The Old English Baron quotes

every word in Edmund’s behalf was like a poisoned arrow that rankled in the wound, and grew every day more inflamed. Sometimes he would pretend to extenuate Edmund’s supposed faults, in order to load him with the sin of ingratitude upon other occasions.

Rancour works deepest in the heart that strives to conceal it; and, when covered by art, frequently puts on the appearance of candour.

By these means did Wenlock and Markham impose upon the credulity of Master Robert and their other relations: Master William only stood proof against all their insinuations.

He visited them privately; he gave them a part of the spoils allotted to himself; by every act of valour and courtesy he strove to engage those hearts that hated, envied, and maligned him:

But where hatred arises from envy of superior qualities, every display of those qualities increases the cause from whence it arises.

The young nobles and gentlemen who distinguished Edmund were prevented from raising him to preferment by the insinuations of Wenlock and his associates, who never failed to set before them his low descent, and his pride and arrogance in presuming to rank with gentlemen.

Mr. William spoke of him with the warmth of fraternal affection. The baron perceived that his kinsmen disliked Edmund; but his own good heart hindered him from seeing the baseness of theirs.

It is said, that continual dropping will wear away a stone; so did their incessant reports, by insensible degrees, produce a coolness in his patron’s behaviour towards him.

If he behaved with manly spirit, it was misconstrued into pride and arrogance; his generosity was imprudence; his humility was hypocrisy, the better to cover his ambition. Edmund bore patiently all the indignities that were thrown upon him;

and, by seeking to do you service, I lose my own influence. But I will never give my sanction to acts of injustice, nor join to oppress innocence. My dear child, put your trust in God:

He who brought light out of darkness, can bring good out of evil.

”

“What now? do you mean to affront me, Jack?

Know, that some are born to plan, others to execute; I am one of the former, thou of the latter.

Know your friend, or—”

“Don’t affect ignorance, my dear; you love Edmund, so do I; it is nothing to be ashamed of.

It would have been strange, if a girl of your good sense had not distinguished a swan among a flock of geese.

”

“Sir,” said John, “it grows dark—do you want a light?”

“We want no light but what heaven gives us,” said Sir Philip; “I knew not whether it was dark or light.”

“I hope,” said John, “nothing has happened, I hope your honour has heard no bad tidings; I—I—I hope no offence.”

“None at all,” said the good knight; “I am obliged to your solicitude for me;

I have heard some things that grieve me, and others that give me great pleasure; but the sorrows are past, and the joys remain.

”

he never but once hinted at such a thing, and then I gave him no encouragement. I have long seen there was something very wrong in him; but I did not believe he was of so wicked a disposition;

It is no wonder that princes should be so frequently deceived, when I, a private man, could be so much imposed upon within the circle of my own family.

What think you, son Robert?”

“You have chosen well,” said Zadisky. “

To a wise man all countries are alike; it shall be my care to make mine agreeable to you.

”

I have promised to all this company to give you to him; but upon condition that you approve him: I think him worthy of you; and, whether you accept him or not, he shall ever be to me a son; but

Heaven forbid that I should compel my child to give her hand, where she cannot bestow her heart!

Speak freely, and decide this point for me and for yourself.”