SCIEXCE OF THE WILDS, rOETP.Y OF SrORT. 



187 



of the loved one in stronger ties, far, far beyond 

 those inculcated 1)y mere nature. Pity, com- 

 passion, generosity, and forgiveness of attempted 

 ill, should adorn the successful hero, let him kill 

 or conquer what he ma}'. Those feelings should 

 rule in the battle-fields of armies, in arms — yes, 

 in arms of every sort; for, if possible, man should 

 never be over-exalted by any success, nor lose his 

 wits as drunkards do from passing intoxication, 

 which, while it lasted, brutiiied even the beast, 

 and banished the remembrance of every just and 

 generous refinement. 



For myself, I am arrived at that time of life 

 when summer brings me more enjoyment than 

 winter. The return of spring, wdtli its tuneful and 

 joyous minstrelsy, its budding boughs, its prim- 

 rose, violet, and scented air, though rudely checked 

 by cold as our springs now are, brings to me 

 many memories of happy ^ hours ; and deprived 

 of the glorious steed, as I have been for so long, 

 perhaps that has helped to turn me to seek a 

 quieter field for sylvan recreation. If the loss of 

 my horses has brought or assisted to briiig this 

 about, the gun and rifle have never left my hand 

 yet; still, at tlie present time^ I love more to rear 



