New National Fourth Reader Part 77

The natives relate that in former times it was the custom to expose criminals in the path of these ants, as the most cruel way that was known of putting them to death.

Directions for Reading.--Name the _emphatic words_ in the last paragraph of the lesson, and mark the _inflections_.

In determining upon the _emphasis_ to be given to the words of a sentence, the only guide we have to follow is the _meaning_. We must ask ourselves, "Which, words are of special importance to the meaning?"

Language Lesson.--Change each of the sentences given below to _statements_, expressing as nearly as possible the same meaning.

"What troubles you to-day?"

"Tell me at once what the matter is!"

"Let us shout for Meccatina, and its mountains bare and brown!"

Model.--"What is your name?" changed to the form of a _statement_, becomes--"I wish you to tell me your name."

Let pupils write four _questions_, and then change them to _statements_, expressing as nearly as possible the same meaning.

LESSON LXXV.

plun'dered, _stripped of their goods by force_.

surge, _a rolling swell of water; billows_.

verge, _extreme side or edge_.

sheer, _straight up and down_.

frag'ments, _pieces; small portions_.

vis'ion _scene; imaginary picture_.

a byss', _chasm; deep s.p.a.ce_.

phan'tom, _ghost; airy spirit_.

THE LEAP OF ROUSHAN BEG.

Mounted on Kyrat strong and fleet, His chestnut steed with four white feet, Roushan Beg, called Kurroglou, Son of the road and bandit chief, Seeking refuge and relief, Up the mountain pathway flew.

Such was Kyrat's wondrous speed, Never yet could any steed Reach the dust-cloud in his course.

More than maiden, more than wife, More than gold, and next to life, Roushan the Robber loved his horse.

In the land that lies beyond Erzeroum and Trebizond, Garden-girt his fortress stood.

Plundered khan, or caravan Journeying north from Koordistan, Gave him wealth and wine and food.

Seven hundred and fourscore Men at arms his livery wore, Did his bidding night and day.

Now, through regions all unknown, He was wandering, lost, alone, Seeking without guide his way.

Suddenly the pathway ends, Sheer the precipice descends, Loud the torrent roars unseen; Thirty feet from side to side Yawns the chasm; on air must ride He who crosses this ravine.

Following close in his pursuit, At the precipice's foot, Reyhan the Arab of Orfah Halted with his hundred men, Shouting upward from the glen, "La Illah'illa Allah'!"

Gently Roushan Beg caressed Kyrat's forehead, neck, and breast; Kissed him upon both his eyes; Sang to him in his wild way, As upon the topmost spray Sings a bird before it flies.

"O my Kyrat, O my steed, Round and slender as a reed, Carry me this peril through!

Satin housings shall be thine, Shoes of gold, O Kyrat mine, O thou soul of Kurroglou!

"Soft thy skin as silken skein, Soft as woman's hair thy mane, Tender are thine eyes and true; All thy hoofs like ivory shine, Polished bright; O, life of mine, Leap and rescue Kurroglou!"

Kyrat, then, the strong and fleet, Drew together his four white feet, Paused a moment on the verge, Measured with his eye the s.p.a.ce, And into the air's embrace Leaped as leaps the ocean surge.

As the ocean surge o'er sand Bears a swimmer safe to land, Kyrat safe his rider bore; Rattling down the deep abyss, Fragments of the precipice Rolled like pebbles on a sh.o.r.e.

Roushan's ta.s.sled cap of red Trembled not upon his head, Careless sat he and upright; Neither hand nor bridle shook, Nor his head he turned to look, As he galloped out of sight.

Flash of harness in the air, Seen a moment, like the glare Of a sword drawn from its sheath; Thus the phantom horseman pa.s.sed, And the shadow that he cast Leaped the cataract underneath.

Reyhan the Arab held his breath While this vision of life and death Pa.s.sed above him. "Allahu!"

Cried he. "In all Koordistan Lives there not so brave a man As this Robber Kurroglou!"

Directions for Reading.--Let pupils point out where changes in tone of voice occur in reading this lesson.

What lines in the last two stanzas are to be joined in reading?