but always with the same success, although he sent the bravest troops in his whole army. Thus was this immense army stopped 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, in the night the Persians set out, passed over the mountains in safety, and encamped on the other side. As soon as day arose, Leonidas perceived that he had been betrayed, and that he was sur rounded by the enemy; nevertheless, with the same undaunted courage, he took all necessary measures, and prepared for the fate which he had long resolved to meet.

After praising and thanking the allies, for the bravery with which they had behaved, he sent them all away to their respective countries. Many of the Spartans too, he would have dismissed under various pretences; but they, who were all determined rather to perish with their king, than to return, refused to go. When he saw their resolution, he consented that they should stay with him,

and share in 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, amid 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 to flight that dared to oppose them. It is impossible to describe the terror and confusion which ensued among so many thousands, thus unexpectedly surprised. Still the Grecians marched on in close, impenetrable order, overturning the tents, destroying all that dared to resist, and driving the vast and mighty army like frightened sheep before them. At length, they came even to the imperial tent of Xerxes, and had he not quitted it at the first alarm, he would there have

ended at once his life and expedition. The.. Grecians in an instant put all the guards to flight, and, rushing upon the imperial pavillion, violently overturned it, and trampled under their feet all the costly furniture and vessels of gold, which were used by the monarchs of Persia, 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 missive weapons. The Grecians were wearied even with the toils of conquest, and their body was already considerably diminished. Nevertheless, Leonidas, who was yet alive, led on the intrepid few that yet remained, to a fresh attack. Again he rushed upon the Persians, and pierced their thickest battalions, as often as he could reach them. But valour itself was vain against such inequality of numbers; at every charge, the Grecian ranks grew thinner and thinner, till at length they were all destroyed, without a single man having quitted his post, or turned his back upon the enemy.

On the very spot where these brave men fell, a monument was erected by their grateful country. It was a plain stone column. but it contained the following impressive inscription: "Go, stranger, and tell at Lacede mon, that we died in her defence."

On Filial Piety.

FROM the creatures of God, let man learn wisdom, and apply to himself the instruction they give. Go to the desert, my son; observe the young stork of the wilderness; let him speak to thy heart. He bears on his wings his aged sire: he lodges him in safety, and supplies him with food,

The piety of a child is sweeter than the incense of Persia offered to the sun; yea, more delicious than odours wafted from a field of Arabian spices, by the western gales.

Be grateful to thy father, for he gave thee, life! and to thy mother, for she sustained thee." Hear the words of their mouth, for they are spoken for thy good; give ear to their admonition, for it proceeds from love.

Thy father has watched for thy welfare, he has toiled for thy ease: do honour, therefore, to his age, and let not his gray hairs be treated with irreverence. Forget not thy helpless infancy, nor the frowardness of thy youth; and bear with the infirmities of thy aged parents; assist and support them in the decline of life. So shall their hoary heads go down to the grave in peace: and thy own children, in reverence of thy example, shall repay thy piety with filial love.

The Covering of different Animals.

THE Covering of animals is, both for its variety, and its suitableness to their different natures, as much to be admired as any part of their structure. There are bristles, hair, wool, fur, feathers, quills, prickles, scales : yet in this diversity both of material and form, we cannot change one animal's coat for another, without evidently changing it for the worse; taking care, however, to remark, that these coverings are intended for protection, as well as for warmth.

Man alone can clothe himself; and this is one of the properties which enable him to live in all climates, and to endure all seasons. He can adapt the warmth or lightness of his covering to the temperature of his habitation.

What art, however, does for man, nature' has in many instances done for those animals. which are incapable of art. Their clothing, by the predisposition of Providence, changes with their necessities. This is particularly the case with that large tribe of quadrupeds which are covered with furs. Every dealer in hare-skins and rabbit-skins, knows how much the fur is thickened by the approach of winter. It seems to be a part of the same design of that God who created all things, that wool in hot countries, most happily for the animal's ease, passes into hair, which is cooler; while,