begin to feel ashamed of her words. But Beaumains bore her no malice and forgave her readily. And to Sir Persant and the damsel, whose name was Lynette, he revealed his true name, much to their astonishment, for they all along deemed him to be of lowly birth. When the Lady Lyonors, who was being held captive in the castle, was informed of the champion who was coming to release her, she sent word to her sister Lynette (for such the damsel was) to see to Beaumains' wants, and prepare him for the last battle that was before him. For he had yet to meet another famous Red Knight, who was stronger far than any of the others. In due course Beaumains and the damsel arrived at the castle, and here the Red Knight rode out to do battle with him. Of all those whom the youth had encountered, this knight was indeed the fiercest, and he had hard work to contend against the other's terrible blows. Eventually, however, he conquered, and the Red Knight had to sue for mercy. So Beaumains, or Sir Gareth, as he should be rightly called, achieved his quest, and released Lynette's sister from her prison. Being himself sorely wounded, he remained some time in the castle, where he was nursed by the Lady Lyonors and ere long won her love. When they returned together to Arthur's court never was such a noble wedding as that of Sir Gareth and his lady. And of all, none was so pleased at the happy termination of the adventure as King Arthur, for he ever loved to see a man prove himself a worthy and valiant knight. From "Fairy Tales Old and New." A MODEST WIT A SUPERCILIOUS nabob of the East Haughty, being great-purse-proud, being rich A governor, or general, at the least, I have forgotten which— Had in his family a humble youth, Who went from England in his patron's suit, An unassuming boy, in truth A lad of decent parts, and good repute. This youth had sense and spirit; Obscured his merit. One day, at table, flushed with pride and wine, His honor, proudly free, severely merry, Conceived it would be vastly fine To crack a joke upon his secretary. 'Young man," he said, "by what art, craft, or trade, Did your good father gain a livelihood?". "He was a saddler, sir," Modestus said, 66 And in his time was reckon'd good." "A saddler, eh! and taught you Greek, Each parasite, then, as in duty bound, At length Modestus, bowing low, 66 Said (craving pardon, if too free he made), Sir, by your leave, I fain would know Your father's trade! "My father's trade! by heaven, that's too bad! My father's trade? Why, blockhead, are you mad? My father, sir, did never stoop so low "Excuse the liberty I take," 66 Modestus said, with archness on his brow, SELLECK OSBORNE. THE STORY OF ALI COGIA THERE once lived at Bagdad a worthy merchant named Ali Cogia, a man of a moderate fortune, who was contented with his situation and was, therefore, happy. It happened that for three nights in succession, he dreamed that an old man came to him, and, with a severe look, reprimanded |