My eyes were dazzled as by a glare of light.
"Yes, yes," I sighed to myself; "I am dull, tame, and commonplace beside these children of genius.

How poor and mean is the work that comes from my hands!" "Not so!" said my companion.

I turned to look at him; but the gifted being stood not by my side.

In his place was the ancient one who had before spoken to me in the voice of wisdom.
"Not so!" he continued.

"Nothing that is useful is poor and mean.
Look up! In the fruit of our labor is the proof of its quality." I was in the midst of a small company, and the gifted being whose powers I had envied was there, the centre of attraction and the observed of all observers.