e and expedition. The Grecians in an instant put all the
guards to flight, and rushing upon the imperial pavilion, violently
overturned it, and trampled under their feet all the costly furniture
and vessels of gold which were used by the monarchs of Persia.

"But now the morning began to appear, and the Persians, who had
discovered the small number of their assailants, surrounded them on
every side, and without daring to come to a close engagement, poured in
their darts and other missive weapons. The Grecians were wearied even
with the toils of conquest, and their body was already considerably
diminished; nevertheless, Leonidas, who was yet alive, led on the
intrepid few that yet remained to a fresh attack; again he rushed upon
the Persians, and pierced their thickest battalions as often as he could
reach them. But valour itself was vain against such inequality of
numbers; at every charge the Grecian ranks grew thinner and thinner,
till at length they were all destroyed, without a single man having
quitted his post or turned his back upon the enemy."

"Really," said Tommy, when the history was finished, "Leonidas was a
brave man indeed. But what became of Xerxes and his army after the death
of this valiant Spartan? was he able to overcome the Grecians, or did
they repulse him?" "You are now able to read for yourself," replied Mr
Barlow, "and therefore, by examining the histories of those countries,
you may be informed of everything you desire."

CHAPTER VI.

The Constellations--Distance from the Earth--The Magnet and its
Powers--The Compass--The Greenlanders and their Customs--The
Telescope--The Magic Lantern--Story of the African Prince and the
Telescope--Mr Barlow's Poor Parishioners--His Annual Dinner--Tommy
attempts Sledge Driving--His mishap in the Pond--His Anger.

And now the frost had continued for several weeks, and Tommy had taken
advantage of the evenings, which generally proved clear and star-light,
to improve his knowledge of the heavens. He had already ornamented his
paper globe with several of the most remarkable constellations. Around
the Pole-star he had discovered Perseus and Andromeda, and Cepheus and
Cassiopeia's Chair. Between these and the bright Orion, which rose every
night and glittered in the south, he discovered seven small stars that
were set in a cluster, and called the Pleiades. Then, underneath Orion,
he discovered another glittering star, called Sirius