

A WOODLAND PATH 



"The snow has fallen so gently that it forms an upright wall on the slenderest twig. The agreeable maze which the 

 branches make is more obvious than ever, and every twig thus laden is as still as the hillside itself. . . . The sight of 

 the pure and trackless road . . . would tempt us to begin life again. (Dec. 26) ... I sometimes think that I may go 

 forth and walk hard and earnestly, and live a more substantial life, get a glorious experience, be much abroad in heat 

 and cold, day and night, live more, expend more atmospheres, be weary often. . . . But then swiftly tlie thought comes 

 to me. Go not so far out of your way for a truer life, keep strictly onward in that path alone which your genius points 

 out, do the things which lie nearest to you, but which are difficult to do, live a purer, a more thoughtful and laborious life, 

 more true to your friends. . . ." (Jan. 12) — Thoreau 

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