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part," said Sadir," whom could Zimur blame but his own indiscretion ?—would it not make two more happy than three?shall we not gain at least what he will lose; -and can we deserve an opportunity we neglect to improve?"-"The wise only" replied Haran," are appointed to prosperity; Zimur has no right to share the treasure with us; and we shall only fulfil an unchangcable decree if we keep the whole to ourselves."—"It is true," answered Sadir, "but if he should again find us, he may question the determination, and claim his part."

"This," said Haran, "must be prevented; the dead are silent, and cease from troubling." Such was the wish that gold excited in the hearts of Sadir and Haran; and such was the crime by which it was accomplished. Zimur returned in the evening, weary with labour, and pleased with the anticipation of refreshment and rest.

His

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His associates seized him at a disadvantage, extended hin upon the earth, and strangled him with the band of his turban.

When he was dead, they sat down to the repast he had provided for them; but in a few minutes the hand of death was upon them-they became pale-they shuddered a cold sweat covered their limbs, and they gazed at each other without power to speak. In this speechless agony of despair and horror, the struggle of nature for life was short, and both sunk down together, were convulsed-groaned-andexpired.

"Was this the work of a divine avenger? did the Almighty punish by controuling nature, and was justice miraculous that guilt might tremble! Is not nature the handmaid of the Almighty?—and is not wickedness the rod of his displeasure?Zimur had poisoned the food he purchased, that he might himself secure the treasure,

and

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and fulfil the same purpose upon panions, that his companions fulfilled upon him. The treasure then is without a master, to whom shall it belong; let not your hearts desire it in secret, least the crimes at which you now tremble, ye be tempted to commit.-With that bounty which the hand of nature scatters, be content; and to the Lord of Nature, be thankful."

Mrs. Corbett, having taken a short time for recollection, proceeded to relate to her young pupils, the following Allegorical Eastern Story.

AN

AN

ALLEGORICAL

EASTERN STORY.

KING Raja Sestraorsom going to make

a visit to a Brahman, saluted him thus: "The fame of thy piety hath induced me and my retinue to come and sup and take a night's lodging with thee." The Brahman Siamdichemi, (for that was his name) being much concerned how to provide for so many thousand persons, at last considered of the white cow, called Camdoga, which belonging to Rajah Inder, king of the blessed souls, furnished those, who have her in their possession, with every thing they

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they wish for. Having therefore desired Inder to send him the said cow of plenty, he granted his request. The cow being sent, the Brahman desired Raja and his attendants to sit down to supper; which was served with such variety and plenty, that Raja, who came upon no other account than to ridicule the Brahman's poverty, stood amazed thereat; and farther to try his ability, asked him to present him with some jewels; which the Brahman having presented him with, (much beyond what could be expected) Raja asked him for some money and cloaths for his people; which being likewise brought him, he resolved also to stay the next day-and being served at table with the same plenty as be-. fore, he staid also the third day—when meeting with the same entertainment, he was amazed to find from whence all this plenty of provisions, clothes, and riches could come, in a place where he expected

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