d those of a different character dare to
express their sentiments, or attempt any open opposition.

"From this time Sophron was universally honoured by all as the most
virtuous and valiant of his nation. He passed the rest of his life in
peace and tranquillity, contented with the exercise of the same rural
employments which had engaged his childhood. Chares, whose virtues and
knowledge were equally admirable, was presented, at the public expense,
with a small but fertile tract of land, sufficient to supply him with
all the comforts of life. This the grateful inhabitants of the mountains
continually cultivated for him as a memorial of the signal assistance he
had afforded them; and here, contented with the enjoyment of security
and freedom, he passed the remaining part of his life in the
contemplation of nature and the delightful intercourse of virtuous
friendship."

When Miss Simmons had finished, Tommy expressed his astonishment at the
latter part of the story. "Is it possible," said he, "there can be
anything of so extraordinary a nature as to burst the very rocks
asunder, and destroy an army at once?" "Have you, then, never heard the
explosion of a gun, or are you ignorant of the destructive effects of
the powder with which they charge it?" said Mr Barlow.

_Tommy._--Yes, sir; but that is nothing to what Chares did in the story.

_Mr Barlow._--That is only because it is used in very inconsiderable
portions; but were you to increase the quantity, it would be capable of
effecting everything which you heard Miss Simmons describe. When nations
are at war with each other, it is now universally the agent of
destruction. They have large tubes of iron, called _cannons_, into which
they ram a considerable quantity of powder, together with a large iron
ball, as big as you are able to lift. They then set fire to the powder,
which explodes with so much violence, that the ball flies out and
destroys not only every living thing it meets with, but even demolishes
the strongest walls that can be raised. Sometimes it is buried in
considerable quantities in the earth, and then they contrive to inflame
it, and to escape in time. When the fire communicates with the mass, it
is all inflamed in an instant, and produces the horrible effects you
have heard described. As such are the irresistible effects of gunpowder,
it is no wonder that even a victorious army should be stopped in their
progress by such a dreadful and unexpected event.