Enough for most of them to be good and honourable citizens.

But in your case it is different.

I see in you the earnest and meditative, not rash and overweening youth, which is usually productive of a distinguished manhood.

Your mind is not yet settled, it is true; but it is fast becoming clear and mellow from the first ferment of boyish dreams and passions.

You have everything in your favour,--competence, birth, connections; and, above all, you are an Englishman! You have a mighty stage, on which, it is true, you cannot establish a footing without merit and without labour--so much the better; in which strong and resolute rivals will urge you on to emulation, and then competition will task your keenest powers.