The Young Lady's Counsellor by Daniel Wise

SELF-RELIANCE. 141
coung lady, who, by a careful
proce&s ot self-culture,
•las acquired a noble consciousness of power to sustain
herself in womanly independence, should death
deprive her of her natural protectors and supporters !
True, she may shrink from the conflict, as the bravest
soldiers may tremble in the terrible silence that precedes
the hour of battle. But she makes no sacrifice
to her fears. A sense of power to cope with
circumstances
inspires her with confidence and courage.
She exhibits the firmness of Morvale, of
whom [he poet sings, in
his romance, that,
" Life glowed vigorous in his deep set-eye,
With a calm force that dared j'ou to defy ;
And the small foot Avas planted on the ^tone.
Firm as a gnome's upon his mountain throne."
Thus firmly she views the lonely struggle with
.ife. She is prepared for it, and can stand self-supported
amid the selfish throngs that crowd its
motley
stage. She is therefore at liberty to consult her
heart, whenever a candidate for her hand appears.
The mercenary idea is excluded. She withholds
Qer hand, until she can give it " with her heart in