82 AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND 



the light saw me, and I think has since lighted me 

 through my accidental life, which I suppose is now near 

 to its end, and yet I do not think I have stored much 

 wisdom in that lapse of time 84 years I cast a retro- 

 spective look on the time past ; I consider in bulk, en 

 masse, all that we have done, and seen since nearly a 

 century and I cannot realize all the wonderful, mar- 

 vellous events that have been accomplished in the 

 human life. It bewilders my understanding. The 

 discovery and application of electricity, steam naviga- 

 gation, railroad, the velocity with which we live and 

 also die ! I wanted to rest, and I perceive that I am 

 philosopHASTRiNG (for philosophizing) like if I had the 

 conviction to moralize the whole world. I come to 

 think I have better to continue my digressions on use- 

 less matters that give me an occasion to prate, to exer- 

 cise my pragmatical notions after all I think it is 



my privilege, the privilege of old folks, to be loqua- 

 cious, besides with me, it is a hygienic necessity to let 

 off the superabundance of foolish ideas which condense 

 in what takes the place of my brain. So pray ! be in- 

 dulgent for old men ; you may also get old and wish- 

 ing to babble as I do. I will rest a little, then perhaps 

 I shall recollect some anecdotes to relate. Amen ! for 

 the time being. 



Now that I have rested a little I can resume the cur- 



