Sir Roland Ashton; A Tale of the Times (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847. Excerpt: ... the source of love--with the delightful conviction, that none could love there in vain; and that the craving heart finds there alone, that which can never disappoint. CHAPTER XXVIII. "There are sufferings, sufferings to the death, which are not bitter, which possess their own great, their marvellous enjoyment." F. Bremer. "And who can stay the soaring might Of spirits weaned from earthly joys V--Keble. "He has not suffered you to walk smoothly down the stream of time; but by large and rough billows has dashed you on the promises."--Lady Ravenscourt's Letters. It has often been said that the lot of human beings is more equal in point of happiness than would at first appear to the mere outward observers, and perhaps as a general rule it is true. Those who are most capable of enjoying the happiness of life, are usually also most alive to its griefs; while the apathetic, if they miss the sorrows of the more sensitive, lose their raptures too. The apparently tranquil lot of some is vexed by a thousand small, joy-cankering cares, which effectually eat out the heart of enjoyment, though they leave the outward form untouched; while others, who seem overwhelmed with affliction, find that one great trial which, like Aaron's rod, swallows up all the rest, --making them too light to be felt, is in fact easier to bear than the slighter sorrows of happier days. No one looking at the inmates of Llanaven, at the time of which we are now speaking, would probably have hesitated in pronouncing Henry Ashton far happier than his brother. Though still suffering, yet the worst of even his bodily pain was over, and he had the delightful hope of recovering to the possession of all he most coveted on earth. His mind was relieved from the trying grief which had so long oppressed it, ...