CHAPTER XVI.
Virtue shares the sigh,
By straining up the steep of excellence,
By battles fought, and from temptations won."
Young.
Calcutta being the final destination of the regiment, after remaining a short time at Madras, the passengers were again summoned to embark.
When arrived at Calcutta, Douglas found himself again an inhabitant of that country which he had quitted on leave of absence, solicited by him chiefly for the purpose of affording himself an opportunity of returning with a partner. Frustrated, however, in his views, nothing remained for him, as he supposed, but to continue his journey through life single; not, however, as formerly, to waste his time in luxurious indulgences, but to use it in a manner the most productive of advantage. "Here," said he to himself, in the words of the poet,
"Here let me learn the use of life,
When best enjoy'd—when most improved."
To afford diversity to his leisure hours, he was
