he circulating library, and two gift-books at Christmas.
Our real and our ideal are not twins--never were! I want the
books,--but the clothes-basket wants me. The two children are
good,--and so would be two hours a day without the children. I
crave an outdoor life,--and walk down-town of mornings to perch on
a high stool till supper-time. I love Nature,--and figures are my
fate. My taste is books,--and I farm it. My taste is art,--and I
correct exercises. My taste is science,--and I measure tape. I am
young and like stir,--the business jogs on like a stage-coach. Or I
am _not_ young, I am getting gray over my ears, and like to sit down
and be still,--but the drive of the business keeps both tired arms
stretched out full length. I hate this overbidding and this
underselling, this spry, unceasing competition, and would
willingly give up a quarter of my profits to have two hours of my
daylight to myself,--at least I would if, working just as I do, I
did not barely get the children bread and clothes. I did not choose
my calling, but was dropped into it--by my innocent conceit, or by
duty to the family, or by a parent's foolish pride, or by our hasty
marriage; or a mere accident wedged me into it. Would I could have
my life over again! Then, whatever I _should_ be, at least I would
_not_ be what I am to-day!"

Have I spoken truly for any one here? I know I have. Goes not the
grumble thus within the silent breast of many a person, whose pluck
never lets it escape to words like these, save now and then on a
tired evening to husband or to wife?

There is often truth and justice in the grumble. Truth and justice
both. Still, when the question rises through the grumble, Can it be
that drudgery, not to be escaped, gives "culture"? the true answer
is--Yes, and culture of the prime elements of life; of the very
fundamentals of all fine manhood and fine womanhood.

Our _prime_ elements are due to our drudgery--I mean that
literally; the _fundamentals_ that underlie all fineness and
without which no other culture worth the winning is even possible.
These, for instance--and what names are more familiar? Power of
attention; power of industry; promptitude in beginning work; method
and accuracy and despatch in doing work; perseverance; courage
before difficult