roadmending

But need such a view of life necessitate the work of roadmending?

The Roadmender Michael Fairless 1885

"Nay," said I, "few men have such weary roadmending as yours, and perhaps you need my road less than most men, and less than most parsons."

The Roadmender Michael Fairless 1885

In the meantime, Boulatruelle's manoeuvres in the forest ceased; and he resumed his regular occupation of roadmending; and people gossiped of something else.

Les Misérables Victor Hugo 1843

Nevertheless, my heart is heavy; for, viewed by the light of the waning year, roadmending seems a great and wonderful work which I have poorly conceived of and meanly performed: yet I have learnt to understand dimly the truths of three great paradoxes -- the blessing of a curse, the voice of silence, the companionship of solitude -- and so take my leave of this stretch of road, and of you who have fared along the white highway through the medium of a printed page.

The Roadmender Michael Fairless 1885

In the meantime, Boulatruelle’s manoeuvres in the forest ceased; and he resumed his regular occupation of roadmending; and people gossiped of something else.

Les Miserables 2008