Jean Ingelow
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 40
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVI. FAILTTBE. We are much bound to them that do succeed; But, in a more pathetic sense, are bound To such as fail. They all our loss expound; They comfort us for work that will not speed, And life--itself a failure. Ay, his deed, Sweetest in story, who the dusk profound Of Hades flooded with entrancing sound, Music's own tears, was failure. Doth it read Therefore the worse? Ah, no! So much to dare, He fronts the regnant Darkness on its throne.-- So much to do; impetuous even there, He pours out love's disconsolate sweet moan-- He wins; but few for that his deed recall: Its power is in the look which costs him all. At this moment Jack observed that a strange woman was standing among them, and that the train-bearing fairies fell back, as if they were afraid of her. As no one spoke, he did, and said, ' Good morning!' 'Good afternoon!' she answered, correcting him. 'I am the black fairy. Work is a fine thing. Most people in your country can work.' 'Yes, ' said Jack. 'There are two spades, ' continued the fairy woman, ' one for you, and one for your double.' Jack took one of the spades--it was small, and was made of silver; but the other Jack said with scorn: 'I shall be a king when I am old enough, and must I dig like a clown?' 'As you please, ' said the black fairy, and walked away. Then they all observed that a brown woman was standing there; and she stepped up and whispered in the boy-king's ear. As he listened his sullen face became good tempered, and at last he said, in a gentle tone, 'Jack, I'm quite ready to begin if you are.' 'But where are we to dig?' asked Jack. 'There, ' said a white fairy, stepping up and Setting her foot on the grass just under the little hole. 'Dig down as deep as you can.' So Mopsa and the crowd stoo