society, of books, of
religion, we admire their superiority; they seem to throw contempt on
our entire polity and social state; theirs is the tone of a youthful
giant who is sent to work revolutions. But they enter an active
profession and the forming Colossus shrinks to the common size of man.
The magic they used was the ideal tendencies, which always make the
Actual ridiculous; but the tough world had its revenge the moment they
put their horses of the sun to plough in its furrow. They found no
example and no companion, and their heart fainted. What then? The lesson
they gave in their first aspirations is yet true; and a better valor and
a purer truth shall one day organize their belief. Or why should a woman
liken herself to any historical woman, and think, because Sappho, or
Sevigne, or De Stael, or the cloistered souls who have had genius and
cultivation do not satisfy the imagination and the serene Themis, none
can,--certainly not she? Why not? She has a new and unattempted problem
to solve, perchance that of the happiest nature that ever bloomed. Let
the maiden, with erect soul, walk serenely on her way, accept the hint
of each new experience, search in turn all the objects that solicit her
eye, that she may learn the power and the charm of her new-born being,
which is the kindling of a new dawn in the recesses of space. The
fair girl who repels interference by a decided and proud choice of
influences, so careless of pleasing, so wilful and lofty, inspires every
beholder with somewhat of her own nobleness. The silent heart encourages
her; O friend, never strike sail to a fear! Come into port greatly, or
sail with God the seas. Not in vain you live, for every passing eye is
cheered and refined by the vision.

The characteristic of heroism is its persistency. All men have wandering
impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But when you have chosen your
part, abide by it, and do not weakly try to reconcile yourself with the
world. The heroic cannot be the common, nor the common the heroic. Yet
we have the weakness to expect the sympathy of people in those actions
whose excellence is that they outrun sympathy and appeal to a tardy
justice. If you would serve your brother, because it is fit for you to
serve him, do not take back your words when you find that prudent people
do not commend you. Adhere to your own act, and congratulate yourself if
you have done something strange and extravagant and broken the monotony
of