riends, as we are
equals; and banish far off that spirit of contention which has destroyed
our peace." The goat-eyed man of physic acquiesced; they lived from this
time in the greatest amity.

XIV.--THE FALCON.

In the reign of Pompey there lived a fair and amiable lady, and near to
her dwelt a handsome, noble soldier. He often visited her, and professed
much honourable love. The soldier coming once to see her, observed a
falcon upon her wrist, which he greatly admired. "Dear lady," said he,
"if you love me, give me that beautiful bird." "I consent," returned
she, "but on one condition, that you do not attach yourself so much to
it as to rob me of your society." "Far be such ingratitude from your
servant," cried the soldier, "I would not forsake you on any account;
and believe me, this generosity binds me more than ever to love you."

The lady presented the falcon to him; and bidding her farewell, he
returned to his own castle. But he liked the bird so much, that he
forgot his promise to the lady, and never thought of her except when he
sported with the falcon. She sent messengers to him, but it was of no
use; he came not: and at last she wrote a very urgent letter, entreating
him, without the least delay, to hasten to her and bring the falcon
along with him.

He acquiesced; and the lady, after salutation, asked him to let her
touch the bird. But when she had it in her hands, she wrenched its head
from the body. "Madam," said the vexed soldier, "what have you done?" To
which the lady answered, "Be not offended, but rather rejoice at what I
have done. That falcon was the cause of your absence, and I killed him
that I might enjoy your company as I was wont." The soldier, satisfied
with the reason, became once more faithful in his love.

APPLICATION.

My beloved, the king is our heavenly Father; the lady, our human nature
joined to the divinity in Christ. The soldier is any Christian, and the
falcon, temporal prosperity.

XV.--LET THE LAZIEST BE KING.

The Emperor Pliny had three sons, to whom he was very indulgent. He
wished to dispose of his kingdom, and calling the three into his
presence, spoke thus: "The laziest of you shall reign after my death."

"Then," answered the elder, "the kingdom must be mine; for I am so lazy,
that sitting once by the fire, I burnt my legs, because I was too
slothful to withdraw them."

The second son said, "The kingdom should properly be mine, for if I had
a r