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Just as he had said this, by a violent effort, both their sticks broke short in the middle. "This is no great loss," observed Tommy, "for the ends will do just as well as the whole sticks." They then tried to force the ball again with the truncheons which remained in their hands; but, to the new surprise of Tommy, they found they were unable to effect their object. "That is very curious indeed," said Tommy; "I find that only long sticks are of any use."-"That," said Harry, "I could have told you before: but I had a mind you should find it out yourself. The longer the stick is, provided it be sufficiently strong, and you can manage it, the more easily will you succeed."-" This is really very strange," replied Tommy; "but I see some of Mr. Barlow's labourers at work a little way off; let us go to them, and request them to cut us two longer sticks, that we may try their effect." They then went up to the men who were at work, but here a new subject of admiration presented itself to Tommy's mind. There was a root of a prodigious oak-tree, so large and heavy, that half a dozen horses would scarcely have been able to draw it along; besides, it was so tough and knotty, that the sharpest

He

most convenient to have the weight near him, chose you could do it yourself."-"Well," said Mr. Bar-
that end of the pole near which the weight was sus- low, "we will at least try what is to be done."
pended, and put it upon his shoulder, while Harry then led them up into the granary, and showing them
took the other end. But when Tommy attempted to a middle-sized wheel with a handle fixed upon it,
move, he found that he could hardly bear the pres- desired the boys to turn it round. They began to
sure; however, as he saw Harry walk briskly away turn it with some little difficulty; and Tommy could
under his share of the load, he determined not to hardly believe his eyes, when, presently after, he saw
complain.
the sack of corn, which he had despaired of moving,
As they were walking in this manner, Mr. Barlow mounted up into the granary, and safely landed upon
met them; and seeing poor Tommy labouring under the floor. "You see," said Mr. Barlow, "here is
his burthen, asked him who had loaded him in that another ingenious contrivance, by which the weakest
manner? Tommy said it was Harry. Upon this Mr. person may perform the work of the strongest. This
Barlow smiled, and said, "Well, Tommy, this is the is called the wheel and axis. You see this wheel,
first time I ever saw your friend Harry attempt to which is not very large, turns round an axle which
impose upon you; but he is making you carry about goes into it, and is much smaller; and at every turn
three times the weight which he supports himself." the rope to which the weight is fixed that you want
Harry replied, "that Tommy had chosen that him- to move, is twisted round the axle. Now, just as
self, and that he should directly have informed him of much as the breadth of the whole wheel is greater
his mistake, but that he had been so surprised at than that of the axle which it turns round, so much
seeing the common effects of a lever, that he wished greater is the weight that the person who turns it can
to teach him some other facts about it ;" then, shifting move, than he could do without it."-"Well," said
the ends of the pole, so as to support that part which Tommy, "I see it is a fine thing, indeed, to acquire
Tommy had done before, he asked him "if he found knowledge; for by these means, one not only in-
his shoulder anything easier than before ?"-" Indeed, creases one's understanding, but one's bodily strength.
I do," replied Tommy; "but I cannot conceive how, But are there no more, sir, of these ingenious con-
for we carry the same weight between us that we did trivances? for I should like to understand them all."
before, and just in the same manner."-"Not quite-"Yes," answered Mr. Barlow, "there are more;
in the same manner," answered Mr. Barlow; "for, and all of them you shall be perfectly acquainted with
if you observe, the log is a great deal farther from in time; but for this purpose, you should be able to
your shoulder than from Harry's; by which means write, and comprehend something of arithmetic."-
he now supports just as much as you did before, and Tommy. What is arithmetic, sir?-Mr. Barlow. That
you, on the contrary, as little as he did when I met is not so easy to make you understand at once; I will
you."-"This is very extraordinary, indeed," said however, try to explain it. Do you see the grains of
Tommy; "I find there are a great many things that wheat, which lie scattered in the window?-T. Yes,
I did not know, nor even my mamma, nor any of the sir.-Mr. B. Can you count how many there are?-
fine ladies that come to our house."-"Well," replied T. There are just five-and-twenty of them.-Mr. B.
Mr. Barlow, "if you have acquired so much useful Very well. Here is another parcel; how many
knowledge already, what may you expect to do in a grains are there?-T. Just fourteen.-Mr. B. If
few years more?"
there are fourteen grains in one heap, and twenty-five
how many do fourteen and twenty-five make?
in the other, how many grains are there in all-or

pushed the stick along in such a manner, that, when
it rested upon the back of the chair, there were three
feet of it on one side, and only one on the other.
That side which was the longer instantly came to the
ground as heavier. "You see," said Mr. Barlow,

axe could hardly make any impression upon it. This
a couple of old men were attempting to cleave in showed him a stick of about four feet long, with a
Mr. Barlow then led Tommy into the house, and
pieces, in order to make billets for Mr. Barlow's fire. scale hung at each end. "Now," said he, "if you
Tommy, who thought their strength totally dispro- place this stick over the back of a chair, so that it
portionate to such an undertaking, could not help may rest exactly upon the middle, you see the two
pitying them; and observed, that certainly Mr. scales will just balance each other. So, if I put into
Barlow "did not know what they were about, or he each of them an equal weight, they will still remain
would have prevented such poor weak old men from suspended. In this method we weigh everything that
Fatiguing themselves about what they never could per- is bought; only, for the greater convenience, the
form.""Do you think so?" replied Harry; "what beam of the scale, which is the same thing as this
would you then say, if you were to see me, little as I stick, is generally hung up to something else by its
am, perform this wonderful task, with the assistance middle. But let us now move the stick, and see
of one of these good people?" So he took up a what will be the consequence." Mr. Barlow then
wooden mallet,-an instrument which, although much
larger, resembles a hammer,-and began beating the
root, which he did for some time, without making the
least impression. Tommy, who imagined that for this
time his friend Harry was caught, began to smile, and
told him "that he would break a hundred mallets to
pieces before he made the least impression upon the
wood."-"Say you so?" answered Harry, smiling;
"then I believe I must try another method." So he
stooped down, and picked up a small piece of rough
iron, about six inches long, which Tommy had not
observed before, as it lay upon the ground. This iron
was broad at the top, but gradually sloped all the way
down, till it came to a thin edge at the bottom.
Harry then took it up, and with a few blows drove it
a little way into the body of the root. The old man
and he then struck alternately with their mallets upon
the head of the iron, till the root began to gape and
crack on every side, and the iron was totally buried in

[graphic]

the wood.

if we would now balance them, we must put a greater weight on the shorter side;" so he kept adding weights, till Tommy found that one pound on the longer side would exactly balance three on the shorter; for as much as the longer side exceeded the shorter in length, so much did the weight which was hung at that end require to exceed that on the longer side.

lever; and all the sticks that you have been using to"This," said Mr. Barlow, "is what they call a Tommy was unable to answer, and Mr. Barlow day are only levers of a different construction. By proposed the same question to Harry, who answered, these short trials you may conceive the prodigious that together, they made thirty-nine. "Again," said advantage which they are of to men; for thus can one Mr. Barlow, "I will put the two heaps together, and man move a weight which half-a-dozen would not be then how many will there be?"-T. Thirty-nine.able to move with their hands alone; thus may a little Mr. B. Now look, I have just taken away nineteen boy like you do more than the strongest man could from the number; how many do you think remain ? "There," said Harry, "this first wedge has done its effect, who might not be acquainted with these secrets.-T. I will count them.-Mr. B. And cannot you business very well; two or three more will finish it." As to that instrument by which you were so surprised tell without counting? How many are there, Harry? He then took up another larger wedge, and inserting that Harry could cleave such a vast body of wood, it-Harry. Twenty, sir.-Mr. B. All this is properly the bottom of it between the wood and the top of the is called a wedge, and is almost equally useful with the art of arithmetic; which is the same as that of former one, which was now completely buried in the the lever. The whole force of it consists in its being counting, only it is done in a much shorter and easier root, began to beat upon it as he had done before. gradually narrower and narrower, till at last it ends way, without the trouble of having the things always The root now cracked, and split on every side of the in a thin edge, capable of penetrating the smallest before you. Thus, for instance, if you wanted to wedges, till a prodigious cleft appeared quite down to chink. By this we are enabled to overthrow the know how many barleycorns were in this sack, you the bottom. Thus did Harry proceed, still continuing largest oaks, to cleave their roots, almost as hard as would perhaps be a week in counting the whole numhis blows, and inserting new and larger wedges, as iron itself, and even to split the solid rocks."-"All ber.-7. Indeed, I believe I should.-Mr. B. If fast as he had driven the former down, till he had this," said Tommy, "is wonderful indeed! and I need you understood arithmetic you might do it in five completely effected what he had undertaken, and en- not ask the use of these instruments, because I see it minutes. --T. That is extraordinary, indeed; tirely separated the immense mass of wood into two plainly in the experiments I have made to-day." I can hardly conceive it possible. Mr. B. A unequal parts. "One thing more," added Mr. Barlow, as we bushel of corn weighs about fifty pounds: this sack Harry then said, "Here is a very large log, but I are upon this subject, I will show you." "So he led contains four bushels; so that there are just two think you and I can carry it in to mend the fire; and led them into the yard, to the bottom of his granary, hundred pounds weight in all. Now every pound I will show you something else that will surprise you." where stood a heavy sack of corn, "Now," said contains sixteen ounces; and sixteen times two So he took a pole of about ten feet long, and hung the Mr. Barlow, "if you are so stout a fellow as you hundred makes thirty-two hundred ounces. So that log upon it by a piece of cord which he found there; imagine, take up this sack of corn, and carry it up the you have nothing to do but to count the number of then he asked Tommy which end of the pole he ladder into the granary."-"That," replied Tommy, grains in a single ounce, and there will be thirty-two chose to carry? Tommy, who thought it would be laughing, "is impossible; and I doubt, sir, whether hundred times that number in the sack.-7. I declare

you.

SANDFORD AND MERTON.

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29

es;

this is curious indeed; and I should like to learn for the winter nights,-the learning of arithmetic. arithmetic. Will Harry and you teach me, sir?- Almost every night did Mr. Barlow, and Harry, and a shield was. Mr. B. You know we are always ready to improve he, amuse themselves with little questions that related "before men were acquainted with the destructive But before we leave this subject, I must tell to numbers; by which means Tommy became in a effects of gunpowder, they were accustomed to combat Here Tommy interrupted the story, to inquire what you a little story. There was a gentleman who was short time so expert that he could add, substract, close together, with swords or long spears; and on Formerly," answered Mr. Barlow, extremely fond of beautiful horses, and did not grudge multiply, or divide, almost any given sum, with little this account they covered themselves, in a variety of to give the highest prices for them. One day a horse- trouble and great exactness. courser came to him, and showed him one so hand- forget the employment of observing the heavens; for foes. some that he thought it superior to all he had ever every night when the stars appeared bright, and the composed of boards fixed together, and strengthened But he did not for this ways, to defend their bodies from the weapons of their seen before. He mounted him, and found his paces sky was unclouded, Harry and he observed the various with the hides of animals and plates of iron, sufficiently equally excellent; for, though he was full of spirit, he figures and positions of the constellations. Mr. long and broad to cover almost the whole body of a The shield was worn upon their left arm, and was gentle and tractable as could be wished. So Barlow gave him a little paper globe, as he had man. many perfections delighted the gentleman, and he promised, and Tommy immediately marked out upon themselves in even rows or ranks, with their shields eagerly demanded the price. answered, that he would abate nothing of two hundred Wain. The horse-courser the top his first and favourite constellation of Charles's extended before them, to secure them from the arrows When they went out to battle, they placed guineas; the gentleman, although he admired the other side of the Pole-star another beautiful assem- heads they wore a helmet, which was a cap of iron or horse, would not consent to give it; and they were blage of stars, which was always opposite to Charles's steel, ornamented with the waving feathers of birds, or A little while after that, he observed on the and other weapons of their enemies. just on the point of parting. As the man was turn- Wain; this, Mr. Barlow told him, was called Cassio- the tails of horses. In this manner, with an even ing his back, the gentleman called out to him, and peia's Chair; and this, in a short time, was added to pace, marching all at once, and extending their spears Upon their said, "Is there no possible way of our agreeing? for I the collection. would give you anything in reason for such a beautiful creature."-"Why," replied the dealer, who was the southern part of the heavens, he observed so re- been prodigiously fine; and when I have accidentally a shrewd fellow, and perfectly understood calculation, markable a constellation, that he could not help par- met with soldiers, I thought they made such a figure, One night, as Tommy was looking up to the sky, in "I declare," said Tommy, "such a sight must have before them, they went forward to meet their enemies.' "if you do not like to give me two hundred guineas, ticularly noticing it: four large and shining stars walking erect, with their arms all glittering in the sun, will you give me a farthing for the first nail the horse composed the ends of the figure, which was almost that I have sometimes thought I would be a soldier has in his shoe, two farthings for the second, four for square, and full in the middle appeared three more, myself, whenever I grew big enough."the third, and so go doubling throughout the whole placed in a slanting line and very near each other. considered," inquired Mr. Barlow, "what is the twenty-four? for there are no more than twenty-four This Tommy pointed out to Mr. Barlow, and begged business, and generally the fate, of a soldier ?"-"No," nails in all his shoes." The gentleman gladly accepted to know the name. Mr. Barlow answered, that the said Tommy; "I know that he must fight sometimes the condition, and ordered the horse to be led away constellation was named Orion, and that the three but what I thought so pleasant was, to march up and "And have you to his stables.-7. This fellow must have been a very bright stars in the middle was called his belt. Tommy down in a fine red coat, with colours flying and music great blockhead, to ask two hundred guineas, and was so delighted with the grandeur and beauty of this playing, while all the ladies were looking on, and glorious constellation, that he could not help observing smiling, and bowing; for I have heard a great many it, by intervals, all the evening; and he was surprised of them say, they loved a soldier above all things." to see that it seemed to pass on, in a right line drawn "Well," said Mr. Barlow, "I will presently endeavour from east to west; and that all the stars he had to give you a juster idea of what composes the life of become acquainted with moved every night in the a soldier: let Harry now go on with his story: "same direction. Persian general) observed that his troops were never When Pharnabazus (that was the name of the able to stand g nst the Spartans, he sent to Agesilaus, and requested that they might have a meeting, in order to treat about terms of peace. This the Spartan consented to, and appointed the time and place where Agesilaus, with the Spartans, arrived first at the place he would wait for Pharnabazas. When the day came, of meeting; but, not seeing Pharnabazus, he sat down upon the grass with his soldiers: and as it was the hour of the army's making their repast, they pulled out their provisions, which consisted of some coarse bread and onions, and began eating very heartily. the middle of them sat King Agesilaus himself, in nowise distinguished from the rest, neither by his clothing nor his fare; nor was there, in the whole army, an individual who more exposed himself to every sort of hardship, or displayed less nicety, than reverenced by all the soldiers, who were ashamed of the king himself. By these means he was beloved and appearing less brave or patient than their general.

But he did not forget to remind Harry, one morning, of the history he had promised to tell him of Agesilaus. Harry told it in the following manner:

HISTORY OF AGESILAUS.

In

The Spartans (as I have before told you, Master Tommy) were a brave and hardy people, who despised everything that tended to make them delicate and luxurious. All their time was spent in such exercises as made them strong and active, able to bear fatigue, and to despise wounds and dangers; for they were situated in the midst of several other nations, that frequently had quarrels with one another, and with them; and therefore it was necessary that they should learn to defend themselves. Accordingly, all the children were brought up alike, and the sons of their then to take a few farthings for his horse.-Mr. B. else.-T. Stop, stop! I don't exactly understand kings themselves were as little indulged as any one The gentleman was of the same opinion; however, that. the horse-courser added, "I do not mean, sir, to tie finer, and had less to do, than anybody else in the you down to this last proposal, which, upon considera- world. I have often heard my mamma and the ladies before the first servants of Pharnabazus arrived, who I thought a king was a person that dressed tion, you may like as little as the first; all that require is, that, if you are dissatisfied with your on; and therefore I thought that kings and princes spread upon the ground for their master to recline say that I looked like a prince, when I had fine clothes brought with them rich and costly carpets, which they It was not long that the Spartans had thus reposed, bargain, you will promise to pay me down the two never did anything but walk about with crowns upon upon. Presently arrived another troop, who began to hundred guineas which I first asked." gentleman willingly agreed to, and then called the do not know how that may be; but in Sparta, the him and his train from the heat of the sun. This the their heads, and eat sweatmeats, all day long.-H. I erect a spacious tent with silken hangings, to screen steward to calculate the sum, for he was too much great business of the kings (for they had two) was to this came a company of cooks and confectioners, with of a gentleman to be able to do it himself. The command them when they went out to war, or when a number of loaded horses, who carried upon their steward sat down with his pen and ink, and after they were attacked at home; and that, you know, backs all the materials of an elegant entertainment. some time gravely wished his master joy, and asked him, they could not do without being brave and hardy After "in what part of England the estate was situated themselves. Now it happened that the Spartans had that he was going to purchase?"-"Are you mad?" some dear friends and allies that lived at a distance replied the gentleman: "it is not an estate, but a from them, across thee, who were attacked by a horse, that I have just bargained for; and here is great and numerous na. ion called the Persians. So, the owner of him, to whom I am going to pay the when the Spartans knew the danger of their friends, money."-"if there be any madness, sir," replied they sent over to their assistance Agesilaus, one of their the steward, "it certainly is not on my side: the sum kings, together with a few thousands of his countryyou have ordered me to calculate, comes just to men; and these, they judged, would be a match for seventeen thousand four hundred and seventy-six all the forces that could be brought against them by pounds, besides some shillings and pence: and surely the Persians, though ever so numerous. no man in his senses would give this price for a horse." general of the Persians saw the small number of his The gentleman was more surprised than he had ever enemies, he imagined it would be an easy matter to When the been before, to hear the assertion of his steward; but take them prisoners, or to destroy them. Besides, as when, upon examination, he found it no more than he was immensely rich, and possessed a number of the truth, he was very glad to compound for his foolish palaces furnished with everything that was fine and agreement, by giving the horse-courser the two costly, and had a great quantity of gold and silver, hundred guineas, and dismissing him.-7. This is and jewels, and slaves, he could not conceive it posquite incredible, that a farthing just doubled a few sible that anybody could resist him. times, should amount to such a prodigious sum: how-raised a large army, several times greater than that of ever, I am determined to learn arithmetic, that I may the Spartans, and attacked Agesilaus, who was not in He therefore not be imposed upon in this manner; for I think the least afraid of him; for the Spartans, joining their a gentleman must look very silly under such shields together, and marching slowly along in even an instant they put them to flight. ranks, fell with so much fury upon the Persians, that in

circumstances.

Thus had Tommy a new employment and diversion

Last of all appeared Pharnabazus himself, glittering
with gold and jewels, and adorned with a long purple
robe, after the fashion of the East: he wore bracelets

66

upon his arms, and was mounted upon a beautiful to the present day, very little indeed has been owing take it. "Then," said Leonidas, "since there is no horse, that was as gaudily attired as himself. to any cause that had either justice or common sense. more worthy man ready to perform this service, I As he approached nearer, and beheld the simple-H. I then have thought (though I pity poor soldiers myself will undertake it, with those who will volunmanners of the Spartan king and his soldiers, he extremely, and always give them something if I have tarily accompany me." They were struck with adcould not help scoffing at their poverty, and making any money in my pocket) that they draw these mis- miration at his proposal, and praised the greatness of comparisons between their mean appearance and his chiefs upon themselves, because they endeavour to kill his mind, but set before him the certain destruction own magnificence. All that were with him seemed and destroy other people; and, therefore, if they which must attend him. "All this," said Leonidas, to be infinitely diverted with the wit and acute re- suffer the same evils in return, they can hardly com- "I have already considered; but I am determined to marks of their general, except one person, who had plain. -Mr. B. They cannot complain of the evils to go, with the appearance, indeed, of defending the served in the Grecian armies, and therefore was better which they voluntarily expose themselves; but they pass of Thermopyle, but in reality to die for the acquainted with the manners and discipline of these may justly complain of the ingratitude of the people liberty of Greece." Saying this, he instantly went people. This man was highly valued by Pharnabazus for whom they fight, and who take no care of them out of the assembly, and prepared for the expedition, for his understanding and honesty, and, therefore, afterwards -H. Indeed, sir, I think so. But I can- taking with him about three hundred Spartans. when he observed that he said nothing, he insisted not conceive why people must hire others to fight for Before he went, he embraced his wife, who hung upon his declaring his sentiments, as the rest had done. them. If it be necessary to fight, why do they not about him in tears, being well acquainted with the Since, then," replied he, “you command me to fight for themselves? I should be ashamed to go to dangerous purpose of his march. But he endeavoured speak my opinion, O Pharnabazus, I must confess another boy, and say to him, "Pray, go and venture to comfort her; and told her that a short life was well that the very circumstance which is the cause of so your life or limbs for me, that I may stay at home and sacrificed to the interests of his country, and that much mirth to the gentlemen that accompany you is do nothing."-T. What, if the French were to come Spartan women should be more careful about the the reason of my fears. On our side, indeed, I see here, as they said they were about to do, would you glory than the safety of their husbands. He then gold, and jewels, and purple in abundance; but when go out to fight them yourself?-H. I have heard my kissed his infant children, and, charging his wife to I look for men, I can find nothing but barbers, cooks, father say, that it was every man's duty to fight for his educate them in the same principles he had lived in, confectioners, fiddlers, dancers, and everything that country, if it were attacked; and if my father went went out of his house, to put himself at the head of is most unmanly and unfit for war; on the Grecian out to fight, I would go out with him. I would not those brave men who were to accompany him. side I discern none of these costly trifles, but I see willingly hurt anybody; but if they attempted to hurt As they marched through the city, all the inhabiiron that forms their weapons, and composes impene- me or my countrymen, we should do right to defend tants attended them with praises and acclamations; trable armour. I see men who have been brought ourselves; should we not, sir?-Mr. B. This is cer- the young women sang songs of triumph, and scatup to despise every hardship, and face every danger; tainly a case where men have a right to defend them-tered flowers before them; the youths were jealous of who are accustomed to observe their ranks, to obey selves: no man is bound to yield his life or property their glory, and lamented that such a noble doom had their leader, to take every advantage of their enemy, to another that has no right to take it. Among those not rather fallen upon themselves; while all their and to fall dead in their places rather than turn their Grecians, whom you were talking of, every man was friends and relations seemed rather to exult in the imbacks. Were the contest about who should dress a a soldier, and always ready to defend his country mortal honour they were about to acquire, than to be dinner, or curl hair with the greatest nicety, I should whenever it was attacked.-H. Pray, dear sir, read dejected with the apprehensions of their loss: and as not doubt that the Persians would gain the advantage; to Master Tommy the story of Leonidas, which gave they continued their march through Greece, they were but when it is necessary to contend in battle, where me so much pleasure; I am sure he will like to joined by various bodies of their allies; so that their the prize is won by hardiness and valour, I cannot hear it. number amounted to about six thousand when they help dreading men who are inured to wounds, and took possession of the straits of Thermopyla. labours, and suffering; nor can I ever think that the Persian gold will be able to resist the Grecian iron."

Pharnabazus was so struck with the truth and justness of these remarks, that, from that very hour, he determined to contend no more with such invincible troops, but bent all his cares towards making peace with the Spartans; and, by that means, he preserved himself and his country from destruction.

Mr. Barlow accordingly read

THE HISTORY OF LEONIDAS, KING OF
SPARTA.

The King of Persia commanded a great extent of
territory, which was inhabited by many millions of
people, and not only abounded in all the necessaries
of life, but produced immense quantities of gold and
silver, and every other costly thing. Yet all this did
not satisfy the haughty mind of Xerxes, who at that
time possessed the empire of this country; he con-
sidered that the Grecians, his neighbours, were free,
and refused to obey his imperious orders, which he
foolishly imagined all mankind should respect; he
therefore determined to make an expedition with a
mighty army into Greece, and to conquer the country.
For this purpose he raised such a prodigious army,
that it is almost impossible to describe it; the number
of men that composed it seemed sufficient to conquer
the whole world, and all the forces the Grecians were
able to raise would scarcely amount to a hundredth
part. Nevertheless, the Grecians held public councils
to consult about their common safety; and they nobly
determined, that as they had hitherto lived free, so
they would either maintain their liberty, or bravely die
in its defence.

In a short time Xerxes approached with his innumerable army, composed of various nations, and armed in a thousand different manners; and when he had seen the small number of his enemies, he could not believe that they really meant to oppose his pas sage. When told, however, that this was surely their design, he sent out a small detachment of his troops, and ordered them to take those Grecians alive, and bring them bound before him. The Persian troops set out, and attacked the Grecians with the utmost fury; but in an instant they were routed, the greater part slain, and the rest obliged to flee. Xerxes was enraged at this misfortune, and ordered the combats to be renewed with more numerous forces. The attack was renewed, but always with the same success, although he sent the bravest troops in his whole army. Thus was this immense force stoped in its career, and the pride of their monarch humbled, by so inconsiderable a body of Grecians, that they were not at first thought worthy of a serious attack. At length, what Xerxes, with all his troops, was incapable of effecting, was performed by the treachery of some of the Grecians who inhabited that country. For a great reward they undertook to lead a chosen body of the Persians across the mountains by a secret path, with which they alone were acquainted. Accordingly, the Persians set out in the night, and, having passed over the mountains in safety, encamped on the other side.

"You see by the story," said Mr. Barlow, "that fine clothes are not always of the consequence you imagine, since they are not able to give their wearers either more strength or courage than they had before, nor to preserve them from the attacks of those whose appearance is more homely. But, since you are so little acquainted with the business of a soldier, I must show you a little more clearly of what it consists. Instead, therefore, of all this pageantry, which seems so strongly to have acted upon your mind, I must inform you that there is no human being exposed to suffer a greater degree of misery and hardship: he is often obliged to march whole days in the most violent heat, or cold, or rain, and frequently without food to eat or clothes to cover him; and when he stops at night, the most that he can expect is a miserable canvass tent to shelter him, which is penetrated in every part by the wet, and a little straw to keep his body from the damp, unwholesome earth. Frequently he cannot meet with even this, and is obliged As soon as day arose, Leonidas perceived that he to lie uncovered upon the ground; by which he conhad been betrayed, and that he was surrounded by the tracts a thousand diseases, that are more fatal than enemy. Nevertheless, with the same undaunted the cannon and other weapons of the enemy. Every Leonidas was at that time king of Sparta; and courage, he took all necessary measures, and prepared hour he is exposed to engage in combats at the hazard when he considered the state of affairs, he saw one for the fate which he had long resolved to meet. of losing his limbs, of being crippled or mortally method alone by which the ruin of his country and all After praising and thanking the allies for the bravery wounded. If he gain the victory, he generally has Greece could be prevented. In order to enter the with which they had behaved, he sent them all away only to begin again and fight anew, till the war is more cultivated parts of this country, it was necessary to their respective countries: many of the Spartans, over; if beaten, he may probably lose his life on the for the Persian army to march through a very rough too, he would have dismissed under various pretences; spot, or be taken prisoner by the enemy; in which and mountainous district, called Thermopyla. There case he may languish several months in a dreary was only one narrow road through all these mounprison, in want of all the necessaries of life." tains, which it was possible for only a few men to "Alas!" said Harry, "what a dreadful picture do defend for some time against the most numerous you draw of the fate of those brave men who suffer so army. Leonidas perceived that, if a small number of much to defend their country; surely, they who em-resolute men would undertake to defend this passage, ploy them should take care of them when they are it would retard the march of the whole Persian army, sick or wounded, or incapable of providing for themselves."

In the meantime, Xerxes was marching forward, and he at length entered the territory of Greece. The Grecians had not yet been able to assemble their troops or make their preparations; and therefore they were struck with consternation at the approach of such an army as attended Xerxes.

and give the Grecians time to collect their troops.
But who would undertake so desperate an enterprise,
where there was hardly any possibility of escaping
alive? For this reason Leonidas determined to under-
take the expedition himself, with such of the Spartans
as would voluntarily attend him; and to sacrifice his
own life for the preservation of his country.

"So, indeed," answered Mr. Barlow, "they ought to do; but rash and foolish men engage in wars without either justice or reason, and when they are over, they think no more of the unhappy people who have served them at so much loss to themselves."-Harry. Why, sir, I have often thought that, as all wars con- With this design he assembled the chief persons of sist in shedding of blood and doing mischief to our Sparta, and laid before them the necessity of defellow-creatures, they seldom can be just.-Mr. Bar- fending the pass of Thermopyla. They were equally low. You are indeed right there. Of all the blood convinced of its importance, but knew not where to that has been shed, since the beginning of the world find a man of such determined valour as to under

but they, who were all determined rather to perish with their king than to return, refused to leave him, When he saw their resolution, he consented that they should stay with him, and share his fate. All day, therefore, he remained quiet in his camp; but when evening approached, he ordered his troops to take some refreshment, and, smiling, told them "to dine like men who were to sup in another world." They then completely armed themselves, and waited for the middle of the night, which Leonidas judged most proper for the design he meditated: he saw that the Persians would never imagine it possible that such an insignificant body of men should think of attacking their numerous forces; he was therefore determined, in the silence of the night, to break into their camp, and endeavour, amidst the terror and confusion which would ensue, to surprise Xerxes himself.

About midnight, therefore, this determined body of Grecians marched out, with Leonidas at their head.

They soon broke into the Persian camp, and put all swiftly along by the windows of the coach.-Mr. B. the case, it is not so very certain that the earth we to flight that dared to oppose them. It is impossible And did you never sail in a boat?-7. Yes, I have; inhabit is larger than the sun and stars. They are at to describe the terror and confusion which ensued and I protest I have observed the same thing: for I a very great distance from us; therefore, if anybody among so many thousands, thus unexpectedly surprised. remember, I have often thought the shore was running could go from the earth towards the sun, how do you Still the Grecians marched on in close impenetrable away from the boat, instead of the boat from the shore. think the earth would appear to him as he journeyed order, overturning the tents, destroying all that dared-Mr. B. If that be the case, it is possible, even on?-7. Really, I can hardly tell.-Mr. B. No! though the earth should move, instead of the star, that Why, is it not the same thing, whether an object go you might only see what you do at present, and from you, or you from the object? Is there any imagine that the earth you are upon was at rest.-T. But is it not more likely that such little things as the stars and sun should move, than such a large thing as the earth?-Mr. B. And how do you know that the stars and sun are so small?-T. I see them to be so, sir. The stars are so small, that they are hardly to be seen at all; and the sun itself, which is much larger, does not seem bigger than a small round table.

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difference between the ship's sailing away from us, and our walking away from the ship?-7. No, sir.Mr. B. Did you not say, that if the sun could be removed farther from our eyes, it would appear less?— T. Surely it would.-Mr. B. Vhy, then, if the earth were to sink down from under our feet, lower and lower, what would happen? would it have the same appearance?-7. No, sir; I think it must appear less The day after this conversation, as the weather was and less, like the ship when it is sailing away.—Mr. B. bright and clear, Mr. Barlow went out to walk with Very right, indeed. But now attend to what I asked Harry and Tommy. As, by this time, Tommy was you just now: if a person could rise slowly into the inured to fatigue, and able to walk many miles, they air, and mount still higher and higher towards continued their excursion over the hills, till at last the sun, what would happen?-T. Why, the same they came in sight of the sea. As they were diverting as though the earth were to sink from under us: themselves with the immense prospect of water that it would appear less and less.-Mr. B. Might not was before them, Mr. Barlow perceived something the earth, then, at least, appear as small as the sun or floating at a distance, so small as scarcely to be dis- moon does?-7. I can hardly conceive that and yet, cernible by the eye. He pointed it out to Tommy, I see it would appear less and less the farther he went. who with some difficulty was able to distinguish it, Mr. B. Do you remember what happened to you and asked him what he thought it was. when you left the island of Jamaica ?-7. Yes, I do. Tommy answered that he imagined it to be some One of the Blacks held me upon the deck, and then I little fishing-boat; but could not well tell, on account looked towards the island, and I thought that it began of the distance.-Mr. Barlow. If you do not then see to move away from the ship, though, in reality, it was a ship, what is it you do see, or what does that object the ship moved away from the land; and then, as the appear to your eyes?-Tommy. All that I can see is ship continued sailing along the water, the island ap no more than a little dusky speck, which seems to grow peared less and less. First, I lost sight of the trees larger and larger. – Mr. B. And what is the reason it and houses that stood upon the shore; and then I grows larger and larger ?-T. Because it comes nearer could see only the highest mountains; and then I and nearer to me.-Mr. B. What, then, does the same could scarcely see the mountains themselves; and, thing sometimes appear small, and sometimes large? at last, the whole island appeared only like a dark -7. Yes, sir, it seems small when it is at a great mist above the water; and then the mist itself disdistance; for I have observed even houses and churches, appeared, and I could see nothing but a vast extent when you are some miles distant, seem to the eye very of water all round, and the sky above.-Mr. B. And small indeed and now I observe that the vessel is must not this be exactly the case, if you could rise up sailing towards us, and it is not, as I imagined, a little into the air, higher and higher, and look down upon fishing-boat, but a ship with a mast; for I begin to the earth?-7. Indeed, it must.—Mr. B. Now, then, distinguish the sails. you will be able to answer the question I asked you a little while ago :-Could a person travel straight forward from the earth to the sun, how would they both appear to him as he went forward?-T. The earth would appear less and less as he went from it, and the sun larger and larger.--Mr. B. Why, then, perhaps it would happen at last, that the sun appeared larger than the earth.-T. Indeed it might.-Mr. B. Then you see that you must no longer talk of the earth's being large and the sun small; since that may only happen because you are nearer the one and at a great distance from the other. At least, you must now be convinced that both the sun and stars must be immensely larger than you would at first sight suppose them to be.

-

But now the morning began to appear; and the Persians who had discovered the small number of their assailants, surrounded them on every side, and, without daring to come to a close engagement, poured in their darts and other missive weapons. The Grecians were wearied even with the toils of conquest, and their body Mr. Barlow walked on a little while by the side of was already considerably diminished; nevertheless, the sea; and presently Tommy called out again: "I Leonidas, who was yet alive, led on the intrepid few protest I was mistaken again; for it is not a vessel that remained to a fresh attack. Again he rushed with one mast, as I thought a little while ago, but a upon the Persians, and pierced their thickest battalions fine large ship with three great masts, and all her sails as often as he could reach them. But valour itself before the wind. I believe she must either be a large was vain against such inequality of numbers; at every merchantman or else a frigate."-Mr. B. Will you then charge the Grecian ranks grew thinner and thinner, take notice of what you have now been saying? What till at length they were all destroyed, without a single was first only a little dusky speck became a vessel with man having quitted his post, or turned his back upon one mast; and now this vessel with one mast plainly appears a ship of a very large size with all her masts and sails, and rigging complete. Yet all these three appearances are only the same object at different distances from your eye.-T. Yes, sir, that is all very true, indeed.-Mr. B. Why, then, if the ship, which is now full in sight, were to tack about again, and sail away from us as fast as she approached just now, what do you think would happen ?-7. It would grow less and less every minute, till it appeared a speck again. -Mr. B. You said, I think, that the sun was a very small body, not bigger than a round table.-7. Yes, sir.-Mr. B. Supposing, then, the sun were to be removed to a much greater distance than it is at now, what would happen? would it appear the same to your eyes?

the enemy.

66

"Really," said Tommy, when the history was finished, Leonidas was a brave man indeed. But what became of Xerxes and his army after the death of this valiant Spartan? was he able to overcome the Grecians, or did they repulse him?"-" You are now able to read for yourself," replied Mr. Barlow; "and, therefore, by examining the histories of those countries, you may be informed of everything you desire."

And now the frost had continued for several weeks, and Tommy had taken advantage of the evenings, which generally proved clear and starlight, to improve his knowledge of the heavens. He had already ornamented his paper globe with several of the most remarkable constellations. Around the Pole-star he had discovered Perseus and Andromeda, and Cepheus, and Cassicpeïa's chair. Between these and the bright Orion, which arose every night and glittered in the south, he discovered seven small stars that were set in a cluster, and called the Pleiades. Then, underneath Orion, he discovered another glittering star called Sirius, or the Dog-star. All these, he continually observed, journeyed every night from east to west, and then appeared, the evening after, in their former places. "How strange it is," observed Tommy one day to Mr. Barlow, "that all these stars should be continually turning about the earth!"--"How do you know," replied Mr. Barlow, "that they turn at all?" -7. Because I see them move every night.—Mr. B. But how are you sure that it is the stars which move every night, and not the earth itself?

As they were returning home, they happened to pass through a small town in their way, and saw a crowd

Tommy considered for some time, and then said, "If the ship grow less and less, till at last it appears a mere speck, by going farther and farther, I should think the sun would do the same."-Mr. B. There you are perfectly right: therefore, if the sun were to depart farther and farther from us, at last it would appear no bigger than one of those twinkling stars that you see at so great a distance above your head.-7. That I perfectly comprehend.-Mr. B. But if, on the contrary, one of those twinkling stars were to approach nearer and nearer to where you stand, what do you think would happen? would it still appear of the same size ?-T. No, sir. The ship, as it came nearer to us, of people going into a house. This gave Mr. Barlow appeared every moment larger; and, therefore, I think the curiosity to inquire the reason. They were told the star would do the same.-Mr. B. Might it not, that there was a wonderful person there, who perthen, at last appear as large as the sun now does; just formed a variety of strange and diverting experiments. Tommy considered, and said, "But then I should as the sun would dwindle away to the size of a star On Tommy expressing a great desire to see these see the earth move, and the stars stand still."-Mr. B. were it to be removed to a greater distance ?-7. In-curious sights, Mr. Barlow took them both in, and What! did you never ride in a coach ?-T. Yes, sir, deed, I think it might.-Mr. B. What, then, do you they all seated themselves among the audience. very often. Mr. B. And did you then see that the imagine must happen, could the sun approach a great Presently the performer commenced his exhibition, coach moved, as you sat still and went along a level deal nearer to us? Would its size remain the same? which very much diverted Tommy, and surprised the road?-T. No, sir; I protest I have often thought-7. No; I plainly see that it must appear larger spectators. At length, after a variety of curious tricks that the houses and trees, and all the country, glided and larger, the nearer it comes.-Mr. B. If that be upon cards, the conjurer desired them to observe a

large basin of water, with the figure of a little swan floating upon the surface. "Gentlemen," said the man, "I have reserved this curious experiment for the last, because it is the most wonderful of all that I had to show, or that, perhaps, was ever exhibited to the present hour. You see that swan; it is no more than a little image, without either sense or life. If you have any doubt upon the subject, take it up in your hands and examine it." Accordingly, several of the spectators took it up, and having examined it, set it down again upon the water. "Now," continued he, "this swan, which to you appears totally without sense or motion, is of so extraordinary a nature, that he knows me, his master, and will follow in any direction that I command." Saying this, he took out a little piece of bread, and, whistling to his bird, ordered him to come to the side of the basin and be fed. Immediately, to the great surprise of all the company, the swan turned about and swam to the side of the basin. The man whistled again, and presently the swan turned himself round, and pursued the hand of his master to the other side of the basin.

The spectators could hardly believe their eyes; and some of them got little pieces of bread, and held them out, imagining that he would do the same to them. But it was in vain they whistled and presented their bread; the bird remained unmoved upon the water, and obeyed no orders but those of his master.

When this exhibition had been repeated over and over again, to the extreme delight and astonishment of all present, the company rose and dispersed ; and Mr. Barlow and the little boys pursued their way home. But Tommy's mind was so engaged with what he had seen, that for several days he could think and talk of nothing else. He would give all that he had in the world to find out this curious trick, and to be possessed of such a swan. At length, as he was one day talking to Harry upon the subject, Harry told him, with a smile, that he believed he had found out a method of doing it; and that, if he did not mistake, he could the next day show him a swan that would come to be fed as well as the conjurer's. Accordingly, Harry moulded a bit of wax into the shape of a swan, and placed it upon a basin of water. He then presented to it a piece of bread, and, to the inexpressible delight of Tommy, the swan pursued the bread just as

he had seen before.

Tommy inquired the reason of this; and Mr. Barlow and the top secured with turf; in a short time, the gave him this additional explanation. "The persons whole is so cemented with frost, that it is impenetrable who first discovered the wonderful powers of the load- to the weather during the whole winter. Along the stone in communicating its virtues to iron, diverted sides of the building are made several partitions, in themselves, as we do now, in touching needles and each of which a Greenlander lives with his family. small pieces of iron, which they made to float upon Each of these families have a small lamp continually water, and attracted them about with other pieces of burning before them, by means of which they cook iron. But it was not long before they found out, as their food and light themselves, and what is equally you have found out now, another surprising property necessary in so cold a country, keep up an agreeable of this wonderful stone: they observed that when a warmth throughout their apartment. They have a needle had once been touched by the loadstone, if it few deer, which sometimes visit them in the summer, were left to float upon the water without restraint, it and which the Greenlanders kill whenever they can would invariably turn itself towards the north. In a catch them; but they are almost entirely destitute of short time, they improved the discovery further, and all the vegetables which serve as nourishment to man; contrived to suspend the middle of the needle upon a so that they are obliged to be continually upon the point, so loosely that it could move about in every sea, in order to catch fish for their maintenance.-T. direction; this they covered with a glass case; and What a dreadful life that must be in a country which by this means they always had it in their power to is so cold !-Mr. B. In consequence of that extreme find out all the quarters of the heavens and earth."- cold, those northern seas are full of such immense Tommy. Was this discovery of any great use ?-Mr. quantities of ice, that they are sometimes almost covered Barlow. Before this time, they had no other method with them. Huge pieces come floating down, which are of finding their way along the sea, but by observing not only as big as the largest houses, but even the stars. They knew, by experience, in what part of resemble small mountains. These are sometimes the sky certain stars appeared at every season of the dashed against each other by the winds with such year; and this enabled them to discover east, west immense force, that they would crush the strongest north, and south. But when they set out from their ship to pieces, and with a noise that exceeds the own country by sea, they knew in what direction the report of a cannon. Upon these pieces of ice are place was situated which they were going to. If it frequently seen white bears of an enormous size, lay to the east, they had only to keep the head of the which have either fallen asleep upon them, and so ship turned full to that quarter of the heavens, and been carried away, or have straggled over those icy they would arrive at the place they were going to; hills in search of fish.-7. And is it possible that the and this they were enabled to do by observing the inhabitants of such a country can find enough in it stars. But frequently the weather was thick, and the for all their necessities ?-Mr. B. The necessities of stars no longer appeared; and then they were left to life are very few, and are, therefore, to be found even wander about the pathless ocean without anything to in the most rugged climates, if men are not wanting guide them in their course.-T. Poor people! they to themselves, or deficient in industry. In plentiful must be in a dreadful situation, indeed, tossed about countries like this, and in most of the more temperate on such an immense place as the sea, in the middle of climates, great numbers are maintained in idleness, a dark night, and not able even to guess at their and imagine that they were born only to live upon situation.-Mr. B. For this reason they seldom dared the labour of others; but in such a country as Greento venture out of sight of shore, for fear of losing their land is described to be, it requires incessant exertion way. Thus all their voyages were long and tedious; to procure the simplest support of human life; and, for they were obliged to make them several times as therefore, no one can live at all who will not employ long as they would have done, could they have taken himself in the same manner as his neighbours.-T. the straight and nearest way. But, soon after the You said that these people had neither flesh nor corn; discovery of the admirable property of the loadstone, do they, then, clothe themselves with the skins of fish, they found that the needle, which had been thus preAfter he had been several times amused with this pared, was capable of showing them the different experiment, he desired to be informed of the composi- points of the heavens, even in the darkest night. tion of this wonderful swan. Harry, therefore, This enabled them to sail with greater security, and to showed him, within the body of the bird, a large venture boldly upon the immense ocean, which they needle, reaching from one end to the other. In the had always feared before.-T. How extraordinary, bread with which the swan was fed, he also showed that a little stone should enable people to cross the him, concealed, a small bar of iron. Tommy could sea, and to find their way from one country to the not comprehend all this, although he saw it before his other! But I wonder why they take all these pains. eyes; but Mr. Barlow, who was present, taking up -Mr. B. That you need not wonder at, when you the bar of iron, and putting down several needles upon consider that one country frequently produces what the table, Tommy was infinitely surprised to see the another does not; and, therefore, by exchanging their needles all jump up, one after another, at the approach different commodities, the people of both may live of the bar, and shoot towards it, as though they had more conveniently and comfortably than they did been possessed of life and sense. They then hung all before.-Harry. But does not almost every country about the bar so firmly, that though it was lifted into produce all that is necessary to support the inhabithe air, they all remained suspended, nor ever quitted tants of it? and, therefore, they might live, I should their hold. Mr. Barlow then placed a key upon the think, even though they received nothing from any table; and, putting the iron near it, the key attached other country.-Mr. B. So might your father live, itself as firmly to the bar, as the needles had done perhaps, upon the produce of his own farm; but as well as live upon them?-Mr. B. There is in those before. All this appeared so surprising to Tommy, he sometimes sells his cattle, to purchase clothes; seas a peculiar species of animal called a seal. He is that he begged an explanation of it from Mr. Barlow. sometimes his corn, to purchase cattle. Then sometimes nine or ten feet long, and has two small That gentleman told him, "that there was a stone he frequently exchanges with this neighbours one feet before, on which he is able to walk a little upon often found in iron-mines, that was called the loadstone. kind of grain for another; and thus their mutual the shore; for he frequently comes out of the sea, and This stone is naturally possessed of the surprising conveniency is better promoted than if each were to sleeps or amuses himself upon the land or ice. His power of drawing to itself all pieces of iron that are confine himself to the produce of his own land. At body is very large, and full of oil, and behind he has not too large, nor placed at too great a distance. But the same time, it is true that every country which is two legs which resemble fins, with which he swims in what is equally extraordinary is, that iron itself, after inhabited by men contains within itself all that is the water. This animal is the constant prey of the having been rubbed upon the loadstone, acquires the essential for their subsistence; and what they bring Greenlander, and furnishes him with all he wants. same virtue, as the stone itself, of attracting other iron. from other countries is frequently more hurtful than The flesh he eats, the fat serves him to feed his lamp, For this purpose, they take small bars of iron and rub salutary to them.-H. I have heard you say, that even which is almost as necessary as food itself in that cold them carefully upon the loadstone, and when they in Greenland, the coldest and most uncomfortable climate. With the skin he makes clothes that are have acquired this very extraordinary power, they call country in the world, the inhabitants procure them-impenetrable to the water, or lines the inside of his them magnets. When Harry had seen the exhibition selves necessaries, and live contented.-7. What, is hut to keep out the weather. As this creature is so of the swan, upon revolving it over in his mind, he there a part of the world still colder than Lapland? necessary to the existence of a Greenlander, it is his began to suspect that it was performed entirely by the Mr. B. Greenland is still farther north, and there- greatest glory to chase and take him. For this purpower of magnetism. Upon his talking to me about fore colder and more barren. The ground is there pose, he places himself in a small, narrow boat, the the affair, I confirmed him in his opinion, and furnished covered with eternal snows, which never melt, even top of which is covered over with the skins of seals, him with a small magnet to put into the bread, and a in the summer. There are scarcely any animals to be and closes round the middle of the fisher so tightly as large needle to conceal in the body of the bird. So found, excepting bears, that live by preying upon fish. entirely to exclude the water. He has a long oar, or this is the explanation of the feat which so much There are no trees growing upon any part of the paddle, broad at both ends, which he dips first on one puzzled you a few days past." country; so that the inhabitants have nothing to build side, then on the other, and rows along with incredible their houses with, excepting the planks and trees swiftness over the roughest seas. He carries with which the sea washes away from other countries and him a harpoon, which is a sort of lance, or javelin, leaves upon their coast. With these they erect large tied to a fong thong, at the end of which is fixed a cabins, where several families live together. The bladder, or some other light thing, that sinks with sides of these huts are composed of earth and stones, difficulty. When the fisherman is thus prepared, he

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Mr. Barlow had hardly done speaking, when Tommy observed another curious property of the swan, which he had not found out before. This bird, when left to itself, constantly rested in one particular direction; and that direction was full north and south.

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