Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/251

 and self-sufficient declaration assumed an expression of sportive archness that immediately demonstrated her comprehension of his character, and her relish for humour. Our hero perceiving this, determined to gratify her by inducing his reverence to a full display. He said, he was extremely happy to find a gentleman so willing to communicate his instructions; that he himself was conscious of great ignorance and many errors; but he trusted he was docile. "Docility," said the priest, in the imperative tone of pulpit inculcation, "docility is one step towards the acquisition of knowledge; to receive instruction you must be willing as well as capable." "A very just, and, to my belief, an original remark." "It is," said the parson, "the result of long experience, accompanied by deep reflection. I have seen and observed much, but I have thought more. In my in