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254
MARIA FELICIA

rights as men, and in that way to become the strongest pillars of our country.’”

Andrew embraced the harper, and the rest warmly pressed his hand. Said the old man:

“It is not necessary for me to tell you that your advice is accepted; you see it in our pleased faces. When the time comes for action you will notify and advise us further. Andrew has said that you want to live among us and support yourself with work. Our Union shall be your home, and to ennoble its spirit, your work. I name you Brother-Assistant; you have the gift of speech; hearts will easily and gladly yield to your words. Your task will be to travel from one settlement to another, to strengthen the hopeless, to soothe the impatient, and to spread your ideas; in that way you will prepare our people for the task awaiting them, to demand justice for themselves. I believe I met you in the woods a short time ago, with a harp on your shoulder. Make it again your companion. Hearts not susceptible to earnest words will unconsciously open before the sweet sounds