Ernest Maltravers — Volume 09 by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron, 1803-1873

Here ends the First Portion of this work: it ends in the view that bounds us when we look on the practical world with the outward unspiritual eye--and see life that dissatisfies justice,--for life is so seen but in fragments. The influence of fate seems so small on the man who, in erring, but errs as the egotist, and shapes out of ill some use that can profit himself. But Fate hangs a shadow so vast on the heart that errs but in venturing and knows only in others the sources of sorrow and joy.

Go alone, O Maltravers, unfriendly, remote--thy present a waste, and thy past life a ruin, go forth to the future!--Go, Ferrers, light cynic--with the crowd take thy way,--complacent, elated,--no cloud upon conscience, for thou seest but sunshine on fortune.--Go forth to the future!

Human life is compared to the circle.--Is the simile just? All lines that are drawn from the centre to touch the circumference, by the law of the circle, are equal. But the lines that are drawn from the heart of the man to the verge of his destiny--do they equal each other?--Alas! some seem so brief, and some lengthen on as for ever.

THE END