'He who the lion's whelp has nurst,
At home with fostering hand,
Finds it a gentle thing at first,
Obedient to command,'


'Do you think him a lion's whelp?'

'I am afraid I saw the lion just now in his flashing eyes and
contracted brow. There is an impatience of advice, a vehemence of
manner that I can hardly deem satisfactory. I do not speak from
prejudice, for I think highly of his candour, warmth of heart, and
desire to do right; but from all I have seen, I should not venture as
yet to place much dependence on his steadiness of character or command
of temper.'

'He seems to have been very fond of his grandfather, in spite of his
severity. He is but just beginning to brighten up a little.'

'Yes; his disposition is very affectionate,--almost a misfortune to one
so isolated from family ties. He showed remarkably well at Redclyffe,
the other day; boyish of course, and without much self-command, but
very amiably. It is very well for him that he is removed from thence,
for all the people idolize him to such a degree that they could not
fail to spoil him.'

'It would be a great pity if he went wrong.'