Page. 7 SECT. 1. Religion the foundation of content. An allegory, 2. The vision of Mirza; exhibiting a picture of human 3. Endeavours of mankind to get rid of their burdens; a 3. Happy effects of contemplating the works of nature, 4. Reflections on the universal presence of the Deity, CHAPTER III.-ARGUMENTATIVE PIECES. SECT. 1. Our imperfect knowledge of a future state, suited to Youth the proper season for gaining knowledge, and CHAPTER IV. DESCRIPTIVE PIECES. SECT. 1. The heavens and the earth show the glory and the wis- 2. An eruption of mount Vesuvius, 3. Description of the preparations made by Xerxes, the 2. Cadmus and Hercules.-Importance of literature, 3. Marcus Aurelius Philosophus and Servius Tullius.- An absolute and limited monarchy compared, SECT. 1. The defence of Socrates before his Judges, 3. Speech of the earl of Chatham, on the subject of em- 6. Character of The Great Founder of Christianity, 7. The spirit and laws of Christianity superior to those of 6. The deserted village continued, 7. The Traveller; or, a prospect of society, ΤΟ THE ENGLISH READER. PART I. PIECES IN PROSE. CHAPTER I. NARRATIVE PIECES. SECTION I. RELIGION THE FOUNDATION OF CONTENT. AN ALLEGORY. OMAR, the hermit of the mountain Aubukabis, which rises in the east of Mecca, and overlooks the city, found one evening a man sitting pensive and alone, within a few paces of his cell. Omar regarded him with attention, and perceived that his looks were wild and haggard, and that his body was feeble and emaciated. The man also seemed to gaze steadfastly on Omar; but such was the abstraction of his mind, that his eye did not immediately take cognizance of its object. In the moment of recollection he started as from a dream; he covered his face in confusion; and bowed himself to the ground. "Son of affliction," said Omar, "who art thou, and what is thy distress?" "My name," replied the stranger, "is Hassan, and I am a native of this city. The angel of adversity has laid his hand upon me, and the wretch whom thine eye compassionates thou canst not deliver." "To de liver thee," said Omar, "belongs to HIM only from whom we should receive with humility both good and evil; yet hide not thy life from me; for the burden which I cannot remove, I may at least enable thee to sustain.” Hassan fixed his eyes upon the ground, and remained some time silent; then fetch. ing a deep sigh, he looked up at the hermit, and thus complied with his request. As "It is now six years since our mighty lord the caliph Almalic, whose memory be blessed, first came privately to worship in the temple of the holy city. The blessing which he petitioned of the prophet, as the prophet's vicegerent, he was diligent to dispense. In the intervals of his devotion, therefore, he went about the city relieving distress and restraining oppression; the widow smiled under his protection, and the weakness of age and infancy was sustained by his bounty. I, who dreaded no evil but sickness, and expected no good beyond the reward of my labour, was singing at my work, when Almalic entered my dwelling. He looked round with a smile of complacency; perceiving that though it was mean, it was neat; and though I was poor, I appeared to be content. his habit was that of a pilgrim, I hastened to receive him with such hospitality as was in my power; and my cheerfulness was rather increased than restrained by his presence. After he had accepted some coffee, he asked me many questions, and though by my answers I always endeavoured to excite him to mirth, yet I perceived that he grew thoughtful, and eyed me with a placid but fixed attention. I suspected that he had some knowledge of me, and therefore inquired his country and his name. 'Hassan,' said he, 'I have raised thy curiosity, and it shall be satisfied: he who now talks with thee, is Almalic, the sovereign of the faithful, whose seat is the throne of Medina, and whose commission is from above.' These words struck me dumb with astonishment, though I had some doubt of their truth: but Almalic throwing back his garment, discovered the peculiarity of his vest, and put the royal signet upon his finger. I then started up, and was about to prostrate myself before him, but he prevented me: 'Hassan,' said he, 'forbear: thou art greater than I; and from thee I have at once derived humility and wisdom.' I answered, 'Mock not thy servant, who is but a worm before thee; life and death are in thy hand, and happiness and |