Retrospect of French Literature—Miscellanies: 
that he scarcely understood German at 
all, and the other, that he did not possess 
the faculty of rendering himself in the 
feast intelligible to his scholars. 
It so happened, that, one afternoon, 
Schroeder having repaired toa little ale- 
house in order either to appease his 
thirst, or to pass away an unhappy hour, 
three young artillerists entered it nearly 
at the same time. They had just left 
their tutor, the French. professor, and 
now sat down at a table next to his. 
“Tt is very hard,” exclaims one of 
them, ‘ that mathematics should be so 
very difficult of comprehension! Here 
have we been, for several months, trying 
all in our power to comprehend them, 
and we are scarcely further advanced at 
this moment than we were the first day ! 
But, as you all know, we are most puzzled 
with that accursed problem which the 
professor has been demonstrating to us 
tor the last fortnight! We have tried 
the utmost in our power’to understand 
him, and yet without effect! What then 
shall we do at the examination, which is 
to take place at the end of six weeks? 
The prince will not fail to be present, 
and he does not like to be trifled with; 
for those who cannot answer the questions 
put, will be both excluded for ever from 
advancement, and punished over and 
above.” % 
The others complained nearly in the 
same manner ; and all lamented their un- 
fortunate situation in such terms, and 
with such an unfeigned appearance of 
sorrow, that it became ‘easy to perceive 
that a good master was the only thing 
wanting. Meanwhile, not a single word 
that passed escaped the attention of 
Schroeder. At first, he only amused 
himself with their sorrows, but in ashort 
tine he was affected with the embarrass- 
ment of these unhappy young men; he 
also began to entertain a presentiment, 
that an opportunity now offered to 
render himseif useful both to himself 
and to others. © 
He accordingly approached the table 
at which they were sitting, and addressed 
the Cadets as follows : BP 
‘<* J crave your pardon, gentlemen, for 
mingling in the conversation, without 
having the honour of being personally 
known to you. But I must beg leave to 
observe, that you do great injustice to. 
the mathematics, by condemning that 
science as too abstruse, for there are not 
any difficulties, except when it is taught 
in an improper manner. As to fhe 
Montury Mac. No, 187, 
719 
question about which you are row de- 
bating, it is precisely one of the easiest; 
and provided you but undertake to grant 
me your attention, I will engage*to make 
you comprehend it in two or three 
hours.” 
** In two orthree hours !” exclaims the 
eldest of the students; ‘* it has beena 
punishment to us fot the last ten days! 
If this, sir, be in your power, we shall 
not prove ungrateful.” A day, hour, and 
place, were accordingly fixed; the ar- 
tillerists were punctual to their appoint- 
ment, and Schreeder commenced his task, 
explained every difficulty, and sent them 
away perfect masters of the unlucky 
lesson which had puzzled the whole class! 
During six weeks the three lads repaired - 
every day to his little chamber, opposite 
the Scotch bastion; they, on their part, 
listened with attention; he, on his, took 
pleasure in favouring their progress, and 
seconding their good attentions, 
At length arrived the memorable day, 
Which had formerly inspired so much 
terror, but was now expected by the 
three scholars with tranquillity. The 
case was far different on the part of their 
companions. Out of forty, thirty-seven 
conducted themselves in a manner to 
afford great dissatisfaction ; but the three 
disciples of Schroeder answered every 
question demanded, and even surpassed 
the expectations of the officer appoiated 
to examine them. 
The prince arising, called them by 
their respective names, signified his satis« 
faction in the presence of all, and pro- 
mised them his especial protection. Then 
turning around to the others, he became 
furious, overwhelmed them with re- 
proaches, and terrified them with menaces. 
It was in vain that some attempted: to 
justify theinselves, by observing, that they 
were unable to comprehend the professor, 
“You are hypocrites, as well as 
idiots,” exclaims he. ** How comes it 
about that your three companions have 
been able to understand him ?—But I 
shall soon teach you how to be more at- 
tentiye and industrious!” His highness 
proceeded in this manner during ten or 
twelve minutes, for it was dangerous to 
contradict him; and yet, notwithstand-~ 
ing this, one of the disciples of Schreeder 
‘could no Jonger allow his companions to 
Jabour under an -unmerited disgrace. 
He accordingly advanced, and socke as 
follows :—* Nothing can be more flatter. 
ing to me-thau the suffrage of your high- 
ness! but truth obliges.me te confess, 
5 & that 
