The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-08-23
Auasehnld &ords.
THE LITTLE POISSON.
FROM THE FRENCH OF FLORENCE DE
MARTIGNE.

have been seen rushing out of doors at the
sound of the noon bell, and scattering in
every direction. The older pupils were
walking together under the few trees, talk
ing busily; the younger ones were com
mencing to play their different games, when
the outside door opened for new scholar,
whom none of the boys had ever seen before.
He was about fourteen years old, and so
small that the first glance placed him at
eleven or twelve years yet when more close
" noticed, he seemed more like little old
man, in his coarse, awkwardly cut WOODEN
clothes, and his almost grotesque hat-a lit
tie too large for his head. He appeared to
be an intelligent little fellow; his look was
penetrating and profound and his face
though so young, wore singularly thought
full expression.
Entering timidly, he stood still, at short
distance from the door. In an instant all
the scholars surrounded him.
"See, see A new scholar new schol.
|
ar" cried one.
"Oh, what funny little fellow--what a
queer one" said another.
eyes; and just look at that hat J" ex
claimed third.
He must learn manners here" said a big
boy, giving the unfortunate hat knock with
his fist that sent it flying in the middle of the
court.
"Good for you cried another. "Tell
me, young one, what's your name?
"Simeon.
ella, ha, Simeon named after one of
the patriarchs, Ell Tell US what you've
done with your eleven brothers? But that
isn't your whole name; what's your other ?
Who is your father?"
an. Poisson"
"Ha, ha, ha; so you're the little Poisson,
then p said the big boy, laughing immoder
ately. Poisson is the French word for fish.
"You're the little fi,h, then Well named,
my eye you're no larger than little
fish hook p
eyes; and just see, boys, doesn't he look
like fish out of water ?" At this all the
bows burst out louder than ever with their
rude laughter.
Poor Simeon Redeemed and paled in turn,
and knew not what to do, nor how to escape,
when, to his great relief, the Principal of the
school sent for him.
M. Billy had been attracted to the window
by the unusually loud clamorings Of the
boys, and seeing the new scholars embarrass-
ment, had sent for him, as much to deliver
him from the pleasantries of his malicious
comrades as to examine him in his studies.
Nj. Billy was an intellectual, quck-sight-
ed, gentle and patient man, who loved the
boys and knew how to prize their affections;
and he was, in return, loved and revered by
all, except by a few of those scape goats who
interpret according to their own peculiar fash
ion that line of La Fontaine's-
sour enemy, he is our master ~
1t was before this good and intelligent
man that the young boy stood to be exam
ined. His father having previously told M.
Billy that he was we'll advanced in mathe-
mates, the Principal gave him most diff
cult question. The child spoke timidly at
first, but gaining confidence little by little,
he gave an answer so complete, and express
ed with such elegant conciseness, that M.
Billy himself could have done no better.
Thinking that chance had perhaps favored
the boy by lighting upon a question that
he had studied particularly, he asked him
the "why" and the wherefore but the
child was not puzzled, and answered equally
we'll on all points.
When he finished, the master, moved and
surprised, embraced him, crying;
"My friend, | shall be proud some day to
have been your professor; come, let me in
troduce you to your companions.
They went down into the court; a hush
fell over the boys at the sight of M. Billy;
but one or two whispered:
"See, there-little Poisson What in
the world can the little fish have done that
the master should come out with him?"
"Boys," said M. Billy, here is the finest
mathematician that l have ever had in my
school l heard you few minutes ago call
him the little poisson (ish); bear in mind, l
beg, the words of La Fontaine:
Petit poisson deviendra grand
Pourvu que Deu lui prete vie.'
sThe little fish will become great
If God will lend him life.'
You will see, in few years, if he studies
enough to gain what he now promises, that,
some day he will be one of the glories of
France"
The child amply justified the prediction,
and, twenty years after, when the illustrious
peometrician demonstrated to the Academy
the Sciences of some discovery, his old mas
ter might have been seen among the assist
ants. listening attentively to his words, and
epioying the praises and honors that were
heaped upon the works of his scholarly.
Y Observer.