As the two little heroes of my history lived in the same neighbourhood, and their parents were nearly equal in point of fortune, they consequently became intimate companions, and frequently visited each other. It was easily to be discovered which of these two children would one day figure most on the busy stage of the world. Ernestus and his lady with pleasure beheld21 in their little son an ample share of spirit and activity, kindness and affability, resolution and integrity. The parents of Fragilis, however, had not the same pleasing prospect22 in their favourite and darling; for he was of a dull and gloomy turn, seldom contented23 with any thing, perpetually wrangling24 with every one about him, and constantly pining after those things which he knew were not to be procured25.

　　Ernestus made a rapid progress in his literary pursuits, under the tuition of his masters; for his application to his books was equal to the genius nature had bestowed26 on him. On the other hand, Fragilis advanced very slowly in the paths of science;10 for his genius had been spoiled by the pernicious indulgences of his parents in his infant years, and he had been suffered to acquire a habit of indolence, which made the least labour of body or of mind tiresome27 and disgustful.

　　These circumstances, however, did not seem to interrupt the rising friendship between these two youths, their connections growing stronger as they ripened28 in years. They were joint29 proprietors30 in their kites, their tops, their marbles, and their dumps; though Ernestus was generally the manufacturer of the first and last articles. Indeed, the kites made by Fragilis were always too heavy, and not equally balanced on both sides; consequently they were difficult to be raised into the air, and when there, they had a wavering and unsteady motion; whereas, those made by Ernestus were light and elegant, darted31 into the air like an eagle, and remained there as steady as a hawk32 resting on its wings; his dumps had the elegance33 of medals; and his tops and marbles were so judiciously34 chosen as to claim the admiration35 of all the neighbouring youths.

　　The time at length arrived, when it is usual for parents to begin to think of sending their children from home, to engage in the busy commerce of the world, and to learn how to provide for themselves. The feathered inhabitants of the woods and groves36 give up every pleasure to that of rearing11 their little brood; but, as soon as they have acquired a proper degree of maturity37, they then drive them from their nests, to form new connections, and to shift for themselves. Man, more helpless than birds, requires the assistance of the parental38 hand, for some years, to rear and cherish him; nor do their cares and anxieties for him cease till life is no more.

　　Though Ernestus loved his parents with all the affections of a dutiful child, yet he could not help rejoicing at the idea of embarking39 in the bustle40 of the world, and making a figure as a man. On the other hand, Fragilis could not prevail on himself to quit the apron-string of his mother, and engage in the rude clamour of a commercial life, in which so much attention, thought, and industry, are required. Neither could his parents part with their darling, whose constitution they had spoiled, and rendered unfit for business. Ernestus, in a short time after, by his own desire, was placed as a clerk in a merchant's house in London; while Fragilis continued with his parents, to squander41 away his time in destructive scenes of indolence and luxury.

　　Five years had glided42 away as it were imperceptibly, when Ernestus found himself disengaged from the ties of his clerkship. His person was by this time arrived at the state of manhood, his figure was graceful43 and genteel, and his mind was improved