There, too, is a mitre of the old fashion, swinging on the sign-post
in the middle of the street.'
"'Respectable tavern enough!' quoth the reverend doctor; 'and worthy
men do turn in there, even quality,--Master Davenant, Master Powel,
Master Whorwood, aged and grave men. But taverns are Satan's
chapels, and are always well attended on the Lord's day, to twit
him. Hast thou no friend in such a city as Oxford?'
"'Only the landlady of the Mitre,' said I.
"'A comely woman,' quoth he, 'but too young for business by half.
"'Stay thou with me to-day, and fare frugally, but safely.
"'What may thy name be, and where is thy abode?'
"'William Shakspeare, of Stratford-upon-Avon, at your service, sir.'
"'And welcome,' said he; 'thy father ere now hath bought our college
wool. A truly good man we ever found him; and I doubt not he hath
educated his son to follow him in his paths. There is in the blood
of man, as in the blood of animals, that which giveth the temper and
disposition. These require nurture and culture. But what nurture
will turn flint-stones into garden mould? or what culture rear
cabbages in the quarries of Hedington Hill? To be well born is the
greatest of all God's primary blessings, young man, and there are
many well born among the poor and needy.
Pages:
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90