The Colonel
wants to set up himself for Parliament, or to set Clive up; but he says
he won't. I hope he won't; do not you, Mrs. Pendennis?"
The painter turned as he spoke; and the bright northern light which fell
upon the sitter's head was intercepted, and lighted up his own as he
addressed us. Out of that bright light looked his pale thoughtful face,
and long locks and eager brown eyes. The palette on his arm was a great
shield painted of many colours: he carried his mall-stick and a sheaf of
brushes along with the weapons of his glorious but harmless war. With
these he achieves conquests, wherein none are wounded save the envious:
with that he shelters him against how much idleness, ambition,
temptations! Occupied over that consoling work, idle thoughts cannot gain
mastery over him: selfish wishes or desires are kept at bay. Art is
truth: and truth is religion: and its study and practice a daily work of
pious duty. What are the world's struggles, brawls, successes, to that
calm recluse pursuing his calling? See, twinkling in the darkness round
his chamber, numberless beautiful trophies of the graceful victories
which he has won:--sweet flowers of fancy reared by him:--kind shapes of
beauty which he has devised and moulded.
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