The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1852-01-28


Of many Of the comforts and iuxurles OF
life which are now SO literally enjoyed.
They usually travelled on horseback
Their dress was entirely OF domestic
When Daniel Webster
went to College, he took the least valua-
ble Of his fathers horses, which would
not be missed from the farm, aud de-
posting his scanly wardrobe and library
in pair Of sadde.bags, set out for Ham
over Scarcely had he lost sight of his
fathers house, when a furious north
east storm began to beat upon the sol>
tary traveller. The rain poured down
necessarily for two days aud nights. A
necessity was laid upoL him to be press
ent at The commencement Of the term. |
He, therefore, made such speed as he
could with his slow-paced Rozianante,
over bad roads, through the pelting
storm, and reached the place at the close
Of the second day, if not 'sorrowlul
knight at least in a sorrowful condi>
lion. He joined his class the next day,
aud at once took the position in i, " hich
he has siuce held in the intellectual
world Ry the unanimous consent, both
Of teachers aud class. mates, he stood a,
the head Of his associates IN study and
was as for above laem then, in all that
constitutes human greatness, as he is
now. After a residence Of two years at
College, he spent a vacation a, home.
He had tasted the sweets OF literature,
and enjoved the victories Of intellectual
effort. He loved the scholars life. lie
felt keenly for the condition of his broth
er Ezekiel, who was destined to remain
on the farm and labor TO lift the mort>
gage from the old homestead, and fur
nish the means Of his brolher's support.
Ezekiel was farmer in spirit and in
practice. lie led his laborers in the
| field, as he afterwards led his class in
Greek. Daniel knew and appreciated
his superior intellectual endowmenis
He resolved that his brother should en-
JOY the same privileges with himself.
That night the two brothers retired 10
bed but not 10 sleep. They discussed
of their prospects. Daniel utterly re-
fused 10 enjoy the fruit of his brothers $
labor any longer. They we're united, in
sympathy aud affection, and the. must
he united in their pursuits. But how
could they leave their beloved parents,
in age and solitude, with no protector {?
They talked aud wept, and talked till
dawn Of day. They dare not broach the
subject 10 their father. Finally. Daniel
resolved to be the orator upon the oc-
casion. Judge Webster was then some.
what burdened with debt. He was ad-
vanced in age, and had sci his hear, upon
having Ezekiel his helper. The very
thought Of separating from both his sons
was painful to him. When the PROPOSE
ton was made, he felt as did the pa
iriarch Of old, when he exclaimed, 'Jo-
seph is not aud will We also
take Benjamin away!' A family coun-
ell was called. The mothers opinion
was asked. She was a strong minded,
energetic woman. She was not blind
TO the superior endowments of her sons
With all mothers Partially, however,
she did not over estimate their p wers.
She decided the matter al once. Her
reply was, | have lived long in the
world and have been happy in my
children. II Daniel and Ezekiel will
promise to take care of me in my old
age, | will consent TO the sale of all our
properly at once, and they may enjoy the
benefit OF that which remains after our
debts are paid This was moment Of
intense interest 10 all the parties. Pa,
rents aud children all mingled their tears
together and sobbed aloud al the thought
desperation. The father yielded TO the
enireaiies OF the sons aud the advice Of
his wife. Daniel returned to College
and Ezekiel took his liule bundle in his
hand, aud sought, on foot, the scene Of
his preparatory studies. In one year, he
Joined his younger brother in college
His intellect was Of The highest order.
In clear and comprehensive views OF the
subjects studied. he had no equal lie
was deficient in no branch Of study pur.
sued III college. lie was distinguished
for classical literature. lie also af allied
himself of private instruction in some
departments OF study. Prof Shurlleff
then had class of students recitlng to
him, privately, in theology. Ezekiel
lnined that class aud wrole dissertations
upon subjects proposed by the Professor,
who still speaks with undated admira>
lion Of his character as an earnest, truth.
ful aud successful studen, once ask.
ed the same venerable teacher Of the de
pertinent of the younger brother m co.'s
lege. lie replied. oh, sir. Daniel was
as regular as the sun. lie never made
miss!ep. lie never stopped To do
mean act He never cnuntananrad Lv