Section 206. THE TWO SCHOOLBOYS, OR EYES AND NO EYES. VI.
Reading edition
Tutor.—It does so[1]; and you may probably have observed the same apparent enlargement of the moon at its rising[2].
William.—I have[3]; but pray what is the reason of this?
Tutor.—It is an optical deception, depending upon principles which I cannot well explain to you, till you know more of that branch of science. But what a number of new ideas this afternoon’s walk has afforded you. I do not wonder that you found it amusing[4], and it has been very instructive too. Did you see (S. 48, N. 2) nothing of all these sights, Robert?
Robert.—I saw some of them, but I did not take particular notice of them.
Tutor.—Why not?
Robert.—I do not know. I did not care about them; and I made the best of my way home[5].
Tutor.—That would have been (App. § 33) right, if you had been sent on a message[6]; but as you only walked for amusement[7], it would have been wiser to have sought out as many sources of it as possible[8]. But as it is[9]: one man walks through the world with the eyes open, and another with them shut, and[10] upon this difference depends all the[11] superiority the one acquires above the other. I have known sailors[12] who have been in all the quarters of the world, and could tell you nothing but[13] the signs of the tippling houses they frequented[14] in different ports, and the price and quality of the liquor. On the other hand[15], a Franklin could not even cross the Channel without making some observation useful to mankind[16]. While many a vacant, thoughtless youth is whirled throughout Europe[17], without gaining[18] a single idea worth crossing a street for[19], the observing eye and inquiring mind find matter of improvement and delight[20] in every ramble in town or country. Do you then, William, continue to make use of your eyes; and you, Robert, learn that eyes were given you to use.—Dr. Aikin.