ation of poor
Frederick, who loved his friend tenderly, and for whom he would, on
occasion, have sacrificed his life?

Frederick fell down beside him, crying out most lamentably, "He is dead!
he is dead! I have killed my dear friend Marcus!" So great were his
fright and consternation, that he had no idea of calling for assistance,
but lay by his side, uttering the most dismal groans. Happily, however,
his father heard him, and, instantly running in, took up Marcus in his
arms. He called for some sugar to stop the bleeding of the wound, and
having applied some salts to his nose, and some water to his temples,
they brought him a little to himself.

Frederick was transported with joy when he perceived symptoms of life in
his friend; but the fear of relapse kept him in the greatest anxiety.
They immediately sent for a surgeon, who, as soon as he arrived,
searched the wound. He found it was not in the temple, but so very close
to it, that the tenth part of an inch nearer would probably have made
the wound dangerous indeed, if not mortal.

Marcus, being carried home, soon became delirious, and Frederick could
not be persuaded to leave him. He sat down by the side of his poor
friend, wholly absorbed in silence. Marcus, while he remained in that
delirious state, frequently pronounced the name of Frederick. "My dear
Frederick," he would sometimes say, "what could I have done to deserve
being treated in this manner? Yet, I am sure, you cannot be less unhappy
than myself, when you reflect you wounded me without a cause. However, I
would not wish your generous nature should be grieved. Let us forgive
each other; I for vexing you, and you for wounding me."

In this manner did Marcus talk, without being sensible that Frederick
was near him, though he held him by the hand at the same time. Every
word, thus pronounced, in which there could be neither flattery nor
deceit, went to the heart of the afflicted Frederick, and rendered his
grief almost insupportable.

In ten days time, however, it pleased God to abate the fever, and he was
enabled to get up, to the great joy of his parents; but how can we
express the feelings of Frederick on this happy occasion! That task must
be left for those who may have unfortunately been in a similar
situation; his joy now was undoubtedly as great as his sorrow had been.

Marcus at last got perfectly well, and Frederick, in consequence,
recovered his former cheerfulness and good humour. He now stoo