(1896)
The old fable of the bar of iron as an illustration of the superior power of love will never be superseded.
The bar of iron lay across a log to be broken. “I can make it yield,” boasted the hammer, but at the first blow the hammer flew from its handle helpless to the ground. The ax followed proudly, “I can succeed.” But after two or three strokes its edge was dulled without leaving any impression on the iron bar. “I, with my sharp teeth, will soon sever it,” said the saw, with a confident air; only to have all its teeth broken in the task. At length a quiet, warm flame said, “Let me try, it may yield to me.” And the little flame twined itself about the iron in a gentle, loving way, imparting an influence that finally made the strong bar yield and fall apart.
(1897)
The power of love to draw out what is best in men is poetically exprest by L. M. Montgomery:
Upon the marsh mud, dank and foul,
A golden sunbeam softly fell,
And from the noisome depths arose