SIR CHARLES.
That misfortune was entirely their own fault. It should always be a fixed rule with boys never to play with firearms; for in every thing that depends on ourselves we ought to be circumspect, and to be careful of our own lives, and of the lives of others, as a loan, which we must return at the time it pleases the Almighty to demand it—we must return our talents improved, or fearfully wait for the punishment denounced against the unfaithful servant.
WILLIAM.
Are not they equally wrong who venture their lives on the ice, before the frost is quite set in, only for the pleasure of skaiting a few days sooner?
SIR CHARLES.
The passion for pleasure so blinds them, that they think not of the danger. It is then wrong to indulge ourselves in all that we desire, for when this propensity to present pleasure is master of us, it dispossesses our judgment of its rightful place in the mind, and the quiet suggestions, reflection would obtrude, are not heard in the tumult.
CHARLES.
But, Sir, what is Harry to do? He is not now capable of service.
EMILIA.
I know my parents are so good—so humane—