G. Admitting that his theory is correct, namely, e earth is a sphere, how would it be possible for return, if he once descended that sphere in the on he proposes? Would not the coming back be hill? Could a ship accomplish it with even the avorable wind?

mbus. Will your majesty allow me to suggest I the earth is a sphere, the same laws of adhesion otion must operate at every point on its surface; e objection of Don Gomez would be quite as valid our being able to return from crossing the Strait raltar.

G. This gentleman, then, would have us believe onstrous absurdity, that there are people on the who are our antipodes, who walk with their heads like flies on the ceiling.

But, your majesty, if there is a law of attraction makes matter gravitate to the earth, and prevents a flying off into space, may not this law operate at point on the round earth's surface?

Truly, it so seems to me; and I perceive nothing in the notion that this earth is a globe floating or ing in space.

G. May it please your majesty, the ladies are ged to give credence to many wild tales which we matter-of-fact men cannot admit. Every step I onfutes this visionary idea of the earth's rotundity. 1 not the blood run into my head if I were standside down? Were I not fearful of offending your y, I would quote what the great Lactantius says. We are not vain of our science, Don Gomez; so have the quotation.

G. "Is there any one so foolish," he asks, “as to

things are topsy-turvy, where the branches downward, and where it ward?"

Col. I have already answered thi are people on the earth who are ou be remembered that we are theirs a

Don G. Really, that is the ver matter-of-fact men abide by the a senses. We know that we are n heads downwards.

Isa. To cut short the discussion enterprise which the Genoese prop of our serious consideration, and t unknown shore to the westward o

Don G. As a plain, matter-of-fac that I so regard it. Has your n

ambassador from this unknown co

Isa. Don Gomez, do you believe world of spirits? Have you ever from that unknown world?

Don G. Certainly not. By faith Isa. Even so by faith does the far over misty ocean, to an undisco

Col. Your majesty is right; but have reasons, oh! most potent and the faith that is in me; the testim tors who have picked up articles th from this distant coast; the natur that the earth is round; the repor people of one of the Northern nat ago their mariners had sailed many

reached a shore where the grape grew abundantly; ese and other considerations have made it the fixed asion of my mind that there is a great discovery red for the man who will sail patiently westward, ng in God's good providence, and turning not back has achieved his purpose.

G. Then truly we should never hear of him Speculation! mere speculation, your majesty ! this gentleman can bring forward some solid facts will induce us practical men to risk money in forng his enterprise, it will then be time enough for y to give it heed. Why, your majesty the very m the streets point at their foreheads as he passes

And so you bring forward the frivolity of boys, g at what they do not comprehend, as an argument sabella should not give heed to this great and gloscheme? Ay, sir, though it should fail, still it has rged in language so intelligent and convincing by rave and earnest man, whom you think to underby calling him an adventurer, that I am resolved the "absurdity," as you style it, and that forth

G. Your majesty will excuse me if I remark, I have from your royal consort himself the asze, that the finances are so exhausted by the wars that he cannot consent to advance the ney funds for fitting out an expedition of the kind ed.

Be mine, then, the privilege! I have jewels by edging of which I can raise the amount required; have resolved that they shall be pledged to this rise without any more delay.

lay at your feet such a jewel as ne an imperishable fame, a fame tha your memory the benedictions of mil climes yet unknown to civilized ma lifting presentiment in my mind, a majesty will live to bless the hou decision.

Don G. A presentiment! A plain like myself, must take leave of your tical common sense is to be met and sentiment. An ounce of fact, your

ton of presentiment.

Isa. That depends altogether upo presentiment, Don Gomez. If it co tain of all truth, shall it not be goo Don G. I humbly take my leave o

prop-o-si'tion (-zish'un), something | am-bas/sa offered to be done.

rank sen

XVIII. THE SHIP OF STATE.

LONGFELLOW.

THOU, too, sail on, O Ship of State!
Sail on, O Union, strong and great!
Humanity, with all its fears,
With all the hopes of future years,
Is hanging breathless on thy fate!

We know what Master laid thy keel,
What Workmen wrought thy ribs of steel.
Who made each mast, and sail, and rope,
What anvils rang, what hammers beat,
In what a forge and what a heat
Were shaped the anchors of thy hope!

Fear not each sudden sound and shock,
"T is of the wave, and not the rock;
"T is but the flapping of the sail,
And not a rent made by the gale!
In spite of rock and tempest's roar,
In spite of false lights on the shore,
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea!

Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee;
Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears,
Our faith triumphant o'er our fears,

Are all with thee, are all with thee!

What is meant by the Ship of State?