CHAPTER VII 



WATER 



Ik the legends of ancient times running 



water was proof against all sorcery and 



witchcraft : 



No spell could stay the living tide 

 Or charm the rushing stream.^ 



There was much truth as well as beauty in 

 this idea. 



Flowing waters, moreover, have not only 

 power to wash out material stains, but they 

 also clear away the cobwebs of the brain — 

 the results of over incessant work — and re- 

 store us to health and strength. 



Snowfields and glaciers, mountain torrents, 

 sparkling brooks, and stately rivers, meres 

 and lakes, and last, not least, the great ocean 

 itself, all alike possess this magic power. 



1 Leyden. 



251 



