"_H_ stands for Herod, who spilt _infants'_ blood!"
[D] In an otherwise admirable lecture on schools, which was lately delivered by Professor Blount, at Cambridge, we were surprised to hear a general commendation passed on these books. We feel persuaded, that neither the gravity of the class nor the approval of the Professor would have held out long against the recital of a few extracts.
A theorist might, perhaps, trace the absence of the aspirate in the speech of maturer years to the awe created by that dread tetrarch's name in infancy, when it is first feebly articulated, then dropped, and not recovered afterwards.[E] But we are not theatrical; in proof whereof, we observe that a child's natural aspirations are for tarts, dolls, or marbles; while, to counteract such propensities, these little hypocrites, before their time, are taught to sing out, among other _Scripture wishes_, the following formulary, which must, of course, act as a specific:--
"May Isaiah's _hallow'd_ fire, _All_ my _fervent_ heart inspire; Joseph's _purity_ impart! Isaac's _meditative_ heart!!!"
A rhythmical dispute between two children, entitled a "Sabbath Dialogue," brings to our mind a similar farce at Ferrara, which we have formerly described. In this lively piece of absurdity, the naughty boy invites the good one to play instead of going to church, and, waxing warm as the other proves intractable, at length becomes absolutely abusive on finding he is not to prevail.
Once again. Behold a class of children with the picture of a sheep before them--to be taught, one would have supposed, the natural history of that animal, and to learn something about the material of which their little flannel petticoats and worsted stockings are made; when lo! in place of this, they are informed that "though their sins are red as crimson, they shall be as _wool_!!" If it were necessary to use any interjection here, surely a loud ovine _bah!_ would be the most appropriate and natural. But _revenons à nos moutons_, for presently afterwards occurs this question--"What does the Bible tell us about wool?" Answer: "Gideon wrung a fleece!" Bah! again, for what other _commentary_ can be made on such _instruction_ as this? Why, Jason filched one; and the Lord Chancellor sits upon a woolsack; and either of these answers would convey as much useful knowledge to a child's mind, though they are not to be met with in the Bible.