Page 406 of 626

An aged count once lived in Switzerland, who had an only son, but

he was stupid, and could learn nothing. Then said the father:

'Hark you, my son, try as I will I can get nothing into your

head. You must go from hence, I will give you into the care of a

celebrated master, who shall see what he can do with you.' The

youth was sent into a strange town, and remained a whole year

with the master. At the end of this time, he came home again, and

his father asked: 'Now, my son, what have you learnt?' 'Father, I

have learnt what the dogs say when they bark.' 'Lord have mercy

on us!' cried the father; 'is that all you have learnt? I will

send you into another town, to another master.' The youth was

taken thither, and stayed a year with this master likewise.