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SKETCH OF CONNECTICUT,

stronger curiosity. She would then direct them to proper books for gaining requisite knowledge, and propose questions to be answered respecting it, at their next meeting. Frequently, during the intervals of these parties, the infant students might be heard asking each other, "do you know perfectly where Rome was? and how large? and who was its founder? and what were the characters of Pompey and Cæsar? and why Cynthia's beams are said to be "borrow'd beams?" Each was anxious to render the most clear account to their kind benefactress, who often rewarded patient research, with some book adapted to excite it anew. But, not satisfied with sowing the seeds of knowledge in the soil of infancy, she sought to implant the germs of piety. Her stock of devotional pieces of music was large; many of them simple in their construction,—all rendered delightful by her powers of voice, and perfect elocution. One called "Solitude," and commencing with "What voice is this I hear?" and another, which the children familiarly styled, "Ah me!" were earnestly sought for, and seemed to inspire a mixture of softened and solemn feeling. "While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night," was understood by them as a close of their musical entertainment, or a signal that as much as was proper had been accorded. Yet a few tender remarks usually followed, on the character of that Saviour who was thus represented as bringing peace and good will, with a brief illustration of their duty in order to gain his love. An early supper was given to these Joyous guests, most of