Note 51 — Chapter III · BOYHOOD—EDINBURGH ACADEMY—“OLD 31”—HOLIDAYS AT GLENLAIR—1841 TO 1844—ÆT. 10-13.
Reading edition
“I do believe the veriest hen’s In the world is a parcel of boys in their teens.” Fo’c’s’le Yarns.
The palinode should also be quoted:—
“‘Fiends’ I called them, did I? Well, I shouldn then. It’s hard to tell; And it’s likely God has got a plan To put a spirit in a man That’s more than you can stow away In the heart of a child. But he’ll see the day When he’ll not have a bit too much for the work He’s got to do.” Ibid.