Here, surely, is a strong man. I love strength, but
let me not forget the example of its union with modesty,
tenderness, and sweetness, in the character of Faraday."
Even the gentlest natures are powerful to influence the character
of others for good. Thus Wordsworth seems to have been especially
impressed by the character of his sister Dorothy, who exercised
upon his mind and heart a lasting influence. He describes her as
the blessing of his boyhood as well as of his manhood. Though two
years younger than himself, her tenderness and sweetness
contributed greatly to mould his nature, and open his mind to the
influences of poetry:
"She gave me eyes, she gave me ears,
And humble cares, and delicate fears;
A heart, the fountain of sweet tears,
And love and thought and joy."
Thus the gentlest natures are enabled, by the power of affection
and intelligence, to mould the characters of men destined to
influence and elevate their race through all time.
Sir William Napier attributed the early direction of his
character, first to the impress made upon it by his mother, when a
boy; and afterwards to the noble example of his commander, Sir
John Moore, when a man. Moore early detected the qualities of the
young officer; and he was one of those to whom the General
addressed the encouragement, "Well done, my majors!" at Corunna.
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