It was not needed: two other boys besides Arthur had already
followed his example, and he went down to the great school with a
glimmering of another lesson in his heart,--the lesson that he
who has conquered his own coward spirit has conquered the whole
outward world; and also that however we may fancy ourselves alone
on the side of good, the King and Lord of men is nowhere without
his witnesses.
He found, too, how greatly he had exaggerated the effect to be
produced by his act. For a few nights there was a sneer or a
laugh when he knelt down, but this passed off soon, and one by
one all the other boys but three or four followed the lead.
--Adapted from "School Days at Rugby."
DEFINITIONS:--Waistcoat, a vest. Overwhelmed, overcome, cast
down. Novelty, newness. Ablution, the act of washing. Sneered,
showed contempt. Bully, a noisy, blustering fellow, more insolent
than courageous. Tingling, having a thrilling feeling. Leaven, to
make a general change, to imbue. Loathed, hated, detested.
Braggart, a boaster. Vowing, making a solemn promise to God.
Pages:
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124