Not till after the death of a member of Parliament, a prominent county
magistrate, the owner of large estates, and an active, public-spirited
man in all local and national matters, was it known by those who had not
seen him, that it was but the misshapen block of a man that had lived
this active, manly life.
He was born with neither legs nor arms. After his death his story was
told: how he resolved, when but a boy, to act and live as did other
boys, without regard to his horrible misfortune; how he persisted in
studying every book, in learning every game, in joining in every
amusement possible to him, with his companions. How, to the last year of
his life, he held himself to be as responsible as other men, and bravely
paid every tithe of duty to God and to his fellows.
Even in lesser matters in life he pressed to the front. He was the most
genial, witty guest at social dinner tables. Strapped to his horse, he
hunted foxes in Yorkshire, or tigers in India, and with his brothers
made long journeys in other parts of the world. Everywhere his
cheerfulness and gaiety gave new life to duller souls.
Is there no lesson for us all in the life of this gallant gentleman?
--_Youth's Companion._
464
Dr. Roux, the celebrated French physician, said: "The greater part of
preparation for the digestion of food takes place in the mouth."
465
True dignity exists independent of--
"Studied gestures or well-practiced smiles."
466
We have all met with a great many disappointments, and if we live much
longer, shall likely meet with many more.
467
_Discontented People._--You have such a February face,
So full of frost, of storm, and cloudiness.
468
'Tis not my talent to conceal my thoughts,
Or carry smiles and sunshine in my face,
When discontent sits heavy at my heart.
--_Addison._
469
Discontent is a man's, and a woman's, worst enemy.
470