before a multitude of people in the arena, looking forward to the same dreadful
death.

At length a huge lion bounded out from the place where it had been kept
hungry for the show. Hewas in great rage, and in one or two great leaps he
advanced toward Androcles, who was in the center of the arena with a short
sword in hishand. But suddenly the lion stopped, regarded him with a wistful
look, and letting his tail droop, crept quietly toward him and licked and
caressed his feet. Androcles, after a short pause of great surprise, discovered
that it was his old Numidian friend, and immediately renewed his acquaintance
with him.

Their friendship was very surprising to the excited multitude, who, upon
hearing an account of the whole affair from Androcles, prayed the Emperor to
pardon him. The Emperor did so, and gave into his possession the lion, who,

through having been once kindly treated, had saved his benefactor’s life.
Androcles kept the lion and treated him well in return for the food the
faithful animal had obtained for him in the desert, and for having saved his

life.

Dion Cassius, the great historian,

says that he himself saw Androcles

leading the lion through the streets of Rome (and his word is not to be doubted),

the people gathering about them and saying to one another:

‘This is the lion

who was the man’s host; this is the man who was the lion’s physician.”

—H. S. H.

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lf | \Were a [Dan.

Recitation for a Boy.

F I were a sailor across the blue seas,
American, German, whatever you
please;
Of whatever nation, or people, or
‘clan,
I'd hoist my true colors, if I were a man!
Be certain I would, if I were a man.

IfI were a Christian, of whatever church,

» . J never would give my religion the lurch;

Whatever its doctrines, its creed, or its plan,
I'd live by my colors if I were a man,
Wherever I was, if I were a man!
10 L

If I were in politics up to my throat,
Nobody should question or bid for my
vote.
I’d march straight ahead, with the best of
the van,
I’d follow my colors, if I wére a man,
Clear through to the front, if I were a man.

I never would wait for a minute to guess
What party was likely to win, more or less;
But choosing the right way, as any one can,
I'd stand by my colors, if I were a man,

’ As long as life lasted, if I were a man.