But from trifling thoughts and dissipating amusements, the transition is violent and difficult indeed; and is, in fact, very rarely attempted.

So far it proved in the present instance. When they returned from their walk, Mary retired to her closet, with a mind solemnized and disposed for its sacred duties, while Martha remained before her glass, ruminating on the pattern of a new spencer, which had attracted her attention on the parade.

XIV.

PLEASURE AND HAPPINESS.

To see visions, and dream dreams, has been a privilege common to those (if we may credit their assertions,) whose labours have been devoted to the edification of the public and fortunate, indeed, should we account ourselves, if, instead of devoting many a weary hour to the service of our young readers, with our eyes wide open, and our pens full gallop,-we could, like our more favoured predecessors, answer the purpose as well, or better, by merely falling to sleep. For my own part, having no hope of such extraordinary favours, I must be content to present them with one of my waking dreams; trusting they will be able to find the interpretation thereof.

Those readers who are familiar with allegorical adventures, will not be surprised to hear that

I found myself, one fine evening, on an extensive plain, thronged with persons of every age and condition among : the younger parts of the assembly, I was pleased to recognize some thousands of the readers of the Youth's Magazine. The crowd was in perpetual movement; many running to and fro, with an appearance of restlessness and agitation; and upon inquiry I found that they were all in quest of the same person, each expecting to meet her at every turn, although they were looking in such opposite directions. The name of this person, I was told, was Happiness. "A pretty name," thought I, and I determined to join in the pursuit. It was curious to observe the various expedients which were resorted to in order to discover her. Some were groping amid heaps of dust which they had collected from the surface of the earth; others thought she might be concealed among the daisies and butter-cups that covered the plain; others walked about with vacant countenances, idly seeking her among the crowd; while a few, like myself, unconsciously sought her while observing the rest.

Our attention was at length attracted by the sound of lively music, and at the same time a gay procession was seen advancing from a distant part of the plain. As it approached, an elegant female figure was distinguished amid a train of fair attendants: her flowing robe exhi-` bited all the colours of the rainbow; her auburn locks, entwined with wreaths of pearl and diamond, floated in the breeze: her voice was soft, her smile enchanting, and her eyes sparkled more than the brilliants on her brow.

Her at

tendants, also, were gaily attired: they danced and sang, and strewed artificial flowers in her path. She was received with universal acclamation; for we all concluded her to be the person of whom we were in search. "It can be no other than Happiness herself," we said; and she bowed assent to the name. She was soon surrounded by the wondering crowd, who thronged about her in clamorous admiration. Upon a signal from their mistress, the attendant maidens opened a variety of elegant caskets and vases, which they bore in their hands, and from whence they scattered a profusion of costly gifts, toys, trinkets, and dainties, amid the scrambling crowd. When the tumult this occasioned had a little subsided, she commanded silence, and thus addressed the assembly

"Youths and maidens, behold one who has peculiar claims to your regard. I am devoted to your interests; I fly the infirm, the poor, and the miserable, that I may exclusively promote your gratification. I come to invite you to my palace; where every delight that my genius can invent, and my bounty bestow, is prepared for your reception: Who will follow me?" This question was answered by an instantaneous movement in the crowd; every one pressing forwards to join her standard.

It was at this moment that another graceful figure was observed advancing from an opposite part of the plain. Her step sedate and dignified, her countenance radiant and benignant. She wore a plain robe of delicate whiteness, and a simple wreath of field flowers bound her hair. All eagerly inquired her name; but our fair lea

der, when appealed to, declared she knew her not, having never seen her before. She would fain have led us off without waiting to salute her; but curiosity prompted us to remain. This personage had no train of attendants; being only supported on one side by a sturdy youth, whose name, as I afterwards learned, was Industry ; and on the other, by a maid of stately mien, called Integrity. It was with an air at once of noble frankness and graceful modesty, that she now introduced herself by the name of Happi

ness.

“Friends,” said she, "I make no great pretentions; no such brilliant promises as those to which you have just listened; but you will find me sincere and faithful to my engagements; it is but justice to you, and to myself, that I should reveal my name, and her's who has assumed it.. This is her old artifice; she always wishes to assume mine, but her real name is Pleasure.Many suppose that we are, at least, near of kin, and dwell under the same roof; but the truth is, that our families were never connected, and that my abode is far remote from her's. You have now only to choose whom you will follow you have all been seeking me where I was not to be found; now if you wish I will conduct you to my residence. It is true that now and then, a weary votary of my gay rival, after fruitless endeavours to find me in her domains, at last comes to seek me in my native valley, but the greater number of her followers never, never return. Suffer me then, to lead you, at once, to the safe and pleasant abode."

She ceased; and every face seemed agitated

with painful indecision; her look, her manner, and her name interested all hearts. But during the whole of her address, Pleasure had ordered her music to play; the merry tambourine and trinkling cymbal, flashed over our heads; her silken banners of purple and gold, streamed in the air; the maidens recommenced their sprightly dance; while Pleasure, herself, waving her white arm, beckoned incessantly to the crowd; till, overpowered by her attractions, a very large majority of the assembly turned their backs upon Happiness, and rejoined the rival standard.

Even of a few who stayed, several seemed to hesitate, halting and turning incessantly to listen to the receding music; till at length, they complained that they were unable to keep pace with the quick step of Industry; and that they were disconcerted by the steady eye of Integrity; so, after making an awkward apology to Happiness, they deserted to the merry multitude. small company who still remained followed her with a cheerful, determined air and I watched the happy party as it crossed the plain, till it disappeared among the trees that shade the val ley of Happiness.

The

For my own part, I resolved to follow the crowd to the palace of Pleasure, just to make my observations. As I reached the rear of the procession, I was really disgusted to see several hoary heads nodding to the music, and limbs trembling with age, tottering after the train as fast as they were able. Surely, thought I, these would do better to repose peacefully in the asylum of Happiness?" But I presently learned, that those who have been strangers to her in