Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/284

300 morning till late in the evening—sometimes even till late in the night—because work is her delight, and her perseverance and power of work are astonishing,—her eye continually fixed upon her work, even during conversation, whilst her skillful hand guides the graving-tool, and engraves letters, numbers, or tasteful ornaments, on articles of gold or silver—chronometers, pocket-watches, rings, &c. But the inner life is not occupied therewith; it gazes clearly around, and comprehends, with love, every work and every transaction which tends either to the advantage of the fatherland, or the honor of humanity. She is near-sighted at her work, but far-sighted as regards the great work in society; her heart beats warmly for this, and the little work-table has a place in its realm. How distinguished a place this is, her numerous friends know,—but not she herself,—the unpretending artist, the good citizen and friend, the noble worker—Sophie Ahlbom!

There is no want, here in Switzerland, as elsewhere, of female workers who are able to conceive of work as a means to a higher end, and who know the true place of the work-table in society. The sisters Rohrdorf, of Zürich, are noble laborers in this spirit; but that which is wanting in general, is an awakened sense, and an education for this higher view of labor and of life.

Another thing is also wanting,—a literature for the workshops, of an improving and entertaining character at the same time. Books are often read aloud during the silent, quiet work, but—not the best books. Good biography ought especially to be read