lesson, never heeded a reproof; and whose eyes were always heavy and dull, like those of a "flabby" fish. But you cry, "what was this boy about? let us hear more !"

Well then-when first I saw him, he was rubbing his back, which smarted very much, I believe; and he was wondering how many thrashings went to make one clever man, and also, how many he must suffer before he could be enrolled among that honourable fraternity. He teased himself some time with a vague kind of speculation on the point; but not having been in the habit of troubling his head on other occasions, he found it averse from further study on this also; and it was not long before it desired to be permitted to rest. So, as its owner made no violent objection, the head laid itself down on a hillock, and the boy fell asleep.

Long he had not lain, however, before he was surprised by a strange figure, gliding noiselessly forward to the place where lay his heavy head; yet seeming doubtful whether it would be worth its while to seek the boy's intimacy.

Such a being as this, our hero (whom I shall call Tom) had never seen; it was light as a fairy, quick as lightning in its movements; and had a pair of wings, of immense size and strength, attached to its shoulders. Very affable too, it seemed; for although it had, perhaps, scarcaly ever seen Tom before, yet it now at once invited him to pay a visit to its Palace.

Tom stared when he heard of a Palace; but then he didn't know, at that time, that he was in the presence of an Emperor.

"But how shall I go to your Palace?" asked Tom. "I have never even heard of it," said he. "Tell me who, and what you are, if you please, and where you live."

"As to that," replied this curious being, "I am an Emperor, and our family name is Thought; just as that of your English Queen is Guelph; and I have a twin brother, whose name is 'Reflection,' that is, he is so called to distinguish him from me as much as possible; for being twins, as I said before, we are very much alike. I sometimes leave my Empire in his hands for a short time, and he seldom fails to use his power beneficially; nay, he even penetrates more deeply into intricate affairs than I could do."

My government extends over almost all the Globe, and I may be said, in a certain limited sense, to have some dominion even in the sun, moon, and stars, since, strange as it may seem to you, and unjustifiable as it may and does appear to many of your race, I have ventured at times to people them, first with children of my own, and afterwards, more daringly, with human beings."

"But now," he continued, "with regard to my Palace"

"Ah!" said the Emperor, you ought hardly to be found in my Palace with the tokens of disgrace on your back; but as in former days almost all my numerous visitors were so marked before they came to see me, I suppose I must not be too nice ;-so you shall go." Saying this, he bent himself downward in a peculiar manner, and immediately they seemed to sink into the earth to a great depth.

Down they went by such a road as Tom had never dreamed of, even after eating a pork supper; and at last they came to a huge apartment, which was nearly spherical, but very gloomy, and close, so that Tom could scarcely see, or even breathe.

Here the Emperor folded his wings, and Tom slid down to the firm ground; for I must tell you, that, without knowing it, he had been borne on the Emperor's wings all the way, lest he should hurt himself by stumbling in a path which was so new to him, and which was so very dark.

And now the Emperor drew out his sceptre; and moving it rapidly to and fro for a few seconds-behold! all at once, windows seemed to open on every side; nay, the whole Palace, (for Palace it was), glowed on the sudden with a perfect sea of light, so that Tom's eyes were dazzled, and he was obliged to close them.

When at last he did venture to re-open them, he espied a beautiful lady, standing at the Emperor's side, and leaning tenderly on his arm.

The latter speedily introduced her to him as his dear sister, Fancy, to whom, he said, he was indebted for many of his brightest triumphs, and also for the enlargement of his pleasures.

Tom wondered the Emperor had not mentioned his sister when talking of his family connexions, but concluded he had wished to give him a surprise.

And a surprise, indeed, it was. He seemed as if he could never sufficiently admire the beauty before him nor could he guess what delicious clime, or what favoured country could have given birth to such unparalleled loveliness-thus sharing, without being aware if it, the feeling of Shakspeare, when he wrote,

"Tell me where is Fancy bred."

However, he had no time at present for further observation, for now the Emperor called his attention to another object.

This was an enormous Giant, who stood in the very midst of the Palace-if he might be said to stand-for his feet, which numbered I don't know how many thousands, were constantly moving, though he never stirred from his position by a single step. In addition to his other members, this Giant exhibited a countless number of hands, whose motions were incessant, and to all appearance untiring.

Tom looked upwards in search of his head, but though the Giant had broad shoulders, no head was to be seen. Then he was terribly afraid; and seizing one of the Emperor's wings, he begged of him not to suffer him to be devoured.

But the Emperor assured him he was perfectly safe; and then Tom mustered up courage to observe the Giant's movements.

After having gazed with bewildered eyes at these for some time, he felt tired; and his head beginning to ache also, he desired the Emperor to show him some place where he might rest.

This request was at once complied with; and having pointed out to him a hard bed, which lay near, the Emperor said he would leave him to his repose.

And strange to say, the moment he retired from his vicinity, Tom began to sleep soundly.

But my readers will say, "Why! he had been asleep all the time, hadn't he?"

Oh! but don't you think the Emperor waked him before bringing him to the Palace? He did-and I forgot to tell you so.

Come, Tom!" cried that puissant individual, when he returned; "people don't sleep long while they stay with me; so follow once more to the Giant, and I'll tell you a few circumstances respecting him.

Up jumped Tom, quite refreshed; and now he could see more clearly, and his head felt stronger.

So they came before the Giant. But now that he was fully awake, he could not help looking about him, and wondering where he was. He found himself in a large, and nearly spherical apartment, somewhat like Mr. Wyld's Globe, which he had seen in London, but many thousand times larger; and in one respect, particularly, it differed very much from that; for here he could see quite distinctly through the walls in all directions, upward, downward, and on every side; and wherever he looked, he saw seas, lakes, rivers, and mountains.

"Where can I be?" cried he, all in a flutter. "At the centre of the earth," answered the Emperor, coolly.

"'Then you want to kill me," said Tom. "I won't stay here any longer the sea will get in and drown me, or else I shall be crushed to atoms."

:

"No you will not," said the Emperor; "for I can go almost anywhere without danger, and you are safe in my company."

So he felt more assured, and began once again to inspect the Giant's movements. As I told my readers before, this mighty creature had thousands of hands and feet. By means of the latter, Tom now perceived that he moved a monster tread-mill, which was formed in the walls of the Palace, and was, indeed, carried entirely round it. Not the slightest noise, however, was produced, though the feet moved one after the other in regular succession; but all the time the most perfect silence prevailed; so that the sensation produced in Tom's mind was that of the profoundest awe; and he could not have felt more impressed with this feeling, had

Feeling his curiosity aroused by the strange and spectral character of the Giant's movements, Tom drew closer to the Emperor's side, while, at the same time, he inquired in a faint whisper, who or what he really was, and what was the use of the great tread-mill.

The Emperor replied, that so soon as the Giant should have travelled over every step of the tread-mill, the earth would have made one revolution round its axis; a thing which it always accomplished in twenty-four hours; and that it was necessary for the moving force to be at all times equally sustained, lest the days and nights which this rotation produced, should be longer or shorter than they ought to be.

Here the Emperor's beautiful sister stepped forward, and offered to Tom a magnificent telescope; at the same time receiving back from him an eye-glass, which she had before lent him, that he might see more clearly the motions of the Giant's feet. Through this telescope he could discern the ships moving on the sea; and the railways, and coaches on land; and the manufactories: but they all appeared very small and insignificant.

One thing struck Tom as peculiar in the Giant's proceedings, and that was, that in some way or another he seemed to interfere, or rather make himself useful, in every department where motion of any kind was required.

Now he would draw his hands through a particular part of the ocean, and a current ensued, which carried the ships along at a great rate. Then he would do the same through the air; and all the wind-mills began to work; and the sails of the ships filled, and the trees waved to and fro, while the birds flew gaily, and all was | life.

He continually, passed his hands through the different oceans, so that it was impossible for them to stagnate; and by this means he stirred up the salt in them, which further tended to prevent putrefaction, while at the same time it caused the vessels to float more lightly.

Having used his telescope diligently, and for a long time, Tom now reminded the Emperor that he had not told him the name of the Giant, nor yet what he was by profession.

To this the Emperor replied, that his name was "Action;" and that no better nor more efficient servant could be found. "But," said he, "far be it from me to arrogate to myself even the smallest portion of authority over him, while performing his various operations in the sea and air. The motion of the earth, too, I can neither accelerate nor retard; it is only when he interferes in such things as I assist men to invent or manage, that I claim a portion of his services."

"I should hardly have believed you could make such a great Giant do anything at all, when you are so little yourself," said Tom.

This was rather too personal; so the Emperor

changed the subject, and asked how he liked the world generally, now he had seen all over it. "Is it as beautiful as you imagined ?" said he.

"Why to tell the truth, I never thought about it at all till I saw you," answered Tom; "but when I return hone, I will read all concerning it piecemeal; and then you must fetch me, and show me all this again." "So I will," said the Emperor, "and besides, some other time, I'll let you see more of my wonderful Palaces, for this is only one of them. I made the walls transparent to-day, in order that you might see through them; but really they are not so. Rocks of adamant, petrifactions, flint, coal, iron, tin, gold, silver, copper, gravel, sand, clay, besides a vast number of precious stones, and other things I have not time to mention, go to form the walls; so that it is quite a different place to what I made it appear to you."

"I often shew people a number of these things," continued the Emperor, "and then they write books about them; but they frequently scribble without seeking my aid, and then they tell falsehoods-and men believe them."

"And now, Tom," he further added, "before I dismiss you to school again, I'll tell you a little of the history of my life, and then take you a trip-but first for my history."

"I shall be glad to hear it," answered Tom. "Well, then, I'll begin at the beginning of the world, and sketch my life and actions, roughly, to the present time

"Why, I mean words-it was a sort of poetical way of speaking of them-I thought you'd like it better than plain prose," replied the Emperor.

Tom stammered a little, as he said he hoped he hadn't offended, since so far from disliking poetry or poets, he always admired, when he could understand them.

"Very well, then," continued the Emperor, "I floated on wordy wings-if you like it better-to the ear of man's first mother, and had the pleasure to find that the more my pinions fluttered around her, the greater was her artless delight; and as I at last directed her dove-like eye to her consort Adam, I had the inexpressible happiness to witness the result of my anxious labours, in the dawn of Love."

"Thenceforth, never were my pinions suffered to rest, but I lightly passed from one to the other: by my playfulness, irradiating their faces with constant smiles."

Those were my happiest days; but, after a while when the earth became more fully peopled, I was compelled to travel far and wide. Then my former wings were found to be insufficient: yet so necessary was I, in all momentous affairs, that men invented a method

of attaching me, (being a very light person, as you see, and capable of assuming many different shapes), to a strip of bark, the leaf of a tree, or a roll of parchment ; and then they carefully carried me withersover it was desirable I should be sent.

"But now, I regret to say, I became a sad tell-tale, and would relate to anybody, who could get possession of the parchments, &c., all I knew, which you may believe was far from pleasant.

"Some few had a method of hiding me under what they were pleased to call a cypher, but I contrived to creep out even then; so they endeavoured to stop my too ready communicativeness by placing me in a small packet, and firmly fastening me down by means of a silken band or seal.

"Now you will think I was certainly bound over to keep the peace,' but no! for packets may be opened and letters unsealed-yet under these partial securities alone, I have until lately roamed the world."

"Thus enclosed, I have travelled on horseback, and in carriages, and lately on railways; which last, I myself invented, as much for my own as other people's accommodation.

"Still I would often complain, because even they did not come up to my idea of speed; for I always want to go at a great pace: and so very frequently did I do this, that, at last, tired by my importunity, men formed me most delicate roads, consisting of almost interminable wires, stretched on poles; and these roads they made for me through the length and breadth of England, and in other countries also.

"A carriage had been formed, suited to travel on these roads, but that, I must tell you, I designed also myself; for before the wires were put up, I declared that nothing solid would answer my purpose. No! I was tired of such stupid conveyances, and must have a vehicle, differing from that of any one else, formed out of a delicate fluid, which should run along without noise or friction; and, also, I declared I must have an invisible coat, lest I should be stopped by inquisitive persons, who were not my immediate friends.

"People now thought me unreasonable, and I was myself desired, with a sneer, to build my own carriage and make my invisible coat.

"So to work I went; and taking some clever men into my service, we retired to our laboratory, and worked, ard worked, and worked.

"Those who were at last permitted to look in upon our labours, saw before them a long box filled with two different kinds of metal plates, immersed in a certain fluid. This, if I except some wires which connected it with the highways I have mentioned, was all they

saw.

"After a while, however, our work was finished, and I announced to the world that I was now possessed of a carriage I could travel in with pleasure; also, that my coat was complete, and fitted well.

"Having related the story of my life and adventures thus far, in a rough way-now,' said the Emperor,

"let us go to London, and then we will take a trip to Calais together, in this new carriage of mine, which I think will please you, and then I will let you go back to school. I hope, too, you will be the better for your airing, and the things I have shown you."

So Tom mounted upon the Emperor's wings again, and up they went, through a road which opened as they advanced, and showed a wall on each side of them, composed of such strange materials, that they reminded Tom of the appearance of a large pork pie, cut in halves, just as we see them in shop windows.

Bye and bye, they became aware of the sound of voices, and when the Emperor alighted, it was in the London Electric Telegraph Office.

Immediately he ordered out his carriage, and laid aside his wings for the present; at the same time making Tom as small as himself, for they were to be fellow-travellers.

He is at once obeyed. Hark! a bell rings, to announce that he is about to drive out, and a person bustles about, moving a handle rapidly to and fro. Is he harnessing the steeds? Never mind! Away! away! Fields, lanes, roads, lakes, rivers, earth, air, sea, sky, clouds, sounds, sense, feeling, where are ye? Where indeed! And, ah! a pause!-only for an instantdon't get out! Tinkle, tinkle, tin-off once more, like light, far, far away! Another pause-and listen!kle, tinkle, tin-k-l-e, says the bell, which began to sound when we were miles distant from it. Another drive, and-Dover! Now for the last stage!

Why, we're going through a tunnel next, arn't we ?" asked Tom.

"Yes; a Gutta-Percha tunnel," said the Emperor. "How dark and close the road will be !" said Tom; "and what a murmuring the waves are making above us! Is it because they can't get in to pry into our carriage windows?"

"I can't tell you just now, for we are about to start," replied his companion; so take a long breath -we are gone!"

Through horrible darkness, and between cold and clammy walls, our travellers sped; but ere they could think about such things, they were in Calais.

Anxious servants helped them from the carriage, and offered to take them to any place they might choose to visit; but Tom wished to return at once, and as the Emperor had much to do that day in England, he was glad to comply with his desire.

So they set off, and were soon once more in London. Thence the Emperor carried Tom (now his natural size), behind his wings, and set him down on the very hillock where he first discovered him; then, bidding him adieu, he promised to come to see him in future, and show him more of the wonders of his Empire.

From that time Tom became quite a changed lad: hitherto, as I told you, he had been sleepy and heavyeyed, and always marked for punishment; but now, who could learn a lesson with Tom! The masters were delighted, and inquired the cause of such a sudden

change; when it appeared, that while the other boys were at play, Tom contrived to make trips with the Emperor, and when in his company he could always learn his lessons quickly, no matter how hard they were. I have just a word or two to say about this Emperor and his twin brother, before I conclude.

The former, although a very good creature on the whole, is considered by many as far too grasping and avaricious; and it is even said, that, in his desire after progress, he sometimes neglects to take his proper nourishment. This may account for a number of fits and convulsions to which he is subject, and which threaten, at times, almost his very existence. His kind brother, "Reflection," would often like to warn him, as he sees these attacks coming on, but this the Emperor considers by far too officious on his part; so poor Reflection has to wait till the fits are over, and then he begs the Emperor to be more careful in future, and also to be content with his own proper dominions.

Then the Emperor weeps and promises, and Reflection is satisfied; but from time to time he falls into similar errors, and suffers accordingly. Nevertheless, on the whole, he is loved and revered by his subjects; and Tom, at least, had no reason to dislike him.*

A FISH WITH LEGS.-One of these animals, when taking a walk, alarmed an acquaintance of mine sadly. He was rather a tall man than otherwise, and did not appear particularly timid; but one day he came to me looking rather pale, and announced that he had just been terribly frightened. "A fish with legs!" said he; "four legs! got out of the water and ran right across the path in front of me! I saw it run!" "A fish with legs!" I replied, "there are no such creatures." Indeed there are, though, for I saw them; it had four legs, and it waggled its tale. It was horrible-horrible! "It was only a newt," I replied, "an eft. There is nothing to be afraid of." "It was the legs," said he, shuddering, "those dreadful legs. I don't mind getting bitten, or stung, but I can't stand legs.' Newts are very interesting animals, though they have legs, and can easily be kept in a tank if fed properly. Little red worms seem to be their favourite food, and the newt eats them in a rather peculiar style. I have had numbers of newts of all sizes and in all stages of their growth, and always found them eat the worm in the same way. As the worm sank through the water, the newt would swim to it, and by a sudden snap seize it in the middle. For nearly a minute it would remain with the worm in its mouth, one end protruding from each side of its jaws. Another snap would then be given, and after an interval a third, which generally disposed of the worm.-"Common Objects of the Country," by the Rev. J. G. Wood.

* From "Tales and Allegories," by W. T. Hawkins. Grant and Griffith, St. Paul s, London.