The Defence of Idleness. 231 



meditative, that is all, and no less charming be- 

 cause of this. The woods do not ring now ; but 

 there is a gentle murmur, a whispering melody 

 that can soothe the savage breast. If all the 

 world idled in the September sunshine, no one 

 need wonder why. But idle in the proper way. 

 Be receptive ; for this is but another name for 

 contemplation, and contemplation is the noblest 

 occupation. The ultra-utilitarian may condemn 

 even such idleness, but it is an error. To rest 

 with half-closed eyes, even for half a day, where 

 Nature is busiest is not to lose time. It is that 

 half-sleep which renews our stock of ideas, as 

 slumber restores the outworn body. 



