it seemed at the moment that both knights had fallen, for the shock had made each horse recoil backwards. The address of the riders recovered their steeds by use of the bridle and spur; and having glared on each other for an instant with eyes which seemed to flash fire through the bars of their visors, each pulled up his horse, and retiring to the extremity of the lists, received a fresh lance from the attendants.

10. A loud shout from the spectators, waving of scarfs and handkerchiefs, and general acclamations, attested the interest taken by the spectators in this encounter the most equal, as well as the best performed, which had graced the day. But no sooner had the knights resumed their station than the clamour of applause was hushed into a silence so deep and so dead that it seemed the multitude were afraid even to breathe.

11. A few minutes' pause having been allowed, that the combatants and their horses might recover breath, Prince John with his truncheon signed to the trumpets to sound the onset. The champions a second time sprung from their stations, and closed in the centre of the lists, with the same speed, the same dexterity, the same violence, but not the same equal fortune as before.

12. In this second encounter, the Templar aimed at the centre of his antagonist's shield, and struck it so fair and forcibly that his spear went to shivers, and the Disinherited Knight reeled in his saddle. On the other hand, that champion had, in the beginning of his career, directed the point of his

ance towards Brian's shield, but, changing his aim almost in the moment of encounter, he addressed it to the helmet, a mark more difficult to hit, but which, if attained, rendered the shock more irresistible. Yet, even at this disadvantage, the Templar sustained his high reputation; and had not the girths of his saddle burst, he might not have been unhorsed. As it chanced, however, saddle, horse, and man rolled on the ground, under a cloud of dust.

13. To extricate himself from the stirrups and fallen steed was to the Templar scarce the work of a moment; and stung with madness, both at his disgrace and at the acclamations with which it was hailed by the spectators, he drew his sword, and waved it in defiance of his conqueror. The Disinherited Knight sprang from his steed, and also unsheathed his sword. The marshals of the field, however, spurred their horses between them, and reminded them that the laws of the tournament did not, on the present occasion, permit this species of encounter.

Hos'-pi-tal-ler.-A member of the Knights Hospitallers of Jerusalem. Saracenic music.-The music used by the Saracens, who then held possession of the Holy Land.

Truncheon.-A short staff, denoting high authority.

Templar.-The Knight Templar (see note to Part I).

QUESTIONS.-What kind of music did the band play? Of what origin was the music? Which of the Knights was victorious? How was the new Knight dressed? What did the device on his shield signify? With what Knight did he fight? How did the first encounter terminate? How did the spectators signify their approval of the encounter? In what manner did the fight terminate?

LESSON XXIX.

HORATIUS.-PART I.

A LEGEND OF ANCIENT ROME.

leg'-end, a story not completely E-trus'-can, belonging to Etru

true

ma'-trons, married women daunt'-less, not to be frightened

ria, a province of ancient
Italy, north of Rome

cham'-pi-on, a bold fighter
suc-ces'-sion, one after the other

1. Among the many interesting legends connected with the early history of Rome, that of Horatius is one of the most celebrated. Seven kings-so runs the legend-had reigned in succession over the newly-formed city. Of these, the seventh and by far the worst was called Tarquinius, to which, from his proud and cruel treatment of his people, the nickname of Superbus (or the haughty one) was added. His tyranny had taught the people to hate him, and to watch eagerly for the opportunity of driving him from the throne.

2. The wicked conduct of his son Sextus furnished that opportunity. He insulted Lucretia, one of the noblest matrons of Rome. The people rose in anger, and drove out the whole family. They resolved to have no more kings. A Republic was established, and two citizens were appointed every year to rule the city. These were called Consuls.

3. The neighbouring kings tried very hard to get King Tarquin restored to his kingdom. Among these, Porsena, Lord or Lars, of the city of Clusium, an important city in Etruria, north of Rome,

took a leading part. At his suggestion, five large cities united their forces, and advanced towards the small Republic of Rome, determined to compel the Romans to take back their king.

4. An army of eighty thousand foot soldiers, and ten thousand cavalry, according to the legend, were gathered together, and as they marched towards Rome, their line of advance was marked by the smoke of the burning towns and villages. Meantime at Rome all was bustle and alarm, but firm in their trust of each other, and in their resolve never to admit Tarquin or his son "false Sextus within their walls, they prepared for the worst.

A

5. Then the news came that the enemy had taken Janiculum by storm. Janiculum was a rising ground on the opposite side of the river Tiber. wooden bridge connected this ground with the city. The only hope of safety for the Romans was in the destruction of that bridge before the enemy could reach it. No time was to be lost. Already the front ranks of Porsena's mighty host were in sight. What was to be done?

6. A narrow path led from the hill to the bridge. A brave Roman, named Horatius, came forward, saying:

"In yon straight path a thousand

May well be stopped by three;
Now who will stand on either hand
And keep the bridge with me?"

Two other Romans, Spurius Lartius and Herminius, advanced, offering to share the post of danger. The "dauntless three" put on their