We can't always, even when accomplishing, have the ardor of
accomplishment; we can only hold to the purpose formed in more inspired
hours. After a work is finished, even though it be a good work which our
final judgment will approve, we are likely to be oppressed for a time by
the anxieties we have passed through; the comfort of effort has left us,
and we recall our dreams, our intentions, beside which our actual
achievement seems small. In such moments we should remember that just
after the delivery of the Gettysburg Address Lincoln believed it an
utter failure. Yet the address was a masterpiece of commemorative
oratory.
We cannot kindle when we will
The fire which in the heart resides;
The spirit bloweth and is still,
In mystery our soul abides.
But tasks in hours of insight will'd
Can be through hours of gloom fulfill'd
With aching hands and bleeding feet
We dig and heap, lay stone on stone;
We bear the burden and the heat
Of the long day and wish 'twere done.
Not till the hours of light return,
All we have built do we discern.
_Matthew Arnold_