re is little scope or hope for anything of that kind in a state of material hardship。 To…day I have sent S… a cheque for fifty pounds； it will e as a very boon of heaven； and assuredly blesseth him that gives as much as him that takes。 A poor fifty pounds； which the wealthy fool throws away upon some idle or base fantasy； and never thinks of it； yet to S… it will mean life and light。 And I； to whom this power of benefaction is such a nebling； so glad and proud I am。 In the days gone by； I have sometimes given money； but with trembling of another kind； it was as likely as not that I myself； some black foggy morning； might have to go begging for my own dire needs。 That is one of the bitter curses of poverty； it leaves no right to be generous。 Of my abundance……abundance to me； though starveling pittance in the view of everyday prosperity……I can give with happiest freedom； I feel myself a man； and no crouching slave with his back ever ready for the lash of circumstance。 There are those； I know； who thank the gods amiss； and most easily does this happen in the matter of wealth。 But oh； how good it is to desire little； and to have a little more than enough！
IV
After two or three days of unseasonable and depressing warmth； with lowering but not rainy sky； I woke this morning to find the land covered with a dense mist。 There was no daybreak； and； till long after the due hour； no light save a pale； sad glimmer at the window； now； at mid…day； I begin dimly to descry gaunt shapes of trees； whilst a haunting drip； drip on the garden soil tells me that the vapour has begun to condense； and will pass in rain。 But for my fire； I should be in indifferent spirits on such a day as this； the flame sings and leaps； and its red beauty is reflected in the window…glass。 I cannot