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Page 17
The smarting of the wound, and the uneasiness occasioned by a sight of the
blood, so disturbed Richard's feelings, that he was unable to regain enough
composure of mind to enjoy his day of freedom in the woods. By twelve
o'clock, he was tired and hungry, and heartily wished himself at home. But
it would not do to go now; for if he were to do so, his father would
understand that he had not been to school. There was no alternative for him
but to remain out in the lonely woods, without any thing to eat, for five
hours longer. And a weary time it was for him.
At last the sun, which had been for a very long time, it seemed to him,
descending toward the western horizon, sunk so low that he was sure it must
be after five o'clock, and then, with sober feelings, he started for home.
The day had disappointed him. He was far from feeling happy. When he
thought of the wound on his face and the blood upon his bosom, he felt
troubled. If he told the truth, he knew he would be punished, and if he
told a lie, and was found out, punishment would as certainly follow.
These were his thoughts and feelings when he came to the place where he had
concealed his satchel. But, lo! his books were gone. Some one had
discovered and carried them off.
Sadly enough, now, did Richard White return home. We will not pain our
young readers with an account of his reception. The father already knew
that his son had not been to school, for a man had found the satchel in the
woods. Richard's name was on it, and this led the man to bring it to his
father, with whom he was acquainted.
Richard never went to school again. On the very next week, he was sent to
learn a trade, and he soon found that there was a great difference between
a school-boy and an apprentice.
William Brown continued to go to school two years longer, when he also went
from home to learn a trade. He was then a good scholar, and had a fondness
for books. Because he was learning a trade, he did not give up all other
kinds of learning, but, whenever he had leisure, he applied himself to his
books. Both he and Richard were free about the same time. Richard had
learned his trade well, and was as good a workman as William; but he had
not improved his mind. He had not been able to see the use that learning
was going to be to a mechanic.
Fifteen years have passed since these two lads completed their terms of
apprenticeship, and entered the world as men; and how do they now stand?
Why, William Brown has a large manufactory of his own, and Richard White is
one of his workmen. By his superior intelligence and enterprise, the former
is able to serve the public interests by giving direction to the labors of
a hundred men, and his reward is in proportion to the service he thus
renders; while the latter serves the public interest to the extent of only
one man's labors, and his reward is in exact ratio thereto.
Did Richard White gain any thing by his day in the woods? We think not. Is
there any use in education to a mechanic? Let each of our young readers
answer the question for himself.
THE SPIDER AND THE HONEY-BEE.
A FABLE FOR MANY IN GENERAL AND SOME IN PARTICULAR.
I.
A bee who had chased after pleasure all day,
And homeward was lazily wending his way,
Fell in with a Spider, who called to the Bee:
"Good evening! I trust you are well," said he.
II.
The bee was quite happy to stop awhile there--
For indolence always has moments to spare--
"Good evening!" he said, with a very low bow,
"My health, sir, alas! 'tis quite delicate now.
III.
"From spring until autumn, from morning till night,
I'm obliged to be toiling with all my might;
My labors are wearing me out, and you know
I might as well starve, as to kill myself so."
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