outh which should speak much and smile often; and have human affection for its interlocutor。 That feature too is propitious。
“I see no enemy to a fortunate issue but in the brow; and that brow professes to say;—‘I can live alone; if self…respect; and circumstances require me so to do。 I need not sell my soul to buy bliss。 I have an inward treasure born with me; which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld; or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give。’ The forehead declares; ‘Reason sits firm and holds the reins; and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms。 The passions may rage furiously; like true heathens; as they are; and the desires may imagine all sorts of vain things: but judgment shall still have the last word in every argument; and the casting vote in every decision。 Strong wind; earthquake…shock; and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience。’
“Well said; forehead; your declaration shall be respected。 I have formed my plans—right plans I deem them—and in them I have attended to the claims of conscience; the counsels of reason。 I know how soon youth would fade and bloom perish; if; in the cup of bliss offered; but one dreg of shame; or one flavour of remorse were detected; and I do not want sacrifice; sorrow; dissolution—such is not my taste。 I wish to foster; not to blight—to earn gratitude; not to wring tears of blood—no; nor of brine: my harvest must be in smiles; in endearments; in sweet— That will do。 I think I rave in a kind of exquisite delirium。 I should wish now to protract this moment ad infinitum; but I dare not。 So far I have governed myself thoroughly。 I have acted as I inwardly swore I would act; b