( 210 ) 
Quamoclit. 
A genus of climbing ornamental plants, allied to tbe convolvulus ; 
found in tbe hot parts of America; also in India and China.— The Bend¬ 
ing-Bean. 
The Busy-body. 
EYOEE who, without intending to defame another, starts reports 
J-*- capable of destroying or diminishing affection among relatives, con¬ 
fidence among friends, or order between superiors and inferiors—whence 
arise quarrels, hatred, divisions, and a multitude of other evils,—is a busy¬ 
body, and makes himself guilty of a. great sin, which—it cannot be denied 
—is even greater than detraction or contumely; for a friend is better than 
honor. 
We cannot, therefore, my dear reader, too carefully avoid stories that 
may be followed by such sad consequences. 
“If you chance to hear a word spoken against your neighbor,” says 
the Scripture, “let it die in your bosom and be sure that it will not kill 
you.”—Ecclus. xix. 
A GOOD RULE. 
If you are tempted to reveal 
A tale some one to you has told 
About another, make it pass, 
Before you speak, three gates of gold. 
Three narrow gates—first, “Is it true ?” 
Then, “Is it needful?" In your mind 
Give truthful answer; and the next 
Is last and narrowest, “Is it hindV’ 
And if to reach your lips at last 
It passes through these- gateways three, 
Then you may tell the tale, no fear 
What the result of speech may be. 
— Anon. 
