6 



INTRODUCTION. 



able to appear in an atmosphere so benumbing 

 and unkind as this. 



I was roused from my reverie by the appear- 

 ance of two genteel lads^ who^ I suppose^ had 

 observed me. I saw in their countenances^ a 

 wish to ask me a question or two ; and, as I 

 am never better pleased than when young 

 persons are desirous of instruction, I quickly 

 informed them, by a bland countenance and 

 gentle tone of voice, that I was ready to en- 

 ter into conversation with them, if such were 

 their desire. 



" What a large forest this is. Sir !" said the 

 younger of the two ; we have walked in it 

 some miles, and are quite tired." 



I was seated on the mossy stump of an oak, 

 a sapling of which had started from the root, 

 and, emulous of its parent's honours, had spread 



