The fortunate people in the world—the only really
fortunate people in the world, in my mind, — 1
. The class is not a large one, not nearly so large as it is
often represented to be; and authors are perhaps one of the most important
elements in its composition. They enjoy in this respect
2 . To my mind, to be able to make your work your pleasure
is the one class distinction in the world worth striving for; and I do not
wonder that others are inclined to envy those happy human beings who find their
livelihood in the gay effusions of their fancy, to whom every hour of labour is
an hour of enjoyment to whom repose—however necessary—is a tiresome interlude,
3 . Whether a man writes well or ill,
has much to say or little, 4 , he wilt
appreciate the pleasures of composition. To sit at one’s table on a sunny
morning, with four clear hours of uninterruptible security, plenty of nice white
paper, and a Squeezer pen that is true happiness. The complete absorption of the
mind upon an agreeable occupation what more is there than to desire What does
it matter what happens outside The House of Commons may do what it like,
5 . The heathen may rage furiously in
every part of the globe. The bottom may be knocked clean out of the American
market. Consols may fall and suffragettes may rise. Never mind, for four hours,
at any rate, 6 , ill-governed, and
disorderly world, and with the key of fancy unlock that cupboard where all the
good things of the infinite are put away. A. and even a holiday
is almost deprivation B. if he cares about writing at
all C. that to my mind D. are those whose work
is also their pleasure E. at least a real harmony of
life F. and so may the House of Lords G. we
will withdraw ourselves from a common