236 



THE EARLY MORNING. 



us : the very air itself, as yet uninbaled by any, 

 circulates about us replete with vitality, conveying 

 more than its usual portion of sustenance and 

 health, 4i and man goeth forth unto his labour." 

 Night-feeding creatures, feeling the freshness of 

 light, and the coming day, are all upon the move, 

 retiring from danger and observation ; and we can 

 note them now unhidden in their lairs, unconcealed 

 beneath the foliage in the hedge : the very vegeta- 

 tion, bathed in dew and moisture, full fed, partakes 

 of this early morning joy and health, and every 

 creeping thing is refreshed and satisfied. As day 

 advances, it changes all ; and of these happy beings 

 of the early hour, part are away, and we must seek 

 them ; others are oppressed, silent, listless ; the 

 vegetable, no longer lucid with dew, and despoiled 

 of all the little gems that glittered from every ser- 

 rature of its leaf, seems pensive at the loss. When 

 blessed with health, having peace, innocence, and 

 content, as inmates of the mind, perhaps the most 

 enjoyable hours of life may be found in an early 

 summer's morning. 



Oct. 9. A brilliant morning ! warm, without 

 oppression ; exhilarating, without chilling. Ima- 

 gination cannot surely conceive, or caprice wish for 

 an atmospheric temperature more delightful than 

 what this day affords ; having mingled with it just 

 that portion of vital air which brisks up animality, 

 without consuming the sustenance of life ; satisfy- 

 ing the body with health, and filling the heart with 

 gratitude. Fine threads of gossamer float lazily 



