308 NOVEMBER. 



flies to mature his labour, and, while hidden from 

 all eyes, to achieve that which shall make his name 

 familiar to all ears ; and to the poet, what is more 

 affluent of imaginative stimulus and precious sug- 

 gestions than strolls through wood-walks, mountain- 

 glens, and along wild sea-coasts, at this season? The 

 universal stillness is felt through the whole soul. 

 Every object is exaggerated, and yet recommended 

 to the eye, through the media of gloom and mist ; and 

 while the eye, unseconded by mind, would discern 

 nothing but dreariness, he finds something congenial 

 to the loftiest moods of his spirit, and is often led 

 into strains which, though solemn, are any thing but 

 sad. 



Fieldfares and redwings will be generally seen 

 this month. Sometimes they quit their northern 

 regions as early as October, if the season be very 

 severe; but more frequently they make their first 

 appearance here in this month. If the weather be 

 mild, they will be heard, as they sit in flocks upon 

 the trees, warbling in concert very cheerfully in the 

 same manner as before their departure in spring. 

 Fine days will occasionally peep out so spring-like, 

 that the sky-larks attempt their flights, and sing 

 merrily ; but, perhaps, the very next morning shows 

 a landscape of frost and snow. 



I saw the woods and fields at close of day 

 A variegated show ; the meadows green, 

 Though faded, and the lands, where lately waved 

 The golden harvest, of a mellow brown, 

 Upturned so lately by the peaceful share. 

 I saw, far off, the weedy fallow smile 



