Though the door of office
may be closed, that of literature stands always open, and men who
are at daggers-drawn in politics, join hands over the poetry of
Homer and Horace. The late Earl of Derby, on retiring from power,
produced his noble version of 'The Iliad,' which will probably
continue to be read when his speeches have been forgotten. Mr.
Gladstone similarly occupied his leisure in preparing for the
press his 'Studies on Homer,' (24) and in editing a translation of
'Farini's Roman State;' while Mr. Disraeli signalised his
retirement from office by the production of his 'Lothair.' Among
statesmen who have figured as novelists, besides Mr. Disraeli, are
Lord Russell, who has also contributed largely to history and
biography; the Marquis of Normanby, and the veteran novelist, Lord
Lytton, with whom, indeed, politics may be said to have been his
recreation, and literature the chief employment of his life.
To conclude: a fair measure of work is good for mind as well as
body. Man is an intelligence sustained and preserved by bodily
organs, and their active exercise is necessary to the enjoyment of
health. It is not work, but overwork, that is hurtful; and it is
not hard work that is injurious so much as monotonous work,
fagging work, hopeless work. All hopeful work is healthful; and
to be usefully and hopefully employed is one of the great secrets
of happiness.
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