Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/289

 I owe to him a duty I cannot delegate to another, that of superintending his conduct, and directing his mind as he advances in years; instructing him to guard against the impetuosity of youthful passions; a too easy confidence in the seeming integrity of plausible appearances, and from the example of his unhappy father, see those precepts illustrated; example, which speaks more forcibly to an inexperienced mind than the most elaborate reasoning adduced from theory only. Yes, for his sake, I must endeavour to retain my existence, that my follies may not spread wider in the conduct of my child."

"Under the oppressive recollection of former scenes, and doubtful anxiety for the future, poor Ferdinand passed a wretched night; nor were his friends much easier.—Count M, whose affection for him was truly fraternal, lamented, that it was in consequence of his advice they had remained in Vienna 'till the return of their letters.Whatever unpleasant consequences might have attended their sudden appearance, they