The Rambles of an Idler 



quiet mill-pond, in a row-boat, at a snail's pace, 

 why should I be envious of those who cross the 

 Atlantic in an * ' ocean greyhound ? ' ' 



Fixing our own goal, if we reach it, satisfies ; 

 I know not why we should concern ourselves 

 about those people who are more ambitious. 

 We hear much of a high aim, but if one nearer 

 the earth delight us, why raise our gun? It is 

 hitting the bull 's eye that gives us the pleasure, 

 not the lower or higher setting of the target. 



Simple tastes and a humble occupation are 

 full worthy of our regard, if we are at peace 

 with ourselves the while. Envy works more 

 mischief than all other of men's weaknesses. 

 Content is the key-note of a life's success. I 

 know that there are those who look down on me 

 and sneer, but I am not disturbed. I look up at 

 them and laugh. 



While it was yet uncertain what the day was 

 to be, so pale the light that flushed the eastern 

 sky, a red-start suddenly appeared, as if a pas- 

 senger on the latest puff of wind, and never a 

 moment resting, began that zig-zagging among 

 the tree-tops that will not end till the close of 

 summer. This bird is a "warbler," but its 



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