military life, was there to welcome him in his civil capacity. Other of his fellow-soldiers of the Revolution were likewise there, and mingled with the civic dignitaries. At this juncture an officer stepped

up

and requested Washington's orders, announcing himself as commanding his guard. Washington desired him to proceed according to the directions he might have received in the present arrangements ; but that, for the future, the affection of his tellowcitizens was all the guard he wanted

12. Carpets had been spread to a carriage prépared to convey him to his destined residence; but he preferred to walk. He was attended by a long civil and military train. In the streets through which he passed the houses were decorated with flags, silken banners, garlands of flowers and evergreens, and bore his name in every form of ornament. The streets were crowded with people, so that it was with difficulty a passage could be made by the city officers. Washington frequently bowed to the multitude as he passed, taking off his hat to the ladies, who thronged every window, waving their handkerchiefs, throwing flowers before him, and many of them shedding tears of enthusiasm.

IRVING.

1. THROUGH the blue and frosty heavens
Christmas stars were shining bright;
Glistening lamps throughout the city
Almost matched their gleaming light;
While the winter snow was lying,
And the winter winds were sighing,
Long ago, one Christmas night.

2. While from every tower and steeple
Pealing bells were sounding clear
(Never with such tones of gladness,
Save when Christmas time is near),
Many a one that night was merry

Who had toiled through all the year.

3. That night saw old wrongs forgiven, Friends, long parted, reconciled; Voices all unused to laughter,

Mournful eyes that rarely smiled, Trembling hearts that feared the morrow, From their anxious thoughts beguiled.

4. Rich and poor felt love and blessing
From the gracious season fall;
Joy and plenty in the cottage,
Peace and feasting in the hall;
And the voices of the children
Ringing clear above it all!

5. Yet one house was dim and darkened ;
Gloom, and sickness, and despair,
Dwelling in the gilded chambers,
Creeping up the marble stair,
Even stilled the voice of mourning-
For a child lay dying there.

6. Silken curtains fell around him,
Velvet carpets hushed the tread,
Many costly toys were lying,
All unheeded, by his bed;
And his tangled golden ringlets
Were on downy pillows spread.

7. The skill of that mighty city

To save one little life was vain—
One little thread from being broken,
One fatal word from being spoken;
Nay, his very mother's pain,
And the mighty love within her,
Could not give him health again.

8. So she knelt there still beside him,
She alone with strength to smile,
Promising that he should suffer
No more in a little while,
Murmuring tender song and story
Weary hours to beguile.

9. Suddenly an unseen Presence

Checked those constant moaning cries,
Stilled the little heart's quick fluttering,
Raised those blue and wondering eyes,
Fixed on some mysterious vision,
With a startled sweet surprise.

10. For a radiant angel hovered,
Smiling, o'er the little bed;

White his raiment, from his shoulders
Snowy, dove-like pinions spread,
And a starlike light was shining
In a glory round his head.

11. While, with tender love, the angel,
Leaning o'er the little nest,

In his arms the sick child folding,
Laid him gently on his breast,
Sobs and wailings told the mother
That her darling was at rest.

12. So the angel, slowly rising,

Spread his wings, and through the air
Bore the child, and, while he held him
To his heart with loving care,
Placed a branch of crimson roses
Tenderly beside him there.

LESSON XCIX.

THE ANGEL'S STORY.

PART II.

1. While the child, thus clinging, floated
Towards the mansions of the blest,
Gazing from his shining guardian
To the flowers upon his breast,
Thus the angel spake, still smiling
On the little heavenly guest:

2. "Know, dear little one, that Heaven
Does no earthly thing disdain,
Man's poor joys find there an echo
Just as surely as his pain;
Love, on earth so feebly striving,
Lives divine in Heaven again!.

3. "Once in that great town below us,
In a poor and narrow street,
Dwelt a little sickly orphan;
Gentle aid, or pity sweet,
Never in life's rugged pathway
Guided his poor tottering feet,