NEWS OF SPRING 

 take an unhoped-for part in the most mysterious festivals of 

 the invisible force that animates us also. Doubtless, in appear- 

 ance, it is a small thing that a few more flowers should adorn 

 our beds. They only scatter a few impotent smiles along the 

 paths that lead to the grave. It is none the less true that these 

 are new smiles, which were unknown to those who came before 

 us; and this recently-discovered happiness spreads generously 

 in every direction, even to the doors of the most wretched 

 hovels. The good, the simple flowers are as happy and as 

 gorgeous in the poor man's strip of garden as in the broad 

 lawns of the great house; and they surround the cottage with 

 the supreme beauty of the earth: for the earth has hitherto 

 produced nothing more beautiful than the flowers. They have 

 completed the conquest of the globe. Foreseeing the days 

 when men shall at last have long and equal leisure, already 

 they promise an equality in healthy enjoyment. Yes, as- 

 suredly it is a small thing; and everything is a small thing, 

 if we look at each of our little victories one by one. It is a 

 small thing, too, in appearance, that we should have a few 

 more thoughts in our heads, a new feeling at our hearts; and 

 yet it is just that which is slowly leading us where we hope 

 to arrive. 



[198] 



