146 PERSEVERANCE.

friend, beginning at one bar, then trying at
two, three, four, and finally at five, if you
think it seriously worth your while, and
know your horse.

Perhaps you are learning to swim. Peo-
ple about you are jumping off from high
places; or diving, head first, with their legs
straight and feet close together. You would
give the world to be able to do it. But you
are surrounded by injudicious friends. “Try,
try, you can do it!” they say.

Not for your life: if, you are self-distrust-
ful, you will be sure to fall flat, or to turn
over, as you dive, and pretty sure to be dis-
couraged, or stopped for ever in your pro-
gress. What, then, should youdo? Begin
moderately: go where you know you are
safe. Do what you know you can do, for
that you will do boldly, and that will give
you confidence. One thing at.a time, and
but one. Begin as a little child: be teach-
able and patient. And mark me, if you are
faithful to yourself, you may be sure of
outstripping the over-confident in the long
run.

Do you know that Curran, the great orator,