The Five Peaches.


A COUNTRYMAN, one day, returning from

the city, took home with him five of the finest

peaches one could possibly desire to see;

and as his children had never beheld the

fruit before, they rejoiced over them 

exceedingly, calling them the fine apples with

 the rosy cheeks and soft fur-like skins. The

father divided them among his four children,

and retained one for their mother. In the

evening, ere the children retired to their

chamber, the father questioned them by asking-

"How did you like the soft, rosy apples?"

"Very much, indeed, dear father," said the

eldest boy; "it is indeed a beautiful fruit

so acid, and yet so soft and nice to the taste.

I have carefully kept the stone, that it may

grow a tree."

"Right and bravely done," said the father;

"that speaks well for regarding the future

with care, and is becoming in a young

 husbandman."

"I have eaten mine, and thrown the stone

away," said the youngest; "besides which,

mother gave me half of hers. O, it tasted

so sweet, and so melting in my mouth."

"Indeed," answered the father; " thou

hast not been prudent. However, it is very

natural and childlike, and displays wisdom

enough for thy years."

"I have picked up the stone," said the

second son, " which my little brother threw

away, cracked it, and ate the kernel it was

as sweet as a nut to my taste; but my peach

I have sold for so much money that when I

go to the city I can buy twelve of them."

The parent shook his head reprovingly,

saying, "Beware, my boy, of avarice."

"And you, Edmund?" asked the father,

turning to his third son, who frankly replied:

"I have given my peach to the son of our

neighbor the sick George, who has had the

fever. He would not take it, so I left it on

his bed and I have just come away."

"Now," said the father, " who has done the

best with his peach?"

"Brother Edmund!" the three exclaimed

aloud; "brother Edmund!" Edmund was

still and silent, and the mother kissed him

with joy. 





Young Pilgrim.