Of all others, it is the one
that is most thoroughly satisfying, and the least accompanied by
regret and disappointment. In the words of George Herbert, the
consciousness of duty performed "gives us music at midnight."
And when we have done our work on earth--of necessity, of labour,
of love, or of duty,--like the silkworm that spins its little
cocoon and dies, we too depart. But, short though our stay in
life may be, it is the appointed sphere in which each has to work
out the great aim and end of his being to the best of his power;
and when that is done, the accidents of the flesh will affect but
little the immortality we shall at last put on:
"Therefore we can go die as sleep, and trust
Half that we have
Unto an honest faithful grave;
Making our pillows either down or dust!"
NOTES
(1) 'Calcutta Review,' article on 'Romance and Reality of Indian Life.'
(2) Joseph Lancaster was only twenty years of age when (in 1798)
he opened his first school in a spare room in his father's house,
which was soon filled with the destitute children of the
neighbourhood. The room was shortly found too small for the
numbers seeking admission, and one place after another was hired,
until at length Lancaster had a special building erected, capable
of accommodating a thousand pupils; outside of which was placed
the following notice:--"All that will, may send their children
here, and have them educated freely; and those that do not wish to
have education for nothing, may pay for it if they please.
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