Illustrations.

Poetry is not always readily understood by young readers. The preceding lines perhaps require a little exposition. The old castles and chapels of Europe are edifices different from any we have in this young country-their appearance can only be comprehended by means of prints.

2. The verses above present the image of a coast in Scotland illuminated by the moon, which, at the same time, shed her light through the loopholes and embrasures (spaces left open in the walls) of the neighbouring tower of Tantallon, and also diffused her mild lustre over the chapel, or house of prayer, attached to Tantallon. And much need was there that the solemn darkness of the chapel should be thus relieved, for there two veteran soldiers, and aged priests, by the light of a dim torch's blaze, were to consecrate Ralph De Wilton to the services of knighthood.

3. Douglas, bishop of Dunkeld, one of the ecclesiastics present on this occasion, exhibited little of "the pride of prelacy"-his "mitre sheen," or shining-that is, his bishop's cap, shaded a brow of meek intelligence; for he exulted, or commended himself less in the dignity of a high station, than in the thought that he had contributed to refine a rude people, by introducing among them the Latin poetry of Virgil. A Prelate is a clergyman of high rank in the Catholic or Protestant Episcopal churches of Europe, and the prelates are often extremely proud.

4. The "ancient Angus" took off his outer garments, and displayed his gigantic person en

veloped in a "shirt of mail ;" and his "large and wrinkled hand" sustained by the "sweeping brand" or great sword, which was fitted to his former strength and warlike habits. This "shirt of mail" was a close vest formed of steel or brass rings, interlaced in the manner that we sometimes see purses at the present time. The English poet Gray, speaks of "hauberk's twisted mail;" he means such a shirt as Angus wore.

5. When Clara had bound on De Wilton's spur, Douglas gently struck him with the point of his sword, commending him to Saint Andrew and St. Michael. According to the superstition of that age, Douglas believed that these dead saints could assist De Wilton in his enterprizes in defence of "king, and church, and lady fair." As De Wilton, who though innocent and honourable, had been afflicted and disgraced, rose from before the altar, bishop Gawain bid him not grieve, but be assured that Providence could make him full amends for all he had suffered. This concluded the ceremony, and De Wilton went his

way.

6. A confidential attendant, called the squire, and several servants, more or less as the knight could afford, formed his retinue or attendants. Sometimes he was so poor that a single companion in arms-his trusty squire alone accompanied him. His armour was his helmet or metal cap, to which was fastened in front a sliding cover to the face, called the vizor, which could be lifted or let down at pleasure, a lance, a sword, a buckler or shield, and a suit of armour composed of plates of brass or steel adjusted to the body.

Very few men are kings, or statesmen, or generals, very few can be much known or talked of in the world, but all can be wise and benevolent in some degree, all who have had kind parents, sensible teachers, and moral books to read. The bible commands us to "do good to all men, as we have opportunity." The first preparation for usefulness is a cultivated mind,-a mind informed of all it can do, and all it ought to do for its own improvement and happiness, and for the improvement and happiness of others.

2. Among the best examples of virtue recorded in history, is the character of Alfred, one of the Saxon kings of England. This prince was born in 849, at a place called Wannating, which is supposed to have been that which at present bears the name of Wantage in Berkshire, England. Alfred was a beautiful child, and grew up to be a very

handsome man. Weak people sometimes love pretty children better than others less pretty; Alfred's father was a man of this sort. The beauty of the young prince made him the darling of his father, as Joseph was the darling of Jacob, and perhaps for the same reasons. Joseph is described to have been "a goodly person and well favoured," and we may presume, as both Alfred and Joseph were beautiful and favourites alike, that as they both became, when grown to be men, the benefactors of nations, that there were other resemblances between them besides these, that both exhibited, when very young, good dispositions and superior talents, and that the fondness of their respective fathers was the reward of a peculiarly amiable conduct in each.

3. Alfred had two brothers older than himself, the elder of whom, according to the law and custom of that time in England, was entitled to become king on the death of his father; but king Ethelwolf, for that was their father's name, disregarded the right of the eldest son, and determined, when he was no more than four years old, that Alfred should be his successor. He was not the heir to the crown according to the law, Ethelwolf, therefore, did an act of injustice to the brothers of young Alfred when he allotted the crown to him.

4. Ethelwolf could not have declared this arbitrary intention, if there had not been another prince in Europe who paid no respect to the laws of any country, but gave kingdoms to whom he pleased, and the people of all civilized Europe submitted to his will. This was the Pope. Ethelwolf obtained the consent of the Pope to his project of setting aside the claim of his eldest son, and in order to

engage the Pope's favour more particularly in Alfred's behalf, in 853, sent that prince to Rome, where his Holiness, as the Pope is called, resided.

5. As the little Alfred passed through France, on his way to Italy, attended by a great train of nobles and servants, he received many attentions from an excellent and learned man named Grimbald. Surrounded as Alfred was by ignorant and probably foolish people, he felt grateful to the good and wise Grimbald for the kindness he expressed towards him.

6. When Alfred became a man he still remembered Grimbald as one of the benefactors of his mind, and he invited him over to England, that he might pay those honours to his understanding and knowledge which they deserved. Gratitude is the first virtue mentioned in the history of Alfred, and he displayed it in his conduct to one who had endeavoured to cultivate his neglected understanding. This small circumstance ought not to be forgotten-veneration and esteem are a debt due to all who labour to improve us.

7. Alfred was anointed king of England by the Pope, and afterwards returned to his kingdom. Anointing, is a ceremony performed upon kings at the season of introducing them to their great office. We read in the Old Testament, that Samuel anointed Saul, and afterwards David, when he was made king of the Israelites. Other examples of this practice are recorded in Hebrew history; it is continued even to this time. Nine hundred years after the death of Alfred oil has been used in the coronation of his remote successor George IV. 1821.