LOVE OF ENTERPRISE. 337 



AMICUS. True ! That same love of enterprise, 

 of contending with and overcoming difficulties, 

 that same love of distinction which impelled 

 the early navigators in their hazardous voyages, 

 the same that has gained us our Eastern em- 

 pire, and which is never or rarely absent 

 from the energetic man. Even in our sports, 

 our river and field-sports, do not we see the 

 same displayed, though in a less marked but 

 more harmless manner than in the field of 

 blood and strife unless, indeed, the greater 

 exertions and triumphs, those of conquering 

 armies, lead, as was long the case amongst the 

 Komans, to a better government and an ad- 

 vancing civilisation ? We are losing sight of 

 the river and lake, both objectively and sub- 

 jectively, if I may use these far fetched meta- 

 physical terms, and too soon I shall have to 

 retrace my steps, rather, I should say, re- 

 turning as I purpose to do by the express train, 

 rush back to busy and hurried city life. Let 

 me here, for where I can do it more appro- 

 priately, thank you for the pleasure I have 

 had in your company in this your Lake District 

 and in these our fishing excursions. 



