Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man. The old¡¡1¡¡had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they at least showed potential¡¡2¡¡.¡¡

Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were¡¡3¡¡, showing not the least sign of¡¡4¡¡talent. But Rossetti was a kind man, and he told the¡¡5¡¡man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much¡¡6¡¡and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not¡¡7¡¡to the man. The visitor was disappointed, but seemed to expect Rossetti’s¡¡8¡¡.¡¡

He then apologized for¡¡9¡¡Rossetti’s time, but would he just look at a few more drawings—these done by a young art student? Rossetti looked over the second batch of¡¡10¡¡and immediately became¡¡11¡¡over the talent they revealed. “These”, he said, “Oh, these are¡¡12¡¡. This young student has great talent. He should be given every help and¡¡13¡¡in his career as an artist. He has a great future if he will work hard and¡¡14¡¡it. ”

Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply¡¡15¡¡. “Who is this fine young artist? ”he asked. “Your son? ” “No, ” said the old man¡¡16¡¡. “It is me—40 yea rs ago. ¡¡17¡¡I had heard your praise then. For you see, I got¡¡18¡¡and gave up—too soon. ”