The Spectator at war: Standing at ease

From ‘Standing at Ease‘, The Spectator, 15 May 1915:

It is a contradiction in terms, but we think it is true to experience, to say that certain people in distress never stand at ease but when they are working hard. They are as a rule people of very strong will. “Attention!” they shout at their own souls, determined that nothing shall come between them and their task. With an effort which takes all their strength, they concentrate upon their work. “Stand at ease,” murmurs the still voice which cannot be gainsaid, and suddenly their work is invested with an intense and unnatural interest, Breathless, delighted, and refreshed, they follow its intricacies, so monotonous in days of peace, so all absorbing now. Their minds are working at high pressure. Their souls stand at ease, until the next order comes. Then the work is its own dull self again and the suffering returns.