Page:Eugene Aram vol 2 - Lytton (1832).djvu/249

 "Aram!" repeated Walter.

"What, you know him then?—and where does he live now?"

"In, very near my uncle's residence. He is certainly a remarkable man."

"Yes, indeed he promised to become so. At the time I refer to, he was poor to penury, and haughty as poor; but it was wonderful to note the iron energy with which he pursued his progress to learning. Never did I see a youth,—at that time he was no more,—so devoted to knowledge for itself.

'Doctrinæ pretium triste magister habet.'

"Methinks," added Elmore, "I can see him now, stealing away from the haunts of men,

'With even step and musing gait,'

across the quiet fields, or into the woods, whence he was certain not to re-appear till night-fall. Ah! he was a strange and solitary being, but full of genius, and promise of bright things hereafter. I have often heard since of his fame as a scholar, but could never learn where he lived Rh