(#653) ################################################
917
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504579
**
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
## p.
917
L697
504579
**
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
## p.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v05 - Bro to Cai
When a State either repels war waged against it or
## p. 3063 (#641) ###########################################
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
3063
wages it against another, magistrates are chosen to preside over
that war with such authority that they have power of life and
death. In peace there is no common magistrate, but the chiefs
of provinces and cantons administer justice and determine con-
troversies among their own people. Robberies which are com-
mitted beyond the boundaries of each State bear no infamy, and
they avow that these are committed for the purpose of disciplin-
ing their youth and of preventing sloth. And when any of their
chiefs has said in an assembly that he will be their leader; let
those who are willing to follow, give in their names,” they who
approve of both the enterprise and the man arise and promise
their assistance and are applauded by the people; such of them
as have not followed him are accounted in the number of de-
serters and traitors, and confidence in all matters is afterwards
refused them.
To injure guests they regard as impious; they defend from
wrong those who have come to them for any purpose whatever,
and esteem them inviolable; to them the houses of all are open
and maintenance is freely supplied.
And there was formerly a time when the Gauls excelled the
Germans in prowess, and waged war on them offensively, and
on account of the great number of their people and the insuffi-
ciency of their land, sent colonies over the Rhine. Accordingly,
the Volcæ Tectosăges seized on those parts of Germany which
the most fruitful and lie around the Hercynian forest
(which I perceive was known by report to Eratosthenes and
some other Greeks, and which they call Orcynia), and settled
there. Which nation to this time retains its position in those
settlements, and has a very high character for justice and mili-
tary merit: now also they continue in the same scarcity, indi-
gence, hardihood, as the Germans, and use the same food and
dress; but their proximity to the Province and knowledge of
commodities from countries beyond the sea supplies to the Gauls
many things tending to luxury as well as civilization. Accus-
tomed by degrees to be overmatched and worsted in many
engagements, they do not even compare themselves to the Ger-
mans in prowess.
The breadth of this Hercynian forest which has been referred
to above is, to a quick traveler, a journey of nine days. For it
cannot be otherwise computed, nor are they acquainted with the
measures of roads. It begins at the frontiers of the Helvetii,
are
## p. 3064 (#642) ###########################################
3064
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
Nemetes, and Rauraci, and extends in a right line along the
river Danube to the territories of the Daci and the Anartes; it
bends thence to the left in a different direction from the river,
and owing to its extent, touches the confines of many nations;
nor is there any person belonging to this part of Germany who
says that he either has gone to the extremity of that forest,
though he had advanced a journey of sixty days, or has heard in
what place it begins. It is certain that many kinds of wild
beast are produced in it which have not been seen in other
parts; of which the following are such as differ principally from
other animals and appear worthy of being committed to record.
There is an ox of the shape of a stag, between whose ears a
horn rises from the middle of the forehead, higher and straighter
than those horns which are known to us. From the top of this,
branches, like palms, stretch out a considerable distance. The
shape of the female and of the male is the same; the appearance
and the size of the horns is the same.
There are also animals which are called elks. The shape of
these, and the varied color of their skins, is much like roes, but
in size they surpass them a little and are destitute of horns, and
have legs without joints and ligatures; nor do they lie down for
the purpose of rest, nor if they have been thrown down by any
accident, can they raise or lift themselves up. Trees serve
beds to them; they lean themselves against them, and thus
reclining only slightly, they take their rest; when the huntsmen
have discovered from the footsteps of these animals whither they
are accustomed to betake themselves, they either undermine all
the trees at the roots, or cut into them so far that the upper
part of the trees may appear to be left standing. When they
have leant upon them, according to their habit, they knock down
by their weight the unsupported trees, and fall down themselves
along with them.
There is a third kind, consisting of those animals which are
called uri. These are a little below the elephant in size, and of
the appearance, color, and shape of a bull. Their strength and
speed are extraordinary; they spare neither man nor wild beast
which they have espied. These the Germans take with much
pains in pits and kill them. The young men harden themselves
with this exercise, and practice themselves in this kind of hunt-
ing, and those who have slain the greatest number of them,
having produced the horns in public to as evidence,
as
serve
## p. 3065 (#643) ###########################################
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
3065
receive great praise. But not even when taken very young can
they be rendered familiar to men and tamed. The size, shape,
and appearance of their horns differ much from the horns of our
These they (the Gauls] anxiously seek after, and bind at
the tips with silver, and use as cups at their most sumptuous
entertainments.
oxen.
THE TWO LIEUTENANTS
From "The Gallic Wars)
IN
N THAT legion there were two very brave men, centurions, who
were now approaching the first ranks, — T. Pulfio and L.
Varenus. These used to have continual disputes between
them which of them should be preferred, and every year used to
contend for promotion with the utmost animosity. When the
fight was going on most vigorously before the fortifications,
Pulfio, one of them, says: “Why do you hesitate, Varenus? or
what better opportunity of signalizing your valor do you seek?
This very day shall decide our disputes. ” When he had uttered
these words, he proceeds beyond the fortifications, and rushes
on that part of the enemy which appeared the thickest. Nor
does Varenus remain within the rampart, but respecting the high
opinion of all, follows close after. Then, when an inconsidera-
ble space intervened, Pulfio throws his javelin at the enemy, and
pierces one of the multitude who was running up, and while the
latter was wounded and slain, the enemy cover him with their
shields, and all throw their weapons at the other and afford him
no opportunity of retreating. The shield of Pulfio is pierced
and a javelin is fastened in his belt. This circumstance turns
aside his scabbard and obstructs his right hand when attempting
to draw his sword: the enemy crowd around him when thus
embarrassed. His rival runs up to him and succors him in this
emergency. Immediately the whole host turn from Pulfio to him,
supposing the other to be pierced through by the javelin. Vare-
nus rushes on briskly with his sword and carries on the combat
hand to hand; and having slain one man, for a short time drove
back the rest: while he urges on too eagerly, slipping into a
hollow, he fell. To him in his turn, when surrounded, Pulfio
brings relief; and both, having slain a great number, retreat into
the fortifications amidst the highest applause. Fortune so dealt
## p. 3066 (#644) ###########################################
3066
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
with both in this rivalry and conflict, that the one competitor
was a succor and a safeguard to the other; nor could it be deter-
mined which of the two appeared worthy of being preferred to
the other.
EPIGRAM ON TERENTIUS
[This sole fragment of literary criticism from the Dictator's hand is pre-
served in the Suetonian life of Terence. Two of Cæsar's brief but masterly
letters to Cicero will be quoted under the latter name. ]
Yºu
moreover, although you are but the half of Menander,
Lover of diction pure, with the first have a place and with
reason.
Would that vigor as well to yrur gentle writing were added.
So your comic force would in equal glory have rivaled
Even the Greeks themselves, though now you ignobly are vanquished.
Truly I sorrow and grieve that you lack this only, O Terence!
## p. 3067 (#645) ###########################################
3067
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
(1853-)
HOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE was born on the Isle of Man, of
Manx and Cambrian parentage. He began his career as an
re architect in Liverpool, and made frequent contributions to
the Builder and Building News. Acquiring a taste for literary work,
he secured an engagement on the Liverpool Mercury, and shortly
afterward formed an intimate friendship with Dante Gabriel Rossetti
which was of incalculable benefit to the young writer, then twenty-
five years of age. At eighteen he had already published a poem “of
the mystical sort under a pseudonym, and
two years later he received £10 for writing
the autobiography of some one else.
About 1880 Caine settled in London, liv-
ing with Rossetti until the poet's death in
1882. The same year he produced Recol-
lections of Rossetti” and “Sonnets of Three
Centuries, which were followed by Cob-
webs of Criticism' and a 'Life of Coleridge. '
In 1885 he published his first novel, The
Shadow of a Crime,' which was successful.
Speaking of the pains he took in the writ-
ing of this story, the author says: “Shall I
ever forget the agonies of the first efforts ? HALL CAINE
It took me nearly a fortnight to
start that novel, sweating drops as of blood at every fresh attempt. ”
The first half was written at least four times; and when the book
was finished, more than half of it was destroyed so that a fresh sug-
gestion might be worked in. This wonderful capacity for taking
infinite pains has remained one of the chief characteristics of this
novelist. In 1886 Mr. Caine brought out A Son of Hagar,' and this
was followed by The Deemster) (1887), afterwards dramatized under
the title of Ben-Ma'-Chree); “The Bondman (1890); The Scapegoat)
(1891): The Last Confession, Cap'n Davy's Honeymoon (1892):
and "The Manxman' (1894). The last story has achieved the widest
popularity, its theme being the unselfishness of a great love. He has
also written a history of his native island.
Mr. Caine visited Russia in 1892 in behalf of the persecuted Jews,
and in 1895 traveled in the United States and Canada, where he
•
## p. 3068 (#646) ###########################################
3068
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
represented the Society of Authors, and obtained important inter-
national copyright concessions from the Dominion Parliament. He
makes his principal home at Greeba Castle on the Isle of Man, where
he is greatly endeared to the natives.
PETE QUILLIAM'S FIRST-BORN
From «The Manxman': copyrighted 1894, by D. Appleton and Company
on
ETE went up to Sulby like an avalanche, shouting his greet-
But when he got near to
the Fairy” he wiped his steaming forehead and held his
panting breath, and pretended not to have heard the news.
“How's the poor girl now ? ” he said in a meek voice, trying
to look powerfully miserable, and playing his part splendidly for
thirty seconds.
Then the women made eyes at each other and looked won-
drous knowing, and nodded sideways at Pete, and clucked and
chuckled, saying, "Look at him,- he doesn't know anything, does
he ? ” — “Coorse not, woman — these men creatures are no use for
nothing. ”
“Out of a man's way,' cried Pete with a roar, and he made
a rush for the stairs.
Nancy blocked him at the foot of them with both hands on
his shoulders. “You'll be quiet, then,” she whispered. “ You
were always a rasonable man, Pete, and she's wonderful wake
- promise you'll be quiet. ”
“I'll be like a mouse,” said Pete, and he wiped off his long
sea-boots and crept on tiptoe into the room. There she lay with
the morning light on her, and a face as white as the quilt that
she was plucking with her long fingers.
« Thank God for a living mother and a living child,” said
Pete in a broken gurgle, and then he drew down the bedclothes
a very little, and there too was the child on the pillow of her
other arm.
Then, do what he would to be quiet, he could not help but
make a shout.
"He's there! Yes, he is! He is, though!
He is, though! Joy! Joy! ”
The women were down on him like a flock of geese.
of this, sir, if you can't behave better. ”
« Out
## p. 3069 (#647) ###########################################
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
3069
"Excuse me, ladies,” said Pete humbly, I'm not in the
habit of babies. A bit excited, you see, Mistress Nancy, ma'am.
Couldn't help putting a bull of a roar out, not being used of the
like. ” Then, turning back to the bed, “Aw, Kitty, the beauty it
is, though! And the big! As big as my fist already. And the
fat! It's as fat as a bluebottle. And the straight! Well, not so
very straight neither, but the complexion at him now! Give him
to me, Kitty! give him to me, the young rascal Let me have a
hould of him anyway. ”
«Him, indeed! Listen to the man,” said Nancy.
“It's a girl, Pete,” said Grannie, lifting the child out of the
bed.
“A girl, is it ? ” said Pete doubtfully. “Well,” he said, with
a wag of the head, “thank God for a girl. ” Then, with another
and more resolute wag, “Yes, thank God for a living mother and
a living child, if it is a girl," and he stretched out his arms to
take the baby.
«Aisy, now, Pete—aisy,” said Grannie, holding it out to him.
"Is it aisy broke they are, Grannie? ” said Pete. A good
spirit looked out of his great boyish face. « Come to your ould
daddie, you lil sandpiper. Gough bless me, Kitty, the weight
of him, though! This child's a quarter of a hundred, if he's an
He is, I'll go bail he is. Look at him! Guy heng,
Grannie, did ye ever see the like, now! It's abs'lute perfection.
Kitty, I couldn't have had a better one if I'd chiced it. Where's
that Tom Hommy now? The bleating little billygoat, he was
bragging outrageous about his new baby — saying he wouldn't
part with it for two of the best cows in his cow-house. This'11
floor him, I'm thinking. What's that you're saying, Mistress
Nancy, ma'am ? No good for nothing, am I? You were right,
Grannie. 'It'll be all joy soon,' you were saying, and haven't
we the child to show for it? I put on my stocking inside out on
Monday, ma'am. I'm in luck,' says I, and so I was.
Look at
that, now! He's shaking his lil fist at his father. He is, though.
This child knows me. Aw, you're clever, Nancy, but- no non-
sense at all, Mistress Nancy, ma'am. Nothing will persuade me
but this child knows me. ”
"Do you hear the man ? ” said Nancy. “He and he, and he
and he! It's a girl, I'm telling you; a girl — a girl — a girl. ”
"Well, well, a girl, then - a girl we'll make it,” said Pete,
with determined resignation.
ounce.
## p. 3070 (#648) ###########################################
3070
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
"He's deceaved,” said Grannie. “It was a boy he was want-
ing, poor fellow ! »
But Pete scoffed at the idea.
«A boy? Never! No, no-a
girl for your life. I'm all for girls myself, eh, Kitty? Always
was, and now I've got two of them. ”
The child began to cry, and Grannie took it back and rocked
it, face downwards, across her knees.
“Goodness me, the voice at him! ” said Pete. "It's a skipper
he's born for -- a harbor-master, anyway. ”
The child slept, and Grannie put it on the pillow turned
lengthwise at Kate's side.
"Quiet as a Jenny Wren, now," said Pete. “Look at the
bogh smiling in his sleep. Just like a baby mermaid on the
egg of a dogfish. But where's the ould man at all? Has he
seen it? We must have it in the papers. The Times? Yes,
and the 'Tiser too. "The beloved wife of Mr. Capt'n Peter
Quilliam, of a boy — a girl,' I mane. Aw, the wonder there'll
be all the island over -- everybody getting to know. Newspapers
are like women – ter'ble bad for keeping sacrets. What’li Philip
say? "
There was a low moaning from the bed.
“Air! Give me air! open the door! ” Kate gasped.
«The room is getting too hot for her,” said Grannie.
“Come, there's one too many of us here,” said Nancy. “Out
of it," and she swept Pete from the bedroom with her apron as
if he had been a drove of ducks.
Pete glanced backward from the door, and a cloak that was
hanging on the inside of it brushed his face.
«God bless her! ” he said in a low tone. < God bless and
reward her for going through this for me! ”
Then he touched the cloak with his lips and disappeared. A
moment later his curly black poll came stealing round the door-
jamb, half-way down, like the head of a big boy.
Nancy,” in a whisper, "put the tongs over the cradle; it's
a pity to tempt the fairies. And, Grannie, I wouldn't lave it
alone to go out to the cow-house — the lil people are shocking
bad for changing. "
•
(C
## p. (#649) ################################################
## p. (#650) ################################################
}
## p. (#651) ################################################
## p. (#652) ################################################
'? SYTV
وم
ma
II PRI
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
BERKELEY
Return to desk from which borrowed.
This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.
WHY + 1950 ROOD 13
28 MayhoTD
LIBRARY USE
TJEC 11 1856
ODLO
MBRARY LUSE
JAN 13 1961
REC'D LE
DEC 11 1958
LD 21-100m-11,'49 (B7146816)476
## p.
(#653) ################################################
917
L697
504579
**
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
## p.
## p. 3063 (#641) ###########################################
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
3063
wages it against another, magistrates are chosen to preside over
that war with such authority that they have power of life and
death. In peace there is no common magistrate, but the chiefs
of provinces and cantons administer justice and determine con-
troversies among their own people. Robberies which are com-
mitted beyond the boundaries of each State bear no infamy, and
they avow that these are committed for the purpose of disciplin-
ing their youth and of preventing sloth. And when any of their
chiefs has said in an assembly that he will be their leader; let
those who are willing to follow, give in their names,” they who
approve of both the enterprise and the man arise and promise
their assistance and are applauded by the people; such of them
as have not followed him are accounted in the number of de-
serters and traitors, and confidence in all matters is afterwards
refused them.
To injure guests they regard as impious; they defend from
wrong those who have come to them for any purpose whatever,
and esteem them inviolable; to them the houses of all are open
and maintenance is freely supplied.
And there was formerly a time when the Gauls excelled the
Germans in prowess, and waged war on them offensively, and
on account of the great number of their people and the insuffi-
ciency of their land, sent colonies over the Rhine. Accordingly,
the Volcæ Tectosăges seized on those parts of Germany which
the most fruitful and lie around the Hercynian forest
(which I perceive was known by report to Eratosthenes and
some other Greeks, and which they call Orcynia), and settled
there. Which nation to this time retains its position in those
settlements, and has a very high character for justice and mili-
tary merit: now also they continue in the same scarcity, indi-
gence, hardihood, as the Germans, and use the same food and
dress; but their proximity to the Province and knowledge of
commodities from countries beyond the sea supplies to the Gauls
many things tending to luxury as well as civilization. Accus-
tomed by degrees to be overmatched and worsted in many
engagements, they do not even compare themselves to the Ger-
mans in prowess.
The breadth of this Hercynian forest which has been referred
to above is, to a quick traveler, a journey of nine days. For it
cannot be otherwise computed, nor are they acquainted with the
measures of roads. It begins at the frontiers of the Helvetii,
are
## p. 3064 (#642) ###########################################
3064
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
Nemetes, and Rauraci, and extends in a right line along the
river Danube to the territories of the Daci and the Anartes; it
bends thence to the left in a different direction from the river,
and owing to its extent, touches the confines of many nations;
nor is there any person belonging to this part of Germany who
says that he either has gone to the extremity of that forest,
though he had advanced a journey of sixty days, or has heard in
what place it begins. It is certain that many kinds of wild
beast are produced in it which have not been seen in other
parts; of which the following are such as differ principally from
other animals and appear worthy of being committed to record.
There is an ox of the shape of a stag, between whose ears a
horn rises from the middle of the forehead, higher and straighter
than those horns which are known to us. From the top of this,
branches, like palms, stretch out a considerable distance. The
shape of the female and of the male is the same; the appearance
and the size of the horns is the same.
There are also animals which are called elks. The shape of
these, and the varied color of their skins, is much like roes, but
in size they surpass them a little and are destitute of horns, and
have legs without joints and ligatures; nor do they lie down for
the purpose of rest, nor if they have been thrown down by any
accident, can they raise or lift themselves up. Trees serve
beds to them; they lean themselves against them, and thus
reclining only slightly, they take their rest; when the huntsmen
have discovered from the footsteps of these animals whither they
are accustomed to betake themselves, they either undermine all
the trees at the roots, or cut into them so far that the upper
part of the trees may appear to be left standing. When they
have leant upon them, according to their habit, they knock down
by their weight the unsupported trees, and fall down themselves
along with them.
There is a third kind, consisting of those animals which are
called uri. These are a little below the elephant in size, and of
the appearance, color, and shape of a bull. Their strength and
speed are extraordinary; they spare neither man nor wild beast
which they have espied. These the Germans take with much
pains in pits and kill them. The young men harden themselves
with this exercise, and practice themselves in this kind of hunt-
ing, and those who have slain the greatest number of them,
having produced the horns in public to as evidence,
as
serve
## p. 3065 (#643) ###########################################
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
3065
receive great praise. But not even when taken very young can
they be rendered familiar to men and tamed. The size, shape,
and appearance of their horns differ much from the horns of our
These they (the Gauls] anxiously seek after, and bind at
the tips with silver, and use as cups at their most sumptuous
entertainments.
oxen.
THE TWO LIEUTENANTS
From "The Gallic Wars)
IN
N THAT legion there were two very brave men, centurions, who
were now approaching the first ranks, — T. Pulfio and L.
Varenus. These used to have continual disputes between
them which of them should be preferred, and every year used to
contend for promotion with the utmost animosity. When the
fight was going on most vigorously before the fortifications,
Pulfio, one of them, says: “Why do you hesitate, Varenus? or
what better opportunity of signalizing your valor do you seek?
This very day shall decide our disputes. ” When he had uttered
these words, he proceeds beyond the fortifications, and rushes
on that part of the enemy which appeared the thickest. Nor
does Varenus remain within the rampart, but respecting the high
opinion of all, follows close after. Then, when an inconsidera-
ble space intervened, Pulfio throws his javelin at the enemy, and
pierces one of the multitude who was running up, and while the
latter was wounded and slain, the enemy cover him with their
shields, and all throw their weapons at the other and afford him
no opportunity of retreating. The shield of Pulfio is pierced
and a javelin is fastened in his belt. This circumstance turns
aside his scabbard and obstructs his right hand when attempting
to draw his sword: the enemy crowd around him when thus
embarrassed. His rival runs up to him and succors him in this
emergency. Immediately the whole host turn from Pulfio to him,
supposing the other to be pierced through by the javelin. Vare-
nus rushes on briskly with his sword and carries on the combat
hand to hand; and having slain one man, for a short time drove
back the rest: while he urges on too eagerly, slipping into a
hollow, he fell. To him in his turn, when surrounded, Pulfio
brings relief; and both, having slain a great number, retreat into
the fortifications amidst the highest applause. Fortune so dealt
## p. 3066 (#644) ###########################################
3066
CAIUS JULIUS CÆSAR
with both in this rivalry and conflict, that the one competitor
was a succor and a safeguard to the other; nor could it be deter-
mined which of the two appeared worthy of being preferred to
the other.
EPIGRAM ON TERENTIUS
[This sole fragment of literary criticism from the Dictator's hand is pre-
served in the Suetonian life of Terence. Two of Cæsar's brief but masterly
letters to Cicero will be quoted under the latter name. ]
Yºu
moreover, although you are but the half of Menander,
Lover of diction pure, with the first have a place and with
reason.
Would that vigor as well to yrur gentle writing were added.
So your comic force would in equal glory have rivaled
Even the Greeks themselves, though now you ignobly are vanquished.
Truly I sorrow and grieve that you lack this only, O Terence!
## p. 3067 (#645) ###########################################
3067
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
(1853-)
HOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE was born on the Isle of Man, of
Manx and Cambrian parentage. He began his career as an
re architect in Liverpool, and made frequent contributions to
the Builder and Building News. Acquiring a taste for literary work,
he secured an engagement on the Liverpool Mercury, and shortly
afterward formed an intimate friendship with Dante Gabriel Rossetti
which was of incalculable benefit to the young writer, then twenty-
five years of age. At eighteen he had already published a poem “of
the mystical sort under a pseudonym, and
two years later he received £10 for writing
the autobiography of some one else.
About 1880 Caine settled in London, liv-
ing with Rossetti until the poet's death in
1882. The same year he produced Recol-
lections of Rossetti” and “Sonnets of Three
Centuries, which were followed by Cob-
webs of Criticism' and a 'Life of Coleridge. '
In 1885 he published his first novel, The
Shadow of a Crime,' which was successful.
Speaking of the pains he took in the writ-
ing of this story, the author says: “Shall I
ever forget the agonies of the first efforts ? HALL CAINE
It took me nearly a fortnight to
start that novel, sweating drops as of blood at every fresh attempt. ”
The first half was written at least four times; and when the book
was finished, more than half of it was destroyed so that a fresh sug-
gestion might be worked in. This wonderful capacity for taking
infinite pains has remained one of the chief characteristics of this
novelist. In 1886 Mr. Caine brought out A Son of Hagar,' and this
was followed by The Deemster) (1887), afterwards dramatized under
the title of Ben-Ma'-Chree); “The Bondman (1890); The Scapegoat)
(1891): The Last Confession, Cap'n Davy's Honeymoon (1892):
and "The Manxman' (1894). The last story has achieved the widest
popularity, its theme being the unselfishness of a great love. He has
also written a history of his native island.
Mr. Caine visited Russia in 1892 in behalf of the persecuted Jews,
and in 1895 traveled in the United States and Canada, where he
•
## p. 3068 (#646) ###########################################
3068
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
represented the Society of Authors, and obtained important inter-
national copyright concessions from the Dominion Parliament. He
makes his principal home at Greeba Castle on the Isle of Man, where
he is greatly endeared to the natives.
PETE QUILLIAM'S FIRST-BORN
From «The Manxman': copyrighted 1894, by D. Appleton and Company
on
ETE went up to Sulby like an avalanche, shouting his greet-
But when he got near to
the Fairy” he wiped his steaming forehead and held his
panting breath, and pretended not to have heard the news.
“How's the poor girl now ? ” he said in a meek voice, trying
to look powerfully miserable, and playing his part splendidly for
thirty seconds.
Then the women made eyes at each other and looked won-
drous knowing, and nodded sideways at Pete, and clucked and
chuckled, saying, "Look at him,- he doesn't know anything, does
he ? ” — “Coorse not, woman — these men creatures are no use for
nothing. ”
“Out of a man's way,' cried Pete with a roar, and he made
a rush for the stairs.
Nancy blocked him at the foot of them with both hands on
his shoulders. “You'll be quiet, then,” she whispered. “ You
were always a rasonable man, Pete, and she's wonderful wake
- promise you'll be quiet. ”
“I'll be like a mouse,” said Pete, and he wiped off his long
sea-boots and crept on tiptoe into the room. There she lay with
the morning light on her, and a face as white as the quilt that
she was plucking with her long fingers.
« Thank God for a living mother and a living child,” said
Pete in a broken gurgle, and then he drew down the bedclothes
a very little, and there too was the child on the pillow of her
other arm.
Then, do what he would to be quiet, he could not help but
make a shout.
"He's there! Yes, he is! He is, though!
He is, though! Joy! Joy! ”
The women were down on him like a flock of geese.
of this, sir, if you can't behave better. ”
« Out
## p. 3069 (#647) ###########################################
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
3069
"Excuse me, ladies,” said Pete humbly, I'm not in the
habit of babies. A bit excited, you see, Mistress Nancy, ma'am.
Couldn't help putting a bull of a roar out, not being used of the
like. ” Then, turning back to the bed, “Aw, Kitty, the beauty it
is, though! And the big! As big as my fist already. And the
fat! It's as fat as a bluebottle. And the straight! Well, not so
very straight neither, but the complexion at him now! Give him
to me, Kitty! give him to me, the young rascal Let me have a
hould of him anyway. ”
«Him, indeed! Listen to the man,” said Nancy.
“It's a girl, Pete,” said Grannie, lifting the child out of the
bed.
“A girl, is it ? ” said Pete doubtfully. “Well,” he said, with
a wag of the head, “thank God for a girl. ” Then, with another
and more resolute wag, “Yes, thank God for a living mother and
a living child, if it is a girl," and he stretched out his arms to
take the baby.
«Aisy, now, Pete—aisy,” said Grannie, holding it out to him.
"Is it aisy broke they are, Grannie? ” said Pete. A good
spirit looked out of his great boyish face. « Come to your ould
daddie, you lil sandpiper. Gough bless me, Kitty, the weight
of him, though! This child's a quarter of a hundred, if he's an
He is, I'll go bail he is. Look at him! Guy heng,
Grannie, did ye ever see the like, now! It's abs'lute perfection.
Kitty, I couldn't have had a better one if I'd chiced it. Where's
that Tom Hommy now? The bleating little billygoat, he was
bragging outrageous about his new baby — saying he wouldn't
part with it for two of the best cows in his cow-house. This'11
floor him, I'm thinking. What's that you're saying, Mistress
Nancy, ma'am ? No good for nothing, am I? You were right,
Grannie. 'It'll be all joy soon,' you were saying, and haven't
we the child to show for it? I put on my stocking inside out on
Monday, ma'am. I'm in luck,' says I, and so I was.
Look at
that, now! He's shaking his lil fist at his father. He is, though.
This child knows me. Aw, you're clever, Nancy, but- no non-
sense at all, Mistress Nancy, ma'am. Nothing will persuade me
but this child knows me. ”
"Do you hear the man ? ” said Nancy. “He and he, and he
and he! It's a girl, I'm telling you; a girl — a girl — a girl. ”
"Well, well, a girl, then - a girl we'll make it,” said Pete,
with determined resignation.
ounce.
## p. 3070 (#648) ###########################################
3070
THOMAS HENRY HALL CAINE
"He's deceaved,” said Grannie. “It was a boy he was want-
ing, poor fellow ! »
But Pete scoffed at the idea.
«A boy? Never! No, no-a
girl for your life. I'm all for girls myself, eh, Kitty? Always
was, and now I've got two of them. ”
The child began to cry, and Grannie took it back and rocked
it, face downwards, across her knees.
“Goodness me, the voice at him! ” said Pete. "It's a skipper
he's born for -- a harbor-master, anyway. ”
The child slept, and Grannie put it on the pillow turned
lengthwise at Kate's side.
"Quiet as a Jenny Wren, now," said Pete. “Look at the
bogh smiling in his sleep. Just like a baby mermaid on the
egg of a dogfish. But where's the ould man at all? Has he
seen it? We must have it in the papers. The Times? Yes,
and the 'Tiser too. "The beloved wife of Mr. Capt'n Peter
Quilliam, of a boy — a girl,' I mane. Aw, the wonder there'll
be all the island over -- everybody getting to know. Newspapers
are like women – ter'ble bad for keeping sacrets. What’li Philip
say? "
There was a low moaning from the bed.
“Air! Give me air! open the door! ” Kate gasped.
«The room is getting too hot for her,” said Grannie.
“Come, there's one too many of us here,” said Nancy. “Out
of it," and she swept Pete from the bedroom with her apron as
if he had been a drove of ducks.
Pete glanced backward from the door, and a cloak that was
hanging on the inside of it brushed his face.
«God bless her! ” he said in a low tone. < God bless and
reward her for going through this for me! ”
Then he touched the cloak with his lips and disappeared. A
moment later his curly black poll came stealing round the door-
jamb, half-way down, like the head of a big boy.
Nancy,” in a whisper, "put the tongs over the cradle; it's
a pity to tempt the fairies. And, Grannie, I wouldn't lave it
alone to go out to the cow-house — the lil people are shocking
bad for changing. "
•
(C
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'? SYTV
وم
ma
II PRI
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
BERKELEY
Return to desk from which borrowed.
This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.
WHY + 1950 ROOD 13
28 MayhoTD
LIBRARY USE
TJEC 11 1856
ODLO
MBRARY LUSE
JAN 13 1961
REC'D LE
DEC 11 1958
LD 21-100m-11,'49 (B7146816)476
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THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
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