re dim."

The young man took the letters.

"Indeed, father, they are such as should satisfy us," he said. "This
one is from the king, who seldom puts pen to paper. He promises largely
to protect me from all foes, and to watch over my interests. He
expresses great regret at hearing of your illness, and wishes for your
recovery. The other, from the Duke of York, is to the same effect. He
speaks of his friendship to you for many years; and his sincere desire
is, to render you all the service in his power. Therefore, with much
satisfaction he undertakes the office of my guardian and protector when
I am deprived of you. There is a kind tone throughout the epistle, for
which I am duly grateful."

William then read both documents to his father, who desired to hear
them. Still the admiral's constitution was good, and hopes were
entertained that he might recover.

"My children," he said, calling his son and daughters to his bedside, "I
have but a few days to live,--I know it. I leave you some worldly
wealth, but that may be taken from you. I would leave you my counsel,
of which no man can deprive you. There are three rules I would give
you, which, if you follow them, will carry you with firmness and comfort
through this inconstant world. Now listen to me. Let nothing in this
world tempt you to wrong your conscience; so you will keep peace at
home, which will be a feast to you in the day of trouble. Secondly,
whatever you design to do, lay it justly, and time it seasonably, for
that gives security and despatch. Lastly, be not troubled at
disappointments, for if they may be recovered, do it; if they cannot,
trouble is vain. If you could not have helped it, be content. There is
often peace and profit in submitting to Providence; for afflictions make
wise. If you could have helped it, let not your trouble exceed your
instruction, for another time."

These rules, the admiral's son laid to heart; and, as his after life
showed, they were never forgotten. William was greatly rewarded for all
he had gone through by hearing his father at length thoroughly approve
of his conduct.

"My son, I confess I would rather have you as you are, than among those
frivolous and heartless courtiers who beset our sovereign. Their fate
must be miserable. They are bringing reproach and ruin upon our
country; and albeit, though I wish to die as I have lived, a member of
the Church of England, yet I am well-content that you, my so