the more peaceful habits that were growing in society. 3 3 4. In addition to Bath, Tunbridge Wells,3 Epsom, Buxton, and the more modest Islington,3 retained their popularity, and a new rival was rising into note. The mineral springs of Cheltenham were discovered about 1730, and in 1738 a regular Spa was built. 4 5. Sea-bathing in the first half of the eighteenth century is very rarely noticed. Lord Chesterfield, indeed, having visited Scarborough" in 1733, observed that it was there commonly practised by both sexes, but its general popularity dates only from the appearance of a medical work by Dr. Richard Russell, "On Glandular Consumption, and the Use of Sea-water in Diseases of the Glands," which was published in Latin in 1750, and translated in 1753. The new remedy acquired an extraordinary favour, and it produced a great, permanent, and, on the whole, very beneficial change in the national tastes. In a few years obscure fishing villages along the coast began to assume the dimensions of stately watering places. 6. Before the century had closed, Cowper described, in the following indignant lines, the common enthusiasm with which all ages and classes rushed for health or pleasure to the sea:— 3 "Your prudent grandmammas, ye modern belles, Ingenious to diversify dull life, In coaches, chaises, caravans, and hoys, ४ 7. The favourite occupations of the country gentry were field sports. Hawking,' which had been extremely popular in the beginning of the seventeenth century, and which was a favourite sport of Charles 11., almost disappeared in the beginning of the eighteenth century. Stag-hunting declined with the spread of agriculture, but hare-hunting held its ground, and fox-hunting greatly increased. 8. Cricket, which would occupy a distinguished place in any modern picture of English manners, had apparently but just arisen. The earliest notice of it is to be found in some songs written in the beginning of the century. It was mentioned as one of the amusements of London by a writer in 1720, and towards the close of the century it had greatly increased. Adapted from Lecky's "History of England during the Eighteenth Century." 1. Beau Nash, born 1674, died at Bath, 1761. About 1705 he removed to Bath, where he became distinguished as a great fop. He got up balls and concerts, and became master of the ceremonies; he was nicknamed "King of Bath." For a time he lived in splendour, but died very poor. 2. Swords were at one time generally worn by persons of rank and position. This habit often led to serious fights in the streets from the most trifling cause. 3. Tunbridge Wells, in Kent. Epsom, in Surrey. Buxton, in Derbyshire. Islington, now a populous part of London. 4. Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, about 7 miles N.W. of Gloucester. 5. Scarborough, on the east coast of Yorkshire, now a very celebrated watering place. 6. Bristol.-The hot wells there were once famous medicinal springs. 7. Hawking, once a very fashion. able sport, sometimes called Falconry. Falcons or hawks were trained to pursue other birds, and were carried on the wrist of the sportsman, with their heads partly covered, or hooded, until the game was in sight, when they were quickly turned off to catch their prey. 8. Charles II. reigned from 1660 to 1685. H LESSON XXXII. MARK ANTONY'S ORATION OVER THE Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; 10 (For Brutus is an honourable man— And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept ;— 20 Ambition should be made of sterner stuff: Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honourable man. was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, 30 You all did love him once, not without cause : What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? * * * But yesterday the word of Cæsar might * Have stood against the world; now lies he there, O masters, if I were disposed to stir 40 Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong, To wrong the dead, to wrong myself, and you, Let but the commons hear this testament- 50 And they would go and kiss dead Cæsar's wounds,—- And, dying, mention it within their wills, Unto their issue. * * * * Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it; It is not meet you know how Cæsar loved you. You are not wood, you are not stones, but men ; And, being men, hearing the will of Cæsar, 60 It will inflame you, it will make you mad : 'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs ; For, if you should, oh, what would come of it! Will you be patient will you stay awhile? Whose daggers have stabbed Cæsar; I do fear it. You will compel me, then, to read the will? Then make a ring about the corpse of Cæsar, And let me show you him that made the will. 70 Shall I descend? and will you give me leave? Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle : I remember |