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 youth to indulgences which enervate both the mind and body, and lead to hopes which may be blighted by a thousand accidents.—My children shall indulge no hopes independent of their own exertions, and that I am convinced is the surest road to competency and happiness."

"What, then (said the Count) you would bring them up to trade, to disgrace their family?"

"No (replied Ferdinand, warmly) I will, if I live, prevent them from disgracing their family, by teaching them a spirit of independence, and a mediocrity of expectations; their minds shall be noble, though their fortunes may be humble; they shall be superior to base actions from an integrity of heart; and capable of providing for their own maintenance, they never can disgrace their connexions, though they may mortify pride."

"Your language and sentiments are very strange (replied Rhodophil, in a tone of pique and vexation;) but methinks you promise too much for your children, whose ideas may