Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 11 — page 2: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Ps —_—-———- — - their stumps of tails, ma not to be cot over. You level your only son to the brute creation by giving him a Christian name which from its peculiar brevity, has been monopolized by all the W628 in the county. Any other name you please, my dear, but in this One instance you must allow iue to lay my positive veto.” ‘* Well, then, let me see—but I'll think of it, Mr. Easy, my head aches very much just now.” ‘Tt wilkthink for you, my dear. What do you say to John?” ‘*Oh, no, Mr. Easy; such a common name.” “A proof of its popularity, my dear. It is Scriptural —we have the Apostle and the Baptist—we have a dozen Popes who were all Johns. It is royal—we have plenty of kings who were Johns—and moreover, it is short, and sounds hovest and manly.” * Yes, very true, my dear; but they will call him ‘‘Well, we have had several celebrated characters who were Jacks. There was—let me see—Jack the “pe Killer, and Jack of the Bean Stalk—and Jack— ack— ‘“* Jack Spratt,”’ replied Mrs. Easy. “And Jack Cade, Mrs. Easy, the great rebel—and Three-fingered Jack, Mrs. Easy, the celebrated negro— and, above all, Jack Falstaff, ma’am, Jack Falstaff— honest Jack Falstaff—witty Jack Falstaff—” “| thought, Mr. Easy, that I was to be permitted to choose the name.” “Well, so you shall, my dear; I give it up to you. Da¥ust as you Please; but depend upon it that John is the right name. Is it not. now, my dear?”’ ‘Tes the way you always treat me, Mr. Easy; yousay . that you give it up, and that I shall have my own way « ‘ s PY ~~ 7 | “but I never do have it. lam sure that the child will be ehristeved John,” The New York Library. tonishment. | ‘Tam glad to perceive that you have a large portion | of benevolence.’ | ‘* Yes,” replied the young woman, dropping a curtsey. ‘* And veneration also.” | “‘Thanky, sir.”’ ‘And the organ of modesty is strongly developed.” ‘Yes, sir,”’ replied the girl with a smile. “That's quite a new organ,” thought Dr. Middleton, ** Philo-progenitiveness very yowerful,”’ Tak ra please, sir, I don’t know what that is,”’ an- swered Sarah with a curtsey. ‘ Nevertheless you have given us a practical illustra- tion. Mrs. Easy, I am satisfied. Have you any ques- tions to ask? But it is quite unnecessary.” “To be sure I have, Mr. Easy. Pray, young woman, what is your name?” ‘Sarah, if you please ma’am,”’ ‘* How long have you been married?” ‘*Married, ma'am?” ‘* Yes, married.” “Tf you please, ma’am, I had a misfortune, ma’am,”’ replied the girl, casting down her eyes. What, have you not been married?” ‘* No, ma’am, not yet.” ‘“‘Good heavens! Dr, Middleton, what can you mean by bringing this person here?’ exclaimed Mrs, Easy. ‘* Not a married woman, and she has a child!”’ “Tf you please, ma’am,” interrupted the young wo- _man, dropping a curtsey, ‘‘it was_a very little one.” ‘A very little one!” exclaimed Mrs. Easy. | “Yes, ma’am, very small indeed, and died soon after it was born.”’ | naa) Dr. Middleton !—what could you mean, Dr. Mid- dleton?”’ | “My dear madam,” exclaimed the doctor, rising from | boy, of a naturally c : ‘know how it will be, as it always is; you give me m “Nay, my dear, it'shal be just what you please. | his chair, ‘ this is the only person that I could find suit- «Now I-recollect: it, there were several Greek Emperors | ed to the wants of your child, and if you do not take who were Johns; butdecide for yourself, my dear.” _| her, I cannot answer for its life. It is true, that a mar- “No, no,’ replied Mrs. Easy, who was ill, and unable | ried woman might be procured: but married women, to: contend any longer; “I give it up, Mr. Easy. I) who have a proper feeling, will not desert their own children; and as Mr. Easy asserts, and you appear to own way as people give pieces of gold to children; it’s | imagine, the temper and disposition of your child may _ school, o their. owm money, but they must not spend it. Pray -~o¢all him John.” There, ny dear, did not I tell you you would be of | man who will desert her own child for the sake of gain. | mon judgment. my opinion upon reflection? I knew you would. I have given you your Own way, and you tell me to call him | ~« John: so how we're both of the same mind, and that | '» point is settled.” ‘ “I should like to go to sleep, Mr. Easy; I feel far sefrom well.” ‘** You shall always do ust as you like, my dear,” re- lied the husband, and have your own way in every- » thing. It is the greatest pleasure I have when I yield eto your wishes. Iwill walk in the garden. Good-by, «my dear.” vf Mrs. Easy made no reply, and the philosopher quit- ted the room. As may easily be imagined, on the fol- lowing day the boy was christened John, CHAPTER II. IN WHICH OUR HERO HAS TO WAIT THE ISSUE OF AN ARGUMENT. Tue reader may observe that, in general, all my first chapters are very short, and increase in length as the work advanees. I mention this as a proof of my mod- - @sty and diffidence. At first, I am like a young bird » just out of its mother’s nest, pluming my little feathers and taking short flights. By deereee I obtain more con- « fidence, and wing my course over hill and dale. It is very difficult to throw any interest into a chapter von childhood. There is the same uniformity in all chil- e dren until they develop. We cannot, therefore, say much relative to Jack Easy’s earliest days; he sucked and threw up his milk while the nurse blessed it for a pretty dear, slept, and sucked again. He crowed in the morning like -a cock, sereaell when he was washed, stared at the candle, and made wry faces with the wind. Six months passed in these innocent amusements, and then he was put into shorts. But I ought here to have soremarked, that Mrs. Easy did not find herself equal to nursing her own infant, and it was necessary to look » out for a substitute. Now a comimonj lace person would have been satisfied J swith the recommendation of the medical man, who looks but to the one thing needful, which is a sufficient and | wholesomesupply of nourishment for the child; but Mr. Easy was & philosopher, and had latterly taken to cran- iology, and he descanted very learnedly with the doctor | ).arpon the effect of ‘his only son obtaining his nutriment © from an unknown source, ‘* Who knows,” observed Mr. Easy, “but that imy son may not imbibe with his milk ''the-very worst passions of human nature!” “7 have examined her,” replied the doctor, ‘*‘ and can safely recomménd her.” “That examination is only preliminary to one more . important,” replied Nir. Nasy. ‘*I must examine her.” ( “ Examine who; Mr. Easy?’ exciaimed his wife, who had lain down again on the bed, flee * Thediurse, my dear.” .. “Pxamine what, Mr. Kasy,”’ continued the lady. o{ “Her head, my dear,’ replied the husband. oT tnust ascertain what her propensities are.” ' ‘$¢Ethink you had better leave her alone, Mr. Easy. She comes this evening, and I shall question her prett « severely. _Doctor Middleton, what do you know of th young: person ?* v0 **T know, raadam, that she ts very healthy and strong, or should not haverselected her.’ ** But is her character good?” “Really, madam, I know little about her character; ‘but you can matte any inquiries you please. But at the same time I ought to obsorve, thatif you are too_par- ticular in that point, you will have some difficulty in ‘providing yourself.” oe) “Well, I shali:see,”’ replied Mrs. Easy. “ And I shall feel,” rejoined the husband. This parleying was interrupted by the arrival of the very person in question, who was announced by the «housemaid, aud.was ushered in, She was a handsome, . florid, heelthy-looking girl, awkward and naive in her manner, and apparently not over wise; there was more of the dove tlian of the serpent in her composition. Mr. Easy,'who was very anxious to make his own dis- . eoveries, was the first who spoke. “ Young woman, come this way, I wish to examine your head. oo Oh} dear me, sir, it’s quite clean, I assure you,” \-eried the gil, dropping a curtsey. - Dector Middleton, who sat between the bed and Mr. - Basy’s chair, rubbed his hands and laughed. in the meantime, Mr. Easy had untied the string and taken off the cap of the young woman, and was ve sesy pulling his Gogers through her hair, during whic be affected by the nourishment it receives, I think it more likely to be injured by the milk of a married wo- | The misfortune which has happened to this young wo- | man is not always a proof of a bad heart, but of strong attachment, and the overweening confidence of sim- | plicity.”’ ‘You are correct, doctor,” replied Mr. Easy, “‘and her head proves that she is a modest young woman, | with strong religious feeling, kindness of disposition, and Abe | other requisite.” “‘The head may prove it all for what I know, Mr. nr but her conduct tells another tale.” “She is well fitted for the situation, ma’am,”’ con- tinued the doctor. * And if you please, ma’am,”’ rejoined Sarah, ‘it was such a little one.” “Shall I try the baby, ma’am?” said the monthly nurse, who had listened in silence. “It is fretting so, or thing, and has its dear little fist right down its hroat.”’ Dr. Middleton seconds Master as a leech. : Lord love it, how hungry it is!—there, -a moment, it’s choking, poor thing!” Mrs. Easy, who was lying on her bed, rose up, and went to the child. Her first feeling was that of envy, that another should have such a pleasure which was denied to herself; the next, that of delight, at the sat- | isfaction exprease by the infant. In a few minutes ‘the child fell back in a deep sleep. Mrs, Easy was sat- _isfied; maternal feeling conquered all others, and Sarah _ was duly installed. | To’ make shert work of it, we have said that Jack Easy in six months was in shorts, He soon afterward began to crawl and show his legs: indeed, so indecorous- ly, that it was evident that he ad imbibed no modesty with Sarah’s milk, neither did he appear to have gained veneration or benevolence, for he snatched at every- thing, squeezed the little kitten to death, scratched his mother, and pulled his father by the hair; notwith- standing all which, both his father and mother and the whole household declared him to be the finest and sweetest child in the universe. But if we were to nar- rate all the wonderful events of Jack’s childhood from his birth up to the age of seven years, as chronicled by Sarah, who continued his dry nurse after he had been weaned, it would take at least three volumes follfo. Jack was brought up in the way that every only child usually is—that is, he was allowed to have his own way. CHAPTER IV. IN WHICH THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBES GOING TO SCHOOL AS A REMEDY FOR A CUT FINGER. ‘* Have you no idea of putting the boy to school, Mr. a Sie boner ten oan to attend i diate- a groom wit ; horse in a fo nd immedia iy at Forest Hill, the name of Mr. eS ern and who, upon his arrival, had found that ter Easy had Gere the sigual of assent, and in a few ohn Easy was fixed to Sarah as tight cut his thumb. One would have thought that he had | oy do not doubt pour Sp gs Mr. ave a diffic cut his head off by the agitation pervading the whole household—Mr. Easy w easy, Mrs. Easy with great ifficulty prevented from syncope, and all the maids bustling and pas round Mrs. faty’s chair. Everybody appeared excited except Master Jack Easy lf, who, with a round his finger and his pinafore spotted with blood, was playing at bob-cherry, and cared nothing about the matter. “Well, what’s the matter my little man?” said Dr. Middleton, on entering, add himself to Jack, as the most sensible of the whole party. i “Oh, Dr. Middleton,” interrupted Mrs, Easy, “ he has cut his hand; I’m sure that a nerve is divided, and then the lock-jaw—” The doctor made no reply, but examined the finger; oa Easy continued to play bob-cherry with his right ‘Have you such a thing as a piece of sticking-plaster | in the house, madame?’’ observed the doctor, after ex- amination. ° 3 “Oh, yes: run, Mary, run, Sarah! Ina few seconds the maids appeared, Sarah bringing the sticking-plas- ter, and Mary following with the scissors. ‘‘Make yourself quite easy, madame,” said Dr. Mid- dieton, after he put on the plaster, ‘I will answer for no evil consequences. **Had I not better take him up-stairs, and let him lie down a little?’’ replied Mrs. Easy, slipping a guinea into the doctor’s hand. “Tt is not absolutely requisite, madame.” said the there, stop it | | the mins of a father to preserve his only ad been summoned by | up and down very un- never can — oe — eo ee ———_—_—_—_ —— ee { You see, Mrs. Easy, it is a dilem- | the face of the young woman expressed fear and as- | doctor; ‘‘ but at all events he will be kept out of more © mischief.”’ ; ‘“*‘Come, my dear, you hear what Dr. Middleton says.” — * va I heard,” replied Jack; ‘* but I shan’t go.” 3 ee dear Johnny—come love—now do, my dear ohnny.”’ Johnny played bob-cherry, and made no answer. ‘Come, Master Johnny,”’ said Sarah. “Go away, Sarah,” said Johnny, with a backhander, , **Oh! fie, Master Johnny,” said. Mary. te “Johnny, my love,’ said Mrs, Easy, in a coax); tone, * come now—will you go?” ‘e “Tll go in the garden and get some more cherries _ replied laster Johnny. ‘Come, then, love, we will go into the garden.”’ Master Johnny jumped off his chair, and took l.s @ mamma by the hand. ‘ ‘What a dear, good, obedient child it is!’ exclaimed Mrs. Easy; ‘you may lead him with a thread.” ‘* Yes, to pick cherries,”’ thought Dr. Middleton. Mrs. Easy, and Johnny, and Sarah, and Mary went into the garden, leaving Dr. Middleton alone with M.. Easy, who had been silent during this scene. . Now I. Middleton was a clever, sensible man, who had no W!>.! to impose upon any one. As for his taking a cule. for putting on a piece of sticking-plaster, his conscience was very easy on that score. is time was equally valuable, whether he were employed for something or nothing; and, moreover, he attended the. poor gratis, Constantly in the house, he had seen much of Mr. John Easy, and perceived that he was a courageous, decide: bo ood disposition; but from fl ’ idiosyneracy of the father, and the doating folly of the mother, in a sure way of being spoiled. As soon, there- fore, as the lady was out of hearing, he took a cha., and made the query at the commencement of the chap- ter, which we shall now. repeat. ‘Have you no idea of putting the boy to school, Mr. | ‘ Easy ?”’ Mr. Easy crossed his legs, and clas his hands to- r gether over his knees, bei always did when he was © about to commence an argument. ‘, “The great ehjectson that I have to sending a boy!” . r. Middleton, is, that I conceive that the di: *- cipline enforced is, not only contrary to the rights of man, but also in opposition to all sound sense and com- ot content with punishment which is in itself erroneous, and an infringement of social justice, they even degrade the minds of the boys still more by applying punishment to the most d ed ™ ‘t, adding contumely to tyranny. Of course, it is in- | par | _ tended that a boy who is sent to school should gain by | recept and example; but is he to learn benevolence — the angry look and the flourish of the vindictive — birech—or forbearance, by the cruelty of the ushers— + patience, when the masters over him are out of ¢ luge patience—or modesty, when his nether parts are expos’ ed to general examination? Is he not daily reading ® lesson at variance with that equality which we all en, | sess, but of which we are unjustly deprived? ny 2B should there be a distinction between the flo and 4 the floggee? Are they not both fashioned e afte; God's image, endowed with the same reason, having <1¥ equal right to what the world offers, and which was ii — tended by Providence to be equally distributed? Is 1! not that the sacred inheritance of all, which has tyran- nously and impiously been ravished from the many for — the benefit of the few, and which ravishment, fro.) wee custom of iniquity and inculcation of false pro- cepts, has too long been basely submitted to? Is it nob son from im-@ ese dangerous and debasing errors, which wi.l render him o one of a vile herd who are content 10 suffer, provided that they live? And yet.are not these very errors inculcated at school, and imp upen their mind inversely by the birch? Do not they theis receive their first lesson in slavery with the first 1 1 in A BC; and are not their minds thereby See so as never torise again, but, ever to bow to despotism, to cringe to rank, to think and act by the precepts o others, and to tacitly disavow that sacred equali which is our birthright? No, sir, without they can teaca’™ without resortin ging, my boy shall never go to school.” iE And Mr. Easy threw himself back in his chair, imag- | ining, like all philosophers, that he had said somethii.7 very clever. ; Dr. Middleton knew his man, and therefore patien('y | waited until he had exhausted his oratory. ‘“T will grant,” said the doctor at last, “‘that all you | say may have great truth in it; but, Mr. Easy, do yo not think that by not permitting a boy to be educated. you allow him to remain more open to that very erro! of which you speak? It is only education which wi) conquer prejudice, and enable a man to break throu: ' the trammels of custom. Now, allowing that the bij. is used, yet itis ata period when the young mind is s« elastic as to soon become irdifferent; and after he has attained the usual rudiments of education, you w’ then find him prepared to receive those lessons whi you can yourself instill.” teach him everything myself,” eephed Mi: folding his arms consequentially and determi: Easy; but wu. fortunately you will always ulty Which yo get over. Excuse me, I know what you ¢°4 , and the boy would indeed be happy wi 1 bibing ee wi capable o such a preceptor, but—if I must s be aware, as well as I am, that the maternal fondnes of Mrs. will always be a bar to your attentio, He is already so spoiled by her, that he will not obey?) . and without obedience you cannot inculcate,” “TI grant, my dear sir, that there is a difficulty that point; but maternal weakness must then be over © come by paternal severity.” | | y en ask how, Mr. Easy? for it appears to me ir possible,’’ ; 1 apomatble apy, heavens, oe — oo hs ‘4 S| 4 | ere Mr. sy s ore the wo oO; y Ames UT know the reasu 2ak plain—you mu > hy, Dr. Middleton.” why, Dr. _,”’ Dr. Middleton checked his inclination to laugh, ar lied, ‘That you would hit upon some scheme, b, 'which you would obtain the necessvry power ov him, I have no doubt; but what will be the coy sequence? The boy will consider his mother as*) protector and you as a tyrant. He will have «| aversion to ad ae _ oS cone sy ; s never pay res an ntion our valua pts when he arrives to an age to undersiu them. Now it appears to me that difficulty whit 7 — you have raised may be got over. I know a very wo te COMMCDOOKS iC ON) & @ OO ge 8 Se - ea ee to such a fundamental error as flog- | _ “ . = .