The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-05-13

ter away, his parents, as is usual with pa
rents in France, allowing him TO eDgrtSs
nearly the whole conversation. With the
liveliness natural 10 his age, and encouraged
by the catainly that he was giving his audi
tors pleasure, he uttered a thousand absurd
lies, not ummixed, however, with some hap
py traits OF artlessness and good sense. AZ
length he came upon the story Of Philip,
and told il admirably. The usual tribute
Of applause required by the mothers vani-
~ having been. paid, some discussion arose
upon what had Just been narrated. The
majority blamed the rash imprudence Of
Alexander, while some, like the tutor were
loud in their praises Of his fmness and
courage; but amid the different opinions, |
soon perceived that not one single person
present had apPrehended in what consisted
the real nobleness Of the action. "For my
part, said i, sit seems to me that if there
be the least courage in the action, it ought
to be regarded as mere piece Of madness.
Every one exclaimed at this; and was
about to answer rather warmly, when a Ia
| dy seated beside me, who had hitherto been
silent, bent towards nae and whispered,
'.saye your breath, Jean-Jacques they would
not understand you." | looked at her for
a moment, then convinced she was right, !
remained silent. After dinner. suspecting,
from several slight indications, that my
young professor had not taken in a single
idea from the anecdote he had told so we'll,
| invited him TO accompany me in walk
in the park; and there, availing myself Of
the opportunity TO question him at my ease,
discovered that was mistaken, and that
his admiration Of the so highly-lauded cour-
age Of Alexander was genuine. and FAR ex-
ceeded that Of any one else. But in what
do you think he conceived the courage 10
consist Simply in the fact Of his having
swallowed nauseous draught at one gulp,
without the slightest hesitation, or a single
wry lacel The poor boy, who, to his inf
mite pain and grief, had been made TO take
medicine about fortnight BEFORE had the
taste Of it still in bis mouth. and the only
poison OF which he had any idea was a
dose OF SIENNA. However, il mus. be own
ed that the frmness Of the hero had made q
Il
great impression upon his young mind, and
he had inwardly resolved that the next time
he had to take medicine, he, too, would be
an Alexander. Without entering into any
explanations, which might have served
rather TO darken than enlighten his mind.
confirmed him in his laudable resolutions
and returned to the house, laughing inter
nally at the wisdom Of parents and tutors
who Aatter themselves that they have beer
teaching children history. Ii may be thai
some Of my readers. not satisfied with the
"save your breath, Jean Jacques" are now
asking what il is, then, that | find to ad
mire so much in this action Of Alexander
Unhappy doltsl if you must needs be told
how can you understand when toldl adj
mire Alexander's faith in the existence o.
human virtue, faith upon which he stskec
his very life. Was there ever a more noble
profession Of this laith-a more sublime in
stance Of generous, implicit trust in anoth
er, than this potion drained at one draught!