Reading Comprehension
Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions below.
Jonathan Swift, the famous Irish writer (1667–1745), leading satirist of his age, was not very generous. He seldom gave anything to the servants of those who sent him presents. But once he received a lesson from a boy who often brought him hares, partridges, and other games.
One day the boy arrived with a heavy basket full of fish, fruit, and game. When Swift opened the door, the boy said gruffly, “Here, my master has sent you a basket full of things.” Swift, feeling displeased at the boy’s rude manners, said to him: “Come here, my boy, and I will teach you how to deliver a message a little more politely. Come, imagine yourself Jonathan Swift, and I will be the boy.”
Then taking off his hat very politely and addressing himself to the boy, he said: “Sir, my master sends you a little present and begs you will do him the honour to accept it.”
“Oh, very well, my boy,” replied the boy, “tell your master I am much obliged to him, and there is half a crown for yourself.”
Swift laughed heartily and gave the boy a crown for his wit.
0 Comments
Post a Comment