Julia Ward Howe, 1819-1910Richards, Laura Elizabeth Howe
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Julia Ward Howe, 1819-1910
Richards, Laura Elizabeth Howe
Authors, American -- 19th century -- Biography; Feminists -- United States -- Biography; Howe, Julia Ward, 1819-1910
In this cry for aid we hear the voice of both parents. The response was
cordial and generous. The fair was held in Easter Week, at the Boston
Music Hall, and recalled on a smaller scale the glories of the war-time
fairs. Of the great labor of preparation, the Journal gives a lively
impression; and "speaking for Crete" was added to the other burdens
borne by her and the Doctor.
She could not give up her studies; the entries for the winter of 1867-68
are a curious mingling of Fichte and committees, with here and there a
prayer for spiritual help and guidance, which shows her overwrought
condition.
Another interest had come to her from the visit to Greece: the study of
ancient Greek. Latin had been her lifelong friend, but she had always
longed for the sister classic; now the time was ripe for it. She made a
beginning in Athens, not only picking up a good deal of modern Greek,
but attacking the ancient language with the aid of primer and
phrase-book. A valuable teacher was at hand in Michael Anagnos,[67] who
was aiding the Doctor as secretary, and preparing himself for the
principal work of his life. Anagnos encouraged and assisted her in the
new study, which became one of her greatest delights. She looked forward
to a Greek lesson as girls do to a ball; in later life she was wont to
say, "My Greek is my diamond necklace!"
[67] Formerly Anagnostopoulos. He dropped the last three syllables soon
after coming to this country.
"_January 1, 1868._ May I this year have energy, patience, good-will and
good faith. May I be guilty of no treason against duty and my best self.
May I acquire more system, order, and wisdom in the use of things. May
I, if God wills, carry out some of my plans for making my studies useful
to others. This is much to ask, but not too much of Him who giveth all."
"_January 24._ A dreadfully busy day. Meeting of General Committee on
Cretan Fair.... Felt overcome with fatigue, and nervous and fretful, but
I am quite sure that I do not rave as I used to do...."
"_January 26._ Some mental troubles have ended in a determination to
hold fast till death the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free. The
joyous belief that his doctrine of influences can keep me from all that
I should most greatly dread, lifts me up like a pair of strong wings. 'I
shall run and not be weary. I shall walk and not faint.' At church the
first hymn contained this line:--
"'Her fathers' God before her moved'--
which quite impressed me, for my father's piety and the excellence of
other departed relatives have always of late years been a support and
pledge to me of my own good behavior."
* * * * *
"The thief's heart, the wanton's brow, may accompany high talent and
geniality of temperament; but thanks be to God they _need_ not."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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