How oft the commonest of tasks looks long and tiresome till begun. To use your wits, is all it asks, start doing, and it's done.
They brought John Brown a box, fresh from the workman's hands. 'Twas work that took the eye, so neatly, cleanly done. This charming little box delighted everyone.
Then in comes a mechanic. Oh yes, these things he understands. He glances at the box. 'This box has got some trick. You see it has no lock. And yet I warrant you, I'll have it open quick. You boobies over there, don't mock! Just wait! I'll find the catch, then show the trick to you. In matters of this kind I know a thing or two.'
He sets to work, leaves nothing untried. He turns it round on every side; he guesses and he guesses. One knob and then the next, and then the handle presses. John looks at him and all the while just shakes his head and James and Ned whisper among themselves and smile. From time to time some onlooker will say: 'Not that way! No, not there!'
But harder still and harder he puzzles, he perspires, till damped is all his ardour. He gives it up and puts it on the shelf. And why not raise the lid? He never tried that way! This was a box that opened of itself.