152 A WHITE-PAPER GARDEN 



pale, refreshing tints and peace and rest and 

 recreation. 



It is only when we have left youth behind 

 us that we come to a full understanding of the 

 values of dawns and twilights. They linger 

 so much longer than noons or midnights, and 

 show us so much more that is truer and 

 lovelier, and so belong first to the days when 

 we have no idea of proportion, and then to 

 those in which we know what it is. Youth is 

 to age what the blossom is to the tree ; every- 

 body knows that ; but where would be the 

 tenderness of the one without the battles the 

 worn old bough has won in its many militant 

 years ? Young folk need that lovely connect- 

 ing link with the past which can come only 

 from contact with old people, as an apple 

 blossom needs the sap from the old tree. 

 Perhaps the trees have their legends for their 

 children, and it may be telling their runes and 

 sagas, when we say the wind is passing at 

 dawn. At midday, in mid-life, there is no 

 time to think of things like these, but 



" In green old gardens hidden away 

 From sight of revel, or sound of strife," 



the hours bring each their lesson. 



