AUSONIUS.
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SCHOOLS. {15}
Schools of every Kind to be found in the Borough--The School for
Infants--The School Preparatory: the Sagacity of the Mistress in
foreseeing Character--Day Schools of the lower Kind--A Master with
Talents adapted to such Pupils: one of superior Qualifications--
Boarding Schools; that for young Ladies; one going first to the
Governess, one finally returning Home--School for Youth: Master and
Teacher; various Dispositions and Capacities--The Miser-Boy--The
Bully-Boy--Sons of Farmers: how amused--What Study will effect,
examined--A College Life: one sent from his College to a Benefice;
one retained there in Dignity--The Advantage in either Case not
considerable--Where, then, the Good of a Literary Life?--Answered--
Conclusion.
To every class we have a School assign'd,
Rules for all ranks and food for every mind:
Yet one there is, that small regard to rule
Or study pays, and still is deem'd a School:
That, where a deaf, poor, patient widow sits,
And awes some thirty infants as she knits;
Infants of humble, busy wives, who pay
Some trifling price for freedom through the day:
At this good matron's hut the children meet,
Who thus becomes the mother of the street:
Her room is small they cannot widely stray, -
Her threshold high they cannot run away:
Though deaf, she sees the rebel-heroes shout, -
Though lame, her white rod nimbly walks about;
With band of yarn she keeps offenders in,
And to her gown the sturdiest rogue can pin:
Aided by these, and spells, and tell-tale birds,
Her power they dread and reverence her words.
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