Page 217 - The Story of My Lif

soul sore tried, but steadfast to the end. I often wonder, as I read these splendid

poems why, at the same time that Homer’s songs of war fired the Greeks with
valor, his songs of manly virtue did not have a stronger influence upon the
spiritual life of the people. Perhaps the reason is, that thoughts truly great are
like seeds cast into the human mind, and either lie there unnoticed, or are tossed
about and played with, like toys, until, grown wise through suffering and
experience, a race discovers and cultivates them. Then the world has advanced
one step in its heavenward march.

I am working very hard just now. I intend to take my examinations in June, and
there is a great deal to be done, before I shall feel ready to meet the ordeal….

You will be glad to hear that my mother, and little sister and brother are coming

north to spend this summer with me. We shall all live together in a small cottage
on one of the lakes at Wrentham, while my dear teacher takes a much needed
rest. She has not had a vacation for twelve years, think of it, and all that time she
has been the sunshine of my life. Now her eyes are troubling her a great deal,
and we all think she ought to be relieved, for a while, of every care and
responsibility. But we shall not be quite separated; we shall see each other every
day, I hope. And, when July comes, you can think of me as rowing my dear ones
around the lovely lake in the little boat you gave me, the happiest girl in the
world!…

TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON

[Boston] May 28th [1899].

…We have had a hard day. Mr. Keith was here for three hours this afternoon,
pouring a torrent of Latin and Greek into my poor bewildered brain. I really
believe he knows more Latin and Greek Grammar than Cicero or Homer ever
dreamed of! Cicero is splendid, but his orations are very difficult to translate. I
feel ashamed sometimes, when I make that eloquent man say what sounds
absurd or insipid; but how is a school-girl to interpret such genius?