MR. L. I say you are a philosopher, but I am sure you do not know what that means. BOY. No, sir; no harm, I hope. MR. L. No, no (laughing). Well, my boy, you seem to want nothing at all, so I shall not give you money to make you want anything. But were you ever at school? Boy. No, sir; but father says I shall go after harvest. BOY. Yes, the boys all have a spelling book and a Testament. MR. L. Well, then, I will give you them. Tell your father so, and that is because I thought you a very good, contented boy. So now go to your sheep again. BOY. I will, sir. Thank you. MR. L. Good-by, Peter. Rud'dy, rosy; clev'er ly (klěv'er li), skillfully; Mich'ael mas (mik'el mas), the 29th of September, a church festival in honor of the archangel Michael; as liève, as soon; phi los'o pher (fi lõs'o fer), one who has practical wisdom. STUDY HELPS How did Mr. L. happen to meet the boy? What did the boy say that led Mr. L. to ask him questions? answers that you liked most. Why did Mr. L. decide not to give him money? Read some of his What do you think he meant by calling the boy "quite a philosopher"? Would we use these expressions: (1) "rooting up weeds." (2) "just by"; (3) “run . . . of errands"; (4) "I will give you them"? One honest John Tomkins, a hedger and ditcher, Though cold was the weather, or dear was the food, "For why should I grumble and murmur?" he said; If John was afflicted with sickness or pain, If any one wronged him or treated him ill, Would be making two rogues when there need be but one. And thus honest John, though his station was humble, Passed through this sad world without even a grumble; And I wish that some folks, who are greater and richer, Would copy John Tomkins, the hedger and ditcher. Hědg'er, one who makes or takes care of hedges; ca lam'i ties (ka lăm' ĭ tiz), misfortunes; de spond'ence, loss of hope, gloom; stāʼtion, rank in life. STUDY HELPS In what way was John like the boy of the last lesson? What did John say if the weather was bad or the food dear? What if he was sick or in pain? What did he say if some one treated him ill? one? How would revenging an injury make two rogues instead of SWING AWAY LUCY LARCOM Swing away, From the great crossbeam, Scented like a dream. Higher yet! Up, between the eaves, Where the gray doves cooing flit Here we go! 'Tis a long day you must blow, Swing away! Sweep the rough barn floor; One, two, three! Quick! the round red sun, Swing away, Over husks and grain! Shall we ever be as gay, Sun' gilt', made golden by the sun. inary country of peace and happiness. STUDY HELPS Where was this swing? Ar'ca dy (är'ka di), an imag How can you tell they were having a good time? Can you answer the question in the last stanza? |