During his march to conquer the world, Alexander, the Macedonian, came to a people in Africa, who dwelt in a remote and secluded corner, in peaceful huts, and knew neither war nor conqueror.  They led him to the hut of their chief, and placed before him golden dates, golden figs, and bread of gold.  “Do you eat gold in this country?” said Alexander.  “I take it for granted,” replied the chief, “that thou wert able to find eatables in thine own country.  For what reason, then, art thou come among us?” “Your gold has not tempted me hither,” said Alexander; “but I would become acquainted with your manner and customs.”  “So be it,” rejoined the other; “sojourn among us as long as it pleaseth thee.”  At, the close of this conversation two citizens entered, as into their court of justice.  The plaintiff said:  “I bought of this man a piece of land, and as I was making a deep drain through it, I found a treasure.  This is not mine, for I only bargained for the land, and not for any treasure that might be concealed beneath it; and yet the former owner of the land will not receive it.”  The defendant answered:  “I hope I have a conscience as well as my fellow-citizen.  I sold him the land with all its contingent, as well as existing advantages, and consequently the treasure inclusively.”

The chief, who was also their supreme judge, recapitulated their words, in order that the parties might see whether or not he understood them aright.  Then, after some reflection, he said, “Thou hast a son, friend, I believe?” “Yes.”  “And thou (addressing the other) a daughter?” “Yes.”  “Well, then, let thy son marry thy daughter, and bestow the treasure on the young couple for a marriage portion.”  Alexander seemed surprised and perplexed.  “Think you my sentence unjust?” the chief asked him.  “Oh, no!” replied Alexander; “but it astonishes me.”  “And how, then,” rejoined the chief, “would the case have been decided in your country?” “To confess the truth,” said Alexander, “we should have taken both into custody, and have seized the treasure for the king’s use.”  “For the king’s use!” exclaimed the chief.  “Does the sun shine on that country?” “Oh, yes.”  “Does it rain there?” “Assuredly.”  “Wonderful!  But are there tame animals in the country that live on the grass and green herbs?” “Very many, and of many kinds.”  “Ay, that must then be the cause,” said the chief; “for the sake of those innocent animals the all-gracious Being continues to let the sun shine and the rain drop down on your own country, since its inhabitants are unworthy of such blessings.”

UNKNOWN.

* * * * *

RING OUT.

    Ring out a slowly dying cause,
      And ancient forms of party strife;
      Ring in the nobler modes of life,
    With sweeter manners, purer laws.

    Ring out false pride in place and blood,
      The civic slander and the spite;
      Ring in the love of truth and right,
    Ring in the common love of good.