The Moon and Sixpence - Penn State University

Greco as I was with Strickland?
The Moon and Sixpence
the tedium of a journey. And if I may judge from
But I seek refuge in no such excuses. I forget the reviews, many of these books are well and
who it was that recommended men for their carefully written; much thought has gone to their
soul’s good to do each day two things they dis- composition; to some even has been given the
liked: it was a wise man, and it is a precept that anxious labour of a lifetime. The moral I draw is
I have followed scrupulously; for every day I have that the writer should seek his reward in the plea-
got up and I have gone to bed. But there is in my sure of his work and in release from the burden
nature a strain of asceticism, and I have subjected of his thought; and, indifferent to aught else, care
my flesh each week to a more severe mortifica- nothing for praise or censure, failure or success.
tion. I have never failed to read the Literary Now the war has come, bringing with it a new
Supplement of The Times. It is a salutary disci- attitude. Youth has turned to gods we of an earpline
to consider the vast number of books that lier day knew not, and it is possible to see al-
are written, the fair hopes with which their auready the direction in which those who come
thors see them published, and the fate which after us will move. The younger generation, con-
awaits them. What chance is there that any book scious of strength and tumultuous, have done
will make its way among that multitude? And the with knocking at the door; they have burst in
successful books are but the successes of a sea- and seated themselves in our seats. The air is
son. Heaven knows what pains the author has noisy with their shouts. Of their elders some, by
been at, what bitter experiences he has endured imitating the antics of youth, strive to persuade
and what heartache suffered, to give some chance themselves that their day is not yet over; they
reader a few hours’ relaxation or to while away shout with the lustiest, but the war cry sounds
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