THE BABE OF THE BULRUSH ARK. We hope our young readers who have read the "Boys of THE BIBLE," will excuse us in giving this extract from it. We insert this in the hope that those who have not seen the book may be induced to save their money until they can obtain a copy. * There was the babe, safe in its mother's arms. Jochebed looked happy, Miriam was delighted, and even little Aaron seemed to share in their joy. The baby was saved, and the tale of its deliverance is now told. JOCHEBED. Come, seat thee near me, Amram; Thoughts of my babe and of his coming death The sorrows of my heart, and prayed his help. Cast every son into the rolling river And then, oh! was it not from heaven my husband? And yet obey the edict. * Published by Winks & Son, Leicester, or Simpkin & Co., London. Price 2s. AMRAM. But how, my Jochebed? How cast thy helpless babe into the river And yet preserve it? JOCHEBED. Thou shalt hear. I soon contrived the plan. And hence it was That thou didst find me cheerful at thy waking. Yes; quick as lightning did I sketch the picture. In my mind's eye 'twas done, and I felt happy; At least I felt relieved of present fear. AMRAM. Go on, and tell me all. What didst thou do? As soon as thou wert gone I waked up Miriam, Then took our precious charge down to the river, And choosing a right place among the flags, We laid him on the waters. AMRAM. So far 'tis well. But how preserve him from the crocodiles? How keep the babe alive? And more than all, Listen, and I will tell thee, son of Levi. The monsters of the deep are in his hands, AMRAM. All true and good my Jochebed. But how Wouldst thou afford it nourishment? How shelter it at night secure from danger? JOCHEBED. I should have done all that a mother would do. Miriam each day might watch the little darling, And call me when it needed; and at night We might have hidden it as best we could. But well I knew that in all this was danger. And now I tell thee, Amram, that my hopes Of saving my sweet child from further harm Were placed on One of whom thou little thinkest, When on the stream I left him. AMRAM. Who could that be? JOCHEBED. The Princess. AMRAM. Pharaoh's daughter? JOCHEBED. Yes: Pharaoh's daughter. Often had I seen Home to my house. AMRAM. Well: and what then? Miriam shall tell thee. "Tis a joyful story. AMRAM. Come, Miriam, let me hear it. For of joy I have had little lately. Sorrow has been, For many days, the portion of my cup. MIRIAM. Dear father, 'tis indeed a joyful story I have to tell thee! No sooner had you left us |