He was his true self only when under the conditions of his slavery.

He had toiled a few years longer than he should have done, to attain the ability to keep his head above the waters of life without toil.

The mechanical motion of his hands at their task of years was absolutely necessary to him.
He had become, in fact, as a machine, which rusts and is good for nothing if left long inactive.

Henry was at once pitiable and terrible when he came in sight of the many-windowed building which was his goal.

The whistles blew, and he heard as an old war-horse hears the summons to battle.