and weepest over thy sick child, though no one sees thee, God sees thee; though no one pities thee, God pities thee. Raise thy voice, forlorn and abandoned one; call upon him from amidst thy bonds; for assuredly he will hear thee." CECILIA. I think no riches could tempt me to have any share in the slave-trade. I could never enjoy peace of mind, whilst I thought I contributed to the woes of my fellow-creatures. MOTHER. But, Cecilia, to put your compassion to the proof; are you willing to debar yourself of the numerous indulgences you enjoy, from the fruit of their labour? CECILIA. I would forego any indulgence to alleviate their sufferings. The rest of the Children together. We are all of the same mind. MOTHER. I admire the sensibility of your hearts, my dear children. It is the voice of nature and virtue. Listen to it on all occasions, and bring it home to your bosoms, and your daily practice. The same principle of benevolence, which excites your just indignation at the oppression of the negroes, will lead you to be gentle towards your inferiors, kind and obliging to your equals, and in a particular manner, condescending and considerate towards your domestics; requiring no more of them, than you would be willing to perform in their situation; instructing them when you have opportunity; sympathizing in their afflictions, and promoting their best interests to the utmost of your power. SECTION IV. The father redeemed from slavery by his son. A YOUNG man, named Robert, was sitting alone in his boat, in the harbour of Marseilles. A stranger stepped in, and took his seat near him, but quickly rose again; observing, that since the master was not present, he would take another boat. "This, sir, is mine," said Robert: "would you sail without the harbour?"" I meant only to move about the basin, and enjoy the coolness of this fine evening. But I cannot believe you are a sailor."—" Nor am I yet on Sundays and holidays, I act the bargeman, with a view to make up a sum." "What! covetous at your age! your looks had almost prepossessed me in your favour." "Alas! sir, did you know my situation, you would not blame me."-" Well; perhaps I am mistaken. Let us take our little cruise of pleasure; and acquaint me with your history." * It will, doubtless, be gratifying to the young reader, to be in formed, that since this dialogue was written, the Slave-Trade has been happily abolished by the British Parliament. This memorable, though late, triumph of justice and humanity, was effected in 1807. 66 " I The stranger having resumed his seat, the dialogue, after a short pause, proceeded thus. perceive, young man, you are sad. What grieves you thus ?"" My father, sir, groans in fetters, and I cannot ransom him. He earned a livelihood by petty brokerage; but, in an evil hour, embarked for Smyrna, to superintend in person the delivery of a cargo, in which he had a concern. The vessel was captured by a Barbary corsair ; and my father was conducted to Tetuan, where he is now a slave. They refused to release him for less than two thousand crowns, a sum which far exceeds our scanty means. However, we do our best. My mother and my sisters work day and night. I ply hard at my stated occupation of a journeyman jeweller; and, as you perceive, make the most I can on Sundays and holidays. I had resolved to put myself in my father's stead; but my mother, apprized of my design, and dreading the double privation of a husband and an only son, requested the Levant captains to refuse me a passage.”—“ Pray, do you ever hear from your father? Under what name does he pass? or what is his master's address ?"" His master is overseer of the royal gardens at Fez; and my father's name is Robert, at Tetuan, as at Marseilles."— "Robert, overseer of the royal gardens ?”—“ Yes, sir."-" I am touched with your misfortunes; but I venture to predict their termination." Night drew on apace. The stranger, upon landing, thrust into young Robert's hand a purse containing eight double louis-d'ors, with ten crowns in silver, and instantly disappeared. Sir weeks passed after this adventure; and each returning sun bore witness to the unremitting exertions of the good family. As they sat one day at their unsavoury meal of bread and dried almonds, old Robert entered the apartment, in a garb little suited to a fugitive prisoner; tenderly embraced his wife and children; and thanked them, with tears of gratitude, for the fifty louis they had caused to be remitted to him, on his sailing from Te tuan, for his free passage, and a comfortable supply of wearing apparel. His astonished relatives eyed one another in silence. At length, the mother, suspecting that her son had secretly concerted the whole plan, recounted the various instances of his zeal and affection. "Six thousand livres," continued she, "is the sum we wanted; and we had already procured somewhat more than the half, owing chiefly to his industry. Some friends, no doubt, have assisted him upon an emergency like the present." A gloomy suggestion crossed the father's mind. Turning suddenly to his son, and eyeing him with the sternness of distraction, "Un F fortunate boy," exclaimed he, "what have you done? How can I be indebted to you for my freedom, and not regret it? How could you effect my ransom, without your mother's knowledge, unless at the expense of virtue? I tremble at the thought of filial affection having betrayed you into guilt. Tell the truth at once, whatever may be the consequence."—" Calm your apprehensions, my dearest father," cried the son, embracing him. 66 No, I am not unworthy of such a parent, though fortune has denied me the satisfaction of proving the full strength of my attachment. I am not your deliverer: but I know who is. Recollect, mother, the unknown gentleman, who gave me the purse. He was particular in his inquiries. Should I pass my life in the pursuit, I must endeavour to meet with him, and invite him to contemplate the fruits of his beneficence." He then related to his father all that passed in the pleasureboat, and removed every distressing suspicion. Restored to the bosom of his family, the father again partook of their joys, prospered in his dealings, and saw his children comfortably established. Some time afterwards, on a Sunday morning, as the son was walking on the quay, he discovered his benefactor, clasped his knees, and entreated him, as his guardian angel, as the preserver of a father and a family, to share the happiness he had |