44 sprang up and shrunk from the dog. Who should deliver them from him? The smith also stood among them, and, as he saw the anguish of the people, it flashed across his mind how many of his happy and contented neighbors would be made miserable by a mad dog, and he formed a resolution, the like of which is scarcely to be found in the history of the human race, for noble self-devotion. 66 Back all!" thundered he, in a deep, strong voice. "Let no one stir; for none can vanquish the beast but me! One victim must fall, in order to save the rest; I will be that victim; I will hold the brute, and while I do so, make your escape." The smith had scarcely spoken these words when the dog started towards the shrieking people. But he went not far. "With God's help," cried the smith, and he rushed upon the foaming beast, seized him with an iron grasp, and dashed him to the floor. A terrible struggle followed. The dog bit furiously on every His long teeth tore the arms side in a frightful manner. and thighs of the heroic smith, but he would not let him loose. Regardless alike of the excessive pain and the horrible death that must ensue, be held down with an iron grasp, the snapping, howling brute, till all had escaped. He then flung the half strangled beast from him against the wall, and, dripping with blood and venomous foam, he left the room, locking the door after him. Some persons then shot the dog through the windows. Weeping and "Be quiet, do not lamenting, the people surrounded him who had saved their lives, at the expense of his own. 66 one must die in order to save the weep for me," he said, others. Do not thank me-I have only performed my duty. When I am dead, think of me with love, and now pray for me, that God will not let me suffer long, nor too much. I will take care that no further mischief shall occur through me, for I must certainly become mad. He went straight to his workshop and selected a strong chain, the heaviest and firmest from his whole stock; then, with his own hands, welded it upon his limbs, and around the anvil firmly. "There," said he, "it is done." So long after having silently and solemnly completed the work "Now you are secured, and I am inoffensive. as I live bring me my food. The rest I leave to God, into his hands I commend my spirit." Nothing could save the brave smith; neither tears, lamentations nor prayers. Madness seized him, and after nine days he died. He died, but his memory will live from generation to generation, and will be venerated to the end of time. Search history through, and you will not find an action more glorious and sublime than the deed of this simpleminded man-the smith of Ragenbach. TEACHING PUBLIC SCHOOL. FORTY little urchins Coming though the door, Forty little pilgrims On the road to fame; Who will be to blame? Here are brought together. Dirty little faces, Loving little hearts, Skilled in all its arts. "Please, may I go out?" Boots and shoes are shuffling, Slates and books are rattiing, And in the corner yonder Two pugilists are battling: Others cutting didoes- Anxious parent drops in, Spelling, reading, writing, Institute attending, Making out reports, BILL AND JOE.-O. W. HOLMES. COME, dear old comrade, you and I When you were Bill and I was Joe. Your name may flaunt a titled trail, You've won the great world's envied prize, In big brave letters, fair to see- You've worn the judge's ermine robe; The chaffing young folks stare and say, Mad, poor old boys! That's what it means". How Bill forgets his hour of pride, Ah, pensive scholar! what is fame? The weary idol takes his stand, 'Tis poor old Joe's "God bless you, Bill!" And shall we breathe in happier spheres CC* 43 No matter; while our home is here THE ATHEIST.-WM. KNOX. THE fool hath said "THERE IS NO GOD!" No God!-Who gives the evening dew, The fanning breeze, the fostering shower? No God!-Who makes the bird to wing Like floating isle, on occan plains? No God!-Who warms the heart to heave |