Every day when the Boy from the Publichouse came for the pewter pots, and to hear what porter was wanted, he always brought the yesterday's Newspaper*. The reading of the Paper we had been us'd to take by turns; but aster Robert came, he mostly read for us,-because his time was of least value. "He frequently met with words that he was unacquainted with: of this he often complain'd. I one day happen'd at a Book-stall to see a small Dictionary, which had been very ill us'd. I bought it for him for 4d. By the help of this he in a little time could read and comprehend the long and beautiful speeches of BURKE, Fox, or NORTH. "One Sunday, after a whole day's stroll in the country, we by accident went into a dissenting Meeting-house, in the Old Jewry, where a Gentle * I spoke in the former Editions of the effect of Newspapers, and other means of popular Information; and I now say, I have no doubt that the opportunity of reading them contributed much to form the mind of the Author of the Farmer's Boy. Genius profits greatly by small daily aids and excitements. A wise and good Government will render those aids as free and as generally accessible as it can. From such sparks not only the spirit of the former Poct, but of the Artist in various branches, of the future sailor and soldier is awakened. C. L. man was lecturing. astonishment. The House was amazingly crowded with the most genteel people: and though we were forc'd to stand in the aisle, and were much press'd, yet Robert always quicken'd his steps to get into the Town on a Sunday evening soon -enough to attend this Lecture. This Man fill'd Robert with His "The Preacher's name was FAWCET*. language was just such as the Rambler is written in; his Action like a person acting a Tragedy; his Discourse rational, and free from the Cant of Methodism. "Of him Robert learn'd to accent what he call'd hard words; and otherwise improv'd himself; and gain'd the most enlarg'd notions of PRO VIDENCE. "He went sometimes with me to a Debating Society at Coachmaker's-hall †, but not often; and * Author of a justly-esteem'd Poem on WAR. C. L. These Debating Societies, long gagg'd and fetter'd as they have been, seem now a little reviv'd. They were at least, to say the lowest of them, far better amusements than drunkenness or gambling, boxing, cock-fighting and cock-throwing, badger-hunting or bull-baiting. They were no useless schools to some of our very celebrated speakers at the Bar and in Parliament. And what is of infinitely a few times to Covent-garden Theatre. These are all the opportunities he ever had to learn from Public Speakers. As to Books, he had to wade through two or three Folios: an History of England, British Traveller, and a Geography. But he always read them as a task; or to oblige us who bought them. And as they came in sixpenny numbers weekly, he had about as many hours to read as other boys spend in play. "I at that time read the London Magazine; and in that work about two sheets were set apart for a Review-Robert seem'd always eager to read this Review. Here he could see what the Litterary Men were doing, and learn how to judge of the merits of the Works that came out. And I observ'd that he always looked at the Poet's Corner. And one day he repeated a Song which he compos'd to an old tune. I was much surpris'd that he should make so smooth verses: so I persuaded him to try whether the Editor of our Paper would give them a place in Poet's Corner. He succeeded, and they were printed. And as I forget his other early productions, I shall copy this. more importance, they contributed to the Diffusion of political Knowledge and public Sentiment. C. L. A VILLAGE GIRL. HAIL, MAY! lovely MAY! how replenish'd my pails! The young Dawn o'erspreads the broad east, streak'd with gold! My glad heart beats time to the laugh of the vales, And COLIN's voice rings through the wood from the fold. The wood to the mountain submissively bends, Whose blue misty summit first glows with the sın! See! thence a gay train by the wild rill descends To join the mix'd sports:-Hark! the tumult's begun. Be cloudless, ye skies!—And be COLIN but there ; Swift down the mad dance, while blest Healtl prompts to move, We'll court joys to come, and exchange vow of truth; And haply, when Age cools the transports of Love, Decry, like good folks, the vain follies of youth *. R. Bt. "I remember," says Mr. G. Broomfield, continuing his Narrative, "a little pece which he * Mr. DIGNUM, when here, Sept. 1800, omposed a pleasing spirited extempore air to this song.-roston. C. L. + Copied by the Author from Say's Gzetteer, 24 May, 1786. Mr. B. observes the Printer hadthang'd “count” to "court." C. L. called the Sailor's Return: in which he tried to describe the feelings of an honest Tar, who, after a long absence, saw his dear native Village first rising into view. This too obtain'd a place in the Poet's Corner. And as he was so young, (his Brother proceeds) it shews some genius in him, and some industry, to have acquired so much knowledge of the use of words in so little time. Indeed at this time myself and my fellow-workmen in the garret began to get instructions from him*. "Akout this time there came a Man to lodge at our Lodgings that was troubled with fits. RoBERT was so much hurt to see this poor creature drawn into such frightful forms, and to hear his horrid screams, that I was forced to leave the lodging. We went to Blue Hart-court, Bell-alley. In our nev Garret we found a singular character, James Kay a native of Dundee. He was a middle-aged man, of a good understanding, and yet a furious Cavinist. He had many Books, and some which he did not value; such as the SEASONS, PARADISE LOST, and some Novels. These Books he lent to ROBERT; who spent all his leisure hours in realing the Seasons, which he was now * What simpe magnanimity and benevolence in this remark! C. L. |