9. "I will bring mechanics," said I, a little subdued, "and they shall mend the pump."

I immediately sought Lumb. He ordered two men to accompany me to my home-philanthropists, with disposition and ability to relieve the difficulty under which I labored.

"Now, my boys," said I, as I introduced them to the field of their operations, "put it through."

"Look here, sir," said one of the men, trying the handle, "there's nothing the matter with the pump." "Then what is the bother with the vexatious thing?" I asked, excitedly.

"The principal reason, I think sir, is, that the cistern is empty."

10. I looked at the man, wonderingly; but his honest eye convinced me that he was sincere, and

subsequent examination proved the truth of what he said. "My friends," said I, "here is a trifle for you, and I will settle with Lumb. Don't say any thing about it."

I never knew how the matter came out, but always thought Mrs. Blifkins must have told of it.

EXERCISES IN EMPHASIS.

B. P. Shillaber.

1. "Well, my dear," I replied, "I will see about it."

2. A woman's life is hard enough at the best; but a little additional service would not hurt her, I dare say.

3. This is a pretty state of things for washing day.
4. A place for every thing, and every thing in its place.
5. Now we shall see the triumph of genius.
6. The principal reason is, that the cistern is empty.

XX. HORATIUS.

According to one of the early Roman legends, Horā'tius Cō'cles, Spurius Lär'tius, and Ti'tus Hermin'ius, defended the Sublician bridge against Lärs Por ́sena and the whole Etruscan army, while the Romans broke down the bridge behind them. When the work was nearly finished, Horatius sent back his two companions and alone withstood the foe until the crash of falling timbers announced that the bridge was destroyed. He then plunged into the Tiber and swam across in safety. The state erected a statue in his honor, and gave him as much land as he could plow around in a day.

Upon his ample shoulders

Clangs loud the four-fold shield,
And in his hand he shakes the brand
Which none but he can wield.

2. Then, whirling up his broadsword
With both hands to the height,
He rushed against Horatius,
And smote with all his might.
With shield and blade Horatius
Right deftly turned the blow.

The blow, though turned, came yet too nigh;
It missed his helm, but gashed his thigh:
The Tuscans raised a joyful cry

To see the red blood flow.

He reeled, and on Herminius

He leaned one breathing-space,
Then, like a wild cat mad with wounds,
Sprang right at Astur's face.

3. Through teeth, and scull, and helmet,
So fierce a thrust he sped,

The good sword stood a hand-breadth out
Behind the Tuscan's head.

And the great Lord of Luna
Fell at that deadly stroke,
As falls on Mount Avernus
A thunder-smitten oak.
Far o'er the crashing forest

The giant arms lie spread;
And the pale augurs, muttering low,
Gaze on the blasted head.

4. But meanwhile ax and lever

Have manfully been plied;

And now the bridge hangs tottering
Above the boiling tide.

"Come back, come back, Horatius!"
Loud cried the Fathers all;
"Back, Lartius! back, Herminius!
Back, ere the ruin fall!”

5. Back darted Spurius Lartius;
Herminius darted back;

And, as they passed, beneath their feet
They felt the timbers crack.
But, when they turned their faces,
And on the further shore
Saw brave Horatius stand alone,

They would have crossed once more.

6. But with a crash like thunder
Fell every loosened beam,

And, like a dam, the mighty wreck
Lay right athwart the stream :
And a loud shout of triumph
Rose from the walls of Rome,
As to the highest turret tops
Was splashed the yellow foam.

7. And, like a horse unbroken
When first he feels the rein,
The furious river struggled hard,
And tossed his tawny mane,
And burst the curb, and bounded,
Rejoicing to be free,

And whirling down, in fierce career,
Battlement, and plank, and pier,

Rushed headlong to the sea.

8. "O Tiber! father Tiber!

To whom the Romans pray,
A Roman's life, a Roman's arms,
Take thou in charge this day!"
Horatius spake, and speaking sheathed
The good sword by his side,
And, with his harness on his back,
Plunged headlong in the tide.

9. But fiercely ran the current,

Swollen high by months of rain;
And fast his blood was flowing,
And he was sore in pain,
And heavy with his armor,

And spent with changing blows;
And oft they thought him sinking,
But still again he rose.

10. "Curse on him!" quoth false Sextus;
"Will not the villain drown.?

But for this stay, ere close of day
We should have sacked the town!"
"Heaven help him!" quoth Lars Porsena,
And bring him safe to shore;
For such a gallant feat of arms
Was never seen before."

11. And now he feels the bottom;
Now on dry earth he stands;
Now round him throng the Fathers
To press his gory hands;

And now with shouts and clapping,
And noise of weeping loud,

He enters through the river gate,
Borne by the joyous crowd.

T. B. Macaulay.