The manufacture of iron, in Birmingham, is ancient beyond research; that
of steel is of modern date.
Pride is inseparable from the human character; the man without it, is
the man without breath. We trace it in various forms, through every
degree of people; but like those objects about us, it is best discovered
in our own sphere; those above and those below us rather escape our
notice; envy attacks an equal. Pride induced the pope to look with
contempt on the European princes, and it now induces them to return the
compliment; it taught insolence to the Spaniard, selfishness to the
Dutch; it teaches the rival nations of France and England to contend for
power. Pride induced a late high bailiff of Birmingham, at the
proclamation of the Michaelmas fair, to hold his wand two feet higher
than the usual rest, that he might dazzle the crowd with a beautiful
glove hanging pendant, a ruffle curiously wrought, a ring set with
brilliants, and a hand delicately white. Pride preserves a man from mean
actions; it throws him upon meaner. It whets the sword for destruction;
it urges the laudable acts of humanity. It is the universal hinge on
which we move; it glides with the gentle stream of usefulness; it
overflows the mounds of reason, and swells into a destructive flood.
Like the sun, in his milder rays, it animates and draws us towards
perfection; but like him, in his fiercer beams, it scorches and
destroys.
Money is not the necessary attendant of pride, for it abounds nowhere
more than in the lowest ranks. It adds a sprucer air to a Sunday dress,
casts a look of disdain upon a bundle of rags; it boasts the _honour_ of
a family, while poverty unites a sole and upper leather with a bandage
of shop-thread. There are people who even _pride_ themselves upon
humility.
This dangerous _good_, this necessary _evil_, supports the female
character; without it, the brightest part of the creation would
degenerate. It will be asked, “What portion may be allowed?” Prudence
will answer, “As much as you please, but not to disgust.” It is equally
found in the senate-house and the button-shop. The scene of action is
the scene of pride. He who makes steel prides himself in carrying the
art one step higher than he who makes iron.
This art appeared at Birmingham in the seventeenth century, and was
introduced by the family of Kettle. The name of Steelhouse-lane will
convey to posterity the situation of the works; the commercial spirit of
Birmingham will convey the produce to the antipodes.
From the warm but dismal climate of this town issues the button which
shines on the breast, and the bayonet intended to pierce it; the lancet
which bleeds the man, and the rowel the horse; the lock which preserves
the beloved bottle, and the screw to uncork it; the needle, equally
obedient to the thimble and the pole.