foremost hills, but stumbling, they have been dashed to pieces on the rocks; but still they have had the reputation of having reached her temple, and their names are recorded in the roll of Fame." Thus saying, the stranger proceeded on his journey, and left 'Alphonso in doubt whether to pursue the dangerous road of which the stranger had warned him, or to follow him to more easily acquired fame.
At last Wisdom came to his assistance, and he resolved not to give up his search after Learning. He proceeded therefore, and had reached the foot of the hill, when he was met by another person, who inquired whither he was going. "I am in pursuit of Learning," replied Alphonso. "What! do you intend climbing yonder rugged and tiresome hill?" "I do," answered Alphonso.
"Indolence is my companion," said the stranger: "I found her in yonder valley. I toiled not for her, and without toil I enjoy ease; on the other hand, Learning cannot be obtained without labor; go with me, and you shall enjoy life." Alphonso, partly fatigued with his long walk, and partly discouraged by the rugged appearance of the hill, consented. After walking on some time in a beautiful valley, Alphonso began to discover that his new companion was flat and insipid, that he had exhausted all his little fund of knowledge in the beginning of their journey, and that he now scarcely said anything. Thus continuing dissatisfied, not with the path, but with the companion he had, they entered a beautiful meadow, in which there was an arbor, called the arbor of Indolence, and there they lay down to rest; but before Alphonso slept, a warning voice sounded in his ear, "Awake, for
