Barry's parents were not long in coming to their son, nor long in learning the real state both of his mind and body. It is the happiest time to die when a parent's tender care is round you. Then the agony of suffering is greatly relieved, and the heart can open its most inward thoughts. It turns, with such filial respect and thankfulness, towards those whom it does not like to grieve, but who are always the most quick-sighted to see our wants and to relieve our distresses. So gentle is a mother's love--so delicate, so soothing, so healing to the youthful mind, that nature almost decays with pleasure before her soft attentions. Nor is a father's manliness and feeling less sensibly experienced at such a time. He may not have a woman's gentleness, but he has a firmness and a quietness of action which are seldom seen at other times, and which make a sick room seem more calm and sufferable. He has quite as deep feeling, though it is more subdued. Who that ever has been ill in his youth, and has seen the kindness of parental love, but has thought that he never could die happier than when his fond parents were near him? So thought young Barry when his parents were by his side; and not only thought so, but plainly told them that he wished to die. "I hope not yet, my boy," said his father. "The young sapling may get a blight, but it soon recovers, and springs up vigorously; but the old trees naturally decay. I hope to go first, my boy." "Yes, father, such may be your hope and natural expectation; but Heaven avert it! You have others to live for; may I never live to see your death!" "Come, John, do not give way to such feelings. You know not yet what the good God may have in store for you." "He has, indeed, been good to me, father, and has left me nothing more to wish for in this world." "Perhaps not for your own benefit, John; but we are not always to die just when we wish it. Neither are we to live merely for ourselves. We are called upon to live for others; and more may be expected of us on this account than upon our own. We are not to be such selfish beings as to think, 'The wind blows only for our own mill.'" "I meant not to find fault, father; but I am disappointed, and feel therefore useless." "I know your disappointment, boy; but I would not have you take it so to heart as to let it prey upon your spirits. There are others far better and more worthy of you, who may esteem you, John, for your good conduct and character; and one of such may make you an excellent companion for life." "Father, I know I am not so wise as you are. I have not your experience; yet this I feel and say, that I hope you will never find fault with that poor girl." "I will not, John, in your presence; but how can a father help feeling hurt and angry with a girl who prefers a smuggler to an honest man?"