But athwart this river
is a viaduct, called 'The turn of Life,' which, if crossed in safety,
leads to the valley, 'Old Age.' The bridge is constructed of fragile
materials, and it depends upon how it is trodden whether it bend or
break. Gout, apoplexy, and other bad characters are also in the
vicinity to waylay the traveller, and thrust him from the pass; but
let him gird up his loins, and provide himself with a fitting staff,
and he may trudge on in safety with perfect composure. To quit a
metaphor, the 'Turn of Life' is a turn either into a prolonged walk or
into the grave. The system and power having reached their utmost
expansion, now begin either to close like flowers at sunset, or break
down at once. One injudicious stimulant--a single fatal excitement,
may force it beyond its strength--whilst a careful supply of props,
and the withdrawal of all that tends to force a plant, will sustain it
in beauty and in vigour until night has entirely set.--_The Science of
Life, by a Physician_.
NERVE.
An Indian sword-player declared at a great public festival, that he
could cleave, vertically, a small lime laid on a man's palm without
injury to the member; and the general (Sir Charles Napier) extended
his right hand for the trial.
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