"What thing thou doest, bravely do;
When Heaven's clear call hath found thee"
"All thoughts, all passions, all delights
Whatever stirs this mortal frame,
All are but ministers of Love,
And feed his sacred flame."
It was an exquisite evening toward the end of May; with a purple sunset
brightening the seaward stretches, and the gathering herring fleet slowly
drifting in the placid harbor. They walked silently toward a little rocky
promontory, and there sat down. Allan's face was turned full toward his
companion.
"David," he said, "I have lived with you ten weeks; slept under your roof,
and eaten of your bread. I want you to remember how many happy hours we
have spent together. At your fireside, where I have read aloud, and Maggie
and you have listened--"
"Ay, sir. We hae had some fine company there. Poets, preachers, great
thinkers and warkers o' all kinds. I'll ne'er forget thae hours."
"Happy hours also, David, when we have drifted together through starlight
and moonlight, on the calm sea; and happy hours when we have made harbor
together in the very teeth of death. I owe to you, David, some of the
purest, healthiest and best moments of my life. I like to owe them to you.
I don't mind the obligation at all. But I would be glad to show you that I
am grateful. Let me pay your university fees. Borrow them of me. I am a
rich man. I waste upon trifles and foolishness every year more than
enough. You can give me this great honor and pleasure, David; don't let
any false pride stand between us." He laid his hand upon David's hand, and
looked steadily in his face for the answer.
"God, dootless, put the thocht in your heart. I gie Him and you thanks for
it. And I'll be glad o' your help. Dr. Balmuto spake o' a year in the
boats; when it is gane I'll tak' your offer, sir."
"You must not wait a year, David. You must try and be ready to go to
Aberdeen, or Edinburgh, or Glasgow in the autumn. What do you think of
Glasgow? The dear gray old college in the High Street! I went there
myself, David, and I have many friends among its professors."
"I'd like Glasca',--fine."
"Then it shall be Glasgow; and I will see Dr. Balmuto. He will not oppose
your going, I am sure."
"Aboot Maggie, sir? I couldna seek my ain pleasure or profit at her loss.
She doesna tak', like other lasses do, to the thocht o' marriage; and I
canna bear to say a cross word to her. She is a' I have."
"There must be some way of arranging that matter. Tell Maggie what I have
said, and talk affairs over with her. She will be sure to find out a way."