The Poetical Works of John Trumbull, LL. D. (Volume 2); Progress of Dulness. [Miscellaneous Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1820. Excerpt: ... THE PROGRESS OF DULNESS. PART I. OR THE ADVENTURES OF TOM BRAINLESS. OUR Tom has grown a sturdy boy; His progress fills my heart with joy; A steady soul, that yields to rule, And quite ingenious too, at school. Our master says, (I'm sure he's right, ) There's not a lad in town so bright. He'll cypher bravely, write and read, And say his catechism and creed, And scorns to hesitate or falter In Primer, Spelling-book or Psalter. Hard work indeed, he does not love it: His genius is too much above it. Give him a good substantial teacher, I'll lay he'd make a special preacher. I've loved good learning all my life; We'll send the lad to college, wife." Thus sway'd by fond and sightless passion. His parents hold a consultation; If on their couch, or round their fire, I need not tell, nor you enquire. The point's agreed; the boy well pleased, From country cares and labor eased; No more to rise by break of day To drive home cows, or deal out hay; To work no more in snow or hail, And blow his fingers o'er the flail, Or mid the toils of harvest sweat Beneath the summer's sultry heat, Serene, he bids the farm, good-bye, And quits the plough without a sigh. Propitious to their constant friend, The pow'rs of idleness attend. So to the priest in form he goes, Prepared to study and to doze. The parson, in his youth before, Had run the same dull progress o'er; His sole concern to see with care His church and farm in good repair. His skill in tongues, that once he knew, Had bid him long, a last adieu; Away his Latin rules had fled, And Greek had vanish'd from his head. Then view our youth with grammar teazing, Untaught in meaning, sense or reason; Of knowledge e'er he gain his fill, he Must diet long on husks of Lily, Drudge on for weary months in vain, By mem'ry's strength, ...