DE SENECTUTE. 61 



its substantial worth for the uncertainties of youth ? 

 The young are chasing a phantom, the substance ever 

 evading their clutch ; the elderly, with the assurance 

 of support, and the possession of mental wealth, are 

 better off than the frivolous young, and infinitely hap- 

 pier. This the young can not appreciate till they pass 

 the meridian of life, and begin to descend the gentle 

 slope, going slow that there may be opportunity to 

 admire the ever lengthening shadows till the twilight 

 tints the horizon till it would be hard to tell when 

 the day doth end and the night begins. 



A mind schooled in cultured ways never has time 

 hanging heavy, as if it were a burden; but the wit, 

 wisdom and worth, of the great masters in art and 

 literature, become enchanting studies, widening com- 

 prehension and enriching appreciation. To grow old 

 under such influences is not a burden or yoke hard to 

 bear, but to glide along an eddying pool after cascades 

 have been shot, and turbulent waters are calming, to 

 mingle with the sea. 



Let noisy youth enjoy its huzzas ; and the ado- 

 lescent dream of bliss, almost within reach ; and the 

 stalwart adult just entering the race of real life strive 

 for prizes with an eagerness that challenges admira- 

 tion, yet only the elderly live to enjoy the best of life's 

 struggle. Then " grow old," the better is to come I 

 The first enjoyed was only good, that the last might 

 be the best ! 



Old age is a misnomer there is no end of time. 

 The babe that died to-day was comparatively old its 

 term of life expired; the lad is young in years, yet 

 may be sporting on the brink of the grave. The 

 smiling, winsome, waltzing maiden is shocked at the 



