mother, "and you will see how far Romulus acted humbly and kindly. The two brothers having collected their friends, each wished to choose the spot upon which to build the new city. After some time spent in disputing, they agreed, as was the custom at that time, to decide by the flight of birds. Each placed himself upon an eminence. Remus first discovered four vultures, and Romulus a short time after saw eight. A fresh contention now arose, Remus claiming his right, as having seen the birds first, and Romulus insisting upon his claim, from having seen the largest number. The dispute was settled in favour of Romulus. He fixed upon the Palatine Hill, and drew a plan of the walls. Remus, exceedingly vexed at not having his own way, ridiculed the work, and, after much provoking language, is said to have pretended to jump over the city walls. This roused the anger of Romulus, the friends of each brother took a share in the dispute, and from words they came to blows. Remus and Faustulus lost their lives in the fray; and it is even said, that Remus fell by the hand of his own brother."

"Dear mamma, this is as bad as the history of Cain and Abel. Was Romulus punished as Cain was?"

"At the time we are speaking of, my dear, God had ceased to punish all mankind as immediately for their crimes, as we read he did at the beginning of the world. Romulus would meet with his reward after this life. There is, however, some excuse to be made for him; he had never been taught to know and love the true and only God; he had not been made early to correct his bad temper, and to watch over every foolish thought; he had no Bible, to shew him the beauty of goodness, and the hatefulness of sin. The gods he had been taught to worship are described as committing all sorts of crimes themselves:-how should he imagine they would punish those of others?"

"Mamma, that might be an excuse for want of temper, but Romulus's own heart would tell him it was wrong to kill his brother."

"No doubt it did so, my dear Anne; indeed it is said he felt sorry when the crime was committed, but the evil was in the commencement. A person who once lets his temper get the better of him, never knows where he may stop; it is only by checking the beginning of anger that we can command ourselves, and prevent the commission of actual crimes. Had Romulus been early taught to do to others as he would

have others do to him, he would have yielded at least some part of his wishes to his brother, and would have treated him with mildness; while Remus, had he been acquainted with the Scripture, would have known that a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.'

“I think, mamma, I shall never forget this story, but it is very difficult to remember anything when we feel angry."

"It is so, my love: but if you are sincerely anxious to do right, and pray to God to assist you, he can, by his Holy Spirit, give you, a little girl, that assistance, which Romulus, a great king and mighty conqueror, was in want of. But to return to our story, this happened 753 years before the birth of our Saviour, in the time of the Prophet Isaiah, and during the reign of Pekah, king of Judah. Romulus, I said before, was both strong and active. These qualities, in the times we are speaking of, were considered virtues, and the followers of Romulus chose him

for their king. In some respects their choice was fortunate, as he made many good laws. This new city was called Rome, after its founder. Romulus next divided the people into two classes; the upper or higher order he called

Patricians, and the lower rank he called Plebeians."

“Oh! that is the reason I often hear persons who have no titles called Plebeians :-is it not, mamma?"

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Yes, my love, it is usual to call commoners, that is, those who are not children of, or descended from some noble family, by that term; while Patrician is still used to denote rank or nobility. From the Patricians, one hundred persons were chosen, to settle the business of the State, remarkable either for their age, wisdom or valour ; and as they were supposed to watch over the people with paternal affection, they were styled Conscript Fathers. This body of men was called the Senate, and the individuals were termed Senators. Did you ever

hear those words used?"

"I do not remember them, mamma."

"The English House of Commons is often termed the British Senate, and its members are also called Senators."

"I recollect them both now, mamma; they are used in a poem Philip is very fond of, in Enfield's Speaker; here is the book, and here is the poem on Slavery. This is one part:

"Ye bands of Senators, whose suffrage sways "Britannia's realms, whom either Ind obeys."

And again:

"Hear him, ye Senates, hear this truth sublime, "He who allows oppression, shares the crime."

"To increase the number of his subjects, Romulus opened an asylum or sanctuary, where fugitives of all kinds were secure; and runaway slaves, criminals, and persons who were tired of their own country, were invited to settle in Rome."

"I did not know, mamma, that when I used the word asylum, I was expressing myself in a classical term."

"Yet you were so, my dear Anne, and you will meet with many words which have become, from long use, English words, yet were originally used by nations you know nothing about. Knowing the necessity of mutual assistance in every rank in life, Romulus caused every Plebeian to choose a patron from amongst the Senators. This patron was to protect the plebeian, or, as he was called, client, both with money or advice, when necessary; and the client was bound to assist his patron in return, whenever he was called upon, either in peace or war.”

Now, mamma, I know the reason why a kind friend or protector is called a patron. Only

yesterday you said that my cousin Edward was