Section 211. MY FIRST GUINEA.
Reading edition
I well remember[1], when I was very young, possessing for the first time a guinea. I remember too that this circumstance cost me no little perplexity and anxiety. As I passed along the streets, the fear of losing my guinea induced me oftentimes to take it out of my pocket to look at it. First I put[2] it in one pocket, then I took it out and put it in another; after a while I took it out of the second pocket and placed[2] it in another, really perplexed[3] what to do with it (S. 27, N. 7).
At last my attention was arrested by a book-auction. I stepped in and looked about me. First one lot[4] was put up, and then another, and sold to the highest bidder[5]. At last I ventured to the table, just as the auctioneer was putting up “The History of the World,” in two large folio volumes. I instantly thrust[2] my hand into my (S. 43, N. 9) pocket, and began turning over[6] my guinea, considering whether I should have money enough to buy this lot. The bidding proceeded[7], and at last I ventured to bid too. “Halloo! my little man!” said the auctioneer, “what! (S. 27, N. 7) not content with less than the world?” This remark greatly confused me, and drew the attention of the whole company[8] toward me, who[9], seeing (S. 30, N. 4) me anxious[10] to possess the books, refrained from bidding against me; and so, “The World” was knocked down[11] to me at a very moderate price.
How to get[12] these huge books home was the next consideration[13]. The auctioneer offered to send them, but I, not knowing what sort of creatures auctioneers were[14], determined to take them myself; so, after[15] the assistant had tied them up, I marched out of the room with these huge books upon my shoulder, like Samson with the gates of Gaza, amid the smiles of all present.
When I reached my home, after the servant had opened the door, the first person I met was my sainted mother.
“My dear boy,” she said, “what have you got there? I thought you would not keep your guinea long.”
“Do not be angry, mother,” said I, throwing the books down upon the table. “I have bought ‘The World’ for nine shillings.”
This was on a Saturday, and I well remember sitting up[16] till it was well-nigh midnight, turning over[17] this “History of the World.” The books became my delight, and were carefully read through and through.
When I grew older, I became at length a Christian, and my love of books[18], among other things, led me to desire to be a Christian minister[19]. To the possession of these books I attribute, in a great measure, any honours that have been added to my name in connection with literature. I have not mentioned this anecdote to gratify any foolish feeling[20], but to encourage in all whom I see before me that[21] love of literature which has afforded me such unspeakable pleasure—pleasure[22] which I would not have been without for all the riches of the Indies[23].—The Rev. Dr. Vaughan.