But the trial hour was not yet to come.

It was easy to resolve, but not so easy to act.

I expected there might be some drawing back, at the last.

It was natural that there should be; therefore, during the intervening time, I lost no opportunity to explain away difficulties, to remove doubts, to dispel fears, and to inspire all with firmness.

It was too late to look back; and _now_ was the time to go forward.