A GARDEN DIARY 135 
understand no less than six languages; yet 
I protest I have no higher conceit of myself 
than had our fathers before the confusion of 
Babel, when there was but one language in 
the world, and none to boast himself either 
linguist or critick. [ have not only seen several 
countries, beheld the nature of their climes, the 
chorography of their provinces, topography of 
their cities, but understand their several laws, 
customs, and policies; yet cannot all this per- 
suade the dullness of my spirit unto such an 
opinion of myself as I behold in nimbler and 
conceited heads, that never looked a degree 
beyond their nests. I know the names, and 
somewhat more, of all the constellations in my 
horizon; yet I have seen a prating mariner, that 
could only name the Pointers, and the North 
star, out-talk me, and conceit himself a whole 
sphere above me. I know most of the plants of 
my country, and of those about me, yet . . 
Nay Sir Thomas, dear Sir Thomas, let me 
not follow thee longer in this vein, else might 
one of the devoutest of thy followers lose some 
share of that: devoutness! I hastily ruffle thy 
pages over, feeling certain before long of coming 
upon thee in a worthier one. 
I have been longer over my search than | 
expected, having set my heart upon finding one 
