remembrance of the discourses of my parents, and the communications which

my mother endeavoured to impress upon me concerning my father's friends, in

slight hope that I might one day derive benefit from the knowledge, floated

like an indistinct dream through my brain. I conceived that I was different

and superior to my protectors and companions, but I knew not how or

wherefore. The sense of injury, associated with the name of king and noble,

clung to me; but I could draw no conclusions from such feelings, to serve

as a guide to action. My first real knowledge of myself was as an

unprotected orphan among the valleys and fells of Cumberland. I was in the

service of a farmer; and with crook in hand, my dog at my side, I

shepherded a numerous flock on the near uplands. I cannot say much in

praise of such a life; and its pains far exceeded its pleasures. There was

freedom in it, a companionship with nature, and a reckless loneliness; but

these, romantic as they were, did not accord with the love of action and

desire of human sympathy, characteristic of youth. Neither the care of my

flock, nor the change of seasons, were sufficient to tame my eager spirit;

my out-door life and unemployed time were the temptations that led me early

into lawless habits. I associated with others friendless like myself; I

formed them into a band, I was their chief and captain. All shepherd-boys

alike, while our flocks were spread over the pastures, we schemed and

executed many a mischievous prank, which drew on us the anger and revenge

of the rustics. I was the leader and protector of my comrades, and as I

became distinguished among them, their misdeeds were usually visited upon

me. But while I endured punishment and pain in their defence with the

spirit of an hero, I claimed as my reward their praise and obedience.

The Last Man