206 VOX CLAMANTIS IN EREMS, 



That he may abandon himself to the enjoyment of those 

 pleasures which, like Dead Sea apples, crumble to ashes on 

 his lips, the fool puts aside all mental toil, and disregards the 

 shortness of his time, ignores the brief period allowed for 

 the development of the understanding. But, at least, let 

 Imagination abstain from substituting its idle dreams for the 

 assured results which can be only the reward of reason, 

 conscientiousness, and labour! Unfortunately, here as else- 

 where, it is vox damantis, and we preach in the desert ! 



