CHARLES. That would not be possible. We should then have very few books; and all those great geniuses, from whose writings we reap so much instruction, would be to us as dead men,—now they live and are our friends. Your country, William, had the honour of giving birth to the inventor of this invaluable art. WILLIAM. Yes, and he has a statue erected to his memory before the house where he lived. His name was Laurence Koster. CHARLES. You wonder much at the letter press; but how many of the arts which we have not seen, would afford you equal matter for astonishment? WILLIAM. It is almost incomprehensible, how a common potter, out of a rough lump of clay, should be able to make such a variety of useful and ornamental things. EMILIA. Have not these poor people reason to complain that they work so hard for a piece of bread? CHARLES. By no means. They have even comparative happiness. How disagreeable must be the miners’ employment to us, who have been brought up in a different style of life, and have opened our eyes to the beauties of nature? It is laborious, and they lose their health while they are secluded from the cheerful sight of the sun, which enlivens every other labour. EMILIA. They might let it alone, and do something else to earn a livelihood. CHARLES. And what then would become of us all? They dig the gold out of the bowels of the earth, of which we are so proud; it is true we could do without it, as any thing that would lie in a small compass, might pass in exchange as money: but iron we could not spare; we should do every thing in a very clumsy manner without iron tools.—Only think of the various comforts which accrue to society from this one metal: and men must procure it. EMILIA. That is true.—And if we rightly consider it, we may say with truth, that iron is more valuable than gold. CHARLES. It is not only more valuable, but our abode on the earth would be uncomfortable without it:—it is apparently a necessary; and the great instrument of civilization. WILLIAM. We see greater respect paid to a goldsmith than a common mechanic, though the first we could do without. EMILIA. Perhaps it is because that a goldsmith gains greater profit, and goes better clothed. CHARLES.