Sampler (The Brontës—Of Course), Part 5 of 5. 1997. Hand embroidery and transfer print on linen, 22 1/4 x 15.5 in. (56.5 x 39.4 cm)

Of course I did not blame myself
for suffering: but it was a rough
and heavy road to travel, and I
longed for better days. I tried
different expedients to sustain
and fill existence: I studied
German pretty hard, I undertook
a course of reading the driest and
thickest books in the library, I
commenced an elaborate piece of
lace-work.

— Charlotte Brontë, VILLETTE, 1853

Labour is the only radical cure
for rooted sorrow.

— Charlotte Brontë, 1849