“Pardon me,” answered the Thimble; “silver is not subject to rust, but it tarnishes, especially if exposed to impure, smoky air.”
“And was your origin as low as mine?” I inquired; “were you also dug from the earth?”
“I was dug out of a mine in Norway; I have been, like you, purified in a furnace, and exposed to heavy blows of the hammer.”
“I wonder how long it is,” exclaimed I, “since man first found out the use of metals, and employed them in making whatever he requires!”
“The use of metals was known before the time of the Flood, more than four thousand years ago. Tubal-Cain is the name of the first man who is recorded to have worked in metals.”
“Oh!” cried I, “how much I should like to know who it was who first invented needles!”
“I dare say that the invention is of early date,” replied the Thimble, “though the needles of ancient times were probably far inferior to the polished, delicate articles of which I see so fine a specimen before me. I have heard that needles were first manufactured in England by an Indian, in the reign of stout Harry the Eighth, upwards of three hundred years ago.”
“Well,” I exclaimed in admiration, “what it is to have a thimbleful of information! I shall always couple silver and knowledge together, the best metal and the best thing in the world!”
“Ah, there you are wrong!” said my bright companion; “there is a metal far more precious than silver, and a possession even more valuable than knowledge. What is learning compared to virtue! what is silver compared to gold!”
“Gold! what is that?” said I. You must remember that I was but a young needle, with little information, but eager to obtain more.