HEN Mr. Layard journeyed over the desert which lies between Mosul and the Khabour, he was in some danger from the Shammar Bedouins. To protect himself from their plundering attacks, he arranged with an influential chief of their tribe, to accompany him. This was Suttum, already known by our adventurous traveller for his intelligence and good faith. He agreed to guide him in safety to the gates of Mosul.

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The chief rode a light, fleet dromedary, which had been taken in a predatory expedition. Its name was Dhwaila. Its high and picturesque saddle was profusely ornamented with brass bosses and nails; over the rest was thrown the Bagdad double bags, adorned with long tassels and fringes of many coloured wools, so much coveted by the Bedouin. He had the general superintendence of the march; and rightly, for the Mesopotamian desert had been his home from his birth, and he knew every spring and pasture. He belonged to one of the most illustrious families, and possessed great personal influence. He was known for his diplomatic skill, and his courage in war. A restless and sparkling eye, of the deepest black, spoke the inner man, and seemed to scan and penetrate everything within its ken. His dark hair was platted in long tails; his beard, like that of other Arabs, was scanty. He wore the usual Arab shirt, and over it a cloak of blue cloth, trimmed with red silk, and lined with fur, given to him, he said-stolen by him, Mr. Layard thought! A coloured kerchief was thrown loosely over his head, and confined above the temples by a rope of twisted camel's hair. At his side hung a scimitar, an old horse pistol was stuck in his girdle, and a long spear, tufted with ostrich feathers, and ornamented with scarlet streamers, rested on his shoulder. He was the very picture of a true Bedouin Sheikh, and Mr. Layard found him a lively, witty, and loquacious companion.

And Suttum had a wife, a most haughty and imperious lady. Her marriage was one of policy; and her control over her husband was great. Although no longer young, she still retained much of her early beauty. More than the usual Bedouin fire shone in her large black eyes, and her hair fell in many ringlets on her shoulders. She rode on the dromedary, behind her lord, on a seat made for her with a rug and coverlet. When Bedouin ladies leave their tents, or are on a

march, they sometimes wear a black kerchief over the lower part of the face, showing only their sparkling eyes. Their complexion is a dark rich olive. Their eyes are large, almond shaped, expressive, and of extraordinary brilliancy. Their hair is generally allowed to fall clusteringly on their shoulders. Their carriage is erect and graceful. They bear much fatigue, and exhibit great courage and spirit in difficulty or danger.

Suttum's wife was fastidious as well as haughty. The second evening, he came to Mr. Layard, downcast in look, as if a heavy weight were on his mind. Yet his bag was full of game, which his trusty hawk, which usually travelled with him, had brought to its master. Why was he sad?

Listen! young ladies that love to lie long on unhealthy feather beds! Mr. Layard had lent Mrs. Suttum-or Rathaijah, for I scarcely suppose she was otherwise called-a nice white tent. But she declared she could not sleep under it, asserting that such luxuries were only worthy of city ladies, and altogether unbecoming the wife and daughter of a Bedouin. "So determined is she" said the anxious Sheikh, “in the matter, that, Billah! she deserted my bed last night and slept on the grass in the open air; and now she vows she will leave me, and return on foot to her kindred, unless I save her from the indignity of sleeping under a white tent."

It was inconvenient to humour the fancies of the lady; but, as she was inexorable, Mr. Layard gave her a black Arab tent, used by the servants for a kitchen. Under this sheet of goat-hair canvass, open on all sides to the air, she said she could breathe freely, and feel again she was a Bedouin!

W. M. W.

THE SAINT'S PRIVILEGE.

(A translation of one of Felix Neff's favourite Hymns.)

My soul rejoices, my heart is glad,
When I see with mental eye

The King of kings, and Lord of lords,
Enthroned above the sky :

Peacefully reigning in realms ever bright,
And filling all hearts with sweet peace and delight!

Jehovah Himself his sheep shall feed,

And lead them in pastures sweet,

His eye shall watch them, and keep them safe,
And his hand shall guide their feet:

The beams of his countenance ever shall light them,
His tender regard shall entrance and delight them.

His adorable Son shall watch over us too,
And e'er with his saints abide ;

All sorrow and sighing shall flee far away,
And no tears be left undried.

The Lamb shall conduct us to rivers of life,
Whose waters with health and salvation are rife.

Lord! when shall this happy time draw nigh?
This day of grace appear?

When thy servants shall weep and lament no more,

But cast off all their fear?

Come, Prince of Peace, and reign o'er us for ever!
Come, and each link of our earthly chain sever!

M. W.

LOOKINGS AND THINKINGS.

I LOOKED on the heavens, as sunny and bright,
They were shining in majesty, beauty and light,
With not a cloud in the ethereal air,

To dim the bright glory beaming there ;-
And I thought of the hope that is set on high,
A hope full of bright immortality.

I looked on the sea, as its waves ran high,
And the rough winds were raging most fearfully,
And I thought of life with its toil and care,
Its crime to shun, and its sorrow to bear ;-
And I felt that none could indeed be blest,
Without an assurance of heavenly rest.

I looked on the sun at the close of day,
When twilight had softened his dazzling ray,
And I thought of the Christian's dying hour,
When religion asserts her healing power;—
And I felt that to set like that glorious sun,
Our course, like his, must be usefully run.

M. W.

SIMILES FOR THE SORROWFUL.

OFT in thunder-storm and cloud,
Comes the genial rain;

Oft from darkness ebon-brow'd,

Leaps the sun again ;—

Oft when human hearts are riven,

There is joy in heaven.

M.