'Not much,' said Mr Winkle, rubbing his back very hard. 'I wish you'd let me bleed you,' said Mr Benjamin, with great eagerness. 'No, thank you,' replied Mr Winkle, hurriedly. 'I really think you had better,' said Allen. 'Thank you,' replied Mr Winkle; 'I'd rather not.' 'What do you think, Mr Pickwick?' inquired Bob Sawyer. 12. Mr Pickwick was excited and indignant. He beckoned to Mr Weller, and said in a stern voice, "Take his skates off." 'No; but really I had scarcely begun,' remonstrated Mr Winkle. 'Take his skates off,' repeated Mr Pickwick, firmly. The command was not to be resisted. allowed Sam to obey it in silence. Mr Winkle Dickens. EXERCISES.—1. The Latin prefix contra- (which has also the forms contro-, counter-) means against; as contradict, to speak against; contravene, to come against, to oppose; controvert, to turn against; counteract, to act against; countermand, to give an order in opposition to, or against, one already given. 2. Analyse and parse the following: 'Trundle had a couple of pairs, and the fat boy announced that there were half a dozen more downstairs.' 3. Make sentences of your own, and use in each one or more of the following words: Dexterity, anguish, indignant, remonstrate. UNSELFISHNESS. 1. Selfishness consists in following our own pleasure or interest without regard to the welfare of others. The selfish man cares for himself first; and thinks of others only in so far as they may be useful to him in gaining his private ends. 2. The unselfish man is thoughtful for others. In speech and behaviour he carefully avoids what will give them pain. He is watchful for an opportunity of doing them good, and would cheerfully sacrifice his own comfort and convenience in order to do them a real service. His conduct is a following out and fulfilment of the precept of Scripture, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.' 3. Some young people are disposed to think that they could do a splendid and heroic deed if a great opportunity should arise, calling for a noble effort of self-sacrifice. The ordinary occasions for a life of unselfishness are too homely and commonplace for them. 4. They have read how William Wallace nobly rose against the oppressors of his country, and bravely underwent a cruel death in fighting for its freedom. They know also how Joan of Arc, though but a young and untutored peasant maiden, became renowned in history as the liberator of France from English domination. Grace Darling, a young woman of like noble character as Joan, fearlessly exposed her life to the angry waves in order to save her fellowcreatures from imminent danger of drowning; and John Howard spent his life in relieving the sufferings of the unhappy prisoners of Europe. 5. Such are the heroes and heroines who are celebrated as the benefactors of mankind, and are handed down as examples to future generations. Some may think that it would be easy to imitate them if we had a like brilliant opportunity for performing some notable achievement. 6. Such a way of thinking is not good or reasonable. If we are neglectful of little opportunities, it is not likely that we shall be found worthy of great ones. We should remember, too, that the unselfishness and generosity which loves to display itself only in a blaze of light and admiration, is of very doubtful character, and is suspiciously akin to vanity. 7. True goodness, like true charity, begins at home. The noblest unselfishness, the most genuine generosity, is shown in the patient and unwearying discharge of the common offices of affection to those whom we meet in the ordinary routine of life. The heroic life may be led in our own home, and in our own street. 8. We are commanded to love our neighbour as ourselves. Who is our neighbour? It is the man or woman, or boy or girl, whom we may meet in the common road of life. It is they with whom we live every day; the members of the same family, father, mother, sister, and brother. It is our schoolmates; the friends and relatives with whom we are brought into frequent intercourse. 9. If we have an opportunity of saying a kind word, or doing a kind action to any of these, we ought to do so; for in the right use of such ordinary opportunities consists true goodness and unselfishness. The true hero is the man who, against all temptation to be selfish, and unkind, and mean in his everyday life, is 'never weary in well-doing.' The patient adherence to duty in its common details is more heroic than the theatrical display of our generosity. We may not become famous in so doing; but that matters not. A monument of brass or marble does not make a good deed one whit the better. EXERCISES.-1. The Latin prefix de- means down or from; as deject, to cast down; depend, to hang down; describe, to write down; descend, to come down; depart, to part from; deviate, to go from the way; detain, to hold from or back. 2. Analyse and parse the following: 'We should remember, too, that the unselfishness and generosity which loves to display itself only in a blaze of light and admiration, is of very doubtful character.' 3. Make sentences of your own, and use in each one or more of the following words: Imminent, relieve, imitate, benefactor. MEN OF ENGLAND. 1. Men of England! who inherit Rights that cost your sires their blood! Men whose undegenerate spirit Has been proved on field and flood: 2. By the foes you've fought uncounted, 3. Yet, remember, England gathers Hence but fruitless wreaths of fame, If the freedom of your fathers Glow not in your hearts the same. 4. What are monuments of bravery, 5. Pageants-Let the world revere us 6. Yours are Hampden's, Russell's glory, Sidney's matchless shade is yoursMartyrs in heroic story, Worth a hundred Agincourts! |