He used to say that he got the violin to help him laugh, as he found his voice failing under the strain.
Sarah and Samson had been raised on adjoining farms just out of the village.

He had had little schooling, but his mind was active and well inclined.

Sarah had prosperous relatives in Boston and had had the advantage of a year's schooling in that city.

She was a comely girl of a taste and refinement unusual in the place and time of her birth.

Many well favored youths had sought her hand, but, better than others, she liked the big, masterful, good-natured, humorous Samson, crude as he was.
Naturally in her hands his timber had undergone some planing and smoothing and his thought had been gently led into new and pleasant ways.