Page:Life and Adventures of William Buckley.djvu/201

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178
LIFE OF BUCKLEY.

knit together in a strict and sacred bond, by virtue of which, they held themselves bound to take care of the good of each other, and of the whole. That it was not with them as with other men, whom small things could discourage, or small discontents cause to wish themselves home again."

But again, Victoria is commencing a new era, of her moral, social, and political existence. The unexplored land, over which Buckley, the hero of this Narrative wandered, is now an acknowledged Province, a distinct portion of the mighty British Empire. No longer a child in the hand of its elder sister, she has been declared able to walk independently of aid,—to think,—to act,—to decide on what is most consistent with her own interests and happiness. Arrived at years of maturity, her fortune, her resources, at length are her's, and it will be her fault only, should she not secure, and apply them, as best becomes her power, and her station.

But we must not wander farther into the field of her present and future prosperity, in a Narrative of this description,—neither is it necessary, for

"The land has peace, freedom, liberty of conscience,
and what would ye more?