human
Mr. Burrows, why is that called by such a queer name as acrostic?
gpt
You must study Greek, Ellis. We get it from two words in the Greek, or from one word made up of two others, which mean _extreme_, or _beginning_ and _order_. In an acrostic the beginnings of the lines are arranged in order. Do you understand how we get that word now?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
Well, now, you would all like to know what this talk is for. I want every boy in school who can write, to bring an acrostic on his own name for his next composition.
human
They couldn't do it, they were sure; they couldn't _begin_ to do it!
gpt
Yes, you can, said Mr. Burrows;
human
I don't give my scholars any work that they _can't_ do. You may quote it, or make it original, as you please; but I want every one of you to _try_.
gpt
Well, Johnny, what will you have?
human
If you please, sir, I don't know what you mean by quote.
gpt
I must remember, I see, to speak plain English; I mean you may borrow your essay from a book, or a dozen books, if you like, so that you don't try to make us believe the thoughts are your own. You may write in poetry or not, as you please; but I want each to choose a subject, and stick to it better than Howard did just now. I have given you something to do that will keep you hard at work, but you will succeed at last.