Original artwork, not a still
Essays: Second Series, New England Reformers · 1844
The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Doing something well is its own payoff. The satisfaction lies in the accomplishment itself, not in praise, payment or recognition afterwards. The line invites valuing good work for what it is rather than for anything it earns.
Context reviewed
