Nuts to Crack.
The Word “Fast.”—This is as great a contradiction as we have in the language. The river is fast, because the ice is immoveable; and then the ice disappears fast for the contrary reason—it is loose. A clock is called fast when it goes quicker than time; but a man is told to stand fast, when he is desired to remain stationary. People fast when they have nothing to eat, and eat fast when opportunity offers.
Military Courtesy.—Gen. Meadows, equally renowned for his wit and bravery, being on a reconnoitring party, in the Mysore country, a twenty-four pound shot struck the ground at some distance from the General, and was passing in such a direction as would have exposed him to danger had he continued on his route; quick as lightning he stopped his horse, and, pulling off his hat very gracefully, as the shot rolled on, good-humoredly said: “I beg you to proceed, sir; I never dispute precedence with any gentleman of your family.”
A doctor, in Scotland, was employed by a poor man to attend his wife, who was dangerously ill. The doctor gave a hint, amounting to the suspicion that he would not be paid. “I have,” says the man, “five pounds; and if you kill, or cure her, you shall have it.” The woman died, under the hands of the doctor, and, after a reasonable time, he called for his five pounds. The man then said: “Did you kill my wife?—did you cure her?” “No.” “Then,” said the poor man, “you have no legal demand,” and turned upon his heel.
How to shake off Trouble.—Set about doing good to somebody: put on your hat, and go and visit the sick and poor—inquire into their wants, and minister to them; seek out the desolate and oppressed, and tell them of the consolations of religion. I have often tried this method, and have always found it the best medicine for a heavy heart.
A Father’s Impulse.—When Lord Erskine made his debut at the bar, his agitation almost overpowered him, and he was just going to sit down: “At that moment,” said he, “I thought I felt my little children tugging at my gown, and the idea roused me to an exertion, of which I did not think myself capable.”