The Dance of Life A Poem, by the author of "Doctor Syntax;%" [i.e. William Combe] Illustrated with coloured engravings, by Thomas Rowlandson |
 |
|
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
 | CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life |  |
He differed much from Granny's rule
Which she had learn'd in Village School.
When he sat in dogmatic chair,
No Bribes his Justice did prepare,
But the alarming rod was seen
The token of his discipline.
The conscious sense of what they knew,
The high attainments that they drew
From the pure founts of ancient Lore,
The anxious ardour to explore
The fields of Knowledge, and to show
The flowers that on Parnassus grow;—
This was the pride his Scholars shar'd,
And such alone was their reward;
With the fond hope of well-earn'd praise,
To brighten Life in future days.
Which she had learn'd in Village School.
When he sat in dogmatic chair,
No Bribes his Justice did prepare,
But the alarming rod was seen
The token of his discipline.
The conscious sense of what they knew,
The high attainments that they drew
83
The anxious ardour to explore
The fields of Knowledge, and to show
The flowers that on Parnassus grow;—
This was the pride his Scholars shar'd,
And such alone was their reward;
With the fond hope of well-earn'd praise,
To brighten Life in future days.
| CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life | |