120 
WALDEN. 
three selectmen, because our pilgrim forefathers got 
through a cold winter once on a bleak rock with these. 
To act collectively is according to the spirit of our in¬ 
stitutions ; and I am confident that, as our circumstances 
are more flourishing, our means are greater than the 
nobleman’s. New England can hire all the wise men 
in the world to come and teach her, and board them 
round the while, and not be provincial at all. That is 
the uncommon school we want. Instead of noblemen, 
let us have noble villages of men. If it is necessary, 
omit one bridge over the river, go round a little there, 
and throw one arch at least over the darker gulf of 
ignorance which surrounds us. 
