HE LANDED IN A RICH DRESS, AND WITH A NAKED SWORD IN HIS HAND."

with a multitude of people, whom the novelty of the sight had drawn together, whose attitude and gestures expressed wonder and astonishment at the strange objects which presented themselves to their view.

14. Columbus was the first European who set foot on the new world which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and, kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They then took possession of the country for the crown of Castile and Leon with all the formalities which it was customary to observe in acts of this kind.

15. The Spaniards, while thus employed, were surrounded by many of the natives, who gazed in silent admiration upon actions which they could not comprehend. The dress of the Spaniards, the whiteness of their skins, their beards, their arms, appeared strange and surprising.

16. The vast machines in which they had crossed the ocean, that seemed to move upon the water with wings, and uttered a dreadful sound resembling thunder, accompanied with lightning and smoke, struck them with such terror that they began to respect their new guests as a superior order of beings, and concluded that they were children of the sun, who had descended to visit the earth.

17. The Europeans were hardly less amazed at the scene now before them. Every herb and shrub and tree was different from those which flourished in Europe. The soil seemed to be rich, but bore few marks of cultivation. The black hair, long and uncurled, of the inhabitants, floated upon their shoulders, or was bound in tresses on their heads.

18. They had no beards: their complexion was of a dusky copper color, and their aspect gentle and timid. Though not tall, they were well shaped and active. Their faces, and parts of their bodies, were painted with glaring colors. They were shy at first, through fear, but soon became familiar with the Spaniards, and with transports of joy received from them hawk bells, glass beads, and other baubles; in return for which they gave such provisions as they had, and some cotton yarn, the only commodity of value which they could produce.

19.

Toward evening, Columbus returned to the ship, accompanied by many of the islanders in their boats, which they called canoes, and though these were rudely formed, each out of the trunk of a single tree, they rowed them with surprising dexterity. Thus, in the first interview between the inhabitants of the old and new worlds, everything was conducted amicably and to their mutual satisfaction.

- WASHINGTON IRVING.

XLVIII. AT THE CROSSING

I. Now, at the crossing, boy, you stand,
With sturdy heart and strong right hand,
Ruddy cheek by the breezes fanned,
And sunshine streaming o'er the land.
Boy, at the crossing, look, awake!
Oh, be sure of the road you take.
2. Boy at the crossing, now beware!
For many roads are crossing there,
And sin's deceitful thoroughfare
Seems bright and smiling — have a care!
Oh, study well before you choose,

Which you will take, and which refuse.
3. Right roads crossed by roads of sin;
Naught to tell but the voice within
Where right shall cease and wrong begin;
You'll be tempted, men have been.

For strange roads cross roads everywhere,
And at the junction, boy, beware!

4. Pause at the crossing, boy, to-day,

Count the cost dear, while yet you may;
Think of the mother far away,

And breathe the prayers she used to say,
Then all your doubts will disappear,

And show the right road, straight and clear.