where it is not at all uncommon to hear of witches, and evil spirits.”

Mr. Fitzwilliam remarked, that many boys took delight in frightening their playmates, not thinking of the ill effects that generally attend such pastime. I have myself been very lately told of an unhappy incident, which shows how terribly the effects of fear may act on children. I will tell you the tale, my little friends, and I hope the story will not fail to cure you of a wish to frighten one another when it is dark, if ever you give way to such a practice.

“Charles Pomroy, a lad of great vivacity and understanding, had such a natural turn for music, that besides his daily lesson on the organ, which his master came to give him every morning, he would go at night upon a visit to his master, who resided in the neighbourhood, and there repeat it.

“Charles’s brother Augustus was a good boy likewise, but had something of a turn towards drollery: he spent the time, when Charles was busy at his book, in scheming how he might play off some trick or other, no ways minding who became the object of his waggery. He took notice that his brother frequently came home alone, and sometimes when it was dark; so he turned his thoughts upon a contrivance to frighten him a little. He could walk in stilts. One evening, therefore, at the same time that his brother was expected home, he put himself into a pair of very high ones, wrapped a great white sheet about him, which trailed far behind upon the ground; and took a broad-brimmed hat, which first of all he flapped, and having covered it with crape of a sufficient length to hang a great way down on every side, but most of all before him, put it on his head. Thus frightfully equipped, he placed himself upright, and at a little distance from the house, close by the garden-gate, through which his brother always used to pass, coming home.

“Charles now returned home, delighted with the tune he had just learned, which he was whistling. He was scarce come within a short distance of the gate, when he perceived the vast spectre, which held out his arms, and advanced to attack him. Overcome with terror at the sight of such an apparition, he fell down, deprived of understanding. Poor Augustus, who had not foreseen the consequences of his fatal frolic, immediately threw away his mask, and fell upon his brother’s almost breathless body; he tried every means in his power to re-animate him: but, alas! the poor little fellow was almost dead.

“In the greatest agony Augustus called loudly for help, and his parents instantly came running to the spot. They carried Charles into the house and put him to bed, but it was some time before they could restore animation. At length he opened his eyes, and viewed them with a vacant stupid look. They called him by every tender name; but he appeared as if he did not comprehend them. He endeavoured but in vain, to speak: his tongue essayed to do so, but without articulation. He is now deaf, dumb, and foolish, and will very probably remain so all his life-time.

“Six or seven months have now passed