"Mama," said Alfred, "do you know that I think the people were very dirty to paint themselves."
"It was their idea of ornament; in these days it is difficult to imagine the unenlightened state of their minds. The blue dye which they used was extracted from a plant called woad."
"I think I remember," remarked one of the little ones, "that the conquerors came to Britain from Gaul;—but I see my aunt is ready."
"My history is a sad instance of the cruelty often attending war; the scene is laid in a public street of a magnificent city, adorned with massive buildings, laurel-crowned statues, and fine bridges over a noble river. Crowds of spectators are watching a procession, the principal figures of which are a royal prisoner, with his wife and two daughters, led in chains: the man's face bespeaks lofty indignation."
This at first puzzled the young people; but when they heard he made such a moving appeal for liberty, that his chains were struck off, the mystery was solved.
Annie had already prepared a sketch, and now begged for her turn. "I wish to show you," she commenced, "a woman with more the appearance of a warrior than a female, in her tent on the field of battle, surrounded by her children; she has put a cup of deadly poison to her lips, and now presents it to her young son: his firmness masters the weakness of his years, and he also takes a long-deep draught."
"Mama, help us to guess," was heard on all sides, but the young ones were desired first to exercise their own memories. All the cases of poisoning they had ever heard of were mentioned, but at last a hint from the relator assisted them, and the right answer was given.
Mrs. Macdonald now took the turn of one of her little nieces, and described to them a fact which had taken place some time after that just related. "A king and his courtiers are listening attentively to a holy man, who had come to their country to preach Christianity; the minds of the court had before been in darkness, but the earnestness of his auditors prophesied that they were now inclined to listen to his persuasions."
This was pronounced very difficult; many guesses were given, some fancying that it must be intended for Henry VIII. and Cranmer, but they were told that it was a much earlier date, and not later than A.D. 600. This information, after a short pause, made the true circumstance to be remembered, and the next description was of an encampment. In one of the tents the inmates are absorbed by a harper, who had sought the principal tent, and was so completely captivating them by his musical talents, that they seemed to forget both their situation and military duties.
"Did he receive money, and bury it?" was quickly asked.