Self Help; with Illustrations of Conduct and PerseveranceSmiles, Samuel
Philosophy
Self Help; with Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance
Smiles, Samuel
Conduct of life
self-culture did the rest. For a long time he was in very straitened
circumstances, but nevertheless worked on with a cheerful heart. Poor
though he was, he contrived to live within his small means, and he
boasted, with becoming pride, that he was “a punctual paymaster.” When
he had conquered all his difficulties and become a famous and thriving
man, he loved to dwell upon his early labours and privations, and to
fight over again the battle which ended so honourably to him as a man and
so gloriously as an artist. “I remember the time,” said he on one
occasion, “when I have gone moping into the city with scarce a shilling,
but as soon as I have received ten guineas there for a plate, I have
returned home, put on my sword, and sallied out with all the confidence
of a man who had thousands in his pockets.”
“Industry and perseverance” was the motto of the sculptor Banks, which he
acted on himself, and strongly recommended to others. His well-known
kindness induced many aspiring youths to call upon him and ask for his
advice and assistance; and it is related that one day a boy called at his
door to see him with this object, but the servant, angry at the loud
knock he had given, scolded him, and was about sending him away, when
Banks overhearing her, himself went out. The little boy stood at the
door with some drawings in his hand. “What do you want with me?” asked
the sculptor. “I want, sir, if you please, to be admitted to draw at the
Academy.” Banks explained that he himself could not procure his
admission, but he asked to look at the boy’s drawings. Examining them,
he said, “Time enough for the Academy, my little man! go home—mind your
schooling—try to make a better drawing of the Apollo—and in a month come
again and let me see it.” The boy went home—sketched and worked with
redoubled diligence—and, at the end of the month, called again on the
sculptor. The drawing was better; but again Banks sent him back, with
good advice, to work and study. In a week the boy was again at his door,
his drawing much improved; and Banks bid him be of good cheer, for if
spared he would distinguish himself. The boy was Mulready; and the
sculptor’s augury was amply fulfilled.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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