The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-09-22

little in advance Of him. though both
were becoming veritable sages. The king
was 40 well satisfied that for some weeks
he had not examined the boys at all.
Such was the condition Of affairs when
the princes, after long ramble in the
woods, one hot day. lay down and fell
sound asleep. They were all alone. Not
quite alone, however. Soon, from be-
hind large tree trunk peeped a great
pair of spectacles, and behind them the
sparkling eyes of the old professor-in-
chief. On his back he carried an enor-
nous bundle of books. These unfasten-
ing. he sat down back of the two boys
as they lay on the ground, and softly
and noiselessly, with wonderful swift
ness and patience, rubbed page after
page and volume after volume over the
heads Of both princes, and in the wrong
direction. This done, with a chuckle he
gathered up his books and set off to the
kings palace.
Your majesty" said he to the king,
when admitted after some difficulty, 81
fear you are mistaken in regard to the
ability Of the young man who occupies
at present the position of professor-in-
chief. His methods are questionable;
his results are therefore questionable.
May inquire how recently you have
examined the princess
And when the king confessed that it
was now some weeks since he had in
quired into their progress the old man
continued:
Then | advise you TO investigate the
matter al once. Call the young man and
his pupils. and if everything is well ]
will be off and never trouble you again.
The king thought this a very easy and
reasonable way of getting rid of the old
gentleman. and so he sent for the new
professor.in-chef and for the princes,
who had Just returned, and proceeded at
once to ask questions.
Well, tho result may be conjectured.
Every trace Of knowledge seemed TO
have vanished from the boys minds
Indeed, they could scarcely read. Star
tied more and more, the king piled them
with every imaginable question. To
their own grief as well rs his, they
found themselves absolutely ignorant
leave the palacel' shouted the king
to their dismayed teacher. And, my
good sir, be pleased to resume your for
mcr position as professor-in-chief, and
see what you can do for my poor sons,
if their minds are not utterly ruined"
Your majesty" said the old gentle
man, IL will accept my former position
on condition that this young man be re-
tanned in your employment, and be Civ
en- equal honor with myself We may
both be called professors, and there need
be no profossor-in-chiof. | have learned
to admire his ability, and regret my I'm
fairness in forcing him TO teach only the
more stupid of your sons. We have
both been using magic, and | propose
we lay it aside from this moment, and
proceed on old fashioned principles
Il agree, my dear sir" cordially as
scented the former tutor, "for fear that
this magic learning is untrustworthy.
To be sure, it comes quickly, but 1t van
ishcs as easily, | perceive. We have
now an opportunity to make fresh and
fair start with the princes, for their
knowledge is equal. since now they both
know nothing. promise your majesty
that though their future progress may
be slower than the past, 1t will be more
certain and satisfactory
With this the two professors, the
Young one and the old, retired from the
kings presence to consult and form plans
together for the education of the princes.
Having the rare opportunity of begin
ming again at the start after so much eX-
perience with the same boys, they
thought that something wonderful should
be accomplished in the teachers art.
And 50 it was; for the harmonious and
wise plans of the two professors, work
ing slowly but surely for many years,
gave the world two princes whose mar
velous intelligence and wisdom were the
wonder. not only Of the kingdom over
which they came TO reign jointly, but Of
all men.
One word to my lazy readers and !
am done. Doubtless the fairy charm Of
which have told you may appear SO
tempting on the occasion Of your next
hard lesson that you will wish to try it
on yourself, undismayed by its sad re-
suits in the case Of the princes. But do
not venture. For everything depends
on moving the book from left TO right,
but whether it is from left TO right OF
the book. or from the left to che right Of
the scholar or of the teacher, | never
conld learn Therefore, in ignoranty
operating ON yourselves, you might
draw from your hea.s all you already
know, and that would be pity.-Amos
r. Wells in The independent.