The Adventures of David Simple (1904)/Chapter 39
CHAPTER IX
containing two weddings, and consequently the conclusion of the book
The next morning, as soon as Camilla rose, she went into Cynthia's chamber, where they mutually congratulated each other on the happiness they had now so near a prospect of enjoying for the rest of their lives (after all the scenes of misery they had gone through) in being for ever joined to the only men they could really like or esteem. Camilla with a smile related to her friend what pain she had suffered from an apprehension of David's former kindness for Cynthia; who, according to her usual obliging manner, replied that David, indeed, did her the honour of his esteem; and she believed the condition in which he first found her raised compassion enough in a heart like his to make him imagine he loved her. "But," continued she, "with joy I perceive that you, my Camilla, whom for the future I am to have the pleasure of calling sister, are the only person who could truly touch his heart." Camilla blushed, and felt at that moment (if possible) more tenderness for Cynthia than ever. But before she had time to make any answer, a message was brought from her father that he desired them both to walk into another apartment, where David, Valentine, and the clergyman waited for them. From thence they proceeded to the church, where the ceremony was performed. To attempt to describe David's and Valentine's raptures is utterly impossible; Camilla and Cynthia, without reluctance, gave their hands where their hearts were already united with so much sincerity.
The old gentleman wept for joy that all Livia's deceit and cunning, and his own extravagant passion for her, could not prevent his enjoying the excessive happiness of thus blessing his children, and having such a prospect of their prosperity. And the clergyman's real goodness made him partake of all their pleasures.
Perhaps it may be here expected I should give some description of the persons of my favourite characters; but as the writers of novels and romances have already exhausted all the beauties of nature to adorn their heroes and heroines, I shall leave it to my reader's imagination to form them just as they like best. It is their minds I have taken most pains to bring them acquainted with, and from that acquaintance it will be easy to judge what scheme of life was followed by this whole company.
David's travels were now at an end; and he thought himself overpaid, in Camilla's goodness, for all his troubles and disappointments. On the other side, her happiness was complete in having it in her power to give David pleasure; in seeing her brother, instead of the miserable condition he was once in, now in the possession of all he desired; in having her friend for her companion, and in her father's returning and growing fondness.
Valentine and Cynthia had not a wish beyond what they enjoyed; and the father had all the comfort his age would admit of, in the dutiful and affectionate behaviour of all his children towards him.
Every little incident in life was fumed into some delicate pleasure to the whole company, by each of them endeavouring to make everything contribute to the happiness of the others. The very infirmities which it is impossible for human nature to escape, such as pain, sickness, etc., were by their contrivance not only made supportable, but fully compensated in the fresh opportunities they gave each individual of testifying their tenderness and care for the whole. In short, it is impossible for the most lively imagination to form an idea more pleasing than what this little society enjoyed in the true proofs of each other's love; and, as strong a picture as this is of real happiness, it is in the power of every community to attain it, if every member of it would perform the part allotted him by nature or his station in life, with a sincere regard to the interest and pleasure of the whole. Let every man, instead of bursting with rage and envy at the advantages of nature or station another has over him, extend his views far enough to consider thet, if he acts his part well, he deserves as much applause and is as useful a member of society as any other man whatever; for in every machine the smallest parts conduce as much to the keeping it together, and to regulate its motions, as the greatest. That the stage is a picture of life has been observed by almost everybody, especially since Shakespeare's time; and nothing can make the metaphor more strong than the observing any theatrical performance spoiled by the great desire each performer shows of playing the top part. In the animal and vegetable world there would be full as much confusion as there is in human life, war not everything kept in its proper place—
Where order in variety we see.
And where, though all things differ, all agree.
The lowly hedge and humble shrub contribute to the varying, and consequently beautifying, the prospect, as well as the stately oak and lofty pine. Were all mankind contented to exert their own faculties for the common good, neither envying those who in any respect have a superiority over them, nor despising such as they think their inferiors, real happiness would be attainable, notwithstanding all that has been said on that subject; and the various humours and the different understandings with which human nature is supplied, would, instead of discord, produce such a harmony as would infallibly make the whole species happy.
If every man who is possessed of a greater share of wit than is common, instead of insulting and satirizing others, would make use of his talents for the advantage and pleasure of the society to which he happens more particularly to belong; and they, instead of hating him for his superior parts, would, in return for the entertainment he affords them, exert all the abilities nature has given them for his use in common with themselves; what happiness would mankind enjoy, and who could complain of being miserable ? It was this care, tenderness, and benevolence to each other which made David and his amiable company happy; who, quite contrary to the rest of the world, for every trifling frailty blamed themselves, whilst it was the business of all the rest to lessen instead of aggravating their faults. In short, it is this tenderness and benevolence which alone can give any real pleasure, and which I most sincerely wish to all my readers.
FINIS
Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works. Frome, and London.