ON THE STUDY OF LATIN. 53 



to examine, and to discriminate with accuracy, the various produc- 

 tiorns of the world around, the mind possesses a source of occupation 

 and of light, of which no ordinary vicissitude can afterwards be- 

 reave it. The study of nature, indeed, is not less salutary in its 

 influence, than unchanging and inexhaustible in the recreation 

 which it affords. It purifies the mind from the dross of sensuality, 

 and raises it above the degradation of low and selfish pleasures. — ■ 

 It calls forth a spirit of observation, and exercises a discipline, which 

 may become powerful instruments in facilitating the acquisitions of 

 future years. It gives zest to the enjoyments of prosperity and 

 meridian life, and solace and ornament to the season of adverse for- 

 tune and of decay : and, more than all, will, when profoundly con- 

 templated, inspire far deeper convictions of the Omnipotence of the 

 Deity, and the wonders of the glorious creation, than ever resulted 

 from efforts of human eloquence the most fervid or sublime. And 

 the mind, having attained its full maturity of development and 

 power, will seize, with equal energy and success, all the various 

 branches of literature and science which may be requisite to satiate 

 the intellectual voracity, or essential to a vigorous prosecution of 

 the destined i)ath in future life."] 



SONNET. 



Is thy brain giddy with the jarring noise 



Of life's rude intercourse ? Have crowded halls 



Fevered thy blood, perturbed the equipoise 



Of healthful spirits ? Come, where Nature calls, 



Come, where through fragrant limes the sunlight falls, 



Playing with shadows by the quick leaves thrown. 



Where the loud thrush scatters sweet madrigals 



To cheer his nest-mate, and an under-tone 



Of bees, the blossoms haunting, ministers sleep, 



Or waking dreams, — the soul's serenest calm: 



Or there with holy books thy vigils keep ; 

 Or steep thy sense in Poetry's rich balm, 

 The gracious truths of Wordsworth's moral theme, 

 Or Spenser's faery page, or Shakspeare's summer dream. 



E. S. 



