CHAPTER XXXII.
AN AUDIENCE.
Not with the world to teach us, may we learn
The spirit's noblest lessons. Hope and Faith
Arc stars that shine amid the far off heaven,
Dimmed and obscured by vapours from below;
Impatient selfishness, and shrewd distrust,
Are taught us in the common ways of life;
Dust is beneath our feet, and at our side
The coarse and mean, the false and the unjust;
And constant, contact makes us grow too like
The things we daily struggle with and scorn:
Only by looking up, can we see heaven.
Sir Robert gave one quick scrutinising glance as his fair guests entered, which was succeeded by the prolonged look of extreme admiration; he called up his most courteous manner as he pointed to the seats nearest to his own.
"I never," said he, "wished my gout with
