_Emily_. Historians differ in their accounts. Some suppose he was struck by lightning, whilst others imagine he fell by the hand of Ancus Martius, his successor. _Mr. B._ Ferdinand, can you give us a short sketch of the character of Tullus Hostilius, from what you have heard of him. _Ferdinand_. He was very much inclined to fighting, papa. Generosity and personal courage were his chief merit. He rekindled in the Romans the love of war, which Numa had endeavoured to suppress. He acquired to the Roman state a great name, but did not add to the real happiness of his people. _Mr. B._ As he was so much engaged in war, I suppose he did not exert himself much to improve the legislation of his country. _Louisa._ We only read of one law that he established, and that was, that, whenever three little boys should be born at one birth, they should, in memory of the Horatii, be brought up at the public expence. _Mr. B._ Emily, what have you to tell us of Ancus Martius, successor to Tullus? _Emily_. He was grandson to Numa Pompilius, and, after a short interregnum, was unanimously chosen, both by the senate and people, to the succession. He wished to imitate his grandfather, by reviving husbandry and religious worship; but soon found that this pacific disposition drew upon him the contempt of the neighbouring nations. The Latins were the first who endeavoured to throw off their allegiance to Rome. This provoked Ancus to declare war against them. He vanquished them in many battles, and took several of their towns. He strengthened Rome by new fortifications; built the port and city of Astin, at the mouth of the Tiber; and was successful over the Fidenates, Sabines, Veientes, and Volsci. Historians give different accounts of his death. Some say he was destroyed by violence, whilst others speak of his decease as altogether natural. _Mr. B._ How long did he reign, Louisa? _Louisa_. Twenty-three years, papa. We have not read any more yet. I hope we shall not forget this part, as we advance further. Pray papa, what do you think is the best means of remembering what we read? _Mr. B._ The plan we adopt, in making it the subject of conversation, is a very likely method to effect this desirable object; and, if you keep a book, and take notes of the history as you proceed, you will still more deeply impress it upon your memory. But we will talk upon this subject some other day: it is now quite time for you to go to bed. CONVERSATION V. MR. AND MRS BERNARD, EMILY, EDWARD, LOUISA, AND FERDINAND. (_A servent coming in with a parcel_.) _Louisa_. Ah! there is a parcel: I dare say it is from Charles. Do, pray give it me, Mary:--I am sure I shall have a letter. He promised to write to me the next opportunity. May I open it, mamma? _Mrs. B_. You may, Louisa. _Louisa_. Emily, be so good as to lend me your scissors; the string has got into a hard knot:--I shall not have untied it this hour. I will just give it a little snip and it will be off in a minute.