Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/107

 with great abilities, and great acquirements, but it seeks not to display its excellencies; does not court the notice of others. It is "not obvious, not intrusive," as one fine writer has expressed himself; and another has called it "the sanctity of manners." That these concise and beautiful delineations of modesty may apply to each of you, united with every amiable virtue, and laudable feminine attraction, is the sincere wish of your friend.

 

GRATITUDE is the emotion of a noble and susceptible heart excited by acts of benevolence, and directed towards a benefactor. It is a gentle affection, softening and harmonizing the mind: it is also an active principle prompting to the exercise of the social virtues, and leading to a mutual interchange of good offices. We may learn to estimate it more correctly, by considering the enormity of the vice of ingratitude. We 