The subject at hand, the stated purpose behind this kind of mining, in both examples is writing:
"... as in digging for precious metals in the mines, much earthy rubbish has first to be troublesomely handled and thrown out; so, in digging in one's soul for the fine gold of genius, much dullness and common-place is first brought to light." (Pierre, 1852)
C. "Ah! no bantering now—there is a dreamy art of more pretension still;—that would paint the heart;—that would fix the wandering thought;—that would delve for discoveries in the deep mine of man's nature!
"But I have been writing, Frank, something for your especial approval; I have been setting forth grim realities,—and most philosophically. I did strike at last, but most naturally and truly, a little vein of—"
F. "—Poetry, perhaps? by the merest accident in the world."
(August 1853; and Scenes and Adventures in the Army)
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