mountains and plains and rivers were almost unknown. 9. Among hostile Indians, climbing mountains, wading or swimming rivers, sleeping on the ground, and often in want of food, he passed three years of his life, and at the age of nineteen was the strongest, sturdiest young man in all Virginia. He was six feet, two inches tall, weighed one hundred and sixty pounds, was brave, resolute, and self-possessed in the midst of danger, and had never been known to commit a mean act. 10. When he was twenty-one he was made major in the militia, and was chosen by Governor Dinwiddie to undertake the dangerous mission of carrying a letter six hundred miles to the post of the French commander. It was a terrible journey; the weather was cold, the rivers were frozen, the ground was covered with snow, the Indians were hostile, and the country was comparatively trackless. He delivered the letter and returned in safety, though betrayed by his guide and meeting with obstacles that would have deterred one less strong and resolute. 11. In another year the Indian war broke out, and Washington was made lieutenant colonel. So well did he acquit himself in this war that when he was twenty-four he was appointed commander in chief of all the forces of Virginia. He was wise and brave. He bore hardships like his own soldiers, and the men loved and admired him. He was cool, temperate, and decided, and did his duty with a wise self-reliance that made everybody trust him. 12. As the years passed, he married, and lived on a plantation not far from where the city of Washington now stands. Mount Vernon, consecrated by his life and death, is known and reverenced by all Americans. From this quiet home life his country called him to lead its forces in the almost hopeless contest for freedom. "I will do my best," he said, as he reluctantly laid down the implements of peace and took up the sword. 13. He found a small army of farmers, mechanics, and tradesmen, drawn together by a common impulse, undrilled, half armed, poorly clothed, and great only in their purpose-"an army, but no soldiers," as he described them. Concord, Lexington, Bunker Hill, were passed, grandly written in history, but the future was black with threatening clouds. A few scattered colonies, without, an army, with few resources, with no ships, were contending with the almost limitless power of the greatest nation in the Old World. 14. But the cause was just, and God had raised up the man fitted to lead the people to victory. Washington accepted the position with a full knowl edge of its responsibilities and dangers. He organized an army, he planned the campaigns, and for seven long years he fought, never yielding, never hesitating, never thinking of defeat, until the God of battles smiled in peace through the smoke of the war clouds, and we were free. а 15. Then, laying down his sword, he returned to his dear wife and pleasant home, to rest like “a tired traveler after his journey." But his work was not done. His country still needed him, and, at its hearty call, he again became its servant, and for eight years presided over its councils, showing a statesmanship based on integrity that served to lay the foundations of a great nation. 16. Then, at sixty-four years of age, believing that his public duty was done, he refused further service, and, followed by the love, admiration, and respect of his countrymen and of the world, he went home to rest awhile before God called him. For a little more than two years he enjoyed the peaceful life of a farmer, and then died, mourned by all with a sorrow that refused to be comforted. 1. Century, celebrated, sacrificing, legacy, surveying, impressed, unceasingly, sturdiest, resolute, betrayed, obstacles, deterred, lieutenant colonel, acquit, consecrated, reluctantly, implements, resources, organized, campaign. 2. Had Washington any brothers or sisters? Can you tell anything about his home life as a child or at Mount Vernon? Give the names of his father, his mother, and his wife. How long was Washington commander in chief of the forces in the Revolution? Tell any anecdote you know of his private or public life. XLIV. WISDOM UNAPPLIED. 1. If I were thou, O butterfly! And poised my purple wings to spy And pansies bloom not in the snows. 2. If I were thou, O working bee! 3. If I were thou, O eagle proud! And screamed the thunder back aloud, 4. If I were thou, O gallant steed! 5. While yet I spake, a touch was laid Upon my brow, whose pride did fade As thus, methought, an angel said,"If I were thou who sing'st this song, Most wise for others, and most strong In seeing right while doing wrong, 6. "I would not waste my cares, and choose As thou,-to seek what thou must lose, Such gains as perish in the use. I would not work where none can win, 7. "I would not play earth's winter out, |
