The object of her lessons is to form the soul and the taste.' And Aldus Manucius, vir doctissimus, magister noster," here he raised his hand to his head as if he would uncover, "says also the same, but in a Latinity more pure and translucent, as is his custom." Grio scratched his head.

The other's vehemence, whether he sneered or praised, flew high above his dull understanding.

He had his share of the reverence for learning which marked the ignorant of that age: but to what better end, he pondered stupidly, could learning be directed than to the discovery of that which must make its owner the most enviable of mortals, the master of wealth and youth and pleasure! It was not to this, however, that he directed his objection: the _argumentum ad hominem_ came more easily to him.

"But you do this ?" he said, pointing to the paraphernalia about the stove.
"Ay," Basterga rejoined with vehemence.

"And why, my friend?
Because the noble rewards and the consideration which former times bestowed on learning are to-day diverted to baser pursuits! Erasmus was the friend of princes, and the correspondent of kings.