A BENEFACTOR. 21 



little I may have retained, through a long 

 and fitful existence; but young though I 

 was, I can well remember he was the first 

 to pour into my heart, from the stream of 

 ancient lore, the sweet, refreshing drops of 

 an intellectual nectar. To him I am 

 indebted for imbibing a just appreciation of 

 the value of the learning, which harsh and 

 untoward circumstances gave subsequently 

 to the winds. I need only add, that during 

 the four years I. was at his academy I 

 may truly point to the last two as being 

 the most happy of my life. But this was 

 not to last. At the commencement of the 

 summer vacation, in the year 1806, I took 

 my leave of this worthy person, little 

 thinking that I should never again touch 

 the hand of one who had directed and 

 encouraged my studious disposition, had 

 so kindly applauded my assiduity, and 

 expressed his gratification at the progress I 

 had made little supposing I should never 

 look upon those mild, intelligent features 



