LETTER III.WilliamtoCharles.
How agreeable, my dear Charles, has Dr. Bartlett made my life; by teaching me the habit of exercising my mind, he has inspired me with curiosity to improve myself in the sciences, and your whole family have led me to love the arts. I would draw, and learn music, to be the companion of Emilia and Charles. And pray thank your father for the books and mathematical instruments he gave me, and I hope, by my future diligence, to prove that I am grateful for the instructions I received at your house.
I daily find, that industry and perseverance overcome many difficulties. But I receive still more satisfaction from my employments, when I perceive thepleasure my improvement affords my mother.—I never saw her so happy since my father’s death as she is at present. Yesterday she came into my room, and found me with my compasses in my hand, and my books open before me. Her eyes swam in tears, and she kissed me affectionately, exclaiming, how thankful ought I to be to heaven, for having given me such a son to comfort my widowed heart. Oh, Charles, what a satisfaction I felt when I heard this said by a mother I tenderly loved, and every day more and more respect.—How valuable were those lessons, added she,—which you were favoured with; and what a blessing for you has been the example of your friend.—Very true, my dear mother, answered I, but at the same time I recollect, that you were my first teacher; that you laid the groundwork; had you not accustomed me to diligence, and prepared me by your instructions,what should I have learnt in one year even with the best masters? You taught me to read the Dutch, English, and French languages, and the knowledge of them prejudiced my friends in England in my favour.
My mother, after having sat a few moments, left me, but quickly returned, with a cup of chocolate. A little refreshment, William, said she, will enable you to work with more pleasure, and I know you are fond of chocolate. Yes, answered I, my dear Madam, but I receive more pleasure from this proof of your goodness, than any refreshment could ever afford me.
My mother then asked if I had any thing particular to do in the evening, if not, she would give me a little commission. You may be sure that I eagerly told her I should be ready to do whatever she desired who had a right to command.Well, said she, we shall see, and left the room.
After she left me I began to consider, nay, to wonder, what it could be, for I perceived a smile on her countenance when she spoke of it. Suddenly it darted into my head that this was the first of April; you know it is the custom to play tricks that day, and I imagined I had discovered the secret, and determined to be careful. We went to dinner. I observed, that Annette knew something of what was going forwards, for I heard her say softly, No, mother, I shall say nothing of it. I went to my room, as usual, after dinner to draw. Annette came soon after to take a lesson, yet you will readily believe I did not ask her any questions, though I was really very curious. She was cautious, but could not help laughing several times. At last, an hour beforetea time, a violin was brought into my chamber, and my mother soon afterwards entered, followed by a genteel looking man. I was astonished, and silently bowed. She took the violin out of the case and gave it me, saying, this gentleman is a music master, who has agreed to give you lessons, and I doubt not you will be assiduous to profit by his instructions. This is the commission I mentioned this morning. Never, no never, my dear Charles, was I more agreeably surprised; I first took my mother, and then my music master, by the hand, and scarcely knew what I said when I attempted to thank her.
And what say you, Charles, am I not very happy that my mother enables me to improve myself in my favourite amusement? If I ever visit dear England again, I shall find no difficulty in playing with you and Emilia. And what adds to this obligation is the kindnessof my mother in procuring me an advantage the narrowness of her circumstances must render very inconvenient.
I hastily ran down stairs after my master left me, and could hardly refrain boasting of her goodness before a lady who came to drink tea with her. But I was glad when she went away; then I had an opportunity to give vent to my grateful heart.
How much have I injured you, my dear mother, said I, by supposing you were going to play me an April trick; will you forgive me? Yes, certainly, answered she, and I am glad you mentioned it, that I may inform you from what cause that foolish custom, of making fools of each other, took its rise. It was from the abuse and scoffing which our Saviour suffered when he was sent from Pilate to Herod, and back again to Pilate, by those who had put on him a scarlet robe by way of derision.Be careful, then, never to mock the wretched, for then you again insult Jesus Christ, and neglect to follow his example, who was the pattern of all virtue. Besides, many quarrels arise from foolish frolicks, and we should never enjoy a joke that gives a fellow-creature pain.
Two hours at least of the twenty-four I shall now devote to music, though my master is to come but twice a week; yet I must constantly practise to prepare myself for his lessons: I shall then rise an hour sooner, for I have often heard Dr. Bartlett say, that five or six hours sleep is sufficient for a person in health. Farewell, remember your friend
WILLIAM.
WILLIAM.
WILLIAM.
WILLIAM.