The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

luxury ; her sole aim in life , self-gratification . I seek the cup to drown my care ; but she ! unbounded lust and never-ending sin are her companions . Oh , I would sooner die than live , for every hour but adds evil to my account , ill to ill ,

and pain to pain . Here she comes , and a vile triumph in her eyes . " Lais entered the gallery , her eyes sparkling with gratification , and her lips wreathed with triumphant smiles .

" The gods are on our side ! " she exclaimed , in great glee . " Hell , rather , " answered Murtius , gloomily . " " Well , be it so , since the victory is ours . Who knows but King Pluto is every whit as good as

King Jove . But listen . Phryne has brought the puppet Caius to her feet . That match is made , he doats on her ; it is as secure as if Jupiter himself has sworn it by his binding oath on Styx . Myra , too , seems to tickle the fancy of that cold idiot

whom Romans call their Plato . What fools you men are in the hands of women . Who rule the world—men ? No , but women . Why , you are , the cleverest of you , but toys in our hands , puppets ; we hold the strings . "

"You speak the truth for once , " answered Murtius , with a sigh . " Jove gives his best gifts to a man , who sacrifices them all for the transitory and worthless smile of a woman . " " Tush , who is Jove ? We know him not . The

priests prate of an after life , but I have no faith in it . The present is ours , so let us improve it . Clear thy moody brow . Thy daughter and my niece is safe for life ; we have only thy daughter and my own to settle . Let her win Adrian , and

two such ties will silence these curs of Rome , and we can then proudly face the front of day . " "And conscience , Lais ? Hast thou never

such a monitor to speak to thee in tones of thunder ?" " Conscience ! " replied Lais with a scornful laugh . Had I ever possessed such a timid spirit in my breast , I would not be what I am now .

Conscience ! Mine appetite is my conscience . Feed that , I have no other care . Tush . Drive that cloud from off thy brow , be bland and gay , for no simple task is before us . This Adrian is no easy fish to net , so talk , smile , drinkfor now that

, our tide is at its fill , let us catch the forelock of the fickle fortune , aud we may then defy all all our foes . " { To he continued . ) The Author reserves tho right of reproduction and translation . ]

Masonic Notes And Queries

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES

SPEED ' S DEscnirrioN oi- BEITAINE .. Having an old edition ( 1611 ) of " Speed's Description of Britaine , " and turning over the leaves I was much struck with his preface , the language is so Masonic that I have copied some portion of it , and send it to you to do what you like with it . If

Speed was a Mason , is there any records of lodges of that date , or is it only the figurative language used at that period he clothes his ideas in . I think you will agree with me if he were not a Mason his language is very like one , but this I leave to yourself to put it , if worth while , as you like . I must thank you for

your kind reply to my last question . I . am of your opinon , and to make sure , I thought it best to refer the question . —\ V . ROWLEY , P . M ., 723 . " So great was the attempt to assay the erection of this large and laborious theatre , whose onely platform miht well have expected the readiest hand of the best

g artist , that even in the entrance of the first draughtas one altogether discourage , I found myself farre unfit aud unfurnished both of matter and means either to build , or to beautifie so stately a project . But how the Lord then composed my mind for the workor rather how his owne great power would be

, seene in my weakenes , is now in some measure made manifest by raising the frame thereof to this height ; which here from the presse sheweth his aspect unto tho world . But with what content to the eye ( gentle reader ) , I stand in suspence , so many master-builders having in this subject gone before me . And Ithe

, least , not worthy to hew ( much Jesse to lay ) the least stone in so beautifull a building ; neither can I for my heedlesse presumption , " & c . And again : —

" And have laid my building upon other men ' sfoundations ( as indeed who can do otherwise , especially in a subject of this nature , seeing that the wisest of kings witnessed , that there is nothing new under the sun . Yet let this in part suflise for my defence , that in the worke of the tabernacle there was more mettals used then the orent goldand more

, workemen employed then Aholcab . T . Bezaleel neither did al the Israelites offer to that most glorious work , gold , silver , ouix-stones , purple , scarlet , and fine lumen ; but some of the brass ' e , wood , goates-haire ,. rams-fels , " & c . And in conclusion : —

" And applying myself wholey to the frame of this most goodly building have as a poore labourer carried the carved stones and polished pillars from the hands of the more skilfull architects to be set in their fit places , which here I offer upon the alter of love to my country , and wherein I have held it no sacrilege to rob others

of their richest jewels to adorn this my most beautiful nurse , whose wonibe was my conception , whose breasts were my nourishment , whose bosomo my cradle and lap ( I doubt not ) shall by my bed of sweete rest , till Christ by his trumpet raise me thence . " —Speed , Kill .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents . APPOINTMENT OF PROV . G . M . 10 THB EDIIOB OF TUB FHEEITASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC HII 1 B 01 ! . Dear Sir and Brother , —Allow me , through the