is my express command that they should thus conduct themselves. When they say, "I have done well," I am delighted. I know they

think so; for I have so strongly impressed upon their minds my abhorrence of falsehood, that their desire to please me, makes them never depart from the strictest truth. The king of Lydia, accustomed to the most extravagant compliments, knew not how to comprehend all this. He invited Arpagus to visit his court. You will there, said he, see what state and regal dignity truly are. No wants, that require relief, can there be in my realm ; for every countenance I look upon, appears smiling and joyful. My sumptuous palace, and spacious apartments command respect. If I move, the air re-echos with acclamations of joy, and professions of allegiance. Arpagus accepted the invitation; and the two kings embarked in their separate

vessels.

vessels. In the voyage a dreadful storm arose. They were in the greatest danger. In the Lydian ship, in the general confusion, not one recollected that the king was on board. The thoughts of each person centred in himself; anxious to preserve his own life, and the little property he had with him. On board the vessel of Arpagus, how different was the scene! The people flew to their monarch; they recollected that always living in the midst of his people, and being unaccustomed to the ocean, he might be more apprehensive of its dangers. They assured him that they valued not life, unless he could be preserved, who made life desirable to them; that their anxiety was for him, who not only made them happy in living, but had instructed them to perpetuate felicity beyond the grave. The sailors, in the mean time, filled with the same sentiments, were doubly active in

the

the care of the ship that contained their beloved sovereign. The storm at length ceased. On board the king of Lydia's vessel, the only care of the crew was to take their repose after so much fatigue. In the ship of Arpagus, the first care was to return thanks to the Gods for the preservation of their monarch; and to their thanks they all joined earnest prayers that the life of Arpagus might for years be prolonged, and that his people might long preserve the blessing they now possessed, and were grateful for. They soon reached the Lydian coast. The king being arrived in Sardis, formal and pompous congratulations for his safe return, were sent up to the palace from different parts. The streets of the city rang with compliments, and loud exalted praises of the monarch. The king pleased, now displayed before Arpagus all his wealth; showed him the magnificence and

pomp

pomp that surrounded him; pointed out the Pactolus, that flowed round Sardis, making him remark its golden sands, that were the boast of Asia. Arpagus saw all unmoved. He envied not this king his grandeur, nor the splendour of Sardis. He valued not the praise he received; he knew it was the breath of flattery. All he saw, served but to endear to him the moderation in which he passed his life; and all he heard, but to render more estimable the plain voice of truth, which was addressed to him. When he took his leave of Lydia, he refused all the offered presents of gold; and landing on his happy island, was hailed with the joyful assurance, that welcome was his return.

MRS.

MRS. ABNEY.

I am sure you will all join with me in thanks to Elizabeth for this story; which she has made doubly pleasing, by the justness and good emphasis of her reading. I am satisfied too with your choice; for in that story we have an example that the voice of truth is plain and simple; and that just praise is always moderate ; while extravagant professions are generally insincere, and not to be depended on; for flattery waits not to examine if her words be true, satisfied if they are but pompous and pleasing to the ear. This story gives us likewise morę

than one useful lesson. You there see that if you desire to act right, you must be willing to hear your faults from every person; and be ready to acknowledge an errour the moment you perceive it. You may there too observe that