The Young Lady's Counsellor by Daniel Wise

l48 THE YOUNG LADY's COUNSELLOR.
also, with wondrous skill, drew around her foe the
meshes of that net which was to entann^le and
destroy him. Thus holding the prey in her grasp,
she seized the fitting moment, and then, with all of
woman's wit and witchcraft, she converted the rushing
torrent of love, that bounded through her husband's
heart towards her, into a fierce tide of terrible rage
against Haman. The effect was instantaneous and
complete. Her foe perished, her people lived. The
power that sought their death defended them. A
woman's love, guided by exalted wisdom and selfsacrificing
heroism, had rescued a nation from destruction.
Whence proceeded the melancholy failure of the
French queen, and the complete success of Esther ?
Both acted in a great crisis, — both aimed at a national
result, — both exerted their utmost powers.
Marie failed, and perished ; Esther succeeded, and
lived to enjoy her triumph. That there were many
and important differences in their circumstances, is
admitted ; and yet, it is difficult to escape the conclusion,
that the strong shrewd wisdom which anvei