Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/189

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
187

pallid, and dejected, Rosilia began gradually to revive from that afflicting malady, as also from that melancholy which had given birth to it. Her recovery was slow, and she still was subject to occasional relapses; but as her bodily health more visibly improved, her mind also became subject to a total revolution, to which succeeded a gentle calm, a placid, heavenly composure of soul, such as we can only compare to that which happy spirits feel, when in mutual association and conjunction with the blessed inhabitants of another world. Her past tumultuous feelings, like nocturnal vapours chased by the rising day, were wholly dissipated; her renewed health disposed her to be pleased with all objects around her.

The most lively of her feelings were affection and gratitude for the care and consolation chiefly bestowed by her sister during the most miserable moments of her existence. Her tears flowed at the recollection; but, like the refreshing dew of heaven, brought sweet balm to her soul; her frame had surrendered, but her mind had triumphed! Her unhappy weakness was at length subdued! No longer bound by the magic of an overwhelming fancy, she resigned herself to that destiny she could not alter. Rarely is that joy and peace surpassed