CHAPTER LXII. EUROPE Continued.

of Greece.

-Modern History

1. FROM this time forward, the history of Greece is connected with that of other nations. The Greeks had no longer any power, even in their native country, though they were still respected on account of the poets, and historians, and sculptors, who appeared amongst them. But in course of time, the genius of the Greeks seemed to have deserted them, as well as their ancient valour, and they were then wholly despised.

2. Between three and four hundred years after the Christian era, the Roman dominions were divided into the Eastern and Western empires. The capital of the Eastern empire was Constantinople, and the territory of ancient Greece being included under this government, it was sometimes called the Greek empire. Above a thousand years elapsed, and nothing happened of such importance that it need be told in this brief history, but, in the year 1453 the Turks invaded the Eastern empire of the Romans. Greece then fell beneath their power; and during almost four centuries, the Greeks were treated by the Turks like slaves.

3. At last, in the year 1821, they rose in arms against the tyranny of the Turks; the war was continued a long time, and was carried on with the most shocking cruelty on both sides. Many people from other countries went to assist the Greeks; for the ancient renown of Greece made friends of all who were acquainted with her history.

4. The Turks are a fierce people, and they resolved not to give up the country. The Greeks, on the other hand, determined either to drive away their oppressors, or to die; but they would not have succeeded, if England, France, and Russia, had not taken their part. The fleets of these three nations formed a junction off the coast of Greece.

They were all under the command of the English admiral, Sir Edward Codrington, and in October, 1827, attacked a Turkish fleet of more than two hundred vessels, in the bay of Navarino.

5. The Turks were entirely beaten, their vessels were sunk or burned; and in consequence of their losses in this battle, they were unable to continue the war. Greece was therefore evacuated by the Turks, but as the Greeks were not considered entirely fit to govern themselves, a king was selected for them, by England, France, and Russia. The new king was a young man of eighteen, named Otho, son of the King of Bavaria, who was placed on the throne in the year 1833. This is the latest remarkable event in the history of Greece.

Modern Greeks; of the lower orders.

QUESTIONS. 1. What of the Greeks? For what were they respected? What happened in course of time ?2. At what time were the Roman dominions divided? Name the two parts. Situation of Constantinople? Direction from Athens? What was the Eastern empire sometimes called? What happened about 1450? Into whose power did the Greeks then fall? How were they treated ?3. What took place in 1821 ? Who assisted the Greeks? Why did Greece find so many friends?- -4. What of the Turks? The Greeks? Who took part with Greece? Who commanded the com

In what year did they
Were they obliged
His name?

bined fleet of England, France, and Russia?
attack the Turks ?- -5. What of the Turks?
to leave Greece? Who chose a king for the Greeks?
In what year did he come to the throne ?

1. ITALY is a celebrated country in the south of Europe, extending into the Mediterranean Sea, and is fancied to have the shape of a boot, the island of Sicily lying at the toe. It has a beautiful climate, the seasons of Spring and Summer seeming always to prevail. If you were to go to this country, you would be charmed with the beauty of the sky, and the balmy softness of the air. You would find grapes so abundant that you could buy a delicious bunch, as large as you could eat, for a penny; and if you wished for wine, you could get a bottle for sixpence.

2. You would find, in short, that Italy abounds in pleasant fruits, and in every species of production required for the comfort of man. You would find the people, men, women and children, living a great part of the time in the open air, often singing, and sometimes dancing in groups beneath the trees. But in the midst of these signs of cheerfulness, you would observe a great deal of poverty, and you would soon discover that many of the people are indolent, vicious, degraded, and sunk in superstition.