Here first I entered, though with toil and pain,
The low vestibule of learning's fane:
Entered with pain, yet soon I found the way,
Though sometimes toilsome, many a sweet display.
Much did I grieve, on that ill-fated morn,
When I was first to school reluctant borne;
Severe I thought the dame, though oft she tried
To soothe my swelling spirits when I sighed;
And oft, when harshly she reproved, I wept,
To my lone corner broken-hearted crept,
And thought of tender home, where anger never kept.
* * * * * * * *
But soon inured to alphabetic toils,
Alert I met the dame with jocund smiles;
First at the form, my task forever true,
A little favorite rapidly I grew:
And oft she stroked my head with fond delight,
Held me a pattern to the dunce's sight;
And as she gave my diligence its praise,
Talked of the honors of my future days.
--_Henry Kirke White._
1694
It has been remarked that some [1694:A]duxes at school and prizemen at
the university have run too soon to seed, and in after-years been heard
of no more; while on the contrary,--comforting fact for the parents of
dull boys--not a few who have become distinguished men made no figure at
all in their educational career.
--_From Memoir of Dr. Guthrie._