A story is told of Rubens that during his sojourn as ambassador
to the Court of Philip in Spain, he was detected at work upon
a painting by a courtier, who, not knowing much about his true
fame, exclaimed in surprize, “What! does an ambassador to his
Catholic Majesty amuse himself with painting pictures?” “No,”
replied Rubens, “the painter sometimes amuses himself with
diplomacy.”
The serious business of life is the producing of a good character; all
else is pastime. (Text.)
(1807)
* * * * *
These noble ambitions for a true life are put in verse by H. H. Barston:
To face each day of life
Nor flinch from any task;
To front the moment’s strife
And only courage ask.
To be a man unawed
By aught but heaven’s command;
Tho men revile or plaud,
To take a stand--and stand.
To fill my life with toil,
With God’s free air and light;
To shun the things that spoil,
That hasten age and night;
To sweat beneath my hod,
Nor ask a better gift
From self or man or God
Than will and strength to lift.
To keep my spirit sweet
Tho head and hand be tired;
Each brother man to greet,
Nor leave him uninspired;
To keep my spirit fed
On God unceasingly,
That none may lack his bread
Who walk this way with me. (Text.)
(1808)