He seldom mentioned a dead friend or
relation; and, if others forced the dreary topic on him, they could never
hold him to it; he was away directly to something pleasant or useful,
like a grasshopper skipping off a grave into the green grass. He had felt
keenly about David while there was anything to be done: but now his poor
friend was in a madhouse, thanks to the lancet: and there was an end of
_him._ Thinking about him would do him no good. The present only is
irresistible; past and future ills the mind can bar out by a resolute
effort. The bride will very likely die of her first child! Well then,
forget that just now. Her father is in an asylum! Well then, don't
remember him at the wrong time: there sit female beauty and virtue ready
to wed manly wit and comeliness, seated opposite; see their sweet stolen
glances; a few hours only between them and wedded rapture: and I'm here
to give the lovely virgin away: fill the bumper high! _dum vivimus
vivamus._ In this glorious spirit he rattled on, and soon drew the young
people out, and silvery peals of laughter rang round the genial board.
Pages:
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660