1764, Nov.] THE FOREST LIFE. 239 



be, to such rude appeals. But there is influence 

 of another sort, strongest with minds of the finest 

 texture, yet sometimes holding a controlling power 

 over those who neither acknowledge nor suspect 

 its workings. There are few so imbruted by vice, 

 so perverted by art and luxury, as to dwell in the 

 closest presence of Nature, deaf to her voice of 

 melody and power, untouched by the ennobling 

 influences which mould and penetrate the heart 

 that has not hardened itself against them. Into 

 the spirit of such an one the mountain wind 

 breathes its own freshness, and the midsummer 

 tempest, as it rends the forest, pours its own fierce 

 energy. His thoughts flow with the placid stream 

 of the broad, deep river, or dance in light with the 

 sparkling current of the mountain brook. No 

 passing mood or fancy of his mind but has its 

 image and its echo in the wild world around him. 

 There is softness in the mellow air, the warm sun- 

 shine, and the budding leaves of spring; and in 

 the forest flower, which, more delicate than the 

 pampered ofl'spring of gardens, lifts its tender head 

 through the refuse and decay of the wilderness. 

 But it is the grand and heroic in the hearts of men 

 which finds its worthiest symbol and noblest inspi- 

 ration amid these desert realms, — in the mountain, 

 rearing its savage head through clouds and sleet, 

 or basking its majestic strength in the radiance of 

 the sinking sun ; in the interminable forest, the 

 thunder booming over its lonely waste, the whirl- 

 wind tearing through its inmost depths, or the sun 

 at length setting in gorgeous majesty beyond its 



