"Dear papa," said John, "that will do exactly; but what is it called?” "It is called," replied Mr. Wilmot, "The History of England. Charles and Anne are already acquainted with it, but no one can be too well informed of the history of his own country. What say you; shall I begin?"

"I don't think, papa," said Frances, "I shall like the history of England, for I have heard John read the beginning of it to you."

"Well then," answered Mr. Wilmot, "I will only enter upon it this afternoon if John and you do not approve it, we will proceed no farther."

"Thank you, papa," replied John, "pray begin."

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"As soon as you please; but observe, I expect you to interrupt me with questions when any thing occurs that do not entirely comprehend. I shall begin the history from the invasion of the Romans, before which period Britain was but little known to the rest of the world.

I must however first give you some short account of the customs, manners, and religion of the natives."

Mr. Wilmot made a short pause, when John and Frances drawing their chairs close to him, he began.

Account of the Britons and the Invasion of the Romans.

"The coast of Britain opposite Gaul was inhabited by foreign traders, who, finding the situation convenient for their commerce, at length settled there, and cultivating the country round them, in time became masters of the parts where they at first had only been suffered to reside.

"The natives dwelt inland, and held no communication with the intruders; they lived in rude built cottages, and fed upon flesh procured by hunting, or the milk of their herds. What little clothing they wore was made of the skins of beasts,

but their arms, legs, and thighs were naked, and usually painted blue.

"Their beards were close shaved, or cut, except on their upper lip, but their hair was suffered to grow long, and fall upon their shoulders."

"Dear, papa," said Frances, "they must look very frightful; and in winter must suffer greatly from cold."

"Custom reconciles our sight, my dear child, to objects that at the first view appear repugnant to us; how much more in this instance, where they knew no other; and for cold, accustomed to be uncovered, their bodies felt as little as does your face, which, from the same cause, is the least susceptible of your whole person."

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"That is very true, papa; pray go

They were pagans," resumed Mr. Wilmot," or worshippers of idols; and their priests, which were called Druids, dwelt in caves, woods, or hollow trees, feeding on acorns and wild berries, but by the simplicity and severity of their man

ners commanded universal respect and obedience.

"To counterbalance this simplicity of living, they inculcated the most gross superstition, and sacrificed human victims, whom they burned even in multitudes in the bodies of their idols, which were composed of wicker-work.

"Their money was of brass, or iron rings, of various weight, with which they trafficked with each other for different commodities.

"The country was divided into various parts, each under a chief, and in great danger, a general commander was chosen to direct the whole. In battle they used chariots with sharp instruments fixed at the ends of the axle-trees, and which, driving against their antagonists, spread destruction around.

The warriors fought both on foot and on horseback; hardy from the simplicity of their lives, their courage was great, but in victory they were unac

quainted with mercy, and in defeat were: too unstable for perseverance.

"Such, my children, were the Britons in their rude but independent state, and from whom I shall now revert to the Romans. Cæsar, having over-run Gaul, turned his thoughts to Britain, as an easy conquest; and, embarking his troops, he reached the coast of Dover; but the islanders, informed of his intention, were prepared to receive him. They had chosen Cassibelanus for their leader, and the rocks and cliffs were covered with armed men, prepared to oppose the invaders. The dissensions of party, however, defeated their purpose; the petty princes threw off their allegiance; and while some submitted to Cæsar, others fled into the interior part of the island, so that, reduced by so many desertions, Cassibelanus was forced to yield, and acknowledge submission. This event happened about fifty-one years before the birth of Christ.

"After the death of Cæsar, who was slain in the senate-house, his successor,