He was cited as a shining light, denounced as a vessel of wrath, praised, pitied and calumniated according to the creed and temper of each declaimer.

At length the controversy languished, died a natural death, and became "alms for oblivion." Laid to rest under a young willow, in a quiet corner, with a plain stone at his head, the little Frenchman was himself in course of time forgotten:-- "Alas! Poor Yorick!" * * * * * CHAPTER VI.
POLONIUS TO LAERTES.
Years went by.

I studied; outgrew my jackets; became a young man.

It was time, in short, that I walked the hospitals, and passed my examination.
I had spoken to my father more than once upon the subject--spoken earnestly and urgently, as one who felt the necessity and justice of his appeal.

But he put me off from time to time; persisted in looking upon me as a boy long after I had become acquainted with the penalties of the razor; and counselled me to be patient, till patience was well-nigh exhausted.