第6章

Patriotism，thathadbeentousbutadingyandmeaninglessantiquity，tookonanewform，anewmien，acountenancedivinelyfairandforeveryoung，andreceivedoncemorethehomageofourhearts。Wasthatachildishoutburstofexcitement，ortheglowofanarousedprinciple？Wasitapuerileanger，oramanlyindignation？Didwespringupstartledpygmies，orgirdedgiants？Iftheformer，letusveilourfaces，andmarchswiftly(andsilently)tomercifulforgetfulness。Ifthelatter，shallwenotlayasideeveryweight，andthisbesettingsinofdespondency，andrunwithpatiencetheracesetbeforeus？

Atruephilosophyandatruereligionmakethewaypossibletous。TheMostHighrulethinthekingdomofmen，andgivethittowhomsoeverHewill；andheneveryetwilledthatanationstronginmeans，andbattlingfortheright，shouldbegivenovertoanationweakandbattlingforthewrong。Nationshavetheirfuture——rewardandpenalty——inthisworld；anditisascertainasGodlives，thatProvidenceANDtheheaviestbattalionswillprevail。Wehavehadreverses，butnomisfortunehathhappeneduntousbutsuchasiscommonuntonations。Countryhasbeensacrificedtopartisanship。Earlylovehasfallenaway，andlukewarmnesshastakenitsplace。

Unlimitedenthusiasmhasgivenplacetolimitedstolidity。

Disloyalty，overawedatfirstintoquietude，haslifteditsheadamongus，andwaxeswrothandravening。Therearedissensionsathomeworsethanthegunsofourfoes。Somethatdidrunwellhavefaltered；somesignal-lightshavegoneshamefullyout，andsomeareluridwithabalefulglare。Butuntothisendwereweborn，andforthiscausecameweintotheworld。Whenshallgreatnessofsoulstandforth，ifnotineviltimes？Whentheskiesarefairandtheseassmooth，allshipssailfestively。Butthecloudslower，thewindsshriek，thewavesboil，andimmediatelyeachcraftshowsitsquality。

Thedeepisstrownwithbrokenmasts，partedkeels，floatingwrecks；buthereandthereashipridestheragingsea，andflingsdefiancetothewind。Sheoverlivestheseabecausesheissea-worthy。Notoureightyyearsofpeacealone，butourtwoyearsofwar，arethetouchstoneofourcharacter。WehaverolledourDemocracyasasweetmorselunderourtongue；wehavegloriedintheprosperitywhichitbroughttotheindividual；butifthecomfortsofmenministertothedegradationofman，ifDemocracylevelsdownanddoesnotlevelup，ifoureraofpeaceandplentyleavesussofeebleandfrivolous，sochildish，soimpatient，sodeaftoallthatcallstousfromthepast，andentreatsusinthefuture，thatwefaintandfailunderthestressofouroneshorteffort，thenindeedisourDemocracyourshameandcurse。Letusshownowwhatmannerofpeopleweare。Letusbeclear-sightedandfar-sightedtoseehowgreatistheissuethathangsupontheoccasion。Itisnotameremilitaryreputationthatisatstake，notthedecayofageneration\'scommerce，notthedeterminationofthisorthatpartytopower。Itisthequestionoftheworldthatwehavebeensettoanswer。Inthegreatconflictofages，thelongstrifebetweenrightandwrong，betweenprogressandsluggardy，throughtheprovidenceofGodweareplacedinthevanguard。Threehundredyearsagoaworldwasunfoldedforthebattle-ground。

Choicespiritscamehithertolevelandintrench。Swordsclashedandbloodflowed，andthegreatreconnaissancewassuccessfullymade。Sincethenbothsideshavebeengatheringstrength，marshallingforces，plantingbatteries，andtodaywestandinthethickofthefray。Shallwefail？MenandwomenofAmerica，willyoufail？Shallthecausegobydefault？Whenagreatidea，thathasbeenupliftedontheshouldersofgenerations，comesnowtoitsThermopylae，itsglory-gate，andneedsonlystoutheartsforitsstronghands，——whentheeyesofagreatmultitudeareturneduponyou，andtheofdumbmillionsinthesilentfuturerestyou，——whenthesufferingandsorrowful，thelowly，whoseimmortalhungerforjusticegnawsathearts，whoblindlysee，butkeenlyfeel，bytheirGod-giveninstincts，thatsomehowyouareworkingouttheirsalvation，andthehigh-born，monarchsinthedomainofmind，who，standingfaroff；seewithpropheticeyethetwocoursesthatliebeforeyou，onetotheUplandsofvindicatedRight，onetotheValleyoftheShadowofDeath，alikefastenuponyoutheirhopes，theirprayers，theirtears，——willyou，foramoment\'sbodilycomfortandrestandrepose，grindalltheseexpectationsandhopesbetweentheupperandnethermillstone？Willyoufailtheworldinthisfatefulhourbyyourfaint-heartedness？Willyoufailyourself；andputtheknifetoyourownthroat？Forthepeacewhichyousodearlybuyshallbringtoyouneithereasenorrest。Youwillbuthavespreadabedofthorns。

Failurewillwritedisgraceuponthebrowofthisgeneration，andshamewilloutlasttheage。ItisnotwithusaswiththeSouth。Shecansurrenderwithoutdishonor。Sheistheweakerpower，andhersuccesswillbeagainstthenatureofthings。Herdishonorlayinherattempt，notinitsrelinquishment。Butweshallfail，notbecauseofmechanicsandmathematics，butbecauseourmanhoodandwomanhoodweighedinthebalancearefoundwanting。Therearefewwhowillnotshareinthesin。Therearenonewhowillnotshareintheshame。Wives，wouldyouholdbackyourhusbands？Mothers，wouldyoukeepyoursons？Fromwhat？forwhat？Fromthedoingofthegrandestdutythateverennobledman，tothegriefofthegreatestinfamythatevercrushedhimdown。YouwouldholdhimbackfromprizesbeforewhichOlympianlaurelsfade，forafatebeforewhichaHelotslavemightcower。Hiscountryintheagonyofherdeath-strugglecallstohimforsuccor。Allthebloodinalltheages，pouredoutforliberty，pouredoutforhim，criesuntohimfromtheground。Allthatlifehasofnoble，ofheroic，beckonshimforward。Deathitselfwearsforhimagoldencrown。EversincetheworldswungfreefromGod\'shand，menhavedied，——obeyingtheblindfiatofNature；butonlyonceinagenerationcomesthesacrificialyear，theyearofjubilee，whenmenmarchlovinglytomeettheirfateanddieforanation\'slife。Holdingback，wetransmittothosethatshallcomeafterusablackenedwaste。Thelittleonethatliesinhiscradlewillbeaccursedforoursakes。Everychildwillbebase-born，springingfromignobleblood。Weinheritedafairfame，andbaysfromagloriousbattle；butforhimisnobackground，nostand-point。

Hiscountrywillbeaburdenonhisshoulders，ablushuponhischeek，achainabouthisfeet。Thereisnocareerforthefuture，butawearyeffort，along，apainful，aheavy-heartedstruggletoliftthelandoutofitssloughofdegradationandsetitoncemoreuponadryplace。

Thereforeletushavedoneatonceandforeverpaltryconsiderations，withtalkofdespondencyanddarkness。Letcompromise，submission，andeveryformofdishonorablepeacebenotsomuchasnamedamongus。Toleratenocoward\'svoiceorpenoreye。Wherevertheserpent\'sheadisraised，strikeitdown。Measureeverymanbythestandardofmanhood。

Measurecountry\'spricebycountry\'sworth，andcountry\'sworthbycountry\'sintegrity。Letacold，clearbreezesweepdownfromthemountainsoflife，anddriveoutthesemiasmasthatbefogandbeguiletheunwary。Aroundeveryhearthstoneletsunshinegleam。Ineveryhomeletfatherlandhaveitsaltaranditsfortress。Fromeveryhouseholdletwordsofcheerandresolveandhigh-heartinessringout，tillthewholelandisshiningandresonantinthebloomofitsawakeningspring。

ASPASMOFSENSE

Theconjunctionofamiabilityandsenseinthesameindividualrendersthatindividual\'spositioninaworldlikeusverydisagreeable。Amiabilitywithoutsense，orsensewithoutamiability，runsalongsmoothlyenough。Theformertakesthingsastheyare。Itreceivesallglitteraspuregold，anddoesnotseethatitiscustomalonewhichvarnisheswrongwithaslimycoatofrespectability，andglorifiesselfishnesswiththeaureoleofsacrifice。Itsetsdownallcollisionsasforeordained，andneverobservesthattheyoccurbecausepeoplewillnotsmoothofftheirangles，butsharpenthem，andnotonlysharpenthem，butrunthemintoyou。ItforgetsthattheLordmademanupright，buthehathsoughtoutmanyinventions。

Itattributesallthecollisionandinaptitudewhichitfindstothenatureofthings，andneversuspectsthattheDevilgoesaroundinthenight，thrustingthesquaremenintotheroundplaces，andtheroundmenintothesquareplaces。Itnevernoticesthatthereasonwhytheropedoesnotunwindeasilyisbecauseonestrandisaworldtoolarge，andanotheraworldtoosmall，andsoitstickswhereitoughttoroll，androllswhereitoughttostick。Itmakessweet，faintefforts，withtenderfingersandpalpitatinghearttooilthewheelsandpolishupthemachine，anddoesnotforamomentimaginethatthehitchisowingtooriginalincompatibilityofpartsandpurposes，thatthewholemachinemustbepulledtopiecesandmadeover，andthatnothingwillbedonebystandingpatientlyby，tryingtosoothawaythecreakingandwheezingandgroaningofthelaboring，lumberingthing，bylayingonalittledropofsweetoilwithapin-feather。Asitdoesnotseeanyofthesethingsthatarehappeningbeforeitseyes，ofcourseitisshallowlyhappy。Andontheotherhand，hewhodoesseethem，andisnotamiable，isgrimlyandGrendallyhappy。Helikestosaydisagreeablethings，andallthisdismayanddisasterscatterdisagreeablethingsbroadcastalonghispath，sothatallhehastodoistopickthemupandsaythem。

Thereforethisworldishisparadise。Hewouldnotknowwhattodowithhimselfinaworldwheremattersweresortedandfoldedandlaidawayreadyforyouwhenyoushouldwantthem。

Helikestoseehumanaffairsmixingthemselvesupinirretrievableconfusion。Ifhedetectsasymptomofstraightening，itshallgohardbuthewillthrustinhisownfingersandsnarlathreadortwo。Heisdelightedtofinddoggeddutyandeagerdesirebuttingeachother。Alltheirresistibleforcescrashingagainstalltheimmovablebodiesgivehimnoshock，onlyapleasanttitillation。Heisneversohappyaswhenmenaretakingholdofthingsbytheblade，andcuttingtheirhands，andlosingblood。Hetellsthemofit，butnotinordertorelievesomuchasto"aggravate"them；

andhedoesaggravatethem，andissatisfied。O，butheisanaggravatingperson！

Itisyou，youwhocombinetheheartofaseraphwiththeheadofacherub，whoknowwhattroubleis。Youseewheretheshoepinches，butyourwholesoulshrinksfrompointingoutthetenderplace。Youseewhythingsgowrong，andhowtheymightbesetright；butyouhaveamortaldreadofbeingthoughtmeddlesomeandimpertinent，orcoldandcruel，orrestlessandarrogant，ifyouattempttodemolishthewrongorrebelagainstthecustom。Whenyoudrawyourbowatanabuse，peoplethinkyouaretryingtobringdownreligionandproprietyandhumanity。Butyourconsciencewillnotletyouseetheabuseravingtoandfroovertheearthwithouttakingaim；so，eitherway，youarecuttotheheart。

Ilovemen。Iadorewomen。Ivaluetheirgoodopinion。Thereismuchinthemtoapplaudandimitate。Thereismuchinthemtoelicitfaithandreverence。If，only，onecouldseetheirgoodalone，or，seeingtheirvapidandviciousones，couldcontemplatethemwithnotouchoftendernessfortheowner，lifemightindeedbelovely。Asitis，whileIamatonemomentraptinenthusiasticadmirationofthestrengthandgrace，thepowerandpathos，thehiddenresources，theprofoundcapabilitiesofmyrace，atanother，Icouldwish，Nero-like，thatallmankindwereconcentratedinoneperson，andallwomankindinanother，thatImighttakethem，afterthefashionofruralschoolmasters，andshaketheirheadstogether。

Condemnationandreproacharenotinmyline；butthereissomuchintheworldthatmeritscondemnationandreproach，andreceivesindifferenceandevenreward，thereissomunchacquiescenceinwrongdoingandwrongthinking，somuchlettingthingsjoltalonginthesamerutwhereinweandtheywereborn，withoutinquiringwhether，liftedintoanothergroove，theymightnotrunmoreeasily，that，ifonewhodoesseethedifficultyholdshispeace，theverystoneswillcryout。

Howevergladlyonewouldlieonabedofrosesandglidesilken-saileddownthestreamoflife，howexquisitelypainfulsoeveritmaybetosaywhatyoufearandfeelmaygivepain，itisonlyaSybaritewhosetseaseaboverighteousness，onlyacowardwhomissesvictorythroughdreadofdefeat。

Therearemanyfalseideasafloatregardingwomanlyduties。

Idonotdesignnowtoopenanewanyvulgar，worn-out，woman\'s-rightsyquestion。Everyremarkthatcouldbemadeonthatthemehasbeenmade——butone，andthatIwilltakethelibertytomakenowinasinglesentence，closethediscussion。

Itisthis:themanwhogaverubber-bootstowomendidmoretoelevatewomanthanallthetheorizers，maleorfemale，thatwereborn。

Butwithoutanysuspiciouslungesintothatdubiousregionwhichliesoutsideofwoman\'suniversallyacknowledged"sphere，"(ablightrestupontheword！)thereiswithinthepale，withinboundary-linewhichthemostconservativeneverdreamedofquestioning，roomforagreatdivergenceofideas。

Nowdivergenceofideasdoesnotnecessarilyimplyfightingatshortrange。Peoplemayadoptacourseofconductwhichyounotapprove；yetyoumayfeelityourdutytomakenoopenanimadversio。Circumstancesmayhavesuggestedsuchacoursetothem，orforcedituponthem；andperhaps，consideringallthings，itisthebesttheycando。Butwhen，encouragedbyyoursilence，theypublishittotheworld，notonlyasrelatively，butintrinsically，thebestandmostdesirable，——

when，notcontentwithswallowingitthemselvesasmedicine，theyinsistonrammingitdownyourthroatasfood，——itistimetobuckleonyourarmor，andhaveatthem。

Alittlebook，publishedbytheTractSociety，"TheMotherandherWork，"hasbeendoingjustthisthing。Itisamodestlittlebook。Itmakesnopretensionstoliteraryorothersuperiority。Ithasmuchexcellentcounsel，piousreflection，andcomfortablesuggestion。Beingalittlebook，itcostsbutlittle，anditwillconsole，refresh，andinstructweary，conscientiousmothers，andsohavealargecirculation，awideinfluence，anddoanimmenseamountofmischief。FortheEvilOneinhissensesneversendsoutpoisonlabelled"POISON。"

Hemixesitinwithgreatquantitiesofinnocentandnutritiveflourandsugar。Heshapesitincunningshapesofpigsandlambsandheartsandbirdsandbraids。Hetintsitwithgaylinesofgreenandpinkandrose，andputsitintheconfectioner\'sglasswindows，whereyoubuy——what？Poison？

No，indeed！Candy，atpricestosuitthepurchasers。Sothisgoodandpiouslittlebookhassuchapreponderanceofgoodnessandpietythatthepoisoninitwillnotbedetected，exceptbychemicalanalysis。Itwillgodownsweetly，likegrapesofBeulah。Nobodywillsuspectheispoisoned；butjustsofarasitreachesandtouches，thesocialdyspepsiawillbeaggravated。

Isubmitafewatomsofthepoisonrevealedbycarefulexamination。

"Themother\'sisaMOSTHONORABLEcalling。\'Whatapitythatonesogiftedshouldbesotieddown！\'remarksasuperficialobserver，asshelooksuponthemotherofayoungandincreasingfamily。Thepale，thinfaceandfeeblestep，bespeakingthemultipliedandwearyingcaresofdomesticlife，elicitanearnestsympathyfromthemany，thoughtlesslyflittingacrossherpathway，andtheremarkpassesfrommouthtomouth，\'HowIpityher！Whatashameitis！Sheiscompletelyworndownwithsomanychildren。\'Itmaybe，however，thatthisyoungmotherisonewhoneedsandasksnopity，"etc。

"ButtheTRUEMOTHERyieldsherselfuncomplainingly，yea，cheerfully，tothewholesomeprivation，solitude，andself-denialallottedher……Wasshefondoftravelling，ofvisitingthewonderfulinNatureandinArt，ofminglinginnewandoften-varyingscenes？Nowshehasfound\'anabidingcity，\'

andnoallurementsarestrongenoughtotemptherthence。Hadsocietycharmsforher，andinthesocialcircleandthefestivethrongwereherchiefdelights？Nowshestaysathome，andthegorgeoussaloonandbrilliantassemblagegiveplacetothenurseryandthebaby。Wasshedevotedtoliterarypursuits？Nowthelibraryisseldomvisited，thecherishedstudiesareneglected，therattleandthedollaresubstitutedforthepen。Herpianoissilent，whileshechantssoftlyandsweetlythesoothinglullaby。Herdresscanlastanotherseasonnow，andthehat——oh，shedoesnotcare，ifitisnotinthelatestmode，forshehasababytolookafter，andhasnotimeforherself。Eventherideandthewalkaregivenup，perhapstoooften，withtheexcuse，\'Baby-tendingisexerciseenoughforme。\'Herwholelifeisreversed。"

Theassumptionis，thatallthisisjustasitshouldbe。Thethoughtlesspersonmayfancythatitisapity；butitisnotapity。Thisisamodelmotherandamodelstateofthings。

Itisnotsimplytobesubmittedto，notsimplytobepatientlyborne；itistobeaspiredtoasthenoblestandholieststate。

Thatisthestrychnine。Youmaycounselpeopletotakejoyfullythespoilingoftheirgoods，andcomfort，encourage，andstrengthenthembysodoing；butwhenyoutellthemthattoberobbedandplunderedisofitselfapricelessblessing，thehigheststageofhumandevelopment，youdothemharm；

because，ingeneral，falsehoodisalwaysharmful，andbecause，inparticular，sofarasyouinfluencethematall，youpreventthemfromtakingmeasurestostopthewrong-doing。YououghttocounselthemtobearwithChristianresignationwhattheycannothelp；butyououghtwithequalfervortocounselthemtolookaroundandseeiftherearenotmanythingswhichtheycanhelp，andifthereare，byallmeanstohelpthem。WhatisinevitablecomestousfromGod，nomatterhowmanyhandsitpassesthrough；butsubmissiontounnecessaryevilsiscowardiceorlaziness；andextollingoftheevilasgoodissheerignorance，orperversity，orservility。Eventheillsthatmustbeborne，shouldbeborneunderprotest，lestpatiencedegenerateintoslavery。Christiancharacterisneverformedbyacquiescencein，orapotheosisofwrong。

Theprinciplethatunderliestheseextracts，andmakesthemministrativeofevil，istheprinciplethatawomancanbenefitherchildrenbysacrificingherself。Itteaches，thatpale，thinfacesandfeeblestepsareexcellentthingsinyoungmothers，——providedtheyaregainedbymaternalduties。Weinferthatitismeet，right，andtheboundenofsuchtogiveupsociety，reading，riding，music，andbecomeindifferenttodress，cultivation，recreation，toeverything，inshort，excepttakingcareofthechildren。Itisalljustaswrongasitcanbe。Itiswrongmorally；itiswrongsocially；wronginprinciple，wronginpractice。Itisablunderaswellasacrime，foritworkswoe。Itisawrongmeanstoaccomplishanend；anditdoesnotaccomplishtheend，afterall，butdemolishesit。

Onthecontrary，thedutyanddignityofamotherrequirethatsheshouldneversubordinateherselftoherchildren。Whenshedoesso，shedoesittotheirmanifestinjuryandherown。Ofcourse，ifillnessoraccidentdemandunusualcare，shedoeswelltogrowthinandpaleinbestowingunusualcare。Butwhenamotherintheordinaryroutineoflifegrowsthinandpale，givesupriding，reading，andtheamusementsandoccupationsoflife，thereisawrongsomewhere，andherchildrenshallreapthefruitsofit。Thefatherandmotheraretheheadofthefamily，themostcomelyandthemosthonorablepart。

TheycannotbenefittheirchildrenbydescendingfromtheirHeaven-appointedplaces，andbecomingperpetualandexclusivefeetandhands。ThisisthegreatfaultofAmericanmothers。

Theyswampthemselvesinasloughofself-sacrifice。Theyaresmotheredintheirownsweetness。Theydashintodomesticitywithanimpetusandabandonmentthatannihilatethemselves。

Theysinkintotheirfamilieslikealightinapoisonouswell，andareextinguished。

Onehearsmuchcomplaintofthedirectionandcharacteroffemaleeducation。Itisdolefullyaffirmedthatyoungladieslearnhowtosingoperasbutnothowtokeephouse，——thattheycanconjugateGreekverbs，butcannotmakebread，——thattheyaregoodforprettytoying，butnotforhomelyusing。

Doubtlessthereisfoundationforthisremark，oritwouldneverhavebeenmade。ButIhavebeenintheEastandtheWest，andtheNorthandtheSouth；IknowthatIhaveseenthebestsociety，andIamsureIhaveseenverybad，ifnottheworst；andInevermetawomanwhosesuperioreducation，whosepiano，whosepencil，whoseGerman，orFrench，oranyschool-accomplishments，orevenwhosenovels，clashedwithherdomesticduties。Ihavereadoftheminbooks；Ididhearofoneonce；butInevermetone，——notone。Ihaveseenwomen，throughloveofgossip，throughindolence，throughsheerfamineofmentalPABLUM，leaveundonethingsthatoughttobedone，——

rushtotheassembly，lecture-room，thesewing-circle，orvegetateinsqualid，shabby，unwholesomehomes；butIneversaweducationruntoruin。Soitseemstomethatweareneedlesslyalarmedinthatdirection。

Ihaveseenscoresandscoresofwomenleaveschool，leavetheirpianoanddrawingandfancy-work，andallmannerofprettyandpleasantthings，andmarryandburythemselves。Youhearofthemaboutsixtimesintenyears，andthereisababyeachtime。Theycrawloutofthefartherendofthetenyears，sallowandwrinkledandlank，——teethgone，hairgone，rosesgone，plumpnessgone，——freshness，andvivacity，andsparkle，everythingthatisdewy，andspringing，andspontaneous，gone，gone，goneforever。ThisourTract-Societybookputsveryprettily。"Shewrapsherselfintherobesofinfantilesimplicity，and，buryingherwomanlynatureinthetombofchildhood，patientlyawaitsthesure-comingresurrectionintheformofanoble，high-minded，world-stirringson，oravirtuous，lovelydaughter。Thenurseryisthemother\'schrysalis。Letherabideforalittleseason，andsheshallemergetriumphantly，withetherealwingsandahappyflight。"

Butthenurseryoughtnottobethemother\'schrysalis。Godneverintendedhertowindherselfupintoacocoon。Ifhehad，hewouldmadeheracaterpillar。Shehasnorighttoburyherwomanlynatureinthetombofchildhood。Itwillsurelyberequiredatherhands。Itwasgivenhertosunitselfinthebroad，brightday，torootitselffastandfirmintheearth，tospreaditselfwidetothesky，thatherchildrenintheirinfancyandyouthandmaturity，thatherhusbandinhisstrengthandhisweakness，thatherkinsfolkandneighborsandthepooroftheland，thehaltandtheblindandallChrist\'slittleones，maysitunderitsshadowwithgreatdelight。Nowomanhasarighttosacrificeherownsoultoproblematical，high-minded，world-stirringsons，andvirtuous，lovelydaughters。Tobethemotherofsuch，onemightperhapspouroutone\'slifeindraughtssocopiousthatthefountainshouldrundry；butworld-stirringpeopleareextremelyrare。Oneinacenturyisaliberalallowance。Theoverwhelmingprobabilitiesare，thathersonswillbelawyersandshoemakersandfarmersandcommission-merchants，herdaughtersnice，"smart，"prettygirls，allgood，honest，kind-hearted，commonplacepeople，notatallworld-stirring，notatallthepeopleonewouldglorytomergeone\'sselfin。Ifthemotherisnotsatisfiedwiththis，ifshewantsthemotherwise，shemustbeotherwise。Thesurestwaytohavehigh-mindedchildrenistobehigh-mindedyourself。Amancannotburrowinhiscounting-roomfortenortwentyofthebestyearsofhislife，andcomeoutasmuchofamanandaslittleofamoleashewentin。Butthetwentyyearsshouldhaveministeredtohismanhood，insteadoftramplingonit。Stilllesscanawomanburyherselfinhernursery，andcomeoutwithoutharm。Buttheyearsshouldhavedonehergreatgood。Thisworldisnotmadeforatomb，butagarden。Youaretobeaseed，notadeath。Plantyourself，andyouwillsprout。Buryyourself，andyoucanonlydecay。Foradeadopportunitythereisnoresurrection。Theonlyenjoyment，theonlyusetobeattainedinthisworld，mustbeattainedonthewing。Eachdaybringsitsownhappiness，itsownbenefit；butithasnonetospare。

Whatescapestodayisescapedforever。Tomorrowhasnooverflowtoatoneforthelostyesterdays。

Fewthingsaremorepainfultolookuponthantheself-renunciation，theself-abnegationofmothers，——painfulbothforitstestimonyanditsprophecy。Itstestimonyisofover-care，over-work，over-weariness，theabuseofcapacitiesthatwerebestowedformostsacreduses，anutterwasteofmostpureandlife-givingwaters。Itsprophecyisearlydeclineanddecadence，forfeitureofpositionandpower，andworst，perhaps，ofall，irreparablelossandgrievouswrongtothechildrenforwhomallissacrificed。

Godgivestothemothersupremacyinherfamily。Itbelongstohertomaintainit。Thiscannotnotbedonewithoutexertion。Thetemptationtocomedownfromherthrone，andbecomeamerehewerofwoodanddrawerofwaterisverystrong。

Itissomucheasiertoworkwiththehandsthanwiththehead。

Onecanchopsticksalldayserenelyunperplexed。Buttoadministeragovernmentdemandsobservationandknowledgeandjudgmentandresolutionandinexhaustiblepatience。Yet，howeveruneasyliestheheadthatwearsthecrownofwomanhood，thatcrowncannotbebarteredawayforanybaserwreathwithoutinfiniteharm。Inbothcasestheremustbesacrifice；butintheonecaseitisuntodeath，intheotheruntolife。Ifthemotherstandsonhighground，shebringsherchildrenuptoherownlevel；ifshesinks，theysinkwithher。

Tomaintainherrank，noexertionistoogreat，nomeanstoosmall。Dressisoneofthemostobviousthingstoachild。

Ifthemotherwearscheaporshabbyorill-assortedclothes，whilethechildren\'sarefineandharmonious，itisimpossiblethattheyshouldnotreceivetheimpressionthattheyareofmoreconsequencethantheirmother。Therefore，forherchildren\'ssake，ifnotforherown，themothershouldalwaysbewell-dressed。Herbaby，sofarasitisconcernedinthematter，insteadofbeinganexcuseforafadedbonnet，shouldbeaninducementforafreshone。Itisnotaquestionofrichesorpoverty；itisathingofrelations。Itissimplythatthemother\'sdress——hermorningandeveningandstreetandchurchdress——shouldbequiteasgoodas，andifthereisanydifference，betterthanherchild\'s。Itisofmannerofconsequencehowachildisclad，providedonlyitshealthbenotinjured，itstastecorrupted，oritsself-respectwounded。

Childrenlookprettierinthecheapestandsimplestmaterialsthanintherichestandmostelaborate。Buthowcommonisittoseethechildrengailycaparisonedinsilkandfeathersandflounces，whilethemotherisenvelopedinanatmosphereofcottonyfadiness！Onewouldtakethechildtobemistress，andthemotheraservant。"But，"themothersays，"Idonotcarefordress，andCarolinedoes。She，poorchild，wouldbemortifiednottobedressedliketheotherchildren。"Thendoyouteachherbetter。Plantinhermindahigherstandardofself-respect。Don\'ttellheryoucannotaffordtodoforherthusandthus；thatwillscatterprematurethornsalongherpath；butsaythatyoudonotapproveofit；itisproperforhertodressinsuchandsuchaway。Andbesonoblyandgrandlyawomanthatsheshallhavefaithinyou。

Itisessentialalsothatthemotherhavesense，intelligence，comprehension。Asmuchasshecanaddofeducationandaccomplishmentswillincreaseherstockintrade。Herreadingandridingandmusic，insteadofbeingneglectedforherchildren\'ssake，shouldfortheirsakebescrupulouslycultivated。Ofthetwothings，itisathousandtimesbetterthattheyshouldbeattendedbyanursery-maidintheirinfancythanbyafeeble，timid，inefficientmatronintheiryouth。

Themothercanoverseehalfadozenchildrenwithanurse；butsheneedsallherstrength，allhermind，herowneyes，andears，andquickperceptions，anddelicateintuition，andcalmself-possession，whenhersturdyboysandwildyounggirlsareleapingandboundingandcareeringintotheirlustylife。Allmannerofnoveltemptationsbesetthem，——perilsbynightandperilsbyday，——perilsinthehouseandbytheway。Theirfierceandhungryyoungsouls，riotinginawakeningconsciousness，raveningforpleasure，strongandtumultuous，snatcheagerlyateverybait。Theywantthenamotherabletocurb，andguide，andrulethem；andonlyamotherwhocommandstheirrespectcandothis。Letthemseehersoughtforhersocialworth，——letthemseethatsheisfamiliarwithalltheconditionsoftheirlife，——thathervisionisatoncebroaderandkeenerthantheirs，——thatherfeethavetravelledalongthepathstheyarejustbeginningtoexplore，——thatsheknowsallthephasesalikeoftheirstrengthandtheirweakness，——andherinfluenceoverthemisunbounded。Letthemseeheruncertain，uncomfortable，hesitating，fearfulwithoutdiscrimination，leaningwheresheoughttosupport，interferingwithoutpowerofsuggesting，counseling，butnotcontrolling，withnopresence，nohearing，noexperience，noprestige，andtheywillcarrymatterswithahighhand。Theywilloverruleherdecisions，andtheirlovewillnotbeunmingledwithcontempt。

Itwillbestrongenoughtoprickthemwhentheyhavedonewrong，butnotstrongenoughtokeepthemfromdoingwrong。

Nothinggivesayounggirlsuchvantage-groundinsocietyandinlifeasamother，——asensible，amiable，brilliant，andcommandingwoman。Undertheshelterofsuchamother\'swing，theneophyteissafe。Thismotherwillattracttoherselfthewittiestandthewisest。Theyounggirlcanseesocietyinitsbestphases，withoutbeingherselfdrawnoutintoitsglare。

Sheformsherownstyleonthepurestmodels。Shegainsconfidence，withoutlosingmodesty。Familiarwithwisdom，shewillnotbedazedbyfolly。Havingtheopportunitytomakeobservationsbeforeshebeginstobeobserved，shedoesnotbecomethepreyoftheweakandthewicked。Hertasteisstrengthenedandrefined，herstandardelevatesitself；herjudgmentacquiresafirmbasis。Butcastuponownresources，herownblankinexperience，atherfirstentranceintotheworld，withnothingtostandbetweenherandwhatisopenlyvapidandcovertlyvicious，withnocleareyetodetectforherthefalseanddistinguishthetrue，nofirm，judicioushandtoguidetenderlyandundeviatingly，torepresswithoutirritatingandencouragewithoutemboldening，whatwonderthatthepeach-bloomlosesitsdelicacy，deepeningintorougeorhardeningintobrass，andthehappyyounglifeisstrandedonacruelshore？

Henceitfollowsthatoursocialgatheringsconsist，tosolamentableanextent，ofpertyoungsters，orfadedoldsters。

Thencecomethoseabominable"youngpeople\'sparties，"whereascoreortwoorthreeofboysandgirlsmeetandmanageaftertheirownhearts。ThenceithappensthatconversationseemstobetakingitsplaceamongtheLostArts，andthesmallestofsmalltalkreignsinitsstead。Society，insteadofgivingitstonetothechildren，takesitfromthem，andsinceitcannotbejuvenile，becomesinsipid，andbecauseitistoooldtoprattle，jabbers。Talkersareeverywhere，butwherearethementhatsaythings？Wherearethepeoplethatcanbelistenedtoandquoted？Wherearetheflintypeoplewhosecontactstrikesfire？Wherearetheelectricpeoplewhothrillawholecirclewithsuddenvitality？Wherearethestrongpeoplewhohedgethemselvesaroundwiththeirindividuality，andwillberousedbynoprince\'skiss，buttakenonlybystorm，yetoncecaptured，aresweeterthanthedewsofHymettus？Wherearetheseers，theprophets，theMagi，whoshallunfoldforusthesecretsoftheskyandtheseas，andthemysteryofhumanhearts？

Yetfathersandmothersnotonlyacquiesceinthisstateofthings，theyapproveofit。Theyfosterit。Theyareforwardtoannihilatethemselves。Theyarecarefultolettheirdarlingsgooutalone，lesttheybearestraintuponthem，——asifthatwerenotwhatparentsweremadefor。Iftheywerewhattheyoughttobe，therestraintwouldbenotonlywholesome，butimpalpable。Therelationbetweenparentsandchildrenshouldbesuchthatpleasureshallnotbequiteperfect，unlesssharedbyboth。Parentsoughttotakesuchatender，proud，intellectualinterestinthepursuitsandamusementsoftheirchildrenthatthechildrenshallfeelthegloryofthevictorydimmed，unlesstheirparentsaretheretowitnessit。Ifthepresenceofasensiblemotherisfeltasarestraint，itshowsconclusivelythatrestraintisneeded。

Awomanalsoneedsself-cultivation，bothphysicalandmental，inordertoself-respect。UndoubtedlyDiogenesglorifiedhimselfinhistub。Butpeopleingeneral，andwomeninuniversal，——exceptthegeniuses，——needthepompofcircumstance。

Aslouchygarbisbotheffectandcauseofaslouchymind。A

womanwholetsgoherholdupondress，literature，music，amusement，willalmostinevitablyslidedownintoabogofmuggymoralindolence。Shewillloseherspirit，andwhenthespiritisgoneoutofawoman，therenotmuchleftofher。

Whenshecheapensherself，shediminisheshervalue。Especiallywhentheevanescentcharmsofmereyoutharegone，whentheresponsibilitiesoflifehavelefttheirmarkuponher，isitindispensablethatsheattendtoallthefitnessesofexternals，andstrengthenandpolishallhermentalandsocialqualities。

BythisIdonotmeanthatwomenshouldallowthemselvestolosetheirbeautyastheyincreaseinyears。Mengrowhandsomerastheygrowolder。Thereisnoreason，thereoughttobenoreason，whywomenshouldnot。Theywillhaveadifferentkindofbeauty，butitwillbejustastrulybeautyandmoreimpressiveandattractivethanthebeautyofsixteen。ItisabsurdtosupposethatGodhasmadewomensothattheirglorypassesawayinhalfadozenyears。Itisabsurdtosupposethatthoughtandfeelingandpassionandpurpose，allholyinstinctsandimpulses，canchiselawayonawoman\'sfaceforthirty，forty，fiftyyears，andleavethatfaceattheendworsethantheyfoundit。Theyfounditanegative，——mereskinandbone，bloodandmuscleandfat。

Theycanbutleavetheirmarkuponit，andthemarkofgoodisgood。Pitydoesnothavethesamefinger-touchasrevenge。

Lovedoesnotholdthesamebrushashatred。Sympathyandgratitudeandbenevolencehaveadifferentsign-manualfromcrueltyandcarelessnessanddeceit。Allthesebusylittlespritesdrawtheirfinelines，layontheirfinecolors；thefacelightsupundertheirtinyhands；theprisonedsoulshinesclearerandclearerthrough，andthereistheconsecrationandthepoet\'sdream。

Butsuchbeautyismade，notborn。Careanddespondencycomeofthemselves，andgroovetheirownfurrows。Hopeandintelligenceandinterestandbuoyancymustbewooedfortheirgentleandgenialtouch。Amothermustbattleagainstthetendenciesthatdragherdownward。Shemusttakepainstogrow，orshewillnotgrow。Shemustsedulouslycultivatehermindandheart，orheroldagewillbeungraceful；andifshelosefreshnesswithoutacquiringripeness，sheisindeedinanevilcase。Thefirst，themostimportanttrustwhichGodhasgiventoanyoneishimself。Tosecurethistrust，Hehasmadeussothatinnopossiblewaycanwebenefittheworldsomuchasbymakingthemostofourselves。Indulgingourwhims，or，inordinately，ourjusttastes，isnotdevelopingourselves；butneitherisleavingourownfieldstogrowthornsandthistles，thatwemayplantsomebodyelse\'sgarden-plot，keepingourcharge。Evenwereitpossibleforamothertoworkwelltoherchildreninthusworkingilltoherself，Idonotthinkshewouldbejustifiedindoingit。Heraccountisnotcompletewhenshesays，"Herearetheywhomthouhastgivenme。"Shemustfirstsay，"HereamI。"Butwhenitisseenthatsuicideisalsochild-murder，itmustappearthatsheisunderdoublyheavybondsforherself。

Husbands，moreover，haveclaims，thoughwivesoftenignorethem。Itisthecommonestthingintheworldtoseeparentstenderoftheirchildren\'sfeelings，alivetotheirwants，indulgenttotheirtastes，kind，considerate，andforbearing；

buttoeachotherhasty，careless，andcold。Conjugalloveoftenseemstodieoutbeforeparentallove。Itoughtnotsotobe。Husbandandwifeshouldeachstandfirstintheother\'sestimation。Theyhavenorighttoforgeteachother\'scomfort，convenience，sensitiveness，tastes，orhappiness，inthoseoftheirchildren。Nothingcandischargethemfromtheobligationswhichtheyareundertoeachother。Butifawomanletsherselfbecomeshabby，drudgy，andcommonplaceasawife，inhereffortstobeperfectasamother，cansheexpecttoretaintheconsiderationthatisduetothewife？Notamanintheworldbutwouldratherseehiswifetidy，neat，andelegantinherattire，easyandassuredinherbearing，intelligentandvivaciousinhertalk，thanthecontrary；andifsheneglectthesethings，oughtshetobesurprisedifheturnstofreshwoodsandpasturesnewforthediversionandentertainmentwhichheseeksinvainathome？Thisisquakyground，butIknowwhereIam，andIamnotafraid。Idon\'texpectmenorwomentosaythattheyagreewithme，butIamrightforallthat。Letusbringourcommonsensetobearonthispoint，andnotbefooledbyreiteration。Causeandeffectobtainhereaselsewhere。Ifyouaddtwoandtwo，theresultisfour，howevermuchyoumaytrytoblinkit。Peopledonotalwaystelllies，whentheyaretellingwhatisnotthetruth；

butfalsehoodisstilldisastrous。Menandwomenthinktheybelieveathousandwhichtheydonotbelieve；butaslongastheythinkso，itisjustasbadasifitwereso。Mentalk——

andwomenlistenandecho——abouttheoverpoweringlovelinessandcharmofayoungmothersurroundedbyherbloomingfamily，ministeringtotheirwantsandabsorbedintheirwelfare，self-

denyingandself-forgetful；andsheislovelyandcharming；butifthisisall，itislittlemorethanthecharmandlovelinessofapicture。Itisnotmagneticandirresistible。Ithasthesemblance，butnotthesmelloflife。Itisprettytolookat，butitisnotvigorousforcommand。Herhusbandwillhaveacertainkindofadmirationandlove。Herwishwillbelawwithinacertainverylimitedsphere；butbeyondthathewillnottakeherintohiscounselsandconfidence。Awomanmustmakeherselfobvioustoherhusband，orhewilldriftoutbeyondherhorizon。Shewillbetohimverynearlywhatshewillsandworkstobe。Ifsheadaptsherselftoherchildren，anddoesnotadaptherselftoherhusband，hewillfallintothearrangement，andthetwowillfallapart。Idonotmeanthattheyquarrel，buttheywillleadseparatelives。Theywillbenolongerhusbandandwife。Therewillbeadomesticalliance，butnomarriage。Apredominantinterestinthesameobjectsbindsthemtogetherafterafashion；butmarriageissomethingbeyondthat。Ifawomanwishesandpurposestobethefriendofherhusband，——ifshewouldbevaluabletohim，notsimplyasthenurseofhischildrenandthedirectressofhishousehold，butasawomanfreshandfairandfascinating，——

tohimintrinsicallylovelyandattractive，——sheshouldmakeaneffortforit。Itisnotbyanymeansathingthatcomesofitself，orthatcanbelefttoitself。Shemustread，andobserve，andthink，andrestuptoit。Men，asageneralthing，willnottellyouso。Theytalkabouthavingtheslippersready，andenjoinwomentobedomestic。Butmenareblockheads，——dear，andaffectionate，andgenerousblockheads，——

benevolent，large-hearted，andchivalrous，——kind，andpatient，andhard-working，——butstupidwherewomenareconcerned。

Indispensableanddelightfulastheyareinreallife，——

pleasantandcomfortableaswomenactuallyfindthem，——notoneintenthousandbutmakesadunceofhimselfthemomentheopenshismouthtotheorizeaboutwomen。Besides，theyhave"anaxetogrind。"Theprettythingstheyinculcate——slippers，andcoffee，andcare，andcourtesy——oughtindeedtobedone，buttheothersoughtnottobeleftundone。Andtotheformerwomenseldomneedtobeexhorted。Theytaketothemnaturally。

Agreatmanymorewomenfretboorishhusbandswithfondlittleattentionsthanwoundappreciativeonesbyneglect。Womendomesticatethemselvestodeathalready。Whattheywantiscultivation。Theyneedtobestimulatedtodevelopalarge，comprehensive，catholiclife，inwhichtheirdomesticdutiesshallhaveanappropriateniche，andnotdwindledowntoanarrowandservileone，overwhichthosedutiesshallspreadandoccupythewholespace。

Thismistakeisthefoundationofaworldofwretchednessandruin。IcanseeSatanstandingatthemother\'selbow。Hefollowsheraroundintothenurseryandthekitchen。Hetossesupthebabiesandtheomelets，deliversdutifulharanguesabouttheinappropriatenessofthepianoandthelibrary，andgrinsfiendishlyinhissleeveatthewreckheismaking，——awrecknotnecessarilyofcharacter，butofhappiness；forIsupposeSatanhassobadadisposition，that，ifhecannotdoalltheharmhewouldwish，hewillstilldoallhecan。Itistruethattherearethousandsofgoodmenmarriedtofondandfoolishwomen，andtheyarehappy。Well，thefondandfoolishwomenareveryfortunate。Theyhavefallenintohandsthatwillentreatthemtenderly，andtheywillnotperceiveanylack。Norarethenoblemenwhollyunfortunate，inthattheyhavenottakentotheirheartsshrews。Butthisisnotmarriage。

Therearewomenlessfoolish。Theyseetheirhusbandsattractedinotherdirectionsmoreoftenandmoreeasilythanintheirs。Theyhavetoomuchsterlingworthandprofoundfaithtobevulgarlyjealous。Theyfearnothinglikeshameorcrime；buttheyfeelthefactthattheirownpreoccupationwithhomelyhouseholddutiesprecludesrealcompanionship，theinterchangeofemotions，thoughts，sentiments，——aliving，andpalpable，andvividcontactofmindwithmind，ofheartwithheart。Theyseeotherswhoseleisureministerstograce，accomplishments，piquancy，andattractiveness，andthemothfliestowardsthelightbyhisownnature。Becauseheisawise，andvirtuous，andhonorablemoth，hedoesnotdartintotheflame。Hedoesnotevenscorchhiswings。Heneverthinksofsuchathing。Hemerelycirclesaroundthepleasantlight，sunninghimselfinitwithoutmuchthoughtonewayoranother，onlyfeelingthatitispleasant；butmeanwhileMrs。Mothsitsathomeindarkness，mendingthechildren\'sclothes，whichisnotexhilarating。Manyawomanwhofeelsthatshepossessesherhusband\'saffectionmissessomething。Shedoesnotsecurehisfervor，hisadmiration。Hisloveishonestandsolid，butalittledormant，andthereforedull。Itdoesnotbrace，andtone，andstimulate。Shewantsnottheloveonly，butthekeenness，andedge，andflavorofthelove；andshesuffersuntoldpangs。Iknowit，forIhaveseenit。Itisnotathingtobeuttered。Mostwomendonotadmititeventothemselves；butitisrevealedbyaliftoftheeyelash，byaquiveroftheeye，byatoneofthevoice，byatrickofthefinger。

Butwhatisthegoodofsayingallthis，ifawomancannothelpherself？Thechildrenmustbeseento，andtheworkmustbedone，andafterthatshehasnotimeleft。The"motherofayoungandincreasingfamily，"withher"pale，thinfaceandfeeblestep，"andher"multipliedandwearyingcares，"is"completelyworndownwithsomanychildren。"Shehasneithertimenorforself-culture，beyondwhatshemayobtaininthenursery。Whatsatisfactionisthereinprovingthatsheisfarbelowwheresheoughttobe，ifinexorablecircumstancepreventherfromclimbinghigher？Whatuseisthereintellingherthatshewillalienateherhusbandandinjureherchildrenbyhercourse，whenthereisnoothercourseforhertopursue？

Whatcanshedoaboutit？

Thereisonethingthatsheneednotdo。Sheneednotsitdownandwriteabook，affirmingthatthemostgloriousanddesirableconditionimaginable。Sheneednotliftuphervoiceanddeclarethat"shelivesabovetheillsanddisquietudesofhercondition，inanatmosphereofloveandpeaceandpleasurefarbeyondthestormsandconflictsofthismateriallife。"

Whoeverheardofthemotherofayoungandincreasingfamilylivinginanatmosphereofpeace，nottosaypleasure，aboveconflictsandstorms？Whodoesnotknowthattheprivatehistoryoffamilieswiththeordinaryallowanceofbrainsisarecordofrecurringinternecinewarfare？Ifshesaidless，wemightbelieveher。Whenshesayssomuch，wecannothelpsuspecting。Tomakethebestofanything，itisnotnecessarytodeclarethatitisthebestthing。Childrenmustbetakencareof；butitisaltogetherprobablethattherearetoomanyofthem。Somepeoplethinkthatopinionseveraltimesmoreatrociousthanmurderinthefirstdegree；butIseenoatrocityinit。Ithinkthereisanimmensequantityofnonsenseabout，regardingthisthing。IbelieveinMalthus，——

agreatdealmorethanMalthusdidhimself。Theprosperityofacountryisoftenmeasuredbyitspopulation；butquitelikelyitshouldbetakenininverseratio。Icertainlydonotseewhythemeremultiplicationofthespeciesissoindicativeofprosperity。Mobsarenotsoaltogetherlovelythatoneshoulddesiretheirindefiniteincrease。Avillageishonorable，notaccordingtothenumber，butthecharacterofitsresidents。Thedrunkardsandthepaupersandthethievesandtheidiotsratherdiminishthanincreaseitsrespectability。

Itseemstomethattheworldwouldbegreatlybenefitedbythinningout。MostoftheplacesthatIhaveseenwouldbemuchunprovedbybeingdecimated，nottosayquinquetedorbisected。

Ifpeoplearestubbornandrebellious，stiff-neckedanduncircumcisedinheartandears，thefewerofthemthebetter。

Asmallpopulation，trainedtohonorandvirtue，toliberalityofcultureandbreadthofview，toself-relianceandself-respect，isathousandtimesbetterthananover-crowdedonewitheverythingatlooseends。Aswiththevillage，sowiththefamily。Thereoughttobenomorechildrenthancanbehealthilyandthoroughlyreared，asregardsthemoral，physical，andintellectualnaturebothofthemselvesandtheirparents。Allbeyondthisiswronganddisastrous。Iknowofnogreatercrimethantogivelifetosouls，andthendegradethem，orsufferthemtobedegraded。Childrenarethepoorman\'sblessingandCornelia\'sjewels，justsolongasCorneliaandthepoormancanmakeadequateprovisionforthem。Buttheragged，filthy，squalid，unearthlylittlewretchesthatwallowbeforethepoorman\'sshanty-doorarethepoorman\'sshameandcurse。Thesickly，sallow，sorrowfullittleones，shadowedtooearlybylife\'scares，aresomethingotherthanablessing。WhenCorneliafindschildrentoomanyforher，whenhersteptremblesandhercheekfades，whenthesparklediesonherchalice-brimandhersalthaslostitssavor，herjewelsareTarpeianjewels。Onechildeducatedbyhealthyandhappyparentsisbetterthansevendraggingtheirmotherintothegrave，notwithstandingtheunmeasuredreprobationofourlittlebook。Ofcourse，iftheycanstandseven，verywell。Sevenandseventytimesseven，ifyoulike，onlyletthembebuds，notblights。IfweobeyedthelawsofGod，childrenwouldbelikespringblossoms。Theywouldimpartasmuchfreshnessandstrengthastheyabstract。Theyareanaturalinstitution，andNatureiseminentlyhealthy。Butwhenthey"comecrowdingintothehome-nest，"asourbookdaintilysays，theyareunnatural。Godnevermeantthehome-nesttobecrowded。Thereisroomenoughandelbow-roomenoughintheworldforeverythingthatoughttobeinit。Themomentthereiscrowding，youmaybesuresomethingwrongisgoingon。

Eitherabadthingishappening，ortoomuchofagoodthing，whichcountsupjustthesame。Theparentsbegintorepairtheevilbyagreaterone。Theyattempttopatchtheirownrentsbydilapidatingtheirchildren。Theyrecruittheirownexhaustedenergiesbylayingholdoftheyoungenergiesaroundthem，andolderchildrenarewearied，andfretted，anddeformedinfigureandtemperbythecareofyoungerchildren。Thisishorrible。Somecareandtaskandresponsibilityaregoodforachild\'sowndevelopment；butcareandtoilandlaborlaiduponchildrenbeyondwhatisbestfortheirowncharacterisintolerableandinexcusableoppression。Parentshavenorighttolightentheirownburdensbyimposingthemuponthechildren。Thepoorthingshadnothingtodowithbeingborn。

Theycameintotheworldwithoutanyvolitionoftheirown。

Theirexistencebeganonlytoservethepleasureortheprideofothers。Itwasaculpablecruelty，inthefirstplace，tointroducethemintoaspherewherenoadequateprovisioncouldbemadefortheircomfortandculture；buttoshoulderthem，aftertheygethere，withtheloadwhichbelongstotheirparentsisoutrageous。Earthisnotaparadiseatbest，andatworstitisveryneartheotherplace。Theleastwecandoistomakethewayassmoothaspossibleforthenew-comers。

Thereisnottheleastdangerthatitwillbetoosmooth。Ifyoustaggerundertheweightwhichyouhaveimprudentlyassumed，stagger。Butdon\'tbesuchanunutterablecowardastoillumineyourownlifebydarkeningtheyoungliveswhichsprangfromyours。Iwonderthatchildrendonotopentheirmouthsandcursethefatherthatbegatandthemotherthatborethem。IoftenwonderthatparentsdonottremblelestthecryofthechildrenwhomtheyoppressgoupintotheearsoftheLordofSabaoth，andbringdownwrathupontheirguiltyheads。

ItwaswellthatGodplantedfilialaffectionandreverenceasaninstinctinthehumanbreast。Ifitdependeduponreasonitwouldhavebutaprecariousexistence。

Iwishwomenwouldhavethesenseandcourage，——Iwillnotsay，tosaywhattheythink，forthatisnotalwaysdesirable，——buttothinkaccordingtothefacts。Theyhaveastrongdesiretopleasemen，whichisquiterightandnatural；butintheireagernesstodothis，theysometimesforgetwhatisduetothemselves。Tothinknamby-pambyismforthesakeofpleasingmenisrunningbenevolenceintotheground。Notthatwomenconsciouslydothis，buttheydoit。Theydon\'tmeantopandertofalsemasculinenotions，buttheydo。Theydon\'tknowthattheyarepanderingtothem，buttheyare。Mensaysillythings，partlybecausetheydon\'tknowanybetter，andpartlybecausetheydon\'twantanybetter。Theyarestrong，andcangenerallymakeshifttobeartheirendofthepolewithoutbeingcrushed。Sotheyaretolerablycontent。Theyarenotverymuchtoblame。Peoplecannotbeexpectedtostartonacrusadeagainstillsofwhichtheyhavebutavagueandcloudyconception。Theedgedoesnotcutthem，andsotheythinkitisnotmuchofaswordafterall。Butwomenhave，oroughttohave，amoresubtleandintimateacquaintancewithrealities。

Theyoughttoknowwhatisfactandwhatisfol-de-rol。Theyoughttodistinguishbetweenthereallynobleandthesimplyphysical，nottosayfaulty。Ifmendonot，itiswomen\'sdutytohelpthem。Ithink，ifwomenwouldonlynotbequitesoafraidofbeingthoughtunwomanly，theywouldbeagreatdealmorewomanlythantheyare。Tobebrave，andsingle-minded，anddiscriminating，andjudicious，andclear-sighted，andself-

reliant，anddecisive，thatispurewomanly。Tobewomanishisnottobewomanly。Tobeflabby，andplastic，andweak，andacquiescent，andinsipid，isnotwomanly。AndIcouldwishsometimesthatwomenwouldnotbequitesopatient。Theyoftenexhibitadegreeoflong-sufferingentirelyunwarrantable。

Thereisnouseinsuffering，unlessyoucannothelpit；andagood，stout，resoluteprotestwouldoftenbeagreatdealmorewise，andChristian，andbeneficialonallsides，thansomuchpatientendurance。Alittlespiritand"spunk"wouldgoagreatwaytowardssettingtheworldright。Itisnotnecessarytobeatermagant。Thefirmestwillandthestoutestheartmaybecombinedwiththegentlestdelicacy。Tamenessisnotthestuffthatthefinestwomenaremadeof。Nobodycanbemorekind，considerate，orsympathizingtowardsweaknessorwearinessthanmen，iftheyonlyknowitexists；anditisawrongtothemtogoonbolsteringthemupintheirbunglingopinions，whenafewsensibleideas，wiselyadministered，woulddosomuchtoenlightenthem，andrevealthepathwhichneedsonlytoberevealedtosecuretheirunhesitatingentranceuponit。Itisabsurdtosupposethatunvaryingacquiescenceisnecessarytosecureandretaintheiresteem，andthatafrankavowalofdifferingopinions，eveniftheywerewrong，wouldworkitsforfeiture。Arespectheldonsofrailatenurewerelittleworth。Butitisnotso。Ibelievethatmanhoodandwomanhoodaretootrulyharmonioustoneedironbands，tootrulynobletorequirethepropsoffalsehood。Truth，simpleandsincere，withoutpartialityandwithouthypocrisy，isthebestfoodforboth。Ifanyaretobefoundoneithersidetooweaktoadministerordigestit，theremedyisnottomixitwithfollyorfalsehood，fortheyarepoisons，buttostrengthentheorganismswithwholesometonics，——notundiluted，perhaps，butcertainlyunadulterated。

OEdmundSparkler，youbuildedbetterthanyouknew，whenyourearedeulogiumsuponthewomanwithnononsenseabouther。

CAMILLA\'SCONCERT

I，wholaborunderthesuspicionofnotknowingthedifferencebetween"OldHundred"and"OldDanTucker，"——I，whoseeveryattemptatmusic，thoughonlythehummingofasimplehouseholdmelody，has，frommyearliestchildhood，beenregardedaspremonitorysymptomofepilepsy，or，attheveryleast，hysterics，tobetreatedwithcoldwater，thebellows，andanunmercifulbeatingbetweenmyshoulders，——I，whocanbutwithmuchdifficultyandmanyaretrogressionmakemywayamongtheoldenmazesoftenor，alto，treble，bass，andwhostand"cleandaft"intheresoundingconfusionofandante，soprano，falsetto，palmetto，pianissimo，akimbo，l\'allegro，andilpenseroso，——_I_wasbiddentoCamilla\'sconcert，and，likeasheeptoslaughter，Iwent。

Hebearsagreatlossandsorrowwhohas"noearformusic。"

Intoonegreatgardenofdelightshemaynotgo。Thereneedsnoflamingswordtobartheway，sinceforhimthereisnogatecalledBeautifulwhichheshouldseektoenter。Bluntedandstolidhestumblesthroughlifeforwhomitsharp-stringsvainlyquiver。Yet，ontheotherhand，whatdoeshenotgain？

Helosestheconcordofsweetsounds，butheissparedthediscordofharshnoises。Forthesurgesofbewilderingharmonyandthedepthsofdissonantdisgust，hestandsonthelevelsofperpetualpeace。Youaredistressed，becauseinyonderwell-trainedorchestraasinglevoiceispitchedonesixteenthofanotetoohigh。Forme，Ileanoutofmywindowonsummernightsenrapturedovertheorgan-manwhoturnspoorlostLilianDaleroundandroundwithhisinexorablecrank。Itdoesnotdisturbmethathisorganwheezesandsputtersandgrunts。

Indeed，thereisformeabsolutelynowheeze，nosputter，nogrunt。IonlyseedarkeyesofItaly，heroliveface，andhergemmedandlustroushair。Youmuttermaledictionsontheinfernalnoiseandcaterwauliug。Ihearnocaterwauliug，buttheriver-godofArnoripplessoftsongsinthesummertidetotheliliesthatbendabovehim。Itistheguitarofthecantatricethatmurmursthroughthescented，dewyair，——thecantatricewiththelaurelyetgreenonherbrow，glidingoverthemoltenmoonlitwater-waysofVenice，anddreamilychimingherwell-pleasedlutewiththeplashoftheoarsofthegondolier。Itisthechantoftheflower-girlwithlargeeyesshiningunderthepalm-branchesinthemarket-placeofMilan；

andwiththedistantechoingnotescomethesweetbreathofhervioletsandtheunquenchableodorsofhercrushedgeraniumsborneonmanyawhitesailfromtheglorifiedAdriatic。

Bronzedcheekandswartbrowundermywindow，Ishallbyandbythrowyouapaltrynickelcentforyourtropicaldreams；

meanwhiletellme，didthesunofDante\'sFlorencegiveyourblooditsfierceflowandthetawnyhuetoyourbaredandbrawnybreast？IsittherageofTasso\'smadnessthatburnsinyourupliftedeyes？DoyoutakeshelterfromthefervidnoonunderthecypressesofMonteMario？WillyoumeetqueenlyMargueritewithmyrtlewreathandmyrtlefragrance，asshewandersthroughthechestnutvales？WillyousleeptonightbetweenthecolonnadesunderthegoldenmoonofNapoli？Goback，OchildoftheMidlandSea！Gooutfromthiscoldshore，thatyieldscrabbedharvestsforyourthreefoldvintagesofItaly。Go，suckthesunshinefromSevilleorangesundertheelmsofPosilippo。Go，watchtheshadowsofthevinesswayinginthemulberry-treesfromEpomeo\'sgales。BindtheivyinatriplecrownaboveBianca\'scomelyhair，andpipenotsowailinglytotheVikingsofthisfrigidNorseland。

ButItaly，remember，myfrigidNorselandhasaheartoffireinherbosombeneathitsoverlyingsnows，beforewhichyoursdieslikethewhitesickhearth-flamebeforethenoondaysun。

Passion，butnotcompassion，ishere"cooledalongageinthedeep-delvedearth。"Welureourchoristerswithhoneyedwordsandgentleways:youlayyoursweetestsongstersonthegridiron。Ourorchardsringwiththefull-throatedhappinessofathousandbirds:yourpomegranategrovesaresilent，andyourmiserablecannibalkitchenswouldtellthereasonwhy，ifoutragedspitscouldspeak。Goaway，therefore，frommywindow，Giuseppo；theairisgrowingdampandchilly，andIdonotsleepintheshadowsofbrokentemples。

YetIlovemusic；notasyouloveit，myfriend，withintelligence，discrimination，anddelicacy，butinadull，woodenyway，asthe"goutyoaks"lovedit，whentheyfeltintheirfibrousframesthestirofAmphion\'slyre，and"flounderedintohornpipes"；asthegray，stupidrockslovedit，whentheycamerollingheavilytohisfeettolisten；inagreat，coarse，clumsy，ichthyosaurianway，astheriverslovedsadOrpheus\'swailingtones，stoppingintheirmightycourses，andthethick-hidedhippopotamusdraggedhimselfupfromtheunheededpauseofthewaves，dimlythrilledwithavagueecstasy。Theconfessionissad，yetonlyinsuchbeastlyfashioncomesweetestvoicestome，——notinthefulnessofalltheirvibrations，butsoundingdimlythroughmanyanearthlylayer。MusicIdonotsomuchhearasfeel。Alltheexquisitenervesthatbeartoyoursoulthesetidingsofheaveninmelietorpidordead。Nobeatitudetravelstomyheartoverthatroad。Butassometimesaninvalid，unablethroughmortalsicknesstoswallowhisneedednutriment，isyetkeptalivemanydaysbyimmersedinabathofwineandmilk，whichsomehow，throughunwontedcourses，penetratestothesourcesofvitality，——soI，thoughthenaturalavenuesofsweetsoundshavebeenhermeticallysealed，doyetreceivethefineflowofthemusicalether。Ifeelthefloodofharmonypouringaroundme。Aninward，palpable，measuredtremulousnessofthesubtilesecretessenceoflifeatteststhepresenceofsomesweetdisturbingcause，and，borneonunseenwings，Imounttoloftierheightsanddivinerairs。

SoIwascomfortedformywaxedearsandCamilla\'sconcert。

Thereisoneotheradvantageinbeingpossessedwithadeaf-and-dumbdevil，which，nowthatIamonthesubjectofcompensation，Imayaswellmention。Youareleftoutofthearenaoffiercediscussionanddebate。Youdonotenteruponthelistswherefromyouwouldbesuretocomeoffdiscomfited。

Ofallreputations，amusicalreputationseemsthemostshiftinganduncertain；andofallrivalries，musicalrivalriesarethemostprolificofheart-burningsanddiscomfort。Now，ifIshouldsingorplay，Ishouldwishtosingandplaywell。

Butwhatiswell？Nancieinthevillage"singing-seats"standsheadandshouldersabovetherest，andwearsherhonorstranquilly，anauthorityatallrehearsalsandserenades。ButAnabellacomesupfromthetowntospendThanksgiving，and，withouttheleastmitigationorremorseofvoice，absolutelydrownsoutpoorNancie，whogoesunder，givingmanysigns。Yetshediesnotunavenged，forHarriettesweepsdownfromthecity，andimmediatelysuspendsthevictoriousAnabellafromheraduncatenose，andcarriesallbeforeher。Mysteriousisthearrangementoftheworld。Thelastroundoftheladderisnotyetreached。ToMadameMorlot，Harrietteisasavage，unebete，withoutcultivation。"Oh，thedismallittlefright！athousandyearsofstudywouldbeuseless；go，scourthefloors；

shehaspositivelynovoice。"Novoice，MadameMorlot？

Harriette，novoice，——whobursteveryear-drumintheroomlastnightwithherhowlingandhooting，andmadethestoutesthearttremblewithfearfulforebodingsofwhatmightcomenext？ButMadameMorlotisnotinfallible，forHerrDriesbachsitsshiveringatthedreadfulnoiseswhichMadameMorlotextortsfromhissensitiveandsufferingpiano，andatthenecessitywhichliesuponhimtogoandcongratulateheruponherperformance。Ah！ifhistorturedconsciencemightbutcongratulateherandhimselfuponitsclose！Andsothescaleascends。HillsonhillsandAlpsonAlpsarise，andwhoshallmounttheultimatepeaktillalltheworldshallsay，"HerereignstheExcellence"？IlistenwithpleasuretountutoredNancietillAnabellatakesallthewindfromhersails。I

thinktheforceofmusiccannofurthergothanMadameMorlot，and，behold，HerrDriesbachhasknockedoutthatunderpinning。

Iambewildered，andIsay，helplessly，"WhatshallIadmireandbealamode？"Butifitissodishearteningtome，whoamonlyapassivelistener，whatmustbetheagoniesofthedramatispersonae？"Hangit！"saysCharlesLamb，"howIliketobeliked，andwhatIdotobeliked！"AnddoNancie，Harriette，andHerrDriesbachlikeitanyless？Whatshallavengethemfortheirspretaeinjuriaformae？Whatcanrepaythehaplessperformer，whohasperformedherverybest，forlearningbyterrible，indisputableindirectionsthathercherishedandboastedCremonaisbutaverysecondfiddle？

So，standingonthehighgroundofcertainimmunityfromcriticismandhostilejudgment，IdonotsomuchconsolemyselfasIdonotstandinneedofconsolation。Irathergivethanksformymuteandnecessarilyunoffendinglips，andIshallgoingreatgood-humortoCamilla\'sconcert。

Therearemanydifferentwaysofgoingtoaconcert。Youcanbeoneofapartyoffashionablepeopletowhommusicisadiversion，apastime，anagreeablechangefromtheassemblyorthetheatre。Theyapplaud，theycondemn，theycriticise。Theyknowallaboutit。Intosuchcompanyasthis，evenI，whosepooroldheadisalwaysgettingitselfwedgedinwhereithasnobusinesstobe，havechancedtobethrown。Thisistorture。

MycueistoturnintotheIrishman\'secho，whichalwaysreturnedforhis"Howd\'yedo？"a"Prettywell，thankyou。"

Iclingtotheskirtsofthatmemberofthepartywhoisagreedtohavethebesttasteandechohisresponsesanoctavehigher。

Ifhesighsattheendofasong，Ibringoutmypocket-handkerchief。Ifhesays"charming，"Imurmur"delicious。"Ifhethinksit"exquisite，"Ipronounceit"enchanting。"Whereheisraptinadmiration，Igointoatrance，andsoshamblethroughtheperformances，miserableimpostorthatIam，andtentoonenobodyfindsoutthatIamadunce，fitfortreason，stratagem，andspoils。Itisagreatstrainuponthementalpowers，butitiswonderfultoseehowmuchmaybeaccomplished，andwhatskillmaybeattained，bylongpractice。

Alsoonemaygotoaconcertasaconductorwithasinglemusicalfriend。ByconductorIdonotmeanescort，butamagneticconductor，raptureconductor，afitmediumthroughwhichtoconveyawayhisdelight，sothatheshallnotbecomesurchargedandexplode。Hedoesnottakeyouforyourpleasure，norforhisown，butforuse。Hedesiressomeonetowhomhecanfromtimetotimeexpresshisopinionsandhisenthusiasm，sureofanattentivelistener，——sincenothingissopleasantastoseeone\'sviewswelcomed。Nowyoucannotpretendthatinsuchacaseyourlisteningisthoroughlyhonest。Youarereceptiveoftheories，criticisms，andreminiscences；butyouwouldnotliketobeobligedtopassanexaminationonthemafterwards。Youdo，itmustbeconfessed，sometimes，inthemidstofeloquentdissertations，strikeoutintolittlefloweryby-pathsofyourown，quiteforeigntothegrandpaved-waysalongwhichyourfriendsupposesheissokindastobeleadingyou。Buthoweverdigressiveyourmindmaybe，donotsufferyoureyestodigress。Whatevermaybetheintensityofyourennui，endeavortopreserveananimatedexpression，andyoursuccessiscomplete。Thisisallthatisnecessary。Youwillneverbecalleduponfornotesorcomments。Yourlittleescapadeswillneverbedetected。Itisnotyouropinionsthatweresought，noryoureducationthatwastobefurthered。Youwereonlyanescape-pipe，andyourmissionceasedwhenthesoulofsongfledandthegaswasturnedoff。This，too，isallthatcanjustlybedemanded。

Minister，lecturer，singer，noonehasanyrighttoaskofhisaudienceanythingmorethanopportunity，——theexternalsofattention。Alltherestishisownlook-out。Ifyouprepossessyourmindwithatheme，youdonotgivehimanevenchance。Youmustofferhiminthebeginningatabularasa，——afairfield，andthenitishisbusinesstogoinandwinyourattention；andifhecannot，lethimpaythecosts，forthefaultishisown。

Thisalsoistorture，butitsnameisZoar，alittleone。

Thereisyetanotherway。Youmaygowithoneormanywhobelieveinindividuality。Theygototheconcertforloveofmusic，——negativelyforitsrestandrefreshment，positivelyforitsembodieddelights。Theytakeyouforyourenjoyment，whichtheypermityoutocompassafteryourownfashion。Theyforcefromyounocomment。Theydemandnocriticism。Theydonotrequirecensureasyourcertificateoftaste。Theydonottroublethemselveswithyourdemeanor。Ifyouchoosetotalkinthepauses，theyarereceptiveandcordial。Ifyouchoosetobesilent，itisjustaswell。Ifyougotosleep，theywillnotmind，——unless，underthespellofthegeniusoftheplace，yoursleepbecomesvocal，andyouinvoluntarilyjointheconcertintheundesirableroleofDeTrop。Ifyougointoraptures，itisallthesame；youarenotwatchedandmadeanoteof。Theyleaveyouatthetopofyourbent。Whetheryoushallbeamused，delighted，ordisgusted，theyrespectyourdecisionsandallowyoutoremainfree。

HowdidIgotomyconcert？CanItellfortheeyesthatmade"asunshineintheshadyplace"？WasInotveiledwiththebeautifulhair，andblindedwiththelily\'swhitesplendor？

SowentIwiththeFairyQueeninhergoldencoachdrawnbysixwhitemice，and，behold，IwasinCamilla\'sconcert-room。

Itistobeafiddleaffair。NowIamfreetosay，ifthereisanythingIhate，itisafiddle。HideitawayunderasmanyItaliancoatingsasyouchoose，viol，violin，viola，violone，violoncello，violncellettissimo，atbottomitisallone，afiddle；initsbestestate，awhirligig，withoutdignity，sentiment，orpower；andatworstarubbing，rasping，squeaking，woollen，noisynuisancethatitsetsteethonedgetothinkof。Ishudderatthemerememoryofthereluctantbowdraggingitsslowlengthacrossthewhiningstrings。AndhereIam，inmysobersenses，cometohearafiddle！

ButitisCamilla\'s。Doyourememberalittlegirlwho，afewyearsago，becamefamousforherwonderfulperformanceontheviolin？Atsixyearsofageshewenttoagreatconcert，andofallthefineinstrumentsthere，theunseenspiritwithinhermadechoice，"Papa，Ishouldliketolearntheviolin。"Soshelearneditandlovedit，andwhentenyearsolddelightedforeignandAmericanaudienceswithhermarvelousgenius。ItwasthelittleCamillawhonow，aftertenyearsofsilence，tunedherbelovedinstrumentoncemore。

Asshewalkssoftlyandquietlyin，Iamconsciousofadisappointment。Ihadunwittinglyframedforheranaestheticviolin，withtheessentialstringsandbridgeandbowindeed，butsubmergedandforgotinsuchOrientsplendorsasbefithergloriousgenius。Barbaricpearlandgold，finestcarvedwork，flashinggemsfromIndianwatercourses，thedelicatestpinksea-shell，abubble-prismcaughtandcrystallized，——ofallrareandcurioussubstanceswroughtwithdaintydevice，fantasticasadream，andresplendentasthelight，shouldherinstrumentbefashioned。Onlyin"somethingrichandstrange"shouldthemysticsoulliesleepingforwhomherlipsshallbreakthespellofslumber，andheryoungfingersunbarthesacredgates。

And，ohme！itis，afterall，theverysameoldredfiddle！

Dee，dee！

Butsheneitherglidesnortripsnortreads，asheroinesinvariablydo，butwalksinlikeaChristianwoman。Shestepsuponthestageandfacestheaudiencethatgivesherheartygreetingandwaitstheprelude。Thereistimeforcoolsurvey。

Iamangrystillabouttheredfiddle，andIlookscrutinizinglyatherdress，andthinkhowuglyisthemode。

Theskirtiswhitesilk，——abrocade，Ibelieve，——atanyrate，stiff，and，thoughprobablyfulltooverflowinginthehandsoftheseamstress，whomustcompressitwithinprescribedlimitsaboutthewaist，looksscantyandstraight。Whyshouldshenot，shewhocomesbeforeustonight，notasafashion，butaninspiration，——whyshouldshenotassumethatimmortalclassicdraperywhosegracefulfallsandfoldsthesculptorvainlytriestoimitate，thepaintervainlyseekstolimn？

WhenCorinnetunedherlyreattheCapitol，whensheknelttobecrownedwithherlaurelcrownatthehandsofaRomansenator，isitpossibletoconceiveherswollenoutwithcrinoline？AndyetIremember，that，thoughsaroeetaitblanche，etsoncostumeetaittrespittoresque，itwassanss\'ecartercependantassezdesusagesrecuspourquel\'onputytrouverdel\'affectation；andIsuppose，ifoneshouldnowsuddenlycollapsefromconventionalrotunditytoantiquestatuesqueness，thegreat"on"wouldveryreadily"ytrouverdel\'affectation。"Nevertheless，thoughonemustdressinRomeasRomansdo，andthoughtheRomanwayofdressingis，takingallthingsintotheaccount，asgoodasany，andifnotmoregraceful，athousandtimesmoreconvenient，wholesome，comfortable，andmanageablethatHelen\'s，stillitdoesseemthat，whenonestepsoutoftheordinaryareaofRomanlifeandassumesanabnormalposition，onemight，withoutviolence，assumetemporarilyanabnormaldress，andrefreshourdilatedeyesoncemorewithflowing，wavyoutlines。Musicisoneoftheeternities:whyshouldnotitsaccessoriesbe？Whyshouldadiscorddisturbtheeye，whenonlyconcordsdelighttheear？

ButIliftmyeyesfromCamilla\'sunpliantdraperytotheredredroseinherhair，andthence，naturally，tohersilentface，andinthatinstantuglydressandredredrosefadeoutofmysight。WhatisitthatIsee，withtearfultendernessandanamelesspainattheheart？Ayoungfacedeepenedanddrawnwithsuffering；dark，largeeyes，whosenaturallaughinglighthasbeenquenchedintears，yetshiningstillwithadistantgleamcaughtfromtheeternalfires。Ostill，patheticface！AsternerformthanTimehaspassedandlefthisvestigethere。Happylittlegirl，playingamongtheflickeringshadowsoftheRhine-land，whocouldnotforeseethedarkershadowsthatshouldsettleandneverliftnorflickerfromherheavyheart？Large，lambenteyes，thatmighthavebeensweet，butnowareonlysteadfast，——thatmayyetbesweet，whentheylooktonightintoababy\'scradle，butgazingnowuponawaitingaudience，areonlysteadfast。Ah！soitis。

Lifehassuchhardconditions，thateverydearandpreciousgift，everyrarevirtue，everypleasantfacility，everygenialendowment，love，hope，joy，wit，sprightliness，benevolence，mustsometimesbecastintothecrucibletodistiltheoneelixir，patience。Large，lambenteyes，inwhichdaysandnightsoftearsarepetrified，steadfasteyesthatareneithermournfulnorhopefulnoranxious，butwithsuchunvoicedsadnessintheirdepthsthatthehottearswellupinmyheart，whatdoyouseeinthewaitingaudience？Notcensure，norpity，norforgivenessforyoudonotneedthem，——butsurelyawarmhumansympathy，sinceheartcanspeaktoheart，thoughthethin，fixedlipshavesealedtheirsecretwell。Sadmother，whoseroseoflifewascrushedbeforeithadbudded，tenderyounglipsthathaddrunkthecupofsorrowtothedregs，whiletheircupofblissshouldhardlyyetbebrimmedforlife\'ssweetspringtime，yourcrumblingfanesandbrokenarchesandprostratecolumnslienotamongtheruinsofTime。Becomfortedofthat。TheywitnessofamorepitilessDestroyer，andbythistokenIknowthereshalldawnabrighterday。TheGodofthefatherlessandthewidow，oftheworsethanwidowedandfatherless，theAvengeroftheSlaughteroftheInnocents，bewithyou，andshieldandshelterandbless！

Buttheoverturewaverstoitsclose，andhersoulhearsfaroffthevoiceofthecomingSpirit。Adeeperlightshinesinthestrangelyintrovertedeyes，——thelookasofonelisteningintentlytoadistantmelodywhichnooneelsecanhear，——thelookofonetowhomtheroomandthepeopleandthepresencearebutadream，andpastandfuturecentreonthefar-offsong。Slowlysheraisesherinstrument。Ialmostshuddertoseethetawnywoodtouchingherwhiteshoulder；yetthatcannotbecommonoruncleanwhichshesolovesandcarrieswithalmostacaress。Stillintent，sheraisesthebowwithaslowsweep，aswereawandofdivination。Nearerandnearercomestheheavenlyvoice，pouringaroundherafloodofmysticmelody。

Andnowatlastitbreaksuponourears，——softlyatfirst，onlyasweetfaintechofromthatothersphere，butdeepening，strengthening，conquering，——nowrisingontheswellsofacontrollingpassion，nowsinkingintothedepthswithitslowwailofpain；exultant，scornful，furious，inthegladoutburstofopeningjoyandthefierceonslaughtofstrength；crowned，sceptred，gloriousingarlandandsinging-robes，thronedinthehighrealmsofitsinheritance，akingdomofboundlessscopeandevernewdelights:thensweepingdownthroughthelowerworldwithdiminishingrapture，rapturelesseningintoastonishment，astonishmentdyingintodespair，itgathersupthepassionandthepain，theblightandwoeandagony；allgarneredjoysarescattered。Evilsupplantsthegood。Hopedies，lovepales，andfaithisfaintandwan。Buteverydeathhasitsmoaningghost，palespectreofvanishedloves。Oh，fearfulrevengeoftheoutragedsoul！Themysterious，uncomprehended，incomprehensiblesoul！Theirrepressible，unquenchable，immortalsoul，whoseeverymarkiseverlasting！