The Joys of Writing
The fortunate people in the world-
the only really fortunate people in the world,
in my mind, are those whose work is also their pleasure.
The class is not a large one,
not nearly so large as it is often represented to be;
and authors are perhaps
one of the most important elements in its composition.
They enjoy in this respect at least a real harmony of life.
To my mind, to be able to make your work your pleasure
is the one class distinction in the world worth striving for;
and I do not wonder
that others are inclined to envy those happy human beings
who find their livelihood in the gay effusions of their fancy,
to whom every hour of labour is an hour of enjoyment,
to whom repose-however necessary-is a tiresome interlude.
And even a holiday is almost deprivation.
Whether a man writes well or ill, has much to say or little,
if he cares about writing at all,
he will appreciate the pleasures of composition.
To sit at one's table on a sunny morning,
with four clear hours of uninterruptible security,
plenty of nice white paper, and a Squeezer pen-
that is true happiness.
The complete absorption of the mind
upon an agreeable occupation-
what more is there than that to desire?
What does it matter what happens outside?
The House of Commons may do what it likes,
and so may the House of Lords.
The heathen may rage furiously in every part of the globe.
The bottom may be knocked clean out of the American market.
Consols may fall and suffragettes may rise.
Nevermind, for four hours, at any rate,
we will withdraw ourselves
from a common, ill-governed, and disorderly world,
and with the key of fancy unlock that cupboard
where all the good things of the infinite are put away.