Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 223
vile blows and buffets of the world, are calculated to
corrode the purest affections of the heart, and drive
the noblest minds to desperation. But forget not you
are a young man, and may yet make friends, and see
many happy days. A reformation of life, which certainly
at your age is not impossible, would directly
draw around you a circle of friends, and no doubt,
enable you to regain those you have lost."
"But bound as I am, by the force of habit, and
accustomed to seek relief from ennui, in the intoxicat-
~
ing cup, it hardly seems possible for me now to e ct
a reformation. When I take one dram, I want
another-and then still worse, I want another; and 80
it is, I've no control of myself any more, and yield
without resistance to every temptation."
"The only safe ground, Mr. Seamore, is total abstinence;
there is no security so long as we allow ourselvesto
touch alcoholic beverages; we must not tamper
with the serpent, nor go where it is; to be out of
gunshot of temptation, we must keep it clear out
of sight."
"But how shall I ~ it presents itself on the corners,
along the streets, upon the highways, and everywhere
it awaits to seduce and ensnare the unwary."
" True, there, I know, from unhappy experience, the
chief difficulty and great danger lies. Alas, that law
should protect and uphold the evil-and alas, that the
public coffersshould be replenished by granting license
to men, to engage in a calling so iniquitous, and so