Page:Memoirs of Margaret Fuller Ossoli (IA memoirsofmargare02fullrich).pdf/143

Rh The man who clears the barnacles from the keel is more essential than he who hoists the pennant on the lofty mast.’

‘A week of more suffering than I have had for a long time, — from Sunday to Sunday, — headache night and day! And not only there has been no respite, but it has been fixed in one spot — between the eyebrows! — what does that promise? — till it grew real torture. Then it has been depressing to be able to do so little, when there was so much I had at heart to do. It seems that the black and white guardians, depicted on the Etrurian monuments, and in many a legend, are always fighting for my life. Whenever I have any cherished purpose, either outward obstacles swarm around, which the hand that would be drawing beautiful lines must be always busy in brushing away, or comes this great vulture, and fastens his iron talons on the brain.

‘But at such times the soul rises up, like some fair child in whom sleep has been mistaken for death, a living flower in the dark tomb. He casts aside his shrouds and bands, rosy and fresh from the long trance, undismayed, not seeing how to get out, yet sure there is a way.

‘I think the black jailer laughs now, hoping that while I want to show that Woman can have the free, full action of intellect, he will prove in my own self that she has not physical force to bear it. Indeed, I am too poor an example, and do wish I was bodily strong and fair. Yet, I will not be turned from the deeper convictions.’