But whether
it was from fancy, or habit, or what, even Robert's inexperienced
ear could not accommodate itself, save under protest, to the
instrument which once his teacher had considered all but perfect;
and it needed the master's finest touch to make its tone other than
painful to the sense of the neophyte.
No one can estimate too highly the value of such a resource to a man
like the shoemaker, or a boy like Robert. Whatever it be that keeps
the finer faculties of the mind awake, wonder alive, and the
interest above mere eating and drinking, money-making and
money-saving; whatever it be that gives gladness, or sorrow, or
hope--this, be it violin, pencil, pen, or, highest of all, the love
of woman, is simply a divine gift of holy influence for the
salvation of that being to whom it comes, for the lifting of him out
of the mire and up on the rock. For it keeps a way open for the
entrance of deeper, holier, grander influences, emanating from the
same riches of the Godhead. And though many have genius that have
no grace, they will only be so much the worse, so much the nearer to
the brute, if you take from them that which corresponds to Dooble
Sanny's fiddle.
CHAPTER XII.
ROBERT'S PLAN OF SALVATION.
For some time after the loss of his friend, Robert went loitering
and mooning about, quite neglecting the lessons to which he had not,
it must be confessed, paid much attention for many weeks. Even when
seated at his grannie's table, he could do no more than fix his eyes
on his book: to learn was impossible; it was even disgusting to him.
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