Of all the diversions of life, there is none so proper for filling up empty spaces as the reading of useful and entertaining authors. ADDISON. Were I to pray for a taste which should stand by me under every variety of circumstances-cheer me through life and shield me against its ills-it would be a taste for reading. HERSCHEL. Habits of inattention may, in most cases, be traced to a want of curiosity: such habits, therefore, are to be corrected, not by endeavouring to force the attention, but by placing things in an interesting point of view. DUGALD STEWART MISCELLANEOUS. THE BOYHOOD OF HENRY OF NAVARRE. THE first time I saw our great and good king was when he was a boy. I remember it as well as if it were yesterday. I had gone to see my friends in the mountains of Bearn, at the foot of the Pyrenees...One day as I was rambling over the hills, I came upon some peasant boys at play; they were merry, hardy little fellows, and soon enticed me to join them in their sport. All of them were bare-headed and bare-footed, and dressed in the coarse clothes of the peasant, but very active, and full of glee... One boy particularly struck me, from the great activity he displayed, and the bold daring manner in which he led on his companions to fresh exploits; the energy of his boyish character delighted me, for I was then a young soldier, and I thought what a fine brave trooper* he would make in a few years...His countenance was most beautiful: perfect good-humor, sincerity, and kindness of heart were depicted there. The animation of his features, the sparkling glance of his bright eye, the ardor with which he pressed forward to take his part in the feats of skill, or trials of strength, showed that he possessed "The will to do, the soul to dare." His foot slipped once in the race, and he fell on some sharp stones; but though bruised and bleeding, he paid no heed to it, not a shade crossed his features: he was up again in an instant, and soon outstripped his companions. "He is a noble fellow," thought I, "but perhaps he has not much feeling." Presently, another boy was accidentally hit with a stone on the cheek, which bled, and the little fellow Trooper, cavalry- or horse-soldier. * could not restrain his tears and expressions of pain...His companion, Henry, instantly left his play to go to him, and in the kindest and gentlest manner endeavoured to soothe him; taking from his pocket an apple, which he gave him, telling him in a cheerful manner he was quite sure it would do him good. I saw he had a kind and compassionate heart... At length, they all sat down to eat their dinner, their appetites sharpened by the mountain breeze and the exercise they had been taking. The meal consisted of coarse brown bread and cheese, with garlic; each boy having brought his own portion. I never witnessed a merrier repast...The hardy little mountaineers, their cheeks glowing with exercise and mirthfulness, enjoyed their humble fare as much, aye more, than a monarch does his dainties. They talked over their feats of the morning with boyish exultation*, and many a merry shout of laughter made the hills re-echo with the sound...As they insisted on my joining them, I sat down, and in return for their hospitality, told them some stories of the battles in which I had been engaged, to which Henry listened with almost breathless attention...His quick eye noticed, in the course of the meal, that one of his young companions had but a very small portion of food for his share. Drawing him aside, Henry obliged him to take more than half his own bread and cheese, making at the same time an expressive gesture of silence... It was done so quietly and quickly, that no one but myself observed the occurrence. I could have pressed the noble child to my heart, but would not spoil such an act by remarking on it. "I must go now," said Henry, after eating the remainder of his bread and cheese; "I see by my shadow it is time for me to be at my studies; adieu, my friends!" And with his usual ardor, he descended the mountain with the agility of a young chamois; his bare little feet dashing over the obstacles which lay in his way, while his clear voice was to be heard singing a song. "What does he mean by his studies?" I asked, "and who is that boy?" "That is Henry, Prince of Navarre," was the reply, * Exultation, lively joy, rapturous delight. |