Our thoughts and our conduct are our own.
“Short Studies on Great Subjects: Education,”—James A. Froude.
James Anthony Froude, a celebrated English historian, was born at Dartington in Devonshire, April 23, 1818, and died in London, October 20, 1894. Among his works are: “Luther: A Short Biography,” “Shadows of a Cloud,” “Nemesis of Faith,” “History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth,” “The English in Ireland in the Eighteenth Century,” “Influence of the Reformation on the Scottish Character,” “Thomas Carlyle,” “Short Studies on Great Subjects,” “Spanish Story of the Armada,” etc.
Bowed by the weight of centuries, he leans
Upon his hoe and gazes on the ground,
The emptiness of ages in his face,
And on his back the burden of the world.
“The Man with the Hoe,”—Edwin Markham.
Edwin Markham, a noted American poet, was born at Oregon City, Oregon, April 23, 1852. He is best known by his famous poem, “The Man with the Hoe.”
But as some muskets so contrive it
As oft to miss the mark they drive at,
And though well aimed at duck or plover,
Bear wide, and kick their owners over.
“McFingal,” Canto i, Line 93,—John Trumbull.
John Trumbull, a famous American lawyer, poet, and wit, was born in Westbury, Conn., April 24, 1750, and died at Detroit, Mich., May 10, 1831. He wrote: “The Progress of Dullness,” “McFingal,” which won for him his greatest fame, and several other works. His “Poetical Works” were published in 1820.
Whatever Thackeray says, the reader cannot fail to understand; and whatever Thackeray attempts to communicate, he succeeds in conveying.