St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1888-04-12

a farm near by, and was an old school
fellow of the father, came to the cot
tage at Benfield they consulted to-
gether, and it was decided that the
child's days should be equally divided
between physical and mental exercis-
es after his study hours, he was to
make long expeditions through the
forest, either on foot or mounted on a
pretty little pony his father had bought
for him. The child made these excur-
sions, because, while on his way, he
could compose verses and recite them
aloud in the presence of the silent ma
ture that seemed to listen to him. He
particularly enjoyed declaiming in this
manner the poetry of Homer and Vir-
gil. He liked to intermingle the har-
mony of their beautiful languages with
the melodious rustling of the ancient
tree tops.
Scarcely year had elapsed before
the child, strengthened by the open
air, showed in his brilliant color and
sparkling eyes that he had gained
health and almost strength. Yet when
he CHANGED to look into a mirror or a
ripping brook, he said to himself sad
ly: "Ah! shall always be the little
hunchback ]" But instantly raising his
head proudly would add: "Well! what
does it matter, if am a great poetW
The Iliad reused his admiration so
much that, unknown to his teacher or
father, he endeavored to introduce
some of HOmer's characters into a.p1ey.
Thus it happened that, when IL ears
old, he wrote sort of tragedy with
Ajax for a hero, in English verse which
reproduced some of Homer's lines, in a
manner often very beautiful, exact and
concise. When he had completed this
essay he read it one evening in the
family circle, and the father and pre-
ceptOr could not control their surprise
and admiration. AS for his mother
and aunt, their enthusiasm displayed
itself in tears and caresses.
ellis birthday is close at hand" said
the aunt, "and it would be we'll for us
to celebrate it in manner worthy of
the dear child who will be an honor to
his family"
The father proposed on his sons
birthday to invite the noble families
who lived in the vicinity and read the
tragedy of Ajax to them. The good
priest, his mother and aunt applauded
the idea.
Gather" replied the child. "that
will be very stiff. If Father Dean can
find a sufficient number of actors among
his acquaintances and pupils, would it
not be better to convert this room into
Il theatre and perform my tragedy?
will take the part Ajax"
"What an idea ~ answered his moth
er in dismay.
ooh 1 understand" rejoined the
child somewhat sadly; "You are
afraid they might laugh at me,-but
do not be anxious, they will not see my
figure, but only hear my poetry, and
this time feel so sure of myself that
wish all my old schoolmates, who
jeered at me, to be present at the per-
formance."
The child's wishes were never OPP
posed by his family, who worshiped
him and it was therefore decided that
the entertainment should be given in
May. The good priest took charge of
the rehearsals for the tragedy of Ajax !;
the father, of the invitations, the aunt,
of tho arrangements for the splendid
lunch that was to be served to the aris-
tocratic company. AS to the fond
mother, she busted herself with anxious
care in arranging the costume of Ajax,
in which her little Alexander was to be
attired inventing shoes to increase his
hight, and sort of coat of mail to con-
ceal the roundness of his shoulders.
When the beautiful day in May ar
rived, carriages adorned with coats of
arms came rolling from all directions
through the avenues of the immense
forest of Windsor. The birds were
singing amidst the unfolding leaves,
as if to welcome the invited guests.
Not one of little Alexander's old
school-mates had failed to accept the
invitation. Several noblemen were
present, as we'll as several famous au
thOrs of the times, beautiful ladies and
pretty young girls. The company be-
gan by taking lunch, for in England to
be we'll fed is pleasure not to be de-
spised.
From the dining room, the whole as
sembly entered wainscoted hall,
which was used as the theatre at one
end was platform arranged to simu-
late stage, over which hung q cur
tain of Beauvais tapestry. This screen
rose to the sound of music, revealing
Ajax seated in his tent. The repre-
sentative of the Grecian hero appeared
rather small and delicate, but scarcely
had he began to speak than nothing
was heard save his voice. The verses
that he recited were an echo of the
grandeur and heroism of Homer; it was
something new in English poetry; they
charmed the ear, and reached the
heart. The most aristocratic persons
in the audience gave the signal for ap
plause little Alexander's old school
mates also clapped their hands i'll their
turn. 1t was Il veritable triumph.
At the end of the performance, the
author and actor was again SUNNI oned;
he delayed a short time; but the shouts
were redOubled. At last he appeared
without his costume and high buskins,
his face was expressive and beautiful,
but his slender figure showed its de-
formity he turned toward the group
containing his school murmur-
ing
calais! l am still the little hunch-
back"
"No, no." they unanimously exclaim-
ed, "yOu are a great pOetf -
And the whole assembly shouted
until the hall shook
"LOng live Alexander POpew
An echo from the forest, repeated
like the still higher applause of pro-
phecy-
''Long live Alexander Pope.n
Horace GreaIaU,s Panmapcb;D