it has been held. Multitudes might and do echo the kindly words of Goldsmith—
"Where'er I roam, whate'er new realms I see,
My heart, untravelled, fondly turns to thee;
Still to my brother turns, with ceaseless pain.
And drags at each remove a lengthening chain."
In literary biography there are many memorable sisters of distinguished men. The poet Wordsworth testified as to the softening influence his sister. Miss Deborah Wordsworth, exerted on his mind and manners, and the benefit he derived from her wise criticisms. From his own experience of a relationship that never was interrupted by any newer ties on Miss Wordsworth's part,—for she lived with him until her death, and as long as health permitted, devoted herself to his family,—from tender reverence for this life-long bond of love, so precious in his own case, the poet could deeply appreciate its value; and he said of the quaint essayist and his sister—Charles and Mary Lamb—
"Thus, 'mid a shifting world,
Did they together testify of time
And seasons' difference—a double tree,
With two collateral stems sprung from one root."
In humble life there have been most worthy instances of sisterly affection, by which the welfare of brothers has been so promoted as to aid them in their upward struggle to a higher position of life.
