performance of this duty, our own interest should, when we consider that its observance heightens the pleasure of our happiest moments, comforts us in sorrow, sickness, and misery; and cheers and brightens that hour when no human assistance can availthe hour of death. ON DOMESTIC UNITY. "How blest the sacred tie that binds, In union sweet, according minds! How swift the heavenly course they run, Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one! MRS. BARBAULD. HARRIETTE. How unhappy I should be to live away from all my brothers and sisters! Should not you, Anne? ANNE. I should, indeed! I think it is a very great blessing to live amidst a large family, especially when its members are kind and affectionate to each other. HARRIETTE. How happy Jacob's twelve sons might have been, living all together as they did, -looking after their flocks and herds, if they had not been so jealous and unkind to each other! ANNE. Their want of domestic enjoyment was owing, in part, to those who had educated them, and in part to themselves. In a large family, there are many little sacrifices of personal inclination which must be made cheerfully by each member, in order to contribute to the comfort of the whole. Good temper, and attention to the wishes and pursuits of each other, are indispensibly necessary, and will be repaid with interest by the warm affection of those whom we oblige, which it is particularly advisable to obtain, as we shall pass the greater part of our lives in each other's society. LYDIA. Living as we now do, eight months in the year in an old-fashioned country-house, in the midst of hills and trees, without a single habitation in sight, and scarcely a neighbour near us, we should be melancholy enough if we had always been accustomed to seek happiness only in the society and flattery of strangers, instead of in the sympathy and interest of one another. ANNE. As it is, every pleasure we possess is heightened to a degree many would scarcely believe possible, by sharing it with, or communicating it to each other; and every trouble or disappointment we endure, is softened by the commiseration and sympathy of those who are dearest to us. LYDIA. What pains some girls take to please and surprise strangers, who, after all, often go away and think no more of them, or perhaps laugh at their vain display of their acquirements. ANNE. And yet the same acquirements employed to amuse her own domestic circle, might "paint with silent pleasure the countenance of her fond parent," as Mrs. Chapone says, and make her take interest in her quiet home. LYDIA. I dislike that feeling which makes people wish for the admiration of all their acquaintEven in their own families, no superior talents they may possess should incline them to encroach on the rights of others, and ance. exact more praise and attention than is their due. ANNE. Certainly not. Each should take what portion is allotted to him, without striving to obtain a larger share; and as to the approbation of persons out of your immediate circle, if you actually merit it, those who really possess virtue and talent themselves will grant it unreservedly, without any effort on your part; and for others, their praise is not worth obtaining. True talent is never envious. LYDIA. I do not think that. ANNE. I mean the highest possible talent. Persons whose abilities, though shining, do not much exceed mediocrity, are often jealous lest others should surpass them; but those who have really attained the goal, feel their own footing too secure to wish to undermine that of others, and welcome with pleasure all who join them. |