X THE BROOK AND I 



comes to play in one^s yard. It is neighborly. It in- 

 vites confidences. It reflects our smiles and our tears 

 with the same calm surface. 



Nor is the brook always idle. The brook practical 

 may typify a more useful life than the brook roman- 

 tic. It may be both. So, too, may we. If the stream 

 goes on merrily below the mill, may not we, too, do 

 an honest day^s work and keep moderately cheerful.^ 

 I would that I might be like a mountain brook, never 

 stagnant, never vanquished by obstacles. That I might 

 do my task and be ready to play when it is finished. 

 That I might hurry through all uncleanness, absorbing 

 none. And that I might give myself to the future 

 with perfect confidence and peace. 



