Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/76

 be, to listen to, or repeat sentiments however good, if they pass away as soon as they are repeated? Of what advantage will it be that you acquire knowledge with facility, if the mind neglects to retain it? If you are sometimes excuseable for not learning with ease, you can never be so, for forgetting what you have learned, since that depends upon your own choice, and not on the peculiar construction of the mind. Make use of every expedient, therefore, to strengthen this important faculty. Give an undivided attention to what you wish to learn, and be not satisfied with once repeating a lesson but meditate upon its contents until they are firmly engraven on your mind. Accustom yourselves always to render an account of what you read, either to yourself, or to some other person. Every night examine what you have learned during the day; compare it with what you have previously acquired, and be not soon wearied with this exercise, for if you really wish to strengthen your memories, you will consider no exertion too laborious. Despise not to receive a lesson of wisdom even from inferior creatures. Does the ant when she has carefully collected her load, forget to deposit it in her granary? Of what advantage is it to the bee, that she selects the most fragrant flowers, that she is skilful in extracting their essence, that she bears a larger load than her companions, if when she reaches