An ill-tempered letter, once sent, will sometimes embitter a life-time.
We once saw an old gentleman, with a wise, fine head, calm face, and a
most benevolent look, beg of a postmaster to return him a letter which
he had dropped into the box. To do so, as everybody knows, is illegal;
but won over by the old gentleman's importunity, the postmaster
complied, upon full proof, in comparing the writing etc. being given.
Then, with a beaming face, the old gentleman tore the letter into
fragments, and, scattering them to the winds, exclaimed--"Ah! I've
preserved my friend." The fact is, he had written a letter in a state of
irritation, which was probably unjust and hurtful, but which he had
wisely recalled. "Written words remain," is not only a proverb, but a
very grave caution; and hence the advice--never write in anger, or, at
any rate, keep your letter till next morning, when you probably will be
cool and in a better frame of mind.
2092
A good beginning is half the work.
--_Euripides._
2093
Art little? Do thy little well:
And for thy comfort know
The great can do their greatest work
No better than, just so.
--_Goethe._
2094
He who is willing to work finds it hard to wait.
2095
Never be ashamed of honest work. It is far better to be a good
blacksmith than a bad lawyer.
2096