Chapter 12

4. HIGHER! earnestly breathes the student of philosophy and nature. He has a host of rivals; but he must excel them all. The midnight oil burns dim; but he finds light and knowledge in the lamps of heaven, and his soul is never weary, when the last of them is hid by the splendors of the morning.

5. And HIGHER! his voice thunders forth, when the dignity of manhood has mantled his form, and the multitude is listening with delight to his oracles, burning with eloquence, and ringing like true steel in the cause of _Freedom_ and _Right_. And when time has changed his locks to silver,--when the young and the old unite to do him honor, he still breathes forth from his generous heart fond wishes for their welfare.

6. HIGHER YET! He has reached the apex of earthly honor; yet his spirit burns as warm as in youth, though with a steadier and purer light. And even now, while his frail tenement begins to admonish him, that "the time of his departure is at hand," he looks forward, with rapturous anticipation, to the never-fading glory, attainable only in the presence of the Most High.

QUESTIONS.--1. What is said of the word _Higher_, first paragraph? 2. When does the school-boy say Higher? 3. What is said of the student? 4. What, when he arrives at manhood? 5. What, when he becomes old? 6. Where is the passage within the quotation to be found? Ans. 2 Timothy, 4th chapter, 6th verse.

* * * * *

LESSON XLIV.

IN TENS' ER, more fervent. STUB' BORN, unyielding; rugged. DEEM, think; imagine. OLD' EN, old; ancient. CLINGS, sticks; adheres closely. GAL' LANT, fine; noble. YAWN' ING, wide-opening. FU' RY, rage; madness. RAVE, rage; become furious. HEC' TIC, habitual; continuous. MEN' TAL, intellectual. WIELD, sway; exert. PRIV' I LEGE, right; opportunity. DOW' ER, gift; portion.

LABOR.

[Footnote: These lines were suggested by the simple incident of an industrious wood-sawyer's reply to a man who told him that _his was a hard work_. "Yes, it is hard, to be sure; but _it is harder to do nothing_," was his answer.]

CAROLINE F. ORNE.

1. Ho, ye who at the anvil toil, And strike the sounding blow, Where, from the burning iron's breast, The sparks fly to and fro, While answering to the hammer's ring, And fire's intenser glow!--Oh, while ye feel 'tis hard to toil And sweat the long day through, Remember, it is harder still _To have no work to do!_

2. Ho, ye who till the stubborn soil, Whose hard hands guide the plow, Who bend beneath the summer sun, With burning cheek and brow!--Ye deem the curse still clings to earth From olden time till now; But, while ye feel 'tis hard to toil And labor all day through, Remember, it is harder still _To have no work to do_!

3. Ho, ye who plow the sea's blue field, Who ride the restless wave, Beneath whose gallant vessel's keel There lies a yawning grave, Around whose bark the wint'ry winds Like fiends of fury rave!--Oh, while ye feel 'tis hard to toil And labor long hours through, Remember, it is harder still _To have no work to do!_ 4 Ho, ye upon whose fevered cheeks The hectic glow is bright, Whose mental toil wears out the day, And half the weary night, Who labor for the souls of men, Champions of truth and right!--Although ye feel your toil is hard, Even with this glorious view, Remember, it is harder still _To have no work to do!_ 5. Ho, all who labor,--all who strive Ye wield a lofty power; Do with your might, do with your strength, Fill every golden hour! The glorious privilege _to do_ Is man's most noble dower. Oh, to your birthright and yourselves To your own souls be true! A weary, wretched life is theirs, _Who have no work to do!_

QUESTIONS.--1. What incident suggested these thoughts to the writer? 2. Who toil at the anvil? 3. Who till the stubborn soil? 4. Who plow the sea's blue wave? 5. Who toil mentally? 6. Who labor for the souls of men? 7. What is man's most noble dower? 8. What is said to all these different laborers? 9. What is the meaning of the suffix _less_ in the word _restless?_ See SANDERS & McELLIGOTT'S ANALYSIS, page 140, Ex. 187.

* * * * *

LESSON XLV.

E LIC' IT, draw forth. IN TEL' LI GENT, knowing; well-informed. RE FRAIN, hold in, or keep back. IG NO RA' MUS, ignorant person. RE TORT', reply; answer back. IN DEL' I BLY, in a way not to be effaced. MYS' TE RIES, profound secrets. AB SORB' ED, engrossed; occupied. MOR TI FI CA' TION, deep disappointment. OB STA CLE, hinderance; impediment. RE VOLT ED, shrank back. POR' ING, earnestly perusing. EM I NENCE, distinction. IN FOR MA' TION, knowledge. IL LIT' ER ATE, ignorant; unlearned. PRO FES' SION, business; employment. DIS' CI PLIN ED trained; instructed. CON TEMPT' U OUS, scornful; hateful. AN TAG' O NIST, opponent; adversary.

THE AMBITIOUS APPRENTICE.

1. "How far is it from here to the sun?" asked Harmon Lee of his father's apprentice, James Wallace, intending by the question to elicit some reply that would exhibit the boy's ignorance.

2. James Wallace, a boy of fourteen, turned his bright, intelligent eyes upon the son of his employer, and replied, "I don't know, Harmon. How far is it?"

3. There was something so honest and earnest in the tone of the boy, that, much as Harmon had felt disposed, at first, to sport with his ignorance, he could not refrain from giving him a true answer. Still, his contempt for the ignorant apprentice was not to be concealed, and he replied, "_Ninety-five millions of miles_, you ignoramus!" James did not retort; but, repeating over in his mind the distance named, fixed it indelibly upon his memory.

4. On the same evening, after he had finished his day's work, he obtained a small text-book on astronomy, which belonged to Harmon Lee, and went up into his garret with a candle, and there, alone, attempted to dive into the mysteries of that sublime science. As he read, the earnestness of his attention fixed nearly every fact upon his mind. So intent was he, that he perceived not the flight of time, until the town-clock struck ten.

5. He lay down upon his hard bed, and gave full scope to his thoughts. Hour after hour passed away, but he could not sleep, so absorbed was he in reviewing the new and wonderful things he had read. At last, wearied nature gave way, and he fell into a slumber, filled with dreams of planets, moons, comets, and fixed stars.

6. The next morning the apprentice boy resumed his place at the work-bench with a new feeling; and, with _this_ feeling, was mingled one of regret, that he could not go to school as well as Harmon.

"But I can study at night, while he is asleep," he said to himself.

7. Just then Harmon Lee came into the shop, and, approaching James, said, for the purpose of teasing him, "How big round is the earth, James?"

"_Twenty-five thousand miles,_" was the quick reply.

8. Harmon looked surprised, for a moment, and then responded, with a sneer,--for he was not a kind-hearted boy, but, on the contrary, very selfish, and disposed to _injure_ rather than _do good_ to others,--"Oh! how wonderfully wise you are all at once! And no doubt you can tell how many moons Jupiter has? Come, let us hear."

9. "Jupiter has four moons," James answered, with something of exultation in his tone.

"And, no doubt, you can tell how many rings it has?"

"Jupiter has no rings. Saturn has rings, and Jupiter belts," James replied, in a decisive tone.

10. For a moment or two Harmon was silent with surprise and mortification, to think that his father's _apprentice_, whom he esteemed so far below him, should be possessed of knowledge equal to his, and on the points in reference to which he had chosen to question him,--and that he should be able to convict him of an error, into which he had purposely fallen.

11. "I should like to know how long it is since you became so wonderfully wise," said Harmon, with a sneer.

"Not very long," James replied calmly. "I have been reading one of your books on astronomy."

12. "I should like to know what business _you_ have to touch one of _my_ books! You had better be minding your work."

"I did not neglect it, Harmon; I read at _night_, after I was done with my work; and I did not hurt your book."

"I don't care if you _didn't_ hurt it. You are not going to have _my_ books, I can tell you. So, you just let them alone."

13. Poor James's heart sank within him at this unexpected obstacle, so suddenly thrown in his way. He had no money of his own to buy, and knew of no one from whom he could borrow the book, that had become so necessary to his happiness. "Do, Harmon," he said, "lend me the book; I will take good care of it."

"No; I will not. And don't you dare to touch it," was the angry reply.

14. James Wallace knew well enough the selfish disposition of Harmon, to be convinced that there was now but little hope of his having the use of his books, except by stealth; and from that his naturally open and honest principles revolted. All day he thought earnestly of the means whereby he should be able to obtain a book on astronomy, to quench the ardent thirst he had created in his own mind.

15. He was learning the trade of a blind-maker. Having been already an apprentice for two years, and being industrious and intelligent, he had acquired a readiness with tools, and much skill in some parts of his trade. While sitting alone, after he had finished his work for the day, it occurred to him that he might, by working in the evening, earn some money, and with it buy such books as he wanted.

16. By consent of his employer, he succeeded in getting a small job, from one of his neighbors; and, in a short time, by working evenings, he obtained sufficient money to purchase a book of his own, and had a half dollar left, with which he bought a second-hand dictionary. Every night found him poring over his books; and, as soon as it was light enough in the morning to see, he was up and reading. During the day, his mind was pondering over the things he had read, while his hands were diligently employed in the labor assigned him.

17. It occurred, just at this time, that a number of benevolent individuals established, in the town where James lived, one of those excellent institutions, an Apprentices' Library. To this he applied, and obtained the books he needed. And thus, did this poor apprentice boy lay the foundation of future eminence and usefulness. At the age of twenty-one, he was master of his trade; and, what was more, had laid up a vast amount of general and scientific information.

18. Let us now turn to mark the progress of the young student, Harmon Lee, in one of the best seminaries in his native city, and afterwards at college. The idea that he was to be a lawyer, soon took possession of his mind, and this caused him to feel contempt for other boys, who were merely designed for trades or store-keeping.

19. Like too many others, he had no love for learning. To be a _lawyer_ he thought would be much more honorable than to be a mere mechanic; and, for this reason _alone_, he desired to be one. As for James Wallace, the poor illiterate apprentice, he was most heartily despised, and never treated by Harmon with the least degree of kind consideration.

20. At the age of eighteen, Harmon was sent away to one of the eastern universities, and there remained until he was twenty years of age, when he graduated, and came home with the honorary title of Bachelor of Arts. On the very day that James completed his term of apprenticeship, Harmon was admitted to the bar.

21. From some cause, James determined he would make law _his_ profession. To the acquirement of a knowledge of legal matters, therefore, he bent all the energies of a well disciplined mind. Two years passed away in an untiring devotion to the studies he had assigned himself, and he then made application for admission to the bar.

22. Young Wallace passed his examinations with some applause, and the first case on which he was employed, chanced to be one of great difficulty, which required all his skill; the lawyer on the opposite side was Harmon Lee, who entertained for his father's apprentice the utmost contempt.

23. The cause came on. There was a profound silence and a marked attention and interest, when the young stranger arose in the court-room to open the case. A smile of contempt curled the lip of Harmon Lee, but Wallace saw it not. The prominent points of the case were presented in plain, but concise language to the court; and a few remarks bearing upon its merits being made, the young lawyer took his seat, and gave room for the defense.

24. Instantly Harmon Lee was on his feet, and began referring to the points presented by his "very learned brother," in a very flippant manner. There were those present who marked the light that kindled in the eye of Wallace, and the flash that passed over his countenance at the first contemptuous word and tone that were uttered by his antagonist at the bar. These soon gave place to attention, and an air of conscious power. Nearly an hour had passed when Harmon resumed his seat with a look of exultation, which was followed by a pitying and contemptuous smile, as Wallace again slowly rose.

25. Ten minutes, however, had not passed when that smile had changed to a look of surprise, mortification, and alarm. The young lawyer's first speech showed him to be a man of calm, deep, systematic thought,--well skilled in points of law and in authorities,--and, more than all, a lawyer of practical and comprehensive views. When he sat down, no important point in the case had been left untouched, and none that had been touched, required further elucidation.

20. Lee followed briefly, in a vain attempt to torture his language and break down his positions. But he felt that he was contending with weapons whose edges were turned at every blow. When he took his seat again, Wallace merely remarked that he was prepared, without further argument, to submit the case to the court.

27. The case was accordingly submitted, and a decision unhesitatingly made in favor of the plaintiff, or Wallace's client. From that hour James Wallace took his true position. _The despised apprentice became the able and profound lawyer,_ and was esteemed for real talent and real moral worth, which, when combined, ever place their possessor in his true position. Ten years from that day, Wallace was elevated to the bench, while Lee, a second-rate lawyer, never rose above that position.

QUESTIONS.--1. What profession did James study, after he had learned his trade? 2. Who was his opponent in the first cause he tried? 3. Which won the case? 4. What did James finally become?

* * * * *

LESSON XLVI.

TAUNT' ING LY, insultingly. DIG' NI FI ED, noble. DIS PU' TANTS, persons disputing. RES O LU' TION, decision. IM AG' IN ED, fancied. RE FLEC' TION, thought; consideration. SU PE RI OR' I TY, preeminence. SUB OR DI NATE, one inferior in position. BUF' FET ED, struggled against. THRALLS, bondage. DES POT' IC, tyrannical. OP PRES' SION, tyranny. PEN' U RY, poverty; destitution. PRED E CES' SORS, those who have gone before. DIS PEN SA' TIONS, dealings. CRI TE' RI ON, standard; measure.

"SO WAS FRANKLIN."

ANON.

1. "Oh, you're a _'prentice!_" said a little boy, the other day, tauntingly, to his companion. The boy addressed turned proudly round, and, while the fire of injured pride, and the look of pity were strangely blended in his countenance, coolly answered, "_So was Franklin!_"

2. This dignified reply struck me forcibly, and I turned to mark the disputants more closely. The former, I perceived by his dress, was of a higher class in society than his humble, yet more dignified companion. The latter was a sprightly, active lad, scarce twelve years old, and coarsely, but neatly attired. But, young as he was, there was visible in his countenance much of genius, manly dignity, and determinate resolution; while that of the former showed only fostered pride, and the imagined superiority of riches.

3. That little fellow, thought we, gazing at our young hero, displays already much of the man, though his calling be a humble one; and, though poverty extends to him her dreary, cheerless reality, still he looks on the brightest side of the scene, and already rises in anticipation from poverty and wretchedness! Once, "_so was Franklin_" and the world may one day witness in our little "_'prentice_" as great a philosopher as they have already seen in his noble pattern! And we passed on, buried in meditation.

4. The motto of our infantile philosopher contains much,--too much to be forgotten, and should be engraven on the minds of all. What can better cheer man in a humble calling, than the reflection that the greatest and the best of earth--the greatest statesmen, the brightest philosophers, and the proudest warriors--have once graced the same profession?

5. "Look at Franklin! He who With the thunder talked, as friend to friend, And wove his garland of the lightning's wing, In sportive twist."

What was he? A _printer!_ once a subordinate in a printing office! Poverty stared him in the face; but her blank, hollow look, could nothing daunt him. He struggled against a harder current than most are called to encounter; but he did not yield. He pressed manfully onward; bravely buffeted misfortune's billows, and gained the desired haven!

6. Look at Cincinnatus! At the call of his country he laid aside the plow and seized the sword. But having wielded it with success, when his country was no longer endangered, and public affairs needed not his longer stay, "he beat his sword Into a ploughshare," and returned with honest delight to his little farm.

7. Look at Washington! What was his course of life? He was first a _farmer;_ next a _Commander in Chief_ of the hosts of freedom, fighting for the liberation of his country from the thralls of despotic oppression; next, called to the highest seat of government by his ransomed brethren, a _President of the largest Republic on earth_, and lastly, a _farmer_ again.

8. What was the famous Ben Jonson? He was first a _brick-layer, or mason!_ What was he in after years? 'Tis needless to answer.

What was Burns? An Ayrshire _plowman!_ What was he in after life, in the estimation of his countrymen, and the world? Your library gives the answer!

9. But shall we go on, and call up, in proud array, all the mighty host of worthies that have lived and died, who were cradled in the lap of penury, and received their first lessons in the school of affliction'? Nay'; we have cited instances enough already,--yea, more than enough to prove the point in question--namely, _that there is no profession, however low in the opinion of the world, but has been honored with earth's greatest and worthiest._

10. Young man! Does the iron hand of misfortune press hard upon you, and disappointments well-nigh sink your despairing soul'? Have courage! Mighty ones have been your predecessors, and have withstood the current of opposition that threatened to overwhelm their fragile bark.

11. Do you despise your humble station, and repine that Providence has not placed you in some nobler sphere'? Murmur not against the dispensations of an All-wise Creator! Remember that wealth is no criterion of moral rectitude or intellectual worth,--that riches dishonestly gained, are a lasting curse,--that virtue and uprightness work out a rich reward,--and that

"An honest man's the noblest work of God."

12. And when dark Disappointment comes, do not wither at her stare; but press forward, and the prize is yours! It was thus with _Franklin_,--it can be thus with _you_. He strove for the prize, and he won it! So may _you!_ 'Tis well worth contending for; and may success attend you, and the "stars" grow brighter, as the "stripes" wear deeper!

QUESTIONS.--1. What did the rich boy say of the poor boy? 2. What reply did the poor boy make? 3. What other examples are cited of eminent men who were once poor? 4. What is said of Cincinnatus? 5. Of Washington? 6. Of Ben Jonson? 7. Of Burns? 8. What do all these examples prove? 9. What encouragement is given to young men? 10. What are the full forms of the words _you're, 'prentice?_

* * * * *

LESSON XLVII.

MAG'IC, power of enchantment. CONTEN'TION, strife; controversy. TRA DI'TION, facts or events handed down from age to age. SUB TILE, thin; slight; slender. IN VEST'ED, clothed. CREST'ED, adorned with a plume or crest. AZ'URE, light-blue; sky-colored. PER SPECT' IVE, (PER, _through_; SPECT, _to see_; IVE, _having the power_,) having the power to see through; a view through. UN DI VERT' ED, (UN, _not_; DI, _aside_; VERTED, _turned_,) not turned aside; unheeded. VEST'URE, garment. SE DATE', calm; quiet. FAN TAS'TIC, fanciful; visionary. RA DI ANCE, brightness; luster. IN VEC'TIVE, railing speech. I DE'AL, imaginary. FA TIGU ING, wearisome, toilsome. AS PIR'ING, aiming; seeking to rise.

NOW AND THEN.

JANE TAYLOR.

1. In distant days,--of wild romance, Of magic, mist, and fable,-- When stones could argue, trees advance,[Footnote 1] And brutes to talk were able,-- When shrubs and flowers were said to preach, And manage all the parts of speech,--

2. 'Twas _then_, no doubt, if 'twas at all, (But doubts we need not mention,) That _Then_ and _Now_, two adverbs small, Engaged in sharp contention; But how they made each other hear, Tradition doth not make appear.

3. _Then_ was a sprite of subtile frame, With rainbow tints invested.-- On clouds of dazzling light she came, And stars her forehead crested; Her sparkling eyes of azure hue, Seemed borrowed from the distant blue.

4. _Now_ rested on the solid earth, And sober was her vesture; She seldom either grief or mirth Expressed, by word or gesture; Composed, sedate, and firm she stood, And looked industrious, calm, and good.

5. _Then_ sang a wild, fantastic song, Light as the gale she flies on, Still stretching, as she sailed along, Toward the far horizon, Where clouds of radiance, fringed with gold, O'er hills of emerald beauty rolled.

6. _Now_ rarely raised her sober eye To view that golden distance; Nor let one idle minute fly In hope of _Then's_ assistance; But still with busy hands she stood, Intent on doing _present_ good.

7. She ate the sweet, but homely fare, That passing moments brought her; While _Then_, expecting dainties rare, Despised such bread and water; And waited for the fruits and flowers Of future, still receding hours.

8. _Now_, venturing once to ask her why, She answered with invective; And pointed, as she made reply, _Toward that long perspective Of years to come_,--in distant blue, Wherein she meant to _live_ and _do_,

9. "Alas!" says she, _"how hard you toil!_ With undiverted sadness; Behold yon land of wine and oil! Those sunny hills of gladness! Those joys I wait, with eager brow," _"And so you always will!"_ said _Now_.

10. "That fairy land that looks so real, Recedes as you pursue it; Thus, while you wait for time's ideal, _I take my work and do it;_ Intent to form, when time is gone, A _pleasant past_ to look upon."

11. "Ah, well," said _Then_, "I envy not Your dull, fatiguing labors,-- Aspiring to a brighter lot, With thousands of my neighbors; Soon as I reach that golden hill,"-- "But that," says _Now_, "you _never will!"_

12. "And e'en suppose you should," said she, "(Though mortal ne'er attained it,) Your nature you must change with me, The moment you have gained it; Since hope fulfilled, (you must allow,) Turns NOW to _Then_, and THEN to _Now_."