THE FLAX(5)

　　"I never imagined anything like this," said the paper,"when I was only a little blue flower, growing in the fields.How could I fancy that I should ever be the means of bringing knowledge and joy to man? I cannot understand it myself, and yet it is really so. Heaven knows that I have done nothing

　　myself, but what I was obliged to do with my weak powers for my own preservation; and yet I have been promoted from one joy and honor to another. Each time I think that the song is ended; and then something higher and better begins for me. I suppose now I shall be sent on my travels about the world, so that people may read me. It cannot be otherwise; indeed, it is more than probable; for I have more splendid thoughts written

　　upon me, than I had pretty flowers in olden times. I am happier than ever."