第9章

Theflowerofcourtesydoesnotverywellbidehandling，butifwedaretoopenanotherleaf，andexplorewhatpartsgotoitsconformation，weshallfindalsoanintellectualquality。Totheleadersofmen，thebrainaswellasthefleshandtheheartmustfurnishaproportion。Defectinmannersisusuallythedefectoffineperceptions。Menaretoocoarselymadeforthedelicacyofbeautifulcarriageandcustoms。Itisnotquitesufficienttogood-breeding，aunionofkindnessandindependence。Weimperativelyrequireaperceptionof，andahomagetobeautyinourcompanions。

Othervirtuesareinrequestinthefieldandworkyard，butacertaindegreeoftasteisnottobesparedinthosewesitwith。Icouldbettereatwithonewhodidnotrespectthetruthorthelaws，thanwithaslovenandunpresentableperson。Moralqualitiesruletheworld，butatshortdistances，thesensesaredespotic。Thesamediscriminationoffitandfairrunsout，ifwithlessrigor，intoallpartsoflife。Theaveragespiritoftheenergeticclassisgoodsense，actingundercertainlimitationsandtocertainends。Itentertainseverynaturalgift。Socialinitsnature，itrespectseverythingwhichtendstounitemen。Itdelightsinmeasure。Theloveofbeautyismainlytheloveofmeasureorproportion。Thepersonwhoscreams，orusesthesuperlativedegree，orconverseswithheat，putswholedrawing-roomstoflight。Ifyouwishtobeloved，lovemeasure。Youmusthavegenius，oraprodigioususefulness，ifyouwillhidethewantofmeasure。Thisperceptioncomesintopolishandperfectthepartsofthesocialinstrument。Societywillpardonmuchtogeniusandspecialgifts，but，beinginitsnatureaconvention，itloveswhatisconventional，orwhatbelongstocomingtogether。Thatmakesthegoodandbadofmanners，namely，whathelpsorhindersfellowship。For，fashionisnotgoodsenseabsolute，butrelative；notgoodsenseprivate，butgoodsenseentertainingcompany。Ithatescornersandsharppointsofcharacter，hatesquarrelsome，egotistical，solitary，andgloomypeople；hateswhatevercaninterferewithtotalblendingofparties；whilstitvaluesallpeculiaritiesasinthehighestdegreerefreshing，whichcanconsistwithgoodfellowship。Andbesidesthegeneralinfusionofwittoheightencivility，thedirectsplendorofintellectualpoweriseverwelcomeinfinesocietyasthecostliestadditiontoitsruleanditscredit。

Thedrylightmustshineintoadornourfestival，butitmustbetemperedandshaded，orthatwillalsooffend。Accuracyisessentialtobeauty，andquickperceptionstopoliteness，butnottooquickperceptions。Onemaybetoopunctualandtooprecise。Hemustleavetheomniscienceofbusinessatthedoor，whenhecomesintothepalaceofbeauty。Societylovescreolenatures，andsleepy，languishingmanners，sothattheycoversense，grace，andgood-will；

theairofdrowsystrength，whichdisarmscriticism；perhaps，becausesuchapersonseemstoreservehimselfforthebestofthegame，andnotspendhimselfonsurfaces；anignoringeye，whichdoesnotseetheannoyances，shifts，andinconveniences，thatcloudthebrowandsmotherthevoiceofthesensitive。

Therefore，besidespersonalforceandsomuchperceptionasconstitutesunerringtaste，societydemandsinitspatricianclass，anotherelementalreadyintimated，whichitsignificantlytermsgood-nature，expressingalldegreesofgenerosity，fromthelowestwillingnessandfacultytooblige，uptotheheightsofmagnanimityandlove。Insightwemusthave，orweshallrunagainstoneanother，andmissthewaytoourfood；butintellectisselfishandbarren。

Thesecretofsuccessinsociety，isacertainheartinessandsympathy。Amanwhoisnothappyinthecompany，cannotfindanywordinhismemorythatwillfittheoccasion。Allhisinformationisalittleimpertinent。Amanwhoishappythere，findsineveryturnoftheconversationequallyluckyoccasionsfortheintroductionofthatwhichhehastosay。Thefavoritesofsociety，andwhatitcalls_wholesouls_，areablemen，andofmorespiritthanwit，whohavenouncomfortableegotism，butwhoexactlyfillthehourandthecompany，contentedandcontenting，atamarriageorafuneral，aballorajury，awater-partyorashooting-match。England，whichisrichingentlemen，furnished，inthebeginningofthepresentcentury，agoodmodelofthatgeniuswhichtheworldloves，inMr。Fox，whoaddedtohisgreatabilitiesthemostsocialdisposition，andrealloveofmen。Parliamentaryhistoryhasfewbetterpassagesthanthedebate，inwhichBurkeandFoxseparatedintheHouseofCommons；

whenFoxurgedonhisoldfriendtheclaimsofoldfriendshipwithsuchtenderness，thatthehousewasmovedtotears。Anotheranecdoteissoclosetomymatter，thatImusthazardthestory。Atradesmanwhohadlongdunnedhimforanoteofthreehundredguineas，foundhimonedaycountinggold，anddemandedpayment：“No，“saidFox，“I

owethismoneytoSheridan：itisadebtofhonor：ifanaccidentshouldhappentome，hehasnothingtoshow。““Then，“saidthecreditor，“Ichangemydebtintoadebtofhonor，“andtorethenoteinpieces。Foxthankedthemanforhisconfidence，andpaidhim，saying，“hisdebtwasofolderstanding，andSheridanmustwait。“

Loverofliberty，friendoftheHindoo，friendoftheAfricanslave，hepossessedagreatpersonalpopularity；andNapoleonsaidofhimontheoccasionofhisvisittoParis，in1805，“Mr。FoxwillalwaysholdthefirstplaceinanassemblyattheThuilleries。“

Wemayeasilyseemridiculousinoureulogyofcourtesy，wheneverweinsistonbenevolenceasitsfoundation。ThepaintedphantasmFashionrisestocastaspeciesofderisiononwhatwesay。

ButIwillneitherbedrivenfromsomeallowancetoFashionasasymbolicinstitution，norfromthebeliefthatloveisthebasisofcourtesy。Wemustobtain_that_，ifwecan；butbyallmeanswemustaffirm_this_。Lifeowesmuchofitsspirittothesesharpcontrasts。Fashionwhichaffectstobehonor，isoften，inallmen\'sexperience，onlyaballroom-code。Yet，solongasitisthehighestcircle，intheimaginationofthebestheadsontheplanet，thereissomethingnecessaryandexcellentinit；foritisnottobesupposedthatmenhaveagreedtobethedupesofanythingpreposterous；andtherespectwhichthesemysteriesinspireinthemostrudeandsylvancharacters，andthecuriositywithwhichdetailsofhighlifeareread，betraytheuniversalityoftheloveofcultivatedmanners。I

knowthatacomicdisparitywouldbefelt，ifweshouldentertheacknowledged`firstcircles，\'andapplytheseterrificstandardsofjustice，beauty，andbenefit，totheindividualsactuallyfoundthere。Monarchsandheroes，sagesandlovers，thesegallantsarenot。Fashionhasmanyclassesandmanyrulesofprobationandadmission；andnotthebestalone。Thereisnotonlytherightofconquest，whichgeniuspretends，——theindividual，demonstratinghisnaturalaristocracybestofthebest；——butlessclaimswillpassforthetime；forFashionloveslions，andpoints，likeCirce，toherhornedcompany。ThisgentlemanisthisafternoonarrivedfromDenmark；andthatismyLordRide，whocameyesterdayfromBagdat；

hereisCaptainFriese，fromCapeTurnagain；andCaptainSymmes，fromtheinterioroftheearth；andMonsieurJovaire，whocamedownthismorninginaballoon；Mr。Hobnail，thereformer；andReverendJulBat，whohasconvertedthewholetorridzoneinhisSundayschool；

andSignorTorredelGreco，whoextinguishedVesuviusbypouringintoittheBayofNaples；Spahi，thePersianambassador；andTulWilShan，theexilednabobofNepaul，whosesaddleisthenewmoon——

Butthesearemonstersofoneday，andtomorrowwillbedismissedtotheirholesanddens；for，intheserooms，everychairiswaitedfor。

Theartist，thescholar，and，ingeneral，theclerisy，winsitswayupintotheseplaces，andgetsrepresentedhere，somewhatonthisfootingofconquest。Anothermodeistopassthroughallthedegrees，spendingayearandadayinSt。Michael\'sSquare，beingsteepedinColognewater，andperfumed，anddined，andintroduced，andproperlygroundedinallthebiography，andpolitics，andanecdotesoftheboudoirs。

Yetthesefineriesmayhavegraceandwit。Lettherebegrotesquesculptureaboutthegatesandofficesoftemples。Letthecreedandcommandmentsevenhavethesaucyhomageofparody。Theformsofpolitenessuniversallyexpressbenevolenceinsuperlativedegrees。Whatiftheyareinthemouthsofselfishmen，andusedasmeansofselfishness？Whatifthefalsegentlemanalmostbowsthetrueoutoftheworld？Whatifthefalsegentlemancontrivessotoaddresshiscompanion，ascivillytoexcludeallothersfromhisdiscourse，andalsotomakethemfeelexcluded？Realservicewillnotloseitsnobleness。AllgenerosityisnotmerelyFrenchandsentimental；norisittobeconcealed，thatlivingbloodandapassionofkindnessdoesatlastdistinguishGod\'sgentlemanfromFashion\'s。TheepitaphofSirJenkinGroutisnotwhollyunintelligibletothepresentage。“HereliesSirJenkinGrout，wholovedhisfriend，andpersuadedhisenemy：whathismouthate，hishandpaidfor：whathisservantsrobbed，herestored：ifawomangavehimpleasure，hesupportedherinpain：heneverforgothischildren：

andwhosotouchedhisfinger，drewafterithiswholebody。“Eventhelineofheroesisnotutterlyextinct。Thereisstilleversomeadmirablepersoninplainclothes，standingonthewharf，whojumpsintorescueadrowningman；thereisstillsomeabsurdinventorofcharities；someguideandcomforterofrunawayslaves；somefriendofPoland；somePhilhellene；somefanaticwhoplantsshade-treesforthesecondandthirdgeneration，andorchardswhenheisgrownold；somewell-concealedpiety；somejustmanhappyinanill-fame；someyouthashamedofthefavorsoffortune，andimpatientlycastingthemonothershoulders。Andthesearethecentresofsociety，onwhichitreturnsforfreshimpulses。ThesearethecreatorsofFashion，whichisanattempttoorganizebeautyofbehavior。Thebeautifulandthegenerousare，inthetheory，thedoctorsandapostlesofthischurch：

Scipio，andtheCid，andSirPhilipSidney，andWashington，andeverypureandvaliantheart，whoworshippedBeautybywordandbydeed。

Thepersonswhoconstitutethenaturalaristocracy，arenotfoundintheactualaristocracy，or，onlyonitsedge；asthechemicalenergyofthespectrumisfoundtobegreatestjustoutsideofthespectrum。

Yetthatistheinfirmityoftheseneschals，whodonotknowtheirsovereign，whenheappears。Thetheoryofsocietysupposestheexistenceandsovereigntyofthese。Itdivinesafarofftheircoming。Itsayswiththeeldergods，——

“AsHeavenandEartharefairerfarThanChaosandblankDarkness，thoughoncechiefs；

AndasweshowbeyondthatHeavenandEarth，Informandshapecompactandbeautiful；

So，onourheelsafreshperfectiontreads；

Apower，morestronginbeauty，bornofus，Andfatedtoexcelus，aswepassInglorythatoldDarkness：——

for，\'tistheeternallaw，Thatfirstinbeautyshallbefirstinmight。“

Therefore，withintheethnicalcircleofgoodsociety，thereisanarrowerandhighercircle，concentrationofitslight，andflowerofcourtesy，towhichthereisalwaysatacitappealofprideandreference，astoitsinnerandimperialcourt，theparliamentofloveandchivalry。Andthisisconstitutedofthosepersonsinwhomheroicdispositionsarenative，withtheloveofbeauty，thedelightinsociety，andthepowertoembellishthepassingday。IftheindividualswhocomposethepurestcirclesofaristocracyinEurope，theguardedbloodofcenturies，shouldpassinreview，insuchmannerasthatwecould，atleisure，andcriticallyinspecttheirbehavior，wemightfindnogentleman，andnolady；for，althoughexcellentspecimensofcourtesyandhigh-breedingwouldgratifyusintheassemblage，intheparticulars，weshoulddetectoffence。Because，elegancecomesofnobreeding，butofbirth。Theremustberomanceofcharacter，orthemostfastidiousexclusionofimpertinencieswillnotavail。Itmustbegeniuswhichtakesthatdirection：itmustbenotcourteous，butcourtesy。Highbehaviorisasrareinfiction，asitisinfact。Scottispraisedforthefidelitywithwhichhepaintedthedemeanorandconversationofthesuperiorclasses。

Certainly，kingsandqueens，noblesandgreatladies，hadsomerighttocomplainoftheabsurditythathadbeenputintheirmouths，beforethedaysofWaverley；butneitherdoesScott\'sdialoguebearcriticism。Hislordsbraveeachotherinsmartepigramaticspeeches，butthedialogueisincostume，anddoesnotpleaseonthesecondreading：itisnotwarmwithlife。InShakspearealone，thespeakersdonotstrutandbridle，thedialogueiseasilygreat，andheaddstosomanytitlesthatofbeingthebest-bredmaninEngland，andinChristendom。Onceortwiceinalifetimewearepermittedtoenjoythecharmofnoblemanners，inthepresenceofamanorwomanwhohavenobarintheirnature，butwhosecharacteremanatesfreelyintheirwordandgesture。Abeautifulformisbetterthanabeautifulface；abeautifulbehaviorisbetterthanabeautifulform：itgivesahigherpleasurethanstatuesorpictures；itisthefinestofthefinearts。Amanisbutalittlethinginthemidstoftheobjectsofnature，yet，bythemoralqualityradiatingfromhiscountenance，hemayabolishallconsiderationsofmagnitude，andinhismannersequalthemajestyoftheworld。Ihaveseenanindividual，whosemanners，thoughwhollywithintheconventionsofelegantsociety，wereneverlearnedthere，butwereoriginalandcommanding，andheldoutprotectionandprosperity；onewhodidnotneedtheaidofacourt-suit，butcarriedtheholidayinhiseye；whoexhilaratedthefancybyflingingwidethedoorsofnewmodesofexistence；whoshookoffthecaptivityofetiquette，withhappy，spiritedbearing，good-naturedandfreeasRobinHood；yetwiththeportofanemperor，——ifneedbe，calm，serious，andfittostandthegazeofmillions。

Theopenairandthefields，thestreetandpublicchambers，aretheplaceswhereManexecuteshiswill；lethimyieldordividethesceptreatthedoorofthehouse。Woman，withherinstinctofbehavior，instantlydetectsinmanaloveoftrifles，anycoldnessorimbecility，or，inshort，anywantofthatlarge，flowing，andmagnanimousdeportment，whichisindispensableasanexteriorinthehall。OurAmericaninstitutionshavebeenfriendlytoher，andatthismoment，Iesteemitachieffelicityofthiscountry，thatitexcelsinwomen。Acertainawkwardconsciousnessofinferiorityinthemen，maygiverisetothenewchivalryinbehalfofWoman\'sRights。Certainly，letherbeasmuchbetterplacedinthelawsandinsocialforms，asthemostzealousreformercanask，butIconfidesoentirelyinherinspiringandmusicalnature，thatIbelieveonlyherselfcanshowushowsheshallbeserved。Thewonderfulgenerosityofhersentimentsraisesherattimesintoheroicalandgodlikeregions，andverifiesthepicturesofMinerva，Juno，orPolymnia；and，bythefirmnesswithwhichshetreadsherupwardpath，sheconvincesthecoarsestcalculatorsthatanotherroadexists，thanthatwhichtheirfeetknow。ButbesidesthosewhomakegoodinourimaginationtheplaceofmusesandofDelphicSibyls，aretherenotwomenwhofillourvasewithwineandrosestothebrim，sothatthewinerunsoverandfillsthehousewithperfume；whoinspireuswithcourtesy；whounlooseourtongues，andwespeak；whoanointoureyes，andwesee？Wesaythingsweneverthoughttohavesaid；foronce，ourwallsofhabitualreservevanished，andleftusatlarge；wewerechildrenplayingwithchildreninawidefieldofflowers。Steepus，wecried，intheseinfluences，fordays，forweeks，andweshallbesunnypoets，andwillwriteoutinmany-coloredwordstheromancethatyouare。WasitHafizorFirdousithatsaidofhisPersianLilla，Shewasanelementalforce，andastonishedmebyheramountoflife，whenIsawherdayafterdayradiating，everyinstant，redundantjoyandgraceonallaroundher。Shewasasolventpowerfultoreconcileallheterogeneouspersonsintoonesociety：

likeairorwater，anelementofsuchagreatrangeofaffinities，thatitcombinesreadilywithathousandsubstances。Wheresheispresent，allotherswillbemorethantheyarewont。Shewasaunitandwhole，sothatwhatsoevershedid，becameher。Shehadtoomuchsympathyanddesiretoplease，thanthatyoucouldsay，hermannersweremarkedwithdignity，yetnoprincesscouldsurpassherclearanderectdemeanoroneachoccasion。ShedidnotstudythePersiangrammar，northebooksofthesevenpoets，butallthepoemsofthesevenseemedtobewrittenuponher。For，thoughthebiasofhernaturewasnottothought，buttosympathy，yetwasshesoperfectinherownnature，astomeetintellectualpersonsbythefulnessofherheart，warmingthembyhersentiments；believing，asshedid，thatbydealingnoblywithall，allwouldshowthemselvesnoble。

IknowthatthisByzantinepileofchivalryorFashion，whichseemssofairandpicturesquetothosewholookatthecontemporaryfactsforscienceorforentertainment，isnotequallypleasanttoallspectators。Theconstitutionofoursocietymakesitagiant\'scastletotheambitiousyouthwhohavenotfoundtheirnamesenrolledinitsGoldenBook，andwhomithasexcludedfromitscovetedhonorsandprivileges。Theyhaveyettolearnthatitsseeminggrandeurisshadowyandrelative：itisgreatbytheirallowance：itsproudestgateswillflyopenattheapproachoftheircourageandvirtue。Forthepresentdistress，however，ofthosewhoarepredisposedtosufferfromthetyranniesofthiscaprice，thereareeasyremedies。Toremoveyourresidenceacoupleofmiles，oratmostfour，willcommonlyrelievethemostextremesusceptibility。For，theadvantageswhichfashionvalues，areplantswhichthriveinveryconfinedlocalities，inafewstreets，namely。Outofthisprecinct，theygofornothing；areofnouseinthefarm，intheforest，inthemarket，inwar，inthenuptialsociety，intheliteraryorscientificcircle，atsea，infriendship，intheheavenofthoughtorvirtue。

Butwehavelingeredlongenoughinthesepaintedcourts。Theworthofthethingsignifiedmustvindicateourtastefortheemblem。

Everythingthatiscalledfashionandcourtesyhumblesitselfbeforethecauseandfountainofhonor，creatoroftitlesanddignities，namely，theheartoflove。Thisistheroyalblood，thisthefire，which，inallcountriesandcontingencies，willworkafteritskind，andconquerandexpandallthatapproachesit。Thisgivesnewmeaningstoeveryfact。Thisimpoverishestherich，sufferingnograndeurbutitsown。What_is_rich？Areyourichenoughtohelpanybody？tosuccortheunfashionableandtheeccentric？richenoughtomaketheCanadianinhiswagon，theitinerantwithhisconsul\'spaperwhichcommendshim“Tothecharitable，“theswarthyItalianwithhisfewbrokenwordsofEnglish，thelamepauperhuntedbyoverseersfromtowntotown，eventhepoorinsaneorbesottedwreckofmanorwoman，feelthenobleexceptionofyourpresenceandyourhouse，fromthegeneralbleaknessandstoniness；tomakesuchfeelthattheyweregreetedwithavoicewhichmadethembothrememberandhope？Whatisvulgar，buttorefusetheclaimonacuteandconclusivereasons？Whatisgentle，buttoallowit，andgivetheirheartandyoursoneholidayfromthenationalcaution？Withouttherichheart，wealthisanuglybeggar。ThekingofSchirazcouldnotaffordtobesobountifulasthepoorOsmanwhodweltathisgate。

Osmanhadahumanitysobroadanddeep，thatalthoughhisspeechwassoboldandfreewiththeKoran，astodisgustallthedervishes，yetwasthereneverapooroutcast，eccentric，orinsaneman，somefoolwhohadcutoffhisbeard，orwhohadbeenmutilatedunderavow，orhadapetmadnessinhisbrain，butfledatoncetohim，——thatgreatheartlaytheresosunnyandhospitableinthecentreofthecountry，——thatitseemedasiftheinstinctofallsufferersdrewthemtohisside。Andthemadnesswhichheharbored，hedidnotshare。Isnotthistoberich？thisonlytoberightlyrich？

ButIshallhearwithoutpain，thatIplaythecourtierveryill，andtalkofthatwhichIdonotwellunderstand。Itiseasytosee，thatwhatiscalledbydistinctionsocietyandfashion，hasgoodlawsaswellasbad，hasmuchthatisnecessary，andmuchthatisabsurd。Toogoodforbanning，andtoobadforblessing，itremindsusofatraditionofthepaganmythology，inanyattempttosettleitscharacter。`IoverheardJove，oneday，\'saidSilenus，`talkingofdestroyingtheearth；hesaid，ithadfailed；theywereallroguesandvixens，whowentfrombadtoworse，asfastasthedayssucceededeachother。Minervasaid，shehopednot；theywereonlyridiculouslittlecreatures，withthisoddcircumstance，thattheyhadablur，orindeterminateaspect，seenfarorseennear；ifyoucalledthembad，theywouldappearso；ifyoucalledthemgood，theywouldappearso；andtherewasnoonepersonoractionamongthem，whichwouldnotpuzzleherowl，muchmoreallOlympus，toknowwhetheritwasfundamentallybadorgood。\'

GIFTS

Giftsofonewholovedme，——

\'Twashightimetheycame；

Whenheceasedtoloveme，Timetheystoppedforshame。

ESSAYV_Gifts_

Itissaidthattheworldisinastateofbankruptcy，thattheworldowestheworldmorethantheworldcanpay，andoughttogointochancery，andbesold。Idonotthinkthisgeneralinsolvency，whichinvolvesinsomesortallthepopulation，tobethereasonofthedifficultyexperiencedatChristmasandNewYear，andothertimes，inbestowinggifts；sinceitisalwayssopleasanttobegenerous，thoughveryvexatioustopaydebts。Buttheimpedimentliesinthechoosing。If，atanytime，itcomesintomyhead，thatapresentisduefrommetosomebody，Iampuzzledwhattogive，untiltheopportunityisgone。Flowersandfruitsarealwaysfitpresents；

flowers，becausetheyareaproudassertionthatarayofbeautyoutvaluesalltheutilitiesoftheworld。Thesegaynaturescontrastwiththesomewhatsterncountenanceofordinarynature：theyarelikemusicheardoutofawork-house。Naturedoesnotcockerus：wearechildren，notpets：sheisnotfond：everythingisdealttouswithoutfearorfavor，aftersevereuniversallaws。Yetthesedelicateflowerslooklikethefrolicandinterferenceofloveandbeauty。Menusetotellusthatweloveflattery，eventhoughwearenotdeceivedbyit，becauseitshowsthatweareofimportanceenoughtobecourted。Somethinglikethatpleasure，theflowersgiveus：

whatamItowhomthesesweethintsareaddressed？Fruitsareacceptablegifts，becausetheyaretheflowerofcommodities，andadmitoffantasticvaluesbeingattachedtothem。Ifamanshouldsendtometocomeahundredmilestovisithim，andshouldsetbeforemeabasketoffinesummerfruit，Ishouldthinktherewassomeproportionbetweenthelaborandthereward。

Forcommongifts，necessitymakespertinencesandbeautyeveryday，andoneisgladwhenanimperativeleaveshimnooption，sinceifthemanatthedoorhavenoshoes，youhavenottoconsiderwhetheryoucouldprocurehimapaint-box。Andasitisalwayspleasingtoseeamaneatbread，ordrinkwater，inthehouseoroutofdoors，soitisalwaysagreatsatisfactiontosupplythesefirstwants。Necessitydoeseverythingwell。Inourconditionofuniversaldependence，itseemsheroictoletthepetitionerbethejudgeofhisnecessity，andtogiveallthatisasked，thoughatgreatinconvenience。Ifitbeafantasticdesire，itisbettertoleavetootherstheofficeofpunishinghim。IcanthinkofmanypartsIshouldpreferplayingtothatoftheFuries。Nexttothingsofnecessity，theruleforagift，whichoneofmyfriendsprescribed，is，thatwemightconveytosomepersonthatwhichproperlybelongedtohischaracter，andwaseasilyassociatedwithhiminthought。Butourtokensofcomplimentandloveareforthemostpartbarbarous。Ringsandotherjewelsarenotgifts，butapologiesforgifts。Theonlygiftisaportionofthyself。Thoumustbleedforme。Thereforethepoetbringshispoem；theshepherd，hislamb；thefarmer，corn；theminer，agem；thesailor，coralandshells；thepainter，hispicture；thegirl，ahandkerchiefofherownsewing。Thisisrightandpleasing，foritrestoressocietyinsofartoitsprimarybasis，whenaman\'sbiographyisconveyedinhisgift，andeveryman\'swealthisanindexofhismerit。Butitisacold，lifelessbusinesswhenyougototheshopstobuymesomething，whichdoesnotrepresentyourlifeandtalent，butagoldsmith\'s。

Thisisfitforkings，andrichmenwhorepresentkings，andafalsestateofproperty，tomakepresentsofgoldandsilverstuffs，asakindofsymbolicalsin-offering，orpaymentofblack-mail。

Thelawofbenefitsisadifficultchannel，whichrequirescarefulsailing，orrudeboats。Itisnottheofficeofamantoreceivegifts。Howdareyougivethem？Wewishtobeself-sustained。Wedonotquiteforgiveagiver。Thehandthatfeedsusisinsomedangerofbeingbitten。Wecanreceiveanythingfromlove，forthatisawayofreceivingitfromourselves；butnotfromanyonewhoassumestobestow。Wesometimeshatethemeatwhichweeat，becausethereseemssomethingofdegradingdependenceinlivingbyit。

“Brother，ifJovetotheeapresentmake，Takeheedthatfromhishandsthounothingtake。“

Weaskthewhole。Nothinglesswillcontentus。Wearraignsociety，ifitdonotgiveusbesidesearth，andfire，andwater，opportunity，love，reverence，andobjectsofveneration。

Heisagoodman，whocanreceiveagiftwell。Weareeithergladorsorryatagift，andbothemotionsareunbecoming。Someviolence，Ithink，isdone，somedegradationborne，whenIrejoiceorgrieveatagift。Iamsorrywhenmyindependenceisinvaded，orwhenagiftcomesfromsuchasdonotknowmyspirit，andsotheactisnotsupported；andifthegiftpleasesmeovermuch，thenIshouldbeashamedthatthedonorshouldreadmyheart，andseethatIlovehiscommodity，andnothim。Thegift，tobetrue，mustbetheflowingofthegiveruntome，correspondenttomyflowinguntohim。

Whenthewatersareatlevel，thenmygoodspasstohim，andhistome。Allhisaremine，allminehis。Isaytohim，Howcanyougivemethispotofoil，orthisflagonofwine，whenallyouroilandwineismine，whichbeliefofminethisgiftseemstodeny？Hencethefitnessofbeautiful，notusefulthingsforgifts。Thisgivingisflatusurpation，andthereforewhenthebeneficiaryisungrateful，asallbeneficiarieshateallTimons，notatallconsideringthevalueofthegift，butlookingbacktothegreaterstoreitwastakenfrom，Irathersympathizewiththebeneficiary，thanwiththeangerofmylordTimon。For，theexpectationofgratitudeismean，andiscontinuallypunishedbythetotalinsensibilityoftheobligedperson。Itisagreathappinesstogetoffwithoutinjuryandheart-burning，fromonewhohashadtheilllucktobeservedbyyou。

Itisaveryonerousbusiness，thisofbeingserved，andthedebtornaturallywishestogiveyouaslap。AgoldentextforthesegentlemenisthatwhichIsoadmireintheBuddhist，whoneverthanks，andwhosays，“Donotflatteryourbenefactors。“

ThereasonofthesediscordsIconceivetobe，thatthereisnocommensurabilitybetweenamanandanygift。Youcannotgiveanythingtoamagnanimousperson。Afteryouhaveservedhim，heatonceputsyouindebtbyhismagnanimity。Theserviceamanrendershisfriendistrivialandselfish，comparedwiththeserviceheknowshisfriendstoodinreadinesstoyieldhim，alikebeforehehadbeguntoservehisfriend，andnowalso。Comparedwiththatgood-willI

bearmyfriend，thebenefititisinmypowertorenderhimseemssmall。Besides，ouractiononeachother，goodaswellasevil，issoincidentalandatrandom，thatwecanseldomheartheacknowledgmentsofanypersonwhowouldthankusforabenefit，withoutsomeshameandhumiliation。Wecanrarelystrikeadirectstroke，butmustbecontentwithanobliqueone；weseldomhavethesatisfactionofyieldingadirectbenefit，whichisdirectlyreceived。Butrectitudescattersfavorsoneverysidewithoutknowingit，andreceiveswithwonderthethanksofallpeople。

Ifeartobreatheanytreasonagainstthemajestyoflove，whichisthegeniusandgodofgifts，andtowhomwemustnotaffecttoprescribe。Lethimgivekingdomsorflower-leavesindifferently。

Therearepersons，fromwhomwealwaysexpectfairytokens；letusnotceasetoexpectthem。Thisisprerogative，andnottobelimitedbyourmunicipalrules。Fortherest，Iliketoseethatwecannotbeboughtandsold。Thebestofhospitalityandofgenerosityisalsonotinthewill，butinfate。IfindthatIamnotmuchtoyou；

youdonotneedme；youdonotfeelme；thenamIthrustoutofdoors，thoughyouproffermehouseandlands。Noservicesareofanyvalue，butonlylikeness。WhenIhaveattemptedtojoinmyselftoothersbyservices，itprovedanintellectualtrick，——nomore。

Theyeatyourservicelikeapples，andleaveyouout。Butlovethem，andtheyfeelyou，anddelightinyouallthetime。

NATURE

Theroundedworldisfairtosee，Ninetimesfoldedinmystery：

ThoughbaffledseerscannotimpartThesecretofitslaboringheart，ThrobthinewithNature\'sthrobbingbreast，Andallisclearfromeasttowest。

SpiritthatlurkseachformwithinBeckonstospiritofitskin；

Self-kindledeveryatomglows，Andhintsthefuturewhichitowes。

EssayVI_Nature_

Therearedayswhichoccurinthisclimate，atalmostanyseasonoftheyear，whereintheworldreachesitsperfection，whentheair，theheavenlybodies，andtheearth，makeaharmony，asifnaturewouldindulgeheroffspring；when，inthesebleakuppersidesoftheplanet，nothingistodesirethatwehaveheardofthehappiestlatitudes，andwebaskintheshininghoursofFloridaandCuba；wheneverythingthathaslifegivessignofsatisfaction，andthecattlethatlieonthegroundseemtohavegreatandtranquilthoughts。ThesehalcyonsmaybelookedforwithalittlemoreassuranceinthatpureOctoberweather，whichwedistinguishbythenameoftheIndianSummer。Theday，immeasurablylong，sleepsoverthebroadhillsandwarmwidefields。Tohavelivedthroughallitssunnyhours，seemslongevityenough。Thesolitaryplacesdonotseemquitelonely。Atthegatesoftheforest，thesurprisedmanoftheworldisforcedtoleavehiscityestimatesofgreatandsmall，wiseandfoolish。Theknapsackofcustomfallsoffhisbackwiththefirststephemakesintotheseprecincts。Hereissanctitywhichshamesourreligions，andrealitywhichdiscreditsourheroes。Herewefindnaturetobethecircumstancewhichdwarfseveryothercircumstance，andjudgeslikeagodallmenthatcometoher。Wehavecreptoutofourcloseandcrowdedhousesintothenightandmorning，andweseewhatmajesticbeautiesdailywrapusintheirbosom。Howwillinglywewouldescapethebarrierswhichrenderthemcomparativelyimpotent，escapethesophisticationandsecondthought，andsuffernaturetointranceus。Thetemperedlightofthewoodsislikeaperpetualmorning，andisstimulatingandheroic。Theancientlyreportedspellsoftheseplacescreeponus。Thestemsofpines，hemlocks，andoaks，almostgleamlikeironontheexcitedeye。

Theincommunicabletreesbegintopersuadeustolivewiththem，andquitourlifeofsolemntrifles。Herenohistory，orchurch，orstate，isinterpolatedonthedivineskyandtheimmortalyear。Howeasilywemightwalkonwardintotheopeninglandscape，absorbedbynewpictures，andbythoughtsfastsucceedingeachother，untilbydegreestherecollectionofhomewascrowdedoutofthemind，allmemoryobliteratedbythetyrannyofthepresent，andwewereledintriumphbynature。

Theseenchantmentsaremedicinal，theysoberandhealus。

Theseareplainpleasures，kindlyandnativetous。Wecometoourown，andmakefriendswithmatter，whichtheambitiouschatteroftheschoolswouldpersuadeustodespise。Wenevercanpartwithit；themindlovesitsoldhome：aswatertoourthirst，soistherock，theground，tooureyes，andhands，andfeet。Itisfirmwater：itiscoldflame：whathealth，whataffinity！Everanoldfriend，everlikeadearfriendandbrother，whenwechataffectedlywithstrangers，comesinthishonestface，andtakesagravelibertywithus，andshamesusoutofournonsense。Citiesgivenotthehumansensesroomenough。Wegooutdailyandnightlytofeedtheeyesonthehorizon，andrequiresomuchscope，justasweneedwaterforourbath。Therearealldegreesofnaturalinfluence，fromthesequarantinepowersofnature，uptoherdearestandgravestministrationstotheimaginationandthesoul。Thereisthebucketofcoldwaterfromthespring，thewood-firetowhichthechilledtravellerrushesforsafety，——andthereisthesublimemoralofautumnandofnoon。Wenestleinnature，anddrawourlivingasparasitesfromherrootsandgrains，andwereceiveglancesfromtheheavenlybodies，whichcallustosolitude，andforetelltheremotestfuture。Thebluezenithisthepointinwhichromanceandrealitymeet。Ithink，ifweshouldberaptawayintoallthatwedreamofheaven，andshouldconversewithGabrielandUriel，theupperskywouldbeallthatwouldremainofourfurniture。

Itseemsasifthedaywasnotwhollyprofane，inwhichwehavegivenheedtosomenaturalobject。Thefallofsnowflakesinastillair，preservingtoeachcrystalitsperfectform；theblowingofsleetoverawidesheetofwater，andoverplains，thewavingrye-field，themimicwavingofacresofhoustonia，whoseinnumerablefloretswhitenandripplebeforetheeye；thereflectionsoftreesandflowersinglassylakes；themusicalsteamingodoroussouthwind，whichconvertsalltreestowindharps；thecracklingandspurtingofhemlockintheflames；orofpinelogs，whichyieldglorytothewallsandfacesinthesittingroom，——thesearethemusicandpicturesofthemostancientreligion。Myhousestandsinlowland，withlimitedoutlook，andontheskirtofthevillage。ButIgowithmyfriendtotheshoreofourlittleriver，andwithonestrokeofthepaddle，Ileavethevillagepoliticsandpersonalities，yes，andtheworldofvillagesandpersonalitiesbehind，andpassintoadelicaterealmofsunsetandmoonlight，toobrightalmostforspottedmantoenterwithoutnoviciateandprobation。Wepenetratebodilythisincrediblebeauty；wedipourhandsinthispaintedelement：oureyesarebathedintheselightsandforms。Aholiday，avilleggiatura，aroyalrevel，theproudest，mostheart-rejoicingfestivalthatvalorandbeauty，powerandtaste，everdeckedandenjoyed，establishesitselfontheinstant。Thesesunsetclouds，thesedelicatelyemergingstars，withtheirprivateandineffableglances，signifyitandprofferit。Iamtaughtthepoornessofourinvention，theuglinessoftownsandpalaces。Artandluxuryhaveearlylearnedthattheymustworkasenhancementandsequeltothisoriginalbeauty。Iamover-instructedformyreturn。HenceforthI

shallbehardtoplease。Icannotgobacktotoys。Iamgrownexpensiveandsophisticated。Icannolongerlivewithoutelegance：

butacountrymanshallbemymasterofrevels。Hewhoknowsthemost，hewhoknowswhatsweetsandvirtuesareintheground，thewaters，theplants，theheavens，andhowtocomeattheseenchantments，istherichandroyalman。Onlyasfarasthemastersoftheworldhavecalledinnaturetotheiraid，cantheyreachtheheightofmagnificence。Thisisthemeaningoftheirhanging-gardens，villas，garden-houses，islands，parks，andpreserves，tobacktheirfaultypersonalitywiththesestrongaccessories。Idonotwonderthatthelandedinterestshouldbeinvincibleinthestatewiththesedangerousauxiliaries。Thesebribeandinvite；notkings，notpalaces，notmen，notwomen，butthesetenderandpoeticstars，eloquentofsecretpromises。Weheardwhattherichmansaid，weknewofhisvilla，hisgrove，hiswine，andhiscompany，buttheprovocationandpointoftheinvitationcameoutofthesebeguilingstars。Intheirsoftglances，IseewhatmenstrovetorealizeinsomeVersailles，orPaphos，orCtesiphon。

Indeed，itisthemagicallightsofthehorizon，andtheblueskyforthebackground，whichsaveallourworksofart，whichwereotherwisebawbles。Whentherichtaxthepoorwithservilityandobsequiousness，theyshouldconsidertheeffectofmenreputedtobethepossessorsofnature，onimaginativeminds。Ah！iftherichwererichasthepoorfancyriches！Aboyhearsamilitarybandplayonthefieldatnight，andhehaskingsandqueens，andfamouschivalrypalpablybeforehim。Hehearstheechoesofahorninahillcountry，intheNotchMountains，forexample，whichconvertsthemountainsintoanAeolianharp，andthissupernatural_tiralira_

restorestohimtheDorianmythology，Apollo，Diana，andalldivinehuntersandhuntresses。Canamusicalnotebesolofty，sohaughtilybeautiful！Tothepooryoungpoet，thusfabulousishispictureofsociety；heisloyal；herespectstherich；theyarerichforthesakeofhisimagination；howpoorhisfancywouldbe，iftheywerenotrich！Thattheyhavesomehigh-fencedgrove，whichtheycallapark；thattheyliveinlargerandbetter-garnishedsaloonsthanhehasvisited，andgoincoaches，keepingonlythesocietyoftheelegant，towatering-places，andtodistantcities，arethegroundworkfromwhichhehasdelineatedestatesofromance，comparedwithwhichtheiractualpossessionsareshantiesandpaddocks。Themuseherselfbetraysherson，andenhancesthegiftsofwealthandwell-bornbeauty，byaradiationoutoftheair，andclouds，andforeststhatskirttheroad，——acertainhaughtyfavor，asiffrompatriciangeniitopatricians，akindofaristocracyinnature，aprinceofthepoweroftheair。

ThemoralsensibilitywhichmakesEdensandTempessoeasily，maynotbealwaysfound，butthemateriallandscapeisneverfaroff。

WecanfindtheseenchantmentswithoutvisitingtheComoLake，ortheMadeiraIslands。Weexaggeratethepraisesoflocalscenery。Ineverylandscape，thepointofastonishmentisthemeetingoftheskyandtheearth，andthatisseenfromthefirsthillockaswellasfromthetopoftheAlleghanies。Thestarsatnightstoopdownoverthebrownest，homeliestcommon，withallthespiritualmagnificencewhichtheyshedontheCampagna，oronthemarbledesertsofEgypt。

Theuprolledcloudsandthecolorsofmorningandevening，willtransfiguremaplesandalders。Thedifferencebetweenlandscapeandlandscapeissmall，butthereisgreatdifferenceinthebeholders。

Thereisnothingsowonderfulinanyparticularlandscape，asthenecessityofbeingbeautifulunderwhicheverylandscapelies。

Naturecannotbesurprisedinundress。Beautybreaksineverywhere。

Butitisveryeasytooutrunthesympathyofreadersonthistopic，whichschoolmencalled_naturanaturata_，ornaturepassive。

Onecanhardlyspeakdirectlyofitwithoutexcess。Itisaseasytobroachinmixedcompanieswhatiscalled“thesubjectofreligion。“A

susceptiblepersondoesnotliketoindulgehistastesinthiskind，withouttheapologyofsometrivialnecessity：hegoestoseeawood-lot，ortolookatthecrops，ortofetchaplantoramineralfromaremotelocality，orhecarriesafowlingpiece，orafishing-rod。Isupposethisshamemusthaveagoodreason。A

dilettantisminnatureisbarrenandunworthy。ThefopoffieldsisnobetterthanhisbrotherofBroadway。Menarenaturallyhuntersandinquisitiveofwood-craft，andIsupposethatsuchagazetteeraswood-cuttersandIndiansshouldfurnishfactsfor，wouldtakeplaceinthemostsumptuousdrawingroomsofallthe“Wreaths“and“Flora\'schaplets“ofthebookshops；yetordinarily，whetherwearetooclumsyforsosubtleatopic，orfromwhatevercause，assoonasmenbegintowriteonnature，theyfallintoeuphuism。FrivolityisamostunfittributetoPan，whooughttoberepresentedinthemythologyasthemostcontinentofgods。Iwouldnotbefrivolousbeforetheadmirablereserveandprudenceoftime，yetIcannotrenouncetherightofreturningoftentothisoldtopic。Themultitudeoffalsechurchesaccreditsthetruereligion。Literature，poetry，science，arethehomageofmantothisunfathomedsecret，concerningwhichnosanemancanaffectanindifferenceorincuriosity。Natureislovedbywhatisbestinus。ItislovedasthecityofGod，although，orratherbecausethereisnocitizen。Thesunsetisunlikeanythingthatisunderneathit：itwantsmen。Andthebeautyofnaturemustalwaysseemunrealandmocking，untilthelandscapehashumanfigures，thatareasgoodasitself。Ifthereweregoodmen，therewouldneverbethisraptureinnature。Ifthekingisinthepalace，nobodylooksatthewalls。Itiswhenheisgone，andthehouseisfilledwithgroomsandgazers，thatweturnfromthepeople，tofindreliefinthemajesticmenthataresuggestedbythepicturesandthearchitecture。Thecriticswhocomplainofthesicklyseparationofthebeautyofnaturefromthethingtobedone，mustconsiderthatourhuntingofthepicturesqueisinseparablefromourprotestagainstfalsesociety。Manisfallen；natureiserect，andservesasadifferentialthermometer，detectingthepresenceorabsenceofthedivinesentimentinman。Byfaultofourdulnessandselfishness，wearelookinguptonature，butwhenweareconvalescent，naturewilllookuptous。Weseethefoamingbrookwithcompunction：ifourownlifeflowedwiththerightenergy，weshouldshamethebrook。Thestreamofzealsparkleswithrealfire，andnotwithreflexraysofsunandmoon。Naturemaybeasselfishlystudiedastrade。

Astronomytotheselfishbecomesastrology；psychology，mesmerism(withintenttoshowwhereourspoonsaregone)；andanatomyandphysiology，becomephrenologyandpalmistry。

Buttakingtimelywarning，andleavingmanythingsunsaidonthistopic，letusnotlongeromitourhomagetotheEfficientNature，_naturanaturans_，thequickcause，beforewhichallformsfleeasthedrivensnows，itselfsecret，itsworksdrivenbeforeitinflocksandmultitudes，(astheancientrepresentednaturebyProteus，ashepherd，)andinundescribablevariety。Itpublishesitselfincreatures，reachingfromparticlesandspicula，throughtransformationontransformationtothehighestsymmetries，arrivingatconsummateresultswithoutashockoraleap。Alittleheat，thatis，alittlemotion，isallthatdifferencesthebald，dazzlingwhite，anddeadlycoldpolesoftheearthfromtheprolifictropicalclimates。Allchangespasswithoutviolence，byreasonofthetwocardinalconditionsofboundlessspaceandboundlesstime。Geologyhasinitiatedusintothesecularityofnature，andtaughtustodisuseourdame-schoolmeasures，andexchangeourMosaicandPtolemaicschemesforherlargestyle。Weknewnothingrightly，forwantofperspective。Nowwelearnwhatpatientperiodsmustroundthemselvesbeforetherockisformed，thenbeforetherockisbroken，andthefirstlichenracehasdisintegratedthethinnestexternalplateintosoil，andopenedthedoorfortheremoteFlora，Fauna，Ceres，andPomona，tocomein。Howfaroffyetisthetrilobite！howfarthequadruped！howinconceivablyremoteisman！Alldulyarrive，andthenraceafterraceofmen。Itisalongwayfromgranitetotheoyster；fartheryettoPlato，andthepreachingoftheimmortalityofthesoul。Yetallmustcome，assurelyasthefirstatomhastwosides。

Motionorchange，andidentityorrest，arethefirstandsecondsecretsofnature：MotionandRest。Thewholecodeofherlawsmaybewrittenonthethumbnail，orthesignetofaring。Thewhirlingbubbleonthesurfaceofabrook，admitsustothesecretofthemechanicsofthesky。Everyshellonthebeachisakeytoit。

Alittlewatermadetorotateinacupexplainstheformationofthesimplershells；theadditionofmatterfromyeartoyear，arrivesatlastatthemostcomplexforms；andyetsopoorisnaturewithallhercraft，that，fromthebeginningtotheendoftheuniverse，shehasbutonestuff，——butonestuffwithitstwoends，toserveupallherdream-likevariety。Compoundithowshewill，star，sand，fire，water，tree，man，itisstillonestuff，andbetraysthesameproperties。

Natureisalwaysconsistent，thoughshefeignstocontraveneherownlaws。Shekeepsherlaws，andseemstotranscendthem。Shearmsandequipsananimaltofinditsplaceandlivingintheearth，and，atthesametime，shearmsandequipsanotheranimaltodestroyit。Spaceexiststodividecreatures；butbyclothingthesidesofabirdwithafewfeathers，shegiveshimapettyomnipresence。Thedirectionisforeveronward，buttheartiststillgoesbackformaterials，andbeginsagainwiththefirstelementsonthemostadvancedstage：otherwise，allgoestoruin。Ifwelookatherwork，weseemtocatchaglanceofasystemintransition。Plantsaretheyoungoftheworld，vesselsofhealthandvigor；buttheygropeeverupwardtowardsconsciousness；thetreesareimperfectmen，andseemtobemoantheirimprisonment，rootedintheground。Theanimalisthenoviceandprobationerofamoreadvancedorder。Themen，thoughyoung，havingtastedthefirstdropfromthecupofthought，arealreadydissipated：themaplesandfernsarestilluncorrupt；yetnodoubt，whentheycometoconsciousness，theytoowillcurseandswear。Flowerssostrictlybelongtoyouth，thatweadultmensooncometofeel，thattheirbeautifulgenerationsconcernnotus：wehavehadourday；nowletthechildrenhavetheirs。Theflowersjiltus，andweareoldbachelorswithourridiculoustenderness。

Thingsaresostrictlyrelated，thataccordingtotheskilloftheeye，fromanyoneobjectthepartsandpropertiesofanyothermaybepredicted。Ifwehadeyestoseeit，abitofstonefromthecitywallwouldcertifyusofthenecessitythatmanmustexist，asreadilyasthecity。Thatidentitymakesusallone，andreducestonothinggreatintervalsonourcustomaryscale。Wetalkofdeviationsfromnaturallife，asifartificiallifewerenotalsonatural。Thesmoothestcurledcourtierintheboudoirsofapalacehasananimalnature，rudeandaboriginalasawhitebear，omnipotenttoitsownends，andisdirectlyrelated，thereamidessencesandbilletsdoux，toHimmalehmountain-chains，andtheaxisoftheglobe。

Ifweconsiderhowmuchwearenature\'s，weneednotbesuperstitiousabouttowns，asifthatterrificorbeneficforcedidnotfindustherealso，andfashioncities。Naturewhomadethemason，madethehouse。Wemayeasilyheartoomuchofruralinfluences。Thecooldisengagedairofnaturalobjects，makesthemenviabletous，chafedandirritablecreatureswithredfaces，andwethinkweshallbeasgrandasthey，ifwecampoutandeatroots；butletusbemeninsteadofwoodchucks，andtheoakandtheelmshallgladlyserveus，thoughwesitinchairsofivoryoncarpetsofsilk。

Thisguidingidentityrunsthroughallthesurprisesandcontrastsofthepiece，andcharacterizeseverylaw。Mancarriestheworldinhishead，thewholeastronomyandchemistrysuspendedinathought。Becausethehistoryofnatureischaracteredinhisbrain，thereforeishetheprophetanddiscovererofhersecrets。Everyknownfactinnaturalsciencewasdivinedbythepresentimentofsomebody，beforeitwasactuallyverified。Amandoesnottiehisshoewithoutrecognisinglawswhichbindthefarthestregionsofnature：moon，plant，gas，crystal，areconcretegeometryandnumbers。

Commonsenseknowsitsown，andrecognisesthefactatfirstsightinchemicalexperiment。ThecommonsenseofFranklin，Dalton，Davy，andBlack，isthesamecommonsensewhichmadethearrangementswhichnowitdiscovers。

Iftheidentityexpressesorganizedrest，thecounteractionrunsalsointoorganization。Theastronomerssaid，`Giveusmatter，andalittlemotion，andwewillconstructtheuniverse。Itisnotenoughthatweshouldhavematter，wemustalsohaveasingleimpulse，oneshovetolaunchthemass，andgeneratetheharmonyofthecentrifugalandcentripetalforces。Onceheavetheballfromthehand，andwecanshowhowallthismightyordergrew。\'——`Averyunreasonablepostulate，\'saidthemetaphysicians，`andaplainbeggingofthequestion。Couldyounotprevailtoknowthegenesisofprojection，aswellasthecontinuationofit？\'Nature，meanwhile，hadnotwaitedforthediscussion，but，rightorwrong，bestowedtheimpulse，andtheballsrolled。Itwasnogreataffair，amerepush，buttheastronomerswererightinmakingmuchofit，forthereisnoendtotheconsequencesoftheact。Thatfamousaboriginalpushpropagatesitselfthroughalltheballsofthesystem，andthrougheveryatomofeveryball，throughalltheracesofcreatures，andthroughthehistoryandperformancesofeveryindividual。

Exaggerationisinthecourseofthings。Naturesendsnocreature，nomanintotheworld，withoutaddingasmallexcessofhisproperquality。Giventheplanet，itisstillnecessarytoaddtheimpulse；

so，toeverycreaturenatureaddedalittleviolenceofdirectioninitsproperpath，ashovetoputitonitsway；ineveryinstance，aslightgenerosity，adroptoomuch。Withoutelectricitytheairwouldrot，andwithoutthisviolenceofdirection，whichmenandwomenhave，withoutaspiceofbigotandfanatic，noexcitement，noefficiency。Weaimabovethemark，tohitthemark。Everyacthathsomefalsehoodofexaggerationinit。Andwhennowandthencomesalongsomesad，sharp-eyedman，whoseeshowpaltryagameisplayed，andrefusestoplay，butblabsthesecret；——howthen？isthebirdflown？Ono，thewaryNaturesendsanewtroopoffairerforms，oflordlieryouths，withalittlemoreexcessofdirectiontoholdthemfasttotheirseveralaim；makesthemalittlewrongheadedinthatdirectioninwhichtheyarerightest，andongoesthegameagainwithnewwhirl，foragenerationortwomore。Thechildwithhissweetpranks，thefoolofhissenses，commandedbyeverysightandsound，withoutanypowertocompareandrankhissensations，abandonedtoawhistleorapaintedchip，toaleaddragoon，oragingerbread-dog，individualizingeverything，generalizingnothing，delightedwitheverynewthing，liesdownatnightoverpoweredbythefatigue，whichthisdayofcontinualprettymadnesshasincurred。ButNaturehasansweredherpurposewiththecurly，dimpledlunatic。Shehastaskedeveryfaculty，andhassecuredthesymmetricalgrowthofthebodilyframe，byalltheseattitudesandexertions，——anendofthefirstimportance，whichcouldnotbetrustedtoanycarelessperfectthanherown。Thisglitter，thisopalinelustreplaysroundthetopofeverytoytohiseye，toensurehisfidelity，andheisdeceivedtohisgood。Wearemadealiveandkeptalivebythesamearts。Letthestoicssaywhattheyplease，wedonoteatforthegoodofliving，butbecausethemeatissavoryandtheappetiteiskeen。Thevegetablelifedoesnotcontentitselfwithcastingfromtheflowerorthetreeasingleseed，butitfillstheairandearthwithaprodigalityofseeds，that，ifthousandsperish，thousandsmayplantthemselves，thathundredsmaycomeup，thattensmaylivetomaturity，that，atleast，onemayreplacetheparent。Allthingsbetraythesamecalculatedprofusion。Theexcessoffearwithwhichtheanimalframeishedgedround，shrinkingfromcold，startingatsightofasnake，oratasuddennoise，protectsus，throughamultitudeofgroundlessalarms，fromsomeonerealdangeratlast。

Theloverseeksinmarriagehisprivatefelicityandperfection，withnoprospectiveend；andnaturehidesinhishappinessherownend，namely，progeny，ortheperpetuityoftherace。

Butthecraftwithwhichtheworldismade，runsalsointothemindandcharacterofmen。Nomanisquitesane；eachhasaveinoffollyinhiscomposition，aslightdeterminationofbloodtothehead，tomakesureofholdinghimhardtosomeonepointwhichnaturehadtakentoheart。Greatcausesarenevertriedontheirmerits；

butthecauseisreducedtoparticularstosuitthesizeofthepartizans，andthecontentioniseverhottestonminormatters。Notlessremarkableistheoverfaithofeachmanintheimportanceofwhathehastodoorsay。Thepoet，theprophet，hasahighervalueforwhatheuttersthananyhearer，andthereforeitgetsspoken。

Thestrong，self-complacentLutherdeclareswithanemphasis，nottobemistaken，that“Godhimselfcannotdowithoutwisemen。“JacobBehmenandGeorgeFoxbetraytheiregotisminthepertinacityoftheircontroversialtracts，andJamesNayloroncesufferedhimselftobeworshippedastheChrist。Eachprophetcomespresentlytoidentifyhimselfwithhisthought，andtoesteemhishatandshoessacred。Howeverthismaydiscreditsuchpersonswiththejudicious，ithelpsthemwiththepeople，asitgivesheat，pungency，andpublicitytotheirwords。Asimilarexperienceisnotinfrequentinprivatelife。Eachyoungandardentpersonwritesadiary，inwhich，whenthehoursofprayerandpenitencearrive，heinscribeshissoul。

Thepagesthuswrittenare，tohim，burningandfragrant：hereadsthemonhiskneesbymidnightandbythemorningstar；hewetsthemwithhistears：theyaresacred；toogoodfortheworld，andhardlyyettobeshowntothedearestfriend。Thisistheman-childthatisborntothesoul，andherlifestillcirculatesinthebabe。Theumbilicalcordhasnotyetbeencut。Aftersometimehaselapsed，hebeginstowishtoadmithisfriendtothishallowedexperience，andwithhesitation，yetwithfirmness，exposesthepagestohiseye。

Willtheynotburnhiseyes？Thefriendcoldlyturnsthemover，andpassesfromthewritingtoconversation，witheasytransition，whichstrikestheotherpartywithastonishmentandvexation。Hecannotsuspectthewritingitself。Daysandnightsoffervidlife，ofcommunionwithangelsofdarknessandoflight，haveengravedtheirshadowycharactersonthattear-stainedbook。Hesuspectstheintelligenceortheheartofhisfriend。Istherethennofriend？

Hecannotyetcreditthatonemayhaveimpressiveexperience，andyetmaynotknowhowtoputhisprivatefactintoliterature；andperhapsthediscoverythatwisdomhasothertonguesandministersthanwe，thatthoughweshouldholdourpeace，thetruthwouldnotthelessbespoken，mightcheckinjuriouslytheflamesofourzeal。Amancanonlyspeak，solongashedoesnotfeelhisspeechtobepartialandinadequate。Itispartial，buthedoesnotseeittobeso，whilstheuttersit。Assoonasheisreleasedfromtheinstinctiveandparticular，andseesitspartiality，heshutshismouthindisgust。

For，nomancanwriteanything，whodoesnotthinkthatwhathewritesisforthetimethehistoryoftheworld；ordoanythingwell，whodoesnotesteemhisworktobeofimportance。Myworkmaybeofnone，butImustnotthinkitofnone，orIshallnotdoitwithimpunity。

Inlikemanner，thereisthroughoutnaturesomethingmocking，somethingthatleadsusonandon，butarrivesnowhere，keepsnofaithwithus。Allpromiseoutrunstheperformance。Weliveinasystemofapproximations。Everyendisprospectiveofsomeotherend，whichisalsotemporary；aroundandfinalsuccessnowhere。Weareencampedinnature，notdomesticated。Hungerandthirstleadusontoeatandtodrink；butbreadandwine，mixandcookthemhowyouwill，leaveushungryandthirsty，afterthestomachisfull。Itisthesamewithallourartsandperformances。Ourmusic，ourpoetry，ourlanguageitselfarenotsatisfactions，butsuggestions。Thehungerforwealth，whichreducestheplanettoagarden，foolstheeagerpursuer。Whatistheendsought？Plainlytosecuretheendsofgoodsenseandbeauty，fromtheintrusionofdeformityorvulgarityofanykind。Butwhatanoperosemethod！Whatatrainofmeanstosecurealittleconversation！Thispalaceofbrickandstone，theseservants，thiskitchen，thesestables，horsesandequipage，thisbank-stock，andfileofmortgages；tradetoalltheworld，country-houseandcottagebythewaterside，allforalittleconversation，high，clear，andspiritual！Coulditnotbehadaswellbybeggarsonthehighway？No，allthesethingscamefromsuccessiveeffortsofthesebeggarstoremovefrictionfromthewheelsoflife，andgiveopportunity。Conversation，character，weretheavowedends；wealthwasgoodasitappeasedtheanimalcravings，curedthesmokychimney，silencedthecreakingdoor，broughtfriendstogetherinawarmandquietroom，andkeptthechildrenandthedinner-tableinadifferentapartment。Thought，virtue，beauty，weretheends；butitwasknownthatmenofthoughtandvirtuesometimeshadtheheadache，orwetfeet，orcouldlosegoodtimewhilsttheroomwasgettingwarminwinterdays。Unluckily，intheexertionsnecessarytoremovetheseinconveniences，themainattentionhasbeendivertedtothisobject；theoldaimshavebeenlostsightof，andtoremovefrictionhascometobetheend。Thatistheridiculeofrichmen，andBoston，London，Vienna，andnowthegovernmentsgenerallyoftheworld，arecitiesandgovernmentsoftherich，andthemassesarenotmen，but_poormen_，thatis，menwhowouldberich；thisistheridiculeoftheclass，thattheyarrivewithpainsandsweatandfurynowhere；whenallisdone，itisfornothing。Theyarelikeonewhohasinterruptedtheconversationofacompanytomakehisspeech，andnowhasforgottenwhathewenttosay。Theappearancestrikestheeyeeverywhereofanaimlesssociety，ofaimlessnations。Weretheendsofnaturesogreatandcogent，astoexactthisimmensesacrificeofmen？

Quiteanalogoustothedeceitsinlife，thereis，asmightbeexpected，asimilareffectontheeyefromthefaceofexternalnature。Thereisinwoodsandwatersacertainenticementandflattery，togetherwithafailuretoyieldapresentsatisfaction。

Thisdisappointmentisfeltineverylandscape。Ihaveseenthesoftnessandbeautyofthesummer-cloudsfloatingfeatheryoverhead，enjoying，asitseemed，theirheightandprivilegeofmotion，whilstyettheyappearednotsomuchthedraperyofthisplaceandhour，asforelookingtosomepavilionsandgardensoffestivitybeyond。Itisanoddjealousy：butthepoetfindshimselfnotnearenoughtohisobject。Thepine-tree，theriver，thebankofflowersbeforehim，doesnotseemtobenature。Natureisstillelsewhere。Thisorthisisbutoutskirtandfar-offreflectionandechoofthetriumphthathaspassedby，andisnowatitsglancingsplendorandheyday，perchanceintheneighboringfields，or，ifyoustandinthefield，thenintheadjacentwoods。Thepresentobjectshallgiveyouthissenseofstillnessthatfollowsapageantwhichhasjustgoneby。

Whatsplendiddistance，whatrecessesofineffablepompandlovelinessinthesunset！Butwhocangowheretheyare，orlayhishandorplanthisfootthereon？Offtheyfallfromtheroundworldforeverandever。Itisthesameamongthemenandwomen，asamongthesilenttrees；alwaysareferredexistence，anabsence，neverapresenceandsatisfaction。Isit，thatbeautycanneverbegrasped？

inpersonsandinlandscapeisequallyinaccessible？Theacceptedandbetrothedloverhaslostthewildestcharmofhismaideninheracceptanceofhim。Shewasheavenwhilsthepursuedherasastar：

shecannotbeheaven，ifshestoopstosuchaoneashe。

Whatshallwesayofthisomnipresentappearanceofthatfirstprojectileimpulse，ofthisflatteryandbaulkingofsomanywell-meaningcreatures？Mustwenotsupposesomewhereintheuniverseaslighttreacheryandderision？Arewenotengagedtoaseriousresentmentofthisusethatismadeofus？Arewetickledtrout，andfoolsofnature？Onelookatthefaceofheavenandearthlaysallpetulanceatrest，andsoothesustowiserconvictions。Totheintelligent，natureconvertsitselfintoavastpromise，andwillnotberashlyexplained。Hersecretisuntold。ManyandmanyanOedipusarrives：hehasthewholemysteryteeminginhisbrain。

Alas！thesamesorceryhasspoiledhisskill；nosyllablecanheshapeonhislips。Hermightyorbitvaultslikethefreshrainbowintothedeep，butnoarchangel\'swingwasyetstrongenoughtofollowit，andreportofthereturnofthecurve。Butitalsoappears，thatouractionsaresecondedanddisposedtogreaterconclusionsthanwedesigned。Weareescortedoneveryhandthroughlifebyspiritualagents，andabeneficentpurposeliesinwaitforus。Wecannotbandywordswithnature，ordealwithheraswedealwithpersons。Ifwemeasureourindividualforcesagainsthers，wemayeasilyfeelasifwewerethesportofaninsuperabledestiny。

Butif，insteadofidentifyingourselveswiththework，wefeelthatthesouloftheworkmanstreamsthroughus，weshallfindthepeaceofthemorningdwellingfirstinourhearts，andthefathomlesspowersofgravityandchemistry，and，overthem，oflife，preexistingwithinusintheirhighestform。

Theuneasinesswhichthethoughtofourhelplessnessinthechainofcausesoccasionsus，resultsfromlookingtoomuchatoneconditionofnature，namely，Motion。Butthedragisnevertakenfromthewheel。Wherevertheimpulseexceeds，theRestorIdentityinsinuatesitscompensation。Alloverthewidefieldsofearthgrowstheprunellaorself-heal。Aftereveryfoolishdaywesleepoffthefumesandfuriesofitshours；andthoughwearealwaysengagedwithparticulars，andoftenenslavedtothem，webringwithustoeveryexperimenttheinnateuniversallaws。These，whiletheyexistinthemindasideas，standaroundusinnatureforeverembodied，apresentsanitytoexposeandcuretheinsanityofmen。Ourservitudetoparticularsbetraysintoahundredfoolishexpectations。Weanticipateanewerafromtheinventionofalocomotive，oraballoon；thenewenginebringswithittheoldchecks。Theysaythatbyelectro-magnetism，yoursalladshallbegrownfromtheseed，whilstyourfowlisroastingfordinner：itisasymbolofourmodernaimsandendeavors，——ofourcondensationandaccelerationofobjects：butnothingisgained：naturecannotbecheated：man\'slifeisbutseventysalladslong，growtheyswiftorgrowtheyslow。Inthesechecksandimpossibilities，however，wefindouradvantage，notlessthanintheimpulses。Letthevictoryfallwhereitwill，weareonthatside。Andtheknowledgethatwetraversethewholescaleofbeing，fromthecentretothepolesofnature，andhavesomestakeineverypossibility，lendsthatsublimelustretodeath，whichphilosophyandreligionhavetoooutwardlyandliterallystriventoexpressinthepopulardoctrineoftheimmortalityofthesoul。Therealityismoreexcellentthanthereport。Hereisnoruin，nodiscontinuity，nospentball。Thedivinecirculationsneverrestnorlinger。Natureistheincarnationofathought，andturnstoathoughtagain，asicebecomeswaterandgas。Theworldismindprecipitated，andthevolatileessenceisforeverescapingagainintothestateoffreethought。Hencethevirtueandpungencyoftheinfluenceonthemind，ofnaturalobjects，whetherinorganicororganized。Manimprisoned，mancrystallized，manvegetative，speakstomanimpersonated。Thatpowerwhichdoesnotrespectquantity，whichmakesthewholeandtheparticleitsequalchannel，delegatesitssmiletothemorning，anddistilsitsessenceintoeverydropofrain。Everymomentinstructs，andeveryobject：forwisdomisinfusedintoeveryform。Ithasbeenpouredintousasblood；itconvulsedusaspain；itslidintousaspleasure；itenvelopedusindull，melancholydays，orindaysofcheerfullabor；wedidnotguessitsessence，untilafteralongtime。

POLITICS

GoldandironaregoodTobuyironandgold；

Allearth\'sfleeceandfoodFortheirlikearesold。

BodedMerlinwise，ProvedNapoleongreat，——

NorkindnorcoinagebuysAughtaboveitsrate。

Fear，Craft，andAvariceCannotrearaState。

OutofdusttobuildWhatismorethandust，——

WallsAmphionpiledPhoebusstablishmust。

WhentheMusesnineWiththeVirtuesmeet，FindtotheirdesignAnAtlanticseat，BygreenorchardboughsFendedfromtheheat，WherethestatesmanploughsFurrowforthewheat；

WhentheChurchissocialworth，Whenthestate-houseisthehearth，ThentheperfectStateiscome，Therepublicanathome。

ESSAYVII_Politics_

IndealingwiththeState，weoughttorememberthatitsinstitutionarenotaboriginal，thoughtheyexistedbeforewewereborn：thattheyarenotsuperiortothecitizen：thateveryoneofthemwasoncetheactofasingleman：everylawandusagewasaman\'sexpedienttomeetaparticularcase：thattheyallareimitable，allalterable；wemaymakeasgood；wemaymakebetter。

Societyisanillusiontotheyoungcitizen。Itliesbeforehiminrigidrepose，withcertainnames，men，andinstitutions，rootedlikeoak-treestothecentre，roundwhichallarrangethemselvesthebesttheycan。Buttheoldstatesmanknowsthatsocietyisfluid；therearenosuchrootsandcentres；butanyparticlemaysuddenlybecomethecentreofthemovement，andcompelthesystemtogyrateroundit，aseverymanofstrongwill，likePisistratus，orCromwell，doesforatime，andeverymanoftruth，likePlato，orPaul，doesforever。

Butpoliticsrestonnecessaryfoundations，andcannotbetreatedwithlevity。Republicsaboundinyoungcivilians，whobelievethatthelawsmakethecity，thatgravemodificationsofthepolicyandmodesofliving，andemploymentsofthepopulation，thatcommerce，education，andreligion，maybevotedinorout；andthatanymeasure，thoughitwereabsurd，maybeimposedonapeople，ifonlyyoucangetsufficientvoicestomakeitalaw。Butthewiseknowthatfoolishlegislationisaropeofsand，whichperishesinthetwisting；thattheStatemustfollow，andnotleadthecharacterandprogressofthecitizen；thestrongestusurperisquicklygotridof；

andtheyonlywhobuildonIdeas，buildforeternity；andthattheformofgovernmentwhichprevails，istheexpressionofwhatcultivationexistsinthepopulationwhichpermitsit。Thelawisonlyamemorandum。Wearesuperstitious，andesteemthestatutesomewhat：somuchlifeasithasinthecharacteroflivingmen，isitsforce。Thestatutestandstheretosay，yesterdayweagreedsoandso，buthowfeelyethisarticletoday？Ourstatuteisacurrency，whichwestampwithourownportrait：itsoonbecomesunrecognizable，andinprocessoftimewillreturntothemint。

Natureisnotdemocratic，norlimited-monarchical，butdespotic，andwillnotbefooledorabatedofanyjotofherauthority，bythepertestofhersons：andasfastasthepublicmindisopenedtomoreintelligence，thecodeisseentobebruteandstammering。Itspeaksnotarticulately，andmustbemadeto。Meantimetheeducationofthegeneralmindneverstops。Thereveriesofthetrueandsimpleareprophetic。Whatthetenderpoeticyouthdreams，andprays，andpaintstoday，butshunstheridiculeofsayingaloud，shallpresentlybetheresolutionsofpublicbodies，thenshallbecarriedasgrievanceandbillofrightsthroughconflictandwar，andthenshallbetriumphantlawandestablishmentforahundredyears，untilitgivesplace，inturn，tonewprayersandpictures。ThehistoryoftheStatesketchesincoarseoutlinetheprogressofthought，andfollowsatadistancethedelicacyofcultureandofaspiration。

Thetheoryofpolitics，whichhaspossessedthemindofmen，andwhichtheyhaveexpressedthebesttheycouldintheirlawsandintheirrevolutions，considerspersonsandpropertyasthetwoobjectsforwhoseprotectiongovernmentexists。Ofpersons，allhaveequalrights，invirtueofbeingidenticalinnature。Thisinterest，ofcourse，withitswholepowerdemandsademocracy。Whilsttherightsofallaspersonsareequal，invirtueoftheiraccesstoreason，theirrightsinpropertyareveryunequal。Onemanownshisclothes，andanotherownsacounty。Thisaccident，depending，primarily，ontheskillandvirtueoftheparties，ofwhichthereiseverydegree，and，secondarily，onpatrimony，fallsunequally，anditsrights，ofcourse，areunequal。Personalrights，universallythesame，demandagovernmentframedontheratioofthecensus：propertydemandsagovernmentframedontheratioofownersandofowning。

Laban，whohasflocksandherds，wishesthemlookedafterbyanofficeronthefrontiers，lesttheMidianitesshalldrivethemoff，andpaysataxtothatend。Jacobhasnoflocksorherds，andnofearoftheMidianites，andpaysnotaxtotheofficer。ItseemedfitthatLabanandJacobshouldhaveequalrightstoelecttheofficer，whoistodefendtheirpersons，butthatLaban，andnotJacob，shouldelecttheofficerwhoistoguardthesheepandcattle。

And，ifquestionarisewhetheradditionalofficersorwatch-towersshouldbeprovided，mustnotLabanandIsaac，andthosewhomustsellpartoftheirherdstobuyprotectionfortherest，judgebetterofthis，andwithmoreright，thanJacob，who，becauseheisayouthandatraveller，eatstheirbreadandnothisown。

Intheearliestsocietytheproprietorsmadetheirownwealth，andsolongasitcomestotheownersinthedirectway，nootheropinionwouldariseinanyequitablecommunity，thanthatpropertyshouldmakethelawforproperty，andpersonsthelawforpersons。

Butpropertypassesthroughdonationorinheritancetothosewhodonotcreateit。Gift，inonecase，makesitasreallythenewowner\'s，aslabormadeitthefirstowner\'s：intheothercase，ofpatrimony，thelawmakesanownership，whichwillbevalidineachman\'sviewaccordingtotheestimatewhichhesetsonthepublictranquillity。

Itwasnot，however，foundeasytoembodythereadilyadmittedprinciple，thatpropertyshouldmakelawforproperty，andpersonsforpersons：sincepersonsandpropertymixedthemselvesineverytransaction。Atlastitseemedsettled，thattherightfuldistinctionwas，thattheproprietorsshouldhavemoreelectivefranchisethannon-proprietors，ontheSpartanprincipleof“callingthatwhichisjust，equal；notthatwhichisequal，just。“

Thatprinciplenolongerlookssoself-evidentasitappearedinformertimes，partly，becausedoubtshavearisenwhethertoomuchweighthadnotbeenallowedinthelaws，toproperty，andsuchastructuregiventoourusages，asallowedtherichtoencroachonthepoor，andtokeepthempoor；butmainly，becausethereisaninstinctivesense，howeverobscureandyetinarticulate，thatthewholeconstitutionofproperty，onitspresenttenures，isinjurious，anditsinfluenceonpersonsdeterioratinganddegrading；thattruly，theonlyinterestfortheconsiderationoftheState，ispersons：

thatpropertywillalwaysfollowpersons；thatthehighestendofgovernmentisthecultureofmen：andifmencanbeeducated，theinstitutionswillsharetheirimprovement，andthemoralsentimentwillwritethelawoftheland。