He was delighted with it, for he is able to write
very fair Latin and Greek. That boy is nearly eighteen. He does not
know why the tides rise and fall, and has never heard that there has
been any controversy as to the basis of ethics.
Your affectionate godchild,
HERMIONE.
My Dear Hermione,--Your letter was something like a knock-down blow. I
am sorry you have abandoned your old friends, and I felt that you
intended to rebuke me for trifling. A great deal of what you say I am
sure is true, but I cannot write about it. Whether Greek and Latin
ought to be generally taught I am unable to decide. I am glad I learned
them. My apology for my little Musae must be that it is too late to
attempt to alter the habits in which I was brought up. Remember, my
dear child, that I am an old bachelor with seventy years behind me last
Christmas, and remember also my natural limits. I am not so old,
nevertheless, that I cannot wish you God-speed in all your undertakings.
Your affectionate godfather,
G. L.
My Dear Godfather,--What a blunderer I am! What deplorable want of
tact! If I wanted your opinion on classical education or my scheme I
surely might have found a better opportunity for requesting it.
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