"Within a little time he had an opportunity, in his own case, of
practising resignation, and of realizing the benefit of being
afflicted. A merchant, to whom he had entrusted all his fortune,
in the hope of a large interest, became suddenly a bankrupt, with
scarcely any assets. I will not say that it was owing to this
misfortune that the divine died in less than a month after its
occurrence, but such was the fact. Amongst those who most
frequently visited me was my friend the surgeon; he did not confine
himself to the common topics of consolation, but endeavoured to
impress upon me the necessity of rousing myself, advising me to
occupy my mind with some pursuit, particularly recommending
agriculture; but agriculture possessed no interest for me, nor,
indeed, any pursuit within my reach; my hopes of happiness had been
blighted, and what cared I for anything? so at last he thought it
best to leave me to myself, hoping that time would bring with it
consolation; and I remained solitary in my house, waited upon by a
male and a female servant. Oh, what dreary moments I passed! My
only amusement--and it was a sad one--was to look at the things
which once belonged to my beloved, and which were new in my
possession. Oh, how fondly would I dwell upon them! There were
some books; I cared not for books, but these had belonged to my
beloved.
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