A REPROOF OF DRUNKENNESS.

ASTYAGES, to make his grandson (Cyrus, who was then about twelve years of age, says Zenophon) think no more of returning to his native country, prepared a sumptuous entertainment, in which he spared no expence, either as to the quantity or the quality and delicacy of meats. Cyrus looked upon all these preparations with a deal of indifference. And as Astyages seemed very much surprised at it,"The Persians (said he) instead of so many turnings and windings, to satisfy their hunger, take a much shorter way to the same end; a little bread and cresses will do it at any time." His grandfather, giving him leave to dispose of the dishes that were served up, as he thought fit, he distributed them immediately among such of the king's servants as were present to one he gave because he taught him to ride; to another, because he served Astyages well; to a third, because he was very careful of his mother. Sacas, Astyages's cup-bearer, was the only person to whom he gave nothing. This officer, besides his place of cup bearer, had the post of introducing such as were to have audience of the king; and as it was not possible to grant the favour to Cyrus as often as he requred it, he had the misfortune to displease the young prince, who expressed his resentment upon the occasion. Astyages seemed uneasy that he had offered this affront to an officer, for whom he had a particular esteem, and who deserved it for his wonderful address in discharging his office-"And is that enough, papa, (answered Cyrus) to merit your favour? then I should soon have obtained it; for I'll answer for it, I can serve you better than he." The little Cyrus was immediately equipped in the habit of a cup-bearer. He advanced gravely with a serious air and a napkin over his shoulder, and holding the cup nicely on three of his fingers, he presented it to the king with a dexterity and grace that charmed Astyages and Mandane. When this was done, he threw his arms around his grandfather's neck, and, kissing him, cried out with great joy-" O Sacas, poor Sacas, thou art undone. I shall have thy place." Astyages was mightily pleased with him- And well, (says he) my boy, thou shalt have it ; nobody can serve me better. But you have forgot one part of the ceremony: which is, to taste of it before you give it." It was, it seems, the custom for the cup-b -bearer to pour out a little of the liquor into his left hand and taste it, before he presented the cup to the king. Twas not through forgetfulness, (answered Cyrus) that I did not so."-" What then?" (said Astyages)

'Twas because I apprehended the liquor to be poison."- "Poison! how so?"-"Yes, indeed, papa; for it is not long since I took notice, at an entertainment you gave the lords of your court, that after they had drank a little of that liquor, all their heads were turned. They bawled and sung and talked like madmen. You yourself seemed to have forgot that you were their king, and they that they were your subjects. At last, when you got up to dance, your could not stand without staggering." -"How, (replies Astyages) does not the same thing happen to your father?""Never!" (answered Cyrus)." How then."—" Why, when he has drank he is no longer thirsty, and that's all.”

POETRY.

LINES

Presented by an aged Father to his young Daughter, requesting (in remembrance of him) that they might be

FIXED WITHIN A CABINET

Which he gave her for preserving her Trinkets and other Curiosities.

ALICE, my child, to thee I give

(Safe to preserve from harm or loss)

This Cabinet, which may receive
Thy treasures gay, thy treasures choice.

Whene'er you search your riches o'er,

And draw'r by draw'r amuse your mind,

Think of your never-fading store,

Treasur'd in Christ your richest friend!

Think of his never-ceasing love;

His hands uphold you ev'ry where;

In him to live in him to move,

This treasure seek by faith and prayer.

Think how he intercedes with God,

That thou may'st love, may'st him adore;

That thou the purchase of his blood

May'st be His treasure evermore..

Think on the pray'rs in which we've join'd,
When I was with you here below;

That Christ our treasure we might find
Our stay and staff our journey through.

Thy treasures here must have an end:
Thy treasures there are yet untold:
Those treasures all things else transcend,
Are always new, nor e'er wax old.

Oh may thy heart that cabinet be,
Where God such treasure shall intrust,
As ne'er shall fail or know decay,

When the frail casket moulds to dust!

Oh let thy heart be lifted up,
Be holy confident in prayer,
That thou art his, and he thy hope,
And all thy treasures centre here!

May every grace inrich thy days,

Treasures of mercies crown each year :
Comfort thy soul, and mark thy ways
With filial love and holy fear,

Christ was thy father's treasure here;
His grace o'er every foe prevail'd;
In ev'ry conflict, ev'ry fear,

His timely mercies never fail'd.

Oh, may thy father's God be thine!
May'st thou this richest treasure prove,
To know through life, and life's decline,
That He's thy God, and God is love.

Then in the great Redeemer's reign
And through eternity along,

When end is put to sin and pain,
He'll be thy treasure, and thy song.

Your affectionate father;

JOHN COVENTRY.

THE MORALS OF CATO CENSORIUS, TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN AND VERSIFIED,

BY S. FEARN, JUNR.

retaining each its Latin Motto.

-Dei cultus præcipuus.

IF God is sov'reign, as by books we're told,
To him we should our vagrant hearts unfold.

-Somnolentia vitanda.

Be watchful ever, nor to slumber dare,

'Tis sloth feeds vice, and cherishes despair.

-Cobibenda lingua.———

Restrain your tongue, for reason, silence, deems A gadlike virtue, which e'en God esteems.

-Sibi ipsi conveniendum

Nor act unjust, nor 'gainst your feelings move,
Who fears himself, sure nothing can approve.

-Senio bene geste referenda——.

So act in youth, that when advanc'd in years,
No sad reflection may demand your tears.

-Suspiciones labes.

On whispers ne'er your quick suspicion rest, "Tis guilt implants the fear within the breast.

-Inprosperis de adversis cogitandum.-When blest with all that happiness affords, Prepare for ill; which with it ne'er accords.

-Mors alterius non speranda.—
Build not your hopes upon another's death,
For
sooner you may yield your fleeting breath.

-Animus in dono æstimandus.

However poor your friend, for favours grateful be, By such he proves his friendship e'er for thee.

-Paupertus toleranda

Since, ent'ring in this world, we worthless were, The humble life with patience let us bear.

-Mors non formidanda.

With mind undaunted, for stern death prepare ; Who dreads it living, every pang must share.

ON FRIENDSHIP.

FRIENDSHIP is the joy of reason,
Dearer yet than that of love';

Love but lasts a transient season,
Friendship makes the bliss above,

Who would lose the secret pleasure
Felt when soul with soul unites!
Other blessings have their measure,
Friendship without bound delights.

EPITAPH FOR ST. ATHANASIUS'S CREED.

ENTOMB'D here lies Saint Athan,
Who gave all men to Sathan,

Which could not believe

That three make no more than one,

The father the same age o'the son,
And dogmas receive.

For ever lie still, wicked sprite,
Let the world enjoy some quiet
Thy time now is o'er :

Let thy foolish mysteries,

And thy idle vagaries,

Be heard of no more.

EPISCOPUS.

ON A GOOD CONSCIENCE.

THE solid joys of human kind,

Are those that flow from peace of mind;

For who the sweets of life can taste,
With vice and tim'rous guilt opprest?

"Tis virtue softens all our toils,

With peace our conscience crowns;
Gives pleasure when our fortune smiles,
And courage when it frowns;

Calms ev'ry trouble, makes the soul serene,

Smoths the contracted brow, and chears the heart within.