284 THE PLEASURES OF SOLITUDE AND GARDENING 



member of their species; and, eyeing the vices and follies of the 

 world with pity Tather than anger, they rejoice at their own happy 

 and tranquil lot, and experience how easy it is to say — " I have learnt, 

 in whatever state I am, therewith to be content." 



It is impossible to picture a state of greater happiness in this 

 transitory scene than that which is enjoyed by an amiable and 

 affectionate family, or by a secluded society in such retirement as this, 

 where each individual member is studiously anxious to advance the 

 happiness of the rest. There the best affections of the heart and the 

 most endearing traits of the human character are daily portrayed, and 

 distinguish the actions of the peaceful inhabitants. No heartless 

 discords, no striving for precedency, interrupts the friendly harmony 

 which dwells among them, and which might everywhere prevail if 

 the heart were cultivated with that anxiety which is sedulously dis- 

 plaved on the frivolities of dress, and the " pomps and vanities " which 

 so generally pervade society. Such vain and unnecessary pomp, 

 however, seldom finds a place with the peaceful inhabitants. Such 

 were the enlightened and amiable members of " the Port Royal 

 Society." " These were men whom the love of retirement had united 

 to cultivate literature in the midst of solitude, of peace and of piety. 

 They formed a society of learned men, of fine taste and sound philosophy. 

 Alike occupied on sacred as well as profane authors, they edified while 

 they enlightened the world. The example of these solitaries shows 

 how retirement is favourable to penetrate into the sanctuary of the 

 muses, and that by meditating in silence on the oracles of taste, in 

 imitating we may equal them." 



The trammels to thought and the useless forms and observances of 

 society no longer clog and envelop the mind the moment it feels itself 

 in retirement ; it then immediately falls upon its own internal resources, 

 and, eagle-winged, can scale with success the steep and towering 

 pinnacles of scientific knowledge, or stoop down and scrutinize and 

 admire the wondrous and beautiful productions of Nature with the 

 purest delight and the calmness of conscious security. The moment 

 a contemplative character finds himself alone, how tranquil are the 

 feelings that take possession of his breast! The extravagance and 

 exuberance of a wandering imagination are softened down and 

 chastened by the peace and tranquillity which surround him ; the 

 varying rays of thought are concentrated into one bright and radiant 



