48 AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 



intellects gave their homage as they gathered the gems of 

 thought and poesy which enriched their varied lore. 



The school-boy-quoted Roman, if a victor, passed under 

 the triumphal arch, bowing to popular plaudits. If a poet, 

 he was laureated; if philosophic, oratorio, or mechanical, 

 he had his meed of honor from proper sources. Even the 

 Tartars were grateful, and Tamerlane, the great Usbeck, 

 was elevated in proportion to merit. 



The American Indian who exhibits military strategy, is 

 chosen chief pro meri'fo, and leads the painted warriors. The 

 highly-cultured United States never forgets the truly great. 

 Here the statesmen, poet, orator, lawyer, divine, artist, man 

 of science or mechanism, is both courted and remunerated. 

 Our worthy dead live in hearts, monuments, statues, statu- 

 ettes, and oil. The living, acting man of the day is recipient 

 -of both newspaper glory and material recognition. 



Taking me by the hand, he continued : 



My friend, a full consideration of gratitude has timely and 

 most heartily determined your large class to offer this El- 

 Dorado-headed cane. Sir, we recognize you as the greatest 

 equestrian educator in the world. Your humble servant is 

 proud of his recent acquisition. You have enabled the 

 palsied old man to ride in safety ; you allow the old lady to 

 drive minus the fear of a broken neck ; the young lady or 

 horse-loving master can now indulge saddle pleasures, know- 

 ing the animal thoroughly subdued by some member of your 

 -class. 



