lic exhibition, at which a number of ladies and gentlemen from the city, was present. Prizes were awarded by the Principal of the Academy, and Hartly and Vincent each received one; for, in respect to scholarship, they were about equal. 11. After the prizes were distributed, the Principal remarked that there was one prize, consisting of a medal, which was rarely awarded, not so much on account of its great value, as because the instances are rare that merit it. It is THE PRIZE FOR HEROISM. The last boy on whom it was conferred, was Master Manners, who, three years ago, rescued the blind girl from drowning. 12. The Principal then said, "With the permission of the company, I will relate a short story. Not long since, some boys were flying a kite in the street, just as a poor boy on horseback rode by, on his way to mill. The horse took fright, and threw the boy, injuring him so badly that he was carried home, and confined for some weeks to his bed. 13. "None of the boys who had caused the disaster, followed to learn the fate of the wounded boy. There was one, however, who witnessed the accident from a distance, and went to render what service he could. He soon learned that the wounded boy was the grandson of a poor widow, whose only support consisted in selling the milk of a fine cow, of which she was the owner. 14. "Alas! what could she now do? She was old and lame, and her grandson, on whom she depended to drive the cow to pasture, was now sick and helpless. 'Never mind, good woman,' said the boy, 'I can drive your cow.' With thanks, the poor widow accepted his offer. 15. "But the boy's kindness did not stop here. Money was wanted to purchase medicine. 'I have money that my mother sent me to buy a pair of boots,' said the boy; 'but I can do without them for the present.' 16. "Oh, no!' said the old lady, 'I can not consent to that; but here is a pair of cowhide boots that I bought for Henry, who can not wear them. If you will buy them, giving me what they cost, I can get along very well.' The boy bought the boots, clumsy as they were, and has worn them up to this time. 17. "When the other boys of the Academy saw this scholar driving a cow to the pasture, he was assailed with laughter and ridicule. His thick cowhide boots, in particular, were made matters of mirth. But he kept on cheerfully and bravely, day after day, driving the widow's cow to the pasture, and wearing his thick boots, contented in the thought that he was doing right, not caring for all the jeers and sneers that could be uttered. 18. "He never undertook to explain why he drove the cow; for he was not inclined to display his charitable motives, and besides, in heart, he had no sympathy with the false pride that looks with ridicule on any useful employment. It was by mere accident that his course of conduct and self-denial, was yesterday discovered by his teacher. 19. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, I appeal to you. Was there not true heroism in this boy's conduct'? Nay, Master Hartly, do not steal out of sight behind the blackboard! You were not ashamed of ridicule—you must not shun praise. Come forth, come forth, Master Edward James Hartly, and let us see your honest face!" 20. As Hartly, with blushing cheeks, made his appearance, the whole company greeted him with a round of applause for his heroic conduct. The ladies stood upon benches, and waved their handkerchiefs. The old men clapped their hands, and wiped the moisture from the corners of their eyes. Those clumsy boots on Hartly's feet seemed prouder ornaments, than a crown would have been on his head. The medal was bestowed on him, amid the applause of the whole company. 21. Vincent was heartily ashamed of his ill-natured sneers, and, after the school was dismissed, he went, with tears in his eyes, and tendered his hand to Hartly, making a handsome apology for his past ill manners. "Think no more about it,” said Hartly; "let us all go and have a ramble in the woods, before we break up for vacation." The boys, one and all, followed Vincent's example, and then, with shouts and huzzas, they all set forth into the woodsa happy, cheerful group. QUESTIONS.-1. In what way did Vincent try to make derision of Hartly? 2. How did Hartly receive it? 3. For what did Hartly receive a prize from his teacher? 4. How did the spectators manifest their approbation of Hartly's conduct? No`,—you Who would pass him in the foot-way With averted eye? Would you, brother'? No, you would not. If you would,-not I. 2. Who, when vice or crime repentant, With a grief sincere, Asked for pardon, would refuse it, More than heaven severe ? Who, to erring woman's sorrow, Would you, brother'? No',-you would not. 3. Would you say that Vice is Virtue Or, that rogues are not dishonest If they dine off plate'? Who would say Success and Merit Ne'er part company ? No',—you Would you, brother'? No, you would not. If you would,-not I. 4. Who would give a cause his efforts When the cause is strong; But desert it on its failure, Would you, brother'? No,-you would not. If you would, not I. 5. Who would lend his arm to strengthen Who would give his pen to blacken Freedom's page of light'? Who would lend his tongue to utter Praise of tyranny`? Would you, brother'? No',-you would not. QUESTIONS.-1. What rule for the rising and falling inflections, first verse? See page 28. 2. Repeat the rule. 3. What rule for the falling inflections, fifth verse? See page 29. 4. Repeat the rule. What is the meaning of the suffix en, in the words strengthen, blacken? See SANDERS and MCELLI GOTT'S ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH WORDS, p. 132, Ex. 174. LESSON III. WAR' FARE, conflict; struggle. VA' RI ED, changing; different. GOAL, the mark that bounds a race. BECK' ON, motion; invite with the [hand. LIFE'S WORK + 1. Life is onward: use it Toil is heavenly choose it, And its warfare claim. To perform your will; 2. Life is onward: never It would hold you ever In its clutches fast. Weave it as you please; 8. Life is onward: try it, It hath virtue: buy it, At whatever cost. If the World should offer Every precious gem, Change it not for them. |