PKEFACE 



Speak the word ' ' idleness ' ' as harshly as you 

 may, still it falls softly on the ear. Whisper 

 "work" in your most dulcet tones and still it is 

 harsh. 



Idleness has its merit, therefore, but what of 

 its significance! Its persistently claimed pur- 

 port has heen preached down so vigorously, that 

 he is over-bold who would invite it to look up. 

 It is true, nevertheless, that the average man 

 labors that he may not labor. He looks to an 

 earned idleness as his just reward. Why, in- 

 deed, should he not? 



It is a favorite, but not demonstrable doc- 

 trine, that idleness once attained, mischief 

 follows. If so, one might well ask the value, 

 to its possessor, of an average life. Then, too, 

 why does the poet hold that it is 



Sweetest to dream, on easeful earth reclined, 

 Far in some forest's ancient idleness, 

 Under the shadow of its bossy boles, 



Beyond the world's pursuit and Care's access. 

 And hear the wild feet of the elfin wind, 

 Dancing and prancing in mad caprioles. 

 V 



