“The rampart,” he said, “which was once strong and high, is now much dilapidated, Three tumuli have lately been discovered, containing some Roman coins; they were probably raised over the bodies of some who fell in battle. How different a scene these peaceful Downs now present: on this very spot where, perhaps, once resounded the din of war, nothing but the pleasant tinkling of the sheep-bell, or the lark’s shrill notes of joy, reach the ear. The bodies of thousands of human beings, who fell victims to avarice, ambition, or revenge, then strewed the plain, where now the solitary herd-boy tends the flock; while beneath us, on the dark blue ocean, which once bore to our devoted land the hostile fleets of an invading foe, we may mark the sails of distant vessels, laden with the blessings of commerce, the fruits of industry and peace. My children, how thankful we should be, that our lot has been cast in such favoured times; and, whilst permitted to enjoy these gifts, let us never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to the bounteous Giver.” FOOTNOTES: [2] Wakefield’s Instinct Displayed. CHAPTER X. “Dear papa,” said Lewis, as he took leave of his father and mother, before retiring to rest, after their pleasant journey, “I have been very happy to-day. I am glad now that it rained this morning, because I learned a great many things from you about rain, which I did not know before; and we should not have enjoyed our ride so much, I am sure, if the roads had been as dusty as they were yesterday.” “Good night to you all,” said Edward. “I am sure Helen, and Lewis, and I shall think very often of our visit to Brighton; and, particularly of our journey to-day; and we shall have pleasure in thinking about it, perhaps, when we are far away from one another. Papa, we have only one more day to spend together.” “Well,” said his father, taking his little boy’s hand, “I need not tell you how much pleasure it gives us, to see you all so happy. But, I hope, my dear children, that your having been unusually entertained and interested, will not make your useful and necessary employments at school seem dull or irksome to you.” “Dear uncle,” said Helen, “I do believe you are thinking of Mrs. Edgeworth’s Rosamond; for she was disposed, just as you said, to be idle and uncomfortable after her visit to Mrs. Egerton’s, and the old castle: but I will try and imitate her, and not give way to an inclination to idleness; for you know, Rosamond’s mother told her, it was natural for her and every human being to feel weary after unusual excitement; but that the fault consisted in not trying to conquer her feelings.”