_Mr. B._ I am not surprised, my dear, at your warm expressions. If we regard the deed merely as a breach of hospitality, we must pronounce it both barbarous and unmanly; but to mediate such treachery, and veil it under the cloak of religion, was indeed a sin of the deepest dye. Can you, Edward, tell us what was the consequence of this treachery? _Edward._ A bloody war ensued. Tatius, the Sabine king, entered the Roman territories at the head of twenty-five thousand men; a force greatly exceeding that which the Romans could bring against them into the field. _Mr. B._ Louisa, can you tell me how they gained possession of the Capitoline hill? _Louisa_. Tarpeia, daughter of the commander, offered to betray one of the gates to the Sabine army, if the soldiers would give her, as a reward, what they wore on their left arms--meaning their bracelets: they, however, willing to punish her for such treachery, pretended to think she meant their shields, which they threw upon her as they entered, and crushed her to death. I think, papa, she was justly punished, for it is every one's duty to love and protect their country. It is very base to betray it to its enemies. _Mr. B._ I am pleased with your remark, Louisa. Indeed, I have been delighted to hear you all answer, so properly, the different questions that have been proposed to you. But it is growing late, as it wants but a quarter to nine o'clock; we must therefore defer the remainder of our history till to-morrow. Farewell, my dear children. The young folks immediately arose, and having carefully put by their work, took an affectionate leave of their parents, and retired for the night. CONVERSATION II After a day spent happily, because it was spent in the cheerful performance of their several duties, the little family assembled round the tea-table, and were rewarded by the approving smiles of their affectionate parents. _Louisa._ Let us make haste and finish our tea, that we may sit down to work, with papa and mamma, as comfortably as we did last night. _Mrs. B._ Rather let us endeavour, my dear Louisa, to prolong each moment by employing it usefully. It is wrong to wish one instant of so short a life to pass unimproved. Recollect, the wisest of men has said, "To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." _Ferdinand._ When you speak of the wisest of men, do you not mean Solomon, mamma? _Mrs. B._ Yes, my dear. You have read that part of the sacred Scriptures which contains the life of that great man, have you not? _Ferdinand_. I have, mamma. When God gave him his choice of many blessings, he preferred the gift of wisdom, which was granted him; and honours and riches were also added, as a reward for his prudent choice. _Louisa._ Is knowledge the same thing as wisdom, pray? [Footnote: The conversation following, was held, _verbatim_, between the author and a little boy seven years old.]