FRING' ING, bordering; edging.LEDGE, layer; ridge.DAI SY, (literallyday's eye,) a little wild flower very common in summer.RI' OT OUS, noisy; reveling.BOIS' TER OUS, tumultuous; violent.CULL' ING, selecting; picking.BOU QUETS', (boo kas,) bunches of flowers.SULK' Y, morose.BOTH' ER ING, perplexing.UN WONT' ED, rare: uncommon.TE' DI OUS, tiresome; wearisome.
DELIA LOUISE COLTON.
1.The silver rain, the golden rain,The tripping, dancing, laughing rain!Stringing its pearls on the green leaf's edge,Fringing with gems the brown rock's ledge,Spinning a vail for the water-fall,And building an amber-colored wallAcross the West where the sun-beams fall:The gentle rain, in the shady lane,The pattering, peering, winning rain!2.The noisy rain, the marching rain,The rushing tread of the heavy rain!Pouring its rivers from out the blue,Down on the grass where the daisies grew,Darting in clouds of angry dropsAcross the hills and the green tree-tops,And kissing, at last, in its giant glee,The foaming lips of the great green sea:The fierce, wild rain, the riotous rain,The boisterous, dashing, shouting rain!3.The still night rain, the solemn rain!The soldier-step of the midnight rain!With its measured beat on the roof o'erhead,With its tidings sweet of the faithful dead,Whispers from loves who are laid asleepUnder the sod where the myrtles creep,Culling bouquets from the sun-lit past,Of flowers too sweet, too fair to last:The faithful rain, the untiring rain,The cooing, sobbing, weeping rain!4.The sulky rain, the spiteful rain,The bothering, pilfering, thieving rain!Creeping so lazily over the sky,A leaden mask o'er a bright blue eye,And shutting in, with its damp, strong hands,The rosy faces in curls, and bandsOf girls who think, with unwonted frownOf the charming laces and things down-town,That might as well for this tiresome rain,Be in the rose land of Almahain:The horrid rain, the tedious rain,The never-ending, dingy rain!
QUESTIONS.—1. What is the meaning of the suffixing, in such words astripping, dancing, laughing, &c.? See SANDERS & McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 153, Ex. 206. 2. What is the use of the hyphen in such words aswater-fall, amber-colored, &c.? See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, page l65.
LAV' ISH, liberal; profuse.PER' FUMES, pleasant odors.HAR MO' NI OUS, concordant.RAPT' URE, extreme joyousness.GERMS, seed-buds; beginnings.PAR'TICLES, minute parts; atoms.MOTES, very small particles.VENT' URE, dare; have courage.COL' UMNS, pillars.DOME, arched roof; cupola.TI' NY, very small.ES' SENCE, perfume.
F. BENNOCH.
1. Who dares to scorn the meanest thing,The humblest weed that grows,While pleasure spreads its joyous wingOn every breeze that blows?The simplest flower that, hidden, bloomsThe lowest on the ground,Is lavish of its rare perfumes,And scatters sweetness round.2. The poorest friend upholds a partOf life's harmonious plan;The weakest hand may have the artTo serve the strongest man.The bird that highest, clearest sings,To greet the morning's birth,Falls down to drink, with folded wings,Love's rapture on the earth.3. From germs too small for mortal sightGrow all things that are seen,Their floating particles of lightWeave Nature's robe of green.The motes that fill the sunny raysBuild ocean, earth, and sky,—The wondrous orbs that round us blazeAre motes to Deity!4. Life, love, devotion, closely twine,Like tree, and flower, and fruit;They ripen by a power divine,Though fed by leaf and root.And he who would be truly great,Must venture to be small;On airy columns rests the domeThat, shining, circles all.5. Small duties grow to mighty deeds;Small words to thoughts of power;Great forests spring from tiny seeds,As moments make the hour.And life, howe'er it lowly grows,The essence to it given,Like odor from the breathing rose,Floats evermore to Heaven.
EX TINCT', extinguished.IN COR' PO RA TED, united.TAC' IT, silent; implied.SUB SIST' ED, existed.HOS PI TAL' I TY, kind treatment.IN POR' TU NATE, urgent; pressing.EN CROACH' MENT, intrusion.IR' RI TA TED, provoked; exasperated.MAS' SA CRE, (mas' sa ker,) slaughter.GRAV' I TY, seriousness.DE LIB' ER ATE, take council.TREA' SON, treachery; disloyalty.AP PRIS' ING, informing.BE TRAY', expose.IN VIN CI BLE, unconquerable.WAX' ED, became, grew.BE SOUGHT', entreated; implored.SUF FICE, (c like z,) prove sufficient.
[Footnote: In Orange County, New York.]
JAMES K. PAULDING.
1. Little more than a century ago, the beautiful region watered by this stream, was possessed by a small tribe of Indians, which has long since become extinct, or incorporated with some other savage nation of the West. Three or four hundred yards from where the stream discharges itself into the Hudson, a white family, of the name of Stacy, had established itself in a log-house, by tacit permission of the tribe, to whom Stacy had made himself useful by his skill in a variety of little arts, highly estimated by the savages.
2. In particular, a friendship subsisted between him and an old Indian, called Naöman, who often came to his house, and partook of his hospitality.The Indians never forgive injuries, nor forget benefits. The family consisted of Stacy, his wife, and two children, a boy and a girl, the former five, the latter three years old.
3. One day, Naöman came to Stacy's log-hut, in his absence, lighted his pipe, and sat down. He looked very serious, sometimes sighed deeply, but said not a word. Stacy's wife asked him what was the matter,—if he was sick. He shook his head, sighed, but said nothing, and soon went away. The next day, he came again and behaved in the same manner. Stacy's wife began to think strange of this, and related it to her husband, who advised her to urge the old man to an explanation the next time he came.
4. Accordingly, when he repeated his visit the day after, she was more importunate than usual. At last, the old Indian said. "I am a red man, and the pale faces are our enemies: why should I speak?"—"But my husband and I are your friends: you have eaten salt with us a thousand times, and my children have sat on your knees as often. If you have anything on your mind, tell it me."—"It will cost me my life if it is known, and the white-faced women are not good at keeping secrets," replied Naöman.
5. "Try me, and see."—"Will you swear by your Great Spirit that you will tell none but your husband?"—"I have none else to tell."—"But will you swear?"—"I do swear by our Great Spirit, I will tell none but my husband."—"Not if my tribe shouldkill youfor not telling?"—"Not if your tribe should kill me for not telling."
6. Naöman then proceeded to tell her that, owing to some encroachments of the white people below the mountains, his tribe had become irritated, and were resolved that night to massacre all the white settlers within their reach; that she must send for her husband, inform him of the danger, and, as secretly and speedily as possible, take their canoe and paddle, with all haste, over the river to Fishkill for safety. "Be quick, and do nothing that may excite suspicion," said Naöman, as he departed.
7. The good wife sought her husband, who was down on the river fishing, told him the story, and, as no time was to be lost, they proceeded to their boat, which was unluckily filled with water. It took some time to clear it out, and, meanwhile, Stacy recollected his gun, which had been left behind. He proceeded to the house, and returned with it. All this took up considerable time, and precious time it proved to this poor family.
8. The daily visits of old Naöman, and his more than ordinary gravity, had excited suspicion in some of the tribe, who had, accordingly, paid particular attention to the movements of Stacy. One of the young Indians, who had been kept on the watch, seeing the whole family about to take to the boat, ran to the little Indian village, about a mile off, and gave the alarm. Five Indians collected, ran down to the river, where their canoes were moored, jumped in, and paddled after Stacy, who, by this time, had got some distance out into the stream.
9. They gained on him so fast, that twice he dropped his paddle, and took up his gun. But his wife prevented his shooting by telling him that, if he fired, and they were afterwards overtaken, they would meet with no mercy from the Indians. He accordingly refrained, and plied his paddle till the sweat rolled in big drops down his forehead. All would not do; they were overtaken within a hundred yards from the shore, and carried back with shouts of yelling triumph.
10. When they got ashore, the Indians set fire to Stacy's house, and dragged himself, his wife, and children, to their village. Here the principal old men, and Naöman among them, assembled to deliberate on the affair. The chief men of the council stated that some of the tribe had, undoubtedly, been guilty of treason, in apprising Stacy, the white man, of the designs of the tribe, whereby they took the alarm, and well-nigh escaped.
11. He proposed to examine the prisoners, to learn who gave the information. The old men assented to this, and Naöman among the rest. Stacy was first interrogated by one of the old men, who spoke English and interpreted to the others. Stacy refused to betray his informant. His wife was then questioned; while, at the same moment, two Indians stood threatening the two children, with tomahawks, in case she did not confess.
12. She attempted to evade the truth, by declaring she had a dream the night before, which alarmed her, and that she had persuaded her husband to fly. "The Great Spirit never deigns to talk in dreams to a white face," said the old Indian. "Woman, thou hast two tongues, and two faces. Speak the truth, or thy children shall surely die." The little boy and girl were then brought close to her, and the two savages stood over them, ready to execute their bloody orders.
13. "Wilt thou name," said the old Indian, "the red man who betrayed his tribe? I will ask thee three times." The mother answered not. "Wilt thou name the traitor? This is the second time." The poor mother looked at her husband, and then at her children, and stole a glance at Naöman, who sat smoking his pipe with invincible gravity.
14. She wrung her hands, and wept; but remained silent. "Wilt thou name the traitor? 'Tis the third and last time." The agony of the mother waxed more bitter; again she sought the eye of Naöman; but it was cold and motionless. A pause of a moment awaited her reply, and the tomahawks were raised over the heads of the children, who besought their mother not to let them be murdered.
15. "Stop!" cried Naöman. All eyes were turned upon him. "Stop!" repeated he, in a tone of authority. "White woman, thou hast kept thy word with me to the last moment.I am the traitor. I have eaten of the salt, warmed myself at the fire, shared the kindness, of these Christian white people, and it wasIthat told them of their danger. I am a withered, leafless, branchless trunk. Cut me down, if you will: I am ready."
16. A yell of indignation sounded on all sides. Naöman descended from the little bank where he sat, shrouded his face with his mantle of skins, and submitted to his fate. He fell dead at the feet of the white woman by a blow of the tomahawk.
17. But the sacrifice of Naöman, and the firmness of the Christian white woman, did not suffice to save the lives of the other victims. They perished,—how, it is needless to say; and the memory of their fate has been preserved in the name of the pleasant stream, on whose banks they lived and died, which, to this day, is called MURDERER'S CREEK.
QUESTIONS.—1. Where is Murderer's Creek? 2. What is said of Naöman and Stacy's family? 3. Why did Naöman, at first, refuse to tell Mrs. Stacy of her danger? 4. Did Stacy's family make their escape? 5. Where were they taken? 6. Did Mrs. Stacy tell who had informed her? 7. What measures did the Indians adopt, to make her tell? What did Naöman say? 9. What did the Indians do with Naöman and Stacy's family?
PER' IL OUS, hazardous; dangerous.DE FILES', narrow passages.PREC' I PIC ES, steep descents.SOL'I TUDE, lonely places.AM MU NI' TION, military stores, as powder, balls, &c.DRA GOONS, mounted soldiers.SUM' MIT, top; highest point.AV A LANCHE', snow-slip.CROUCH' ED, cringed.AD VANCE', forward; proceed.BE NUMB' ED, deprived of feeling.EX PLOITS', heroic deeds.IL LUS' TRATES, explains; makes clear.HE RO'IC, brave; fearless.UN FLINCH'ING, determined; resolute.BAY' O NET, a short, pointed instrument of iron, or broad dagger, fitted to the barrel of a gun. It is so called, because the first bayonets were made at Bayonne, in France.
1. When Napoleon was carrying war into Italy, he ordered one of his officers, Marshal Macdonald, to cross the Splugen with fifteen thousand soldiers, and join him on the plains below. The Splugen is one of the four great roads which cross the Alps from Switzerland to Italy.
2. When Macdonald received the order, it was about the last of November, and the winter storms were raging among the mountain passes. It was a perilous undertaking, yet he must obey; and the men began their terrible march through narrow defiles and overhanging precipices, six thousand feet up, up among the gloomy solitudes of the Alps.
3. The cannon were placed on sleds drawn by oxen, and the ammunition was packed on mules. First came the guides, sticking their long poles in the snow, in order to find the path; then came workmen to clear away the drifts; then the dragoons, mounted on their most powerful horses, to beat down the track; after which followed the main body of the army.
4. They encountered severe storms and piercing cold. When half-way up the summit, a rumbling noise was heard among the cliffs. The guides looked at each other in alarm; for they knew well what it meant. It grew louder and louder. "An avalanche! an avalanche!" they shrieked, and the next moment a field of ice and snow came leaping down the mountain, striking the line of march, and sweeping thirty dragoons in a wild plunge below. The black forms of the horses and their riders were seen for an instant struggling for life, and then they disappeared forever.
5. The sight struck the soldiers with horror; they crouched and shivered in the blast. Their enemy was not now flesh and blood, but wild winter storms; swords and bayonets could not defend them from the desolating avalanche. Flight or retreat was hopeless; for all around lay the drifted snow, like a vast winding-sheet. On they must go, or death was certain, and the brave men struggled forward.
6. "Soldiers!" exclaimed their commander, "you are called to Italy; your general needs you. Advance and conquer, first the mountain and the snow, then the plains and the enemy!" Blinded by the winds, benumbed with the cold, and far beyond the reach of aid, Macdonald and his men pressed on. Sometimes a whole company of soldiers were suddenly swept away by an avalanche.
7. On one occasion, a poor drummer, crawling out from the mass of snow, which had torn him from his comrades, began to beat his drum for relief. The muffled sound came up from his gloomy resting-place, and was heard by his brother soldiers; but none could go to his rescue. For an hour, he beat rapidly, then the strokes grew fainter, until they were heard no more, and the poor drummer laid himself down to die. Two weeks were occupied in this perilous march, and two hundred men perished in the undertaking.
8. This passage of the Splugen is one of the bravest exploits in the history of Napoleon's generals, and illustrates the truth of the proverb, "Where there is a will there is a way." No one can read the heroic deeds of brave men grappling with danger and death, without a feeling of respect and admiration; but heroic deeds are always the fruit oftoilandself-sacrifice.No one can accomplish great things, unless he aims at great things, and pursues that aim with unflinching courage and perseverance.
QUESTIONS.—1. What orders had Napoleon given to Marshal Macdonald? 2. What time of year was it? 3. Describe the march of the army over the Alps. 4. What disaster occurred to them? 5. How did their commander address the army? 6 Describe the drummer boy's fate. 7. How many men perished? 8. What does this exploit of the army illustrate? 9. What is said of heroic deeds?
PROV' ERBS, sayings; maxims.TRAC' ED, shown; marked out.WOO ERS, suitors; lovers.DENSE, close; thick.STRIV' ING, making efforts.CON TROL', restraint; government.COPE, strive; contend.DE FY' ING, daring; outbraving.GHOST, specter; apparition.RE LY' ING, trusting; depending.WIN' NING, getting; gaining.BRAM' BLES, prickly shrubs.
ELIZA COOK.
1. We have faith in old proverbs full surely,For wisdom has traced what they tell,And truth may be drawn up as purelyFrom them, as it may from a "well."Let us question the thinkers and doers,And hear what they honestly say,And you'll find they believe, like bold wooers,In "Where there's a WILL there's a WAY."2. The hills have been high for man's mounting,The woods have been dense for his ax,The stars have been thick for his counting,The sands have been wide for his tracks.The sea has been deep for his diving,The poles have been broad for his sway,But bravely he's proved by his striving,That "Where there's a WILL there's a WAY."3. Have ye vices that ask a destroyer,Or passions that need your control?Let Reason become your employer,And your body be ruled by your soul.Fight on, though ye bleed at the trial,Resist with all strength that ye may,Ye may conquer Sin's host by denial,For, "Where there's a WILL there's a WAY."4. Have ye poverty's pinching to cope with'?Does suffering weigh down your might'?Only call up a spirit to hope with,And dawn may come out of the night.Oh! much may be done by defyingThe ghost of Despair and Dismay,And much may be gained by relyingOn "Where there's a WILL there's a WAY."5. Should ye see afar off that worth winning,Set out on a journey with trust,And ne'er heed though your path at beginningShould be among brambles and dust.Though it is by footsteps ye do it,And hardships may hinder and stay,Keep a heart and be sure ye go through it,For, "Where there's a WILL there's a WAY."
QUESTIONS.—1. What is the meaning of this proverb, "Where there's a WILL there's a WAY?" 2. What instances can you mention in which its truth has been realized? 3. Do you apply this proverb in getting your lessons?
TAL' IS MAN, charm; amulet.VAN, front or head of an army.FI' ER Y, ardent; passionate.PLUMES, supplies with feathers.TENSE' LY, tightly.SWERVES, deviates.DAUNT, frighten; terrify.BAN' ISH, expel; drive away.TEL EGRAPH,(TELE,far off; GRAPH,writing or marking,) a machine to convey news far off. See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, p. 161, Ex. 419.
1. "I CAN!" oh yes,—weknowyou can!We read it in your eye;There is a mystic talismanFlashing all gloriously!Speak it out boldly, let it ring,There is a volume there,There's meaning in the eagle's wingThen soar, and do, and dare!2. "I CAN!" climbs to the mountain top,And plows the billowy main;He lifts the hammer in the shop,And drives the saw and plane;He's fearless in the battle shock,And always leads the vanOf young America's brave sons,—They never quailed nor ran.3. "I CAN!" He is a fiery youth,And WILL a brother twin,And, arm in arm, in love and truth.They'll either die or win.Shoulder to shoulder, ever ready,All firm and fearless stillThese brothers labor,—true and steady,—"I CAN," and brave "I WILL."4. "I CAN," e'en on his pleasure trips,Travels by telegraph;He plumes the snowy wing of ships,And never works by half;His music is the humming loom,And shuttles are his dancers.,Then clear the way, and quick give roomFor the noble-souled "I CAN," sirs!5. "I CAN!" Indeed, weknowyou can!'Tis lithe in every limb,To your blood 'tis a busy fan,How can the flame burn dim?It tensely draws your sturdy nerves,—No bow's without a string,And when nor bow nor bow-string swerves,An arrow's on the wing.6. There is a magic in the powerOf an unbendingwill,That makes us stronger every hour,For greater efforts still.Then banish from you every CAN'T,And show yourself a MAN,And nothing will your purpose daunt,Led by the brave "I CAN!"
QUESTIONS.—1. What does "I can" do? 2. Who is called his twin brother? 3. What is said of an unbending will?
CAS' ED, invested.ARM' OR, defensive arms.STORM' ING, taking by assault.AIR' Y, fanciful; visionary.FOR' TRESS, fort; strong-hold.DE TAIN', hinder; keep back.WEAP' ONS, instruments for defense, or offense.UN WOR' THY, undeserving.RE GRET', sorrow for the past.PHAN' TOM, specter; ghost-like.SCARCE' LY, hardly.
ADELAIDE A. PROCTER.
1. ARISE`! for the day is passing,And you lie dreaming on;Your brothers are cased in armor,And forth to the fight are gone!A place in the ranks awaits you;Each man has some part to play;The Past and the Future are nothingIn the face of stern TO-DAY.2. ARISE from your dreams of the Future,—Of gaining some hard-fought field,Of storming some airy fortress,Or bidding some giant yield;Your Future has deeds of glory,Of honor, (God grant it may!)But your arm will never be stronger,Or needed asnow,—TO-DAY.3. ARISE`! if the Past detain you,Her sunshine and storms forget;No chains so unworthy to hold youAs those of a vain regret;Sad or bright, she is lifeless ever;Cast her phantom arms away,Nor look back, save to learn the lessonOf a nobler strife TO-DAY.4. ARISE`! for the day is passing;The sound that you scarcely hear,Is the enemy marching to battle!(f.)Rise`! RISE`! for the foe is near!Stay not to sharpen your weapons,Or the hour will strike at last,When, from dreams of a coming battle,You may wake to find it past!
QUESTIONS.—1. What reasons are assigned why we should arouse to effortnow, to-day?2. What rule for the falling inflection onarise?See Rule VIII., page 33. 3. How, according to the notation mark, should the last verse be read?
REV O LU' TION, change of government.FAN' CI ED, thought; imagined,UN GEN' ER OUS, mean; ignoble.AC KNOWL' EDG ED, owned.PLOT' TING, planning; contriving.DE SIGN', purpose; intention.COR RE SPOND' ENCE, intercourse by letters.CON' QUEST, victory.IN' TER VIEW, meeting; conference.SOL' I TA RY, lonely; retired.CON GRAT' U LA TING, rejoicing with.IS' SU ED, started up; come forth.SUS PECT' ING, mistrusting.DE TECT' ED, exposed; found out.A' MI A BLE, lovely; agreeable.FEL' ON, criminal.CON' SE QUENCE, (CON,with; SEQUENCE,a following,) a following with, as an effect, or result.IM PRESS' IVE, (IM,in; PRESS,to bear upon; IVE,tending to,) tending to press in, or upon; producing an effect.IN VOLV' ED, (IN,in; VOLVED,rolled,) rolled in; enveloped.
1. One of the saddest events in the history of the American Revolution is thetreason of Arnold, and, in consequence of it,the death of Major Andre. Arnold was an officer in the American army, who, though brave, had a proud and impatient spirit.
2. He fancied he had not all the honor and the pay due for his services, and, having plunged himself into debt by his expensive style of living, these things soured his heart; and, as is the case with ungenerous minds, he never acknowledged a fault, or forgave an injury. More than this, he sought revenge against his countrymen by plottingtreason against his country.
3. Soon after forming this bad design, he opened a secret correspondence with the English General, Henry Clinton, and, at the same time, asked General Washington to give him the command of West Point, an important post on the Hudson river. Washington let him have it, and this he determined to betray into the hands of the enemy, provided he could make out of it a good bargain for himself.
4. He wrote to General Clinton what he would do, and asked to have a secret interview with some English officer, in order to agree upon the terms. General Clinton was delighted; for he thought an army divided against itself, must prove an easy conquest; and he asked Major Andre, a gallant young officer, to meet Arnold, and settle the price of his treason.
5. Andre did not wish to engage in such business; but he obeyed, and went up the Hudson in an English sloop-of-war for this purpose. Arnold agreed to meet him at a certain spot, and when night came on, sent a little boat to bring him ashore. He landed at the foot of a mountain called the Long Clove, on the western side of the river, a few miles from Haverstraw, where he found the traitor hid in a clump of bushes.
6. Little did poor Andre foresee the fatal consequences of this step. All that still star-light night they sat and talked; daylight came, and the business was not concluded. Arnold dismissed the boatmen, and led his companion to a solitary farm-house on the river's bank, where the papers were finally drawn up, and hid in one of Andre's stockings. Andre felt how exposed he was to danger in the enemy's country, and heartily wished himself back to the sloop.
7. Forced now, however, to go by land, Arnold gave him a pass to go through the American lines; and, at sunset, he set off, on horseback, with a guide. They crossed the river, and, getting along on their dangerous journey with but few alarms, the guide left the next morning, and Andre rode briskly on, congratulating himself upon leaving all dangers behind, for he was rapidly nearing the English lines, when there was a loud shout, "Stand!HALT!" and three men [Footnote: Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart.] issued from the woods, one seizing the bridle, and the others presenting their guns.
8. Andre told them he had a pass to White Plains, on urgent business from General Arnold, and begged them not to detain him; but the men, suspecting that all was not right, began to search him; and, hauling off his boots, they discovered his papers in his stockings.
9. Finding himself detected, he offered them any sum of money, if they would let him go. "No;" answered the sturdy men, "not if you would give us ten thousand guineas;" for, though poor, they were above selling their country at any price. Andre was sent a prisoner to General Washington's camp. Arnold, on learning the news of his capture, immediately fled from West Point, and made his escape to the English sloop.
10. According to the rules of war, poor Andre was sentenced to the death of a spy. Great efforts were made to save him. General Clinton offered a large sum to redeem him. So young, so amiable, so gallant, and to meet a felon's doom! but, in ten days he was hung.
11. Arnold lived; but, with the thirty thousand dollars—the price of his treachery—he lived a miserable man, despised even by those who bought him. And one impressive lesson which the story teaches, is, thatthe consequences of guilt do not fall alone on the guilty man;others are often involved in distress, disgrace, and ruin.
QUESTIONS.—1. What is one of the saddest events in the history of the American Revolution? 2. Who was Arnold? 3. What reason is assigned why he plotted treason against his country? 4. What measures did he adopt to do this? 5. With whom, and where did he make the agreement? 6. By whom was Andre detected? 7. What became of Andre and Arnold?
SE CUR' ED, obtained.HES' I TA TED, paused.MIS' ER A BLE, wretched.SUP' PLI ANT, petitioner; beggar.PECUL' IAR, singular; remarkable.IN DIC' A TIVE, showing; intimating.SO LIC' IT ED, asked; requested.COS TUME', mode of dress.VIG' OR OUS, stout; strong.SYN' O NYM, a word meaning the same as some other word.IN' FA MY, utter disgrace.
[Headnote 1: TAL' LEY RAND, a distinguished French statesman, was born Feb. 13th, 1754. He died May 20th, 1838.]
1. There was a day when Talleyrand[Headnote 1] arrived in Havre, direct from Paris. It was the darkest hour of the French Revolution. Pursued by the blood-hounds of the Reign of Terror, stripped of every wreck of property or power, Talleyrand secured a passage to America, in a ship about to sail. He was a beggar and a wanderer in a strange land, to earn his bread by daily labor.
2. "Is there an American staying at your house?" he asked the landlord of the hotel. "I am bound to cross the water, and should like a letter to a person of influence in the New World." The landlord hesitated a moment, then replied: "There is a gentleman up-stairs, either from America or Britain; but whether an American or an Englishman, I can not tell."
3. He pointed the way, and Talleyrand, who, in his life, was Bishop, Prince, and Prime Minister, ascended the stairs. A miserable suppliant, he stood before the stranger's door, knocked, and entered. In the far corner of the dimly-lighted room, sat a man of some fifty years, his arms folded, and his head bowed on his breast. From a window directly opposite, a faint light rested on his forehead.
4. His eyes looked from beneath the downcast brows, and gazed on Talleyrand's face with a peculiar and searching expression. His face was striking in outline,—the mouth and chin indicative of an iron will. His form, vigorous, even with the snows of fifty winters, was clad in a dark, but rich and distinguished costume.
5. Talleyrand advanced, stated that he was a fugitive; and, under the impression that the gentleman before him was an American, he solicited his kind and generous offices. He related his history in eloquent French and broken English.
6. "I am a wanderer, and an exile. I am forced to flee to the New World, without a friend or home. You are an American! Give me, then, I beseech you, a letter of yours, so that I may be able to earn my bread. I am willing to toil in any manner; the scenes of Paris have seized me with such horror, that a life of labor would be a paradise to a career of luxury in France. You will give me a letter to one of your friends? A gentleman like yourself has, doubtless, many friends."
7. The strange gentleman rose. With a look that Talleyrand never forgot, he retreated to the door of the next chamber,—his eyes looking still from beneath his darkened brow. He spoke as he retreated backward,—his voice was full of meaning. "I am the only man born in the New World, who can raise his hand to God and say, I have not a friend, not one, in all America!" Talleyrand never forgot the overwhelming sadness of that look which accompanied these words.
8. "Who are you?" he cried, as the strange man retreated to the next room: "your name?" "My name," he replied, with a smile that had more of mockery than joy in its convulsive expression,—"my name is Benedict Arnold!" He was gone: Talleyrand sank into his chair, gasping the words, "ARNOLD, THE TRAITOR!"
9. Thus, you see, he wandered over the earth another Cain, with the wanderer's mark upon his brow. Even in that secluded room, in that inn at Havre, his crimes found him out, and forced him to tell his name: that name the synonym of infamy. The last twenty years of his life are covered with a cloud, from whose darkness but a few gleams of light flash out upon the page of history.
10. The manner of his death is not exactly known; but we can not doubt that he died utterly friendless,—that remorse pursued him to the grave, whispering "John Andre" in his ear,—and that the memory of his course of infamy gnawed like a canker at his heart, murmuring forever, "True to your country, what might you have been, O ARNOLD, THE TRAITOR!"
QUESTIONS.—1. Who was Talleyrand? 2. Why was he obliged to flee from Paris? 3. Whom did he seek at Havre? 4. Why did he wish to see the stranger? 5. Describe the appearance of this stranger. 6. What did he say to Talleyrand? 7. Who did the stranger prove to be? 8. What is said of Arnold? 9. Where is Havre? 10. Where is Paris? 11. What is meant byNew World?
LO CO MO' TIVE, steam-engine to propel rail-cars.COL LIS' ION, (slikezh,) shock; violent contact.EN GIN EER', one who manages an engine.PRE CIP' I TA TED, thrown headlong.RE-EN FORCE' MENTS, additional forces.OB' STI NATE, unyielding.CORPS, (kore,) body of troops.BANK' RUPT CY, insolvency.E NOR' MOUS, immense; very large.AS' SETS, amounts due.RE MIT' TANCE, money remitted.PRE SERV' ED, secured; saved.MA TU' RI TY, time of payment.RE PRIEVE', respite.IN SOLV' ENT, one unable to pay his debts.PROV O CA' TION, incitement to anger.IG NO MIN' I OUS, disgraceful.SAC RI FIC' ED, (clikez,) thrown away.
FREEMAN HUNT.
1. A railroad train was rushing along at almost lightning speed. A curve was just ahead, beyond which was a station, at which the cars usually passed each other. The conductor was late,—so late that the period during which the down train was to wait, had nearly elapsed: but he hoped yet to pass the curve safely. Suddenly, a locomotive dashed into sight right ahead. In an instant, there was a collision. A shriek, a shock, and fifty souls were in eternity; and all because an engineer had beenbehind time.
2. A great battle was going on. Column after column had been precipitated for eight mortal hours on the enemy posted along the ridge of a hill. The summer sun was sinking to the west; re-enforcements for the obstinate defenders were already in sight; it was necessary to carry the position with one final charge, or every thing would be lost. A powerful corps had been summoned from across the country, and, if it came up in season, all would yet be right. The great conqueror, confident in its arrival, formed his reserve into an attacking column, and led them down the hill. The whole world knows the result. Grouchy [Footnote: PronouncedGroo' shee.] failed to appear; the imperial guard was beaten back; Waterloo was lost. Napoleon died a prisoner at St. Helena, because one of his marshals wasbehind time.
3. A leading firm, in commercial circles had long struggled against bankruptcy. As it had enormous assets in California, it expected remittances by a certain day; and if the sums promised arrived, its credit, its honor, and its future prosperity would be preserved. But week after week elapsed without bringing the gold. At last, came the fatal day on which the firm had bills maturing to enormous amounts. The steamer was telegraphed at daybreak; but it was found on inquiry that she brought no funds; and the house failed. The next arrival brought nearly half a million to the insolvents, but it was too late; they were ruined, because their agent, in remitting, had beenbehind time.
4. A condemned man was led out for execution, he had taken human life, but under circumstances of the greatest provocation, and public sympathy was active in his behalf. Thousands had signed petitions for a reprieve, a favorable answer had been expected the night before, and, though it had not come, even the sheriff felt confident that it would yet arrive in season. Thus the morning passed without the appearance of the messenger. The last moment was up. The prisoner took his place on the drop, the cap was drawn over his eyes, the bolt was drawn, and a lifeless body hung suspended in the air. Just at that moment a horseman came into sight, galloping down the hill, his steed covered with foam. He carried a packet in his right hand, which he waved to the crowd. He was the express rider with the reprieve. But he had come too late. A comparatively innocent man had died an ignominious death, because a watch had been five minutes too slow, making its bearer arrivebehind time.
5. It is continually so in life. The best laid plans, the most important affairs, the fortunes of individuals, the wealth of nations, honor, happiness, life itself, are daily sacrificed because somebody is "behind time." There are men who always fail in whatever they undertake, simply because they are "behind time." Five minutes in a crisis are worth years. It is but a little period, yet it has often saved a fortune, or redeemed a people. If there is one virtue that should be cultivated more than another by him who would succeed in life, it ispunctuality; if there is one error that should be avoided, it is beingbehind time.
QUESTIONS.—1. What sad results are mentioned, in consequence of beingbehind time?2. What virtue should be cultivated, and what error avoided? 3. What is the use of the hyphen in the wordre-enforcements?See SANDERS' NEW SPELLER, page 165.