When I had youth I had no money; now I have the money I have no time; and when I get the time, if I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life. I suppose it’s the discipline I need; but it’s rather hard to love the things I do, and see them go by because duty chains me to my galley. If I ever come into port with all sails set, that will be my reward perhaps.
ATTRIBUTION:
Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888), U.S. author. As quoted in Louisa May, ch. 17, by Martha Saxton (1977).
Written in 1873. Alcott, who had remained single and worked hard to support her family—especially her parents, was wistful about what her sacrifices had cost her. She died of natural but unclear causes two days after the death of her father, writer/philosopher Bronson Alcott.
