One hundred years ago
To THE EDITOR OF THE
"SPECTATOR."]
Sir — Your article in the Spectator of February 15th draws attention to a phase of human nature frequently noticed, little understood — viz., the quiet cheerfulness of constant sufferers. Such patients are generally seen by outside friends and visitors during the intervals of relief; and it is naturally at those times that the opinion is formed of the manner in which the affliction is borne.
My own experience of great suffer- ing, for a long period, has always since been to myself sufficient explanation of that which to many is a mystery. I have never known such absolute joy in life as in the cessation of great pain. Even the knowledge of certain recurrence, and almost the hopelessness of ultimate cure, could not darken those glad inter- vals: it is that "joy" of which I speak, which, thank God! comes to great sufferers, which is so often a surprise and mystery to many. — I am, Sir, &c., Hi. The Spectator, 22 February 1890
Previous page
