Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/139

1868.] The Character of an Architect. Ill each art, I beseech you. O Caesar, and those who read my works, to pardon and overlook grammatical errors, for I write neither as an accomplished phil- osopher, an eloquent rhetorician, nor an expert grammarian, but as an architect. So far Yitruvius himself, who, mani- festly, had taken full time and pains to learn, in order the more acceptably to teach. There are many good passes to the temple of knowledge; but there is no short, there is no easy, there is no roj^al road. Though a lofty, it is yet an attainable height, with many lower yet elevated plateaux for occa- sional rests, or excursions, with, it may be, warning precipices for the selfish, or the insincere seeker — but it cannot be climbed by proxy. The difficulties may often be lightened by earlier travellers, but every step of the route must be taken by the inquirer in person ; every human soul here, must either stay below, or get up by, in and for itself; happier far thereafter, if, by counsel, enabled to smooth the course of those who follow, with varying effort and success, more or less remotely behind. Our great lexicographer, Noah Web- ster, pointing to the library, used to s&y to his children in effect : "I cannot learn for you ; but there are the books where- from were derived all my own acquisi- tions. Search diligently and carefully and you will know." This search, how- ever, implies just the reverse of indis- criminate, omnivorous task-reading. It comprehends selection along with con- centration to one range of subjects, if a special branch of knowledge, or a special work is contemplated ; or discrimination in variety if we read for general inform- ation. So far, success must rest upon our own efforts. Afterwards, much de- pends upon social position, and the incli- nation of those around to help us with a pleasant greeting, or a good word. Friends are attracted by the human sympathy, which exhibits to them an interest in themselves or in great human interests. No special effort, however, is required to show this, for the sincere soul will diffuse its sincerity through the eyes and the voice. The remainder must be left to Providence, not blindly and indolently, but with the constant exercise of the clearest intent, and the most persevering energy. No man of himself can force a brilliant destiny " Men are the sport of circumstances, when The circumstances seem the sport of men." With all this, a high position cannot be reached with a low aim. In Goethe's few lines of counsel from experienced manhood to inexperienced youth, de- rived " from the Coptic " of his own brain, are these teeming words : " Thou must either serve, or govern : Must be subject or be sovereign ; Must, in fine, be block or wedge ; Must be anvil, or be sledge." But, as we gather up these sheets for the printer, the question recurs, " Was Vitruvius unsuccessful?" or, to put it in another form, " Did he fail to attain the grand object of his life ?" Whatever re- ply may come from the general world — perhaps the least trifle in nature, too much preoccupied when listening, or when reading , and yet a scintilla more hasty in judging, than preoccupied in attending — we say, that, He did not fail ! What are his own words, quoted near the beginning of this article ? They are these : " Yet I still hope, by this pub- lication, TO BECOME KNOWN TO POSTERI- TY." Bold words, springing . from the irrepressible sense of innate merit, whether courted or neglected. But quite a number of times throughout the historic generations, bolder words have been put forth by men of great minds, and have been literally confirmed. It is true, that the lot of these was often adversely cast, even to the very end. Yet, at the moment we cannot recall, and neither do we believe we could, upon mature reflection, any instance wherein the hope was expressed, or the prophecy was made, that posterity did