The Children of the Abbey - A Tale #231572

When insulted by malice, or oppressed by cruelty, the heart can assume a stern fortitude foreign to its nature; but this seeming, apathy vanishes at the voice of kindness, as the rigid frost of winter melts before the gentle influence of the sun; and tears, gushing tears of gratitude and sensibility express its yielding feelings. Sacred are such tears; they flow from the sweet source of social affection; the good alone can shed them.