Being much hurried in his business, both he and his amiable2 spouse3 agreed, that it would be more prudent4 to send young Marcus into the country for his education, where he would not be likely to40 receive those pernicious examples he would every day see before him in the metropolis5.
After a very nice enquiry, they were satisfied with the account they received of an academy at the distance of about a hundred miles from London, for the good management of which they were referred to several young gentlemen, who had there received their education, and were universally admired for their learning and prudence6.
The master of the academy considered all his pupils as his children; he was equally attentive7 to instruct them in the different branches of science, and to admonish8 them against those errors which young people are naturally prone9 to run into. He endeavoured to excite their industry by proper encouragement, and, by example, to implant10 in their minds the seeds of honour and probity11. He had also taken the most prudent precautions in the choice of those who were to assist him in so arduous12 an undertaking13.
From so promising14 a situation, every parent would naturally expect the most happy consequences; but their son Marcus, whether from too tender a treatment at home, or not having been properly attended to, had an unhappy turn of mind, and an utter aversion to every kind of study. His thoughts were perpetually wandering after childish pastimes, so that his masters could make him comprehend nothing of the rudiments15 of science. The same marks of indolence appeared41 in the care of his person; for every part of his dress was generally in disorder16; and though he was well made and handsome, yet his slovenly18 appearance made him disgustful to every one.
Let me advise my young readers to be particularly attentive, next to their studies, to the neatness of their persons; for no character is more prejudicial to a youth than that of a sloven17. But do not let them mistake me, and suppose that I mean, by neatness in their dress, foppish19 and ridiculous apparel.
It may easily be supposed, that these defects in his conduct rendered him contemptible20 in the eyes of those children who were at first much behind him, but soon overtook him, to his inevitable21 disgrace. His master was so much ashamed of him, as well on account of his ignorance as slovenliness22, that whenever any visitors came to the school, poor Marcus was sent out of the way, lest such a figure as he was might bring disgrace on the academy.
It might reasonably be expected, that so many humiliating circumstances would have made some impression on his mind; but he continued the same course of inconsistence, indolence, and dissipation; nor did there appear the least dawn of hope, that he would ever return into the paths of industry and prudence.
His master was very uneasy on his account, and knew not how to act: to keep him at his school, he considered as a robbery on his parents, and to send him home as a dunce and a blockhead would be a cutting consideration to his father and mother. He would sometimes say to his unworthy pupil, "Marcus, what will your father and mother think of me, when I shall send you home to them, so little improved in learning and knowledge?" It was, however, in vain to talk to him; for he seldom made any answer, but generally burst into tears.
Two years had glided23 away in this miserable24 manner, without his having made the least progress in learning, and without showing the least inclination25 for study. One evening, however, just as he was going to bed, he received a letter sealed with black wax, which he opened with some degree of indifference26, and then read as follows:
"MY DEAR MARCUS,
"This morning has deprived me of the most affectionate husband, and you of the most tender parent. Alas27, he is gone, to return no more! If there be any thing that can enable me to support this dreadful calamity28, it is only in what I receive from the recollection, that I have left in my son the dear image of his father. It is from you only therefore I can look for comfort; and I am willing to flatter myself, that I shall receive as much pleasure from your conduct as I do from my tender affection for you. Should I find myself disappointed in my hopes, should you be only like43 your father in person, and not resemble him in his industry, integrity, and virtue29, sorrow and despair will put a period to my miserable life. By the person who brings you this letter, I have sent you a miniature picture of your father. Wear it constantly at your bosom30, and frequently look at it, that it may bring to your remembrance, and induce you to imitate, all the purest virtues31 and uncommon32 endowments of the dear original. I shall leave you in your present situation one year longer, by which time I hope you will be complete in your education. In the mean time, do not let this slip from your memory, that my happiness or misery33 depends on your conduct, industry, and attention to your studies. That God may bless you, and give you patience cheerfully to tread the rocky paths of science, is my sincere wish."
The errors of Marcus were the consequence of bad habits and customs he had imbibed34 in his infancy35, and not from any natural depravity of the heart. He had no sooner read this letter than he found every sentiment of virtue awakening37 in his bosom. He burst into a flood of tears, and frequently interrupted by sighs, exclaimed, "O my dear father! my dear father! have I then lost you for ever?" He earnestly gazed on the miniature picture of his parent, pressed it to his bosom, while he, in faultering accents, uttered these44 words:—"Thou dear author of my existence, how unworthy am I to be called your son! How shamefully38 have I abused your tenderness, in idling that time away for which you have paid so dearly! But let me hope that reformation will not come too late."
He passed that night in sorrow and contrition40, he bedewed his pillow with tears, and sleep was a stranger to his troubled mind. If he happened but to slumber41, he suddenly started, imagining he saw the image of his deceased father standing42 before him in the dreadful garb43 of death, and thus reproaching him: "Ungenerous youth! is this the manner in which you ought to return my past cares and attention to your interest?—Thou idle sloven, thou ungenerous son! awaken36 from your state of indolence, and properly improve the little time you have left for the pursuit of science, which you have hitherto so shamefully neglected; and do not, by an unpardonable inattention to yourself, shorten the few remaining days of your dear mother's life!"
I hope my youthful readers are well convinced that there are no such things as ghosts or apparitions44, and that they are nothing more than the effects of a troubled imagination. Such was the ease with Marcus, who fancied he saw his father on the one hand, reproaching him for what was past, and his dear mother on the other, exhorting45 him to better conduct in future. "What a wretch45 I am," said he to himself, "to act in this manner! When my time for leaving this academy shall arrive, and I must appear before my mother to give proofs of my literary knowledge, what must be the pangs47 of her maternal48 heart, when she shall find that the child, on whom she had placed all the prospects49 of her future felicity, is an ungrateful, ignorant, and unworthy wretch46? She will call on the friendly hand of Death to take her from such an insupportable scene!"
Poor Marcus thus lay rolling on the thorny50 bed of trouble and anxiety, till, at last, totally overcome by grief and despair, he fell asleep. As soon as he awoke in the morning, on his bended knees he implored52 the assistance of the Almighty53 in the reformation he intended to make in his conduct. He instantly hastened to his master's chamber54, and there threw himself on his knees before him: "Behold55, sir," said he, "prostrate56 before you, an ungrateful wretch, who has hitherto treated, with the most shameful39 indifference, all the wise lessons you would have bestowed57 on him. Yet, unworthy as I may be of your future instructions, let me implore51 you, for the sake of my dear mother, whose life I fear I shall shorten by my unworthy conduct, to extend your bounty58 to me once more, and I will endeavour to convince you, by my future conduct, how much ashamed I am of what is past."
His master raised him up, took him in his46 arms, and tenderly embracing him, they shed tears together. "My dear Marcus," said his master to him, "to be sensible of your errors is half way to reformation. You have, it is true, squandered59 away, in the pursuit of trifles, two years that ought to have been employed in the acquisition of useful science. You have still one year left, and, as you appear to stand self-convicted of the imprudence of your past conduct, I would not wish to drive you to despair; but to encourage you by saying, that, by proper application, great things may be done, even in the remaining year. Begin this moment, lose no more time, and may God give you resolution to proceed suitably to my wishes, and your own interest."
Marcus seized the hand of his master, tenderly kissed it, and then retired60, being totally unable to utter a single word. He instantly ran to his chamber, there eased his heart in a flood of tears, and then set about the necessary business. He applied61 himself so closely to his books, and made therein so rapid a progress, as astonished his master and teachers. His companions, who had hitherto treated him with the utmost contempt, began to love and revere62 him. Marcus, thus encouraged by the different treatment he now received, pursued his studies with the utmost attention and alacrity63. He was no longer despised for his wickedness and perversity64, but admired and caressed65 for the affability and goodness of his temper. Formerly66 no severities or entreaties67 could make him attend to his studies; but they were now forced to use some degree of violence to make him partake of necessary recreations.
In this manner his last twelvemonth passed on, and he viewed with regret the approach of that time when he was to leave school, and engage in pursuits of a different nature. He was hereafter to study men, and endeavour to acquire a knowledge of the latent motions of the human heart, perhaps the most difficult study in the commerce of this world.
The time allowed him being expired, his mother ordered him up to London. By the end of the year, the change he had made in his conduct so operated in his favour, that his departure was regretted by all his school companions; and, when he took his leave, sorrow visibly appeared in the countenance68 of every one. It was a pleasing reflection to his master, that a youth he had given up as lost, should on a sudden reform, and, in the circle of one year, make as great a progress in the sciences as the generality of youths do in three.
The journey afforded Marcus the most pleasing reflections; for he had now nothing to apprehend69 from the interrogatories of his mother, with respect to his education; and though he sincerely lamented71 the two years he had lost, yet he could not but feel the effects of the happy employment of the third.
His schoolmaster had before acquainted his mother of the happy reformation in her son, and the great improvement he had made since the death of his father. These considerations, added to the natural feelings of a mother, made their meeting a scene of the most tender delights and heartfelt transports.
Marcus lost only a week in paying visits to his relations and friends, and then applied himself to his father's business with unremitted assiduity and the most flattering success. In a few years he took an amiable partner for life, with whom he lived happy and contented72. He was blessed with dutiful children, to whom he would frequently give this lesson: "My dear children, do not forget, that time once lost is not to be recalled; and that those hours you trifle away in your early years, you will severely73 lament70 the loss of when you shall have reached the age of maturity74. An old age of ignorance is despicable indeed; for he who has neglected properly to cultivate his mind in his youth, will embitter75 the evening of his life with self-accusations and reproaches. Happy the youth who, having toiled76 hard during spring in the garden of science, sits down in the autumn at leisure to regale77 on the fruits of his labour!"
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
spouse
|
|
| n.配偶(指夫或妻) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
prudent
|
|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
metropolis
|
|
| n.首府；大城市 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
prudence
|
|
| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
attentive
|
|
| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
admonish
|
|
| v.训戒；警告；劝告 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
prone
|
|
| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
implant
|
|
| vt.注入，植入，灌输 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
probity
|
|
| n.刚直；廉洁，正直 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
arduous
|
|
| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
undertaking
|
|
| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
promising
|
|
| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
rudiments
|
|
| n.基础知识，入门 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
disorder
|
|
| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
sloven
|
|
| adj.不修边幅的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
slovenly
|
|
| adj.懒散的，不整齐的，邋遢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
foppish
|
|
| adj.矫饰的，浮华的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
contemptible
|
|
| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
inevitable
|
|
| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
slovenliness
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
glided
|
|
| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
miserable
|
|
| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
inclination
|
|
| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
indifference
|
|
| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
alas
|
|
| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
calamity
|
|
| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
virtue
|
|
| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
bosom
|
|
| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
virtues
|
|
| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
uncommon
|
|
| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
misery
|
|
| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
imbibed
|
|
| v.吸收( imbibe的过去式和过去分词 )；喝；吸取；吸气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
infancy
|
|
| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
awaken
|
|
| vi.醒，觉醒；vt.唤醒，使觉醒，唤起，激起 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
awakening
|
|
| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
shamefully
|
|
| 可耻地； 丢脸地； 不体面地； 羞耻地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
shameful
|
|
| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
contrition
|
|
| n.悔罪，痛悔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
slumber
|
|
| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
garb
|
|
| n.服装，装束 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
apparitions
|
|
| n.特异景象( apparition的名词复数 )；幽灵；鬼；（特异景象等的）出现 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
exhorting
|
|
| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
wretch
|
|
| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
pangs
|
|
| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
maternal
|
|
| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
prospects
|
|
| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
thorny
|
|
| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
implore
|
|
| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
implored
|
|
| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
almighty
|
|
| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
chamber
|
|
| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
prostrate
|
|
| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
bounty
|
|
| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
squandered
|
|
| v.（指钱，财产等）浪费，乱花( squander的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
applied
|
|
| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
revere
|
|
| vt.尊崇，崇敬，敬畏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
alacrity
|
|
| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
perversity
|
|
| n.任性；刚愎自用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
caressed
|
|
| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
formerly
|
|
| adv.从前，以前 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
entreaties
|
|
| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
apprehend
|
|
| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
lament
|
|
| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
lamented
|
|
| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
contented
|
|
| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
severely
|
|
| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
maturity
|
|
| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
embitter
|
|
| v.使苦；激怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
toiled
|
|
| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的过去式和过去分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
regale
|
|
| v.取悦，款待 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |