sure a very extraordinary young gentleman.'--But the father urging him to
give an explicit answer, he frankly declared, that, in his opinion, the
son would turn out either a mirror of wisdom, or a monument of folly; for
his genius and disposition were altogether preternatural. The knight was
sorely vexed at this declaration, and signified his displeasure by
saying, the doctor, like a true priest, dealt in mysteries and oracles,
that would admit of different and indeed contrary interpretations. He
afterwards consulted my father, who had served as a steward upon the
estate for above thirty years, and acquired a considerable share of his
favour. 'Will Clarke,' said he, with tears in his eyes, 'what shall I do
with this unfortunate lad? I would to God he had never been born; for I
fear he will bring my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. When I am
gone, he will throw away the estate, and bring himself to infamy and
ruin, by keeping company with rooks and beggars.--O Will! I could forgive
extravagance in a young man; but it breaks my heart to see my only son
give such repeated proofs of a mean spirit and sordid disposition!'

"Here the old gentleman shed a flood of tears, and not without some
shadow of reason. By this time Launcelot was grown so reserved to his
father, that he seldom saw him or any of his relations, except when he
was in a manner forced to appear at table, and there his bashfulness
seemed every day to increase. On the other hand, he had formed some very
strange connexions. Every morning he visited the stable, where he not
only conversed with the grooms and helpers, but scraped acquaintance with
the horses; he fed his favourites with his own hand, stroked, caressed,
and rode them by turns; till at last they grew so familiar, that, even
when they were a-field at grass, and saw him at a distance, they would
toss their manes, whinny like so many colts at sight of the dam, and,
galloping up to the place where he stood, smell him all over.