Pagina 278 di 1118

There are moments in which the mind, particularly of the young,

is so disposed, that a little importunity suffices to obtain from

it any thing that has the appearance of virtuous sacrifice; as a

flower scarcely budded abandons itself on its fragile stem, ready

to yield its sweets to the first breeze which plays around it.

These moments, which ought to be regarded by others with timid

respect, are exactly those of which interested cunning makes use,

to insnare the unguarded will.