Laura E. Richards, Maud Howe, Florence Howe Hall, Julia Ward Howe, 1819-1910, in two volumes, with portraits and other illustrations: volume 1

Mrs. Howe's reply

why, bless you, I ain't nothing, nor nobody, nor much, if you look in your Directory, you'll find a thousand such; I walk upon the level ground, I breathe upon the air, I study at a table, and reflect upon a chair.

I know a casual mixture of the Latin and the Greek, I know the Frenchman's parlez-vous, and how the Germans speak; well can I add, and well subtract, and say twice two is four, but of those direful sums and proofs remember nothing more.

I wrote a pretty book one time, and then I wrote a play, and a friend who went to see it said she fainted right away. Then I got up high to speculate upon the Universe, and folks who heard me found themselves no better and no worse.

yes, I've had a lot of birthdays and I'm growing very old, that's why they make so much of me, if once the truth were told. And I love the shade in summer, and in winter love the sun, and I'm just learning how to live, my wisdom's just begun.

Don't trouble more to celebrate this natal day of mine, but keep the grasp of fellowship which warms us more than wine. Let us thank the lavish hand that gives world beauty to our eyes, and bless the days that saw us young, and years that make us wise.