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country; and to make the provisions that were in the town last the longer, he turned seventeen hundred old people, women, and children, out of it. When Edward saw all these forlorn wretches thrust out at the gates, he had compassion on them, gave them food and money, and let them pass through his army in safety. After the siege had lasted eleven months, the garrison were in so much distress for want of food, that they were reduced to eat horses, dogs, and cats, till even these failed, and De Vienne found himself obliged to capitulate he offered to deliver to Edward the city, with all the possessions and wealth of the inhabitants, provided he allowed them to depart with life and liberty. As Edward had long before expected to ascend the throne of France, he was exasperated to the last degree against these people, whose sole valour had defeated his warmest hopes, and he was determined to take an exemplary revenge. He answered by Sir Walter Manny, that they all deserved capital punishment, as obstinate traitors to him, their true and notable sovereign; that, however, in his wonted clemency, he would pardon them, provided they would deliver up to him six of their principal citizens, with ropes about their necks, as victims of due atonement, for that spirit of rebellion, with which they had inflamed the common people.

When Sir Walter Manny had delivered his message, consternation and dismay were impressed on every face, and to a long and dead silence, sighs and groans succeeded. At length, Eustace de St. Pierre, one of the principal citizens rose, and addressed the assembly. "My friends and fellow citizens, you see the condition to which we are reduced: is there any expedient by which we may avoid the desolation and horrors of a sacked city? My friends, there is one. Are there any here to whom virtue is dearer than life? Let them offer themselves an oblation for the safety of their people!"

He spake-but a universal silence followed: at length he resumed. "It had been base in me, my fellow-citizens, to promote a sacrifice in others, which I was not willing to make in my own person, and indeed the station I occupy gives me a right to be the first in giving my life for your sakes. I give it freely: I give it cheerfully: who comes next?" "Your son," exclaimed a youth, not yet come to maturity. "Ah, my child," cried St. Pierre, "I am then twice sacrificed. But no-I have rather begotten thee a second time. Who next, my friends? this is the hour of heroes." "Your kinsman," cried John de Aire. "Your kinsman," cried James Wissart. "Your kinsman," cried Peter Wissart. "Ah," exclaimed Sir Walter Manny, "why was I not a citizen of Calais !"

The sixth victim was still wanting, but was quickly supplied by lot, from numbers who were now emulous of following so noble an example. The keys of the city were then delivered to Sir Walter: he took the six prisoners into his custody, and led them into the king's presence. Edward, who was highly incensed at the length and difficulty of the siege, ordered them to be led to execution; but Queen Philippa fell on her knees before him, and besought him to spare them. He granted the request of a wife whom he loved, and to whom he was recently indebted for an important victory over the Scots: she had the six brave citizens conducted to her apartment, where she entertained them honorably, and sent them back to the town, bestowing on them many rich presents.

COURAGE.

True nobility is exempt from fear. SHAKSPEARE.

PERSONAL courage is truly a princely quality,

and I can scarcely note down all the instances that occur to me, in which it has been exhibited, even at an early age, by illustrious persons both in ancient and modern days.

L

LETTER FROM THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

TO LADY SARAH NAPIER,

INFORMING HER OF A WOUND RECEIVED BY HER SON.

MY DEAR MADAM,

Gallegos, 29th Jan. 1812.

I

AM sorry to tell you that your son George was

again wounded in the right arm so badly last night, in the storm of Ciudad Rodrigo, that it was necessary to amputate it above the elbow. He, however, bore the operation remarkably well, and I have seen him this morning, free from pain and fever, and enjoying highly his success before he had received his wound. When he did receive it, he only desired I might be informed, that he had led his men to the top of the breach before he fell. Having such sons, I am aware that you expect to hear of those misfortunes, which I have more than once had to communicate to you; and notwithstanding your affection for them, you have so just a notion of the value of the distinction they are daily acquiring for themselves, by their gallantry and good conduct, that their misfortunes do not make so great an impression upon you. Under such circumstances, I perform the task which I have taken upon myself with less reluctance, hoping at the same time