Q
Qualities Admired—See [Appreciation of Character].
QUARRELSOMENESS
The New York Times comments upon a disagreeable trait in a great artist:
The quarrelsomeness of Whistler began with a combination of nervous fastidiousness and temperamental gaiety of disposition. That spring, that elasticity of mind which kept his hand so full of craftsmanship, was the source of his eternal youth, his quips and cranks and love of teasing. In time the habit became fixt and Whistler developed a Mephistophelean dexterity in touching the raw, ever losing thereby one friend after another. Like the dog that has a reputation for biting, the genial master made a desert about his den, but consoled himself with noting how efficacious this reputation was in holding off bores.
(2600)
QUIBBLING
Many a man makes excuses for his errors that are no more reasonable than those of the lawyer whose client was sentenced by Judge Kent, the well-known jurist:
A man was indicted for burglary, and the evidence showed that his burglary consisted in cutting a hole through a tent in which several persons were sleeping and then projecting his head and arm through the hole and abstracting various articles of value. It was claimed by his counsel that, inasmuch as he did not actually enter the tent with his whole body, he had not committed the offense charged, and must, therefore, be discharged. Judge Kent, in reply to this plea, told the jury that if they were not satisfied that the whole man was involved in the crime, they might bring in a verdict of guilty against so much of him as was thus involved. The jury, after a brief consultation, found the right arm, the right shoulder and the head of the prisoner guilty of the offense of burglary. The judge sentenced the right arm, the right shoulder and head to imprisonment with hard labor in the State prison for two years, remarking that as to the rest of his body he might do with it what he pleased. (Text.)
(2601)
QUICKENING
An old legend tells that Adam lay buried on the very spot on which the cross of Christ was planted and that a drop of blood trickling down touched him instantly starting him into life. It is in allusion to this curious legend that in very old paintings of the crucifixion a skull is introduced. (Text.)
(2602)
Quiet—See [Sounds].
QUIET, STUDY TO BE
One of the darkest and most trying experiences of the war was at the time Lincoln relieved McClellan of his command:
Loud cries of dissatisfaction arose in the north. Men came to Lincoln clamoring for changes in commands and plans and policies. “Gentlemen,” he said to one delegation of advisers, “suppose all the property you were worth was in gold and you had put it in the hands of Blondin to carry across the Niagara River on a rope. Would you shake the cable or keep shouting at him, ‘Blondin, stand up a little straighter; Blondin, stoop a little more; go a little faster; lean a little more to the north; lean a little more to the south’? No, you would hold your breath as well as your tongue and keep your hands off until he was safe over. The Government is carrying an enormous weight. Untold treasures are in our hands; we are doing the very best we can. Don’t badger us. Keep silence and we will get you safe across.”—James Morgan, “Abraham Lincoln, the Boy and the Man.”
(2603)
QUIETNESS
Scientific authorities are generally agreed that the night air contains less dust and fewer germs than the atmosphere during the day time. This is, of course, due to the fact that greater quietness prevails at night, and the traffic of the street is practically at a standstill. The still night air is more wholesome to breathe and is in a purer state than the air obtained in the daytime.
For the enjoyment of the best spiritual conditions we need frequently to seek intervals of retreat from the restless distracting world. (Text.)
(2604)
QUIETNESS IN DANGER
A lion in India had stolen a man and ran away with him to the jungle. A young officer loaded his weapon and followed in close pursuit. He discharged his piece full at the lion, which caused the animal and his victim to fall to the ground at once. While the officer was reloading his weapon, the lion began to crunch the captain’s arm. Notwithstanding the pain, the brave man, knowing the lion’s habits, resolved to lie perfectly still. The beast freed the man’s arm and crouched down with his paws on the thigh of the fallen foe.
While in this dangerous situation, the captain unthinkingly raised his hand to support his head. The moment he moved, the prostrate man’s lacerated arm was seized the second time and crunched as before. This second painful lesson was sufficient to enable him to keep quiet until the young officer arrived and rescued him.
Quietness in time of danger has saved many a man from sad consequences. (Text.)
(2605)
Quietude—See [Silence].