Is he whose earnest purpose never swerves,
Whose slightest action or inaction serves
The one great aim.
Why, even death stands still
And waits, an hour, sometimes, for such a will!
XXVI
A Printer’s Boy, Self Taught, Becomes the Dean of American Letters.
“I SHOULD like, Mr. Howells,” said I, by way of opening my interview with the famous novelist, “to learn your opinion concerning what constitutes success in life. You should have the American view?”
“Not necessarily,” said the novelist, seating himself.