"I must say," answered his mother, "that you are not as grateful for your aunt's suggestion as I could wish. I am sure had you listened we might have made our accounts of different lands so interesting, that you would have found it very different from a task; but I will humour you, and this evening's amusement shall be historical. If I tell stories of former days, I shall find it difficult to suit them to your different ages; I therefore propose that all who can, shall join me in describing scenes from English history, of which you each know something. Those who listen must guess the subjects, and may be allowed to ask questions." "We think we understand you, mama," exclaimed the children; "and if you will begin, we shall soon be able to join." Mrs. Macdonald willingly consented; and after a few minutes, described the following circumstance:--"You must picture to yourselves the coast of a shore, where it was rather flat, and easy to land. It was crowded with a vast multitude dressed in skins, and painted with a blue dye: formidable cars, with sharp scythes fixed to the wheels, were ready to attack the enemy, who approached in large vessels, the construction of which showed more skill than the wicker boats, covered with skin, made by the people on the land. The ships were close to the shore, but none dared to leave them, until a standard bearer jumped into the water to encourage his comrades, who, following him, soon defeated the natives." "Do let us have the date told us," begged Mary Macdonald. "I have made my first picture so easy, that I should scarcely have thought this necessary: however, I will tell you: it was 53 years before Christ." "Did the conquerors leave the poor savages, and return the following year?" "Yes; and they found it so difficult to subdue them, that the enterprise was at last abandoned." "Then, mama, I know to what you refer." The answer was pronounced correct; and whilst Mrs. Arabin was considering what incident to relate, the last was discussed. "Mama," said Alfred, "do you know that I think the people were very dirty to paint themselves." "It was their idea of ornament; in these days it is difficult to imagine the unenlightened state of their minds. The blue dye which they used was extracted from a plant called woad." "I think I remember," remarked one of the little ones, "that the conquerors came to Britain from Gaul;--but I see my aunt is ready." "My history is a sad instance of the cruelty often attending war; the scene is laid in a public street of a magnificent city, adorned with massive buildings, laurel-crowned statues, and fine bridges over a noble river. Crowds of spectators are watching a procession, the principal figures of which are a royal prisoner, with his wife and two daughters, led in chains: the man's face bespeaks lofty indignation."