BUFFON. 1 \-> 



pavilion. When he had written two hours after break- 

 fast, he returned to the house. At dinner he Bpent 

 a considerable portion of time, and indulged in all the 

 gaieties and trifles which occurred at the table. After 

 dinner he slept an hour in his room, afterwards took a 

 walk, and during the rest of the evening, he either con- 

 versed with his family or guests, or sat at his desk 

 examining his papers. At nine o'clock he went to bed. 



This kind of life he passed for fifty years ; and to one 

 who expressed his astonishment at Iris great reputation 

 he replied, " Have not I spent fifty years at my desk ? ' 



During all this long period of time he was indefa- 

 tigable in his application, was extremely fond of study, 

 and yet in his early days, felt the inconveniences of indo- 

 lence. To an old friend he once said : "I was a great 

 lover of my bed in my youth. My poor Joseph " (a 

 servant who lived with him more than sixty years) 

 " assisted me greatly to conquer that propensity. I 

 promised him a crown every time he roused me at six. 

 The next morning he did not fail to do his duty, but I 

 repulsed him; he came the morning after, and I 

 threatened to turn him out of the room. 'You haw 

 gained nothing, Joseph,' I said to him at noon ; * you know 

 not how to manage me ; think only of my promise, and 

 don't listen to my threats.' The next morning he fid- 

 filled my wishes, by forcing me to rise in spite of my ill- 

 humour; and every succeeding day he was indemnified 

 for my cross temper when I awoke, by my thanks and 

 a crown. Indeed, I owe to Joseph ten or twelve volun 

 of my works." 



In pursuing this course of living, study and regimen, 



i. 



