Charles V. sent over 400,000 crowns, to be distributed among the members
of parliament, in bribes and pensions, to induce them to confirm a
marriage between Mary and his son Philip. This was the first instance in
which public bribery was exercised in England by a foreign power.
* * * * *
[Illustration: ~The Retired Husbandman.~]
This is a sketch from nature--“a repose”--an aged man enjoying the good
that remains to him, yet ready for his last summons: his thoughts, at
this moment, are upon the little girl that fondles on him--one of his
grandaughters. The annals of his life are short and simple. “Born to
labour as the sparks fly upward,” he discharged the obligation of his
existence, and by the work of his hands endowed himself with
independence. He is contented and grateful; and filled with hope and
desire, that, after he shall be gathered to his fathers, there may be
many long years of happiness in store for his children and their
offspring. His days have passed in innocence and peace, and he prays for
peace to the innocent. His final inclination is towards the place of his
rest.
*
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_For the Table Book._