To borrow
St. Paul's words, the former is as "having nothing, yet possessing
all things," while the other, though possessing all things, has
nothing. The first hopes everything, and fears nothing; the last
hopes nothing, and fears everything. Only the poor in spirit are
really poor. He who has lost all, but retains his courage,
cheerfulness, hope, virtue, and self-respect, is still rich. For
such a man, the world is, as it were, held in trust; his spirit
dominating over its grosser cares, he can still walk erect, a true
gentleman.
Occasionally, the brave and gentle character may be found under the
humblest garb. Here is an old illustration, but a fine one. Once
on a time, when the Adige suddenly overflowed its banks, the bridge
of Verona was carried away, with the exception of the centre arch,
on which stood a house, whose inhabitants supplicated help from the
windows, while the foundations were visibly giving way. "I will
give a hundred French louis," said the Count Spolverini, who stood
by, "to any person who will venture to deliver these unfortunate
people." A young peasant came forth from the crowd, seized a boat,
and pushed into the stream. He gained the pier, received the whole
family into the boat, and made for the shore, where he landed them
in safety.
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