The Arkansas banner., 1847-06-28


 Giant Futurity sheds from his wings.
 Nj. TuprER.
 "MoTHER, which shall be--which would you rather have me bean author or states mani" said Arthur Harrington, handsome boy of some twelve years of age, locking up from his Latin exercise to his mother who sat reading at the same table where her son was studying
 The mother laid down her book, and smiling as she looked in the glowing face ol her boy. answered,
 s'l hardly know, Arthur. The statesman who presides in hIs country's councils, and guides at the helm of state, has a proud, . noble position. But the author, again, who influences nations mind. and stirs up the heart of a people, is one Of the benefactors of his race. should wish, however, that you consult your own taste and genius in the choice Of your future career. my son.n
 ssThere was Sir Walter Scott, mother--he surely stirred up the heart of people. To be read all over the world must be glorious! And yet to be William Piit-prime minister at one-and-twenty.-I ihrnk, mother, I'd rather be William Pitt"
 "You had better study ourlesson, Arthur" said Frank Ashhursi, youth of about tine same age, in low tone, without raising his eyes from the Greek page which lay open before him.
 But Arthur, too intent upon the compara- tive merits of statesmen and authors, Sir Walter Scott and William Pitt, took little heed of his friends suggestion, but eagerly pursued the conversation with his scarce less interested mother, who gazed in his sparkling eyes and animated face, and thought every question the indication of aspiring genius and the prompting of proud ambition.
 Mrs. Harrington was a woman of some reading, and lively imagination, and, full of theories, thought herself genius; and so she delighted in what she called ''culiivating Arthur's mind;" and thus they talked on of heroes and authors and great men, while Arthur's spirit soaring beyond his Latin ex- ercise, and expanding ia the region of castle building, (which his mother; not less, than himself, mistook for the land of inspiration,) quite forgot the studies of the morrow.
 Francis Ashhurst. meanwhile, never 7s:s- ed his eyes from the book he so in.ently studied, while the silent but rapid movement of his lips, and earnest expression of his dark eyes, showed he had no 'ars for the discussion going on at his side. Presently drawing long breath, he closed his book and put it one side.
 s.Have you finished your Greek already, Franki" asked Arthur.
 "Yes," he replied, opening his mathema- tics. -i4You had better be studying. It is laien
 tsWe had better talk no more now, Ar thur," said Mrs Harrington gently. "You do not know all your lessons yet"
 Arthur sighed, and studied little while, and then yawned, and presently began again with
 ssBut, mother. do you think that literary fame is as great--as glorious--as political or-miliiary even--Wellingson and Napo- leon were greater"
 .Arthur,n said Frank, in low, quiet tone, "you have your Greek yet, and your  ssOh, hate mathematical" said the boy, impatient of his cousins sober interruption. A mathematician is never man of genus. And have no genius for mathematics" he added contemptuously, though you have, ] believe Francis.n
 Francis made no reply. He was deep in a problem, and did not look up to answer, or perhaps did not even hear his cousins taunt. -sl
 Mss. Harrington had, however, the sense to follow Francis's suggestion, and remind her son of the lateness of the hour; and taking up her own book, advised him to pursue his studies.
 Silence reigued for half an hour perhaps in the little party, which was at last broken by Arthur's throwing his book on one side, saying, .Thefe-i'vs done wisa you. Frank, give me the Greek Lexicon.n
 Francis compiled with his request saying with surprise, .Do you know n!s'
 "Yes--well enough-I'll look 1t over in tho morning. And in the same way he