our enjoyments, and every desire bears its death in its very
gratification. Curiosity languishes under repeated stimulants, novelties
cease to excite surprise, until at length we cannot wonder even at a
miracle. He who has sallied forth into the world, like poor Slingsby,
full of sunny anticipations, finds too soon how different the distant
scene becomes when visited. The smooth place roughens as he approaches;
the wild place becomes tame and barren; the fairy tints that beguiled
him on still fly to the distant hill, or gather upon the land he has
left behind, and every part of the landscape seems greener than the spot
he stands on.

[Illustration: "On the road"]




[Illustration: The School]

THE SCHOOL.

But to come down from great men and higher matters to my
little children and poor school-house again; I will, God
willing, go forward orderly, as I proposed, to instruct
children and young men both for learning and manners.

ROGER ASCHAM.


Having given the reader a slight sketch of the village schoolmaster, he
may be curious to learn something concerning his school. As the squire