“Sure enough, your honour desarved to be born a gentleman,” said Christy.
“At least I have been bred a gentleman,” said I. “Let me see you again this day month, and not till then.”
“You shall not—that is, you shall, plase your honour: but for fear any one would suspect any thing, I’d best go shoe the mare, any way.”
CHAPTER XVIII.
“What riches give us, let us then inquire—
Meat, fire, and clothes—What more?—Meat, clothes, and fire.”
The philosophy we learn from books makes but a faint impression upon the mind, in comparison with that which we are taught by our own experience; and we sometimes feel surprised to find that what we have been taught as maxims of morality prove true in real life. After having had, for many years, the fullest opportunities of judging of the value of riches, when I reflected upon my past life, I perceived that their power of conferring happiness is limited, nearly as the philosophic poet describes; that all the changes and modifications of luxury must, in the sum of actual physical enjoyment, be reduced to a few elementary pleasures, of which the industrious poor can obtain their share: a small share, perhaps; but then it is enjoyed with a zest that makes it equal in value perhaps to the largest portion offered to the sated palate of ennui. These truths are as old as the world; but they appeared quite new to me, when I discovered them by my own experience.
During the month which I had allowed to my foster-brother for reflection, I had leisure to philosophize, and my understanding made a rapid progress. I foresaw the probability of Christy’s deciding to become Earl of Glenthorn; notwithstanding that his good sense had so clearly demonstrated to him in theory, that, with his education and habits, he must be happier working in his forge than he could be as lord of Glenthorn Castle. I was not dismayed by the idea of losing my wealth and rank; I was pleased with myself for my honest conduct, and conscious of a degree of pleasure from my own approbation, superior to what my riches had ever procured.
The day appointed for Christy’s final determination arrived. I knew by the first motion of his shoulder as he came into the room, what his decision would be.