distinct literary style. His language is
easy, fluid, suggestive. His paragraphs throw a shadow, and are pregnant
with meaning beyond what the lexicon supplies. This is genius--to be
bigger than your words.

If Erasmus had been possessed of a bit more patience and a jigger of
diplomacy, he would have been in line for a bishopric. That thing which
he praised so lavishly, Folly, was his cause of failure and also his
friend.

At twenty-six he was the best teacher and the most clever scholar in the
place. Also, he was regarded as a thorn in the side of the monkery,
since he refused to take it seriously. He protested that no man ever
became a monk of his own accord--he was either thrust into a religious
order by unkind kinsmen or kicked into it by Fate.

And then comes the Bishop of Cambray, with an attack of literary
scabies, looking for a young religieux who could correct his manuscript.
The Bishop was going to Paris after important historical facts, and must
have a competent secretary. Only a proficient Latin and Greek scholar
would do. The head of the monastery recommended Erasmus, very much as
Artemus Ward volunteered all of his wife's relatives for purposes of
war.

Andrew Carnegie once, when about to start for Europe, said to his
ironmaster, Bill Jones, "I am never so happy or care-free, Bill, as when
on board ship, headed for Europe, and the shores of Sandy Hook fade from
sight."

And Bill solemnly replied, "Mr. Carnegie, I can truthfully say for
myself and fellow-workers, that we are never so happy and care-free as
when you are on board ship, headed for Europe."

Very properly Mr. Carnegie at once raised Bill's salary five thousand a
year.

The Carthusian Brothers parted with Erasmus in pretended tears, but the
fact was they were more relieved than bereaved.

And then began the travels of Erasmus.

The Bishop was of middle age, with a dash of the cavalier in his blood,
which made him prefer a saddle to the cushions of a carriage. And so
they started away on horseback, the Bishop ahead, followed at a
discreet distance by Erasmus, his secretary; and ten paces behind with
well-loaded panniers, rode a servant as rearguard.

To be free and face the world and on a horse! Erasmus lifted up his
heart in a prayer of gratitude. He said that it was the first feeling of
thankfulness he had ever experienced, and it was the first thing which
had ever come to him worth gratitude.

And so they started for Paris.

E