtained a complete knowledge of the art; and before the expiration of the time proposed, returned, and brought with him, as specimens of his skill, several baskets adapted to fruit, flowers, and needle-work. These were presented to the young lady; and universally admired for the delicacy and perfection of the workmanship. Nothing now remained to prevent the accomplishment of the noble youth's wishes and the marriage was solemnized to the satisfaction of all parties.

The young couple lived several years in affluence; and seemed, by their virtues and moderation, to have secured the favours of fortune. But the ravages of war, at length, extended themselves to the Palatinate. Both the families were driven

from their country, and their estates forfeited. And now opens a most interesting scene. The young nobleman commenced his trade of basketmaking; and, by his superior skill in the art, soon commanded extensive business. For many years, he liberally supported, not only his own family, but also that of the good old nobleman, his fatherin-law and enjoyed the high satisfaction of contributing, by his own industry, to the happiness of connexions doubly endeared to him by their misfortunes; and who otherwise would have sunk into the miseries of neglect and indigence, sharpened by the remembrance of better days.

CHAPTER III.

DIDACTIC PIECES.

SECTION I.

Tenderness to mothers.

MARK

ARK that parent hen, said a father to his be loved son. With what anxious care does she call together her offspring, and cover them with her expanded wings! The kite is hovering in the air, and, disappointed of his prey, may perhaps dart upon the hen herself, and bear her off in his talons.

Does not this sight suggest to you the tenderness and affection of your mother? Her watchful care protected you in the helpless period of infancy, when she nourished you with her milk, taught your limbs to move, and your tongue to lisp its unformed accents. In your childhood, she mourned over your little griefs; rejoiced in your innocent delights; administered to you the healing balm in sickness; and instilled into your mind the love of truth, of virtue, and of wisdom. Oh! cherish every sentiment of respect for such a mother. She merits your warmest gratitude, esteem,

and veneration.

PERCIVAL.

SECTION 11.

Respect and affection due from pupils to their tutors.

This

QUINCTILIAN says, that he has included almost all the duty of scholars in this one piece of advice which he gives them to love those who instruct them, as they love the sciences which they study; and to look upon them as fathers, from whom they derive not the life of the body, but that instruction which is in a manner the life of the soul. sentiment of affection and respect disposes them to apply diligently during the time of their studies; and preserves in their minds, during the remainder of life, a tender gratitude towards their instructers. It seems to include a great part of what is to be expected from them.

Docility, which consists in readily receiving instructions, and reducing them to practice, is properly the virtue of scholars, as that of masters is to teach well. As it is not sufficient for a labourer to sow the seed, unless the earth, after having opened its bosom to receive it, warms and moistens it; so the whole fruit of instruction depends upon a good correspondence between masters and scholars.

Gratitude towards those who have faithfully laboured in our education, is an essential virtue, and the mark of a good heart. "Of those who have been carefully instructed, who is there," says Cicero,