Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/162

 Through General Almonte of the joy As well as of the weight of obligation, Bestowed upon me by your favor's grace. Still I rejoice, that by your presence here I am allowed so early an occasion Self to express my thankfulness, a pleasure Which deputies and interval of time Will oft divest of half its value's charms. I must confess, that after our discourse, Revealing, as it did, the yawning gulf That lies between our innermost convictions. My hope was faint, to see my prayer fulfilled. Diversity of views too oft engenders In e'en the best, aversion of the heart. It is the mark of generosity, Of highest liberality to keep The sentiments of heart and mind apart And to accord its due to each of them. Therefore allow me now to reinforce The weak expression of my thankfulness By the apology for my mistake. As oft a flattering gift will honor more The donor's heart which swells with gratitude. Unselfish, freely given, than the receiver's, Whose merit after all is doubtful,—so The praise, Miss Bradburn, you conferred on me