This, too, is that kindliest of arts which makes requital tenfold in
kind for every work of the labourer.[11] She is the sweet mistress
who, with smile of welcome and outstretched hand, greets the approach
of her devoted one, seeming to say, Take from me all thy heart's
desire. She is the generous hostess; she keeps open house for the
stranger.[12] For where else, save in some happy rural seat of her
devising, shall a man more cheerily cherish content in winter, with
bubbling bath and blazing fire? or where, save afield, in summer rest
more sweetly,lulled by babbling streams, soft airs, and tender
shades?[13]

[11] Lit. "What art makes an ampler return for their labour to those
who work for her? What art more sweetly welcomes him that is
devoted to her?"

[12] Lit. "What art welcomes the stranger with greater prodigality?"

[13] See "Hellenica Essays," p. 380; and as still more to the point,
Cowley's Essays: "Of Agriculture," passim.

Her high prerogative it is to offer fitting first-fruits to high
heaven, hers to furnish forth the overflowing festal board.[14] Hers
is a kindly presence in the household. She is the good wife's
favourite, the children long for her, she waves her hand winningly to
the master's friends.

[14] Or, "to appoint the festal board most bounteously."

For myself, I marvel greatly if it has ever fallen to the lot of
freeborn man to own a choicer possesion, or to discover an occupation