But support that woman, nor let her fall.

Not to leave me one!'-- 'Alas! my husband,' said my wife, 'you seem to want comfort even more than I.Our distresses are great; but I could bear this and more, if I saw you but easy.

They may take away my children and all the world, if they leave me but you.' My Son, who was present, endeavoured to moderate our grief; he bade us take comfort, for he hoped that we might still have reason to be thankful.--'My child,' cried I, 'look round the world, and see if there be any happiness left me now.

Is not every ray of comfort shut out; while all our bright prospects only lie beyond the grave!'-- 'My dear father,' returned he, 'I hope there is still something that will give you an interval of satisfaction; for I have a letter from my brother George'-- 'What of him, child,' interrupted I, 'does he know our misery.
I hope my boy is exempt from any part of what his wretched family suffers ?'--'Yes, sir,' returned he, 'he is perfectly gay, chearful, and happy.

His letter brings nothing but good news; he is the favourite of his colonel, who promises to procure him the very next lieutenancy that becomes vacant!' 'And are you sure of all this,' cried my wife, 'are you sure that nothing ill has befallen my boy ?'--'Nothing indeed, madam,' returned my son, 'you shall see the letter, which will give you the highest pleasure; and if any thing can procure you comfort, I am sure that will.' 'But are you sure,' still repeated she, 'that the letter is from himself, and that he is really so happy ?'--'Yes, Madam,' replied he, 'it is certainly his, and he will one day be the credit and the support of our family!'-- 'Then I thank providence,' cried she, 'that my last letter to him has miscarried.' 'Yes, my dear,' continued she, turning to me, 'I will now confess that though the hand of heaven is sore upon us in other instances, it has been favourable here.