properly directed, frequently produce the noblest effects. You have, I
doubt not, read the story of Polemo, who, from a debauched young man,
became a celebrated philosopher, and a model of virtue, only by
attending a single moral lecture."

"Indeed," said Mr Merton, "I am ashamed to confess that the various
employments and amusements in which I have passed the greater part of my
life have not afforded me as much leisure for reading as I could wish.
You will therefore oblige me very much by repeating the story you allude
to."

"THE STORY OF POLEMO."

"Polemo (said Mr Barlow) was a young man of Athens, and although he was
brought up with the most tender solicitude and care by his mother, and
at one time promised fair to be of a studious and virtuous turn of mind,
as he appeared very fond of reading, and much attached to literary
pursuits, and would frequently retire into the fields, and for hours sit
upon the stump of a tree, with his book before him,--still, after a few
years, he became so distinguished by his excesses, that he was the
aversion of all the discreeter part of the city. He led a life of
intemperance and dissipation, and was constantly surrounded by a set of
loose young men who imitated and encouraged his vices; and when they had
totally drowned the little reason they possessed in copious draughts of
wine, they were accustomed to sally out, and practise every species of
absurd and licentious frolic.

"One morning they were thus wandering about, after having spent the
night as usual, when they beheld a great concourse of people that were
listening to the discourse of a celebrated philosopher named Xenocrates.
The greater part of the young men, who still retained some sense of
shame, were so struck with this spectacle, that they turned out of the
way; but Polemo, who was more daring and abandoned than the rest,
pressed forward into the midst of the audience. His figure was too
remarkable not to attract universal notice; for his head was crowned
with flowers, his robe hung negligently about him, and his whole body
was reeking with perfumes; besides, his look and manner were such as
very little qualified him for such a company. Many of the audience were
so displeased at this interruption, that they were ready to treat the
young man with great severity; but the venerable philosopher prevailed
upon them not to molest the intruder, and calmly continued his
discourse, which happened to be upon the dignity and