N

EARLY a week elapsed before Mrs.
Merton was able to tell Margaret

and John of Raphael's life in Rome. One day after dinner, she told the children that she would finish the story.

"Well, children," said Mrs. Merton, "do you remember what I am to tell you to-day?" "Yes, I know," said Margaret. "You said you would tell us about Raphael's life in Rome."

"John, why did Raphael go to Rome?" asked Mrs. Merton.

"The Pope of Rome, Julius II., heard of his wonderful paintings, and he sent for him to decorate the Vatican," answered John.

"Mamma," said Margaret, "what is the Vatican?"

"The Vatican, my dear, is the palace where the Pope lives. It is a very large building and contains many beautiful paintings, fine sculpture, a great library, and a museum. It

is one of the great attractions for all visitors

who go to Rome.

Here is a picture of it. You see what a beautiful great palace it is!" said Mrs. Merton.

"I know where Rome is," said John. "It is in Italy. It was the greatest city in the world."

"That is right, John," said Mrs. Merton. "Rome is a great city, and contains many treasures. If Raphael was delighted with Florence, what must have been his joy to be in Rome. Can you imagine how proud he felt? He must have exclaimed:

"I am in Rome! Oft as the morning ray Visits the eyes, waking at once, I cry, Whence this excess of joy? What has befallen me? And from within a thrilling voice replies :'Thou art in Rome.'

"When Raphael went to this great city he was about twenty-five years old. Although he was younger than his masters, his paintings were more wonderful. He showed so much thought and talent in his work that the Pope was greatly pleased."

"Does the Pope always live in Rome?" asked Margaret.

"Yes, he lives there now," said Mrs. Merton.

"Julius II., the Pope at Raphael's time, wished to do all he could to improve the city. He sent for great painters and sculptors wherever he heard of them, and invited them to work for him. He was especially interested in the Vatican, and wished to have the decorations upon its walls so beautiful that he would never be forgotten.

"Raphael started upon his work with a happy heart for the Pope received him very kindly."

"Wouldn't you have been afraid of such a great man, John?" said Margaret.

"I think I should have been afraid to paint for him," answered John.

"You wouldn't have been afraid if you could paint as Raphael did," said Mrs. Mer

ton.

"The first room which Raphael decorated was the hall where the important papers were