"Yes, my lad," the sailor answered, sadly. "His hour was come. When he could stand the gale no longer, he shouted as loud as he could, 'Keep the star in sight, my lads; keep the star in sight!' Then he was helped down to the cabin, and I never saw him alive again. I was lashed to the wheel, and though the spray well-nigh blinded me, yet I managed to keep the star in sight, as the first officer gave his orders for the working of the ship.
"After two hours of steering through a narrow and dangerous channel, we found ourselves in a friendly sea. The star had guided us right.
"When the ship was in safety, and my turn of work was over, I went down to the captain's cabin. A flag was thrown over his body, but his manly, resolute face, which even death had not much altered, was visible. I knelt down there and prayed God to guide me through the storms of life; and I believe I can say that, from that night, in spite of my faults and failings, I have kept the Star in sight. Now you will know why I am such a star-gazer; and if I may give you a bit of counsel, my lad, let me advise you to seek grace to begin and steer your course by the Star of Bethlehem; and, if your eye is fixed on that Star, you will come safely through the dangers of life into the port of peace at last."—Chatterbox.
ANSWER OF GEORGE III. TO LORD GRENVILLE,
WHEN APPLIED TO ON THE ROMAN
CATHOLIC BILL, MARCH, 1807.
My Lord,—I am one of those that respect an oath. I have firmness sufficient to quit my throne and retire to a cottage, or to place my neck upon a block on a scaffold, if my people require it; but I have not resolution enough to break an oath—an oath I took in the most solemn manner at my coronation.
[God grant that the legislators of the present day may feel speedily the justice and wisdom of the noble sentiment of this illustrious monarch.]