Nor is this the only instance of her unconquerable fortitude. At Brabant, the seat of the respectable and patriotic Bishop Smith, a sergeant of Tarleton's dragoons, eager for the acquisition of plunder, followed the overseer, a man advanced in years, into the apartment where the ladies of the family were assembled, and, on his refusal to discover the spot in which the plate was concealed, struck him with violence, inflicting a severe sabre wound across the shoulders. Aroused by the infamy of the act, Mrs. Shubrick, starting from her seat, and placing herself between the ruffian and his victim, resolutely said, "Place yourself behind me, Murdoch, the interposition of my body shall give you protection, or I will die:" then, addressing herself to the serjeant, exclaimed, "O what a degradation of manhood! what departure from that gallantry which was once the characteristic of British soldiers! Human nature is degraded by your barbarity; but should you persist, then strike at me, for, till I die, no further injury shall be done to him." The sergeant, unable to resist such commanding eloquence, retired. The hope, however, of attaining the object in view, very speedily subjected the unfortunate Murdoch to new persecution. He was tied up under the very tree where the plate was buried, and threatened with immediate execution, unless he would make the discovery required. But, although well acquainted with the unrelenting severity of his enemy, and earnestly solicited by his wife to save his life by a speedy confession of the place of deposit, he persisted, resolutely, that a sacred trust was not to be betrayed, and actually succeeded in preserving it. When complimented, at an after period, on his heroic firmness, he asserted, that he was strengthened in his resolution by the recollection that a part of the plate belonged to the church; and that he should have considered it as sacrilege, had he suffered it, through a weakness of disposition, to fall into the hands of robbers. LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SECOND. Disinterested Poverty. In the hard frost of 1740, the benevolent Duke of Montague went out one morning in disguise, as was his favorite practice, in order to distribute his bounty to his afflicted fellow creatures. He descended into one of those subterraneous dwellings, of which there are many in London, and, accosting an old woman, inquired, how she lived in these hard times, and if she needed charity. "No," she replied; "I thank God I am not in want; but, if you have any thing to bestow, there is a poor creature in the next room almost starving." The duke visited this poor object, made her a donation, and then inquired of the old woman, if any more of her neighbors were in want. She said her left hand neighbor was very poor and very honest. "Sure," replied the duke, "you are very generous, and disinterested; pray, if it is no offence, let me know your own circumstances." "I owe nothing, "said the good woman, "and am worth thirty shillings." "Well, but I suppose a little addition would be acceptable?" "Yes, certainly, but I think it wrong to take what others want so much more than I do." 'The duke took out five guineas, and desired her acceptance of them. The poor creature was quite overcome by this mark of generosity, and, when able to express herself, exclaimed, "Oh, sir, you are not a man, but an angel!" LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-THIRD. The Aged Heathen. My locks are white-yes, even now Fair youth no more shall light or warm, From Hope's fair lamp can break the night! wwwwww LESSON ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOURTH. 66 Trial of Gratitude. Ali-ibu-Abbas, a favorite of the Caliph Mamoun, relates a story that happened to himself. "I was, says he, one evening with the caliph, when a man, bound hand and foot, was brought in. Mamoun ordered me to keep a watchful eye over the prisoner, and to bring him the next day. The caliph seemed greatly irritated, and the fear of exposing myself to his resentment, induced me to confine the prisoner in my haram. I asked him of what country he was; he said Damascus, and that his habitation was in the quarter of the great mosque. These May heaven," cried I, "shower blessings on the city of Damascus, and particularly on your quarterI owe my life to a man that lived there." words excited his curiosity, and I thus proceeded: "It is many years since the viceroy of Damascus was deposed. Í accompanied his successor; and, when we were about to take possession, the deposed governor assaulted us with superior force. I escaped out of a window; and, observing a palace open, I supplicated the master to save my life. He conducted me into the apartment of his women, where I continued a month, in perfect security. "One day, I was informed by my host, that a caravan was setting out for Bagdad; and that I could not wish a more favorable opportunity for returning home. I had no money, and I was ashamed to own it. He perceived my distress, but, in appearance, took no notice. How great was my surprise, when, on the day of my departure, a fine horse was brought me, a mule loaded with provisions, and a black slave to attend me. My generous host presented me, at the same time, a purse of gold, and conducted me himself to the caravan, recommending me to several of the travellers, who were his friends. These kindnesses I received in your city, which rendered it dear to me. All my concern is, that I have not been able to discover my generous benefactor. I should die content, could I find an opportunity to testify my gratitude. "Your wishes are accomplished," cried my prisoner in transport, "I am he who received you in my palace." I embraced him with tears, took off his chains, and inquired by what fatality he had incurred the caliph's displeasure. "Some contemptible enemies," he replied, "have found means to asperse me unjustly to Mamoun. I was hurried from Damascus, and cruelly denied the consolation of embracing my wife and children. As I have reason to apprehend the worst, I request you to acquaint them with my misfortunes." 66 No, no," said I, you shall not die; be at liberty from this moment. Depart immediately, (presenting him with a thousand sequins in a purse;) hasten to rejoin the precious objects of your affection; let the caliph's indignation fall upon me; I dread it not, if I preserve your life! "What a proposal do you make! answered my prisoner; can you think me capable of accepting it? Shall I sacrifice that life now which I formerly saved? Endeavor to convince the caliph of my innocence, the only proof I will admit of your gratitude. If you cannot undeceive him, I will go myself and offer my head; let him dispose of my life, provided yours be safe.” I presented myself, next morning, before Mamoun. He was dressed in a crimson-colored mantle, a symbol of his anger. He inquired where my prisoner was, and ordered the executioner to attend. My lord," said I, throwing myself at his feet, "something very extraordinary has happened with regard to him. Will your majesty permit me to explain it?" These words threw him into a passion. "I aver," said he, "by the soul of my ancestors, that thy head shall pay for it, if thou hast suffered the prisoner to escape. "Both my life and his are at your majesty's disposal; but vouchsafe to hear me." Speak," said he. I then related in what manner the prisoner had saved my life at Damascus; that, in gratitude, I had offered him his liberty, but that he had refused it, from the fear of exposing me to death. "My lord,' added I," he is not guilty. A man of such generous sentiments is incapable of committing an odious crime. Some base detracters have calumniated him; and he has become the unfortunate victim of their envy.' The caliph was moved, and his great soul led him to admire the heroism of my friend. "I pardon him," said Mamoun, "on thy account. Go, carry the good |