1. Describe the lists as Scott makes you see them. What was the order of proceeding at the outset?2. Who were the Norman knights upon whom Prince John relied to win the tournament? Which of these was considered the best lance?3. Where does the interest in the story begin suddenly to increase? How does Scott make the situation exciting?4. Describe the combat between Bois-Guilbert and the Disinherited Knight. Why did they not fight to a finish? What makes you think they do before the novel is finished? Tell of the succeeding combats in turn.5. As you have probably guessed, the Disinherited Knight is Ivanhoe. Did anybody present recognize him? How do you think Prince John felt at the outcome?6.Gare le Corbeaumeans "Look out for the raven," a boast that the ravens would pick the bones of Brian's enemies.Cave, adsummeans "Beware, I am here." Select a list of ten other words or phrases for your classmates to explain.7. Report either on Scott's life and writings or on another chapter fromIvanhoe.
1. Describe the lists as Scott makes you see them. What was the order of proceeding at the outset?
2. Who were the Norman knights upon whom Prince John relied to win the tournament? Which of these was considered the best lance?
3. Where does the interest in the story begin suddenly to increase? How does Scott make the situation exciting?
4. Describe the combat between Bois-Guilbert and the Disinherited Knight. Why did they not fight to a finish? What makes you think they do before the novel is finished? Tell of the succeeding combats in turn.
5. As you have probably guessed, the Disinherited Knight is Ivanhoe. Did anybody present recognize him? How do you think Prince John felt at the outcome?
6.Gare le Corbeaumeans "Look out for the raven," a boast that the ravens would pick the bones of Brian's enemies.Cave, adsummeans "Beware, I am here." Select a list of ten other words or phrases for your classmates to explain.
7. Report either on Scott's life and writings or on another chapter fromIvanhoe.
The Bible serves, first, as a great religious teacher. Second, it stands as a model of literature whose greatness is everywhere acknowledged. Men like John Bunyan and Abraham Lincoln learned to write their beautiful prose through their close, continued reading of the Scriptures. No finer poetry exists than the Psalms of David, among which the following is a favorite.
The Bible serves, first, as a great religious teacher. Second, it stands as a model of literature whose greatness is everywhere acknowledged. Men like John Bunyan and Abraham Lincoln learned to write their beautiful prose through their close, continued reading of the Scriptures. No finer poetry exists than the Psalms of David, among which the following is a favorite.
The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: Heleadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths ofrighteousness for His name's sake.5
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow ofdeath, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thyrod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mineenemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup10runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days ofmy life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
—The Bible.
1. This psalm should be among your collection of memory gems. Repeat it aloud in unison with the other members of your class. Why does it especially lend itself to being spoken?2. Palestine is a semiarid country. Why should David make the reference to "green pastures" and "still waters"? Why is there no mention of running brooks and woods?3. What is your understanding of lines 9-11?4. What does David mean to convey to his hearers in this psalm?
1. This psalm should be among your collection of memory gems. Repeat it aloud in unison with the other members of your class. Why does it especially lend itself to being spoken?
2. Palestine is a semiarid country. Why should David make the reference to "green pastures" and "still waters"? Why is there no mention of running brooks and woods?
3. What is your understanding of lines 9-11?
4. What does David mean to convey to his hearers in this psalm?
Books are like men: great ones are rare. Occasionally a book is written that affects the thinking of people for centuries. To this class belongs John Bunyan'sPilgrim's Progress, published 1678-1684.It is the story of the journey of a man named Christian the Pilgrim, who travels from the City of Destruction to the Holy City. On this journey Christian is beset by all manner of terrors, temptations, and evils. The story is an allegory, portraying life and its struggles if one attempts to live righteously. Its language is that of the Bible. Its dialogue and characters seem real, and its narrative is full of action.
Books are like men: great ones are rare. Occasionally a book is written that affects the thinking of people for centuries. To this class belongs John Bunyan'sPilgrim's Progress, published 1678-1684.
It is the story of the journey of a man named Christian the Pilgrim, who travels from the City of Destruction to the Holy City. On this journey Christian is beset by all manner of terrors, temptations, and evils. The story is an allegory, portraying life and its struggles if one attempts to live righteously. Its language is that of the Bible. Its dialogue and characters seem real, and its narrative is full of action.
Now I beheld in my dream that Christian and Hopefulhad not journeyed far until they came wherethe river and the way parted, at which they were not alittle sorry; yet they durst not go out of the way. Nowthe way from the river was rough, and their feet tender5by reason of their travel; so the souls of the pilgrims weremuch discouraged because of the way. Wherefore, stillas they went on, they wished for a better way.
Now, a little before them, there was on the left hand ofthe road a meadow, and a stile to go over into it; and that10meadow is called Bypath Meadow. Then said Christianto his fellow, "If this meadow lieth along by our wayside,let us go over into it." Then he went to the stile to see,and behold a path lay along by the way on the other sideof the fence.15
"'Tis according to my wish," said Christian; "here isthe easiest going; come, good Hopeful, and let us go over."
"But how if this path should lead us out of the way?"
"That is not likely," said the other. "Look, doth itnot go along by the wayside?"
So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went afterhim over the stile. When they were gone over, and were5got into the path, they found it very easy for their feet;and withal they, looking before them, espied a man walkingas they did, and his name was Vain-Confidence: sothey called after him, and asked him whither that wayled.10
He said, "To the Celestial Gate."
"Look," said Christian, "did not I tell you so? Bythis you may see we are right."
So they followed, and he went before them. But,behold, the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that15they who were behind lost sight of him that went before.He, therefore, that went before—Vain-Confidence byname—not seeing the way before him, fell into a deeppit and was dashed in pieces with his fall.
Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall; so they20called to know the matter. But there was no answer,only they heard a groan.
Then said Hopeful, "Where are we now?"
Then was his fellow silent, as mistrusting that he hadled him out of the way; and now it began to rain and25thunder and lightning in a most dreadful manner, and thewater rose amain, by reason of which the way of goingback was very dangerous.
Yet they adventured to go back; but it was so darkand the flood so high, that in their going back they had30like to have been drowned nine or ten times. Neithercould they, with all the skill they had, get back again tothe stile that night. Wherefore, at last lighting under alittle shelter, they sat down there until daybreak. Butbeing weary, they fell asleep.
Now there was, not far from the place where they lay,a castle, called Doubting Castle, the owner whereof was5Giant Despair; and it was in his grounds they now weresleeping. Wherefore he, getting up in the morning early,and walking up and down in his fields, caught Christianand Hopeful asleep in his grounds. Then with a grim andsurly voice he bid them awake, and asked them whence10they were and what they did in his grounds.
They told him they were pilgrims, and that they hadlost their way.
Then said the giant, "You have this night trespassedon me, by trampling in and lying on my grounds, and therefore15you must go along with me."
So they were forced to go, because he was strongerthan they. They also had but little to say, for theyknew themselves in a fault. The giant, therefore, drovethem before him and put them into his castle, in a very20dark dungeon.
Here, then, they lay from Wednesday morning till Saturdaynight, without one bit of bread, or drop of drink, orlight, or any to ask how they did: they were, therefore,here in evil case, and were far from friends and acquaintance.25
Now Giant Despair had a wife, and her name was Diffidence.So, when he was gone to bed, he told his wife thathe had taken a couple of prisoners, and had cast them intohis dungeon for trespassing on his grounds. Then he askedher also what he had best do to them. So she asked him30what they were, whence they came, and whither theywere bound; and he told her. Then she counseled himthat when he arose in the morning he should beat themwithout mercy.
So when he arose, he getteth him a grievous crab-treecudgel, and goes into the dungeon to them, and there first5falls to rating of them as if they were dogs, although theynever gave him an unpleasant word. Then he fell uponthem and beat them fearfully, in such sort that they werenot able to help themselves or to turn them upon the floor.This done he withdraws and leaves them there to condole10their misery and to mourn under their distress. So allthat day they spent their time in nothing but sighs andbitter lamentations.
The next night she, talking with her husband furtherabout them, and understanding that they were yet alive,15did advise him to counsel them to make away with themselves.
So, when morning was come, he goes to them in asurly manner as before, and perceiving them to be verysore with the stripes that he had given them the day before,20he told them that, since they were never like to come outof that place, their only way would be forthwith to makean end of themselves, either with knife, halter, or poison."For why," he said, "should you choose to live, seeing itis attended with so much bitterness?"25
But they desired him to let them go. With that helooked ugly upon them, and rushing to them, had doubtlessmade an end of them himself, but that he fell intoone of his fits and lost for a time the use of his hands.Wherefore he withdrew, and left them, as before, to30consider what to do.
Then did the prisoners consult between themselves,whether it was best to take his counsel or no. But theysoon resolved to reject it; for it would be very wicked tokill themselves; and, besides, something might soonhappen to enable them to make their escape.
Well, towards evening the giant goes down to the dungeon5again, to see if his prisoners had taken his counsel; butwhen he came there, he found them alive. I say, he foundthem alive; at which he fell into a grievous rage, and toldthem that, seeing they had disobeyed his counsel, it shouldbe worse with them than if they had never been born.10
At this they trembled greatly, and I think that Christianfell into a swoon; but, coming a little to himself again,they renewed their discourse about the giant's counsel,and whether yet they had best take it or no. Now Christianagain seemed for doing it, but Hopeful reminded15him of the hardships and terrors he had already gonethrough, and said that they ought to bear up with patienceas well as they could, and steadily reject the giant'swicked counsel.
Now, night being come again, and the giant and his20wife being in bed, she asked him concerning the prisoners,and if they had taken his counsel. To this he replied,"They are sturdy rogues; they choose rather to bear allhardships than to make away with themselves."
Then said she, "Take them into the castle yard to-morrow,25and show them the bones and skulls of those thatthou hast already dispatched, and make them believe thouwilt tear them in pieces, as thou hast done their fellowsbefore them."
So when morning has come, the giant goes to them again,30and takes them into the castle yard, and shows them as hiswife had bidden him. "These," said he, "were pilgrims,as you are, once, and they trespassed on my grounds,as you have done; and when I thought fit, I tore them inpieces; and so within ten days I will do to you. Getyou down to your den again."
And with that he beat them all the way thither.5
Now, when night was come, Mrs. Diffidence and herhusband began to renew their discourse of their prisoners.The old giant wondered that he could neither by his blowsnor by his counsel bring them to an end.
And with that his wife replied. "I fear," said she, "that10they live in hopes that some will come to relieve them,or that they have picklocks about them, by the means ofwhich they hope to escape."
"And sayest thou so, my dear?" said the giant. "Iwill therefore search them in the morning."15
Well, on Saturday, about midnight, they began to pray,and continued in prayer till almost break of day.
Now a little before it was day, good Christian, as onehalf amazed, broke out into a passionate speech: "Whata fool am I, thus to lie in a dungeon! I have a key in20my bosom, called Promise, that will, I am persuaded,open any lock in Doubting Castle."
Then said Hopeful, "That's good news, good brother;pluck it out of thy bosom and try."
Then Christian pulled it out of his bosom and began25to try at the dungeon door, whose bolt, as he turned thekey, gave back, and the door flew open with ease, andChristian and Hopeful both came out.
After that, he went to the iron gate, for that must beopened too, but that lock went desperately hard: yet the30key did open it. Then they thrust open the gate to maketheir escape with speed; but that gate, as it opened, madesuch a creaking that it waked Giant Despair, who, hastilyrising to pursue his prisoners, felt his limbs to fail, for hisfits took him again, so that he could by no means go afterthem. Then they went on, and came to the King's highwayagain, and so were safe.5
—Pilgrim's Progress.
1. Who was traveling with Christian? What mishap first befell them? Why did it occur? What next did they encounter? What happened to the two in Doubting Castle?2. Explain what an allegory is. Remembering this is an allegory, what do you think each of the following represents in actual life: Bypath Meadow, Vain-Confidence, Doubting Castle, Giant Despair, Mrs. Diffidence, the key called Promise, the King's highway?3. What is the significance of the name of each of the two leading characters?4. Select and read aloud a short passage that reminds you of the Bible. In what way is the language of your passage like that of the Bible?5. John Bunyan (1628-1688) was an Englishman, believed to be the son of a gipsy tinker. He said his youth was very ungodly; but he married a religious woman and early became a preacher. At the same time he began to write books of a religious nature. Because he preached at "unlawful meetings" he was thrown into prison, where he remained for twelve years. It was while he was in the Bedford jail that he wrote the first part ofPilgrim's Progress, the book that has made his name one of the best loved in literature. After his release from prison, he became an elected pastor of the Baptist faith, and spent his remaining years in preaching and writing. What is there in the above extract that may reflect his experiences in Bedford?
1. Who was traveling with Christian? What mishap first befell them? Why did it occur? What next did they encounter? What happened to the two in Doubting Castle?
2. Explain what an allegory is. Remembering this is an allegory, what do you think each of the following represents in actual life: Bypath Meadow, Vain-Confidence, Doubting Castle, Giant Despair, Mrs. Diffidence, the key called Promise, the King's highway?
3. What is the significance of the name of each of the two leading characters?
4. Select and read aloud a short passage that reminds you of the Bible. In what way is the language of your passage like that of the Bible?
5. John Bunyan (1628-1688) was an Englishman, believed to be the son of a gipsy tinker. He said his youth was very ungodly; but he married a religious woman and early became a preacher. At the same time he began to write books of a religious nature. Because he preached at "unlawful meetings" he was thrown into prison, where he remained for twelve years. It was while he was in the Bedford jail that he wrote the first part ofPilgrim's Progress, the book that has made his name one of the best loved in literature. After his release from prison, he became an elected pastor of the Baptist faith, and spent his remaining years in preaching and writing. What is there in the above extract that may reflect his experiences in Bedford?
Old Fezziwig in his warehouse laid down his penand looked up at the clock, which pointed to thehour of seven. He rubbed his hands; adjusted his waistcoat;laughed all over himself, from his shoes to his organ5of benevolence; and called out in a comfortable, oily, rich,fat, jovial voice:
"Yo-ho, there! Ebenezer! Dick!"
Ebenezer came briskly in, followed by his fellow'prentice.10
"Yo-ho, my boys!" said Fezziwig. "No more workto-night. Christmas Eve, Dick! Christmas, Ebenezer!Let's have the shutters up," cried old Fezziwig, with asharp clap of his hands, "before a man can say JackRobinson."15
You wouldn't believe how those two fellows went at it!They charged into the street with the shutters—one, two,three—had 'em in their places—four, five, six—barred'em and pinned 'em—seven, eight, nine—and came backbefore you could have got to twelve, panting like race20horses.
"Hilli-ho!" cried old Fezziwig, skipping down from hisdesk with wonderful agility. "Clear away, my lads, andlet's have lots of room here! Hilli-ho, Dick! Chirrup,Ebenezer!"25
Clear away? There was nothing they wouldn't havecleared away or couldn't have cleared away, with oldFezziwig looking on. It was done in a minute. Everymovable was packed off, as if it were dismissed from publiclife forevermore. The floor was swept and watered, thelamps were trimmed, fuel was heaped upon the fire; andthe warehouse was as snug and warm, and dry and bright,5as any ballroom you would desire to see.
In came a fiddler with a music book, and went up to thelofty desk, and made an orchestra of it. In came Mrs.Fezziwig, one vast substantial smile. In came the threeMiss Fezziwigs, beaming and lovable. In came the six10young followers whose hearts they broke. In came allthe young men and young women employed in the business.In came the housemaid with her cousin the baker. Incame the cook with her brother's particular friend the milkmanIn came the boy from over the way, who was15suspected of not having enough to eat from his master. Inthey all came, one after another—some shyly, some boldly,some gracefully, some awkwardly, some pushing, somepulling. In they all came, anyhow and everyhow.
Away they all went, twenty couples at once; down the20middle and up again; round and round in various stagesof affectionate grouping; old top couple always turning upin the wrong place; new top couple starting off again assoon as they got there; all top couples at last, and not abottom one to help them!25
When this result was brought about, old Fezziwig,clapping his hands to stop the dance, cried out, "Welldone!" Then there were more dances, and there wereforfeits, and more dances; and there was cake, and therewas a great piece of cold roast, and there was a great piece30of cold boiled, and there were mince pies and other delicacies.But the great effect of the evening came afterthe roast and the boiled, when the fiddler, artful dog, struckupSir Roger de Coverley. Then old Mr. Fezziwig stoodout to dance with Mrs. Fezziwig. Top couple, too, witha good stiff piece of work cut out for them; three orfour and twenty pair of partners; people who were not to5be trifled with—people who would dance and had nonotion of walking.
But if they had been twice as many—aye, four times—oldMr. Fezziwig would have been a match for them andso would Mrs. Fezziwig. As toher, she was worthy to10be his partner in every sense of the term. If that's nothigh praise, tell me higher and I'll use it. . . . And whenMr. Fezziwig and Mrs. Fezziwig had gone all through thedance—advance and retire, both hands to your partner,bow and curtsy, thread the needle, and back to your place—Fezziwig15"cut" so deftly that he appeared to wink withhis legs, and came upon his feet again without a stagger.
When the clock struck eleven this domestic ball broke up.Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig took their stations one on eitherside of the door, and shaking hands with every person20individually as he or she went out, wished him or her aMerry Christmas. When everybody had retired but thetwo apprentices they did the same to them; and thus thecheerful voices died away and the lads were left to theirbeds—which were under a counter in the back shop.25
—A Christmas Carol.
1.A Christmas Carolis a story everybody should read and re-read. Why do you think it is so popular? What is there about this selection that is likable? How does it reflect the joy of the Christmas season?2. List the books you know that Dickens wrote. Which have you read? Find some interesting facts about Dickens's life and report these to the class.
1.A Christmas Carolis a story everybody should read and re-read. Why do you think it is so popular? What is there about this selection that is likable? How does it reflect the joy of the Christmas season?
2. List the books you know that Dickens wrote. Which have you read? Find some interesting facts about Dickens's life and report these to the class.
Victor Hugo (1802-1885), poet, dramatist, and novelist, dominated the literature of France during the nineteenth century. His novel,Les Misérables, written in 1862, during Hugo's long political exile, exemplifies his extensive knowledge of the deplorable conditions of life in France at that time, his understanding of the human heart, and his marvelous literary ability.In the following extract fromLes Misérables, the most famous character of the book, Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, takes his first step toward final regeneration by meeting Bishop D. The Bishop, known also as Monseigneur Welcome, voluntarily lived a simple and austere life with his sister and old housekeeper, but had humored his one weakness by retaining his table silver and handsome silver candlesticks.Valjean is speaking to the Bishop at the beginning of the extract.
Victor Hugo (1802-1885), poet, dramatist, and novelist, dominated the literature of France during the nineteenth century. His novel,Les Misérables, written in 1862, during Hugo's long political exile, exemplifies his extensive knowledge of the deplorable conditions of life in France at that time, his understanding of the human heart, and his marvelous literary ability.
In the following extract fromLes Misérables, the most famous character of the book, Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, takes his first step toward final regeneration by meeting Bishop D. The Bishop, known also as Monseigneur Welcome, voluntarily lived a simple and austere life with his sister and old housekeeper, but had humored his one weakness by retaining his table silver and handsome silver candlesticks.
Valjean is speaking to the Bishop at the beginning of the extract.
"You! Listen! I am Jean Valjean, the galley slave.I was nineteen years in prison. Four days agothey let me out and I started for Pontarlier. I have beentramping for four days since I left Toulon, and to-day Iwalked twelve leagues. When I came into the town this5evening I went to the inn, but because of my yellow passportthat I had shown at the police office, they drove meout. Then I went to the other inn and the landlord saidto me, 'Off with you!' Everywhere it was the same;no one would have anything to do with me. Even the10jailer of the prison would not take me in. So I was lyingon a stone in the square, when a good woman came alongand she said to me, pointing to this place, 'Knock there.They will take you in.' What is this? Is it an inn? Ihave money—all that I earned in the prison for nineteenyears—109 francs and 15 sous. I will pay. I am terriblytired and almost famished. Will you let me stay here?"
"Madame Magloire," said the Bishop to his aged housekeeper,"you will please lay another place for supper."5
Jean Valjean shuffled to the table where the lamp stood.He took a large yellow paper from his pocket and unfoldedit. "Wait," he said, "You don't seem to understand. Iam a galley slave, a convict, just from prison. This ismy yellow passport which makes everyone drive me away.10You must read it. I can read it myself; I learned toread in the prison, where they have a class for those thatwant to learn. This is what it says on my yellow paper:'Jean Valjean, a liberated convict, has been nineteen yearsat the galleys. Five years for burglary, fourteen years15for having tried four times to escape. A very dangerousman.' Now, will you turn me away like all the others,or will you give me food and a bed? Perhaps you havea stable?"
"Madame Magloire," said the Bishop, "kindly put clean20sheets on our extra bed in the alcove."
Madame Magloire left the room at once to carry outthese instructions. The Bishop turned to the ex-convict,saying, "Draw a chair to the fire, sir, we shall eat presently.Your bed will be prepared while we are at supper."25
After bidding good-night to his sister and Madame Magloire,the Bishop took one of the silver candlesticks andhanding the other to his guest, Jean Valjean, he said, "Iwill conduct you to your room, sir. I trust you will havea good night's rest. To-morrow morning, before you leave,30you will drink a glass of milk from our cow."
As the cathedral bell struck two, Jean Valjean awoke.The strange sensation of sleeping in a comfortable bed oncemore, after nineteen years of life in the galleys, disturbedhis sleep. His first weariness had worn off after a fewhours of deep sleep. After looking into the darkness5about him, he tried to sleep again. When many agitatingsensations have filled a man's day, and still preoccupy hismind, he may fall asleep once, but he cannot go to sleep asecond time. So sleep had come to Jean Valjean, but wouldnot return to him, and he lay awake thinking.10
His mind was filled with troubled ideas, which seemedto float in a kind of obscurity. His old recollections andrecent experiences became confused, lost their identity,grew out of proportion, dwindled, then disappeared entirely,all in a distressing vagueness. But one thought persistently15returned, to the exclusion of all the others. It was this:the six silver forks and spoons and the handsome silverladle were in the next room, only a few yards from him. Hehad seen Madame Magloire put them into a small cupboardin the adjoining room, on the right as you came from20the dining room. It was fine, old silver—the ladle alonemust be worth at least 200 francs, which was twice asmuch as he had earned during his nineteen years in thegalleys.
For one hour his mind was occupied with this absorbing25theme—weighing, wavering, even struggling. Suddenlyat the stroke of three, he sat upright, reached out for hisknapsack, which he had thrown into a corner, and foundhimself, to his surprise, seated on the edge of the bed. Hesat thus for a while, deep in thought; then stooped, took30off his shoes; then once more resumed his thoughts, sittingmotionless. During this period, he again had the sensationof all his old and new experiences crossing and recrossingeach other in his mind and weighing upon him. He wasthinking of an old companion of the galleys, recalling hisqueer mannerisms, when the clock struck the quarter orhalf hour, seeming to call to him "To work!"5
He stood up and listened. The house was absolutelysilent. He tiptoed to the window and looked out. Thewind was driving heavy clouds across a full moon, producingalternate light and darkness, within and without. JeanValjean examined the window; it was closed by a small peg,10had no bars, and looked upon the little garden. He openedit, but closed it again promptly upon the sharp cold windthat entered. A study of the garden showed it to be inclosedby a low whitewashed wall, and a view of treetopsat regular intervals beyond indicated a public walk.15
This study being completed, Jean Valjean returned tothe alcove, drew from his knapsack an iron bar which heplaced on the bed, put his shoes in a compartment of hisknapsack, which he then lifted to his shoulders, drew hiscap down over his eyes, took his stick from the corner, and20finally returning to the bed, took up the article which hehad laid there.
At sunrise the following morning, the Bishop was walkingas usual in his little garden, when Madame Magloirecame hurrying toward him in the greatest excitement.25
"Monseigneur," she exclaimed, "all our table silver isstolen and the man is gone."
Just then, glancing at the corner of the garden, she sawthat the coping of the wall had been broken away.
"Look at the wall! He must have climbed over into the30lane! And all our silver stolen! What a crime!"
After a moment's silence, the Bishop said earnestly toMadame Magloire,
"As a matter of fact, was the silver really ours?"
The old housekeeper stood speechless. The Bishopcontinued,5
"It was wrong of me to keep that silver; it belongedrightfully to the poor. And that man was a poor man,surely."
"Oh, Monseigneur!" murmured Madame Magloire,"neither Mademoiselle your sister, nor I, care about the10silver. It was only for you. What will Monseigneur eatwith now?"
"Are not pewter forks and spoons to be had?" said theBishop.
"Pewter smells," said Madame Magloire.15
"Then iron?" continued the Bishop.
"Iron has a bad taste," and Madame Magloire grimacedexpressively.
"That still leaves wood," exclaimed the Bishop triumphantly.Later, at breakfast, the Bishop jokingly commented20to his silent sister and grumbling housekeeper, thatfor a breakfast of bread and milk even a wooden fork wasunnecessary.
"Just think of it," muttered Madame Magloire as shetrotted back and forth between the dining room and kitchen,25"to take in a convict like that, and let him eat and sleepwith decent people. It's lucky that he didn't do worsethan steal. It terrifies one just to think of what might havehappened."
At the moment that the Bishop and his sister were30leaving the table, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," said the Bishop.
The door opened, and there appeared three gendarmesholding a man by the collar. The man was Jean Valjean.The leader of the party, a corporal, saluted the Bishop.
"Monseigneur," he began.
Jean Valjean looked up, dazed.5
"Monseigneur!" he muttered, "then this is not an inn.He is not just a priest!"
"Silence," commanded the corporal. "This is Monseigneurthe Bishop."
The aged Bishop was making his way to Jean Valjean as10rapidly as he could.
"Ah, here you are again," he said, "I am glad to seeyou. You know I gave you the candlesticks, too. Whydid you not take them? They are worth at least 200francs. You should have taken them along with the plate15silver."
Words cannot describe the expression in the eyes of JeanValjean as he gazed at the Bishop.
"Then, Monseigneur, what this man says is true?" askedthe corporal. "He looked as if he was escaping from somewhere,20so we arrested him. And then we found this silverplate upon him."
"And then," interrupted the Bishop, "he explained, ofcourse, that an old priest at whose house he stayed lastnight gave him the plate? I see. And you brought him25back. You were wrong."
"Then we are to let him go?" asked the corporal.
"Certainly," replied the Bishop.
Jean Valjean was released. He staggered back.
"Is it true that I am free?" he murmured weakly.30
"Yes, of course. And my friend," the Bishop continued,"take the candlesticks with you this time."
Going to the mantelpiece, he took down the two candlesticksand brought them to Jean Valjean. The twowomen watched, speechless, but made no sign of dissent.Jean Valjean was trembling; he took the candlesticksmechanically, as if in a dream.5
"Depart in peace," said the Bishop, "and, by the way,when you come again, enter by the front door; it is onlylatched."
Turning to the gendarmes, he said, "Gentlemen, it isunnecessary for you to remain."10
The gendarmes retired.
Jean Valjean seemed unable to recover his senses; hefelt himself about to faint, when the Bishop approachedand said to him, in a very low voice,
"Remember always, my friend, that I have your promise15to use this money to become an honest man."
Jean Valjean, unconscious of having made a promise ofany kind, remained silent.
With great solemnity, the Bishop continued, in a lowbut firm voice:20
"Jean Valjean, henceforth you belong only to good.Your soul I have bought and herewith I banish from it allblack thoughts and the spirit of Evil, and give it to Good."
—Les Misérables.
1. Who are the two characters that come into contact here? Tell what each is like. What, in a way, does each represent?2. Did Valjean have any intention of robbing anyone when he asked for lodging? Was Valjean accountable for the theft? Discuss fully.3. Where is the point of highest dramatic interest? If you were painting a scene from the selection, which would you select?4. Explain why the Bishop did what he did in the final scene.
1. Who are the two characters that come into contact here? Tell what each is like. What, in a way, does each represent?
2. Did Valjean have any intention of robbing anyone when he asked for lodging? Was Valjean accountable for the theft? Discuss fully.
3. Where is the point of highest dramatic interest? If you were painting a scene from the selection, which would you select?
4. Explain why the Bishop did what he did in the final scene.
The adventures of Captain Lemuel Gulliver, as told by Swift inGulliver's Travels, have been read with delight for two hundred years. Gulliver first lands in Lilliput and has thrilling adventures among the little people. Then he visits Brobdingnag, the land of giants. His third voyage takes him to Laputa, where he sees the philosophers; and on the fourth he visits the land of the Houyhnhnms. The last two voyages are not so entertaining as the first two, which are classics.
The adventures of Captain Lemuel Gulliver, as told by Swift inGulliver's Travels, have been read with delight for two hundred years. Gulliver first lands in Lilliput and has thrilling adventures among the little people. Then he visits Brobdingnag, the land of giants. His third voyage takes him to Laputa, where he sees the philosophers; and on the fourth he visits the land of the Houyhnhnms. The last two voyages are not so entertaining as the first two, which are classics.
We set sail from Bristol May 4th, 1699, and our voyageat first was very prosperous. It would not beproper, for some reasons, to trouble the reader with theparticulars of our adventures in those seas; let it suffice toinform him that in our passage from thence to the East5Indies we were driven by a violent storm to the northwestof Van Diemen's Land. By an observation we found ourselvesin the latitude of thirty degrees, two minutes, south.Twelve of our crew were dead by immoderate labor and illfood, and the rest were in a very weak condition.10
On the fifth of November, which was the beginning ofsummer in those parts, the weather being very hazy, theseamen spied a rock within half a cable's length of the ship;but the wind was so strong that we were driven directlyupon it and immediately split. Six of the crew, of whom15I was one, having let down the boat into the sea, made ashift to get clear of the ship and the rock. We rowed, bymy computation, about three leagues, till we were able towork no longer, being already spent with labor while wewere in the ship. We therefore trusted ourselves to themercy of the waves, and in about half an hour the boatwas overset by a sudden flurry from the north. Whatbecame of my companions in the boat, as well as thosewho escaped on the rock or were left in the vessel, I cannot5tell; but conclude they were all lost.
For my own part I swam as fortune directed me, and waspushed forward by wind and tide. I often let my legsdrop, and could feel no bottom; but when I was almostgone, and able to struggle no longer, I found myself within10my depth, and by this time the storm was much abated.The declivity was so small that I walked near a mile beforeI got to the shore, which I reached, as I conjectured, at abouteight o'clock in the evening. I then advanced forward nearhalf a mile, but could not discover any sign of houses or15inhabitants; at least I was in so weak a condition that Idid not observe them. I was extremely tired, and withthat, and the heat of the weather, and about half a pintof brandy that I drank as I left the ship, I found myselfmuch inclined to sleep. I lay down on the grass, which was20very short and soft, where I slept sounder than ever Iremember to have done in my life, and, as I reckoned, abovenine hours; for when I awaked it was just daylight. Iattempted to rise, but was not able to stir; for as I happenedto lie on my back, I found my arms and legs were strongly25fastened on each side to the ground; and my hair, whichwas long and thick, tied down in the same manner. I likewisefelt several slender ligatures across my body, from myarmpits to my thighs. I could only look upwards, thesun began to grow hot, and the light offended my eyes.30I heard a confused noise about me, but in the posture inwhich I lay, I could see nothing except the sky.
In a little time I felt something alive moving on myleft leg, which advancing gently forward over my breast,came almost up to my chin, when bending mine eyes downwardas much as I could I perceived it to be a human creaturenot six inches high, with a bow and arrow in his5hands, and a quiver at his back. In the meantime Ifelt at least forty more of the same kind (as I conjectured)following the first. I was in the utmost astonishment, androared so loud that they all ran back in a fright; and someof them, as I was afterwards told, were hurt with the falls10they got by leaping from my sides upon the ground. Howeverthey soon returned, and one of them, who venturedso far as to get a full sight of my face, lifting up his handsand eyes by way of admiration, cried out in a shrill butdistinct voice, "Hekinah degul"; and others repeated the15same words several times, but I then knew not what theymeant. I lay all this while, as the reader may believe, ingreat uneasiness.
At length, struggling to get loose, I had the fortune tobreak the strings and wrench out the pegs that fastened20my left arm to the ground; for, by lifting it up to my face,I discovered the methods they had taken to bind me; and,at the same time, with a violent pull which gave meexcessive pain, I a little loosened the strings that tied downmy hair on the left side, so that I was just able to turn my25head about two inches; but the creatures ran off a secondtime, before I could seize them, whereupon there was agreat shout in a very shrill accent, and after it ceased Iheard one of them cry aloud, "Tolgo phonac," when in aninstant I felt above a hundred arrows discharged on my30left hand, which pricked me like so many needles; and,besides, they shot another flight into the air, as we do bombsin Europe, whereof many, I suppose, fell on my body(though I felt them not) and some on my face, which Iimmediately covered with my left hand. When this showerwas over, I fell a groaning with grief and pain; and thenstriving again to get loose, they discharged another volley5larger than the first, and some of them attempted withspears to stick me in the sides; but, by good luck, I hadon me a buff jerkin, which they could not pierce.
I thought it the most prudent method to lie still, andmy design was to continue so till night, when my left hand10being already loose I could easily free myself. And as forthe inhabitants, I had reason to believe I might be a matchfor the greatest armies they could bring against me, ifthey were all of the same size with him that I saw. Butfortune disposed otherwise of me. When the people15observed I was quiet, they discharged no more arrows;but by the noise I heard I knew their numbers increased;and about four yards from me, over against my right ear,I heard a knocking for above an hour, like that of people atwork; when, turning my head that way as well as the pegs20and strings would permit me, I saw a stage erected about afoot and a half from the ground, capable of holding fourof the inhabitants, with two or three ladders to mount it,from whence one of them, who seemed to be a person ofquality, made me a long speech, whereof I understood not25one syllable. But I should have mentioned that beforethe principal person began his oration he cried out threetimes, "Langro dehlsan" (these words and the former wereafterwards repeated and explained to me), whereupon immediatelyabout fifty of the inhabitants came and cut the30strings that fastened the left side of my head, which gaveme the liberty of turning it to the right and of observingthe person and gesture of him that was to speak. Heappeared to be of a middle age, and taller than any ofthe other three who attended him, whereof one was apage that held up his train, and seemed to be somewhatlonger than my middle finger; the other two stood one5on each side to support him. He acted every part of anorator, and I could observe many periods of threatenings,and others of promises, pity, and kindness. I answeredin a few words, but in the most submissive manner, liftingup my left hand and both mine eyes to the sun, as10calling him for a witness: and being almost famishedwith hunger, having not eaten a morsel for some hours beforeI left the ship, I found the demands of nature sostrong upon me that I could not forbear showing myimpatience (perhaps against the strict rules of decency)15by putting my finger frequently on my mouth, to signifythat I wanted food. Thehurgo(for so they call agreat lord, as I afterwards learned) understood me verywell.
He descended from the stage, and commanded that20several ladders should be applied to my side on which abovea hundred of the inhabitants mounted, and walked towardmy mouth, laden with baskets full of meat, which had beenprovided and sent thither by the king's orders upon thefirst intelligence he received of me. I observed there was25the flesh of several animals, but could not distinguishthem by the taste. There were shoulders, legs, and loins,shaped like those of mutton, and very well dressed, butsmaller than the wings of a lark. I ate them by two orthree at a mouthful, and took three loaves at a time about30the bigness of musket bullets. They supplied me as fastas they could, showing a thousand marks of wonder andastonishment at my bulk and appetite. I then made anothersign that I wanted drink. They found by my eatingthat a small quantity would not suffice me, and, being a mostingenious people, they flung up with great dexterity one oftheir largest hogsheads; then rolled it toward my hand,5and beat out the top; I drank it off at a draft, which Imight well do, for it did not hold half a pint and tastedlike a small wine of Burgundy, but much more delicious.They brought me a second hogshead, which I drank in thesame manner and made signs for more, but they had none10to give me. When I had performed these wonders theyshouted for joy, and danced upon my breast, repeatingseveral times, as they did at first, "Hekinah degul."They made me a sign that I should throw down the twohogsheads, but first warning the people below to stand out15of the way, crying aloud, "Borach mivola"; and when theysaw the vessels in the air, there was an universal shout of"Hekinah degul." I confess I was often tempted, whilethey were passing backward and forward on my body, toseize forty or fifty of the first that came in my reach, and20dash them against the ground. But the remembrance ofwhat I had felt, which probably might not be the worstthey could do, and the promise of honor I made them, forso I interpreted my submissive behavior, soon drove outthese imaginations. Besides, I now considered myself as25bound by the laws of hospitality to a people who had treatedme with so much expense and magnificence. However,in my thoughts I could not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidityof these diminutive mortals, who durst venture tomount and walk upon my body, while one of my hands was30at liberty, without trembling at the very sight of so prodigiousa creature as I must appear to them.
After some time, when they observed that I made no moredemand for meat, there appeared before me a person ofhigh rank from His Imperial Majesty. His Excellency havingmounted on the small of my right leg, advanced forward,up to my face, with about a dozen of his retinue, and5producing his credentials under the signet royal, which heapplied close to mine eyes, spoke about ten minutes,without any signs of anger, but with a kind of determinateresolution, often pointing forward, which, as I afterwardfound, was toward the capital city, about half a mile distant,10whither it was agreed by His Majesty in council thatI must be conveyed. I answered in a few words, but tono purpose, and made a sign with my hand that was loose,putting it to the other (but over His Excellency's headfor fear of hurting him or his train) and then to my own head15and body, to signify that I desired my liberty. It appearedthat he understood me well enough, for he shook his head byway of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to showthat I must be carried as a prisoner. However, he madeother signs to let me understand that I should have meat and20drink enough, and very good treatment: whereupon Ionce more thought of attempting to break my bonds, butagain, when I felt the smart of their arrows upon my faceand hands, which were all in blisters, and many of the dartsstill sticking in them, and observing likewise that the25number of my enemies increased, I gave tokens to let themknow that they might do with me what they pleased. Uponthis thehurgoand his train withdrew with much civilityand cheerful countenances.
Soon after I heard a general shout, with frequent repetition30of the words "Peplom selan," and I felt greatnumbers of the people on my left side relaxing the cords tosuch a degree that I was able to turn upon my right. Butbefore this they had daubed my face and both my handswith a sort of ointment very pleasant to the smell, which ina few minutes removed all the smart of their arrows.These circumstances, added to the refreshment I had5received by their victuals and drink, which were verynourishing, disposed me to sleep. I slept about eight hoursas I was afterward assured; and it was no wonder, for thephysicians, by the emperor's order, had mingled a sleepingpotion in the hogsheads of wine.10
It seems that upon the first moment I was discoveredsleeping on the ground after my landing, the emperorhad early notice of it by an express, and determined incouncil that I should be tied in the manner I have related(which was done in the night while I slept), that plenty of15meat and drink should be sent to me, and a machineprepared to carry me to the capital city.
This resolution perhaps may appear very bold anddangerous, and I am confident would not be imitated byany prince in Europe on the like occasion; however, in20my opinion it was extremely prudent as well as generous.For supposing these people had endeavored to kill me withtheir spears and arrows while I was asleep, I should certainlyhave awaked with the first sense of smart, whichmight so far have roused my rage and strength as to have25enabled me to break the strings wherewith I was tied;after which, as they were not able to make resistance,so they could expect no mercy.
These people are most excellent mathematicians, andarrived to a great perfection in mechanics by the countenance30and encouragement of the emperor, who is a renownedpatron of learning. This prince hath severalmachines fixed on wheels for the carriage of trees and othergreat weights. He often builds his largest men of war,whereof some are nine feet long, in the woods where thetimber grows, and has them carried on these engines threeor four hundred yards to the sea. Five hundred carpenters5and engineers were immediately set at work to prepare thegreatest engine they had. It was a frame of wood raisedthree inches from the ground, about seven feet long andfour wide, moving upon twenty-two wheels. The shoutI heard was upon the arrival of this engine, which it seems10set out in four hours after my landing. It was broughtparallel to me as I lay. But the principal difficulty was toraise and place me in this vehicle. Eighty poles, each ofone foot high, were erected for this purpose, and very strongcords of the bigness of packthread were fastened by hooks15to many bandages, which the workmen had girt round myneck, my hands, my body, and my legs. Nine hundred ofthe strongest men were employed to draw up these cordsby many pulleys fastened on the poles, and thus in lessthan three hours, I was raised and flung into the engine,20and there tied fast. All this I was told, for while the wholeoperation was performing, I lay in a profound sleep, bythe force of that soporiferous medicine infused into myliquor. Fifteen hundred of the emperor's largest horses,each about four inches and a half high, were employed to25draw me toward the metropolis, which, as I said, washalf a mile distant.
About four hours after we began our journey, I awakedby a very ridiculous accident; for the carriage being stoppeda while to adjust something that was out of order, two or30three of the young natives had the curiosity to see how Ilooked when I was asleep; they climbed up into the engine,and advancing very softly to my face, one of them, anofficer in the guards, put the sharp end of his half-pikea good way into my left nostril, which tickled my nose likea straw, and made me sneeze violently; whereupon theystole off unperceived, and it was three weeks before I knew5the cause of my awaking so suddenly. We made a longmarch the remaining part of that day, and rested thatnight with five hundred guards on each side of me, halfwith torches, and half with bows and arrows, ready toshoot me if I should offer to stir. The next morning at10sunrise we continued our march, and arrived within twohundred yards of the city gates about noon. The emperorand all his court came out to meet us, but his greatofficers would by no means suffer His Majesty to endangerhis person by mounting on my body.15
At the place where the carriage stopped, there stood anancient temple, esteemed to be the largest in the wholekingdom, which having been polluted some years before byan unnatural murder, was, according to the zeal of thosepeople, looked on as profane, and therefore had been applied20to common use, and all the ornaments and furniture carriedaway. In this edifice it was determined I should lodge.The great gate fronting to the north was about four feethigh, and almost two feet wide, through which I could easilycreep. On each side of the gate was a small window, not25above six inches from the ground; into that on the left sidethe king's smiths conveyed fourscore and eleven chains,like those that hang to a lady's watch in Europe, and almostas large, which were locked to my left leg with six andthirty padlocks. Over against this temple, on the other side30of the great highway, at twenty foot distance, there was aturret at least five foot high. Here the emperor ascendedwith at least twenty lords of his court, to have an opportunityof viewing me, as I was told, for I could not seethem. It was reckoned that above an hundred thousandinhabitants came out of the town upon the same errand;and in spite of my guards, I believe there could not be fewer5than ten thousand, at several times, who mounted upon mybody by the help of ladders. But a proclamation was soonissued to forbid it upon pain of death. When the workmenfound that it was impossible for me to break loose, theycut all the strings that bound me; whereupon I rose up10with as melancholy a disposition as ever I had in my life.But the noise and astonishment of the people at seeing merise and walk are not to be expressed. The chains thatheld my left leg were about two yards long, and gave menot only the liberty of walking backwards and forwards in15a semicircle, but being fixed within four inches of the gate,allowed me to creep in, and lie at full length in the temple.
—Gulliver's Travels.