Page:The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy (Volume 5).pdf/158

 a child's memory should be exercised, there is no one idea can enter his brain how barren soever, but a magazine of conceptions and conclusions may be drawn forth from it.—Did'st thou ever see a white bear? cried my father, turning his head round to Trim, who stood at the back of his chair:—No, an' please your honour, replied the corporal.—But thou could'st discourse about one, Trim, said my father, in case of need?—How is it possible, brother, quoth my uncle Toby, if the corporal never saw one?—'Tis the fact I want; replied my father,—and the possibility of it, is as follows.

A ! Very well. Have I ever seen one? Might I ever have seen