always thought it a very disagreeable and improper joke." I have several
times heard Mr. Smith mention this little circumstance, and I have above
given many of his own expressions. He used to proceed to describe the
reasonings which he had held in his own mind upon this subject, all
which, he said, he vividly recollected; and it was certainly both
curious and interesting to hear how he puzzled himself in trying to find
out "reasons why it might be right to flog him under these
circumstances." Dr. Greenlaw was not slow in discovering the
extraordinary abilities of the little new-comer, and used to describe
them in glowing terms to his father; but would add that, much as he
admired the child's talent and diligence, he entertained a still higher
opinion of the little fellow's perfect modesty, his seeming
unconsciousness of his mental superiority over his companions, his
honesty and simplicity of character, and, above all, his unwavering and
inflexible adherence to truth on even the most trifling occasions. Every
living friend of his will testify that he was thus distinguished
throughout life, exhibiting that

Compositum jus, fasque animi, sanctosque recessus
Mentis, et incoctum generoso pectus honesto,

which the stern moralist[4] declared to afford the noblest qualification
for approaching the presence of the gods.

[3] Lib. vi. _proëm._

[4] Pers. Sat. ii. 73, 74.

Hæc cedo ut admoveam templis, et farre litabo.