( 177 ) 
HE narcissus is now adopted as an emblem of 
Egotism. 
which is the acting out of self- conceit, or self- importance, in words and 
exterior conduct. 
“Brazen helm of Daffodillies, 
With a glitter toward the light.” 
— E. B. Browning. 
The egotist is a man who makes himself the darling theme of contem¬ 
plation. 
He admires and loves himself to that degree that he can talk of noth¬ 
ing else. He doffs his hat when he speaks of himself ! 
He is eager, also, to catch the notice of others, while he ought to pon¬ 
der well and practise what the enlightened author of “The Following of 
Christ” says: 
“Glory not in riches if thou hast them; nor in friends because they 
are powerful; but in God ivho gives all things, and desires to give Himself 
above all things. 
Boast not of thy stature, nor beauty of the body, which is spoiled and 
disfigured by a little sickness. 
Ho not take a pride in thy talents or thy wit, lest thou displease God, 
to Whom appertaineth every natural good quality and talent which thou 
hast. 
Esteem not thyself better than others, lest perhaps thou be accounted 
worse in the sight of God, who knows what is in man. 
Be not proud of thy own works; for the judgments of God are differ¬ 
ent from the judgments of men; and of ten-times, that displeaseth Him, 
which pleaseth man. 
If thou hast any thing of good, believe better things of others, that 
thou mayst preserve humility! 
It will do thee no harm to esteem thyself the worst of all; but it will 
hurt thee very much to prefer thyself before any one. 
