The teacher should ascertain that the pupils note the satire and humor of this selection.

This letter was written about a hundred years ago.  What word in the first paragraph that would probably not be used by an elegant writer of the present day?  Note the words that indicate changes in domestic customs; such as testers, joint stools, wainscots, house raising.

VII.  SCHEMES OF LIFE OFTEN ILLUSORY. (78)

Samuel Johnson, 1700-1784.  This truly remarkable man was the son of a bookseller and stationer; he was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England.  He entered Pembroke College, Oxford, in 1728; but, at the end of three years, his poverty compelled him to leave without taking his degree.  In 1736, he married Mrs. Porter, a widow of little culture, much older than himself, but possessed of some property.  The marriage seems to have been a happy one, nevertheless; and, on the death of his wife, in 1752, Johnson mourned for her, most sincerely.  Soon after his marriage, he opened a private school, but, obtained only three pupils, one of whom was David Garrick, afterward the celebrated actor.  In 1737, he removed to London, where he lived for most of the remainder of his life.  Here he entered upon literary work, in which he continued, and from which he derived his chief support, although at times it was but a meager one, His “Vanity of Human Wishes” was sold for ten guineas.  His great Dictionary, the first one of the English language worthy of mention, brought him 1575 Pounds, and occupied his time for seven years.  Most of the money he received for the work went to pay his six amanuenses.  The other most famous of his numerous literary works are “The Rambler,” “Rasselas,” “The Lives of the English Poets,” and his edition of Shakespeare.  In person, Johnson was heavy and awkward; he was the victim of scrofula in his youth, and of dropsy in his old age.  In manner, he was boorish and overbearing; but his great powers and his wisdom caused his company to be sought by many eminent men of his time. ###

Omar, the son of Hassan, had passed seventy-five years in honor and prosperity.  The favor of three successive caliphs had filled his house with gold and silver; and whenever he appeared, the benedictions of the people proclaimed his passage.

Terrestrial happiness is of short continuance, The brightness of the flame is wasting its fuel; the fragrant flower is passing away in its own odors.  The vigor of Omar began to fail; the curls of beauty fell from his head; strength departed from his hands, and agility from his feet.  He gave back to the caliph the keys of trust, and the seals of secrecy; and sought no other pleasure for the remainder of life than the converse of the wise and the gratitude of the good.

The powers of his mind were yet unimpaired.  His chamber was filled by visitants, eager to catch the dictates of experience, and officious to pay the tribute of admiration.  Caleb, the son of the viceroy of Egypt, entered every day early, and retired late.  He was beautiful and eloquent; Omar admired his wit, and loved his docility.