These gifts are a powerful physique, a great voice, a tremendous energy, and a love of literature; and they are not the common equipment of the skilled mechanic and the labourer.

True, they are often wasted and destroyed when they do exist; and in the case of Mr.Burns a strongly disciplined will has made them abundantly fruitful.

But from the first the physique, the voice, and the untiring energy were far above those that fall to the lot of the average workman; and the love of books stored the mind with rich supplies of language to be drawn upon when speeches were to be made.

Not as an administrator at the Local Government Board has Mr.
Burns become famous.

His fame as a champion of the working class was established by popular ovations in Hyde Park and at dock gates.