Mrs Meg was usually her best ally and adviser , for she loved romances as well now as when a blooming girl herself . But in this case she hardened her heart , and would not hear a word of entreaty . ` Nat was not man enough , never would be , no one knew his family , a musician 's life was a hard one ; Daisy was too young , five or six years hence when time had proved both perhaps . Let us see what absence will do for him . ' And that was the end of it , for when the maternal Pelican was roused she could be very firm , though for her precious children she would have plucked her last feather and given the last drop of her blood . Mrs Jo was thinking of this as she looked at Nat while he talked with her husband about Leipzig , and she resolved to have a clear understanding with him before he went ; for she was used to confidences , and talked freely with her boys about the trials and temptations that beset all lives in the beginning , and so often mar them , for want of the right word at the right moment . This is the first duty of parents , and no false delicacy should keep them from the watchful care , the gentle warning , which makes self-knowledge and self-control the compass and pilot of the young as they leave the safe harbour of home . ` Plato and his disciples approach , ' announced irreverent Teddy , as Mr March came in with several young men and women about him ; for the wise old man was universally beloved , and ministered so beautifully to his flock that many of them thanked him all their lives for the help given to both hearts and souls . Bess went to him at once ; for since Marmee died , Grandpapa was her special care , and it was sweet to see the golden head bend over the silver one as she rolled out his easy-chair and waited on him with tender alacrity . ` Aesthetic tea always on tap here , sir ; will you have a flowing bowl or a bit of ambrosia ? ' asked Laurie , who was wandering about with a sugar-basin in one hand and a plate of cake in the other ; for sweetening cups and feeding the hungry was work he loved . ` Neither , thanks ; this child has taken care of me ' ; and Mr March turned to Bess , who sat on one arm of his chair , holding a glass of fresh milk . ` Long may she live to do it , sir , and I be here to see this pretty contradiction of the song that `` youth and age can not live together '' ! ' answered Laurie , smiling at the pair . ' `` Crabbed age '' , papa ; that makes all the difference in the world , ' said Bess quickly ; for she loved poetry , and read the best . ` Wouldst thou see fresh roses grow In a reverend bed of snow ? ' quoted Mr March , as Josie came and perched on the other arm , looking like a very thorny little rose ; for she had been having a hot discussion with Ted , and had got the worst of it . ` Grandpa , must women always obey men and say they are the wisest , just because they are the strongest ? ' she cried , looking fiercely at her cousin , who came stalking up with a provoking smile on the boyish face that was always very comical atop of that tall figure . ` Well , my dear , that is the old-fashioned belief , and it will take some time to change it .
But I think the woman 's hour has struck ; and it looks to me as if the boys must do their best , for the girls are abreast now , and may reach the goal XXXXX , ' answered Mr March , surveying with paternal satisfaction the bright faces of the young women , who were among the best students in the college .
Jo Josie Meg Nat Plato Wouldst first harbour self-knowledge sugar-basin