126 THE SHIPWRECK,

sons were too salutary to be consigned to oblivion. Like too
many youths of noble parentage, I was early accustomed
to the honeyed words of flattery ; whilst the plain and sa-
lutary language of truth and justice seldom entered my
ears. I soon forgot the obligations which every one owes
to his fellow creatures; and, abandoning the reins to the
mad impetuosity of my folly, without shame or remorse I
outraged and insulted a young man, merely because he
would not stoop to humour all my whims and caprices.
It is you, Merville, who have opened my eyes to my errors:
henceforth my sole study shall be to correct them, con-
vinced, as I now am, of the folly of regarding mere titles
and riches as sufficient claims to the esteem and conside-
ration of my fellow beings.”