that drove them headlong down the path on the other side of the eminence', and then followed his example. The pedler entered the thicket with a little caution', and avoided, as much as possible', rustling or breaking the branches in his way. There was but time only to shelter his person from view', when a dragoon led up the ascent', and, on reaching the height', he cried aloud "I saw one of their horses turning the hill this minute." "Drive on-spur forward`, my lads'," shouted Mason; “give the Englishman quarter', but cut down the pedler', and make an end of him." Henry felt his companion gripe his arm hard', as he listened in a great tremor to this cry', which was followed by the passage of a dozen horsemen', with a vigor and speed that showed too plainly how little security their over-tired steeds could have afforded them. "Now," said the pedler', rising from his cover to reconnoiter, and standing for a moment in suspense', "all that we gain is clear' gain; for', as we go up', they go down. Let us be stirring." "But will they not follow us', and surround the mountain'?” said Henry', rising, and imitating the labored but rapid progress of his companion`; "remember they have foot as well as horse', and at any rate we shall starve in the hills'." "Fear nothing, captain Wharton'," returned the pedler with confidence; "this is not the mountain that I would be on, but necessity has made me a dexterous pilot among these hills. I will lead you where no man will dare to follow. See, the sun is already setting behind the tops of the western mountains', and it will be two hours to the rising of the moon. Who', think you', will follow us far', on a November night', among these rocks and precipices'?" "But listen'!" exclaimed Henry`; "the dragoons are shouting to each other'-they miss us already." "Come to the point of this rock', and you may see them," said Harvey', composedly setting himself down to rest. “ Nay, they can see us'-noticè, they are pointing up with their fingers. There! one has fired his pistol', but the distance is too great for even a musket to carry upwards." 66 They will pursue us'," cried the impatient Henry'; “let us be moving." They will not think of such a thing'," returned the pedler, picking the chickerberries that grew on the thin soil where he sat', and very deliberately chewing them, leaves and all', to refresh his mouth'. "What progress could they make here, in their boots and spurs', with their long swords', or even pistols'? No, no-they may go back and turn out the foôt; but the horsè pass through these defiles', when they can keep the saddle, with fear and trembling. Comè, follow mè, captain Wharton'; we have a troublesome march before us', but I will bring you where none will think of venturing this night." So saying, they both arose, and were soon hid from view amongst the rocks and caverns of the mountains. LESSON LXXXV. ANECDOTE OF DR. CHAUNCY. DR. COOPER, who was a man of accomplished manners, and fond of society, was able, by the aid of his fine talents, to dispense with some of the severe study that others engaged in. This, however, did not escape the envy and malice of the world, and it was said, in a kind of petulant and absurd exaggeration', that he used to walk to the south end of a Saturday', and if he saw a man riding into town in a black coat, would stop and ask him to preach the next day. Dr. Chauncy was a close student', very absenť and very irritablè. On these traits in the character of the two clergymen, a servant of Dr. Chauncy laid a scheme for obtaining a particular object from his master. Scipio went into his master's study one morning to receive some directions', which the doctor having given', resumed his writing, but the servant still remained. The master, looking up a few minutes afterwards, and supposing he had just come in', said, "Scipio', what do you want'?" "I want a new coat', massà." Well, go to Mrs. Chauncy`, and tell her to give you one of my old coats';" and he was again absorbed in his studies. The servant remained fixed. After a while, the doctor', turning his eyes that way', saw him again' as if for the first timé, and said, "What do you want, Scip'?" I want a new coat, massà.” "Well, go to my wifè, and ask her to give you one of my old coats;" and he fell to writing once more. Scipio remained in the same posture. After a few minutes', the doctor looked towards him', and repeated the former question'," Scipio', what do you want'?" "I want a new coat, massa." It now flashed over the doctor's mind, that there was something of repetition in this dialogue. "Why`, have I not told you before to ask Mrs. Chauncy to give you one'? get away." Yes, massà, but I no want a black' coat." "Not want a biąck' coat! why not?" Why, massà,-I 'fraid to tell yoù-but I don't want a black` coat." "What's the 66 66 "O' reason you don't want a black coat'? tell me directly'." massà, I don't want a black coat, but I 'fraid to tell you the reason', you so passionatè. "You rascal'! will you tell me the reason'?" "O! massà, I'm sure you be angry'." "If I had my cane here', you villain', I'd break your bones': will you tell me what you mean'?" "I 'fraid to tell you, massà; I know you be angry." The doctor's impatience was now highly irritated', and Scipio', perceiving by his glance at the tongs that he might find a substitute for the cane, and that he was sufficiently excited', said, "Well', massà, you makè me tell', but I know you be angry'—I 'fraid', massá, if I wear another black coat', Dr. Cooper' ask me to preach for him!" This unexpected termination realized the servant's calculation ; his irritated master burst into a laugh," Gò, you rascal', get my hat and canè, and tell Mrs. Chauncy she may give you a coat of any color'; a red one if you choose'." Away went the negro to his mistress', and the doctor' to tell the story to his friend' Dr. Cooper. LESSON LXXXV I. THE DESERTED VILLAGE. Iambic. Epic measure. SWEET Auburn'! loveliest village of the plain', The never-failing brook, the busy mill'; The decent church', that topt the neighboring hill'; And many a gambol frolicked o'er the ground', 30 The matron's glancè, that would those looks reprove^; Thy glades forlorn confess the tyrant's power. Amidst thy tangling walks and ruined grounds', 40 Where once the cottage stood', the hawthorn grew', And keep the flame from wasting by reposè : And tell of all I felt', and all I saw'; And, as a hare', which hounds and horns pursue', O blest retirement', friend to life's declinè, To spurn imploring famine from the gatè · LESSON LXXXVII. CELADON AND AMELIA. Iambic. Epic. YOUNG CELADON' And his AMELIA were a matchless pair; They loved' but such their guileless passion was 10 'Twas friendship' heightened by the mutual wish'; So passed their life^, a clear united stream^, 20 By care unruffled^, till in evil hour' The tempest caught them on the tender walk', Heedless how far, and where its mazes strayed` While', with each other blest', creative lové Still bade eternal Eden smile around. 25 Presaging instant fate', her bosom heaved' Unwonted sighs', and stealing oft a look' Of the big gloom', on Celadon her eyé Fell tearful', wetting her disordered cheek. In vain assuring lové and confidence' 30 In Heaven' repressed her fear'; it grew, and shook' |