sible that in a
person so little favoured by nature may dwell an exalted soul, which may
one day astonish the world with the greatness of its virtues, or
enlighten it with knowledge. The most rugged stem may produce the most
delicious fruit, while a straight and stately plant may be worthless and
barren."

[Illustration]

SIR JOHN DENHAM AND HIS WORTHY

TENANT.

[Illustration]

One morning, Sir John Denham having shut himself up in his study, on
some particular business, his servant came to inform him, that one of
his tenants, Farmer Harris, desired to speak with him. Sir John told him
to show the farmer into the drawing-room, and to beg him to stay one
moment, until he had finished writing a letter.

Sir John had three children, Robert, Arthur, and Sophia, who were in the
drawing-room when the farmer was introduced. As soon as he entered, he
saluted them very respectfully, though not with the grace of a
dancing-master, nor were his compliments very elegantly turned. The two
sons looked at each other with a smile of contempt and disrespect.
Indeed, they behaved in such a manner, that the poor farmer blushed, and
was quite out of countenance.

Robert was so shamefully impertinent as to walk round him, holding his
nose, and asking his brother, if he did not perceive something of the
smell of a dung heap. Then he lighted some paper at the fire, and
carried it round the room, in order to disperse, as he said, the
unpleasant smell. Arthur all the while stood laughing most heartily.

Sophia, however, acted in a very different manner; for, instead of
imitating the rudeness of her brothers, she checked them for their
behaviour, made apologies for them to the farmer, and approaching him
with the most complaisant looks, offered him some wine to refresh him,
made him sit down, and took from him his hat and stick to put by.

In a little time, Sir John came out of his study, and approaching the
farmer in a friendly manner, took him by the hand, inquired after the
health of his family, and asked him what had brought him to town. The
farmer replied, that he was come to pay him half a year's rent, and that
he hoped he would not be displeased at his not coming sooner, the roads
having been so bad that he could not till then carry his corn to market.

Sir John told him he was not displeased at his not coming sooner,
because he knew him to be an honest man, who had no occasion to be put
in mind of his debts. The farme