EVIDENCE AND EXAMPLES. 81 



his duty, and repeatedly entreated that he might be 

 allowed to retire into secluded life. 



I have dwelt somewhat on the two figures, Mr. 

 Gladstone and Mr. Bright, because they are known 

 to every one and because they are fine and strik- 

 ing types of the two temperaments which underlie 

 all others. The relative value to mankind of the two, 

 and of the intervening types will always be estimated 

 differently by different minds. Probably the active and 

 less deeply emotional can be least spared. The reflec- 

 tive mind, if gifted, may extend, or add to, or light up 

 existing thought ; but the active, if also gifted, mind will 

 quickly see and pick out the fitting thought awaiting 

 actional embodiment; pick out too sometimes and 

 destroy the evil or obsolete thought awaiting disembodi- 

 ment and destruction. The dreamy thinker helps to 

 devise the standard ; it is the clear-eyed self-confident 

 man who carries it aloft in the field of action ? 



