By Gen. Thomas J. Morgan
God blesses still the generous thought
And still the fitting word he speeds,
And truth, at His requiring taught,
He quickens into deeds.
—Whittier.
One of the noblest traits which a boy can cultivate in his relations with his fellows is that of generosity. He is a mean fellow who is always thinking and planning for himself only and seeking to get the advantage of others. A noble-hearted, manly boy thinks of the welfare of those around him, and is always ready to lend a hand to those that are in need. Deeds of generosity tend to develop a character which everybody admires. Generosity pays; it begets self-respect; enlarges a boy’s views and sympathies, and brings him into delightful relationship with kindred minds. If you have anything especially good don’t fail to share it with others who have less, or none. Be generous.
CHAPTER XV
Be Generous
During one of his wars Napoleon captured two British sailors and confined them in a prison in central France. The men escaped and made their way to Boulogne on the sea coast, without being discovered. For a long time they could get no further. The love of home and liberty at length grew too strong to be resisted, and they resolved to take chances on their departure. With no other tools than their knives the Englishmen made a boat of small pieces of wood. It was a leaky affair when completed, and in order to make it float they had to cover it with some old scraps of sail. Sure of being shot if discovered, and with every chance of being drowned if they reached the open sea, they decided to attempt to cross the stormy English Channel in their rickety skiff. In the afternoon before they were to make the effort they saw an English frigate within sight of the coast, and hastened to launch the crazy craft and tried to reach the vessel. Some French soldiers discovered them, and, leaping into a boat, soon brought them back. The captors were very much astonished at the daring of the sailors, and soon the news of their adventure spread throughout the camp, and the wonderful courage of the two men was the subject of general remark. At length the episode came to the ears of Napoleon. The great soldier was always attracted by a bold deed, and went to look at the boat in which the sailors had started. After seeing it he was more impressed than ever, and had the Englishmen brought before him. “Is it really true,” he said, “that you thought of crossing the sea in this?” “Sire,” said one of them, “if you doubt it, give us leave to go and see us depart.” “I will,” exclaimed the emperor. “You are brave men. I admire courage wherever I meet it. You are at liberty. But you need not risk your lives. I will put you aboard an English ship. When you reach London, tell your countrymen how I admire bravery, even in an enemy.” He gave the sailors money and saw that they were well treated. The French officers were very much astonished, for the captives had been condemned to death, but Napoleon’s generosity granted their freedom, and with it a safe conduct to their homes.