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ation; and thus we passed our time, either sullenly, or wrangling with each other.

Quite tired of this tête-à-tête, I continually hoped some travellers, inspired by the brilliant aspect of my palace, would wish to enter; but passengers contented themselves with admiring it; they approached it eagerly, hut us soon as they read the inscription, as eagerly left it, and pursued their way.

One day, as I stood with Zumio on a balcony, we saw a magnificent chariot at a distance, driving toward the palace. I knew by my art this chariot belonged to a king, accompanied by seven or eight courtiers. As it approached, Zunio, said, at last I hope we shall have a visitor; for which I shall be very glad, for I have been most dreadfully dull ever since I have been here.

As Zumio spoke, the chariot advanced to the gates; the king read the inscription, and his first movement was to enter; but the courtiers grew pale, shuddered, and detained him. The king persisted for some time at last he suffered himself to be persuaded, and with-

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