vii., Sec.20.)

* * * * *

Accept with joy the Fate that befalls thee. Thine it is and not
another's. What then could be better for thee? (Book vii., Sec.57)

* * * * *

See to it that thou art humane to those who are not humane. (Book vii.,
Sec.65.)

* * * * *

He who does _not_ act, often commits as great a wrong as he who acts.
(Book ix., Sec.5.)

* * * * *

The wrong that another has done--let alone! Add not to it thine own.
(Book ix., Sec.20.)

* * * * *

How powerful is man! He is able to do all that God wishes him to do. He
is able to accept all that God sends upon him. (Book xii., Sec.11.)

* * * * *

A lamp sends forth its light until it is completely extinguished. Shall
Truth and Justice and Equanimity suffer abatement in thee until all are
extinguished in death? (Book xii., Sec.15.)

JANE AUSTEN

(1775-1817)

The biography of one of the greatest English novelists might be written
in a dozen lines, so simple, so tranquil, so fortunate was her life.
Jane Austen, the second daughter of an English clergyman, was born at
Steventon, in Hampshire, in 1775. Her father had been known at Oxford as
"the handsome proctor," and all his children inherited good looks. He
was accomplished enough to fit his boys for the University, and the
atmosphere of the household was that of culture, good breeding, and
healthy fun. Mrs. Austen was a clever woman, full of epigram and humor
in conversation, and rather famous in her own coterie for improvised
verses and satirical hits at her friends. The elder daughter, Cassandra,
adored by Jane, who was three years her junior, seems to have had a rare
balance and common-sense which exercised great influence over the more
brilliant younger sister. Their mother declared that of the two girls,
Cassandra had the merit of having her temper always under her control;
and Jane the happiness of a temper that never required to be commanded.

[Illustration: JANE AUSTEN]

From her cradle, Jane Austen was used to hearing agreeable household
talk, and the freest personal criticism on the men and women who made up
her small, secluded world. The family circumstances were easy, and the
family friendliness unlimited,--conditions determining, perhaps, the
cheerful tone, the unexciting course, the