The Water-Witch or, the Skimmer of the Seas by James Fenimore Cooper
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page 16 of 541 (02%)
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"Is it too late to arrest the evil? It is time Anne had been undeceived, and her mind regained. There wanteth nothing to such a consummation of justice, Sir, but opportunity. It touches me to the heart, to think that this disgrace should befall one so near the royal blood! 'Tis a spot on the escutcheon of the crown, that all loyal subjects must feel desirous to efface, and so small an effort would effect the object, too, with certain--Mr. Alderman Myndert Van Beverout----?" "My Lord, late Governor," returned the other, observing that his companion hesitated. "What think you of this Hanoverian settlement?--Shall a German wear the crown of a Plantagenet?" "It hath been worn by a Hollander." "Aptly answered! Worn, and worn worthily! There is affinity between the people, and there is reason in that reply. How have I failed in wisdom, in not seeking earlier the aid of thy advice, excellent Sir! Ah, Myndert, there is a blessing on the enterprises of all who come of the Low Countries!" "They are industrious to earn, and slow to squander." "That expenditure is the ruin of many a worthy subject! And yet accident--chance--fortune--or whatever you may choose to call it, interferes nefariously, at times, with a gentleman's prosperity. I am an adorer of constancy in friendship, Sir, and hold the principle that men should aid each other through this dark vale of life--Mr. Alderman Van |
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