要讀好書[i]

盧瑟福·海斯[ii]寫給兒子斯科特·海斯

我親愛的斯科特：

昨天晚上，我從肯尼恩[iv]途徑克利夫蘭[v]回到了家。回來后就發現了你15日的來信。

我此次出行做了兩件事。一是參加了比德爾主教的葬禮，他是著名的佈道演說家，是位聰明、和藹、有趣的人，也是我友好的共事者，和我有30年的交情了。一是在肯尼恩學院[vi]的演講課上發表了演說。演說是在古老的羅斯禮拜堂舉行的——50年前，我就是在這裡做了畢業告別母校演講。演講大廳座無虛席，聽眾顯得異常興奮。我想，這個古老的禮堂過去從來沒有過這麼振奮人心的歡呼，這確實給我這老頭子很大鼓動和靈感。

你要認真考慮一下，如何利用你的業餘時間，尤其是晚上時間。在任何時候都要讀好書，如與你目前工作有關的歷史、人物傳記或自然科學等。要盡一切可能學習你感興趣的自然科學知識，要關心所有勞動人民，要把一切事實真相搞明白，成為一個既有理論水平又有實踐經驗的人。我就說這麼多。莉莉星期一回家。這裡一切都好。

再見，愛你的

盧瑟福·B.海斯

1892年3月19日於斯皮格爾[vii]

Have on Hand Some Solid Reading

Rutherford Hayes

To

Scott Hayes

                                SPIEGEL, March 19, 1892.

My Dear Scott:

I reached home from Kenyon by way of Cleveland last evening. I find here your letter of the 15th instant.

My trip accomplished two things. I attended the funeral of Bishop Bedell, an old and dear friend of about thirty years' standing. He was a noble pulpit orator, a wise man, and a genial, interesting, and friendly companion. I also gave an address in the college lecture course to a large and enthusiastic audience in the old hall--Rosse Chapel--where I gave my valedictory fifty years ago. I doubt if the old hall ever rang before with such rousing cheers. It quite stirred up and inspired the old gentleman.

I want you to think with a purpose on the question of how to use your spare time, especially your evenings. At all times have on hand some solid reading. Either history, biography, or natural science connected with your present business. Do not fail to learn all you can on your interesting department of natural science. Watch all workmen, learn all facts, be practical as well as a man of theories. Enough of this. Lilly goes home on Monday.-All others well.