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NATURE FOB ITS OWN SAKE 



always shifting, changing being added to or 

 subtracted from by varying conditions. It 

 may describe the species, and yet is hardly to 

 be called the characteristic feature. That 

 which strikes us as peculiar and determinate 

 about any and every cloud is its drifting, 

 swaying lightness. The glide down a vast in- 

 cline of air that marks a white swan settling 

 to water is usually considered the most poetic 

 of all motions ; yet it is somewhat gross and 

 heavy compared with the grace of a moving 

 cloud. A cloud drifts with the wind, not be- 

 fore it ; it lies in the air, not beyond it ; it has 

 no visible support and yet appears supported. 

 Apparently defying the law of gravitation, it 

 seems to have no relation to the earth, but like 

 a phantom ship sails the celestial blue, wholly 

 unconcerned as to destination, wholly careless 

 as to dangers. All of them, singly or in flocks, 

 are mere vapors such things as dreams are 

 made of the wonder-world of childish fancy, 

 yet how beautiful they are ! 



" Forming and breaking in the sky, 

 I fancy all shapes are there ; 

 Temple, mountain, monument, spire) 

 Ships rigged out with sails of fire 

 And blown by the evening air." 



