It is true I have served my king fifty years, and I have fought with--Heaven forgive me, what was I about to say!--but you mentioned the man's name, and our minds willingly recall our ancient follies.

Few and evil have been my days upon earth, I may say with Jacob of old, though I do not mean to say that my case is so hard as his; he had many undutiful children, whilst I have only--; but I will not reproach you.

I have also like him a son to whom I can look with hope, who may yet preserve my name when I am gone, so let me be thankful; perhaps, after all, I have not lived in vain.

Boy, when I am gone, look up to your brother, and may God bless you both.

There, don't weep; but take the Bible, and read me something about the old man and his children." My brother had now been absent for the space of three years.