Page:Famous history of the learned Friar Bacon (1).pdf/4

(4) about to send him home with commendations to his father, he fearing the worst humbly besought him to prevail if possible with his father, that he might be sent to the University, where he had a desire to go learn the liberal sciences.

His school master denied him not his request, but went home with him, and, taking the old man aside told him he had learned his son as far as he was able, that he took it in extremely well, and was willing to improve it at the University; and that he was verily persuaded, by the promptness he perceived in him, if he would be at a little charge with him there, he would be so great a proficient as would advance him to an eminent station.

The old man heard this with some indignation, but concealed his anger till the school master was gone; and then taking his son to task, said. How now, sirrah! have not I been at cost enough already, but are you itching to put me to more? Methinks I have given you such learning as to enable you, in time, to be a constable, or church warden of the parish, and far out-do those in the office that can neither read nor write; let that suffice: As for the rest of your business for the future, it is to learn horse language, and whistle well, that you may be dextrous at driving the plough and cart, and managing