Lay before the lady a
complete case: describe your man, then I'll describe MINE, and
Miss Flora shall decide.'
'I think I see your meaning,' said he, 'and I'll try. You think
that pity--and the kindred sentiments--have the greatest power upon
the heart. I think more nobly of women. To my view, the man they
love will first of all command their respect; he will be steadfast-
-proud, if you please; dry, possibly--but of all things steadfast.
They will look at him in doubt; at last they will see that stern
face which he presents to all the rest of the world soften to them
alone. First, trust, I say. It is so that a woman loves who is
worthy of heroes.'
'Your man is very ambitious, sir,' said I, 'and very much of a
hero! Mine is a humbler, and, I would fain think, a more human
dog. He is one with no particular trust in himself, with no
superior steadfastness to be admired for, who sees a lady's face,
who hears her voice, and, without any phrase about the matter,
falls in love. What does he ask for, then, but pity?--pity for his
weakness, pity for his love, which is his life. You would make
women always the inferiors, gaping up at your imaginary lover; he,
like a marble statue, with his nose in the air! But God has been
wiser than you; and the most steadfast of your heroes may prove
human, after all.
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