42 MAY. 



marked progressing like the spring, and each 

 approaching to perfection, myself alone on the 

 decline, their youth contrasting my increasing 



What in nature can surpass the golden blush 

 and purple-tinted hue of an evening in May ; the 

 hawthorn-scented lawn, and lily-clustered path ? 

 To wander gently through some quiet hamlet 

 near the brook, and then to observe a flicker- 

 ing light, darkly illumine some poor humble 

 shop, where all the articles that want, or village 

 pride can wish, are in their best allurements 

 set forth, a motley group. Here let me pause, 

 and place this modest, unambitious house in con- 

 trast with our town depot. Can I with patience 

 view such artificial life, and gaze as coolly on 

 the real ? Yet by these means the world wags on 

 the industrious are employed, the ingenious 

 rewarded, the nation's commerce fed, and life 

 whirls on in heedless mazy round, all fancy- 

 ing they are happy in their sphere, but none 

 conscious save those who see and prove its 



