ice, causing Dr. Valpy to inquire
whether he was "suffering from jaundice, or if it was only dirt." Dr.
Jessop, who was afterwards headmaster of the school, says that there was
a tradition that Borrow was indolent and even stupid. There is little
doubt that he was a dreamy youth, much given to introspective thought and
wild imaginings; but, in spite of these drawbacks in the dominie's eyes,
he was a very human boy, fond of outdoor life and sports. Some of his
pursuits, however--such as his liking for philological studies, and for
the company of gipsies and horsey men generally--might well trouble his
father, who was a steady-going old gentleman of strictly conventional
methods and ideas. George stood in considerable awe of him, and always
felt ill at ease in his presence. No doubt the old soldier frequently
remonstrated with him for his indulgence in idle pleasures and lax ideas
of duty. As a lad, he probably found it hard to justify himself in his
father's eyes, but there is a passage in "Lavengro," written
five-and-twenty years later, which clearly expresses his views:

"I have heard talk of the pleasures of idleness, yet it is my own firm
belief that no one ever yet took pleasure in it. Mere idleness is the
most disagreeable state of existence, and both mind and body are
continually making efforts to escape from it. It has been said that
idleness is the parent of mischief, which is very true; but mischief
itself is merely an attempt to escape from the dreary vacuum of idleness.
There are many tasks and occupations which a man is unwilling to perform,
but let no one think that he is therefore in love with idleness; he turns
to something which is more agreeable to his inclination, and doubtless
more suited to his nature, but he is not in love with idleness. A boy
may play the truant from school because he dislikes his books and study;
but, depend upon it, he intends doing something the while--to go fishing,
or perhaps to take a walk; and who knows but that from such excursions
both his mind and body may derive more benefit than from books and
school?"

Contemporary with Borrow at Norwich Grammar School were several lads
whose names were afterwards written in large and shining letters on the
scroll of fame. Amongst these were James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak,
Sir Archdale Wilson, and, as has already been said, Dr. James Martineau.
The old city has always borne itself with dignity during the passage of
event