poet, corresponds with the more detailed account of the historian."

Mrs. Beaufoy then, taking Jones's History of the Waldenses from the shelves, directed Harry to such passages as she thought would interest him. He read to his mother a description of the beautiful valleys of Piedmont and the Pyrenees, and also a sketch of the character and manners of the Waldenses, who inhabit those secluded valleys. Harry was amused by the ingenuity with which the zealous teacher availed himself of the merchandise of trinkets, in order to make his customers acquainted with the pearl of great price; and he was delighted by the honesty with which the poor Waldenses, when the commotions attendant on war prevented the taxes from being regularly collected, set apart each sum as it became due, and took the first opportunity of paying the money to the persons appointed by government to receive it. Mrs. Beaufoy then

turning to another part of the volume, showed him how the duke of Savoy had permitted these honest and faithful subjects to be treated. Harry's eyes filled with tears when he read of thousands of families driven, in the very depth of winter, from their peaceful homes, and compelled to traverse the country with their aged parents and helpless infants, carrying also with them the lame, the sick, and the blind; wandering on through the rain and snow, deprived of every necessary, and encompassed with difficulties. But this most affecting description was not so dreadful as the cruel treachery contrived by the Romish priests, and practised by the troops of Pionessa. Harry laid down his book in the midst of the narrative, and said: "This is a great deal too shocking!"

"Then you are convinced that Milton did not exaggerate. Here," continued Mrs. Beaufoy, turning to another page,

"you will like to see how the intelligence of these events was received in England."

At that period Milton filled the office of Latin secretary to Oliver Cromwell, and it devolved upon him to write, in his master's name, those admirable letters, in which he endeavoured, by the most earnest and pathetic appeals to the Protestant princes of Europe, to awaken, in their minds, such feelings of pity and sympathy as would prompt them to exert their united influence with the duke of Savoy, in favour of his persecuted and innocent subjects.

Harry read the translation of some of these letters, and also the concluding pages of this melancholy history, which, though somewhat relieved by the generous kindness of the Swiss cantons, presented an affecting picture of the evils resulting from bigotry and intolerance.

"You have read enough for one morning, Harry; and now you may learn Mil

ton's sonnet, if you wish to remember how the valleys of Piedmont were dispeopled of their ancient inhabitants."

"I will learn it presently, mamma: but may I first talk to you about what we have been reading? I think this sad story is quite a contradiction to what you told me a great while ago: it was on the same evening that we examined the claw of the fowl*."

"I remember that evening; but what did I then tell you, my dear Harry?"

"Mamma,” replied he, with much earnestness, "I shall never doubt the truth of some things you told me then and afterwards. We saw what could not deceive us; and I feel no more doubt of the existence of that Being who made the world and every thing in it, than if I had seen him contriving his curious machinery. All that is as clear as the uncoiling of the

*See Harry Beaufoy.

watch-spring. His contrivances, also, appear admirably suited to promote the comfort and happiness of his creatures, so that I cannot doubt his goodness: but now, mamma, only think of the fate of these poor Waldenses! It was their desire to do what they thought was pleasing to God, which brought all their sufferings upon them."

Well, my dear Harry, is it more reasonable to conclude that a Being of such power, wisdom, and goodness, as we have seen cause to ascribe to the great Creator, should act inconsistently with his general character, or that your ignorance should lead you to form an erroneous judgment?"

"I think, certainly, that it must be my ignorance. But I should be very glad to understand how it can be said, that God extends his goodness towards those whom he permits to be so miserable?"

"You recollect, that when the order of Gastaldo was issued, it was understood,