LETTER XVII.
WILLIAM to his MOTHER.
We were this morning, mama, at half past two, in the fields, to see the beautiful scene of the sun rising. Edward would not go with us, he rather chose to sleep. He is very lazy, and ignorant of course, Dr. Bartlett says. Yet, though he plays much more than we do, he is not so happy; he often seems not to know what to do with himself, idleness making the hours so heavy. He wishes for his meals long before the time, and torments insects and animals wantonly to shorten the tedious interval. I heard Sir Charles say, the other day, he feared he would never be a man in understanding. That instead of rising gradually to a man, he was sinking into a brute. But I must relate our conversation. The stars were yet visible when we went out.
CHARLES.
My father has promised me some excellent books, Sir.
DR. BARTLETT.
The books of wise writers, are useful to make us more easily understand what we see and experience; but our own eyes may teach us a great deal. The Book of Nature, the heavens, with all the stars and planets; this earth on which we are, with all its productions and creatures, is the best book; but others will serve as guides.
CHARLES.
See, Sir, I think it is lighter.
DR. BARTLETT.
Observe now, how the stars begin to grow dim, before the approaching light of the sun.
I thought always that the stars went away, when it was day light.
DR. BARTLETT.
There are some which have their appointed revolutions; and others which are stationary; these we call the fixed stars.
CHARLES.
Are there stars then by day as well as by night?
DR. BARTLETT.
Certainly. But the stronger light of the sun, makes the fainter light of the stars invisible.
CHARLES.
How beautiful the trees and fields begin to appear.
DR. BARTLETT.
Yes. What just now appeared a scene of confusion, is changed into a charming country. The fields, which were before not to be distinguished, now seem green, and decked with a thousand flowers. The light gives all again their colours.
CHARLES.
What you say is remarkable. I begin to imagine that the light gives the colours.
DR. BARTLETT.
Without light, would not all be black? But this is a subject you cannot understand, till you have read and considered things more maturely. See there, the sun begins to appear. What think you of that sight?
CHARLES.
Can it be, that most men spend this hour in sleep?
DR. BARTLETT.
Such men make themselves unworthy the favours of their Maker. The glorious sun, which is sent to make us joyful, to warm us, and to nourish us, well deserves that we should sometimes rise to bid it welcome.
CHARLES.
Pray let us often behold the rising of the sun. We sometimes spend money to see a fine scene; and this scene, which we can have for nothing, beyond measure surpasses what can be done by the art of man.
Dr. Bartlett then was moving homewards; but we requested him to prolong his walk, as the morning was fine, and we knew they would not wait breakfast for us. But this letter is already too long, and I must attend my drawing-master; you shall hear the rest soon.
WILLIAM.