Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/104

 and irregular present themselves, it is necessarv that we should decide which to follow, and what object to pursue, lest while we are choosing, and varying, and wandering, "life's poor play" should end, and an unseen hand take us away. We must not only have resolution to decide, but firmness to oppose; because evil solicitations, and flattering seductions often meet us in the very path of duty. Let it be impressed on the mind of youth, that nothing virtuous, noble, or heroic, can be accomplished without resolution, firmness, and integrity. What would Washington, the deliverer of his country, have been without these virtues? What would he have been, had he wavered when the whole weight of a nation's grievances was laid upon him? Had he shrunk, when the trumpet of war sounded, and a proud foe approached to meet an irresolute and ill-provided band; had he sunk, when popular odium oppressed him; when hardship and weariness enfeebled him, and his native bowers invited him to return to ease, happiness, and the welcome of love? But he resolutely suffered for those whom he loved, and who for a time were insensible to his merits; he endured to the end, and now his name is immortal. Firmness in declaring the truth upon every proper occasion is the natural and commendable fruit of integrity. Of this, our great poet Milton was a striking instance. His hatred of all disguise and subterfuge sometimes