Esthetically and Ethically Considered, 333 



modest, low headstone, almost hidden in the grass, in the old Con- 

 cord burying-ground, bearing no inscription but a name — but that 

 name, the greatest in American literature — Hawthorne. That unique 

 genius probably put his own sentiments into Miriam's mouth ; at all 

 events a wholesome and weighty sentiment — when he made her say : 

 It is a good state of mind for mortal man, when he is content to 

 leave no more definite memorial than the grass, which will sprout 

 kindly and speedily over his grave, if we do not make the spot barren 

 with marble. Methinks, too, it will be a fresher and better world, 

 when it flings oif this great burden of stony memories, which the ages 

 have deemed it a piety to heap upon its back." 



At Arqua are the mansion and sepulchre of Petrarch, of which the 

 poet sings: 



* * Both plain 

 And venerably simple, such as raise 

 A feeling more accordant with his strain 

 Than if a pyramid formed his monumental fame." 



If one would have his memory *' smell sweet and blossom in the 

 dust," he must build for others, not for himself. Otherwise he will 

 share the common fate — to be forgotten. A great or sweet life needs 

 no care on the part of him who lived it. What will signify those 

 gleaming masses on the wooded heights to him who shall sail up the 

 Hudson a hundred years hence ? But the public charities founded 

 by those who slumber there will endure, and bless like the twice- 

 blessed attribute of mercy. 



** Such graves as these are pilgrim shrines; 

 Shrines to no code or creed confined ; 

 The Delphian vales, the Palestinee, 

 The Meccas of the Xiud." 



