March 10, 2008 · 12:02 pm

Learning to brook being happier than I deserve

Can’t resist posting one more from Persuasion today:

“‘It is a sort of pain, too, which is new to me. I have been used to the gratification of believing myself to earn every blessing that I enjoyed. I have valued myself on honourable toils and just rewards. Like other great men under reverses,’ he added with a smile, ‘I must endeavor to subdue my mind to my fortune. I must learn to brook being happier than I deserve.'”

Captain Wentworth, during the card party at the Elliots, after he learns that Anne would have accepted him had he come back to her much sooner
Persuasion, volume 2, chapter 11

I love the hint of grace here.

4 Comments

Filed under Anne Elliot, Capt. Wentworth, Contentment (or not), Grace, Happiness, Persuasion

4 Responses to Learning to brook being happier than I deserve

  1. bonnie Buckingham
    March 10, 2008 at 8:12 pm

    Good quote that makes me think!
    Need to look up “to brook” ~~ never
    heard that as a verb!
    Bonnie

  2. bonnie Buckingham
    March 10, 2008 at 8:13 pm

    Good quote that makes me think!
    Need to look up “to brook” ~~ never
    heard that as a verb!
    Bonnie

  3. Georgetta
    March 20, 2008 at 12:31 am

    Oooooh, that is one of my favorite scenes in all of Austen’s books! Gotta love that Captain Wentworth!

  4. Georgetta
    March 20, 2008 at 12:31 am

    Oooooh, that is one of my favorite scenes in all of Austen’s books! Gotta love that Captain Wentworth!