HENRY KIRKE WHITE. 



hours on the others, were employed in carrying the 

 butcher's basket. Some differences at length arose be- 

 tween his father and Mr Blanchard, in consequence of 

 which Henry was removed. 



One of the ushers, when he came to receive the money 

 due for tuition, took the opportunity of informing Mrs 

 White what an incorrigible son she had, and that it was 

 impossible to make the lad do anything. This infor- 

 mation made his friends very uneasy ; they were dispirited 

 about him ; and had they relied wholly upon this report, 

 the stupidity or malice of this man would have blasted 

 Henry's progress for ever. He was, however, placed 

 under the care of a Mr Shipley, who soon discovered 

 that he was a boy of quick perception and very admir- 

 able talents, and came with jo}', like a good man, to re- 

 lieve the anxiety and painful suspicions of his family. 



While his schoolmasters were complaining that they 

 could make notliing of him, he discovered what Nature 

 had made him, and wrote satires upon them. These 

 pieces were never shown to any except his most parti- 

 cular friends, who say that they w^ere pointed and severe. 

 They are enumerated in the table of Contents to one of 

 his manuscript volumes, under the title of School-Lam- 

 poons ; but, as was to be expected, he had cut the leaves 

 out and destroyed them. 



One of his poems written at this time, and under these 

 feelings, is preserved. 



ON BEING CONFINED TO SCHOOL ONE PLEASANT 

 MORNING IN SPRING. 

 (written at the age of thirteen.) 

 The morning sun's enchanting rays 

 Now call forth every songster's praise ; 

 Now the lark with ui^ward flight, 

 Gaily ushers in the light ; 

 "While wildly warbling from each tree. 

 The birds sing songs to liberty. 



But for me no songster sings, 

 For me no joyous lark up-springs ; 

 For I, confin'd in gloomy school. 



