REFLECTIONS. 271 



the morning, covered all objects and nou- 

 rished all things that grew, and in which 

 they were more beautiful even than in sun- 

 shine, what would I not give! All that I 

 have gained in an active and not unprofit- 

 able life. How well I remember that de- 

 lightful season, when full of power I sought 

 for power in others ; and power was sympa- 

 thy, and sympathy power. When every 

 voice seemed one of praise and love; when 

 every flower had the bloom and odour of 

 (he rose, and every spray or plant seemed 

 either the poet's laurel, or the civic oak 

 which appeared to offer themselves to my 

 ready and willing hands. But, alas! this 

 cannot be; and even you cannot have two 

 springs in life though I have no doubt you 

 have fishing days, in which the feelings of 

 youth return, and that your autumn has a 

 more vernal character than mine. 



POIET. I do not think Halieus had ever 

 any season except a perpetual and gentle 

 spring; for the tones of his mind have been 

 always so quiet, it has been so little scorched 

 by sunshine, and so little shaken by winds, 



