Heart-Histories and Life-Pictures by T. S. (Timothy Shay) Arthur
page 47 of 302 (15%)
page 47 of 302 (15%)
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It so happened that a work of mine, upon which the maker's name was
not stamped--work done with a purpose of good--was spoken of and praised by one who did not know me as the handicraftsman. "It is tame, dull, and commonplace," said the brilliant one, in a tone of contempt; and there were many present to agree with him. Like the strokes of a hammer upon my heart, came these words of condemnation. "Tame, dull, and commonplace!" And was it, indeed, so? Yes; I felt that what he uttered was true. That my powers were exceedingly limited, and my gifts few. Oh, what would I not have then given for brilliant endowments like those possessed by him from whom had fallen the words of condemnation? "You will admit," said one--I thought it strange at the time that there should be even one to speak a word in favor of my poor performance--"that it will do good?" "Good!" was answered, in a tone slightly touched by contempt. "Oh, yes; it will do good!" and the brilliant one tossed his head. "Anybody can do good!" I went home with a perturbed spirit. I had work to do; but I could not do it. I sat down and tried to forget what I had heard. I tried to think about the tasks that were before me. "Tame, dull, and commonplace!" Into no other form would my thoughts come. Exhausted, at last, by this inward struggle, I threw myself upon my bed, and soon passed into the land of dreams. |
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