II.
_First Ambition._
I believe that sooner or later there come to every man dreams of
ambition. They may be covered with the sloth of habit, or with the
pretence of humility; they may come only in dim, shadowy visions, that
feed the eye like the glories of an ocean sunrise; but you may be sure
that they will come: even before one is aware, the bold, adventurous
goddess, whose name is Ambition, and whose dower is Fame, will be toying
with the feeble heart. And she pushes her ventures with a bold hand; she
makes timidity strong, and weakness valiant.
The way of a man's heart will be foreshadowed by what goodness lies in
him,--coming from above, and from around;--but a way foreshadowed is not
a way made. And the making of a man's way comes only from that
quickening of resolve which we call Ambition. It is the spur that makes
man struggle with Destiny: it is Heaven's own incentive, to make Purpose
great, and Achievement greater.
It would be strange if you, in that cloister life of a college, did not
sometimes feel a dawning of new resolves. They grapple you indeed
oftener than you dare to speak of. Here you dream first of that very
sweet, but very shadowy success called Reputation.
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