the race. Optimists are we; our world is God's; wastes shall yet
become savings and defeats victories; nevertheless, life's woes, wrongs
and delays are such as to stir misgiving. The multitudes hunger for
power and influence, hunger for wealth and wisdom, for happiness and
comfort; satisfaction seems denied them. Watt and Goodyear invent,
other men enter into the fruit of their inventions; Erasmus and
Melanchthon sow the good seeds of learning; two centuries pass by
before God's angels count the bundles. In a passion of enthusiasm for
England's poor, Cobden wore his life out toiling for the corn laws.
The reformer died for the cotton-spinners as truly as if he had slit
his arteries and emptied out the crimson flood. But when the victory
was won, the wreath of fame was placed upon another's brow. One day
Robert Peel arose in the House of Commons and in the presence of an
indignant party and an astounded country, proudly said: "I have been
wrong. I now ask Parliament to repeal the law for which I myself have
stood. Where there was discontent, I see contentment; where there was
turbulence, I see peace, where there was disloyalty, I see loyalty."
Then the fury of party anger burst upon him, and bowing to the storm,
Robert Peel went forth while men hissed after him such words as
"traitor," "coward," "recreant leader." Nor did he foresee that in
losing an office he had gained the love of a country.

What delays also in justice! What recognition does society withhold
from its heroes! What praise speaks above the pulseless corpse that is
denied the living, hungering heart! What gold coin spent for the
marble wreath by those who have no copper for laurel for the living
hero! How do rewards that dazzle in prospect, in possession, burst
like gaudy bubbles! Honors are evanescent; reputation is a vapor;
property takes wings; possessions counted firm as adamant dissolve like
painted clouds; in the hour of depression the hand drops its tool, the