The Rhode Island Republican

[Copied from the Atheneum.]
From the New Monthly Magazine.

PARADISE: AN EASTERN LEGEND

When Alexander had conquered the world and penetrated into the remotest regions of India, he heard of Paradise, and determined to subdue that also. He was told that the river Hithebel led to it, and immediately ordered a fleet to be equipped to carry his troops thither; but previously despatched a few vessels to carry information.—When they had reached the garden of Paradise, his people found the gate shut and before it an aged keeper of singular appearance, and with an extraordinary beard, whom they commanded to open the gate instantly for their master, as he was not far behind them. The hoary keeper smiled, and said he dare not admit him unless he could find means to weigh down a feather, which he therewith sent when placed in the balance. The messenger was astonished, for he could not conceive how a small feather—since it was only a light downy feather.—could have such weight, and concluding that the old man was jeering him He nevertheless went and delivered the message. Alexander directed a balance to be brought, and it soon appeared that all the wood and stone, and silver and gold that could be laid in the scale, was not sufficient to counterpoise this little feather, which made every thing that was brought fly quickly up. as though the greatest weights had been put down. Alexander, astonished at the magical effect, sent once more to enquire what was the meaning of it. The man gravely answered, that the feather signified Alexander's cupidity and ambition, which were light as down, and yet so heavy that nothing could counterbalance them; but he would tell him how that feather might be out-weighed. "Let," said he, "a handful earth be laid upon it, and it will at once lose its extraordinary power." Alexander perceived the meaning, and was deeply dejected. Soon afterwards he died at Babylon without having seen Paradise.