CHAP. XXI. Solitude. 1. HAIL, blest retreat! my soul's supreme desire, 3. The immortal works of Newton,* Locke,† and Boyle,+ Pope,§ Milton,|| Shakespeare,¶ Dryden,** Should be my recreation and my toil, * The greatest philosopher that ever lived; he was born at Woolstrope, in Lincolnshire, on Christmas-day, 1642, and died March 20, 1726, aged 84. † A celebrated philosopher, who was born at Wrington, in Somersetshire. An eminent writer on philosophy; he was born at Lismore, in Ireland. § A celebrated English Poet. A most sublime and illustrious writer, justly esteemed for his excellent poetical works. He is allowed to be the Father, &c. of the English Drama, and was born at Stratford-upon-Avon. ** A famous poet, was born at Aldwincle, in Northamptonshire. ++ A pious and ingenious divine among the dissenters, who wrote many religious poems. An illustrious poet, celebrated for his Night Thoughts. CHAP. XXII. Summer's Heat. 1 2. E'-ther, s. pure or refined air. 3. Gleam, v. to shine suddenly. Plumes, v. (third person singular,) adorns, adjusts. 4. Po'-tent, a. powerful, strong. 1. How scorching is the summer ray! The murm'ring streams forget to play, The flowery dales no more delight To charm the ear or please the sight, 2. Along the wide extended plain The flowers no more their sweets retain, 3. But, lo! what darksome clouds arise, Cold trembling fear awakes the breast, 4. Give us, henceforth, the power to tread The narrow road to bliss, with speed, And should temptation's potent rays 5. Lead us along those pleasing ways Where sweet refreshing water plays, And, when the last dread thunders roll, CHAP. XXIII. The Paper Kite. 1. E"-le-va-ti-on, s. height, raised up. 2. Soar, v. to fly to a great height. Tide, s. water (a flux and reflux of the sea). 7. Im-pa'-ti-ent, a. not able to endure or bear delay, pain, or any other inconvenience, without complaint. 8. In-cli'ne, v. to lean, to tend to any part. Figuratively, to be favourably disposed to. L 1. ONCE on a time, a paper kite, It thus express'd self-admiration : 2. "See how yon crowds of gazing people Admire my flight above the steeple; How would they wonder if they knew All that a kite like me can do! 3. "Were I but free, I'd take a flight, And pierce the clouds beyond their sight; 4. "I'd brave the eagle's tow'ring wing, 5. Depriv'd at once of all its stay, The winds soon plung'd it in the tide. 6. Ah! foolish kite, thou hast no wing; How couldst thou fly without a string! 7. My heart replied, O Lord, I see How much this kite resembles me; 8. How oft my foolish heart inclines For something more, or something higher; A fall more dreadful had been mine. NEWTON. CHAP. XXIV. The Lamb and the Pig; or, Nature and Education. 1. Mo"-ra-list, s. one who teaches the duties of life. 2. Doc'-trine, s. instruction, any thing taught. Emblems, s. pl. representations, illusive pictures. 3. Thi'-my, a. (pro. ti-my,) belonging to thyme, a well known herb. 6. Vir-gin, a. pure, as being free from all stains. 9. Tes'-ti-fy, v. to witness; to prove. 1. CONSULT the moralist, you'll find 2. If you'll the following page pursue, 3. Meekness and love possess'd her soul, |