only the smallest arc — of a circle so large that it was lost in the clouds of another world.
This apology reminds me of a little speech once made
to her, at his own house, by Dr. Channing, who held her
in the highest regard: “Miss Fuller, when I consider
that you are and have all that Miss —— has so long
wished for, and that you scorn her, and that she still
admires you, — I think her place in heaven will be very
high.”
But qualities of this kind can only be truly described by the impression they make on the bystander; and it is certain that her friends excused in her, because she had a right to it, a tone which they would have reckoned intolerable in any other. Many years since, one of her earliest and fastest friends quoted Spenser’s sonnet as accurately descriptive of Margaret: —
“Rudely thou wrongest my dear heart’s desire,
“ In finding fault with her too portly pride;
“The thing which I do most in her admire
“ Is of the world unworthy most envied.
“For, in those lofty looks is close implied
“ Scorn of base things, disdain of foul dishonor,
“Threatening rash eyes which gaze on her so wide
“ That loosely they ne dare to look upon her:
“Such pride is praise, such portliness is honor,
“ That boldened innocence bears in her eyes;
“And her fair countenance, like a goodly banner,
“ Spreads in defiance of all enemies.
“Was never in this world aught worthy tried,
“ Without a spark of some self-pleasing pride.”
BOOKS.
She had been early remarked for her sense and sprightliness, and for her skill in school exercises. Now she