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course was addressed to the ex-king of France, between whom and the merry Mahometan there seemed to be an excellent understanding, despite of bigotry on the one side, and the remembrance of injury on the other.

The reply of the gin-drinking gentleman soon put a new face on the whole

matter.

'Yah, yah, my good friend! What you say is quite right-strafe mich hael. Der champagne is fit only for kings; and if I were no more than a beggarly merchant, or mister, or even one of the barons or counts that swarm all over this pitiful country, I should think shame to intrude on your good company. But I am a sovereign too, or at least I was, not long ago, before my rebellious subjects, confound them, got up and burned my palace about my ears, and drove me out of my dominions. Six months ago I was Duke Charles of Brunswick and Lunenburg.'

The four boon companions, at this announcement, shook hands with the duke, and made room for him at their table; and Henry the Fifth of France rang the bell, and ordered another glass and another flask of champagne.

As the wine circulated, the five deposed sovereigns grew more and more jovial. Duke Charles volunteered a German song, with a droll chorus; at the which the Dey laughed himself almost into convulsions, although not understanding a word of it. Young Henry, pleased at seeing his grandfather so much beguiled of his melancholy, exerted himself to increase the pleasure and harmony of the meeting with excellent tact and success. His wit was gay and sparkling, and his demeanour a graceful compound of ease, elegance, and active politeness, beautifully tempered with the modesty becoming his age, and the respect due to his elder brethren in misfortune. Don Miguel grinned and said nothing, but drank like a fish; and as for the poor Dey, the unaccustomed liquor was fast making inroads upon his powers mental and bodily.

At length, when the song was finished, the younger Bourbon, after exchanging a few words in a low voice with his grandfather, rose from his chair, and crossing over to where the veteran still sat, absorbed in reflection, addressed him in French to this purport:

'Mon camarade for I too am a soldier, though a young and untried one will you not do me the favour to join our

party, and help us to empty a bottle of this very excellent wine? You have heard our conversation, no doubt, and learned that we are all princes in exile and misfortune. An old soldier is worthy to be the companion of kings upon whom no cloud has fallen; and our misfortunes have not made us proud. Will you not join our company?'

The veteran had raised his face, and fastened his eyes on the blooming and ingenuous countenance of the speaker; he now rose to his feet, and placing his hand, with a solemn and touching dignity, upon the young man's head, exclaimed, with deep emotion,

'My son, the blessing of an old man, full of years and sorrows, be upon you! I will gladly and gratefully accept your invitation. The voice of kindness is not so familiar to my heart as to make it unwelcome, even from a stranger. The old soldier thanks and blesses you. But before I take a seat among your friends, know that their misfortunes and your own are as nothing compared with mine. They have fallen from no greater height, and to no such depth of poverty and wretchedness as an unkind fate has singled out for me. friends, and say that the exiled and lonely Colonel Gustafson is happy to forget his sorrows for a time in their good company.'

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At that name all rose to their feet, except the Dey, who was now scarcely able even to sit upright. The sad and stately Charles, the half-witted Brunswick, and even the brutal Miguel, paid willing homage to the sorrows of one not less exalted in birthright than themselves; and deep was the respect with which they received and welcomed the poor, deposed, and timeworn king, Gustavus of Sweden.

It seemed that another errand of politeness and benevolence, not unmingled, perhaps, with curiosity, now presented itself to the mind of the young Bourbon.

The water-drinker was now the only solitary stranger in the room, and he had risen to depart, moved, it is not to be doubted, by a feeling of respectful delicacy, to which none could be insensible in the presence of one so hallowed by misfortune as the uncrowned monarch who once had sat upon the throne of Gustavus Vasa. Already, perhaps, had curiosity and wonder betrayed the stranger into what might be regarded as a viola

tion of good breeding; although, certainly, a king has no more right in a publichouse than any other man who pays for what he has, and makes no disturbance. It would have been more generous, if not more courteous, to leave the royal party to themselves at an earlier moment; the singularity of these successive disclosures had kept him a listener and spectator; but now he felt that it would be uncivil and unmanly longer to remain a spy upon their conviviality. Such at least may be supposed to have been his sentiments, for he arose and drew on his gloves; but the young heir of France had already determined upon his line of conduct. Advancing to the stranger, and addressing him in very correct and, for a Frenchman, well-spoken English, with a good-humoured smile playing upon his lips and beaming in his eyes, he once more adventured to become the ambassador of his royal friends,

'It is not,' he said, 'presuming too much, I trust, upon the strangeness of this encounter, to which you, sir, have been a witness, to ask you the favour of becoming also a party. It will afford great pleasure to my grandfather and myself; and I am confident in making the same assurance in the name of these other unfortunate personages, with whose history you are no doubt acquainted.'

The stranger rose and bowed.

'I feel honoured by the invitation,' he replied, 'and render grateful acknowledgments for your attention. A request so courteously proffered could not be denied, even without regard to the high gratification I must feel in joining so excellent and illustrious a company,'

'May I ask the additional favour of being permitted to introduce you to my friends?' returned the Bourbon. 'Perhaps,' he added, with a smile, 'it is my good fortune to address another dethroned king or sovereign prince?'

'Not so,' answered the stranger. 'Mine is no such distinguished name. I am a simple citizen of the United States, where none is higher or lower than his neighbour.'

'And as such most heartily welcome,' said the young ex-monarch. Our party is now singularly complete: six sovereigns, and a republican who owes allegiance to no power save the law. And now,' he continued, speaking in Italian, 'permit me to present you to my grandfather.'

The American placed in the hand of

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THE CADI'S LESSON IN QUIETNESS.

My Illustrious Friend, and joy of my Liver!-The thing you ask of me is both difficult and useless. Although I have passed all my days in this place, I have neither counted the houses, nor have I inquired into the number of the inhabitants; and as to what one person loads on his mules, and the other stows away in the bottom of his ship, that is no business of mine. But above all, as to the previous history of this city, God only knows the amount of dirt and confusion that the infidel may have eaten before the coming of the sword of Islam. It were unprofitable for us to inquire into it.

O my soul! O my lamb! seek not after the things which concern thee not. Thou camest unto us and we welcomed thee; go in peace.

Of a truth thou hast spoken many words; and there is no harm done, for the speaker is one, and the listener is another. After the fashion of thy people, thou hast wandered from one place to another until thou art happy and content in none. We (praise be to God) were born here, and never desire to quit it. Is it possible, then, that the idea of a general intercourse between mankind should make any impression on our understandings? God forbid!

Listen, O my son! There is no wisdom equal unto the belief in God! He created the world, and shall we liken ourselves unto him in seeking to penetrate into the mysteries of his creation? Shall we say, behold this star spinneth round that star, and this other star with a tail goeth and cometh in so many years! Let it go! He from whose hand it came, will guide and direct it.

But thou wilt say unto me, stand aside, O man, for I am more learned than thou

art, and have seen more things. If thou thinkest that in this respect thou art better than I am, thou art welcome. I praise God that I seek not that which I require not. Thou art learned in the things I care not for; and as for that which thou hast seen, I defile it. Will much knowledge create thee a double belly, or wilt thou seek Paradise with thine eyes?

O my friend! if thou wilt be happy, say, There is no God but God! Do no evil, and thus wilt thou fear neither man nor death; for surely thine hour will come!

The meek in spirit (El Fakir)
IMAUN ALI ZADE.

VALUE OF LEARNING. I feel very sensibly, that if I shall now urge you by general exhortations, to be instant in the pursuit of the learning which, in all its branches, flourishes under the kindly shelter of these roofs, I may weary you with the unprofitable repetition of a thrice-told tale; and if I presume to offer my advice touching the conduct of your studies, I may seem to trespass upon the province of those venerable persons, under whose care you have the singular happiness to be placed. But I would, nevertheless, expose myself to either charge, for the sake of joining my voice with theirs, in anxiously entreating you to believe how incomparably the present season is verily and indeed the most precious of your whole lives. It is not the less true, because it has been oftentimes said, that the period of youth is by far the best fitted for the improvement of the mind, and the retirement of college almost exclusively adapted to much study. At your enviable age, everything has the lively interest of novelty and freshness: attention is perpetually sharpened by curiosity; and the memory is tenacious of the deep impressions it thus receives, to a degree unknown in after life; while the distracting cares of the world, or its beguiling pleasures, cross not the threshold of those calm retreats; its distant noise and bustle are faintly heard, making the shelter you enjoy more grateful; and the struggles of anxious mortals embarked upon the troublous sea, are viewed from an eminence, the security of which is rendered more sweet by the prospects of the scene below. Yet a little while, and you, too, will be plunged into those waters of bitterness; and will

cast an eye of regret, as now I do, upon the peaceful regions you have quitted for ever. Such is your lot as members of society; but it will be your own fault if you look back on this place with repentance or with shame; and be well assured that, whatever time-ay, every hour-you squander here on unprofitable idling, will then rise up against you, and be paid for by years of bitter but unavailing regrets. Study, then, I beseech you, so to store your minds with the exquisite learning of former ages, that you may always possess within yourselves sources of rational and refined enjoyment, which will enable you to set at nought the grosser pleasures of sense, whereof other men are slaves; and so imbue yourself with the sound philosophy of later days, forming yourselves to the virtuous habits which are its legitimate offspring, that you may walk unhurt through the trials which await you, and may look down upon the ignorance and error that surround you, not with lofty and supercilious contempt, as the sages of old times, but with the vehement desire of enlightening those who wander in darkness, and who are by so much the more endeared to us, by how much they want our assistance.-Lord Brougham.

A COUPLE OF ROGUES.

It is with ridicule as with compassion: we do not like to be the solitary objects of either, and whether we are laughed at or pitied, we have no objection to sharers, and fancy we can lessen the weight by dividing the load. A gentleman who was present at the battle of Leipsic told me a humorous anecdote, which may serve to illustrate the above position. It will be remem

bered, that our government had despatched a rocket brigade to assist at that action, and that Captain Boger, a very deserving young officer, lost his life in the commanding of it. After the

signal defeat of the French at this memorable

action, Leipsic became full of a mixed medley of soldiers of all arms, and of all nations; of

course, a great variety of coin was in circulation there; a British private, who was attached to the rocket brigade, and who had picked up a little broken French and German, went to the largest hotel in Leipsic, and displaying an English shilling to the landlord, inquired if this piece of coin was current there; oh yes, replied he, you may have whatever the house affords for

that money, it passes current here at present. compliant quarters, called about him more lustOur fortunate Bardolph, finding himself in such

ily, and the most sumptuous dinner the house could afford, washed down by sundry bottles of the most expensive wines, were despatched without ceremony. On going away, he tendered at the bar the single identical shilling which the landlord had inadvertently led him to expect was to perform such wonders. The stare, the shrug, and the exclamation elicited from 'mine

host of the garter,' by such a tender, may be more easily conceived than expressed. An explanation very much to the dissatisfaction of the land

lord took place, who quickly found, not only

that nothing more was likely to be got, but also that the laugh would be tremendously heavy against him. This part of the profits he had a very Christian wish to divide with his neighbour. Taking, therefore, his guest to the streetdoor of his hotel, he requested him to look over the way. 'Do you see,' said he, 'that large hotel opposite? That fellow, the landlord of it, is my sworn rival, and nothing can keep this story

from his ears, in which case I shall never hear the last of it. Now, my good fellow, you are not only welcome to your entertainment, but I will

instantly give you a five-franc-piece into the bargain, if you will promise, on the word of a soldier, to attempt the very same trick with him to-morrow, that succeeded so well with me to

day.' Our veteran took the money, and accepted

the conditions; but having buttoned up the sil

ver very securely in his pocket, he took his leave

of the landlord, with the following speech, and a bow, that did no discredit to Leipsic:-'Sir, I deem myself in honour bound to use my utmost

endeavours to put your wishes in execution; I shall certainly do all I can, but must candidly

inform you, that I fear I shall not succeed, since I played the very same trick with that gentleman yesterday; and it is to his particular advice alone that you are indebted for the honour of my company to-day.'

THE GRAND DUKE AND THE JEW.

A ROMANCE OF REAL LIFE.

The following singular story, which was current among the English residents in St Petersburg, at the time of the coronation of the late Emperor of Russia, has been narrated by a person recently arrived from that part of the Continent.

In the early part of the year 1826, an English gentleman, from Akmetcht in the Crimea, having occasion to travel to France on business of importance, directed his course by way of Warsaw in Poland. About an hour after his arrival in that city, he quitted the tavern in which he had been taking a refreshment, to take a walk through the streets. While sauntering in front of one of the public buildings, he met with an elderly gentleman, of a grave aspect and courteous demeanour. After a mutual exchange of civilities, they got into conversation, during which, with the characteristic frankness of an Englishman, he told the stranger who he was, where from, and whither he was going. The other, in the most friendly manner, invited him to share the hospitalities of his house, till such time as he found it convenient to resume his journey; adding, with a smile, that it was not im

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Unbounded liberality on the part of the Pole produced unbounded confidence on the part of the Englishman. The latter had a small box of jewels of great value, which he had carried about his person from the time of his leaving home; but finding that mode of conveyance both hazardous and inconvenient in a town, he requested his munificent host to deposit it in a place of security till he should be ready to go away. At the expiry of three days he prepared for his departure, and on asking for his box, how was he amazed when the old gentleman, with a countenance exhibiting the utmost surprise, replied, What box? Why, the small box of jewels which I gave you to keep for me!'-'My dear sir, you must surely be mistaken; I never really saw nor heard of such a box.' The Englishman was petrified. After recovering himself a little, he requested he would call his wife, she having been present when he received it. She came, and, on being questioned, answered in exact unison with her husband-expressed the same surprise-and benevolently endeavoured to persuade her distracted guest that it was a mere hallucination. With mingled feelings of horror, astonishment, and despair, he walked out of the house, and went to the tavern at which he had put up on his arrival in Warsaw. There he related his mysterious story, and learned that his iniquitous host was the richest Jew in Poland. He was advised, without delay, to state the case to the Grand Duke, who fortunately happened at that time to be in Warsaw.

He accordingly waited on him, and with little ceremony was admitted to an audience. He briefly laid down his case, and Nicholas 'with a greedy ear devoured up his discourse.' Nicholas expressed his astonishment - told him he knew the Jew, having had extensive money transactions with him- that he had always been respectable, and of an unblemished character. 'However,' he added, 'I will use every legitimate means to unveil the mystery.' So saying, he called on some gentlemen who were to dine with him that day, and despatched a messenger with a note to the Jew, re

How now, father abbot, I heare it of chee,
Thou keepest a farre better house than mce,
And for thy house-keeping and high renowne,
I feare thou work'st treason against my crowne.

questing his presence. Aaron obeyed the summons. Have you no recollection of having received a box of jewels from the hand of this gentleman?' said the duke.-'Never, my lord,' was the reply. My liege, quo' the abbot, I would it were knownc,

'Strange, indeed. Are you perfectly conscious,' turning to the Englishman, 'that you gave the box as stated?'-Quite certain, my lord.' Then addressing himself to the Jew: This is a very singular case, and I feel it my duty to use singular means to ascertain the truth. Is your wife at home?'-'Yes, my lord.'-'Then,' continued Nicholas, 'here is a sheet of paper, and here is a pen, proceed to write a note to your wife in such terms as I shall dictate.' Aaron lifted the pen. 'Now,' said this second Solomon, commence by saying, "All is discovered! There is no resource left but to deliver up the box. I have owned the fact in the presence of the Grand Duke." A tremor shook the frame of the Israelite, and the pen dropped from his fingers. But instantly recovering himself, he exclaimed, 'That is impossible, my lord. That would be directly implicating myself.'-' I give you my word of honour,' said Nicholas, in presence of every one in the room, that what you write shall never be used as an instrument against you, farther than the effect it produces on your wife may warrant. If you are innocent, you have nothing to fear; but if you persist in not writing it, I will hold it as a proof of your guilt.'

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With a trembling hand, the terrified Jew wrote out the note, folded it up, and, as he was desired, sealed it with his own signet. Two officers were despatched with it to his house, and when Sarah glanced over its contents, she swooned and sunk to the ground. The box was delivered up, and restored to its owner; and the Jew suffered the punishment his villany deserved. He was sent to Siberia.

KING JOHN AND THE ABBOT. [An old English ballad-long very popular.] Percy Reliques.

An ancient story Ile tell you anon
Of a notable prince, that was called King John;
And he ruled England with maine and with
might,

For he did great wrong, and maintein'd little right.

And Ile tell you a story, a story so merrye,
Concerning the Abbot of Canterburye;
How for his house-keeping, and high renowne,
They rode poste for him to fair London towne.
An hundred men, the king did heare say,
The abbot kept in his house every day;
And fifty gold chaynes, without any doubt,
In velvet coates waited the abbot about.

I never spend nothing but what is my owne; And I trust your grace will doe me no deere For spending of my owne true-gotten geere.

Yes, yes, father abbot, thy fault it is highe,

And now for the same thou needest must die; For except thou canst answer me questions

three,

Thy head shall be smitten from thy bodle.
And first, quo' the king, when I'm in this stead,
With my crowne of golde so faire on my head,
Among all my liege-men, so noble of birthe,
Thou must tell me to one penny what I am
worthe.

How soone I may ride the whole world about,
Secondlye, tell me, without any doubt,
And at the third question thou must not shrink,
But tell me here truly what I do think.

O, these are hard questions for my shallow witt,
Nor I cannot answer your grace as yet;
But if you will give me but three weekes space,
Ile do my endeavour to answer your grace.
Now three weeks space to thee will I give,
And that is the longest time thou hast to live;
For if thou dost not answer my questions three,
Thy lands and thy livings are forfeit to mec.
Away rode the abbot, all sad at that word,
And he rode to Cambridge and Oxenford;
But never a doctor there was so wise,
That could with his learning an answer deviso.
Then home rode the abbot, of comfort so co'd,
And he mett his shepheard agoing to fold:

How now, my lord abbot, you are welcome home,
What newes do you bring us from good King
John?

Sad newes, sad newes, shepheard, I must give
That I have but three days more to live;
For if I do not answer him questions three,
My head will be smitten from my bodìe.

The first is to tell him there in that stead,

With his crowne of golde so fair on his head,
Among all his liege-men so noble of birth,
To within one penny of what he is worth.
The seconde, to tell him, without any doubt,
How soone he may ride this whole world about:
And at the third question I must not shrinke,
But tell him there truly what he does thinke.
Now cheare up, sire abbot, did you never hear
yet,

That a fool he may learne a wise man witt? Lend me horse, and serving-men, and your apparel,

And I'll ride to London to answere your quarrel. Nay frowne not, if it hath bin told unto mce, I am like your lordship, as ever may bee And if you will but lend me your gowne, There is none shall knowe us in fair London towne.

Now horses and serving-men thou shalt have, With sumptuous array most gallant and brave; With crozier, and miter, and rochet, and cope, Fit to appeare 'fore our fader the pope.

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