Chicago, Illinois. July 26, 2009

There are always occurrences of one kind or other taking place among schoolboys to set their eyes sparkling and their pulses playing. Some private enterprise, or some public expedition is to be undertaken, or an unexpected visitor at the school obtains them a half-holiday, or the old errand woman brings them a parcel that looks vastly like a huge plum cake wrapped up in strong brown paper; and even if a disappointment or a trouble comes, it is usually of short continuance. The well known lines,

“The tear down childhood’s cheek that flows,
Is like the dew-drop on the rose,
For when the summer breeze comes by
And waves the bush, the flower is dry,”

are almost as applicable to boyhood, as they are to childhood. It is the very birthright of childhood and boyhood to have no lasting cares, and to be easily made happy.

Spring is a pleasant time to boyhood, and when the sun is shining, the flowers blooming, the green trees waving, the birds singing, the balmy breeze blowing, the spirit rejoices, and the heart feels happy.

Summer is a pleasant time to boyhood, when the noontide ray gilds up upon the woods, the waters, and the mountain-top, when the air is filled with odours, and the laugh of the merry haymakers is heard in the woods.

Excerpted from Sunny Seasons of Boyhood, Chapter Fifth, ‘School Occurrences,’ by George Mogridge. Published by William Tegg and Co., London, 1859.