Tales and Novels — Volume 02 by Maria Edgeworth
page 29 of 623 (04%)
page 29 of 623 (04%)
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I ever wrought in the mine made me one half so hot as setting these
puppets to work. "When my exhibition was over, good Mr. Y---- came to me, and consoled me for all disasters, by the praises he bestowed upon my patience and ingenuity: he showed me that he knew the difficulties with which I had to contend: and he mentioned the defects to me in the kindest manner, and how they might be remedied. 'I see,' said he, smiling, 'that you have endeavoured to make something useful for the entertainment of my boys; and I will take pains to make it turn out advantageously to you.' "The next morning I went to look at my show-box, which Mr. Y---- had desired me to leave in his study; and I was surprised to see the front of the box, which I had left open for the spectators, filled up with boards, and having a circular glass in the middle. The eldest boy, who stood by enjoying my surprise, bid me look in, and tell him what I saw. What was my astonishment, when I first looked through this glass--'As large as the life!--As large as the life!' cried I, in admiration--'I see the puppets, the _wheelbarrows_, every thing as large as life!' "Mr. Y---- then told me, that it was by his grandson's directions that this glass, which he said was called a magnifying-glass, or convex-lens, was added to my show-box. 'He makes you a present of it; and now,' added he, smiling, 'get all your little performers into order, and prepare for a second representation: I will send for a clock-maker in this town, who is an _ingenious_ man, and will show you how to manage properly the motions of your puppets; and then we will get a good painter to paint them for you." "There was at this time, in Exeter, a society of literary gentlemen, who |
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