The Village Uncle (From "Twice Told Tales"‪)‬

This book story written about the Parker uncle his to the whole village, by right of seniority, but of Southern blood, with no kindred in New England. Shall it be, that, since fancy can create so bright a dream of happiness, it was better to dream on from youth to age, than to awake and strive doubtfully for something real! O, the slight tissue of a dream can no more preserve us from the stern reality of misfortune, than a robe of cobweb could repel the wintry blast. Be this the moral, then. In chaste and warm affections, humble wishes, and honest toil for some useful end, there is health for the mind, and quiet for the heart, the prospect of a happy life, and the fairest hope of heaven.