They have fondled me, protected me, played with me in my childhood,
led me to my boyish sports when all was bright and pleasant, when
the plantation had its merry scenes for slave and master. I must go
upon the world, mingle with strange life, make experience my
guardian. I have committed a crime-one which for ever disgraces the
honourable-"
Crime, crime, crime! weighed itself in her mind. "And what of that?"
she rejoined, suddenly; "a sister can forgive a brother any crime;
and even a lover, if she love truly, can forget them in her
affections. Do not go upon the world; be a man above crime, above
the bar of scandal. Have confidence in yourself; do not let the
injustice overcome you. Once on the world a wanderer, remember the
untold tale of misery, speeding its victims to that death of
conscience burning unseen."
"Nay, Franconia, you mean well; but you have not learned the world.
Take this as my advice, remember it when I am gone, and in years to
come you will acknowledge its truth--Fortune at the south rests on
an unsound foundation! We are lofty in feelings, but poor in
principle, poor in government,--poor in that which has built our
great republic. Uncertainty hangs over us at every step; but,
whatever befall you, stand firm through adversity. Never chide
others for the evils that may befall you; bear your burdens without
casting reflections on others,--it is nobler! Befriend those who have
no power to befriend themselves; and when the world forgets you, do
not forget yourself.
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