200 ESOTERIC PER1PATETICISM. 



though, as the common saying is, it be 

 nothing to speak of. Meditation is an old- 

 fashioned exercise ; the very word is com- 

 ing to have an almost archaic sound ; but 

 neither the word nor the thing will alto- 

 gether pass into forgetfulness so long as the 

 race of saunterers the spiritual descend- 

 ants of Isaac continue to inherit the 

 earth. 



There is little danger that the lives of 

 any of us will be too solitary or lived at too 

 leisurely a rate. The world grows busier 

 and busier. Those whose passion for Na- 

 ture is strongest and most deep-seated are 

 driven to withhold from her all but the 

 odds and ends of the day. We rebel some- 

 times ; the yoke grows unendurable ; come 

 what may, we will be quit of it ; but the 

 existing order of things proves too strong 

 for us, and anon we settle back into the 

 old bondage. And perhaps it is better so. 

 Even the most simple and natural delights 

 are best appreciated when rarely and briefly 

 enjoyed. So I persuade myself that, all in 

 all, it is good for me to have only one or 

 two hours a day for the woods. Human 

 nature is weak ; who knows but I might 



