" But she was a helper in another and
more direct way. Niebuhr was accustomed to discuss with his wife
every historical discovery, every political event, every novelty
in literature; and it was mainly for her pleasure and approbation,
in the first instance, that he laboured while preparing himself
for the instruction of the world at large.
The wife of John Stuart Mill was another worthy helper of her
husband, though in a more abstruse department of study, as we
learn from his touching dedication of the treatise 'On Liberty':--
"To the beloved and deplored memory of her who was the inspirer,
and in part the author, of all that is best in my writings--the
friend and wife, whose exalted sense of truth and right was my
strongest incitement, and whose approbation was my chief reward, I
dedicate this volume." Not less touching is the testimony borne
by another great living writer to the character of his wife, in
the inscription upon the tombstone of Mrs. Carlyle in Haddington
Churchyard, where are inscribed these words:- "In her bright
existence, she had more sorrows than are common, but also a soft
amiability, a capacity of discernment, and a noble loyalty of
heart, which are rare. For forty years she was the true and
loving helpmate of her husband, and by act and word unweariedly
forwarded him as none else could, in all of worthy that he
did or attempted"
The married life of Faraday was eminently happy.
Pages:
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431