1 files changed, 2076 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/59725-0.txt b/59725-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..33485bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/59725-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2076 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59725 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Frontispiece: Queen Victoria raising Lord Rolle.  p. 102]
+
+
+
+
+  PICTURES
+
+  FROM
+
+  ENGLISH HISTORY.
+
+
+  A Fireside Amusement
+
+
+  WITH ENGRAVINGS.
+
+
+  BATH:
+  BINNS AND GOODWIN.
+  LONDON: WHITTAKER & CO., AVE MARIA LANE.
+  EDINBURGH: JOHNSTONE. DUBLIN: CURRY.
+
+  1846.
+
+
+
+
+BATH: PRINTED BY BINNS AND GOODWIN.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+While there are so many pleasant ways of instructing the youth of the
+present day, it may perhaps appear presumption to add this work to the
+number.  But those who have watched the expansion of a child's mind may
+have seen, that the idea of improvement is too frequently combined with
+that of a task; and where instruction can be conveyed in a lighter
+form, it is more pleasantly and permanently impressed.  With a little
+attention from their elders, many branches of education may be made
+attractive to children; and it is hoped, that this small volume, if it
+should not succeed in imprinting some few incidents of English History
+on the memory of the children, may suggest to the parents the
+possibility of lessening the weariness of study.
+
+
+
+
+PICTURES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY.
+
+
+A Fireside Amusement.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Little boys and girls--aye, and their elders also--often feel the hours
+very long and heavy.  The latter have many causes for this feeling; but
+the former had better take my advice, and directly seek for some
+employment, which will, I promise, cure their complaint.  They may have
+a kind mama or friend to assist them; and there are many more ways of
+amusing themselves than they think of.  Let them listen to me, and I
+will tell them of a game which often entertained some young friends of
+mine, and was one of their plans for passing idle moments.
+
+It was early in January that Mrs. Macdonald was quietly sitting with
+her sister, who had not long arrived from India.  It was very cold; the
+shutters had been shut, the curtains drawn earlier than usual, and the
+ladies had made a cheerful fire to greet Mr. Macdonald on his return
+from his daily occupation.  After so long a separation they had much to
+talk of, and preferred the bright blaze to the light of the lamp.
+
+At the top of the house a very different scene was passing.  Mrs.
+Macdonald's children and their four cousins had romped until they were
+tired, and were now silly enough to complain of being obliged to stop,
+and did not know what to do next; the elder children had good-naturedly
+joined in their games, and were too weary to tell stories, or continue
+their exertions in their behalf.  The nurse had insisted on their not
+crowding too close to the fire, to which she maintained the baby and
+the tea-kettle had the best right.  Little Alfred had asserted he was
+tired of his life, and his little cousins began crying with cold to
+which they were so unaccustomed, when the former started to his feet,
+expressing his determination that he would go to mama, who he was sure
+had candles, and would shew them the new puzzles papa gave them at
+Christmas.  It was in vain to try and stop him, or to remind him that
+it was some time before the usual hour of going into the drawing room:
+the nursery was quite out of favour, and little feet hurrying down
+stairs, soon interrupted the ladies' conversation.
+
+Alfred was the first to enter, and was quite disappointed at finding
+the lamp had not been brought in; the chilly little natives of India
+crowded to the fender, and all contrived to secure a piece of the warm
+hearthrug, or a footstool.  Alfred, to compensate for his troubles,
+seated himself on his mama's lap, and presently assured the circle,
+that he "would give the whole world, if papa would come home."
+
+"You are a silly little boy, Alfred," replied his mama; "if it were
+possible for you to possess the world, you would soon gladly relinquish
+it to any one who would take it from you.  You had better learn to know
+more of the earth, its inhabitants, and their customs, before you
+undertake such a weighty charge."
+
+All laughed at poor Alfred, until his aunt silenced them, and declared
+that she thought his remark might lead to much pleasant instruction;
+she felt sure that many of the party knew but little of the globe on
+which they lived; "suppose we talk on the subjects of which you are so
+ignorant, instead of the stories we generally relate."
+
+Some murmured approbation; but one or two confessed they thought it
+would be rather like a lesson, and that their governess had that
+morning given them a long lecture on geography.  Alfred boldly asserted
+that he did not like such subjects, and that he was very glad the next
+day's task would be history.  "I long to see," he added, "what becomes
+of poor Charles I.  I left him in prison; mama, will you tell me if he
+was ever made a king again?"
+
+"I must say," answered his mother, "that you are not as grateful for
+your aunt's suggestion as I could wish.  I am sure had you listened we
+might have made our accounts of different lands so interesting, that
+you would have found it very different from a task; but I will humour
+you, and this evening's amusement shall be historical.  If I tell
+stories of former days, I shall find it difficult to suit them to your
+different ages; I therefore propose that all who can, shall join me in
+describing scenes from English history, of which you each know
+something.  Those who listen must guess the subjects, and may be
+allowed to ask questions."
+
+"We think we understand you, mama," exclaimed the children; "and if you
+will begin, we shall soon be able to join."
+
+Mrs. Macdonald willingly consented; and after a few minutes, described
+the following circumstance:--"You must picture to yourselves the coast
+of a shore, where it was rather flat, and easy to land.  It was crowded
+with a vast multitude dressed in skins, and painted with a blue dye:
+formidable cars, with sharp scythes fixed to the wheels, were ready to
+attack the enemy, who approached in large vessels, the construction of
+which showed more skill than the wicker boats, covered with skin, made
+by the people on the land.  The ships were close to the shore, but none
+dared to leave them, until a standard bearer jumped into the water to
+encourage his comrades, who, following him, soon defeated the natives."
+
+"Do let us have the date told us," begged Mary Macdonald.
+
+"I have made my first picture so easy, that I should scarcely have
+thought this necessary: however, I will tell you: it was 53 years
+before Christ."
+
+"Did the conquerors leave the poor savages, and return the following
+year?"
+
+"Yes; and they found it so difficult to subdue them, that the
+enterprise was at last abandoned."
+
+"Then, mama, I know to what you refer."
+
+The answer was pronounced correct; and whilst Mrs. Arabin was
+considering what incident to relate, the last was discussed.
+
+"Mama," said Alfred, "do you know that I think the people were very
+dirty to paint themselves."
+
+"It was their idea of ornament; in these days it is difficult to
+imagine the unenlightened state of their minds.  The blue dye which
+they used was extracted from a plant called woad."
+
+"I think I remember," remarked one of the little ones, "that the
+conquerors came to Britain from Gaul;--but I see my aunt is ready."
+
+"My history is a sad instance of the cruelty often attending war; the
+scene is laid in a public street of a magnificent city, adorned with
+massive buildings, laurel-crowned statues, and fine bridges over a
+noble river.  Crowds of spectators are watching a procession, the
+principal figures of which are a royal prisoner, with his wife and two
+daughters, led in chains: the man's face bespeaks lofty indignation."
+
+This at first puzzled the young people; but when they heard he made
+such a moving appeal for liberty, that his chains were struck off, the
+mystery was solved.
+
+Annie had already prepared a sketch, and now begged for her turn.  "I
+wish to show you," she commenced, "a woman with more the appearance of
+a warrior than a female, in her tent on the field of battle, surrounded
+by her children; she has put a cup of deadly poison to her lips, and
+now presents it to her young son: his firmness masters the weakness of
+his years, and he also takes a long-deep draught."
+
+"Mama, help us to guess," was heard on all sides, but the young ones
+were desired first to exercise their own memories.  All the cases of
+poisoning they had ever heard of were mentioned, but at last a hint
+from the relator assisted them, and the right answer was given.
+
+Mrs. Macdonald now took the turn of one of her little nieces, and
+described to them a fact which had taken place some time after that
+just related.  "A king and his courtiers are listening attentively to a
+holy man, who had come to their country to preach Christianity; the
+minds of the court had before been in darkness, but the earnestness of
+his auditors prophesied that they were now inclined to listen to his
+persuasions."
+
+This was pronounced very difficult; many guesses were given, some
+fancying that it must be intended for Henry VIII. and Cranmer, but they
+were told that it was a much earlier date, and not later than A.D. 600.
+This information, after a short pause, made the true circumstance to be
+remembered, and the next description was of an encampment.  In one of
+the tents the inmates are absorbed by a harper, who had sought the
+principal tent, and was so completely captivating them by his musical
+talents, that they seemed to forget both their situation and military
+duties.
+
+"Did he receive money, and bury it?" was quickly asked.
+
+"No, it was not Prince Anlaff, although you are right in fixing on a
+Danish camp."
+
+The hero was such a favorite with the little historians that they soon
+found the right name, and Alfred reminded them that the same person
+invented lanterns, and proceeded to relate a story from their nice
+book, called "Evenings at Home," where he was represented baking cakes;
+the little boy was so pleased at the opportunity of talking, that he
+felt quite annoyed when the nurse came to tell them their tea was
+ready.  The clock was examined to show that there had been no mistake
+in the time; an hour had passed so quickly, that some suspected it was
+not yet six.
+
+"I wished so much for papa to come home," remonstrated Alfred; "he
+generally comes back long before our tea-time; I am certain it cannot
+be so late."
+
+"You have, my dear boy," replied his aunt, "learnt that discontent may
+be cured by occupation: had you observed your mother, you would have
+seen by her constant glances at her watch, that she has long expected
+your father.  I now hear his step in the hall; run and kiss him, and
+then go with nurse, as you have already kept her waiting some time."
+
+Before this injunction was obeyed, they solicited a promise that they
+might come down the next evening at the same time, and play at the same
+game.  This was readily granted, and they ran up stairs much happier
+than they had come down.
+
+
+1. Invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar.  B.C. 55.
+
+2. Caractacus led prisoner through Rome.  A.D. 43.
+
+3. Boadicea.  A.D. 43.
+
+4. St. Augustine preaching to Ethelbert.  A.D. 600.
+
+5. Alfred in the Danish camp.  A.D. 880.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+"Now mama," "Now auntie," cried half a dozen little voices at once, as
+Mrs. Macdonald and her sister closed their books, and drew their chairs
+close to the fire, on the following evening.
+
+"One moment to collect my thoughts, dear children," said Mrs.
+Macdonald, stirring the fire, and taking one of her shivering little
+nieces on her lap, whilst Alfred secured his aunt's knee, seeing that
+his accustomed place was occupied.
+
+"The scene I shall describe to-night is laid in a hall, where tables
+are spread for a feast: the preparations are certainly not so costly as
+some we might see now-a-days; for instead of carpets, rushes are laid
+on the floor; the walls appear to be made of wood, interlaced with
+osiers; the windows are filled up, some with cloth, and others with
+lattice work, instead of glass; there are no grates or fire-places;
+nevertheless the table is covered with clean white linen, and each
+person has a separate drinking horn, a mess of pottage, a wooden knife
+and spoon; whilst on the wall are hung two or three wooden harps.  The
+entertainment seems to have been interrupted by the entrance of a wild
+looking man, with whom he who appears to be a king is engaged in close
+combat.  The king holds the robber by the hair of his head; but the
+latter contrives to plunge a dagger into the heart of his youthful
+opponent."
+
+There was a long pause after Mrs. Macdonald had ceased speaking, and
+many were the whisperings between the young people.
+
+"Give it up," cried Alfred, tired of the silence.
+
+"It was a Saxon king, was it not, aunt?" asked Edward, a pale, quiet
+boy, the eldest of the group.
+
+"Quite right, my dear; and as you have guessed so soon, perhaps you
+will try and puzzle me in your turn."
+
+Edward blushed, and after a few minutes' hesitation, described the
+following picture:--
+
+"A king, surrounded by some of his officers, is seated in a large room;
+his dress and the furniture of the apartment show more cleanliness than
+luxury; brave, rough men are on bended knee before him; whilst their
+attendants are bringing in wolves' heads, and laying them at the feet
+of the king."
+
+"Every one of them was obliged to bring three hundred heads yearly,
+were they not?" said Mrs. Macdonald.
+
+"Yes, aunt; I am afraid I cannot puzzle you."
+
+When the subject was more clearly made known, Annie asked, "Are there
+any wolves in Wales now, mama?  I should be afraid to live there."
+
+"No, my dear; as men have become more civilized, and the country more
+full of people, these and other wild animals have been driven into
+smaller spaces, until at last they have all been killed.  This is not
+only the case in England, but in other countries; where colonies are
+spreading over formerly wild tracts of land, the wilder animals are
+fast disappearing."
+
+"I am glad of it," rejoined Annie, drawing closer to her mother's knee,
+and looking round as if a wolf had been behind her.
+
+"I will now describe a picture," said Mrs. Arabin.  "At the gate of a
+castle, situated in a country where the ground near the sea never
+appears to rise into high hills, but spreads itself in undulating
+downs, we see a mild-looking young man on horseback.  His horse is much
+heated; he wears a hunting-horn by his side, whilst thirsty dogs seem
+to envy their master the cup he is putting to his lips.  An elderly
+woman, with sharp eyes, but a gracious smile on her face, has scarcely
+withdrawn her hand after presenting her young visitor with the cup,
+whilst a servant is at this moment plunging a dagger into the shoulder
+of the fair-haired youth on horseback."
+
+The subject of this description was exclaimed by many little voices as
+soon as Mrs. Arabin had ceased to speak.
+
+[Illustration: Canute and his Courtiers.]
+
+Annie spoke next "of a king dressed in his royal robes, seated on the
+sea-shore; he looks calmly and quietly at the waves, which roll one
+over another in beautiful succession, splashing his face with their
+silvery spray, and wetting his feet with their briny waters, whilst the
+sea-weeds cling to his regal attire.  The courtiers are eagerly
+watching the waves, any thing but pleasure depicted in their
+countenances, and they look very much afraid of getting wet.  The king
+is pointing with one hand to a mark set in the sand, over which the
+ocean is proudly dashing."
+
+"Oh, Annie! that is too easy," exclaimed Mary.
+
+"Not at all," interrupted Mrs. Arabin, "if it teach us to remember the
+lesson which the story is so well able to teach."
+
+Mrs. Macdonald then proceeded to describe a scene where a haughty,
+fierce-looking man is standing by an open grave, from which his
+attendant soldiers are taking a body; the pale features of the corpse
+appear to resemble those of the proud king, who points to his followers
+to convey the body to the adjacent river.  The bystanders are clothed
+in loose dresses like a carter's frock, bound round the waist by a
+belt, and only reaching to the knee; some have iron collars round their
+necks; most of them are bare-headed, but a few wear fur caps over their
+long hair, which, parted on the forehead, hangs down in straight locks
+on each side of the face.  Their beards are shaven on the upper lip,
+and on the top of the chin; the rest long, clean and neat, divided in
+the middle, hangs down in two points; their shoes come up very high.
+
+"Is that really in English history?" asked Louisa.
+
+"Yes, my dear, about 1035."
+
+Edward rejoined, "Canute ascended the throne 1017--he reigned eighteen
+years.  I know, dear auntie."
+
+Mrs. Arabin next began:--"My story is one which ought to lead us to
+stop and reflect; it relates to a banqueting hall, where a king and a
+wary-looking courtier are sitting together surrounded by attendants.
+The king looks earnestly and reproachfully at the nobleman, to whom he
+points with one hand, whilst the other is directed towards his own
+breast.  The courtier, with a proud, defying look, yet with a lurking
+expression of conscious guilt, is raising a piece of bread to his
+half-opened mouth."
+
+None of the party seemed able to guess this story, and even Mrs.
+Macdonald herself looked puzzled.  Just then the door opened, and the
+words "Please, ma'am, the nursery tea is ready," interrupted the
+amusement for this evening.
+
+Aunt Mary was then obliged quickly to tell, how that piece of bread
+choked the ambitious man, who so wickedly exclaimed that he hoped the
+next morsel might be his last, if he had ever intended any ill against
+his king.
+
+"Are not those dangerous sands off the coast of Kent supposed to mark
+the possessions of this designing earl?" asked Edward.
+
+"Yes, my love, and therefore I contend that the name should be spelt
+with but one o, thus restoring it to its purer Saxon form."
+
+
+1. Death of Edmund.  A.D. 948.
+
+2. Welsh tribute.
+
+3. Death of Edward the Martyr.  A.D. 979.
+
+4. Canute.  A.D. 1017.
+
+5. Harold.  A.D. 1035.
+
+6. Death of Earl Godwin.  A.D. 1041.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+The following evening, Mrs. Macdonald, who had spent the day with an
+invalid friend, found all the children seated and ready to resume their
+historical amusement; her bonnet and shawl were soon taken from her,
+and leading her to a chair, all once more crowded round her.
+
+"We could not begin without you, dear mama; but aunt has been so kind
+in entertaining us, that we have not been in the least impatient."
+
+"As you have all had so much time to prepare, and I am tired," replied
+Mrs. Macdonald, "one of you must commence.  Louisa, you look as if you
+had meditated on something with which to entertain us; let us hear your
+thoughts."
+
+"That I am quite ready to do, and will beg you to follow me to a
+coronation; the king, about to have the crown placed on his head, is a
+man with strongly marked features and a stern expression, of the middle
+height, but showing great bodily power.  His followers are dressed in
+armour, made of very small iron rings linked together like net-work,
+and so flexible, that it fits close to their bodies.  The ceremony is
+not yet completed; the people inside the building are noisy in
+expressing their exultation and applause, but outside there are signs
+of a tumult; the mob, in its excited state, has set fire to the
+neighbouring houses, and is riotous in its indignation at some supposed
+evil."
+
+"There has been more than one king whose accession to the throne has
+been against the wish of the nation," remarked Edward; "but I do not
+remember any opposition when they were crowned."
+
+"I believe," said Mrs. Macdonald, "that this king was a foreigner,
+whose attendants had unjustly feared that their prince was betrayed."
+
+"You have guessed it, I see, mama."
+
+"And so have I," exclaimed an exulting little voice; "I think they
+spoke a different language from our last night's Saxon friends.  Annie,
+it is now your turn."
+
+"I shall," she directly began, "describe a quieter scene than the noisy
+event just represented.  A royal lady, with a mild, rather intellectual
+countenance, is seated with her attendant ladies, busily employed in
+working a large piece of tapestry.  The history she is carefully
+depicting appears to absorb her very much, and her industry has
+produced the representation of some stirring scenes, for on her work we
+descry horses, and riders, ships, soldiers, &c."
+
+"Your picture is rather a short one," said Louisa, "but interesting
+from the fact of the lady having been so worthy of admiration.  I
+should not like to have been born in those days, for I do not like
+working, and they seem to have done nothing else."
+
+"There are certainly large pieces of work said to have been executed in
+this reign, but many believe female minds were more cultivated than we
+suppose.  Matilda of Flanders has been drawn with a book in her hand,
+as if she were in the habit of reading, and by some means had formed
+elegant tastes.  Emily, you have long been silent; try and puzzle us
+this time."
+
+"I should like to do so, mama, but I fear the story I now relate will
+soon be discovered.  The scene is not laid in England, but near the
+coast of an adjacent country, an exposed rock, on the summit of which
+there was a castle but indifferently defended.  A long siege had so
+much weakened the garrison, that few were able to protect the prince
+who led them; they were forced to surrender to the enemy at the foot of
+the rock, who had anxiously expected the moment when starvation would
+conquer their courage.  The prince knelt to the victor for mercy; life
+was granted; but he was cast out, with a few faithful followers, to
+find shelter and support from any who would take pity on him."
+
+"We were sure Emily would tell us something pathetic; it is a very
+pretty story, but we cannot think who it is.  Were there old men,
+women, and children turned out, and taken care of by the besiegers?"
+
+"No, it was not the taking of Calais by Edward III.  I ought to have
+told you that the rock was an island."
+
+"Mama," whispered Alfred, who had secured his mother's lap, "do you ask
+questions, for I am tired, and want to know."
+
+Mrs. Macdonald indulged him, and begged to know if the conquered and
+the conqueror were related to each other.
+
+"Oh! mama, Emily moves her head to say yes.  We know now; when little
+boys I think they quarreled, because one of them threw a bucket of
+water over the other; if they began so early to fight, no wonder they
+hated each other in after life."
+
+"Can any of you tell me," enquired their aunt, "what celebrated
+building was erected in this reign?  William, if you retain your wish
+to study law, you may some day know more of its interior."
+
+"I can tell you, mama; it was Westminster Hall; the Tower of London was
+also much added to, some say commenced in this reign."
+
+"Yes, but has been still more enlarged and altered since.  Your aunt
+mentioned Earl Godwin last night; it was in this reign that the lands
+which had belonged to him were overflowed."
+
+"I remember," said Alfred, looking very solemn as he thought of his
+death; "but now, dear Edward, do tell us something funny."
+
+"That will not be very easy," replied his cousin; "and I dare say mama
+could obey your request much better than I can."
+
+"I will tell a story next," exclaimed Willie; "the consequences were
+sad, but the beginning will please Alfred.  You must witness the toilet
+of a king, and fancy he has taken a new scarlet cloak from his
+attendant's hands; he tries in vain to fasten the hood, he pulls and
+struggles, but the material will not bear such treatment, and is soon
+torn."
+
+"I think," said Mrs. Macdonald, "you have, to please your little
+brother, chosen a curious specimen of your powers of memory."
+
+"Indeed, mama, Holinshed is my authority; the sad end is, that the
+cloak was sent to the king's brother, who, he said, had a smaller head
+than his; this so hurt his brother's feelings, that he refused all
+nourishment, and died in a few days.  He was the king's prisoner at the
+time."
+
+For some minutes all seemed inclined to think Willie had told them too
+silly a story to take any trouble about; but their mother reminded them
+that the exercise of thought was the same.  "Did the king," she asked,
+"die a year after his poor brother?"
+
+"Yes, mama, in 1135."
+
+"Then," added Louisa, "they were the same brothers who fought at St.
+Michael's rock; and I think the king died from eating too much of a
+favourite dish of fish."
+
+"How smart the scarlet cloak must have been," remarked Alfred.
+
+"You might have liked that," replied his mother, "but you would not
+have admired the shoes they wore in those days; the toes had such long
+points that they were fastened to the knee by a chain.  Willie must not
+take your turn, Edward."
+
+"My history, mama, will be very different; for I wish to describe a
+fine vessel tossed about on the waves of the English Channel.  Her
+destruction is evident; and, in their eagerness, some of the poor
+perishing creatures crowd into a boat, which is already full.  It stays
+to rescue one other female: a prince holds out his arms to her; she is
+caught, and you trust saved; but too many follow her, and the boat
+being overloaded, struggles for a short time with the elements, and
+then sinks with all on board, never to rise again."
+
+One of the party whispered, "The young prince's father was never seen
+to smile again."
+
+"You are quite right, Mary; now let us hear your anecdote."
+
+"My scene is laid in winter; the snow covers the country; a town is
+besieged, and the soldiers are quietly resting at night, expecting that
+the dreadful scarcity of provisions will soon make the enemy surrender.
+Four figures, as white as the snow over which they hastily move, have
+issued from a postern-door; they have crossed the frozen river, and are
+now escaping the sentinels, who seem to be ignorant of their flight."
+
+"Mama," said Alfred, "they must have been white bears.  I saw one in
+the Zoological Gardens, and Annie was so afraid it would get out."
+
+"I remember the circumstance, and that one little boy was thoughtless
+enough to teaze his sister, which was a silly way of trying to overcome
+her foolish fears.  She will, I am sure, conquer them herself, when she
+finds how much they interfere with her usefulness.  I think Edward's
+account relates to a scene in England, and the white bear is only found
+in the Polar Seas."
+
+"Was not one of the fugitives a woman, Edward?" asked one of his
+cousins; "and had she not a young son who met her on this occasion?"
+
+"Yes, he joined his mother on her escape from Oxford at Wallingford.
+Mama, are there not some curious accounts of their escapes?"
+
+"Yes; the royal mother was taken to Oxford in a litter, as if she had
+been a corpse; on another occasion she mounted a swift horse, and rode
+with the greatest speed from Winchester to Devizes.  She was an
+intrepid, courageous woman, and had been chosen by her father, Henry
+I., to succeed him; before his death he made his nobles swear fealty to
+her."
+
+The hour for leaving their favourite game had now arrived: and with
+repeated hopes of renewing it the next evening, they bade good-bye to
+their kind mother.
+
+
+1. Coronation of William I.  A.D. 1066.
+
+2. Matilda of Flanders working her husband's conquests.
+
+3. William II. besieging Prince Henry at St. Michel.  A.D. 1088.
+
+4. Henry I. sending his cloak to his brother Robert.  A.D. 1125.
+
+5. The loss of the "White Ship."  A.D. 1120.
+
+6. The escape of the Empress Maude from Oxford.  A.D. 1141.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+"The subject of my picture to-night," said Mrs. Macdonald, when the
+party was again assembled round a cheerful fire, "is that of a young
+man, apparently about twenty-one years of age; his features are
+handsome, particularly his eyes; his form is graceful, about the middle
+height; he has a manly, military bearing; in his helmet he wears a
+piece of a small-leaved plant, and with one hand he is encouraging some
+workmen, who are busily engaged in pulling down a castellated building.
+All seem to be working cheerfully under him; and he is so gentle in
+appearance, that the little children are not afraid to come near him,
+and look at the warlike ornaments of his dress.  In the distance some
+soldiers, evidently of a different country to the rest of the people,
+are embarking in boats, with all their baggage."
+
+"Were those the Romans going away, mama?" demanded Annie.
+
+"No, my love; the building and the dress show a more advanced state of
+civilization than our country presented at the time of their invasion;
+besides, there is a trace of Saxon descent in my hero's countenance."
+
+"Did he derive his Saxon blood from his grandmother?" asked Edward.
+
+"I see you have guessed, my dear boy."
+
+"Edward is so clever, we have none of us any chance when he is here,"
+exclaimed Mary.
+
+"Your cousin," replied Mrs. Macdonald, "has acquired so much
+information by constant, persevering study and attention to what he has
+been taught, and you will learn as much if you apply as steadily."
+
+"What was the flower the kind man wore in his helmet, mama?" enquired
+Alfred.
+
+"Broom, which you must have seen growing on commons, and in grandpapa's
+garden.  Henry and his descendants took their surname from this
+circumstance, _planta_ being the Latin for plant, and _genista_ for
+broom; hence the name--"
+
+"Plantagenet," cried several voices at once.
+
+"Did not the Romans speak Latin, mama?" asked Mary.
+
+"Yes, my dear; and perhaps, Annie, you can tell me who wrote an account
+of the Roman invasion into Britain in the Latin language."
+
+"Julius Cæsar, mama; his Commentaries principally relate to his wars in
+Gaul; and once when he was obliged to swim from the ship to save his
+life, he carried his arms in one hand, and his writings in the other."
+
+"That would have made another good picture, mama," said Louisa to Mrs.
+Arabin; "but I think it is now your turn; you have not told us one
+to-night."
+
+"Well, my dears, picture to yourselves the shore of a rocky island,
+lovely scenery in the distance; the faint smoke of a then tranquil
+volcano curling above the surrounding hills; soldiers, clad in coats of
+mail, bearing crosses on their shields, are preparing to embark in the
+numerous galleys which are waiting in the harbour; they yet stop for
+one, whose noble mien and princely appearance seem to show him the
+chief of the expedition; he is tenderly taking leave of a young and
+lovely woman, who wears a golden diadem on her head; a veil descends
+nearly to her feet, whilst a loose robe scarcely conceals the graceful
+figure enveloped in its folds.  Behind the pair stands an elderly
+matron, trying to separate them, yet evidently with some reluctance."
+
+[Illustration: Richard I. parting with Berengaria.]
+
+"That was a sad parting, aunt," said Emily; "and I think the young lady
+was not then married."
+
+"You are right."
+
+The rest of the party confessed themselves puzzled.
+
+"Did you hear me say that the soldiers wore crosses?"
+
+"Oh! that tells the tale," replied Annie.
+
+Edward next began as follows:--"The scene of my picture is in the
+precincts of a castle: a bold, intrepid looking figure on horseback is
+seeking for the easiest place of attack, whilst at a small window in
+the turret, depicted on the dark side of the picture, we descry an
+archer aiming his bow and arrow at the figure below."
+
+After some little deliberation, the supposed subject was confidentially
+whispered to mama, who thought it was a right guess, after which the
+name was more boldly mentioned.
+
+"I am now going to tell a very shocking story," commenced Mary.  "The
+scene is a prison; cold stone walls, narrow windows, iron bars, and
+rough seats, give no idea of comfort.  A kind-looking man is seated in
+the centre of the group, covering his face with one hand, whilst the
+other rests on the head of a pretty boy, who looks beseechingly in his
+face.  The other figures are busily engaged heating some
+curiously-shaped iron instruments."
+
+"That is the poor, dear little prince who had his eyes put out by his
+naughty uncle," cried Alfred, delighted at being able to guess one of
+the many scenes described.
+
+"I have heard the truth of that story doubted," remarked Mrs. Arabin.
+
+"So have I," rejoined her sister; "but it is a legend which has become
+so mixed up with history, that it is difficult to ascertain its truth,
+and it is as well to know the tale.  Now, my dear children, picture to
+yourselves a battle.  It appears to be an engagement during a civil
+war, for the dress and appearance of the opponents are exactly alike.
+There is a gloom spread over the whole picture; the redness of sunset
+has scarcely faded away, and the moon is appearing in the horizon.  On
+one side we see an infirm monarch in the grasp of a soldier, who, with
+his hand raised to strike the fatal blow, seems to hesitate with
+astonishment.  On the other side, one of princely deportment is
+attracted by a voice from the spot where the scene I have just
+described is taking place.  By his side a noble figure has just had his
+horse killed under him."
+
+Louisa guessed this picture, and asked, "Was it not this prince whose
+life was saved in the Holy Land by his wife's sucking the poison from a
+wound in his arm?"
+
+"So it is said," answered Mrs. Macdonald, "but the truth of the
+statement is very much doubted.  Now we will stop for this evening, as
+I hear papa's knock; perhaps he may be able to come home early
+to-morrow, and help us to puzzle each other."
+
+"Oh! that will be nice," cried all the little voices at once.  "But how
+I should like to puzzle papa," added Willie; "I will read history all
+the morning, when I have done my lessons."
+
+"Very well, my dear; your leisure hours will then be profitably
+employed, although the motive may be to give papa a difficult subject
+rather than a love of information on your own part.  But here comes
+papa."
+
+Mr. Macdonald now entered the room amidst the din of little voices, all
+crying at once, "Do come home early to-morrow, dear papa."  "Please do,
+uncle."
+
+
+1. Henry II. pulling down the castles erected by Stephen, and
+discharging the foreign soldiers.  A.D. 1154.
+
+2. Richard I. parting with Berengaria, at Messina.  A.D. 1189.
+
+3. Death of Richard Coeur de Lion.  A.D. 1199.
+
+4. Prince Arthur.  A.D. 1199.
+
+5. Battle of Evesham.  May 14th, A.D. 1265.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+"Papa has promised to come home early this evening," repeated the
+children to each other; "we must not begin without him.  Mama, do you
+think he will be long?"
+
+"No, my dears, I expect him every minute; but he may be detained by
+business, and you must not be disappointed if he should not come as
+soon as you desire."
+
+"We will try and not complain," they answered, in a tone that showed
+they would be much inclined to do so if they had the trial.
+
+"You need not frighten yourselves," said their aunt; "he is now on the
+stairs."
+
+The door was quickly opened for him, and he was begged to make haste
+and seat himself, whilst poor baby was prohibited from paying her visit
+to him till they had finished.
+
+"You are expected to commence," said Mrs. Arabin, "and to puzzle the
+whole party."
+
+But papa did not consider that it was at all fair he should be directly
+made to task himself.  He reminded them that he had never seen the game
+played, and promised that if their mama would begin, he would speak
+after her.
+
+"I am quite ready to do so," said Mrs. Macdonald; "and my first picture
+will show you a little child of not more than three years of age.  She
+is laid on a bed of sickness, and the deepest anxiety may be traced in
+her attendants' countenances.  Whispers of fear at the consequences of
+her death are escaping them.  The child herself, had she been capable,
+would have been thankful for her release: she was a queen, and even at
+her early age, by her marriage, the nation had decreed she should
+secure a sister-country's interest for her own people.  Her ladies in
+vain exert all the means that can be thought of to restore her; she was
+called from earth in her pure, bright innocence."
+
+"Was her name Anne, mama?"
+
+"No; you are thinking of Earl Warwick's daughter, who married Prince
+Edward, the son of Edward the Fourth, and whose dreadful, early death
+you all have heard of.  My little bride was a young queen of Scotland."
+
+"Let papa guess now," said Alfred.
+
+"Then I shall ask, was the bride the daughter of the king of Norway?"
+
+"You are right, and must not now refuse us your history."
+
+"I have no desire to do so; and you must all take a journey with me
+into Scotland, for I wish to be present at a coronation in that
+country; we shall find a lady asserting the right of her family to
+crown all the kings of the nation.  She was the only representative of
+it then able to perform the ceremony: she places the diadem on the brow
+of one destined to continual struggles for liberty; his countenance
+bespeaks prudence, valour, and great enthusiasm."
+
+"I think, George," remarked Mrs. Macdonald, "you have taken a scene
+from Scottish annals.  We have at present confined ourselves to English
+history.  You have, however, puzzled the children, I perceive."
+
+"I did not, you must remember, hear any of your rules; but I shall
+expect the true answer to my account to be given in five minutes by my
+watch."
+
+"Oh, mama! how cruel papa is; pray help us."
+
+"I think your father spoke of a Countess Buchan."
+
+Ignorance was still confessed, till a hint was given of a spider having
+urged the same hero in after life to persevere in toil and exertions;
+the riddle was now soon solved.
+
+"I have a story," said Mary, "of a great indignity that was once
+offered to a royal prisoner, by the orders of the hard-hearted man who
+had the custody of him.  His attendants had brought some water out of a
+dirty ditch to shave him with; the poor victim meekly submitted; the
+tears trickled down his cheeks, and he murmured, 'Here is clean warm
+water, whether you will or no.'"
+
+The question of "Was he not a king, and born in Wales?" showed that
+this subject was known.
+
+"The wicked queen, I think," said Annie, "put him into prison, and thus
+caused all these indignities."
+
+"Yes; she took advantage of the naturally weak disposition of her
+husband.  Now, Charles, you who have only returned from school to-day
+ought to give us a capital recital."
+
+"I fear my historical characters are of an earlier date than yours, and
+are more Grecian and Roman heroes; but I will do my best.  In a retired
+room of a castle, no longer standing, there were two people sitting
+together in apparent security; the lady had the air and manners of a
+Frenchwoman, but her expression was disagreeable, giving the idea of a
+cruel, deceitful person.  The gentleman also had no very pleasing
+aspect; in the midst of their conversation a secret door is broken
+open, and a king, with men following him, seize and carry away the man,
+in spite of the female's earnest entreaties."
+
+"Mary, Queen of Scots," ventured an undecided voice.
+
+"No; Darnley was not a king."
+
+"Was the lady a queen, and mother to the person who forced away her
+companion?"
+
+"And I think," exclaimed another of the circle, as the truth broke upon
+them, "the queen begged them to have pity on the gentle Mortimer."
+
+"Quite right," was Charles's answer; "her entreaties were, however,
+disregarded, for he was soon after hanged on a gibbet at Tyburn: it
+appears a very hard-hearted act, but I suppose the young king believed
+it to be the only way to render himself free from the authorities who
+governed his youth."
+
+"I conclude the step was considered a politic one," added Mrs.
+Macdonald; "but it is always difficult to me to reconcile man's right
+to take away the life that we know was given for some wise purpose.
+Suppose we give papa hard work now we have secured him, and let him
+relate every story till it is time to leave off our game."
+
+Papa in vain begged they would not be so unjust; the proposal was
+thought so excellent, that directly Alfred would leave off clapping his
+hands, he good-naturedly acquiesced:--
+
+"A field of battle presents all the usual horrors, but in one respect
+has a particular that I do not think is paralleled.  An aged king is to
+be seen in all the perils of the day; he is well mounted, and a knight
+rides on each side of him, leading his horse; if you examine him, you
+will find that he is blind, and has braved danger to assist the French.
+The motto on his shield was 'Ich dien,' which means, 'I serve.'"
+
+"I am sure," said Alfred, "he was very foolish to go to battle.  He
+could not see who would attack him, and he prevented the two knights
+from fighting.  I do not know anything about such a silly old man."
+
+"I am not sure when I told the story that I expected you to give me the
+answer, Alfred."
+
+"Did he lose his life?" inquired Edward.
+
+"Yes, I am sure he did," interrupted Emily; "the scene was in France,
+and the chief leader of the English party was a youthful prince, famed
+for his courage and amiable character."
+
+"My next picture," resumed Mr. Macdonald, "shall be a crowded street,
+with banners flying from every window; arches of boughs and flowers,
+with many other signs of joy and exultation.  A procession passes
+amidst deafening applause; the principal figures are a king, dressed in
+his royal robes, and mounted on a beautiful steed; the other, much
+younger, with an attractive expression of countenance, rides at his
+side on a small palfrey.  The people bestow their chief attention and
+admiration on the latter."
+
+"Did he not," asked the children, "once wait on this same king at his
+supper?"
+
+"Yes; I see your favourite is again revealed.  This was a reign full of
+glorious acts, but peaceful improvements were not forgotten.  Windsor
+Castle was rebuilt and enlarged; many other restorations were executed,
+and much attention was paid to the laws.  Ever since William the
+Conqueror's reign they had been in Norman-French; they were now written
+in English.  I think I have now done my part towards this evening's
+amusement."
+
+"One more story, please, dear papa."
+
+"Indeed, uncle," said the little girl next to him, "we have time to
+listen to one more, if you will be so good as to tell it to us."
+
+This last appeal could not be resisted, and the river Thames was next
+described:--"It has seldom presented so curious a scene as that I now
+relate.  A king was in his royal barge, surrounded by a few of his
+noblemen.  On the shore there are at least ten thousand of the rabble
+awaiting his approach; their frightful cries, when they see the vessel,
+so terrifies the royal party, that they turn the boat's head, and
+escape to the Tower."
+
+"You have now given us a very difficult one, papa."
+
+"I hope I have; I shall not tell you any more to-night, and you may be
+as long as you like asking questions."
+
+The nurse now entered, and not liking them to keep her waiting, Mrs.
+Macdonald told them that Wat Tyler afterwards headed the rabble.
+
+"Then we know the whole history, mama, and will wait for some more
+stories till another evening."
+
+
+1. The death of the young queen of Scotland, and infant daughter of the
+king of Norway.
+
+2. Coronation of Robert Bruce.  A.D. 1307.
+
+3. Edward the Second insulted by Maltravers.  A.D. 1327.
+
+4. Death of Mortimer, Earl of March.  A.D. 1331.
+
+5. The king of Bohemia at the battle of Cressy.  A.D. 1345.
+
+6. Edward the Black Prince returning in triumph to London.  A.D. 1356.
+
+7. Richard the Second meeting the insurgents at Rotherhithe.  A.D. 1381.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+"Mama," said Mary, one evening, "I have been reading a story to-day,
+which shall be my picture to-night.  You must imagine a court of law,
+the judge raised on a high seat with all the lawyers round him; he
+looks sad yet firm.  Before him stands a royally dressed young man in
+the act of drawing his sword, his face beaming with anger, and a
+haughty defying look on his proud mouth.  Officers of justice are
+securing him, and another prisoner stands near."
+
+"Was the prisoner old or young, Mary?" asked Louisa.
+
+"Young," was the answer.
+
+"Was it Charles I.?"
+
+"No.  Charles I. was forty-nine years of age when he was tried, and I
+do not think he offered any resistance."
+
+"I have it," said Emily; "but, Mary, how was the prince royally drest?"
+
+"He wore a tight waistcoat with a loose robe over it, and a richly
+embroidered girdle, from which hung a bag."
+
+"I have heard," said Mrs. Macdonald, "that on one occasion your prince
+was said to have been dressed in a blue satin robe full of eylet holes,
+and from each hole hung the needle with which it was worked; but I am
+happy to say that if gentlemen's dress be less graceful in the present
+day, it is at any rate less effeminate and fantastical."
+
+"But how did the ladies dress?" asked Annie.
+
+"High head-dresses with long streamers of ribbon floating from them,
+short waists, long, full, flowing petticoats trimmed with fur, and
+large sleeves ending in a pouch, which was used as a pocket.  Their
+dresses were made of silk or stuff, but the poorer classes wore coarse
+flannel or fustian.  But, Edward, it is a long time since you have
+described a picture; it is your turn now."
+
+"My picture," he answered, after a few moments' deliberation, "is of a
+field of battle seen under the grey sky of morning.  No very large
+number of men is disposed so as to look as numerous as possible; the
+archers are in front, whilst before them are placed sharp stakes
+pointed with iron.  A kingly figure rides up and down the line, clad in
+glittering armour, and wearing a crown of gold ornamented with precious
+stones.  The opposite party appears much more numerous."
+
+"Are they French and English?" asked Willie.
+
+"That is rather a leading question," answered Edward; "but if you think
+they may be, name the battle to which I refer."
+
+"Creci?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Poictiers?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I know what it must be," exclaimed Mary; "one of the French
+leaders was killed early in the day, after which they made no more
+resistance, and the English became victorious.  Now, Annie, it is your
+turn."
+
+Annie then described a parliament, where grave men were listening to a
+gentleman who held in his arms a little baby, who plays with the royal
+ball; he also holds papers sealed with large seals.
+
+"Did not the baby cry when he saw all those gentlemen?" asked Alfred.
+
+"He does not cry in my picture," answered Annie; "he looks very good,
+and almost as if he were listening to what was being said around him."
+
+This subject was guessed, and Mrs. Arabin proceeded to describe "a
+besieged town, surrounded by the besiegers; at the head of whom,
+mounted on a charger, is a young woman apparently about twenty-seven
+years of age.  Look well in her face: you see no want of courage there,
+yet no masculine coarseness--a calm dignity pervades her countenance.
+She wears a helmet, a sword is by her side, and she carries a white
+standard on which is depicted the Virgin Mary.  But I need not go on,
+for I see by your faces that you have already guessed my heroine.  When
+you are a little more advanced in German, Edward, you must read
+Schiller's beautiful play founded on this history."
+
+"Was she not burnt as a witch?" enquired Mary.
+
+"That is a disputed point," answered her aunt; "some writers say this
+was her fate at Rouen, but others state that she returned to her native
+village, Domrenci, and married."
+
+"I hope she did," added Emily; "but do you think, mama, there are such
+people as witches?"
+
+"No, my love," replied Mrs. Arabin; "only the ignorant and
+superstitious believe in them; and in former days, when there was less
+knowledge, and above all, less knowledge of true religion, such a
+belief was very common.  Some persons in Dorsetshire and in
+Lincolnshire, are foolish enough to credit their existence even now."
+
+"May I tell a story, mama?" asked Willie.
+
+"Certainly, my child."
+
+"Well, then, you must fancy a small dark room with but little furniture
+in it, the cold stone walls plainly telling us that the royal person in
+the midst of the group is a prisoner.  He is preparing to undress,
+whilst attendants are taking the head off an immense butt of liquid; it
+looks like wine, for the man nearest to the cask appears as if he would
+like a little very much."
+
+"Perhaps he would," remarked Mary; "but I think your hero soon had more
+than he liked."
+
+"Mary has guessed," said Willie.  "Louisa, you never tell any stories;
+do try and relate something very pretty."
+
+"Something more about little babies," added Alfred.
+
+"That is rather hard," said Louisa, "for little babies have not often
+much to do in history or pictures either; but I think I can tell you a
+very shocking story about two little boys, who were one night fast
+asleep in bed, in a large room.  Two men carrying lanterns have crept
+softly up to them, and are just putting the pillows and bolsters over
+their poor little faces."
+
+"Oh! do not tell me any more about that story," interrupted Alfred;
+"tell me about soldiers again.  I do not like it," he added, nestling
+his head on his mama's shoulder.  "Miss Graham told me that story in
+the school-room one day, and I cried; I could not help it, mama."
+
+"If that story be really true, it is indeed shocking," said Mrs.
+Macdonald; "but I believe the mode of the little princes' death is very
+much questioned: however, it is certain that their wicked uncle did
+make away with them in some manner."
+
+"Mama, I should not like to have the world for my own," added Alfred,
+"if there were such wicked people in it; they might come and smother me
+in my little bed."
+
+
+1. Prince Henry and Chief Justice Gascoigne.  A.D. 1405.
+
+2. Battle of Agincourt.  October 24th, 1415.
+
+3. Earl of Warwick presenting Henry VI. to the Parliament.  A.D. 1422.
+
+4. Joan of Arc before Orleans.  May 8th, 1429.
+
+5. Death of the Duke of Clarence.  A.D. 1478.
+
+6. Murder of the Princes in the Tower.  A.D. 1483.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+The children never failed to join their mamas at the usual time, and
+sometimes were almost inclined to believe it was dark, and time to shut
+the shutters, earlier than the ladies wished.  This evening they had a
+lesson in good humor, for a visitor stayed so long that the period for
+commencing arrived and passed, without his giving any signs of leaving;
+but he was scarcely down stairs before they began to arrange themselves
+round the fire.
+
+"While Mr. White was here, mama," said Edward, "I formed our first
+picture."
+
+"I noticed," remarked his aunt, "that you were the quietest of the
+party, and it is now accounted for.  By exercising your mind, you
+ensured polite behaviour.  We are all quite ready to listen."
+
+"Although I wish to represent a field of battle, I shall only call your
+attention to one part of it.  A single, armed man is fighting
+desperately for his life; his helmet is so beaten by the blows it has
+received, that all shape is lost.  He seems to desire to aim his chief
+fury at a person apparently of some importance, who shews no
+disposition to meet the attack: his followers, however, are less
+scrupulous, and he is killed on the banks of a brook which long
+remained stained with his blood."
+
+"What was your hero like, Edward?"
+
+"There seems," he replied, "a difference of opinion on that point.
+Some historians say that although his features were homely, the
+expression was princely and sensible; others inform us, that he was
+deformed, and unpleasing in every way."
+
+The next question was, "Do most of them agree in saying that he had one
+shoulder higher than the other, and was sometimes called Crookback?"
+
+"Yes.  But who can tell me what he exclaimed as he rushed on to the
+Earl of Richmond?"
+
+"Treason!  Treason!  Treason!" readily cried Willie.
+
+"As you are in such a hurry to answer, Willie, you shall entertain us
+next," said his mother.
+
+"Certainly, mama, I have a story quite ready; and you must all fancy
+you see a sacred edifice, which has been the scene of many of our
+interesting historical annals.  We are on the outside, and against its
+holy walls we see a scaffold erected, but there is no execution to be
+perpetrated.  A youth of singularly dignified and fascinating
+appearance stands with a paper in his hand, from which he reads a
+declaration to the crowds, who have flocked from all quarters."
+
+This story puzzled the children for a long time; even the ladies could
+not at first remember the fact.  "Was he a king?" asked one.
+
+"No; he on that occasion confessed that he was not of royal blood."
+
+"Was he the only impostor obliged to relinquish his pretensions in that
+reign?" enquired Mrs. Arabin.
+
+The answer that he was the second, solved the mystery.
+
+Annie next took her turn, and gave an account of the meeting of two
+kings.  It was in another country, although the ground on which it took
+place belonged to the English; the different suites were lodged around
+their respective masters.  At the moment I have selected, the two
+latter appear to have been wrestling; one has been conquered, and has
+fallen; he is of a fresh and ruddy complexion, and of an athletic form,
+which shew great expertness in his companion to have vanquished him."
+
+"It is certainly an uncommon thing," said Willie, "for two monarchs to
+fight like schoolboys; is it really in English history?"
+
+[Illustration: Wolsey arriving at Leicester.]
+
+"Yes.  I have merely related facts; they gave more than one proof of
+their familiarity, and one had a few days before gone to the other
+early in the morning whilst he was yet asleep.  This unceremonious
+visit seems to have produced the freedom of intercourse I have just
+described."
+
+"Whom can you mean, Annie?"
+
+"I think I can tell you," said Emily; "the incident you have mentioned
+was at the time believed to be a mere jest, but the vanquished never
+entirely forgave his opponent; they were a French and an English king."
+
+"You have discovered the truth," replied Mrs. Macdonald, "and I will
+now continue.  A cavalcade has approached an abbey; a sick man,
+scarcely able to bear the exertion, is mounted on a mule; he shows
+every symptom of approaching death, but even then his former life might
+be traced in the troubled expression still visible on his face; his
+days have been spent in intrigues.  The entreaty for admission into the
+monastery is granted, and the abbot kindly receives him.  He is lifted
+from the mule, and carried to his bed, from which he never rose again."
+
+"The only similar instance I can now remember," said Edward, "is that
+of Charles V., and this would be the history of Germany instead of
+England."
+
+"You have," rejoined his aunt, "guessed the period of my account nearer
+than you think.  Charles V. went to the monastery of St. Justus some
+time before his death, which was in the year 1558; the person I have
+brought before your notice was taken to Leicester Abbey almost in his
+last hours, and it was twenty-eight years before the emperor's death."
+
+"I think," added Mrs. Arabin, "both were more than once concerned in
+the same schemes and intrigues."
+
+"Was not your hero disappointed of becoming a pope, mama?"
+
+"I see by your question that he is known to you.  This prelate's
+ambition and consequent life of struggle, affords one of the strongest
+lessons in history, and his latter days were rendered miserable by the
+passions of his earlier career.  I think, Mary, you must remember his
+rooms at Hampton Court."
+
+"Yes, I do, mama; a beautiful carved wood screen was said to have
+belonged to him."
+
+"I will now resume our game," said Mrs. Arabin.  "A lady is seen
+sitting with one attendant, who appears to have been trying to lighten
+her cares by playing a mandolin; but her mistress's brow, although
+serene, is overcast; she knows she has been treated unjustly; she may
+also mourn for a little daughter, whose prospects are blighted by her
+mother's troubles.  There are traces of splendor around, and the books
+and employments of the recluse convince us of her talents and
+accomplished tastes."
+
+"Do you mean Lady Jane Grey, aunt?"
+
+"No, my dear; my heroine had numbered more years than the poor young
+creature of whom you are thinking."
+
+"Was she a queen?"
+
+"She had been."
+
+"Then I can tell you; she was the divorced wife of a king of England.
+Do please, Louisa, make haste, and we can have one more anecdote before
+tea, although we were so late in beginning."
+
+"I must not hurry my story too much, or you will not be able to guess
+it.  Picture to yourselves a garden, which in the days I speak of would
+have been considered a beautiful specimen of horticulture, but which we
+should now think stiff and formal; the long, straight, broad walks,
+however, present an appearance of grandeur, which we see in none of the
+present day.  A pulpit had been placed among the green boughs, from
+which a holy and venerable man is preaching to a small congregation; in
+the centre of the group is a young man, so attentively listening that
+hours have past away, and he is not yet tired.  His countenance is
+remarkably attractive and beautiful, especially his eyes, whilst
+religious reverence for the doctrine he hears, is shewn in his whole
+deportment."
+
+"Going to church in the open air!" exclaimed Alfred; "I am very glad,
+mama, that you do not take me to a beautiful garden every Sunday; I am
+afraid I should watch the birds and butterflies instead of listening."
+
+"I trust, my dear child," replied his mother, "that in these happier
+days, we may never know the privation of not having a house of God to
+enter."
+
+"Could not this young gentleman find one, mama?"
+
+"Not so easily as we could; the religion we profess was not then so
+firmly established, although Louisa's hero did all in his power to
+spread it throughout his dominions.  But I believe his habit of
+attending Latimer in the royal garden, was from preferring the open air
+to the more confined atmosphere of a chapel."
+
+"Thank you, mama, you have told us of whom Louisa was thinking; your
+mentioning Latimer and the royal gardens tells the secret."
+
+"I certainly did not mean to enlighten you; but I am glad I have done
+so, as now you need not keep poor baby waiting for her tea."
+
+
+1. Death of Richard III.  A.D. 1485.
+
+2. Perkin Warbeck's public declaration of his imposture.  A.D. 1499.
+
+3. Henry VIII. and Francis I. meeting on the "Field of the Cloth of
+Gold."
+
+4. Death of Cardinal Wolsey.  A.D. 1530.
+
+5. Catherine of Aragon.  A.D. 1536.
+
+6. Edward VI. and Bishop Latimer.  A.D. 1553.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Mrs. Arabin commenced this evening's entertainment, and described as
+follows: "A young lady, with an intellectual countenance, seated in the
+midst of books, some of which appear to be written in Greek characters.
+She is evidently weeping bitterly, and two men dressed in black are
+apparently talking to her, and showing her some papers."
+
+"Was she beautiful?" asked Emily.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Mary, Queen of Scots?" guessed one.
+
+"No."
+
+"Catherine of Aragon?"
+
+"No."
+
+A pause ensued; at last Mrs. Arabin was asked to give them some little
+clue to the history.
+
+"She was famed for her learning; indeed, so much so as to be styled by
+historians, the wonder the age."
+
+"She and her husband were shortly afterwards beheaded, were they not?"
+demanded Edward.
+
+"Quite right," was the reply.
+
+Mrs. Macdonald then began: "On a large open space, surrounded by
+ancient buildings, is assembled a large crowd of persons, some of whom
+appear to be preparing wood for burning around two stakes, placed at
+some distance from each other.  Near the one stands a very aged,
+white-haired man with a Bible in his hand; he who stands near the other
+pile is younger in appearance, but they both wear an expression of
+calmness and resignation; indeed there is almost a look of joy in the
+elder man's countenance.  A person dressed in black has ascended some
+elevated position to preach to them, and the younger victim is paying
+evident attention to his discourse."
+
+"Was Archbishop Cranmer one of the sufferers, mama?" asked one little
+voice.
+
+"No."
+
+"Hooper or Ridley?" suggested Edward.
+
+"No; after their death."
+
+"Then I think I know who they were," said Annie; "but did only bishops
+suffer?"
+
+"No, my dear; besides five bishops, there were twenty-one clergymen,
+eight lay gentlemen, eighty-four tradesmen, a hundred husbandmen,
+fifty-five women, and four children."
+
+"Had four children the courage to go through such pains for their
+religion?"
+
+"Yes, my love, but not in their own strength; their weak bodies and
+minds would have flinched, had they not been strengthened from above.
+We could all of us go through much more than we think ourselves capable
+of, if we did but seek for help from God; and if we try to go on alone,
+without looking to Him, no wonder that we fail."
+
+Edward next began.  "My picture represents a very, very small room,
+almost a closet; its one window faces the door.  Here a very beautiful
+woman is sitting at supper with a foreign-looking man and some of her
+attendant ladies, and a guitar lies near them.  The principal lady
+looks much agitated, for some figures have cautiously advanced to the
+back of her favorite, and, with daggers in their hands, are trying to
+pull him from his seat."
+
+Edward's description was soon guessed by even the younger children, who
+were well pleased at having an opportunity of shewing their learning.
+
+Annie's turn came next, and she told of "a sea-engagement.  Numerous
+and large ships seem to be taking shelter in a port, the white cliffs
+near which correspond with those of our own shore at Dover.  The
+vessels, smaller in number and size, appear to have the best of the
+day; much explosion is going on amongst the enemy's fleet, whilst some
+small ships bearing the English colors, have penetrated quite into the
+midst of their opponents."
+
+"I wish your sailors would talk, Annie," said Willie; "for if I knew
+what language they spoke, I might tell what naval engagement you mean.
+Was it the battle of Trafalgar?"
+
+"No; that took place in the open sea."
+
+"The battle of the Nile?" asked Mary.
+
+"Much earlier than that, Mary."
+
+"All battles are alike," said Willie.
+
+"All battles are not fought under the shelter of chalk cliffs."
+
+"Did you not say that those who were attacked by the English were thus
+screening themselves?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"Then it could not be Dover or Deal.  Oh! they must have been
+Frenchmen," continued Willie.
+
+"Not Frenchmen," said Edward, seeing the others puzzled, "but the
+natives of a country very close by."
+
+Louisa then described a scene where "a platform, covered with black, is
+surrounded by armed men, and a crowd of the populace.  A man of noble
+appearance has his throat bared, his head laid on the block, and the
+executioner stands ready to strike the fatal stroke; when his hand is
+arrested by some one near, who points to a royal messenger riding at
+full speed through the mob."
+
+A long pause ensued after Louisa had finished; even the two mamas
+looked puzzled.
+
+"You may ask three questions and no more," said Louisa, triumphantly.
+
+"Was the victim a king?" enquired Mary.
+
+"Hush, Mary," cried Emily, as she saw the ardent little girl about to
+open her mouth again.
+
+"Had he a friend who was also reprieved at the same late hour?" asked
+Mrs. Macdonald.
+
+"You have guessed it, aunt, I see," replied Louisa.
+
+"Not quite; at least I am not sure."
+
+"Pray let me have the next question," interrupted Mrs. Arabin; "for
+although I remember the accounts of many executions, I do not recollect
+the circumstance of two friends being pardoned when the fatal axe was
+hanging over them.  I am half afraid of wasting my question, therefore
+I must be cautious."
+
+The children clapped their hands when they saw their aunt puzzled, and,
+as a great favor, Mrs. Arabin was allowed a fourth question, if she
+would but be quick in saying something; to which Alfred cordially
+added, "Please do, dear auntie."
+
+"You are rather impatient, my dears, and I am sorry I cannot give you a
+lesson in patience; but I neither need your third or your fourth
+answers, as I have discovered your history to have taken place in the
+reign of James the First."
+
+Much disappointment was expressed when auntie was pronounced "_too
+clever_."
+
+"My picture to-night," said Emily, "tells of a scheme very dreadful in
+its motives as well as gloomy in its preparations for fulfilment; a
+vaulted roof is scarcely to be distinguished through the dark shades.
+A figure is walking through these gloomy passages, evidently seeking
+something; opposite him is a figure with a dark lantern in his hand,
+enveloped in a cloak."
+
+"Gunpowder treason and plot should never be forgot," exclaimed Alfred;
+following his ejaculation with a loud "Hurrah!"
+
+Papa's knock at the door interrupted the historical game for this
+evening, but mama promised to have them again on Monday evening during
+the dark hour; a season now as much looked forward to, as it was
+formerly dreaded.
+
+
+1. Lady Jane Grey's accession announced to her.  A.D. 1553.
+
+2. Death of Latimer and Ridley.  A.D. 1555.
+
+3. Death of Rizzio.  A.D. 1563.
+
+4. Defeat of the "Spanish Armada."  A.D. 1588.
+
+5. Lord Cobham led to execution.  A.D. 1602.
+
+6. Gunpowder Plot.  November 5th, 1605.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+The next evening the children were agreeably surprised to hear their
+father knock at the door, just as they had arranged themselves ready
+for their favorite game.  He was soon up stairs, and was warmly thanked
+for having returned so soon.
+
+"I have," said he, "suffered much from headache this evening, and I
+thought this cheerful group might do me more good than anything."
+
+"We must tell soft stories," said Alfred; "and as papa likes to hear
+you speak, mama, you had better begin."
+
+The little boy's motive was so thoughtful, that Mrs. Macdonald agreed;
+and called their attention to three persons, whom she represented
+standing in a doorway.  The foremost appeared to have turned to speak
+to the friend who followed him; their deportment showed perfect ease
+and ignorance of the danger near them.  The third in the group is a man
+of a melancholy but enthusiastic countenance: his arm is stretched over
+the figure next to him, and he has plunged a dagger into the breast of
+his companion.
+
+"This is a very dreadful story, mama.  Was the wound fatal?"
+
+"Yes.  It was a duke who was the victim.  The whole was so
+instantaneous, that no one saw the blow.  He pulled the knife from the
+wound, exclaiming, 'The villain has killed me;' and fell dead at Sir
+Thomas Fryer's feet."
+
+"That name ought to help us, aunt," said Edward.  "I fear we are all
+very stupid; uncle, can you guess?"
+
+"I think your aunt has described the death of a court favorite, in the
+time of Charles I."
+
+"If you have, mama," said Mary, "the murderer's name was Felton; was it
+not?"
+
+"Yes, my dear, you are quite right; now, perhaps, you can entertain us."
+
+"My history," answered Mary, "relates to a very affecting scene.  A
+family group meets for the last time on earth.  A father, with deep
+grief depicted on his regular, handsome, although care-worn features,
+has a little boy about seven years old on his knee: he seems anxious to
+impress something of importance on the child's mind, who is listening
+to his father with his eyes fixed on him.  An interesting little girl
+stands by his side, crying bitterly."
+
+"I think," said Mrs. Macdonald, "if we help him a little, Alfred might
+name this subject.  When we first began this game, he was very anxious
+to know more of this poor king, who was in prison; since then you have
+passed on to other reigns, but this incident you cannot forget."
+
+"I will tell you," answered the little boy.  "The poor dear little duke
+of Gloucester said, when his father told him not to be made king when
+he was dead, 'I will be torn in pieces first.'"
+
+"You have answered quickly, dear child; and I am glad you remember so
+much."
+
+Alfred was quite delighted, and begged that they would talk a long time
+about this king, and all that happened to him; and when he was reminded
+that this would not be agreeable to the rest of the party, he seemed a
+little disappointed.  Mr. Macdonald noticing it, told him, as he had
+not urged his entreaties, he would reward him by telling him a story
+that would please him very much.
+
+[Illustration: Cromwell and the Monkey.]
+
+The little boy was instantly on his father's knee, who began to relate
+the following fact:--
+
+"A large monkey is seen dancing about on the roof of a house with a
+baby in his arms.  From the child's dress, he has evidently taken the
+infant from its cradle; the family seem greatly alarmed, and are
+spreading feather beds, carpets, and everything that is soft enough to
+break the violence of the child's fall.  The animal shews no
+inclination to descend, and dances about with great glee."
+
+"Oh, papa, did the poor child fall?"
+
+"No; the monkey, which was quite tame, and a household favourite,
+carried it carefully down the same way he went up."
+
+"You have indeed told me a funny story," said Alfred; "please some one
+make haste, and guess who it was."
+
+"I think," said Mrs. Arabin, "that the baby became a very important
+person, and was one of the instruments of Charles's later troubles."
+
+"Your aunt has told you," said Mr. Macdonald; "and I am now expecting a
+story from Edward."
+
+"I have remembered a painful one, for the scene is a death-bed.  A
+young and very beautiful woman is mustering her last strength, and
+making a final effort to impress some words on a man who leans over
+her.  His countenance expresses deep affection and distress; the
+invalid is very dear to him, or he would not so patiently listen to
+arguments, which formerly even from her lips would have exasperated
+him; a family likeness may be traced between the two."
+
+"Is it the death of a queen?"
+
+"No, neither are royal, although the man rules the kingdom.  After the
+circumstance I have just described, he never regained his cheerfulness."
+
+"I think your hero was the baby whom the monkey danced on the roof of
+the house; and the lady was his youngest and favourite daughter."
+
+"You are quite right, Louisa; and perhaps you can now take your turn as
+relator."
+
+"I will speak first," said Mr. Macdonald; "I can so seldom join you,
+that I must take double share.  You seem more inclined to show mercy
+towards me than last time I played with you, therefore you shall be
+rewarded.  My picture is a very awful one: the whole of London is
+visited by a calamity; in every street, in every house, lie the dead
+and the dying.  Grief is so settled in the hearts of all, that there
+are few to attend the last breath of those who still linger on earth;
+in one of the public thoroughfares some poor wretches have crawled out
+to listen to a man, who braves infection, and preaches to his miserable
+fellow-creatures.  Dead bodies are carried by, and fear and misery
+hangs over all."
+
+"Oh, papa!" cried the children, "we know what you mean; please do not
+relate any more, it is so very dreadful."
+
+"It was indeed an awful visitation, my dears; but although we are not
+permitted to see why it was sent, we must not doubt the wisdom that
+ordained the trial.  The following year was, you may remember, marked
+by another horrible dispensation; but this we are allowed to see was,
+in one respect, a blessing, for it entirely stopped the disease which
+killed hundreds at the time I have just mentioned.  Louisa, I will no
+longer prevent your story being heard; it will, I trust, be less dismal
+than mine."
+
+"I will endeavour to make it so," she replied.  "You must fancy you see
+the coast of Dorsetshire, a place called Lyme.  A man of prepossessing
+appearance has just landed; it is summer, and the sun shining on his
+face animates him with hope.  He has only a hundred followers to fight
+in his behalf; he seems to be a great favourite with them; and in the
+distance may be seen small bodies of men advancing, it may be supposed,
+to join his cause."
+
+"Was it Bolingbroke?"
+
+"No: he landed at Ravensburgh, in Yorkshire."
+
+"Did your hero aim at conquering England?"
+
+"He pretended he was heir to the crown."
+
+"Then I think if you will tell me whether he marched straight to
+London, or stayed to subdue the towns he passed through, I can say who
+it was."
+
+"He chose the latter, and thus lost all chance of success; had he gone
+direct to the metropolis, he might have been victorious."
+
+"The king, whom he wished to supplant," said Willie, "was, I think,
+dethroned not long afterwards, and succeeded by some one else, better
+able to conduct the affairs of England."
+
+The subject was now known to all, and the game deferred until the next
+night.
+
+"We have only two more evenings," remarked Emily, "before my aunt and
+cousins go, and we have agreed we cannot play at it without them."
+
+"I hope," answered her mother, "they will soon pay us another visit,
+and we can then resume it, with, I trust, a better acquaintance with
+past events."
+
+
+1. Death of Buckingham.  A.D. 1628.
+
+2. Charles I. taking leave of his children.  A.D. 1649.
+
+3. Oliver Cromwell seized by a tame monkey.  A.D. 1593.
+
+4. The death of Mrs. Claypole.
+
+5. Solomon Eagle preaching during the Plague.  A.D. 1665.
+
+6. Landing of the Duke of Monmouth.  A.D. 1685.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+William asked leave to commence the historical entertainment this
+evening, and the whole party begged for something very amusing, as the
+cold snow without, gave a cheerless look to all within, and poor Alfred
+complained of chilblains.
+
+"I am going to describe a battle," said Willie; "the two contending
+armies are drawn up on opposite sides of a river; the surrounding scene
+bears marks of great poverty, nevertheless the inhabitants are a fine,
+generous-looking people.  The principal figure in the group is standing
+on the bank, taking a survey of the enemy; he is of the middle height,
+with a high forehead, aquiline nose, fine eyes, and a very grave
+countenance.  His thin form would give an idea of feebleness, were it
+not for the energy of the mind within.  Two persons are lying dead by
+his side, and he himself appears to be wounded in the shoulder, but
+with the greatest composure is continuing to give his orders."
+
+"That was a hero," said Edward; "I like to hear of mind overcoming
+bodily pain.  Was it Edward III.?"
+
+"No."
+
+"The Duke of Marlborough?"
+
+"You are getting nearer the time."
+
+"Prince Eugene," said another.
+
+"Prince Eugene was a cotemporary of the Duke of Marlborough."
+
+"The person you mention was associated with some one else in the
+government of England, was he not?" said Edward.
+
+"Yes, my dear boy."
+
+"Was he not very much attached to his wife?"
+
+"Yes; and all historians agree in giving her an amiable character, and
+in describing her person as pleasing."
+
+"Did not William III. give Greenwich Hospital to disabled seamen?"
+asked Willie.
+
+"Yes, my dear; it was formerly a royal palace.  Queen Elizabeth was
+nursed there when a child.  You young ladies can, perhaps, tell me what
+Queen Mary introduced into England."
+
+"You must give us a clue, mama."
+
+"It is something which tended to make women more industrious; but the
+revival of it in the present day, has, I fear, caused a great deal of
+time to be employed on it which might have been devoted to more useful
+objects."
+
+"We know what you mean, mama; tent-stitch and cross-stitch; your last
+remark has told us."
+
+Louisa then described a bed-chamber: "a high four-post bedstead, the
+canopy of which reaches to the ceiling: a coronet, surmounted by a
+plume of feathers, is raised over the crimson curtains at the foot: it
+is a bright and beautiful summer morning, but a pale, restless invalid
+seems incapable of enjoying it.  She is wrapt in a loose robe, and
+stands with her eyes fixed on a large clock, which now-a-days we
+should, from its antique, cumbersome form, condemn to a staircase, or a
+kitchen; there is almost a vacant expression in her eyes, and an
+attendant lady looks enquiringly in her face.  Who is my poor heroine?"
+
+"Catherine of Aragon?" asked Emily.
+
+"No, she was but a queen consort; my heroine was a queen regnant."
+
+"Was it bloody Mary, who had the poor little children burnt?" said
+Alfred.
+
+"No, my boy; but a similar circumstance, namely, that of leaving no
+descendants, preyed equally on the minds of these two royal personages,
+and hastened their deaths."
+
+"I know," cried Willie; "but, dear mama, will you tell us what is the
+difference between a queen consort and a queen regnant?"
+
+"A queen consort is the wife of a king; a queen regnant is one who
+reigns in her own right; a queen dowager is the widow of a king."
+
+"Thank you, mama," said Willie; "now another story, if you please."
+
+"You really give me no time to collect my thoughts; but it is a long
+while since your aunt has described a picture, and I think it is now
+her turn."
+
+Mrs. Arabin then began:--"My scene is laid, where many of our scenes
+have been laid before, within the cold walls of a prison; but a strange
+circumstance is there taking place, very different to any you have yet
+depicted.  A great interchange of clothing seems to be taking place.
+Three figures occupy the apartment; one lady is attiring herself in a
+riding dress, whilst another is assisting a dark man to put on a lady's
+costume; much anxiety is pourtrayed in the face of the latter lady, and
+none of them seem to think it as good a joke as Alfred does, to judge
+by his smiling face; the lady who is disrobing has a fair complexion
+and yellow hair."
+
+"I suppose the gentleman intended to pass for the lady whose clothes he
+assumed," said Edward; "but how did they contrive to hide his dark
+hair?"
+
+"By putting on a woman's wig of yellow hair, painting his eye-brows the
+same colour, and adding white and red paint to his cheeks."
+
+"Your hero stands confessed, aunt," said Annie; "but what a courageous
+woman his wife must have been."
+
+"True, my dear; but you must remember that the life of the dearest
+being she had on earth was at stake; and surely she would rather have
+died with him, than have left untried any plan which might offer a
+possibility of saving him, however dangerous it might be to herself."
+
+"I am glad we do not live in such times now," said Louisa.
+
+"You have reason to be so," replied Mrs. Arabin, "and we ought all to
+be deeply grateful for it; but I fear we take our blessings too much as
+matters of course; we seem to view them as our right, and only learn to
+appreciate them when justly deprived of them, or when we hear of the
+sufferings of others."
+
+"Well, mama," added Edward, "if no other good arise from our perusal of
+history than that of making us more grateful for the blessings of peace
+and quiet times, we shall not have studied in vain."
+
+"Edward, you do speak so like a book," exclaimed Willie, half impatient
+at this digression.
+
+"Like a good book, however," answered Mrs. Macdonald; "for what your
+cousin has said is quite true.  But, Emily, you have been silent a long
+time: let us now have a picture from you."
+
+Emily complied.  "The scene of my picture appears to be onboard a
+man-of-war.  The numerous masts of other vessels near seem to indicate
+a harbour.  An elderly man, dressed in an admiral's uniform, is
+kneeling down; some one stands behind him binding a handkerchief over
+his eyes; those immediately around appear to be his friends, judging by
+the sorrow depicted on their countenances.  The admiral is in the act
+of raising his hand, as a signal to some soldiers arranged at the
+further end of the deck, and who have their muskets pointed at him."
+
+All were puzzled by Emily's narration; and finding none of the children
+able to guess, Mrs. Arabin ventured to solve the mystery.
+
+"I never clearly understood the exact cause of the Admiral's
+punishment, mama," said Willie; "will you explain it to me?"
+
+"I will, my dear, as well as I can; but I think papa would be able to
+tell you better.  During the war between France and England, in the
+reign of George II., Admiral Byng was sent out with ten ships of war to
+relieve Minorca, taking with him orders to throw a body of troops into
+the garrison.  This he thought was venturing too much; and being
+surprised by the appearance of a French fleet, he gave orders to form
+in line of battle, and act on the defensive, instead of obeying the
+commands he had brought out.  A part of the English fleet engaged, but
+the admiral still kept in the background.  The French slowly sailed
+away, and no other opportunity offered of their coming to a closer
+engagement.  But six o'clock strikes; therefore go, my darlings, and do
+not keep nurse waiting."
+
+
+1. Battle of the Boyne.  A.D. 1690.
+
+2. Death of Queen Anne.  A.D. 1714.
+
+3. Escape of Lord Nithsdale.  A.D. 1715.
+
+4. Execution of Admiral Byng.  A.D. 1758.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The children remembered, with much regret, that this was the last
+evening they could enjoy their historical game; the idea that their
+aunt and cousins would not be there to assist them, made it impossible
+for them to continue it after their departure.  Alfred had been wishing
+in vain that an earthquake, thunder-storm, or some impossible
+catastrophe, would take place, to prevent their leaving them.  The
+following evening the rest of the party, although more reasonable in
+their desires, sincerely wished they might be detained; and they seated
+themselves round their mothers with long and dismal faces.  Alfred was
+of opinion that the game had better not be attempted, and then the last
+time would have been over the preceding evening without their knowing
+it; but this did not suit some of the others, who thought it was the
+only amusement that could make the time pass pleasantly.  Mrs.
+Macdonald promised to do her best to enliven them, reminding them how
+useless, and ungrateful for past enjoyment in each other's society it
+would be to repine, now it was over; had they known their mother's
+private feelings, they would have found that she also suffered from the
+idea of losing her sister, even for a short time.  The children
+promised to be as cheerful as the circumstances would allow, and their
+kind mother consented to tell the first story:--
+
+"You have all heard of the House of Peers; and I shall now describe
+this important body collected on an interesting occasion.  A speaker
+has been supported into the house, who appears to have risen from a bed
+of sickness; for the time he has regained strength, and is giving
+utterance to a powerful speech with the greatest animation."
+
+"You have not," said the children, "given us much detail, mama."
+
+"I will add, then, that this eloquent orator spoke of America and her
+affairs."
+
+"And I think," said Mrs. Arabin, "that before he left the meeting, he
+was seized with a fit, and carried out lifeless."
+
+"Then, aunt," replied Willie, "you have mentioned a public character to
+whom Pitt was related, and to whom he succeeded, as one of the king's
+chief ministers."
+
+"I am glad you are not too unhappy to guess so well; perhaps you can
+now describe a picture."
+
+"That I will, dear aunt; and it shall shew you the death of a brave
+man.  He is commanding a large fleet, and fights against an enemy with
+the most determined courage.  At the moment I have selected, he has
+received his death-blow, and has hastily covered the stars and
+different orders on his breast with his handkerchief; fearing the
+sailors might be appalled if they knew their commander had fallen.  A
+friend stands by, and holds out his arm to support him."
+
+"You so often give us battles," said Alfred; "and they all seem so much
+alike."
+
+"What was this gallant seaman in appearance?" asked Mary.
+
+"He was a pale, emaciated looking man, and had lost an arm."
+
+"You have told us now, Willie; and I think mama is ready to speak next."
+
+"If you like, my dears, I will do so; and shall give you an account of
+a royal levee.  It did not take place in London, although it was held
+by an English king, and he was surrounded by his own people.  The place
+in which the scene is laid is an old palace, and is a most interesting
+building, although there is nothing grand in its appearance.  The old
+walls in every part of the edifice seem to have been beautified for the
+reception of the present tenant.  The hardy forms and strongly marked
+features of the assembled crowd, soften into an expression of the
+deepest satisfaction as they welcome their sovereign; and his gracious
+manner and friendly attentions, shew that he is much gratified by his
+greeting."
+
+It was a long time before the children could give a satisfactory
+answer, and they begged their mother to describe the person of her hero.
+
+"He was remarkably handsome; and I remember my mother describing him
+the first time she ever saw him, when he was quite a young man."
+
+"Stop, mama; if grandmama saw him, we know who it must be."
+
+Mary next asked leave to speak; and, after a few whispers to her mama,
+she related the particulars of a dreadful fire.  "The buildings
+destroyed were some of the oldest senate-houses in the world; they
+stood on the banks of a wide river, and the glare in the water was
+terrific.  Crowds collected, and great anxiety was shewn to prevent the
+flames from spreading.  A beautiful, sacred pile was so close, that for
+some time it was feared this would share the same fate; but happily,
+the prompt means to conquer the furious element saved this, and even
+houses still nearer.  The accident took place at night."
+
+"You have described it with as much animation, Mary, as if you had been
+present."
+
+Their sister laughed, and seemed much entertained with all their
+mistakes.  Mrs. Arabin told them that she had had the whole explained
+to her by their father, who had been an eye-witness.
+
+"Oh, aunt, we can now guess," cried the elders of the party.  "How
+clever of Mary to tell us of what took place during our own lives, and
+yet contrive that we should not know what she meant."
+
+"You were all so young," said Mrs. Macdonald, "that you could not very
+well understand what passed, or what was talked about.  We have only
+time for one more anecdote, and I shall relate it.  I have described
+the coronation of a king for you before; I now wish to represent that
+of a young and graceful queen.  She has just been crowned, and sits
+with royal dignity on the throne to receive the homage of the peers.
+They approach one by one to claim her gracious reception.  An aged lord
+is of the number; and as he totters forward, he stumbles on the steps
+of her seat.  The royal lady instantly lays aside the formality of a
+queen, and with the natural kindness of her disposition, rises and
+holds out her hand to assist him."
+
+"How pleased all the people must have been, mama," said Alfred.
+
+"Yes; they felt that they had one to rule them, who is well worthy the
+love that I hope we all bear her."
+
+"Indeed, mama, we cannot think what you mean; we do not know who the
+queen was."
+
+"You will, I trust, all, as you grow older, learn your duties to her
+better than you do now."
+
+"Mama, you have cheated us again," interrupted the children.
+
+Alfred thought this was very good fun, and promised to be a very loyal
+subject.
+
+"I am sure he is on the twenty-fourth of May," said Willie, "and drinks
+Queen Victoria's health till we are nearly deaf."
+
+"Although I am not sure that there is much loyalty in this act, he
+shall have an opportunity to do so to-night.  You know your aunt has
+begged that you may all dine with us to-day, and you shall have some
+wine at dessert."
+
+The children were now so much elated at the idea of remaining with
+their parents, that all gloom vanished.  Mr. Macdonald entered in the
+midst of their noisy demonstrations of joy, and they directly informed
+him of the agreeable arrangement.  Alfred rode to the cellar on papa's
+shoulder; and the evening passed so pleasantly that they all said "good
+night," more cheerfully than they had expected.  Mrs. Arabin and her
+children left at so early an hour the following morning, that only Mr.
+and Mrs. Macdonald saw them go.  Their cousins comforted themselves
+with the hope that they should before long meet again, and be able to
+resume their game.  Their future historical anecdotes may another time
+be related to those who are interested, and to those little boys and
+girls who wish to follow their example, and pass their spare hours
+pleasantly and instructively.
+
+
+1. Death of Lord Chatham.  A.D. 1778.
+
+2. Death of Lord Nelson.  A.D. 1805.
+
+3. George the Fourth's Visit to Scotland.  A.D. 1822.
+
+4. Destruction of the Houses of Parliament.  A.D. 1834.
+
+5. Queen Victoria raising Lord Rolle at her Coronation.  A.D. 1830.
+
+
+
+
+The End.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Pictures from English History, by Anonymous
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59725 ***