Australian Tales - Setis

he would probably never take the trouble to enquire into the causes of
that poor man's dejection, or offer to help him with even ten pounds'
worth of goods, to make a fresh start in the world. But were any brisk,
energetic-looking individual to present himself at his warehouse, and ask
credit for a hundred pounds' worth of goods to help to restock his shop,
which was burnt out the other day, it is probable my friend would give it
cheerfully.
“Nil desperandum” is a capital motto; and “never give up,” — which is
almost the same sentiment — has saved many a storm-shattered ship
from sinking to the bottom of the sea. Courage and perseverance often
overcome extraordinary difficulties; and a hopeful spirit at such times is
as cheering as sunshine in a gale; while anxiety, and gloomy misgivings,
destroy that cool presence of mind, which is so essential in all
emergencies; paralyze the faculties, and hasten on the evils you so much
dread.
“The ship is sinking!” raved a terrified man from the fore part of a
steamer, which was labouring heavily in a furious gale, on this coast, one
memorable night.
“She is not sinking!” shouted the captain from his post on the bridge.
“Bale the water out of the fore cabin, and nail tarpaulins over the
skylights.”
The cool, determined spirit of that commander, inspired his crew with
hope and energy, and their efforts saved the vessel. Had he suffered that
startling cry to paralyze his judgment, the steamer would doubtless have
foundered, and the lives of all her passengers would have ended. The
same hopeful energy, put forth in the storms which often threaten our
social or commercial prospects, would generally help us to escape them,
or at any rate it would help to alleviate their effects; while, on the
contrary, a desponding, lie-down-and-die sort of spirit, would be
productive of disaster, and perhaps ruin; to say nothing of its panicraising
influence on our neighbours.
“What are you going to do?” I once asked a farmer, who was gazing at
the smoking ruins of his barn, which had been burned to the ground.
“Do, sir?” he replied, “why go to work and build a bigger barn: it's not
a bit of use crying over those cinders.”
“Bravo, Sam! that's plucky,” said a good-natured by-stander. “I'll lend
you my bullocks and dray, to draw in the split stuff from the bush.”
“And I'll give you nails for the job,” said another friend.
Sam's barn was soon rebuilt, and if he did not altogether forget his
mishap, he soon ceased to trouble himself about it. By showing a manly
resolution to help himself, he got help from his friends, and his
temporary troubles were surmounted. If you have obstacles in your way,
reader, push them aside if you can; if not, jump over them, run round
them, or do anything but lie down beside them and fret, for by doing so