Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/91

 "From the first pang of remorse, judge of the horrors which ever attend misconduct, and strive to avoid them by ever resisting inclinations that side not with your duties: to oppose our passions, is finally to conquer them; like cowards, they are tyrannical with the weak, but timid with the brave: and no victory can be so glorious as one obtained over them; 'tis applauded by our reason, sanctioned by our conscience, and applauded by him who records the smallest effort in the cause of virtue."

"Oh, my father (said Madeline), henceforward I trust I shall convince you I have profited by your lessons."

"Be your error forgotten (resumed Clermont), or only remembered as a caution against any future one. And now, my child, to return to last night; you were no doubt astonished at the feelings manifested by the Countess de Merville and me at our unexpected meeting; but strong as is our mutual regard, friendship is the only tie between us: how that friendship commenced,