The Young Lady's Counsellor by Daniel Wise

SELF-RELIANCE. 147
for execution to the malicious Haman, seemed fated
to inevitable consummation. To human wisdom
there appeared no possible door of escape. Then it
was that the sage Mordecai appealed to Esther, and
summoned her to the mission of saving her people.
At first, her womanly spirit shrank from the trial.
Roused by another appeal from Mordecai, she at
length undertook the task. Most sublimely did she
devote herself and crown to the heroic work. First,
she consecrated her life to the national cause.
Then,
irradiated her features, and made her the love
liest of " Judah's lovely daughters." Thus prepared,
she entered upon her work. She appealed to the
affections of her husband, and to the pride of the
by fervent devotion and pure communion vvith her
Creator, she wrought her spirit up to glorious enthusiasm.
A fire like that of inspiration flashed in her
dark, expressive eyes. All the majesty of high
resolve, softened by the mild ,dow of womanly afl^ections,
nation's
enemy.. While she inflamed the love of her
iord, the king, until he panted with desire to bestow
apon her the costliest proofs of his attachment, she