Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/46

Rh other, the bird fell, and was trodden on before they were aware.

When they were a little compoſed, Mrs. Maſon calmly thus addreſſed them: I percieve that you are aſhamed of your behaviour, and ſorry for the conſequence; I will not therefore ſeverely reprove you, nor add bitterneſs to the ſelf-reproach you muſt both feel, becauſe I pity you. You are now inferior to the animals that graze on the common; reaſon only ſerves to render your folly more conſpicuous and inexcuſable. Anger is a little deſpicable vice: its ſelſiſh emotions baniſh compaſſion, and undermine every virtue. It is eaſy to conquer another; but noble to ſudue one's ſelf. Had you, Mary, given way to your ſiſter's humour, you would have proved that you were not only older, but wiſer than her. And you, Caroline, would have ſaved your charge, if you had, for the time, waved your right.

It is always a proof of ſuperior ſenſe to bear with ſlight inconveniences, and even trifling injuries, without complaining or Rh