th long-bows; the
French had arbalists, or crossbows, and, on the whole, they were less
successful, as, again, at Agincourt. During the reign of Elizabeth,
however, the crossbow was once more popular, owing to an improved kind
being invented in Holland. It then became the chief weapon of the
Artillery Company of London, which still exists.

THE DISOBEDIENT MOUSE.

'O Mother,' cried a little mouse,
Hurrying down the cellar stairs,
'As I was coming through the house
I met the kitten unawares.

'And as I passed she called to me:
"Come back! come back! I've much to tell.
And most delighted I shall be
If your mamma would come as well."

'So mother, let us hurry, _do_!
To keep her waiting would be rude:
And asking _me_, as well as you,
I think was very kind and good.'

But mother mouse with terror cried--
Her eyes were round, her cheeks were pale,
And leaping to her baby's side
She held him by the paw and tail.

'No, no!' said she; 'you must not go!
You should not trust a kitten's word.
Her claws are sharp: she is our foe--
The direful foe of mouse and bird.'

But when an hour had passed away,
The baby mouse said soft and low:
'I wonder what she had to say?
I'll just creep out and ask her now.'

And heedless of his mother's call,
In self-opinion sadly vain,
He met the kitten in the hall--
And never more came back again.

CONQUERED BY LOVE.

A soldier in the American army was the terror of his company. He was
disobedient, quarrelsome, and vicious. As a result he was often
punished, but there was no reformation. In due time a captain from
another regiment was placed in command of that company, and was informed
of the bad character of this soldier. Very soon the man broke out, was
arrested, and brought before the captain. He looked at him for a moment,
and, speaking to the sergeant, said, 'Let him go to his quarters.'

'Shall I keep him under guard?' inquired the sergeant.

'Oh, no,' said the captain, quietly.

That evening the captain called his sergeant, and said: 'Go down to
Blank's quarters and tell him to come up to my tent; I wish to see him.'

'Shall I bring him up under guard?' asked the sergeant.

'No,' said the captain. 'Just tell him to come.'

In due time the soldier stood inside the captain's tent, cap in hand.

'Take a seat,' said the captain.

The soldier obeyed, but all the time look