Some water was
presently
brought him; but as he was
putting the vessel to his mouth, a poor wounded soldier,
who happened to be carried by him at that instant,
looked up to it with wishful eyes.
putting the vessel to his mouth, a poor wounded soldier,
who happened to be carried by him at that instant,
looked up to it with wishful eyes.
Childrens - Little Princes
org/access_use#pd-google
? EARLY DISCIPLINE.
33
his little arms, as far round as they would reach. When
awakened, he said, that he intended to have slept
there all night, in order to convince the Duke, his
father, that he was hardy enough to undergo the
fatigues of war.
CHILDHOOD OF THE GREAT HENRY THE
FOURTH OF FRANCE.
HE great Henry the Fourth of France passed
his childhood in the castle of Coarasse, in Beam, situated amidst rocks and mountains. Henry
D'Albret, his grandfather, would not have him brought
up with the delicacy usually practised with children
of high rank, knowing that in a soft and tender body,
there generally lodges a weak and timid soul. He
would not allow him to be richly clothed, nor useless
playthings given to him, nor would he have him flat-
tered, because all these things tend to inspire vanity,
and incline the hearts of children rather to pride, and
to trifling pleasures, than to sentiments of generosity
and useful occupation. This young prince was clothed
and fed like the children of the country, and like
them was accustomed to clamber up and down the
rocks, barefooted and bareheaded. It is said that his
ordinary food was brown bread, beef, cheese, and
garlic.
D
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 34
EARLY DISCIPLINE,
By these means, his good grandfather accustomed
him to fatigue, and rendered his body strong and
robust, qualities which were no doubt necessary to a
prince, who had to suffer much in reconquering his
dominions.
EARLY EDUCATION OF SESOSTRIS, KING OF
EGYPT,
MENOPHIS, King of Egypt, caused all the male
children in his kingdom, who were born on the
same day as his eldest son, Sesostris, to be brought
to his court. Here they were educated as if they had
been his own children, and with the same care that was
bestowed upon Sesostris, with whom they were brought
up. He could not possibly have provided for his son
more faithful ministers, nor officers who more zealously
desired the success of his arms. With the view of
making them great warriors, the chief part of their
education was the inuring them, from their infancy,
to a hard and laborious life, in order that they might
one day be capable of sustaining with ease the toils
of the field. They were never suffered to eat till they
had run, on foot or horseback, a considerable race.
Hunting was their most common exercise, but when
they were more advanced in years, the king sent them
against the Arabians, in order to acquire practical
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? EARLY DISCIPLINE.
35
military knowledge. Here the young prince learned
to bear hunger and thirst, and subdued a nation which,
till then, had never been conquered: the youths
educated with him, attended him in all his campaigns,
and upon his father's death, he became one of the
greatest conquerors that antiquity boasts.
CYRUS THE GREAT AND HIS GRANDFATHER.
YRUS, when about twelve years old, went with his
mother Mandane on a visit to his grandfather, the
King of the Medes. Astyages, being at table with
his daughter and with Cyrus, and being desirous to treat
the boy with all delight and pleasure, that he might the
less miss what he enjoyed at home, set before him seve-
ral dishes, with sauces and meats of all kinds; upon
which Cyrus is reported to have said, "What a deal of
business and trouble, grandfather, have you at your
meals, if you must reach out your hands to all these
several dishes, and taste of all these kinds of meats! "
"What, then," said Astyages, "do not you think this en-
tertainment much finer than what you have in Persia? "
Cyrus replied, "No, grandfather; with us we have a
much plainer and readier way to get satisfied than you
have; for plain bread and meat bring us to our end;
but you, in order to the same end, have a deal of busi-
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 36
EARLY DISCIPLINE.
ness upon your hands, and wandering up and down
through many mazes, you at last arrive where we have
long got before you. " To this Astyages answered,
"Well, child, if this be your opinion, eat heartily of
plain meats, that you may return young and healthy
home;" and at the same time he ordered to be pre-
sented to him various meats, both of the tame and
wild kinds. Cyrus, when he saw this variety of meats,
said, "And do you give me all these meats, grand-
father, to do with them as I think fit? " "Yes, truly,
I do," said Astyages; then Cyrus, taking the several
meats, distributed them around to the servants about
his grandfather, saying to one, " This for you, because
you take pains to teach me to ride: This for you, be-
cause you gave me a javelin, and I have it yet: This
for you, because you serve my grandfather well: This
for you, because you honour my mother:" and thus
he did till he had distributed all he had received.
Astyages then said, "And do you give nothing to this
Sacian, my cup-bearer, that I favour above all? " Cy-
rus answered, "For what reason is it, grandfather, that
you favour this Sacian so much? " Astyages replied
in a jesting way, "Do you not see how handsomely
and neatly he pours me my wine? " For these cup-
bearers to kings perform their business very cleverly;
they pour out their wine very neatly, and give the cup,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? EARLY DISCIPLINE.
37
bearing it along with three fingers, and present it in
such a manner as it may best be received by the person
who is to drink. "Grandfather," said Cyrus, "bid
the Sacian give me the cup, that, pouring you your
wine to drink, I may gain your favour if I can. " As-
tyages bids the Sacian give him the cup; and Cyrus,
taking it, is said to have washed the cup as he had ob-
served the Sacian to do; and settling his countenance
in a serious and decent manner, brought and presented
the cup to his grandfather in such a manner as afforded
much laughter to his grandfather and his mother.
Then Cyrus, laughing out, leaped up to Astyages, and
kissing him, cried out, " Oh, Sacian, you are undone;
I will turn you out of your office, for I can do the busi-
ness better than you. " Now these cup-bearers, when
they have given the cup, dip with a dish and take a
little out, which pouring into their left hand, they swal-
low; and this they do that in case they mix poison in
the cup, it may be of no advantage to themselves.
Therefore Astyages, in a jesting way, said, "And why,
Cyrus, since you have imitated the Sacian in every
thing else, did you not swallow some of the wine? "
"Because, truly," said he, "I was afraid there had been
poison mixed in the cup; for when you feasted your
friends upon your birthday, I plainly found that he
had poured you all poison. " "And how, child," said
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 38 EARLY DISCIPLINE.
he, "did you know this? " "Truly," said he," because
I saw you all disordered in body and mind; for, first,
what you do not allow us boys to do, that you did
yourselves, for you all bawled together, and could
learn nothing of each other: Then you fell to singing
very ridiculously; and without attending to the singer,
you swore he sung admirably; then every one telling
stories of his own strength, you rose up, and fell to
dancing; but without all rule or measure, for you could
not so much as keep yourselves upright. Then you all
entirely forgot yourselves; you, that you were king,
and they, that you were their governor. And then I
discovered for the first time that you were celebrating
a festival, where all were allowed to talk with equal
liberty; for you never ceased talking. " Astyages then
said, "Does your father, child, never drink till he gets
drunk? " "No, truly," said he. "What does he,
then? " "Why he quenches his thirst, and gets no
farther harm; for, as I take it, grandfather," says he,
"it is no Sacian that officiates as cup-bearer about
him. "
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DOCILITY.
"He made a blushing cital of himself,
And chid his truant youth with such a grace,
As if he master'd there a double spirit,
Of teaching, and of learning, instantly. "
Shakspeare.
OCILITY, or a willingness to be led by those
who are older and wiser than themselves, is a
quality in the young, very favourable to their
advancement in virtue; nor is there a greater proof of
superior sense, than a ready yielding of the inclinations
to the voice of Reason. A prompt obedience implies
a degree of Self-command, and is therefore peculiarly
graceful in young princes. Nor is any one fit to
command, who has not first learned to obey.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 40
DOCILITY.
LOUIS PHILIPPE, KING OF THE FRENCH.
E read in the Memoirs of Mad. de Genlis:
"When first I entered upon the education of
the princes, I found them very ignorant, and
the eldest of them, the Duke de Valois, then eight years
old, extremely wanting in application. I began by read-
ing history with them: M. the Duke de Valois stretched,
gaped, and I was greatly surprised to see him throw him-
self back upon a sofa, and put his feet up upon a table that
was before him. That we might at once understand each
other, I put him immediately into penance: he did not
resent it at all. He had by nature a degree of good sense,
that struck me from the first days of our acquaintance:
he loved rational conversation, as other children love
frivolous tales: as soon as good reasons were clearly
presented to him, he listened with interest: he became
warmly attached to me, because he always found me
consistent and reasonable. I had to cure him of many
ugly expressions and foolish habits. He was afraid
of dogs, and his former governor had had the absurd
attention, when they walked in the Bois de Boulogne,
to send on two footmen, to drive away all the dogs that
might be in their route. I found one single conversa-
tion sufficient to convince the young prince of the folly
and weakness of this prejudice: he listened to me
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DOCILITY.
41
attentively, kissed me, and begged me to give him a
dog, which I did: he conquered his dislike at once,
and from that day has never shown any aversion to
dogs. "
THE DAUPHIN, SON OF LOUIS THE
SIXTEENTH.
PON the first breaking out of the French Revolu-
tion, Marie Antoinette impressed upon the little
Dauphin, the necessity of treating with affability
the officers of the National Guard, and all the Parisians
who might approach him. The child took great pains
to please all such persons, and when he had had occa-
sion to reply obligingly to the Mayor, or to the mem-
bers of a Commune, he would go and whisper to the
Queen, "Was that well? "
YOUTH OF ALCIBIADES.
ANY persons of rank made their court to Alci-
biades, the Athenian, charmed and attracted by
his birth, riches, and beauty of person. Socrates
was the only one whose regards were fixed upon the
mind, and who bore witness to the youth's vritue
and ingenuousness: and fearing lest the pride of
riches and high rank, and the crowd of flatterers,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 42
DOCILITY.
should corrupt him, he used his best endeavours to
prevent it, and took care that so hopeful a plant
should not lose its fruit, and perish in the very flower.
From his childhood, Alcibiades was surrounded with
pleasures, and with a multitude of admirers, who were
determined to say nothing but what they thought
would please him, and who wished to keep him from
all admonition and reproof: yet by his native pene-
tration he distinguished the value of Socrates, and
attached himself to him: he perceived that he studied
to correct the errors of his heart, and to cure him
of his empty and foolish arrogance, and he learned
to despise himself, and to admire his friend, adoring
his wisdom, and revering his virtue. It surprised all
the world to see him constantly sup with Socrates,
take with him his exercises, and lodge in the same
tent with him; and though Socrates had many rivals,
yet he kept possession of the heart of Alcibiades,
by the excellence of his genius, and the pathetic turn
of his conversation, which often drew tears from his
young companion. And though sometimes he gave
Socrates the slip, and was drawn away by flatterers,
yet the philosopher took care to hunt out his fugitive,
and brought him away from the haunts of idleness
and dissipation.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
"The world's great master, and his own. "--Pope.
ELF-COMMAND is one of the most important
habits to be formed in every human being: it is
essential to all genuine virtue and real happiness;
but more especially should those learn to restrain
themselves, who hereafter shall be subject to little
restraint from others.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 44
SELF-CONTROL.
CHARLES THE TWELFTH OF SWEDEN.
HARLES the Twelfth of Sweden, when scarcely
seven years old, being at dinner with the queen,
his mother, and handing a bit of bread to his
favourite dog, the animal, snapping at it too eagerly,
bit his hand in a serious manner. The blood flowed
copiously; but the young hero, without crying, or
appearing to take any notice of what had happened,
merely wrapped his hand in his napkin. The queen
inquired why he did not eat, and he answered that he
was not hungry: at length, however, he grew pale
from the loss of blood, and an officer, who attended at
table, discovered the cause; but the prince would
sooner have died than have betrayed his dog.
PRINCE HENRY, SON OF HENRY THE
FOURTH.
URING the reign of Henry the Fourth, a riotous
companion of the Prince of Wales had been in-
dicted before the chief justice Gascoigne,for some
disorders, and the prince was not ashamed to appear at
the bar with the criminal, in order to give him counte-
nance and protection. Finding that his presence had not
overawed the chief justice, he proceeded to insult that
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
45
magistrate on his tribunal; but Gascoigne, mindful of
the character which he then bore, and the majesty of
the sovereign, and the laws which he sustained, ordered
the prince to be carried to prison for his rude behaviour.
The spectators were astonished and pleased when they
saw the heir to the crown submit peaceably to this
sentence, making reparation for his error by acknow-
ledging it, and checking his impetuous nature in the
midst of its extravagant career.
When this transaction was reported to the king,
who was an excellent judge of mankind, he exclaimed,
in words to the effect of those which Shakspeare
gives us:
"Happy am I, that have a man so bold,
That dares do justice on my proper son;
And no less happy, having such a son,
That would deliver up his greatness so
Into the hands of justice. "
SIR PHILIP SYDNEY.
S||||IR Philip Sydney, at the battle near Zutphen, dis-
Bplayed the most undaunted courage. He had two
horses killed under him; and whilst mounting a
third, was wounded by a musket-shot out of the trenches,
which broke the bone of his thigh. He returned about
a mile and a half, on horseback, to the camp; and, being
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 46
SELF-CONTROL.
faint with the loss of blood, and parched with thirst,
through the heat of the weather, he called for drink.
Some water was presently brought him; but as he was
putting the vessel to his mouth, a poor wounded soldier,
who happened to be carried by him at that instant,
looked up to it with wishful eyes. The gallant and
generous Sydney took the bottle from his mouth, just
when he was going to drink, and delivered it to the
soldier, saying, "Thy necessity is yet greater than
mine. "
ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
URING Alexander's long and laborious pursuit
after Darius, the army often suffered more for
want of water than by fatigue, and many of the
cavalry were unable to hold out. While they were
upon the march, some Macedonians had filled their
bottles at a river, and were bringing the water upon
mules. These people, seeing Alexander greatly dis-
tressed with thirst, for it was the heat of the day,
immediately filled a helmet with water, and presented
it to him. He asked them to whom they were
carrying it: they said, "To our sons: but if our prince
does but live, we shall get other children, if we lose
them. " Upon this, he took the helmet in his hands;
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
47
but looking round, and seeing all the horsemen bend-
ing their heads, and fixing their eyes upon the water,
he returned it without drinking. However, he thanked
the people that offered it, and said, "If I drink alone,
these good men will be dispirited. " The cavalry,
who were witnesses to this act of temperance and mag-
nanimity, cried out, "Let us march! We are neither
weary nor thirsty, nor shall we even think ourselves
mortal while under the conduct of such a king. " At
the same time they put spurs to their horses.
HEROIC ENDURANCE.
N one occasion, when Alexander the Great was
sacrificing to the gods, one of the noble youths
who waited upon him was so severely burned
by a piece of hot coal which fell upon his arm from
the censer he carried, that the smell of the scorched
flesh was sensible to all who stood by. Yet the boy
shrunk not, exhibited no symptom of pain, but kept
his arm immoveable, lest by shaking the censer he
should interrupt the sacrifice, or by his groaning, give
Alexander any disturbance.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 48
SELF-CONTROL.
THE TWIN SONS OF SABINUS.
||j|||ABINUS, a noble Gaul, headed a revolt of his
countrymen, in the time of Otho and Vitellius.
jffigUl Vespasian, as soon as he was made Emperor,
marched against him, and Sabinus, finding it impossible
to resist the great army that was approaching, set fire
to his house, and causing it to be reported that he had
perished in the flames, fled with his wife and his faith-
ful freedman, taking refuge, at length, in those vast
quarries of white marble, that still exist, at some little
distance from Rome.
Here the unfortunate but courageous Eponina gave
birth to twin sons: the one was named Fortis, from
his superior strength, the other Blandus, on account
of his gentleness of disposition. The faithful Martial
was the only purveyor to these illustrious fugitives: he
waited upon them, and watched over their safety with
indefatigable attention. Now and then he went by
night to Rome, to purchase provisions and other neces-
saries, returning by the least frequented roads.
But the greatest disquietudes that the unhappy pa-
rents experienced, were from the cries of the infants,
which resounded through these gloomy caverns: count-
less echoes repeated these sounds, and terrified the
anxious mother, lest they should guide occasional tra-
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
49
vellers to their retreat. Before these innocent recluses,
however, were two years old, they learned to under-
stand the danger of their parents: they mastered their
little feelings, and in all the painful diseases to which
childhood is liable, they restrained themselves, and
suffered not a complaint to escape them. Little Blan-
dus having once been attacked with severe internal
pains, his sufferings were so intense, that he bent him-
self double upon his mother's knees! his body, now
burning with fever, was soon covered with a cold sweat:
yet still had the child the force to constrain himself:
he pressed his little hands upon his mouth, and thus
suppressed the complaints that his sufferings were
forcing from him. "Dear child," said his father, "do
not try to restrain yourself: it will relieve you to cry
out. " "Papa," said the child, "if I do, you and
mamma will be taken: I would rather die than make
a noise. "
For seven years this unfortunate family inhabited
their dismal dwelling, but at length they were disco-
vered, and, to the eternal disgrace of Vespasian, the
parents were executed: the twins, after languishing a
short time in prison, died, and were found stretched
side by side, in each other's arms.
E
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER,
"All thy virtue dictates, dare to do. "--Mason.
DECISION of character, or the power of adhering
firmly to the judgment formed upon calm and
conscientious deliberation, is a quality very im-
portant to the prince, and is quite opposed to obstinacy,
which implies a headstrong adherence to the will, with-
out reference to reason or principle. Fickleness and
irresolution, which seem to be little more than pardon-
able weaknesses in private persons, may, by their con-
sequences, prove in princes fatal errors.
History furnishes us with instances of very young
princes, who have shown this power of adhering to
what they believed right, and fitting the position in
which they found themselves.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER. 51
CHARLES THE TWELFTH OF SWEDEN.
HARLES the Twelfth of Sweden succeeded his
father, Charles the Eleventh, at the early age of
fifteen. Three powerful kings, presuming upon
his youth, threatened his dominions: Sweden was in
consternation at their preparations, and the privy coun-
cil of the king was alarmed: their great generals were
no more, and every thing was to be dreaded under a
young king, who, as yet, had given but bad impressions
of his abilities. When present at the council, he was
in the habit of sitting with his legs crossed, and his
feet upon the table before him: abstracted and indif-
ferent, he appeared to take interest in nothing that
passed.
The council was deliberating in his presence upon
the danger of the kingdom; some of the counsellors
proposed to divert the threatened tempest by negotia-
tions; on a sudden the young king rose, with the
gravity and confidence of a superior mind. "Gentlemen," said he, "I have determined never to carry on
an unjust war, but never to end a just one, except by
the destruction of my enemies. My resolution is taken;
I will march to attack the first power that declares
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 52 DECISION OF CHARACTER.
against me, and when I have conquered that, I hope
the others will respect me. "
These words astonished all these old counsellors:
they looked at each other without daring to reply.
At length, astonished to find what a king they had,
and ashamed to hope less than he did, they received
with admiration and alacrity his orders to prepare for
war.
HEN Charles the Twelfth of Sweden was quite
a child, he was one day amusing himself in his
father's apartment, in looking over some maps.
One was a plan of a town in Hungary, which had been
taken by the Turks from the Emperor, and under it
were written these words from the book of Job: "The
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be
the name of the Lord. " Another was a plan of Riga,
the capital of Livonia, conquered by the Swedes about
a century before. The young prince, having read the
words under the Hungarian town, took a pencil, and
wrote under the plan of Riga, "God gave it me, and
the devil shall not take it from me. " Thus in his very
childhood, his unconquerable spirit showed itself.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OP CHARACTER. 53
GUSTAVUS THE THIRD OF SWEDEN.
USTAVUS, the young king of Sweden, was fixed
upon by Catherine the Second, Empress of Rus-
sia, as a proper consort for her grand-daughter,
the grand-duchess Alexandrina. She was just fifteen,
but with a mind and person which had outgrown her
years; she was tall and well-formed, with noble and
regular features, a profusion of beautiful hair, and eyes
that beamed with intelligence and sensibility. Her
governess, Mademoiselle Willanof, had educated her
in retirement, and with the most devoted care and
affection; and in person, manners, and mind, Alex-
andrina was at this time one of the most lovely and
accomplished princesses in Europe.
The young king of Sweden was about eighteen; he
was well-looking and well-bred, with a fine martial
presence, and frank, captivating manners; the young
pair had been allowed to suppose that they were in-
tended for each other, and they soon became mutually
and strongly attached; proposals of marriage were for-
mally made; the treaty drawn up; the day of betroth-
ment fixed, and a splendid fete prepared for the occasion.
The morning arrived, and Catherine had assembled
all her family and court in her presence-chamber;
Alexandrina, adorned in bridal pomp, stood at her side:
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 54 DECISION OF CHARACTER.
all was in readiness; but the royal bridegroom appeared
not;--they waited--there was a chill and ominous
silence--the courtiers looked upon each other.
The articles of marriage had been carried to the
young king, for his signature. Perhaps Catherine
supposed that, in the hurry of the moment, he would
not pay particular attention to their tenor. She was
mistaken: the chancellor read them over quickly, as
if a mere matter of form; but the king, who listened,
became aware that certain articles were introduced,
which had not been previously agreed upon. By a
fundamental law of Sweden, the queen of that country
must profess the faith of the nation, and Alexandrina,
therefore, ought to have exchanged the Greek for the
Lutheran church. The Empress, not from principle,
but from pride and arbitrary power, was resolved that
her imperial grand-daughter should be made an
exception to this law; and had introduced into the
marriage treaty a clause to that purport. The king
expressed his disapprobation, and refused to sign the
contract. The ministers of Catherine, thunderstruck
by this resistance to the will of their despotic sove-
reign, under such circumstances, and on the part of a
mere boy, knew not what course to take; they nattered,
they implored him only to sign the paper, and leave
the matter to be arranged afterwards, promising that
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER. 55
his wishes should be acceded to in every thing. But
Gustavus was immoveable; and enraged at the at-
tempt to deceive him, he at length flung from them,
repeating, "Non---je ne veux pas! Je ne le puis pas!
Je ne signerai point! " and shut himself up in his own
apartment. It was some time before any one dared
to tell the Empress of this unexpected contretems: at
length, one of the courtiers approached, and whispered
it to her. She had sufficient power over herself to
utter a few words, dismissing her court, and then re-
tired to her cabinet. The King of Sweden returned
to his own country a few days after.
FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS NEPHEW.
REDERICK the Great was very fond of child-
ren, and his little nephews had free access to him.
The eldest, one day, playing at ball in the cabinet
where the king was writing, let the ball fall upon the
table; the king threw it upon the floor, and wrote on;
presently the ball again fell upon the table, and Frede-
rick threw it down once more, casting a serious look
upon the prince, who promised to be more careful.
But at last the ball fell upon the very paper upon
which the king was writing, and he, now rather angry,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 56 DECISION OF CHARACTER.
put it into his pocket. The little prince begged par-
don, and entreated to have his ball returned, but was
refused. He continued praying for it in a very piteous
manner, but to no purpose. At length, tired of ask-
ing, he placed himself before his majesty, and putting
his little hands to his sides, said, in a menacing tone,
"Do you choose, sire, to restore the ball, or not? "
The king laughed, took the ball from his pocket, and
gave it to the prince, saying, "Thou art a brave fellow:
Silesia will not be retaken whilst thou art alive. "
HENRY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER, SON OF
CHARLES THE FIRST.
FTER sentence had been pronounced upon
Charles the First, such of his family as remained
in England were allowed access to him. They
were only the Princess Elizabeth and Henry Duke
of Gloucester, the latter of whom was but seven years
of age: the princess, only a few years older, showed
an advanced judgment, and that the calamities of her
family had made a deep impression upon her.
The king first gave his blessing to the princess, and
begged her not to forget to tell her brother James,
whenever she should see him again, that the last will
of his father was, that he should not content himself
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER. 57
with considering Charles merely as his elder brother,
but that he should obey him as his sovereign: that
they should all love one another, and forgive the
enemies of their father. Then the king said to her,
"My dear love, shall you forget this? " "No," said
she, "I shall never forget it while I live;" and shed-
ding a torrent of tears, she promised him to commit
to writing the details of their interview.
Then the king, taking the Duke of Gloucester upon
his knee, said, "My dear child, they are going to cut
thy father's head off. " Upon this, the child looked
very steadfastly upon him. "Mark, dear, what I say:
They will cut off my head, and perhaps make thee a
king! But mark what I say; thou must not be a king,
as long as thy brothers Charles and James are alive.
They will cut off thy brothers' heads when they can
catch them: and thy head, too, they will cut off at last.
Therefore, I charge thee, do not be made a king by
them.
? EARLY DISCIPLINE.
33
his little arms, as far round as they would reach. When
awakened, he said, that he intended to have slept
there all night, in order to convince the Duke, his
father, that he was hardy enough to undergo the
fatigues of war.
CHILDHOOD OF THE GREAT HENRY THE
FOURTH OF FRANCE.
HE great Henry the Fourth of France passed
his childhood in the castle of Coarasse, in Beam, situated amidst rocks and mountains. Henry
D'Albret, his grandfather, would not have him brought
up with the delicacy usually practised with children
of high rank, knowing that in a soft and tender body,
there generally lodges a weak and timid soul. He
would not allow him to be richly clothed, nor useless
playthings given to him, nor would he have him flat-
tered, because all these things tend to inspire vanity,
and incline the hearts of children rather to pride, and
to trifling pleasures, than to sentiments of generosity
and useful occupation. This young prince was clothed
and fed like the children of the country, and like
them was accustomed to clamber up and down the
rocks, barefooted and bareheaded. It is said that his
ordinary food was brown bread, beef, cheese, and
garlic.
D
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 34
EARLY DISCIPLINE,
By these means, his good grandfather accustomed
him to fatigue, and rendered his body strong and
robust, qualities which were no doubt necessary to a
prince, who had to suffer much in reconquering his
dominions.
EARLY EDUCATION OF SESOSTRIS, KING OF
EGYPT,
MENOPHIS, King of Egypt, caused all the male
children in his kingdom, who were born on the
same day as his eldest son, Sesostris, to be brought
to his court. Here they were educated as if they had
been his own children, and with the same care that was
bestowed upon Sesostris, with whom they were brought
up. He could not possibly have provided for his son
more faithful ministers, nor officers who more zealously
desired the success of his arms. With the view of
making them great warriors, the chief part of their
education was the inuring them, from their infancy,
to a hard and laborious life, in order that they might
one day be capable of sustaining with ease the toils
of the field. They were never suffered to eat till they
had run, on foot or horseback, a considerable race.
Hunting was their most common exercise, but when
they were more advanced in years, the king sent them
against the Arabians, in order to acquire practical
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? EARLY DISCIPLINE.
35
military knowledge. Here the young prince learned
to bear hunger and thirst, and subdued a nation which,
till then, had never been conquered: the youths
educated with him, attended him in all his campaigns,
and upon his father's death, he became one of the
greatest conquerors that antiquity boasts.
CYRUS THE GREAT AND HIS GRANDFATHER.
YRUS, when about twelve years old, went with his
mother Mandane on a visit to his grandfather, the
King of the Medes. Astyages, being at table with
his daughter and with Cyrus, and being desirous to treat
the boy with all delight and pleasure, that he might the
less miss what he enjoyed at home, set before him seve-
ral dishes, with sauces and meats of all kinds; upon
which Cyrus is reported to have said, "What a deal of
business and trouble, grandfather, have you at your
meals, if you must reach out your hands to all these
several dishes, and taste of all these kinds of meats! "
"What, then," said Astyages, "do not you think this en-
tertainment much finer than what you have in Persia? "
Cyrus replied, "No, grandfather; with us we have a
much plainer and readier way to get satisfied than you
have; for plain bread and meat bring us to our end;
but you, in order to the same end, have a deal of busi-
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 36
EARLY DISCIPLINE.
ness upon your hands, and wandering up and down
through many mazes, you at last arrive where we have
long got before you. " To this Astyages answered,
"Well, child, if this be your opinion, eat heartily of
plain meats, that you may return young and healthy
home;" and at the same time he ordered to be pre-
sented to him various meats, both of the tame and
wild kinds. Cyrus, when he saw this variety of meats,
said, "And do you give me all these meats, grand-
father, to do with them as I think fit? " "Yes, truly,
I do," said Astyages; then Cyrus, taking the several
meats, distributed them around to the servants about
his grandfather, saying to one, " This for you, because
you take pains to teach me to ride: This for you, be-
cause you gave me a javelin, and I have it yet: This
for you, because you serve my grandfather well: This
for you, because you honour my mother:" and thus
he did till he had distributed all he had received.
Astyages then said, "And do you give nothing to this
Sacian, my cup-bearer, that I favour above all? " Cy-
rus answered, "For what reason is it, grandfather, that
you favour this Sacian so much? " Astyages replied
in a jesting way, "Do you not see how handsomely
and neatly he pours me my wine? " For these cup-
bearers to kings perform their business very cleverly;
they pour out their wine very neatly, and give the cup,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? EARLY DISCIPLINE.
37
bearing it along with three fingers, and present it in
such a manner as it may best be received by the person
who is to drink. "Grandfather," said Cyrus, "bid
the Sacian give me the cup, that, pouring you your
wine to drink, I may gain your favour if I can. " As-
tyages bids the Sacian give him the cup; and Cyrus,
taking it, is said to have washed the cup as he had ob-
served the Sacian to do; and settling his countenance
in a serious and decent manner, brought and presented
the cup to his grandfather in such a manner as afforded
much laughter to his grandfather and his mother.
Then Cyrus, laughing out, leaped up to Astyages, and
kissing him, cried out, " Oh, Sacian, you are undone;
I will turn you out of your office, for I can do the busi-
ness better than you. " Now these cup-bearers, when
they have given the cup, dip with a dish and take a
little out, which pouring into their left hand, they swal-
low; and this they do that in case they mix poison in
the cup, it may be of no advantage to themselves.
Therefore Astyages, in a jesting way, said, "And why,
Cyrus, since you have imitated the Sacian in every
thing else, did you not swallow some of the wine? "
"Because, truly," said he, "I was afraid there had been
poison mixed in the cup; for when you feasted your
friends upon your birthday, I plainly found that he
had poured you all poison. " "And how, child," said
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 38 EARLY DISCIPLINE.
he, "did you know this? " "Truly," said he," because
I saw you all disordered in body and mind; for, first,
what you do not allow us boys to do, that you did
yourselves, for you all bawled together, and could
learn nothing of each other: Then you fell to singing
very ridiculously; and without attending to the singer,
you swore he sung admirably; then every one telling
stories of his own strength, you rose up, and fell to
dancing; but without all rule or measure, for you could
not so much as keep yourselves upright. Then you all
entirely forgot yourselves; you, that you were king,
and they, that you were their governor. And then I
discovered for the first time that you were celebrating
a festival, where all were allowed to talk with equal
liberty; for you never ceased talking. " Astyages then
said, "Does your father, child, never drink till he gets
drunk? " "No, truly," said he. "What does he,
then? " "Why he quenches his thirst, and gets no
farther harm; for, as I take it, grandfather," says he,
"it is no Sacian that officiates as cup-bearer about
him. "
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DOCILITY.
"He made a blushing cital of himself,
And chid his truant youth with such a grace,
As if he master'd there a double spirit,
Of teaching, and of learning, instantly. "
Shakspeare.
OCILITY, or a willingness to be led by those
who are older and wiser than themselves, is a
quality in the young, very favourable to their
advancement in virtue; nor is there a greater proof of
superior sense, than a ready yielding of the inclinations
to the voice of Reason. A prompt obedience implies
a degree of Self-command, and is therefore peculiarly
graceful in young princes. Nor is any one fit to
command, who has not first learned to obey.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 40
DOCILITY.
LOUIS PHILIPPE, KING OF THE FRENCH.
E read in the Memoirs of Mad. de Genlis:
"When first I entered upon the education of
the princes, I found them very ignorant, and
the eldest of them, the Duke de Valois, then eight years
old, extremely wanting in application. I began by read-
ing history with them: M. the Duke de Valois stretched,
gaped, and I was greatly surprised to see him throw him-
self back upon a sofa, and put his feet up upon a table that
was before him. That we might at once understand each
other, I put him immediately into penance: he did not
resent it at all. He had by nature a degree of good sense,
that struck me from the first days of our acquaintance:
he loved rational conversation, as other children love
frivolous tales: as soon as good reasons were clearly
presented to him, he listened with interest: he became
warmly attached to me, because he always found me
consistent and reasonable. I had to cure him of many
ugly expressions and foolish habits. He was afraid
of dogs, and his former governor had had the absurd
attention, when they walked in the Bois de Boulogne,
to send on two footmen, to drive away all the dogs that
might be in their route. I found one single conversa-
tion sufficient to convince the young prince of the folly
and weakness of this prejudice: he listened to me
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DOCILITY.
41
attentively, kissed me, and begged me to give him a
dog, which I did: he conquered his dislike at once,
and from that day has never shown any aversion to
dogs. "
THE DAUPHIN, SON OF LOUIS THE
SIXTEENTH.
PON the first breaking out of the French Revolu-
tion, Marie Antoinette impressed upon the little
Dauphin, the necessity of treating with affability
the officers of the National Guard, and all the Parisians
who might approach him. The child took great pains
to please all such persons, and when he had had occa-
sion to reply obligingly to the Mayor, or to the mem-
bers of a Commune, he would go and whisper to the
Queen, "Was that well? "
YOUTH OF ALCIBIADES.
ANY persons of rank made their court to Alci-
biades, the Athenian, charmed and attracted by
his birth, riches, and beauty of person. Socrates
was the only one whose regards were fixed upon the
mind, and who bore witness to the youth's vritue
and ingenuousness: and fearing lest the pride of
riches and high rank, and the crowd of flatterers,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 42
DOCILITY.
should corrupt him, he used his best endeavours to
prevent it, and took care that so hopeful a plant
should not lose its fruit, and perish in the very flower.
From his childhood, Alcibiades was surrounded with
pleasures, and with a multitude of admirers, who were
determined to say nothing but what they thought
would please him, and who wished to keep him from
all admonition and reproof: yet by his native pene-
tration he distinguished the value of Socrates, and
attached himself to him: he perceived that he studied
to correct the errors of his heart, and to cure him
of his empty and foolish arrogance, and he learned
to despise himself, and to admire his friend, adoring
his wisdom, and revering his virtue. It surprised all
the world to see him constantly sup with Socrates,
take with him his exercises, and lodge in the same
tent with him; and though Socrates had many rivals,
yet he kept possession of the heart of Alcibiades,
by the excellence of his genius, and the pathetic turn
of his conversation, which often drew tears from his
young companion. And though sometimes he gave
Socrates the slip, and was drawn away by flatterers,
yet the philosopher took care to hunt out his fugitive,
and brought him away from the haunts of idleness
and dissipation.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
"The world's great master, and his own. "--Pope.
ELF-COMMAND is one of the most important
habits to be formed in every human being: it is
essential to all genuine virtue and real happiness;
but more especially should those learn to restrain
themselves, who hereafter shall be subject to little
restraint from others.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 44
SELF-CONTROL.
CHARLES THE TWELFTH OF SWEDEN.
HARLES the Twelfth of Sweden, when scarcely
seven years old, being at dinner with the queen,
his mother, and handing a bit of bread to his
favourite dog, the animal, snapping at it too eagerly,
bit his hand in a serious manner. The blood flowed
copiously; but the young hero, without crying, or
appearing to take any notice of what had happened,
merely wrapped his hand in his napkin. The queen
inquired why he did not eat, and he answered that he
was not hungry: at length, however, he grew pale
from the loss of blood, and an officer, who attended at
table, discovered the cause; but the prince would
sooner have died than have betrayed his dog.
PRINCE HENRY, SON OF HENRY THE
FOURTH.
URING the reign of Henry the Fourth, a riotous
companion of the Prince of Wales had been in-
dicted before the chief justice Gascoigne,for some
disorders, and the prince was not ashamed to appear at
the bar with the criminal, in order to give him counte-
nance and protection. Finding that his presence had not
overawed the chief justice, he proceeded to insult that
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
45
magistrate on his tribunal; but Gascoigne, mindful of
the character which he then bore, and the majesty of
the sovereign, and the laws which he sustained, ordered
the prince to be carried to prison for his rude behaviour.
The spectators were astonished and pleased when they
saw the heir to the crown submit peaceably to this
sentence, making reparation for his error by acknow-
ledging it, and checking his impetuous nature in the
midst of its extravagant career.
When this transaction was reported to the king,
who was an excellent judge of mankind, he exclaimed,
in words to the effect of those which Shakspeare
gives us:
"Happy am I, that have a man so bold,
That dares do justice on my proper son;
And no less happy, having such a son,
That would deliver up his greatness so
Into the hands of justice. "
SIR PHILIP SYDNEY.
S||||IR Philip Sydney, at the battle near Zutphen, dis-
Bplayed the most undaunted courage. He had two
horses killed under him; and whilst mounting a
third, was wounded by a musket-shot out of the trenches,
which broke the bone of his thigh. He returned about
a mile and a half, on horseback, to the camp; and, being
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 46
SELF-CONTROL.
faint with the loss of blood, and parched with thirst,
through the heat of the weather, he called for drink.
Some water was presently brought him; but as he was
putting the vessel to his mouth, a poor wounded soldier,
who happened to be carried by him at that instant,
looked up to it with wishful eyes. The gallant and
generous Sydney took the bottle from his mouth, just
when he was going to drink, and delivered it to the
soldier, saying, "Thy necessity is yet greater than
mine. "
ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
URING Alexander's long and laborious pursuit
after Darius, the army often suffered more for
want of water than by fatigue, and many of the
cavalry were unable to hold out. While they were
upon the march, some Macedonians had filled their
bottles at a river, and were bringing the water upon
mules. These people, seeing Alexander greatly dis-
tressed with thirst, for it was the heat of the day,
immediately filled a helmet with water, and presented
it to him. He asked them to whom they were
carrying it: they said, "To our sons: but if our prince
does but live, we shall get other children, if we lose
them. " Upon this, he took the helmet in his hands;
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
47
but looking round, and seeing all the horsemen bend-
ing their heads, and fixing their eyes upon the water,
he returned it without drinking. However, he thanked
the people that offered it, and said, "If I drink alone,
these good men will be dispirited. " The cavalry,
who were witnesses to this act of temperance and mag-
nanimity, cried out, "Let us march! We are neither
weary nor thirsty, nor shall we even think ourselves
mortal while under the conduct of such a king. " At
the same time they put spurs to their horses.
HEROIC ENDURANCE.
N one occasion, when Alexander the Great was
sacrificing to the gods, one of the noble youths
who waited upon him was so severely burned
by a piece of hot coal which fell upon his arm from
the censer he carried, that the smell of the scorched
flesh was sensible to all who stood by. Yet the boy
shrunk not, exhibited no symptom of pain, but kept
his arm immoveable, lest by shaking the censer he
should interrupt the sacrifice, or by his groaning, give
Alexander any disturbance.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 48
SELF-CONTROL.
THE TWIN SONS OF SABINUS.
||j|||ABINUS, a noble Gaul, headed a revolt of his
countrymen, in the time of Otho and Vitellius.
jffigUl Vespasian, as soon as he was made Emperor,
marched against him, and Sabinus, finding it impossible
to resist the great army that was approaching, set fire
to his house, and causing it to be reported that he had
perished in the flames, fled with his wife and his faith-
ful freedman, taking refuge, at length, in those vast
quarries of white marble, that still exist, at some little
distance from Rome.
Here the unfortunate but courageous Eponina gave
birth to twin sons: the one was named Fortis, from
his superior strength, the other Blandus, on account
of his gentleness of disposition. The faithful Martial
was the only purveyor to these illustrious fugitives: he
waited upon them, and watched over their safety with
indefatigable attention. Now and then he went by
night to Rome, to purchase provisions and other neces-
saries, returning by the least frequented roads.
But the greatest disquietudes that the unhappy pa-
rents experienced, were from the cries of the infants,
which resounded through these gloomy caverns: count-
less echoes repeated these sounds, and terrified the
anxious mother, lest they should guide occasional tra-
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? SELF-CONTROL.
49
vellers to their retreat. Before these innocent recluses,
however, were two years old, they learned to under-
stand the danger of their parents: they mastered their
little feelings, and in all the painful diseases to which
childhood is liable, they restrained themselves, and
suffered not a complaint to escape them. Little Blan-
dus having once been attacked with severe internal
pains, his sufferings were so intense, that he bent him-
self double upon his mother's knees! his body, now
burning with fever, was soon covered with a cold sweat:
yet still had the child the force to constrain himself:
he pressed his little hands upon his mouth, and thus
suppressed the complaints that his sufferings were
forcing from him. "Dear child," said his father, "do
not try to restrain yourself: it will relieve you to cry
out. " "Papa," said the child, "if I do, you and
mamma will be taken: I would rather die than make
a noise. "
For seven years this unfortunate family inhabited
their dismal dwelling, but at length they were disco-
vered, and, to the eternal disgrace of Vespasian, the
parents were executed: the twins, after languishing a
short time in prison, died, and were found stretched
side by side, in each other's arms.
E
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER,
"All thy virtue dictates, dare to do. "--Mason.
DECISION of character, or the power of adhering
firmly to the judgment formed upon calm and
conscientious deliberation, is a quality very im-
portant to the prince, and is quite opposed to obstinacy,
which implies a headstrong adherence to the will, with-
out reference to reason or principle. Fickleness and
irresolution, which seem to be little more than pardon-
able weaknesses in private persons, may, by their con-
sequences, prove in princes fatal errors.
History furnishes us with instances of very young
princes, who have shown this power of adhering to
what they believed right, and fitting the position in
which they found themselves.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:30 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER. 51
CHARLES THE TWELFTH OF SWEDEN.
HARLES the Twelfth of Sweden succeeded his
father, Charles the Eleventh, at the early age of
fifteen. Three powerful kings, presuming upon
his youth, threatened his dominions: Sweden was in
consternation at their preparations, and the privy coun-
cil of the king was alarmed: their great generals were
no more, and every thing was to be dreaded under a
young king, who, as yet, had given but bad impressions
of his abilities. When present at the council, he was
in the habit of sitting with his legs crossed, and his
feet upon the table before him: abstracted and indif-
ferent, he appeared to take interest in nothing that
passed.
The council was deliberating in his presence upon
the danger of the kingdom; some of the counsellors
proposed to divert the threatened tempest by negotia-
tions; on a sudden the young king rose, with the
gravity and confidence of a superior mind. "Gentlemen," said he, "I have determined never to carry on
an unjust war, but never to end a just one, except by
the destruction of my enemies. My resolution is taken;
I will march to attack the first power that declares
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 52 DECISION OF CHARACTER.
against me, and when I have conquered that, I hope
the others will respect me. "
These words astonished all these old counsellors:
they looked at each other without daring to reply.
At length, astonished to find what a king they had,
and ashamed to hope less than he did, they received
with admiration and alacrity his orders to prepare for
war.
HEN Charles the Twelfth of Sweden was quite
a child, he was one day amusing himself in his
father's apartment, in looking over some maps.
One was a plan of a town in Hungary, which had been
taken by the Turks from the Emperor, and under it
were written these words from the book of Job: "The
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be
the name of the Lord. " Another was a plan of Riga,
the capital of Livonia, conquered by the Swedes about
a century before. The young prince, having read the
words under the Hungarian town, took a pencil, and
wrote under the plan of Riga, "God gave it me, and
the devil shall not take it from me. " Thus in his very
childhood, his unconquerable spirit showed itself.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OP CHARACTER. 53
GUSTAVUS THE THIRD OF SWEDEN.
USTAVUS, the young king of Sweden, was fixed
upon by Catherine the Second, Empress of Rus-
sia, as a proper consort for her grand-daughter,
the grand-duchess Alexandrina. She was just fifteen,
but with a mind and person which had outgrown her
years; she was tall and well-formed, with noble and
regular features, a profusion of beautiful hair, and eyes
that beamed with intelligence and sensibility. Her
governess, Mademoiselle Willanof, had educated her
in retirement, and with the most devoted care and
affection; and in person, manners, and mind, Alex-
andrina was at this time one of the most lovely and
accomplished princesses in Europe.
The young king of Sweden was about eighteen; he
was well-looking and well-bred, with a fine martial
presence, and frank, captivating manners; the young
pair had been allowed to suppose that they were in-
tended for each other, and they soon became mutually
and strongly attached; proposals of marriage were for-
mally made; the treaty drawn up; the day of betroth-
ment fixed, and a splendid fete prepared for the occasion.
The morning arrived, and Catherine had assembled
all her family and court in her presence-chamber;
Alexandrina, adorned in bridal pomp, stood at her side:
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 54 DECISION OF CHARACTER.
all was in readiness; but the royal bridegroom appeared
not;--they waited--there was a chill and ominous
silence--the courtiers looked upon each other.
The articles of marriage had been carried to the
young king, for his signature. Perhaps Catherine
supposed that, in the hurry of the moment, he would
not pay particular attention to their tenor. She was
mistaken: the chancellor read them over quickly, as
if a mere matter of form; but the king, who listened,
became aware that certain articles were introduced,
which had not been previously agreed upon. By a
fundamental law of Sweden, the queen of that country
must profess the faith of the nation, and Alexandrina,
therefore, ought to have exchanged the Greek for the
Lutheran church. The Empress, not from principle,
but from pride and arbitrary power, was resolved that
her imperial grand-daughter should be made an
exception to this law; and had introduced into the
marriage treaty a clause to that purport. The king
expressed his disapprobation, and refused to sign the
contract. The ministers of Catherine, thunderstruck
by this resistance to the will of their despotic sove-
reign, under such circumstances, and on the part of a
mere boy, knew not what course to take; they nattered,
they implored him only to sign the paper, and leave
the matter to be arranged afterwards, promising that
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER. 55
his wishes should be acceded to in every thing. But
Gustavus was immoveable; and enraged at the at-
tempt to deceive him, he at length flung from them,
repeating, "Non---je ne veux pas! Je ne le puis pas!
Je ne signerai point! " and shut himself up in his own
apartment. It was some time before any one dared
to tell the Empress of this unexpected contretems: at
length, one of the courtiers approached, and whispered
it to her. She had sufficient power over herself to
utter a few words, dismissing her court, and then re-
tired to her cabinet. The King of Sweden returned
to his own country a few days after.
FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS NEPHEW.
REDERICK the Great was very fond of child-
ren, and his little nephews had free access to him.
The eldest, one day, playing at ball in the cabinet
where the king was writing, let the ball fall upon the
table; the king threw it upon the floor, and wrote on;
presently the ball again fell upon the table, and Frede-
rick threw it down once more, casting a serious look
upon the prince, who promised to be more careful.
But at last the ball fell upon the very paper upon
which the king was writing, and he, now rather angry,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 56 DECISION OF CHARACTER.
put it into his pocket. The little prince begged par-
don, and entreated to have his ball returned, but was
refused. He continued praying for it in a very piteous
manner, but to no purpose. At length, tired of ask-
ing, he placed himself before his majesty, and putting
his little hands to his sides, said, in a menacing tone,
"Do you choose, sire, to restore the ball, or not? "
The king laughed, took the ball from his pocket, and
gave it to the prince, saying, "Thou art a brave fellow:
Silesia will not be retaken whilst thou art alive. "
HENRY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER, SON OF
CHARLES THE FIRST.
FTER sentence had been pronounced upon
Charles the First, such of his family as remained
in England were allowed access to him. They
were only the Princess Elizabeth and Henry Duke
of Gloucester, the latter of whom was but seven years
of age: the princess, only a few years older, showed
an advanced judgment, and that the calamities of her
family had made a deep impression upon her.
The king first gave his blessing to the princess, and
begged her not to forget to tell her brother James,
whenever she should see him again, that the last will
of his father was, that he should not content himself
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:31 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. hn5cz5 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? DECISION OF CHARACTER. 57
with considering Charles merely as his elder brother,
but that he should obey him as his sovereign: that
they should all love one another, and forgive the
enemies of their father. Then the king said to her,
"My dear love, shall you forget this? " "No," said
she, "I shall never forget it while I live;" and shed-
ding a torrent of tears, she promised him to commit
to writing the details of their interview.
Then the king, taking the Duke of Gloucester upon
his knee, said, "My dear child, they are going to cut
thy father's head off. " Upon this, the child looked
very steadfastly upon him. "Mark, dear, what I say:
They will cut off my head, and perhaps make thee a
king! But mark what I say; thou must not be a king,
as long as thy brothers Charles and James are alive.
They will cut off thy brothers' heads when they can
catch them: and thy head, too, they will cut off at last.
Therefore, I charge thee, do not be made a king by
them.
