Mr. B. Yes. Janus is always represented with two faces, one looking backwards, the other forwards; and seems to be properly placed at the beginning of the year, to point out to us the necessity of looking back to the time that is past, that we may remedy our crimes in the year ensuing.
Louisa. Well, really now, that is very ingenious. Are the names of the other months all equally suitable, papa?
Mr. B. February was so called from the expiations signified by the word Februs, which were in this month performed. March had its name from Mars, the supposed father of Romulus; and on that account had been placed first, till the alteration made by Numa. April is said to have derived its name from Aphrodite, which is another name for Venus, because of the superstitious worship at that time paid to her. May, from Maia, the mother of Mercury, to whom this month was made sacred. June, from Juno; or, as some suppose, from Juventus, the Latin word for youth, because the season is warm, or, as it were, juvenile. The rest had their names from their order:—as, Quintilis, the fifth month; Sextilis, the sixth; September, the seventh; October, the eighth; November, the ninth; and December, the tenth:—all derived, as you know, Ferdinand, from the Latin words signifying these numbers. Quintilis and Sextilis were afterwards changed into July and August, in compliment to Julius Caesar and the emperor Augustus, of whom you will hear as you proceed with your history. Have you read any part of the reign of Tullius Hostilius, who was the next king of Rome?
Louisa. I just looked at a few pages, papa, but did not read much. But, from the little I saw, I do not think I shall like him so well as Numa.
Edward. No, that you will not, Louisa; for he was very fond of war, which you do not like at all. The temple of Janus was soon opened when he mounted the throne. I think Hostilius was a good name for him, for he was hostile to all his neighbours.
Mr. B. You have read his reign, I suppose, Edward? We must not, however, anticipate the history, by entering into any further detail at present, or we shall deprive your sisters of the pleasure they would otherwise have in the perusal of it. To-morrow, I shall expect an account of the battle between the Hexatii and Curiatii, which was the first remarkable event that occurred in his reign. It is now time to retire, as I purpose taking you all on a little excursion to-morrow, if it prove fine. You must, therefore, rise early, and prepare your lessons before breakfast.
The children all expressed their delight at this unexpected indulgence, promised the strictest attention to their lessons, and, affectionately embracing their parents, withdrew.
CONVERSATION III.
On the following morning the children rose according to their promise, and, by strict attention to their lessons, merited the treat their father had in store for them. It was a lovely morning! but our best- laid schemes are subject to disappointment; and the little group felt their pleasure greatly lessened, upon hearing that a violent headache, to which their mother was subject, would prevent her joining the party. I shall not enter into any detail respecting their visit, as my young readers will hear it all from their own lips, in the conversation they held with their mother, when they returned in the evening. They had the pleasure of finding her much better, and able to enjoy their company, and the account they gave of their excursion.
Emily first entered the parlour, and, gently opening the door, affectionately enquired after her mother's health.