ers, who immediately disposed of me in the same manner; until they, tired of this sport, let me fall to the ground. Immediately starting up I seized my sword, kindly intending to dismiss a few of them "from the regions of terrestrial day," and swung it round with such force as to involve hats, limbs, and, I had almost said, lives, in promiscuous destruction. One poor fellow, whose head it saluted with no sort of diffidence, measured his length on the ground. But as I unluckily forgot on which part of my sword was the edge, it sent no poor wretch to his long home. Many, however, were the disasters occasioned by my valor, and many the execrations and so exasperated were the people, that they insisted upon my following them to prison; which invitation, however kind, I was unwilling to accept. All opposition was vain, and there I was immediately conducted. Here I had still the satisfaction of reflecting that I had not deviated from the principles which I have uniformly professed; and that, benevolent as was my intention, popular ignorance and folly alone prevented its success.

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FOR THE POLYANTHOS.

LAURA AND MANLIUS.

THE following is what really took place not long since in the upper part of New-Hampshire.

It was in the month of May, when every object that met the eye was beauty, gaiety, and life; when the sweet fragrance of the flowers, and the cheering breeze exhilirated the human system, and gave vigor and energy to the spirits, that Laura took her accustomed walk for the purpose of enjoying the beauty of the surrounding scenery, and the pleasure of calm, deliberate reflection. It was evening as she walked upon the bank of a river, which bent its course beside the foot of the hill, near which stood the humble cottage of her father. As she pursued her walk, she was startled at

something that moved the leaves and small bushes. Observing, as she thought, some object of fear, she sprang backward with great agitation; and not thinking, in her fright, of the nearness of the bank, precipitated into the stream. The fright, together with the fall, gave her such a shock, that she was entirely bereft of sense, and wholly unable to help herself; and in a very few moments would have perished, had not a young huntsman accidentally discovered her as he was returning home that way; and who instantly, "accoutred as he was," plunged in and rescued her from a watery grave. When she recovered her senses, and reflected upon the hairbreadth escape, she knew not in what way she should express her gratitude to him who saved her from such imminent danger.

While Laura was revolving in her mind what she should say, Manlius, for that was the name of the young huntsman, gazed with delight upon her expressive countenance; a countenance in which he could discern the tenderest emotions. I think, sir, said she, if I had the wealth of the Indies, I could freely give it in return for the obligation of gratitude I owe you, inasmuch as you have put to hazard your own life to save mine. Be content, said he, you are under no obligation to me. I did no more than what duty and humanity required. He who would do less has need of a conscience to approve, and feelings to prompt, the performance of every benevolent action.

Night coming on, Laura spoke of retiring; and Manlius could do no less than accompany her to her father's house. Laura told her father the accident that had befallen her, and the manner in which she had been rescued. He was struck dumb at the intelligence; but upon a moment's reflection, that she was then safe, he took courage; and in a transport of joy, first embraced his daughter, and then her deliverer. Then followed one of the most endearing and affectionate scenes of mutual congratulation, that was ever witnessed. The conclusion of which was, that feelings of attachment, and even of love, operated upon the hearts of Manlius and

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Laura. This circumstance did not escape the notice of Laura's father and he made this remark-Those who are possessed of uncongenial feelings and sentiments, rarely entertain love for each other. There may perhaps, continued he, be a kind of love at the first glance; but after a short acquaintance, it generally subsides.

When Laura reposed her head on her pillow, the image of her now beloved Manlius engrossed her whole mind; and it was a long time before she could compose herself to sleep. Till that moment she had been a stranger to love. But now she felt a pleasure almost indescribable, in reflecting upon the heroism of her deliverer.

Scarcely had a week passed away, before there had been several interviews between the happy lovers.

One morning Laura was more than usually cheerful and gay; and in performing her morning's work, as she called it, made great despatch. The house being put in perfect order, she took her knitting-work, and sat by the window which looked towards the dwelling of her beloved. In a few moments, Laura was accosted in this facetious manner by her father. Laura, I rejoice to see you in such good spirits. If I may be allowed to have any skill at conjecture, I should guess from appearances that you anticipate company. Laura, blushing, replied-I don't know, sir-I did some expect that Manlius would make us a visit to-day.

This was the day which had been appointed by Laura and Manlius, to determine on marriage. And we may well suppose she awaited his arrival with some solicitude.

The clock struck twelve, and the desired guest had not arrived. Disappointment began to be discoverable in Laura. She feared something detained him; and yet could not persuade herself that it was not contrary to his wishes. It was now six o'clock, and Manlius had not fulfilled his promise. You may well imagine the feelings of Laura. Scarcely knowing what she did, she tremblingly pursued the path that conducted to the spot where her dear Manlius appeared to her relief. Soon her attention was arrested at something

floating down the stream. No sooner had she a fair sight at the object than she recognized the looks of her protector and deliverer. She voluntarily gave a shriek, and sprang in to embrace and save him if possible. In vain did she fly to his relief. He was lifeless.

Unhappy Laura! Thy intentions were good! thy love was unbounded! But little didst thou consider the consequences of so rash an attempt. Unable to help thyself in the wave, much less to save another. Thou didst, indeed, meet him thou lovedst; but thy meeting proved thy death.

Her father, at this unparalleled misfortune, was overwhelmed with grief. All his hopes and prospects of domestic comfort perished with Laura; and, in a short time, grief and old age brought him to the grave.

Though Manlius was endowed with some good qualities, yet his depraved heart doubly counterbalanced them. He never, indeed, treated Laura otherwise than courteously; yet he had the basest of designs formed against her. His intentions were not to meet Laura at her father's house, but he hoped by delaying the hour of meeting, to find her in the place of her favorite resort, where he determined to put his designs into effect. But, as fortune would have it, he fell by accident into the river, and by that means rid the world of

a monster.

By this we may learn, from what small incidents arise the most ardent, and oftentimes the most fatal attachments; upon what a slender thread hangs female virtue; and how liable they are to place their affections upon the most despicable of characters.

SKETCH OF THE CHARACTER OF THE LATE

HON. ROBERT TREAT PAINE, LL. D.

Extracted from a Sermon, delivered at the First Church in Boston, the Sabbath after his decease.

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THE Commanding features in the character of the late judge Paine arc, it is sincerely believed, correctly described in the words of the text. His intellectual, moral, and religious character were strongly marked with sterling integrity. Regarded either as a private or a publick man, may it not truly and emphatically be said of him, " He put on righteousness and it clothed him; his judgement was as a robe and a diadem?"(1) Uprightness eminently marked his usual course of domestic and social duty; justice was the constant aim of his official service.

There is a natural and commendable curiosity to trace the origin of those individuals, and the development of those powers, which have been employed for the honor and benefit of society. Regretting that my means of gratifying this are so few and incomplete, the little which is known is submitted to your candid acceptance.

The age, which you know that he attained,(2) directs to the year 1731, as that of his nativity; the time was 11 March (3) His father had been pastor of the church at Weymouth,(4) in this vicinity; but had removed to this metropolis, where he was engaged in mercantile business. From the sermon which he delivered at his ordination, for it was then the custom for the pastor elect to preach on such occasions; and from a sermon on original sin, at the Thursday lecture,(5) which has been so long held in this church, both of which discourses were published; it is evident that he possessed a mind of much vigour, and deeply imbued with evangelical piety. His mother was a daughter of reverend Samuel Treat,(6) of Eastham, in the Old Colony, a son

(1) Job xxix, 14. (2) 83. (3) O. S. answering to the present 22 March. (4) Thomas Paine was ordained at W. 19 [30] August, 1719. The time of his removal is not known. (5) 1724. (6) Ordained 1672; died 1717, aged 68.