"
"Alas, how can I throw them off, dear Paul?"
"In this way--first, for my brother's life-long sorrow, since you can
neither cure nor alleviate it, turn your thoughts away from it. As for
your vow, two circumstances combine to absolve you from it; the first is
this--that you were an irresponsible infant, when you were required to
make it--the second is, that it is impossible to perform it; these two
considerations fairly release you from its obligations. Look upon these
matters in this rational light, and all your dark and morbid dreams and
visions will disappear; and we shall have you joyous as any young bird,
sure enough. And I assure you, that your cheerfulness will be one of the
very best medicines for our brother. Will you follow my advice?"
"No, no, Paul! I cannot follow it in either instance! I cannot, Paul! it
is impossible! I cannot steel my heart against sympathy with his
sorrows, nor can I so ignore the requirements of my solemn vow. I do not
by any means think its accomplishment an impossibility, nor was it in
ignorance of its nature that I made it. No, Paul! I knew what I
promised, and I know that its performance is possible. Therefore I can
not feel absolved! I must accomplish my work; and you, Paul, if you love
me, must help me to do it.
Pages:
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310