Bishop Fowler says: "It is one of the greatest encouragements of our age, that ordinary men with extraordinary industry reach the highest stations." Greeley's father, because the boy tried to yoke the off ox on the near side, said: "Ah! that boy will never get along in the world.

He'll never know enough to come in when it rains." He was too poor to wear stockings.

But Horace persevered, and became one of the greatest editors of his century.
Handel's father hated music, and would not allow a musical instrument in the house; but the boy with an aim secured a little spinet, hid it in the attic, where he practiced every minute he could steal without detection, until he surprised the great players and composers of Europe by his wonderful knowledge of music.

He was very practical in his work, and studied the taste and sensitiveness of audiences until he knew exactly what they wanted; then he would compose something to supply the demand.

He analyzed the effect of sounds and combinations of sounds upon the senses, and wrote directly to human needs.