as the English generally speak it, as if it were another language.

I had before, during my retired life at my father's, by unwearied
diligence and industry, so far recovered the rules of grammar, in
which I had once been very ready, that I could both read a Latin
author and after a sort hammer out his meaning. But this change of
pronunciation proved a new difficulty to me. It was now harder to
me to read than it was before to understand when read. But


Labor omnia vincit
Improbus.

Incessant pains,
The end obtains.


And so did I. Which made my reading the more acceptable to my
master. He, on the other hand, perceiving with what earnest desire
I pursued learning, gave me not only all the encouragement but all
the help he could; for, having a curious ear, he understood by my
tone when I understood what I read and when I did not; and
accordingly would stop me, examine me, and open the most difficult
passages to me.

Thus went I on for about six weeks' time, reading to him in the
afternoons; and exercising myself with my own books in my chamber in
the forenoons, I was sensible of an improvement.

But, alas! I had fixed my studies in a wrong place. London and I