Page:The Adventures of David Simple (1904).djvu/379

 in her power to give David pleasure; in seeing her brother, instead of the miserable condition he was once in, now in the possession of all he desired; in having her friend for her companion, and in her father's returning and growing fondness. Valentine and Cynthia had not a wish beyond what they enjoyed; and the father had all the comfort his age would admit of, in the dutiful and affectionate behaviour of all his children towards him. Every little incident in life was fumed into some delicate pleasure to the whole company, by each of them endeavouring to make everything contribute to the happiness of the others. The very infirmities which it is impossible for human nature to escape, such as pain, sickness, etc., were by their contrivance not only made supportable, but fully compensated in the fresh opportunities they gave each individual of testifying their tenderness and care for the whole. In short, it is impossible for the most lively imagination to form an idea more pleasing than what this little society enjoyed in the true proofs of each other's love; and, as strong a picture as this is of real happiness, it is in the power of every community to attain it, if every member of it would perform the part allotted him by nature or his station in life, with a sincere regard to the interest and pleasure of the whole. Let every man, instead of bursting with rage and envy at the advantages of nature or station another has over him, extend his views far enough to consider thetthat [sic], if he acts his part well, he deserves as much applause and is as useful a member of society as any other man whatever; for in every machine the smallest parts conduce as much to the keeping it together, and to regulate its motions, as the greatest. That the stage is a picture of life has been observed by almost everybody, especially