Introduction
Joseph Boruwlaski, who was originally from Halicz (then in Poland, now in the Ukraine), settled in Durham after years of touring Europe as a violinist, an entertainer and frankly a curiosity, for he was barely thirty-nine inches high. William Burdon offered to help him financially but Joseph would not hear of it as his modest needs were by now satisfied — which Burdon would have thought typical of the man.
THOUGH Nature has formed him of size much below the ordinary standard, she has nevertheless endowed him with a mind superior to the generality of men. His talents, though of the lighter kind, are not altogether unequal to serious exertions; and, had they been earlier cultivated, would have left him little below the most profound and intelligent philosophers. As it is, he is most remarkable for his temper and accomplishments, for his ingenuity, vivacity, wit, humour, and penetration. He has seen much of mankind in various stations of life; and, though considered more as a plaything than as a companion, he has omitted no opportunity of making observations on individuals, and on the human species.
Précis
For an edition of the Memoirs of his friend Joseph Boruwlaski, published in 1820, William Burdon wrote a warm appreciation highlighting his intelligence and good character. He reminded readers that Joseph, who was barely three feet high, had not always been taken seriously; yet he was observant, thoughtful and, thanks to his travels, experienced in worldly affairs. (57 / 60 words)
For an edition of the Memoirs of his friend Joseph Boruwlaski, published in 1820, William Burdon wrote a warm appreciation highlighting his intelligence and good character. He reminded readers that Joseph, who was barely three feet high, had not always been taken seriously; yet he was observant, thoughtful and, thanks to his travels, experienced in worldly affairs.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 60 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 50 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: because, besides, despite, just, may, must, since, whereas.
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