staying as long as possible, to bore so cold an entertainer. Reader. Well but, how did the end of the journey answer-the catching the Little Bear by the tail? Author. We will tell you an anecdote. — An Astronomer went to pay a visit at a friend's house, and staid so late that a bed was offered to him, which he accepted. In the middle of the night, the Astronomer could not resist the temptation of getting up to go a star gazing. It happened, also, that the mistress of the house got up about the same time, on some pressing occasion or other, and whether her. husband had any occasion for jealousy or not, he also got up, and followed to watch her motions. By a mere chance, we suppose, the wife and the guest met, and he was describing to her the constellation of The Little Bear, and the North Pole, when the husband very unfashionably surprised them, and demanded of the Astronomer what he was at? "Just at the tail of the Little Bear, through which the axis of the North Pole runs;" replied the Astronomer coolly. "Tis false!" replied the husband -" I know the difference. Reader. Ha-ha-ha! a very pleasant anecdote. Author. We are glad you relish it, and now. that our hand is cleverly in, we will tell you another story, which we composed on purpose for the inspection and benefit of the Squire ;but as the odds are great against his deigning to read it, and still greater against his benefiting by it it may prove of advantage to thee, Reader, of whatever condition in life thou may'st be-as by applying it to a scale of comparison, and making a proper allowance for the immense distance between the Squire and thyself, it will apply as well to thee as to him. We advise thee, therefore, to read it, and carefully too, or thou may'st as well not read it at all. CHAPTER XVI. PRINCE GEORGISHKAN, AND THE FAIRY PRUDENTIA. An Eastern Apologue. WHE 1 good understanding. These gifts, therefore, snall be his; but I cannot controul fate, which has inade him a free agent, and he will be either loved or hated, happy or miserable, as he shall make a right or wrong use of them.-Here is also another most valuable present which I make to him. This glass," added she, presenting one to the king, "is the masterpiece of the fairy art; it will, in an instant, not only discover to whoever looks in it, whether he be virtuous or vicious; but it will distinguish between every degree of virtue or vice, as the image, which it reflects, will be more beautiful from every virtuous deed, and more ugly from every vicious one. It must be kept carefully from the Prince, as it will no more bear violence than a common glass, until he shall have attained the age of fifteen years, when it is to be delivered to him, with an explanation of its uses and properties. Not content with these gifts, I shall carefully watch over the Prince, and endeavour to guide his steps to happiness." Having said this, dipping her hands into a crystal bason full of water, she sprinkled some of it on the child's face, which instan taneously became beautiful as the Sun. Then delivering the infant into the nurse's arms, she made a motion with her hand, and presently the ceiling seemed to burst asunder. Through the aperture descended, as from the clouds, a small chariot of mother of pearl, studded with nails of gold and precious stones, and mounted on silver wheels. It was drawn by two grasshoppers, and the fairy had no sooner stept into the vehicle, than they skipped off with it into the higher regions, and the ceiling closed as perfect as ever. These gracious favours of the mighty Fairy Prudentia carried to its height the general joy of the happy parents, the courtiers, and the kingdom at large. Bonfires blazed in the principal squares of all the cities-the houses were splendidly illuminated—and the bazars, or shops, kept continually shut up for a week. All was joy and mirth, and never were a happier people seen! Every day added fresh graces to the young prince, and filled his royal parents with transport. At a proper age, the most able preceptors were provided for him, and his attainments |