THE POND IN WINTER 
After a still winter night I awoke with the impres¬ 
sion that some question had been put to me, which I 
had been endeavoring in vain to answer in my sleep, as 
what—how—-when-—where? But there was dawning 
Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my 
broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no 
question on her lips. I awoke to an answered question, 
to Nature and daylight. The snow lying deep on the 
earth dotted with young pines, and the very slope of the 
hill on which my house is placed, seemed to say, For¬ 
ward! Nature puts no question and answers none 
which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her 
resolution. “ O Prince, our eyes contemplate with ad¬ 
miration and transmit to the soul the wonderful and va¬ 
ried spectacle of this universe. The night veils without 
doubt, a part of this glorious creation; but day comes to 
reveal to us this great work, which extends from earth 
even into the plains of the ether.” 
Then to my morning work. First I take an axe and 
pail and go in search of water, if that be not a dream. 
After a cold and snowy night it needed a divining rod 
( 303 ) 
