But

was some reason why he could not. one morning Zopyrus came before Darius, with his nose and ears cut off, and his face covered with blood. Darius was astonished at his appearance, and demanded who had done this. 'Yourself,' replied Zopyrus; 'I knew you would never take the city by siege, and I knew too, that you would never consent to this treatment of me; so I have done it without consulting any one.' He then explained to Darius, that he was going in this woful condition, to the gates of the city, pretending that Darius had treated him thus without cause; and begging for admittance, and assistance to revenge upon his cruel king. He thought, by this means he should be able, after a few days, to open the gates to Darius. Things happened as he expected; the Babylonians were deceived by his shocking appearance, and willingly admitted him, and gave him the command of a body of soldiers. In the first sally he made, he killed a thousand of Darius' men; the next day too thousandand the third day four thousand lay dead in the field. This had been agreed upon before between him and Darius. But in the city, nothing was talked of but Zopyrus; and every one strove who should do him the greatest honor. He had the command of the soldiers given him, and the care of the

walls and gates was entrusted to his care, This was what he wanted; and now upon a signal given, Cyrus advanced to the walls, the gates were opened to him, and he took full possession of the city, almost without a blow.

F. But how could Darius justify himself, letting those 7000 men be killed?

Mrs H. Far more than that, would doubtless have been slain, had he attempted to subdue the city in any other way. But he

could never reconcile himself to the mutilated condition of Zopyrus. He raised him to the first honors of the empire; gave him the whole revenue of the city which had been conquered by his means, and conferred upon him all the rewards that a soverign could bestow upon a subject; but he was often heard to say, that he would give a hundred Babylons if he could restore Zopyrus to the condition he was in, before he inflicted that cruel deformity upon himself."

J. This is rather a sad story, and yet I like it, mama; but what did Darius do next? something for the good of his people, I suppose.

Mrs H. He prepared to make war against the Scythians.

J. Oh, I am so sorry for that: I hoped he would never make war, unless it was ne cessary.

Mrs H. You can seldom find such a character in ancient history; but it is time to close our lesson for to day.

F. We must be contented to take things as they come, Jane, and remember that war was as much the fashion then, as peace is now-a-days.

J. Well; I am glad we live now-a-days, a'n't you, Fanny?

CHAPTER VI.

HISTORY OF THE PERSIANS.

THE holy sabbath was a day which was not spent by the family of Mr Harrison in reading histories or newspapers; or in cooking food to serve the family for a feast on that day, and a cold collation for half of the week; nor did they think it sufficient to go to church in the morning, and lounge on the bed in the afternoon; or go to walk in the pleasant fields, or to ride over the beautiful hills that encircled their dwelling, while yet the sun shone broadly upon them. No; the sabbath was A SABBATH to them 'holy to the Lord and honorable,' was it considered, from the beginning unto the end. The house of God, and the Sabbath school were the places in which they delighted; and there my young readers must be content to let them stay this day, that they may gain that instruction which maketh wise unto salvation.' Suffice it to say, that the text in the morning, was in the book of Daniel; and in the afternoon the story of the ' woman of Samaria;' and that the] children were more interested in the sermons, and understood

them the better, from knowing who the Samaritans were, and what king of Babylon it was that threw Daniel into the den of lions. Thus one kind of knowledge opens the way for another.

As in almost all familes in our part of the country, so in Mrs Harrison's, Monday was a busy day. Fanny was wanted to take care of Helen, and mama, like all other mamas, was glad to dispense with the company and lessons of her boys, for the sake of having them out of the way. Evening came however, and with it the pleasant family circle; and with it, too, Jane's question, 'Could you tell us a little history to-night mama?' 'It will be very little, if any, my dear.' " Your mother is too tired tonight, I know,' interrupted Mr Harrison; tell me where you are, and I will take her place.' 'Oh do, papa;' exclaimed Jane, seating herself on his knee; 'but papa, you must use smaller words than men generally do when they talk, or I shall not understand you.' 'Well, well, replied her father, laughing heartily at her compliment to the gentlemen; but where do you begin?' Darius is just fixing out for an expedition against the Scythians,' replied Henry. Indeed; are you so far already; well, do you know yet anything about the Scythians?'

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