THE PLAGUE AND THE PEASANT.
(from the polish.)
A peasant sat down in the shade of a larch tree to rest. The sun was high and glowing. Suddenly he perceived something approaching him from a distance. As it came nearer he saw that it was a woman wrapped in a large cloak. Her legs were of a wonderful length.
The peasant was greatly frightened, and tried hard to run away, but the spectre seized him with her bony arms, and said,—
"Do you know the Plague? It is I. Take me on your shoulders and carry me over the whole country. You must not miss a town, a village, or even a hamlet; I must be carried everywhere. For yourself, be not afraid: in the midst of death and misery you shall remain alive and well."
She put her long arms round his neck. The peasant started, but surprised at feeling no weight, he turned his
