AMERICAN PREFACE. 
iv 
We see nothing in this state of things to regret; on the 
contrary, we behold in it an element of conservatism, a 
tendency to order and harmony needful in a republic, and 
which may serve to allay the fluctuations and tumults inci¬ 
dent to institutions like our own. Excellent as are high 
principles of action, it is well known that they are most fre¬ 
quently held as a sort of corps de reserve , not lightly to be 
called into service ; and men who would be too indifferent to 
think and reflect, may be so trained as instinctively to re¬ 
coil from what might be held repugnant to good taste. 
This may seem to be a lower view of the subject, but reflec¬ 
tion will show it to be based upon the higher. 
Let us then deal gently, considerately, with this tenden¬ 
cy to the beautiful. The needs of life are so urgent among 
us, the claims of society so heavy, that there is little hazard 
of abuse by any general outbreaks of a visionary spirit, or 
any extensive ineffectiveness of character, while its good to 
the heart and life is beyond calculation. 
Let, then, our youth sing, if they will,—and our maidens, 
like the sweet Perdita and the gentle Ophelia, give flowers 
to be “ worn with a difference,”—the Rue still held as u herb 
of grace ” by the common people ; Shenstone’s 
“ Pun-provoking Thyme 
the Hazel, sacred to enchantment. Let them try love au 
guries with the petals of the Rose, or the down of the Dan¬ 
delion, as they did long before Goethe had made the test, 
full of pathos and beauty, by the fate of the simple Mar- 
