Walden: Solitude

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Walden: Solitude

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  • Princeton_Ed: Princeton Ed. of Walden
  • Version_A: Walden, Version A (1847)
  • Version_B: Walden, Version B (1849)
  • Version_C: Walden, Version C (1849)
  • Version_D: Walden, Version D (1852)
  • Version_E: Walden, Version E (late 1852 - 1853)
  • Version_F: Walden, Version F (1853-1854)
  • Version_G: Walden, Version G (1854)

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Published by Walden: Fluid Text is published by Digital Thoreau at The State University of New York College at Geneseo..

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Solitude Solitude Solitude Solitude Solitude n
Note: The title “Solitude” is inserted at the top of the leaf containing Solitude 1. (R. Clapper)
1
Solitude 1 written: A rewritten: B, D
A: Only rabbit, now roam the fields … the days of animated life appears in the manuscript, but more may be contained on the missing leaf (#79) which precedes.
B: Sympathy with the fluttering alder … the smooth reflecting surface does not appear in the manuscript.

(Ronald Clapper)
This is a delicious evening, when the whole body seems to be seems to be is is is is is is one sense, and imbibes delight through every pore. I go and come with a strange liberty in Nature, a part of herself. As I walk along the stony shore of the pond stony shore of the pond stony shore of the pond stony shore of the pond in my shirt-sleeves stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, though it is cool as well as and also as well as and also as well as as well as as well as as well as as well as as well as cloudy and windy, and I see no peculiarity, which I can describe nothing in particular to attract me, no peculiarity, which I can describe nothing in particular to attract me, no peculiarity, which I can describe nothing in particular to attract me, nothing in particular special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, yet all things are very all the elements are unspeakably congenial to me. Again the frogs peep trump to celebrate the sacred hours of the night, and the whippoorwill sings in the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. yet all things are very all the elements are unspeakably congenial to me. Again the frogs peep trump to celebrate the sacred hours of the night, and the whippoorwill sings in the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. My breath is in Sympathy with My breath is in Sympathy with My breath is in Sympathy with My breath is in Sympathy with Sympathy with Sympathy with Sympathy with Sympathy with the fluttering alder and poplar leaves almost takes away my breath; yet, like the lake, my thoughts are serenity is thoughts are serenity is thoughts are serenity is thoughts are serenity is serenity is serenity is serenity is serenity is rippled but not ruffled. These small waves raised by the evening wind are as far remote far remote far remote far remote remote remote remote remote from storm as the smooth reflecting surface. Though it is now night, the waves still dash dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, night, the waves still dash dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, and some creatures lull the rest with their notes. The repose is never complete. The wildest animals seem not to do not repose and but seem not to do not repose and but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but seek their prey now; the fox, and skunk, and rabbit, now now now now now now roam the fields and woods without fear. We associate wildness with the night—and silence—But the repose is never complete; nature has her watchmen who are links connecting the days of animated life. Nature has her These are Nature’s watchmen who are or the links connecting the days of animated life. Nature has her These are Nature’s watchmen who are or the links connecting the days of animated life. They are Nature’s watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life.
2
Solitude 2 written: B rewritten: D
D: A fair copy was made of only When I return to my house …and generally of what sex or.

(Ronald Clapper)
When I return to my house I find that visitors have been here there there there there there there there and left their cards, either a bunch of violets or houstonias or wintergreen or pyrus if it be spring, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, or a name in pencil on a yellow walnut leaf or a chip. if it be fall. For those if it be fall. For those Those They They They They who come rarely to the woods will commonly take will commonly take commonly take take take take take some little piece of the forest into their hands to play with by the way, which they leave, either either either either either either either intentionally or accidentally. One has peeled a willow wand, and woven and woven and woven woven woven woven woven it into a ring, and dropped it on my table. I could always tell if visitors had called in my absence, either by the bended twigs or grass, or the print of their shoes, and generally of what sex or age or quality or quality or quality or quality or quality or quality they were by some slight trace left, as a flower dropped, or a bunch of grass plucked and thrown away, even as far off as the railroad, half a mile distant, or by the lingering odor of a cigar or pipe. Nay, I was frequently notified of the passage of a traveller along the highway sixty rods off by the scent of his pipe. Indeed my senses were as acute as Indians’ in this respect, and I saw how his habit of observation was cultivated. pipe. pipe. pipe. pipe. pipe. pipe.
3
Solitude 3 written: A rewritten: B

(Ronald Clapper)
There seems always to be seems always to be is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly sufficient space about us. Our horizon is never quite at our elbows. The thick thick thick thick thick thick thick thick wood is not just at my my our our our our our our door, nor the pond, but somewhat is always clearing, & familiar & worn by us appropriated and fenced in some way & familiar & worn by us, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, and reclaimed from Nature. For what reason have I this vast range and circuit, in nature—a square mile and more in nature, square mile and more some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles of unfrequented forest, for my privacy, abandoned to me by men? Surely we do not live crowded. My nearest neighbor is more than My nearest neighbor is more than My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is a mile distant, and no house is visible from any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops within half a mile of my own. I have my horizon bounded by woods all to myself; I have a I have a a a a a a a distant view of the railroad where it touches the pond on the one hand, and of the fence which skirts the woodland road on the other. But for the most part it is as solitary where I live as on the prairies. It is as much Asia or Africa as New England. I have, as it were, my own sun and moon and stars, and a little world all to myself. At night there was never a traveller passed my house, or knocked at my door, more than if I were the first or last man; unless it were in the spring, when some came occasionally when some came occasionally when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came from the village to fish for pouts in the pond, and, pouts in the pond, and, pouts, pouts, pouts, pouts, pouts, pouts, —they plainly fished much more in the Walden Pond of their own natures, and baited their hooks with darkness,—but they soon retreated, usually with light baskets, and left “the vale to solitude & vale to solitude and world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the dark dark black black black black black black kernel of the night was never profaned by any human neighborhood. I believe that men are generally still a little afraid of the dark, though the witches are all all all all all all all all hung, and Christianity and candles are have been invented. have been invented introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced.
4
Solitude 4 written: A rewritten: B, F, G
B: A fair copy was made of only Yet I experienced sometimes that the most sweet and tender and thought of them since … Beautiful daughter of Toscar. The rest of Solitude 4 was on a leaf (#83) in A that was taken into B and renumbered (#95).]
F & G: Fair copies were made of only kindred to me, even in scenes which we are … Beautiful daughter of Toscar.

(Ronald Clapper)
Yet I experienced occasionally occasionally sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes that the most sweet and tender, the most innocent and encouraging society may be found in every any any any any any any any natural object, even for the poor misanthrope and most melancholy man. There can be no very black melancholy to him who lives in the midst of Nature and has his senses to him still. There was never yet a storm but it was Æeolian music to a healthy and innocent ear. Nothing can rightly compel a simple and brave man to a vulgar sadness. While I enjoy the friendship of the seasons I trust that nothing can make life a burden to me. The gentle rain which waters my beans and keeps me in the house to-day is not drear and melancholy, but good for me too. Though it prevents my hoeing them, it is of far more worth than my hoeing. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, though the farmers say it is not so sweet xxxxx xxx & being good for the grass it will be good for me If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. Sometimes, when I compare myself with other men, it seems as if I were more favored by the gods than they, and beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that I am conscious of; as if I had a warrant and surety at their hands which my fellows have not, and were especially guided and guarded. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible, they flatter me. So perchance it appears to each of us They are unaccountably kind to me Notwithstanding a sense of unworthiness which possesses me, for the most part the spirit of the universe seems unaccountably kind to me, & I seem to enjoy an unusual share of happiness. Yet I think that there may be a settlement to come. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I have never felt lonely lonesome lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, or in the least oppressed by a sense of solitude, but once, and that was a few weeks after I went to the pond to live woods came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, when, for an hour, I doubted if the near neighborhood of man was not essential to a serene and healthy life. To be alone was something unpleasant. But I was at the same time conscious of a slight insanity in my mood, and seemed to foresee my recovery. In the midst of a gentle rain while these thoughts prevailed, there suddenly seemed I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of such sweet and beneficent society in Nature, in the very pattering of the drops, and in every sound and sight around my house, an infinite and unaccountable friendliness all at once like an atmosphere sustaining me, as made the fancied advantages of human neighborhood insignificant, and I have never thought of them since. Every little pine needle expanded and swelled with sympathy and befriended me. I was so distinctly made aware of the presence of something kindred to me, even in scenes which we are accustomed to call wild and dreary, and also that the nearest of blood to me and humanest was not a person nor a villager, that I thought no place could ever be strange to me again.—
 
“Mourning untimely consumes the sad;
 
Few are their days in the land of the living,
 
Beautiful daughter of Toscar."
5a
Solitude 5a written: F rewritten: G
F: In those driving north-east rains … groove a walking-stick is interlined in pencil; I passed it again … harmless sky eight years ago does not appear in the manuscript.

(Ronald Clapper)
Some of my pleasantest hours were during the long rain rain rain storms in the spring or fall, which confined me to the house for the afternoon as well as the forenoon, soothed by their ceaseless roar and pelting; then then when when an early twilight ushered in a long evening in which many thoughts had time to take root and unfold themselves. In those driving north-east In those driving north-east In those driving north-east storms storms rains rains which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind my the my my door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection. In one door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection. In one door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection. In one very heavy heavy heavy thunder shower the lightning struck a large pitch pine across the pond, making a very conspicuous and perfectly regular spiral groove from top to bottom, an inch or more deep, and four or five inches wide, as thunder shower the lightning struck a large pitch pine across the pond, making a very conspicuous and perfectly regular spiral groove from top to bottom, an inch or more deep, and four or five inches wide, as thunder shower the lightning struck a large pitch pine across the pond, making a very conspicuous and perfectly regular spiral groove from top to bottom, an inch or more deep, and four or five inches wide, as one one you you would groove a would groove a would groove a walking-stick. walking-stick, going round the tree three times and descending faster as the trunk grew larger yet the tree it did not appear to have suffered essentially. walking-stick. I passed it lately and was somewhat awestruck again the other day & was struck with awe again the other day, and was struck with awe on looking up and beholding that broad & regular groove mark now mark, now more distinct than ever, mark where where a terrific and resistless bolt came down out of the harmless sky eight years agoand I felt that we had not learned much since the days of Tullus Hostilius. It saved the earth from trivialness. The woodpeckers have at length begun to bore its one side. ago. 5b
Solitude 5b written: B rewritten: F, G
F: A fair copy was made of only Men frequently say to me … This will vary with different.
G: A fair copy was made of only Men frequently say to me, “I should think you would feel.

(Ronald Clapper)
Men generally frequently generally frequently generally frequently generally frequently generally frequently frequently frequently say to me, “I should think you would feel lonely lonesome down there. I should think you would & want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snow snowy days and nights especially.” But I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, —This whole earth which we inhabit is but a point in space. How far apart, think you, dwell the two most distant inhabitants of yonder star, the breadth of whose disk cannot be appreciated by our instruments? Why should I feel lonely? is not our planet in the Milky Way? This which you put seems to me not to be the most important question. What sort of space is that which separates a man from his fellows and makes him solitary? I have found that no exertion on the part of of of of of of of the legs can bring two minds much nearer to one another. What after all What What What What What What do we want most to dwell near to? Not to many men merely surely —the depot—or the post office—or the bar-room—or the meeting house or the school house, or the grocery—or surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, Beacon Hill, or the Five Points, where men are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere else most congregate but I should say most congregate, but most congregate, but to the perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial source of our life, whence in all our experience we have found that to issue; as the willow stands near the water and sends out its roots in that direction. This will vary with different natures, but this is the place where a wise man will dig his cellar. Yet Most men are not so wise as a tree, or rather are like those trees which being badly located make only wood and leaves and bear no fruit. cellar. cellar. cellar. cellar. cellar. cellar. … I one evening overtook one of my townsmen, who has accumulated what is called what is called what is called what is called what is called what is called what is called “a handsome property”, —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— on the Walden road, driving a pair of cattle to market, who inquired of me how I could bring my mind to give up so many of the comforts of life. I answered that I was very sure I liked it passably well; I was not joking. And so I went home to my bed, and left him to pick his way through the darkness and the mud to Brighton, —some 15 miles distant,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— which place he would reach some time in the morning.
6
Solitude 6 written: B

(Ronald Clapper)
The life of the spirit Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man makes indifferent all times and places. That place where it is seen The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur is always the same, and indescribably pleasant to all our senses. We had allowed only neighboring For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying and transient circumstances to make our occasions. They are, in fact, the causes cause cause cause cause cause cause of our distraction. Nearest to all things is that power which fashions their being. Next to us the grandest laws are continually being executed. Next to us is not the workman whom we have hired, with whom we love so well to talk, but the workman whose work we are.
7
Solitude 7 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
“How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!”
8
Solitude 8 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
“One seeks “We seek “We seek “We seek “We seek “We seek “We seek to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and one does we do we do we do we do we do we do not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; one seeks we seek we seek we seek we seek we seek we seek to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and one does we do we do we do we do we do we do not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.”
9
Solitude 9 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
“They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and put on their holiday clothes clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.”
10
Solitude 10 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
We are the subjects of an experiment which I confess which which which which which which is not a little interesting to me. Can we not dispense with do without do without do without do without do without do without the society of our gossips a little while under these circumstances, —If you want society mind your business. —have our own thoughts to cheer us? —have our own thoughts to cheer us? —have our own thoughts to cheer us? —have our own thoughts to cheer us? Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius says, says truly, says truly, says truly, says truly, says truly, says truly, “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.”
11
Solitude 11 written: D
D: I be affected by a theatrical … so far as he was concerned was added to the manuscript on a separate leaf.

(Ronald Clapper)
With thinking we may be beside ourselves. ourselves in a sane sense. ourselves in a sane sense. ourselves in a sane sense. ourselves in a sane sense. By a conscious effort of the mind we can stand aloof from actions and the consequences of actions; their consequences; their consequences; their consequences; their consequences; and all things, both good good good good good and bad, go by us like a torrent. We are not wholly involved in Nature. I may be either the drift-wood in the stream, or Indra in the sky looking down on it. A man I I I I may be affected by a theatrical exhibition; on the other hand, I may not be affected by an actual event which appears to concern him never so much. me much more. me much more. me much more. me much more. I only know myself as a human entity; the scene, so to speak, of thoughts and affections; and am sensible of a certain doubleness by which I can stand as remote from myself as from another. However intense my experience, I am conscious of the presence and criticism of a part of me, which, as it were, is not a part of me, but spectator, sharing no experience, but taking note of it; and that is no more I than it is you. When the play, it may be the tragedy, of life is over, the spectator goes his way. It was a kind of fiction, a work of the imagination only, so far as he was concerned. This doubleness may easily make us poor neighbors and friends sometimes.
12a
Solitude 12a written: A
A: Solitude 12a is preceded by Visitors 1.

(Ronald Clapper)
I find it healthy wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome to be alone the greatest greater greater greater greater greater greater greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad amongst folks among men among men among men among men among men among men among men than when we stay in our chambers. A man thinking or working is always alone, let him be where he will. 12b
Solitude 12b written: A rewritten: B
A & B: Solitude 12b follows Solitude 13.

(Ronald Clapper)
Nor, on the other hand, is solitude Solitude is not Nor, on the other hand, is solitude Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not measured by the miles of space that intervene between a man and his fellows. The really really really really really really really really diligent student in one of the crowded hives of Cambridge College a university Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College is as solitary as a dervish in the desert. 12c
Solitude 12c written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
The farmer can work alone in the field or the woods all day, hoeing or chopping wood, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, and not feel lonesome, because he is employed; but when he comes home at night he cannot sit down in a room alone, at the mercy of his own his his his his his his his thoughts, but must be where he can “see the folks,” and recreate, and as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks remunerate himself for his day’s solitude; and hence he wonders how the student can sit alone in the house all night and most of the day without ennui and “the blues;” but he does not realize that the student, though in the house, is still at work in his field, and chopping in his woods, as the farmer in his, and in his turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn seeks the same recreation and society that he does. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it.
13
Solitude 13 written: A rewritten: B
A fair copy was made of only all important and hearty communications … that we should touch him; the rest of Solitude 13 is contained, along with Solitude 12a and 12c, on a leaf (#87) in A that was taken into B and renumbered (#101).

(Ronald Clapper)
Society is commonly too cheap. We meet at very short intervals, not having had time to acquire any new value for each other. We meet at meals three times a day, and give each other a new taste of that old musty cheese that we are. We have had to agree on a certain set of rules, called etiquette and politeness, to make this frequent meeting tolerable, and that we need not come to open war. We meet at the post-office, and at the sociable, and about the fireside every night; we live thick and are in each other’s way, and stumble over one another, and I think that we thus lose some respect for one another. Certainly less frequency would suffice for all important and hearty communications. Consider the girls in a factory,—never alone, hardly in their dreams. It would be better if there were but one inhabitant to a square mile, as where I live. The value of a man is not in his skin, that we should touch him.
14
Solitude 14 written: A rewritten: B
Solitude 14 was added to the manuscript on a partial leaf.

(Ronald Clapper)
I have heard of a man lost in the woods and dying of famine and exhaustion at the foot of a tree, whose loneliness was relieved by the grotesque visions with with with with with with with with which, owing to bodily weakness, and a his his his his his his his his diseased imagination he was surrounded surrounded him surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, and which he believed to be relieved real. real. real. real. real. real. real. real. There are may be those who owing to bodily & mental health & strength rather are continually cheered by the like a like though more simple & natural society and never realize that they are alone. There may be those who owing to bodily and mental health & strength rather are continually cheered by a like but more natural society, and never realize that they are alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone.
15
Solitude 15 written: A rewritten: B

(Ronald Clapper)
I have a great deal of company in my house; especially in the morning, when nobody calls. I will I will Let me Let me Let me Let me Let me Let me Let me suggest a few comparisons, so that that that that that that that that some one may convey an idea of my situation. I am no more alone lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely than the loon in the pond that laughs aloud so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, or than Walden Pond itself. What company has that lonely lake, I pray? And yet it has not the blue devils, but the blue angels in it, in the azure tint of its waters. I am no more lonely than the north star waters. waters. waters. waters. waters. waters. waters. The sun is alone, except in thick weather, when there sometimes appear to be two, but one is a mock sun. God is alone,—but the devil, he is by no means by no means far from being far from being far from being far from being far from being far from being far from being alone; he sees a great deal of company; he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. I am no more lonely than a single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion in a pasture, or a bean leaf, or sorrel, or a single dandelion— sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, or a horse-fly, or a humble-bee. I am no more lonesome lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely than the Mill Brook, or a weathercock, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the south wind, or an April shower, or a January thaw, or the only first first first first first first first first spider in a new house.
16
Solitude 16 written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
I have occasional visits in the long winter evenings, when the snow falls fast and the wind howls in the wood, from an old settler and original proprietor, who is reported to have dug Walden Pond, and stoned it, and fringed it with pine woods; who tells me stories of old time and of new eternity; and between us we manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to pass a cheerful evening with social mirth and pleasant views of things, even without apples or cider,—a most wise and humorous friend, whom I love much, who keeps himself more secret than ever did Goffe or Whalley; and though he is thought to be dead, none can show where he is buried. An elderly dame, too, dwells in my neighborhood, invisible to most persons, in whose odorous herb garden I love to stroll sometimes, gathering simples and listening to her fables; for she has a genius of unequalled fertility, and her memory runs back farther than the mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, and she can tell me the original of every fable, and on what fact every one is founded, for the incidents occurred when she was a little girl young. young. young. young. young. young. young. young. A ruddy and lusty old dame, who delights in all weathers and seasons, and is likely to outlive all her children yet.
17
Solitude 17 written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
The indescribable innocence and beneficence of Nature,—of sun and wind and rain, of summer and winter,—such health, such cheer, they afford forever! and such sympathy have they ever with our race, that all Nature would be affected, and the sun’s brightness fade, and the winds would sigh humanely, and the clouds keep rain, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, and the woods shed their leaves and put on mourning in midsummer, if any man should ever for a just cause grieve. Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself? God is my father & my friend—men are my brothers—but nature is my mother & my sister. myself? myself? myself? myself? myself? myself? myself?
18
Solitude 18 written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
What is the pill which will keep us well, serene, contented? Not my or thy great-grandfather’s, but our great-grandmother Nature’s universal, vegetable, botanic medicines, by which she has kept herself young always, outlived so many old Parrs in her day, and fed her health with their decaying fatness. For my panacea, instead of one of those quack vials of a mixture dipped out of from from from from from from from Acheron and the Dead Sea, which come out of those long shallow black-schooner looking wagons which we sometimes see made to carry bottles, let me have a draught of undiluted morning air. Morning air! If men will not drink of this at the fountain-head of the day, why, then, we must even bottle up some and sell it in the shops, for the benefit of those who have lost their subscription ticket to morning time in this world. But remember that remember, remember, remember, remember, remember, remember, remember, it will not keep quite till noon-day even in the coolest cellar, but drive out the stopples long ere that and follow westward the steps of Aurora. I am no worshipper of Hygeia, who was the daughter of that old herb-doctor Æsculapius, and who is represented on monuments holding a serpent in one hand, and in the other a cup out of which the serpent sometimes drank; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; but rather of Hebe, cupbearer to Jupiter, who was the daughter of Juno and wild lettuce, and who who who who who who who had the power of restoring gods and men to the vigor of youth. She was probably the only thoroughly sound-conditioned, healthy, and robust young lady that ever walked this the the the the the the the globe, and wherever she came it was spring.
XVersion
Solitude Solitude Solitude Solitude Solitude n
Note: The title “Solitude” is inserted at the top of the leaf containing Solitude 1. (R. Clapper)
1
Solitude 1 written: A rewritten: B, D
A: Only rabbit, now roam the fields … the days of animated life appears in the manuscript, but more may be contained on the missing leaf (#79) which precedes.
B: Sympathy with the fluttering alder … the smooth reflecting surface does not appear in the manuscript.

(Ronald Clapper)
This is a delicious evening, when the whole body seems to be seems to be is is is is is is one sense, and imbibes delight through every pore. I go and come with a strange liberty in Nature, a part of herself. As I walk along the stony shore of the pond stony shore of the pond stony shore of the pond stony shore of the pond in my shirt-sleeves stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, stony shore of the pond in my shirt sleeves, though it is cool as well as and also as well as and also as well as as well as as well as as well as as well as as well as cloudy and windy, and I see no peculiarity, which I can describe nothing in particular to attract me, no peculiarity, which I can describe nothing in particular to attract me, no peculiarity, which I can describe nothing in particular to attract me, nothing in particular special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, nothing special to attract me, yet all things are very all the elements are unspeakably congenial to me. Again the frogs peep trump to celebrate the sacred hours of the night, and the whippoorwill sings in the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. yet all things are very all the elements are unspeakably congenial to me. Again the frogs peep trump to celebrate the sacred hours of the night, and the whippoorwill sings in the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. all the elements are unusually congenial to me. The bullfrogs trump to usher in the night, and the note of the whippoorwill is borne on the rippling wind from over the water. My breath is in Sympathy with My breath is in Sympathy with My breath is in Sympathy with My breath is in Sympathy with Sympathy with Sympathy with Sympathy with Sympathy with the fluttering alder and poplar leaves almost takes away my breath; yet, like the lake, my thoughts are serenity is thoughts are serenity is thoughts are serenity is thoughts are serenity is serenity is serenity is serenity is serenity is rippled but not ruffled. These small waves raised by the evening wind are as far remote far remote far remote far remote remote remote remote remote from storm as the smooth reflecting surface. Though it is now night, the waves still dash dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, night, the waves still dash dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, dark, the wind still blows and roars in the wood, the waves still dash, and some creatures lull the rest with their notes. The repose is never complete. The wildest animals seem not to do not repose and but seem not to do not repose and but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but do not repose, but seek their prey now; the fox, and skunk, and rabbit, now now now now now now roam the fields and woods without fear. We associate wildness with the night—and silence—But the repose is never complete; nature has her watchmen who are links connecting the days of animated life. Nature has her These are Nature’s watchmen who are or the links connecting the days of animated life. Nature has her These are Nature’s watchmen who are or the links connecting the days of animated life. They are Nature’s watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life. They are Nature's watchmen,—links which connect the days of animated life.
2
Solitude 2 written: B rewritten: D
D: A fair copy was made of only When I return to my house …and generally of what sex or.

(Ronald Clapper)
When I return to my house I find that visitors have been here there there there there there there there and left their cards, either a bunch of violets or houstonias or wintergreen or pyrus if it be spring, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, flowers, or a wreath of evergreen, or a name in pencil on a yellow walnut leaf or a chip. if it be fall. For those if it be fall. For those Those They They They They who come rarely to the woods will commonly take will commonly take commonly take take take take take some little piece of the forest into their hands to play with by the way, which they leave, either either either either either either either intentionally or accidentally. One has peeled a willow wand, and woven and woven and woven woven woven woven woven it into a ring, and dropped it on my table. I could always tell if visitors had called in my absence, either by the bended twigs or grass, or the print of their shoes, and generally of what sex or age or quality or quality or quality or quality or quality or quality they were by some slight trace left, as a flower dropped, or a bunch of grass plucked and thrown away, even as far off as the railroad, half a mile distant, or by the lingering odor of a cigar or pipe. Nay, I was frequently notified of the passage of a traveller along the highway sixty rods off by the scent of his pipe. Indeed my senses were as acute as Indians’ in this respect, and I saw how his habit of observation was cultivated. pipe. pipe. pipe. pipe. pipe. pipe.
3
Solitude 3 written: A rewritten: B

(Ronald Clapper)
There seems always to be seems always to be is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly is commonly sufficient space about us. Our horizon is never quite at our elbows. The thick thick thick thick thick thick thick thick wood is not just at my my our our our our our our door, nor the pond, but somewhat is always clearing, & familiar & worn by us appropriated and fenced in some way & familiar & worn by us, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, familiar and worn by us, appropriated and fenced in some way, and reclaimed from Nature. For what reason have I this vast range and circuit, in nature—a square mile and more in nature, square mile and more some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles some square miles of unfrequented forest, for my privacy, abandoned to me by men? Surely we do not live crowded. My nearest neighbor is more than My nearest neighbor is more than My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is My nearest neighbor is a mile distant, and no house is visible from any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops any place but the hill-tops within half a mile of my own. I have my horizon bounded by woods all to myself; I have a I have a a a a a a a distant view of the railroad where it touches the pond on the one hand, and of the fence which skirts the woodland road on the other. But for the most part it is as solitary where I live as on the prairies. It is as much Asia or Africa as New England. I have, as it were, my own sun and moon and stars, and a little world all to myself. At night there was never a traveller passed my house, or knocked at my door, more than if I were the first or last man; unless it were in the spring, when some came occasionally when some came occasionally when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came when at long intervals some came from the village to fish for pouts in the pond, and, pouts in the pond, and, pouts, pouts, pouts, pouts, pouts, pouts, —they plainly fished much more in the Walden Pond of their own natures, and baited their hooks with darkness,—but they soon retreated, usually with light baskets, and left “the vale to solitude & vale to solitude and world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to world to darkness and to me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the me,” and the dark dark black black black black black black kernel of the night was never profaned by any human neighborhood. I believe that men are generally still a little afraid of the dark, though the witches are all all all all all all all all hung, and Christianity and candles are have been invented. have been invented introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced. have been introduced.
4
Solitude 4 written: A rewritten: B, F, G
B: A fair copy was made of only Yet I experienced sometimes that the most sweet and tender and thought of them since … Beautiful daughter of Toscar. The rest of Solitude 4 was on a leaf (#83) in A that was taken into B and renumbered (#95).]
F & G: Fair copies were made of only kindred to me, even in scenes which we are … Beautiful daughter of Toscar.

(Ronald Clapper)
Yet I experienced occasionally occasionally sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes sometimes that the most sweet and tender, the most innocent and encouraging society may be found in every any any any any any any any natural object, even for the poor misanthrope and most melancholy man. There can be no very black melancholy to him who lives in the midst of Nature and has his senses to him still. There was never yet a storm but it was Æeolian music to a healthy and innocent ear. Nothing can rightly compel a simple and brave man to a vulgar sadness. While I enjoy the friendship of the seasons I trust that nothing can make life a burden to me. The gentle rain which waters my beans and keeps me in the house to-day is not drear and melancholy, but good for me too. Though it prevents my hoeing them, it is of far more worth than my hoeing. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, though the farmers say it is not so sweet xxxxx xxx & being good for the grass it will be good for me If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, it would be good for me. Sometimes, when I compare myself with other men, it seems as if I were more favored by the gods than they, and beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that beyond any deserts that I am conscious of; as if I had a warrant and surety at their hands which my fellows have not, and were especially guided and guarded. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible, they flatter me. So perchance it appears to each of us They are unaccountably kind to me Notwithstanding a sense of unworthiness which possesses me, for the most part the spirit of the universe seems unaccountably kind to me, & I seem to enjoy an unusual share of happiness. Yet I think that there may be a settlement to come. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I do not flatter myself, but if it be possible they flatter me. I have never felt lonely lonesome lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, lonesome, or in the least oppressed by a sense of solitude, but once, and that was a few weeks after I went to the pond to live woods came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, came to the woods, when, for an hour, I doubted if the near neighborhood of man was not essential to a serene and healthy life. To be alone was something unpleasant. But I was at the same time conscious of a slight insanity in my mood, and seemed to foresee my recovery. In the midst of a gentle rain while these thoughts prevailed, there suddenly seemed I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of I was suddenly sensible of such sweet and beneficent society in Nature, in the very pattering of the drops, and in every sound and sight around my house, an infinite and unaccountable friendliness all at once like an atmosphere sustaining me, as made the fancied advantages of human neighborhood insignificant, and I have never thought of them since. Every little pine needle expanded and swelled with sympathy and befriended me. I was so distinctly made aware of the presence of something kindred to me, even in scenes which we are accustomed to call wild and dreary, and also that the nearest of blood to me and humanest was not a person nor a villager, that I thought no place could ever be strange to me again.—
 
“Mourning untimely consumes the sad;
 
Few are their days in the land of the living,
 
Beautiful daughter of Toscar."
5a
Solitude 5a written: F rewritten: G
F: In those driving north-east rains … groove a walking-stick is interlined in pencil; I passed it again … harmless sky eight years ago does not appear in the manuscript.

(Ronald Clapper)
Some of my pleasantest hours were during the long rain rain rain storms in the spring or fall, which confined me to the house for the afternoon as well as the forenoon, soothed by their ceaseless roar and pelting; then then when when an early twilight ushered in a long evening in which many thoughts had time to take root and unfold themselves. In those driving north-east In those driving north-east In those driving north-east storms storms rains rains which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind my the my my door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection. In one door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection. In one door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection. In one very heavy heavy heavy thunder shower the lightning struck a large pitch pine across the pond, making a very conspicuous and perfectly regular spiral groove from top to bottom, an inch or more deep, and four or five inches wide, as thunder shower the lightning struck a large pitch pine across the pond, making a very conspicuous and perfectly regular spiral groove from top to bottom, an inch or more deep, and four or five inches wide, as thunder shower the lightning struck a large pitch pine across the pond, making a very conspicuous and perfectly regular spiral groove from top to bottom, an inch or more deep, and four or five inches wide, as one one you you would groove a would groove a would groove a walking-stick. walking-stick, going round the tree three times and descending faster as the trunk grew larger yet the tree it did not appear to have suffered essentially. walking-stick. I passed it lately and was somewhat awestruck again the other day & was struck with awe again the other day, and was struck with awe on looking up and beholding that broad & regular groove mark now mark, now more distinct than ever, mark where where a terrific and resistless bolt came down out of the harmless sky eight years agoand I felt that we had not learned much since the days of Tullus Hostilius. It saved the earth from trivialness. The woodpeckers have at length begun to bore its one side. ago. 5b
Solitude 5b written: B rewritten: F, G
F: A fair copy was made of only Men frequently say to me … This will vary with different.
G: A fair copy was made of only Men frequently say to me, “I should think you would feel.

(Ronald Clapper)
Men generally frequently generally frequently generally frequently generally frequently generally frequently frequently frequently say to me, “I should think you would feel lonely lonesome down there. I should think you would & want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snow snowy days and nights especially.” But I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, lonesome down there, and want to be nearer to folks, rainy and snowy days and nights especially.” I am tempted to reply to such, —This whole earth which we inhabit is but a point in space. How far apart, think you, dwell the two most distant inhabitants of yonder star, the breadth of whose disk cannot be appreciated by our instruments? Why should I feel lonely? is not our planet in the Milky Way? This which you put seems to me not to be the most important question. What sort of space is that which separates a man from his fellows and makes him solitary? I have found that no exertion on the part of of of of of of of the legs can bring two minds much nearer to one another. What after all What What What What What What do we want most to dwell near to? Not to many men merely surely —the depot—or the post office—or the bar-room—or the meeting house or the school house, or the grocery—or surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, surely, the depot, the post-office, the bar-room, the meeting-house, the school-house, the grocery, Beacon Hill, or the Five Points, where men are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere—but, I should say are more numerous than anywhere else most congregate but I should say most congregate, but most congregate, but to the perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial source of our life, whence in all our experience we have found that to issue; as the willow stands near the water and sends out its roots in that direction. This will vary with different natures, but this is the place where a wise man will dig his cellar. Yet Most men are not so wise as a tree, or rather are like those trees which being badly located make only wood and leaves and bear no fruit. cellar. cellar. cellar. cellar. cellar. cellar. … I one evening overtook one of my townsmen, who has accumulated what is called what is called what is called what is called what is called what is called what is called “a handsome property”, —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— —though I never got a fair view of it,— on the Walden road, driving a pair of cattle to market, who inquired of me how I could bring my mind to give up so many of the comforts of life. I answered that I was very sure I liked it passably well; I was not joking. And so I went home to my bed, and left him to pick his way through the darkness and the mud to Brighton, —some 15 miles distant,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— —or Bright-town,— which place he would reach some time in the morning.
6
Solitude 6 written: B

(Ronald Clapper)
The life of the spirit Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man Any prospect of awakening or coming to life to a dead man makes indifferent all times and places. That place where it is seen The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur The place where that may occur is always the same, and indescribably pleasant to all our senses. We had allowed only neighboring For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying For the most part we allow only outlying and transient circumstances to make our occasions. They are, in fact, the causes cause cause cause cause cause cause of our distraction. Nearest to all things is that power which fashions their being. Next to us the grandest laws are continually being executed. Next to us is not the workman whom we have hired, with whom we love so well to talk, but the workman whose work we are.
7
Solitude 7 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
“How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!” “How vast and profound is the influence of the subtile powers of Heaven and of Earth!”
8
Solitude 8 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
“One seeks “We seek “We seek “We seek “We seek “We seek “We seek to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and to perceive them, and one does we do we do we do we do we do we do not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; not see them; one seeks we seek we seek we seek we seek we seek we seek to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and to hear them, and one does we do we do we do we do we do we do not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.” not hear them; identified with the substance of things, they cannot be separated from them.”
9
Solitude 9 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
“They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and “They cause that in all the universe men purify and sanctify their hearts, and put on their holiday clothes clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments clothe themselves in their holiday garments to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.” to offer sacrifices and oblations to their ancestors. It is an ocean of subtile intelligences. They are every where, above us, on our left, on our right; they environ us on all sides.”
10
Solitude 10 written: B rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
We are the subjects of an experiment which I confess which which which which which which is not a little interesting to me. Can we not dispense with do without do without do without do without do without do without the society of our gossips a little while under these circumstances, —If you want society mind your business. —have our own thoughts to cheer us? —have our own thoughts to cheer us? —have our own thoughts to cheer us? —have our own thoughts to cheer us? Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius Confucius says, says truly, says truly, says truly, says truly, says truly, says truly, “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.” “Virtue does not remain as an abandoned orphan; it must of necessity have neighbors.”
11
Solitude 11 written: D
D: I be affected by a theatrical … so far as he was concerned was added to the manuscript on a separate leaf.

(Ronald Clapper)
With thinking we may be beside ourselves. ourselves in a sane sense. ourselves in a sane sense. ourselves in a sane sense. ourselves in a sane sense. By a conscious effort of the mind we can stand aloof from actions and the consequences of actions; their consequences; their consequences; their consequences; their consequences; and all things, both good good good good good and bad, go by us like a torrent. We are not wholly involved in Nature. I may be either the drift-wood in the stream, or Indra in the sky looking down on it. A man I I I I may be affected by a theatrical exhibition; on the other hand, I may not be affected by an actual event which appears to concern him never so much. me much more. me much more. me much more. me much more. I only know myself as a human entity; the scene, so to speak, of thoughts and affections; and am sensible of a certain doubleness by which I can stand as remote from myself as from another. However intense my experience, I am conscious of the presence and criticism of a part of me, which, as it were, is not a part of me, but spectator, sharing no experience, but taking note of it; and that is no more I than it is you. When the play, it may be the tragedy, of life is over, the spectator goes his way. It was a kind of fiction, a work of the imagination only, so far as he was concerned. This doubleness may easily make us poor neighbors and friends sometimes.
12a
Solitude 12a written: A
A: Solitude 12a is preceded by Visitors 1.

(Ronald Clapper)
I find it healthy wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome wholesome to be alone the greatest greater greater greater greater greater greater greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad amongst folks among men among men among men among men among men among men among men than when we stay in our chambers. A man thinking or working is always alone, let him be where he will. 12b
Solitude 12b written: A rewritten: B
A & B: Solitude 12b follows Solitude 13.

(Ronald Clapper)
Nor, on the other hand, is solitude Solitude is not Nor, on the other hand, is solitude Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not Solitude is not measured by the miles of space that intervene between a man and his fellows. The really really really really really really really really diligent student in one of the crowded hives of Cambridge College a university Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College Cambridge College is as solitary as a dervish in the desert. 12c
Solitude 12c written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
The farmer can work alone in the field or the woods all day, hoeing or chopping wood, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, chopping, and not feel lonesome, because he is employed; but when he comes home at night he cannot sit down in a room alone, at the mercy of his own his his his his his his his thoughts, but must be where he can “see the folks,” and recreate, and as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks as he thinks remunerate himself for his day’s solitude; and hence he wonders how the student can sit alone in the house all night and most of the day without ennui and “the blues;” but he does not realize that the student, though in the house, is still at work in his field, and chopping in his woods, as the farmer in his, and in his turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn seeks the same recreation and society that he does. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it. the latter does, though it may be a more condensed form of it.
13
Solitude 13 written: A rewritten: B
A fair copy was made of only all important and hearty communications … that we should touch him; the rest of Solitude 13 is contained, along with Solitude 12a and 12c, on a leaf (#87) in A that was taken into B and renumbered (#101).

(Ronald Clapper)
Society is commonly too cheap. We meet at very short intervals, not having had time to acquire any new value for each other. We meet at meals three times a day, and give each other a new taste of that old musty cheese that we are. We have had to agree on a certain set of rules, called etiquette and politeness, to make this frequent meeting tolerable, and that we need not come to open war. We meet at the post-office, and at the sociable, and about the fireside every night; we live thick and are in each other’s way, and stumble over one another, and I think that we thus lose some respect for one another. Certainly less frequency would suffice for all important and hearty communications. Consider the girls in a factory,—never alone, hardly in their dreams. It would be better if there were but one inhabitant to a square mile, as where I live. The value of a man is not in his skin, that we should touch him.
14
Solitude 14 written: A rewritten: B
Solitude 14 was added to the manuscript on a partial leaf.

(Ronald Clapper)
I have heard of a man lost in the woods and dying of famine and exhaustion at the foot of a tree, whose loneliness was relieved by the grotesque visions with with with with with with with with which, owing to bodily weakness, and a his his his his his his his his diseased imagination he was surrounded surrounded him surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, surrounded him, and which he believed to be relieved real. real. real. real. real. real. real. real. There are may be those who owing to bodily & mental health & strength rather are continually cheered by the like a like though more simple & natural society and never realize that they are alone. There may be those who owing to bodily and mental health & strength rather are continually cheered by a like but more natural society, and never realize that they are alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone. So also, owing to bodily and mental health and strength, we may be continually cheered by a like but more normal and natural society, and come to know that we are never alone.
15
Solitude 15 written: A rewritten: B

(Ronald Clapper)
I have a great deal of company in my house; especially in the morning, when nobody calls. I will I will Let me Let me Let me Let me Let me Let me Let me suggest a few comparisons, so that that that that that that that that some one may convey an idea of my situation. I am no more alone lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely than the loon in the pond that laughs aloud so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, so loud, or than Walden Pond itself. What company has that lonely lake, I pray? And yet it has not the blue devils, but the blue angels in it, in the azure tint of its waters. I am no more lonely than the north star waters. waters. waters. waters. waters. waters. waters. The sun is alone, except in thick weather, when there sometimes appear to be two, but one is a mock sun. God is alone,—but the devil, he is by no means by no means far from being far from being far from being far from being far from being far from being far from being alone; he sees a great deal of company; he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. he is legion. I am no more lonely than a single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion single mullein or dandelion in a pasture, or a bean leaf, or sorrel, or a single dandelion— sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, sorrel, or a horse-fly, or a humble-bee. I am no more lonesome lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely than the Mill Brook, or a weathercock, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the northstar, or the south wind, or an April shower, or a January thaw, or the only first first first first first first first first spider in a new house.
16
Solitude 16 written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
I have occasional visits in the long winter evenings, when the snow falls fast and the wind howls in the wood, from an old settler and original proprietor, who is reported to have dug Walden Pond, and stoned it, and fringed it with pine woods; who tells me stories of old time and of new eternity; and between us we manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to manage to pass a cheerful evening with social mirth and pleasant views of things, even without apples or cider,—a most wise and humorous friend, whom I love much, who keeps himself more secret than ever did Goffe or Whalley; and though he is thought to be dead, none can show where he is buried. An elderly dame, too, dwells in my neighborhood, invisible to most persons, in whose odorous herb garden I love to stroll sometimes, gathering simples and listening to her fables; for she has a genius of unequalled fertility, and her memory runs back farther than the mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, mythology, and she can tell me the original of every fable, and on what fact every one is founded, for the incidents occurred when she was a little girl young. young. young. young. young. young. young. young. A ruddy and lusty old dame, who delights in all weathers and seasons, and is likely to outlive all her children yet.
17
Solitude 17 written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
The indescribable innocence and beneficence of Nature,—of sun and wind and rain, of summer and winter,—such health, such cheer, they afford forever! and such sympathy have they ever with our race, that all Nature would be affected, and the sun’s brightness fade, and the winds would sigh humanely, and the clouds keep rain, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, rain tears, and the woods shed their leaves and put on mourning in midsummer, if any man should ever for a just cause grieve. Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself? God is my father & my friend—men are my brothers—but nature is my mother & my sister. myself? myself? myself? myself? myself? myself? myself?
18
Solitude 18 written: A

(Ronald Clapper)
What is the pill which will keep us well, serene, contented? Not my or thy great-grandfather’s, but our great-grandmother Nature’s universal, vegetable, botanic medicines, by which she has kept herself young always, outlived so many old Parrs in her day, and fed her health with their decaying fatness. For my panacea, instead of one of those quack vials of a mixture dipped out of from from from from from from from Acheron and the Dead Sea, which come out of those long shallow black-schooner looking wagons which we sometimes see made to carry bottles, let me have a draught of undiluted morning air. Morning air! If men will not drink of this at the fountain-head of the day, why, then, we must even bottle up some and sell it in the shops, for the benefit of those who have lost their subscription ticket to morning time in this world. But remember that remember, remember, remember, remember, remember, remember, remember, it will not keep quite till noon-day even in the coolest cellar, but drive out the stopples long ere that and follow westward the steps of Aurora. I am no worshipper of Hygeia, who was the daughter of that old herb-doctor Æsculapius, and who is represented on monuments holding a serpent in one hand, and in the other a cup out of which the serpent sometimes drank; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; drinks; but rather of Hebe, cupbearer to Jupiter, who was the daughter of Juno and wild lettuce, and who who who who who who who had the power of restoring gods and men to the vigor of youth. She was probably the only thoroughly sound-conditioned, healthy, and robust young lady that ever walked this the the the the the the the globe, and wherever she came it was spring.

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