Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

THE ATTEMPT
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We weeping knelt beside her,
Our hearts to anguish given;
But when we rose we calmly said,
“ She is now safe in Heaven.”
E. H.
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The desire of making a noise in the world pervades our age to such a degree as
to have become almost a fever. For surely the delirium of the poor fever-stricken
patient is not more strange and inconsistent than are the absurdities into which many
of us are led who wish to make a noise in the world. We would here draw a dis¬
tinction between Fame and making a noise in the world. True Fame is indeed
glorious and ennobling to the minds of men. It is a gift from Heaven, for
“ Fame is no plant that grows in mortal soil,
Nor in the glistering foil
Set off to the world, nor in broad Rumour lies,
But lives and spreads aloft by those pure eyes,
And perfect witness of all-judging Jove;
As he pronounces lastly on each deed,
Of so much fame in Heaven expect thy meed.”
This, we see, is very different from that petty momentary publicity in which some
of us delight. Men in all ages have been prompted by the desire of Fame to perform
great and stirring acts; but this wish of astonishing the minds of weak people seems
to be a plant of more modern growth, or, at least, its branches to be spreading wider
and wider among all classes.
A clear proof of the pettiness of this wish of making a noise in the world is, that
it displays itself in such very insignificant affairs. For instance, a lady thinks to
herself, “ I wish to be remarkable, but I have no particular talent. My abilities are
very ordinary, but I must be remarkable—so I will be strong-minded. I will eschew
crinoline, and flowers and ribbons in my bonnet; I will carry a cotton umbrella; and
then people will say that I am above caring for appearances.” Poor lady, she quite
misunderstands the true meaning of the term, a strong-minded woman. She confuses
what it ought and does really mean, viz., a woman who has fixed principles, and acts
up to them, with the “ Punch ” caricature of those good people. And thus she
devotes her time to making herself peculiar,—that time which might be more pro-
“ My life,” she said, “ Oh mother,
Is ebbing fast away;
I would not have it other—
I have no wish to stay.”