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His integrity has ever been strict and unshaken. He judges the value of all things according to their true standard, as a correct balance assigns to every article its just weight. No combination, no partiality has ever seduced the administrator of the laws. Many have sought to win him through his parents, but they know their son well, and ever since the above-mentioned night have relied more upon him than upon themselves; they have, therefore, always disclosed to him these attempts, and themselves co-operated with him for the upholding of the right. He is called the Just, and has recently vindicated his right to this honourable title in a matter concerning which, but a few days ago, a person dismissed by him appeared before us with a frivolous complaint. I have investigated the whole affair, and upon my own mind not the slightest doubt remains. Naun, one of the richest and most respected men of the place, was desirous, in a business of a very complicated nature, of obtaining from Maudi a decision favourable to himself. Maudi, however, after having, with indefatigable patience, examined into circumstances which had for many years remained involved in confusion, made it clear to the rich man that he must, in justice, decide against him, and rejected with scorn a thousand pieces of gold which were offered him. On the evening of the day in which this affair was transacted Maudi met, in a company of male and female friends, an unknown maiden, who appeared to him more lovely than any he had ever before bebeld. At the first sight of her beauty his bosom was filled with the most ardent emotions of love. The magic of her charms, and her engaging and sensible conversation so enchanted him, that he desired her for his wife. Ever frank and straightforward, he concealed not from her how deeply she had touched him, and she appeared to receive with pleasure the expression of his feelings. Judge of his dismay when he discovered that she was the neice of Naun, recently arrived from a distant part of the country. On the following morning she appeared at his house, sent thither by her uncle, and with persuasive words, and the eloquence of tearful eyes, laid before him the circumstances in the colours in which they had been represented to her.

"My welfare also depends upon your decision,' were the words with which she concluded her discourse. Her beauty, enhanced by her humility and her entreaties, wrought upon Maudi still more powerfully than on the preceding evening. Moved beyond expression, he answered her,

"Treasures are nothing, but the heart has great influence: could anything serve to blind me, surely the power to do so would be thine, fair maiden: but every feeling must give way to justice and duty. The facts are not as you have stated.' He

then set them before her distinctly, adding these words, 'Such is the real state of things: so have I decided, and I dare not alter a single letter of my verdict.'

"This, O ye assembled elders, is what I have learnt of Mandi."

Solda was silent; and an attendant entering then at the moment, informed them that a maiden was waiting without, and desired admittance. The door was thrown open, and a beautiful damsel entered, at sight of whom the assembled elders stepped quickly forward as if they had again grown young.

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"Naun, my uncle," said she, " has made a complaint against Maudi which also concerns me. But Maudi has decided with perfect justice. Of this both my uncle and myself are now convinced he has sent me, because he is himself sick, solemnly to withdraw the complaint, and implores pardon for having ventured to accuse the noblest of men."

As she finished speaking the arrival of Maudi himself was announced, and the maiden was removed to an adjoining apartment, there to await the answer to her application.

"What think you? where shall we find the right man if Maudi be not he? let Maudi be chosen!" said some, and the rest repeated, "Let Maudi be chosen !" when the noble Maudi was himself introduced. With a modest air, but at the same time full of dignity, he stepped before the assembly, inquired their wishes, told them what they desired to know, and handed over the little casket.

"Yes, that is it; I filled it myself with the gold," said the inspector of the treasury, attempting to open it."It seems to contain something," he added, as he balanced it in his hand.

"As far as I know," answered Maudi, "it has, ever since I gave the gold to my parents, remained empty: it has always been so when I have seen it; and as it now is, so did I receive it from the hands of my dying grandmother. She seemed still anxious to say something to me when she expired in my arms: overwhelmed with grief, and just then engaged in some very important matters, I put aside the often examined casket unopened."

At this moment the inspector of the treasury unfastened the lid; a written sheet of paper fell out, from which there rolled upon the table a stone of glittering colours.

"The jewel, the jewel, the lost stone!" cried the old man, transported with joy.

"And a paper with the handwriting of the Sultana Lali! I still remember it all," cried Chilan, overwhelmed also with astonishment.

"It is my grandmother's handwriting," said Maudi.

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Maudi, Maudi," repeated Chilan, "then art thou the grandson of King Risi."

All were struck dumb with amazement till Chilan unfolded the paper, and read as follows:

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"Good Maudi, you are the grandson of King Risi. I was called, ere fortune became untrue to me, the Sultana Lali, of whose sudden disappearance you have often heard. Risi loved me tenderly. This awaked the envy of the other sultanas and the hatred of some persons of high degree, who, fearing me, combined with them to work my ruin. I was slanderously accused of having attempted the king's life by poison. With the most wicked art an appearance of truth was given to the accusasation that might have deceived the most circumspect. Risi was noble, but mistrustful, and I was thrown into prison. On the following night my prison doors were opened by the fairy Lola, who led me forth with these words, Thy life is in danger, and will continue in danger shouldest thou become known. Go into poverty and obscurity, remain, and leave thy children in the same condition. Thy grandson may rise by his own efforts. Take this stone: I have withdrawn it from the treasury that no unworthy person may derive strength from it during unquiet times: take care of it, and give it to thy grandson when thou art about to die, that through it the election may fall upon him.' She then touched me with a wand, and in a moment my countenance, figure, and garments, were changed: I became a poor peasant. In a hut I gave birth, after half a year, to your mother; in a hut I reared her. I supported her and myself by spinning, taught her to work with her hands, and gladly gave her as a wife to your father, an honest day-labourer. You have ever seen me cheerful my sorrow at the thoughts of Risi I reserved for my solitude in other respects I was happy in concealment, and my wishes for Risi's prosperity were fulfilled. Soon will the land again enjoy the like blessing. You now know your origin: hitherto you have shown yourself worthy of it: be worthy of it still.'

ووو

"Yes, so thought, so spoke, so wrote the excellent Lali, of whose innocence every sensible person has long ceased to doubt," said Chilan, as he rose from his seat.

Joy and mute astonishment pervaded the assembly, and Maudi's heart throbbed painfully as all the elders with Chilan stood up, full of reverence, bowed themselves before him, and pointed to the empty throne in the midst of them as his proper seat. Maudi hesitated to obey their signal, but suddenly sounds were heard, while a fragrance as of spring with all its flowers and blossoms filled the hall, a red splendour shone upon the walls and roof, and, clad in her fiery-coloured garment, and leading

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the fair maiden by the hand, Lola stepped forth from the adjoining apartment, waved her hand, and spoke thus:

"Maudi, thy power of deciding quickly, thy integrity and thy zeal, as well as the wishes of the people, have long since called thee to the throne; the choice of the elders has elected thee, while thy good fortune, the favour of the fairies, and thy noble origin alike speak in thy behalf. Thou hast hitherto lived worthy of them: prove thyself still worthy of them as a king: labour for the welfare of thy people, and the love of this gentle maiden shall be thy reward."

The ardent glances of Maudi and of the maiden encountered each other, while a common transport maintained for a while the deepest silence. But soon, as it had been previously arranged by the fairy, there was heard in the street the loud proclamation of the herald, "Maudi is king." The sound of trumpets and stringed instruments, and cries of rejoicing followed the announcement. Innumerable voices cried out, "Maudi is king! long life to him! let us rejoice! Maudi is king!" And, with a smile, the fairy disappeared.

THE HOUSE OF CHARITY, ROSE STREET, SOHO.

WE have been anxious to set before our readers, from time to time, accounts of those good works, such as new Churches, new Schools, Colleges, Orphans' Homes and Sisterhoods, which, thanks be to GOD, have been springing up around us, cheering our hearts with the assurance that He is working in us and with us, and bidding us stand firm amid the waves of this troublesome world, though they rage and swell about the walls of our Church. Surely we are not wrong in saying that these good fruits are the sure signs of His abiding Presence, and that His so working is a call to each one of us to work diligently with Him in our appointed place. The good house above named will need no commendation from us. We will at once set the account of its work before our readers.

The House of Charity for Distressed Persons in London has been founded for the following purposes :—

1. To afford temporary relief to deserving persons specially recommended or selected.

2. To enable persons whose time is much occupied, by professions or other active duties, as well as those who have more leisure, to co-operate in works of charity under fixed regulations.

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With respect to the exact classes of persons to be received, it has been thought well not to define them too minutely. The experience of nearly four years' working has shown, that cases of the following description may be aided with the least risk of abuse, and with the most hope of real good.

I. In-patients discharged from hospitals, and out-patients unable to do full work, wanting food, quiet, and rest, and unable to obtain either without assistance.

II. Persons dependent on those who, by accident or sudden disease, have been taken into hospitals.

III. Persons suddenly, and by no fault of their own, thrown out of work; as in the case of a fire, or the bankruptcy or death of an employer.

IV. Persons who come to London in search of friends or employment, and are unsuccessful in their object.

V. Persons, especially females, whose health requires a short respite from laborious work, though they cannot afford the loss of wages which it would involve.

VI. Persons having no friends in London, and waiting either for the means or the opportunity to emigrate.

VII. Persons for whom an asylum is desired, in which they can be received on probation, before they receive further assistance towards recovering a position which they have lost by misconduct.

The above examples will sufficiently indicate the general work of the charity, and to all such proper objects the house supplies food, lodging, clothing, advice under difficulty, and moral and religious instruction; lifts up the fallen, saves from pauperism, helps those who are willing to work; and few, if any, who apply, are sent away without the expression of Christian sympathy and advice. But, above all, the chiefest care is to exhibit to those who seek the shelter of this house, the example of the discipline of a Christian family, to bring them within the reach of Christian sympathy, and under the influence of the ordinances of the Church. In furtherance of this object, a chapel has been fitted up, in which the daily prayers of the Church are offered; and a Chaplain is appointed, under the Bishop's licence, who is responsible for the religious discipline of the house; and it is usual to assign each inmate, on admission, to the especial charge of one of the associates, (among whom, we rejoice to know, are numbered many whose good report and praise are throughout the Church,) to advise and aid them as he may be able, and communicate their wants to the council. The inmates rise at half-past six, attend morning prayer in the chapel at seven, breakfast at eight, dine at one, attend evening prayer at five have tea or supper at seven, and go to bed at half

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