Visitors
n
Note: The title “Society" appears in
pencil at the top of the leaf containing Visitors 1. (R. Clapper)
Yet I think
Yet I think
Yet I think
Yet I think
I THINK
I THINK
I THINK
I THINK
that I love society as much as most, and am
apt
apt
ready
ready
ready
ready
ready
ready
enough to fasten myself like a bloodsucker for the time to any full-blooded
man that comes in my way. I am naturally no hermit, but
should probably
should probably
might possibly
might possibly
might possibly
might possibly
might possibly
might possibly
sit out the sturdiest frequenter of the bar-room, if my business called me
that way.
Health and strength gain,
To withstand every shock,
The bread we have spurned?
The faggots we’ve burned?
that way
that way
in that direction
thither
thither
thither
thither
.
I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three
for society. When visitors came in larger and unexpected numbers there was but the
third chair for them all, but they generally economized the room by standing up. It
is surprising how many great men and women a small house will contain. I have had
twenty-five
or thirty souls,
and
with their
with their
with their
with their
with their
with their
with their
with their
bodies, at once under my roof, and yet we often parted without being aware
that we had come very near to one
other
another
another
another
another
another
another
another
.
Our houses generally with their huge halls & garretts & cellars,
seem to me extravagantly large for their inhabitants. One would certainly be
somewhat astonished, if when the herald blew his summons before the
Middle-sex House he should see come creeping out over the piazza for all
inhabitants a ridiculous mouse
Many of our houses with their innumerable apartments,
their huge halls & cellars for the storage of wines & other
munitions of peace, seem to me extravagantly large for their inhabitants.
They are so vast & grim—that the latter appear to be only vermin that
infest them. I am frequently astonished when the herald blows his summons
before some Tremont or Astor or Middle-sex House to see come creeping out
over the piazza for all inhabitants a ridiculous mouse, which soon as it
appears slinks into some hole in the pavement
Many of our houses both public and private, with their
innumerable apartments, their huge halls & cellars for the storage of wines
and other munitions of peace, seem
appear to me extravagantly large for their inhabitants. They are so
vast and magnificent that the latter appear
seem to be only vermin that infest them. I am frequently astonished
when the herald blows his summons before some Tremont or Astor or Middlesex
House, to see come creeping out over the piazza for all inhabitants a
ridiculous mouse, which soon again slinks into some hole in the
doorstep
Many of our houses, both public and private, with their almost innumerable
apartments, their huge halls and their cellars for the storage of wines and
other munitions of peace, appear to be extravagantly large for their
inhabitants. They are so vast and magnificent that the latter seem to be only
vermin which infest them. I am surprised when the herald blows his summons
before some Tremont or Astor or Middlesex House, to see come creeping out over
the piazza for all inhabitants a ridiculous mouse, which soon again slinks into
some hole in the pavement
Many of our houses, both public and private, with their almost innumerable
apartments, their huge halls and their cellars for the storage of wines and
other munitions of peace, appear to be extravagantly large for their
inhabitants. They are so vast and magnificent that the latter seem to be only
vermin which infest them. I am surprised when the herald blows his summons
before some Tremont or Astor or Middlesex House, to see come creeping out over
the piazza for all inhabitants a ridiculous mouse, which soon again slinks into
some hole in the pavement
Many of our houses, both public and private, with their almost innumerable
apartments, their huge halls and their cellars for the storage of wines and
other munitions of peace, appear to be extravagantly large for their
inhabitants. They are so vast and magnificent that the latter seem to be only
vermin which infest them. I am surprised when the herald blows his summons
before some Tremont or Astor or Middlesex House, to see come creeping out over
the piazza for all inhabitants a ridiculous mouse, which soon again slinks into
some hole in the pavement
Many of our houses, both public and private, with their almost innumerable
apartments, their huge halls and their cellars for the storage of wines and
other munitions of peace, appear to be extravagantly large for their
inhabitants. They are so vast and magnificent that the latter seem to be only
vermin which infest them. I am surprised when the herald blows his summons
before some Tremont or Astor or Middlesex House, to see come creeping out over
the piazza for all inhabitants a ridiculous mouse, which soon again slinks into
some hole in the pavement
Many of our houses, both public and private, with their almost innumerable
apartments, their huge halls and their cellars for the storage of wines and
other munitions of peace, appear to be extravagantly large for their
inhabitants. They are so vast and magnificent that the latter seem to be only
vermin which infest them. I am surprised when the herald blows his summons
before some Tremont or Astor or Middlesex House, to see come creeping out over
the piazza for all inhabitants a ridiculous mouse, which soon again slinks into
some hole in the pavement
Many of our houses, both public and private, with their almost innumerable
apartments, their huge halls and their cellars for the storage of wines and
other munitions of peace, appear to be extravagantly large for their
inhabitants. They are so vast and magnificent that the latter seem to be only
vermin which infest them. I am surprised when the herald blows his summons
before some Tremont or Astor or Middlesex House, to see come creeping out over
the piazza for all inhabitants a ridiculous mouse, which soon again slinks into
some hole in the pavement
.
One
inconvenience
however
inconvenience
however
inconvenience
inconvenience
inconvenience
inconvenience
inconvenience
inconvenience
I sometimes experienced in so small a house, the difficulty of getting to a
sufficient distance from my guest when we began to utter the big thoughts in big
words. You want room for your thoughts to get into sailing trim and run a course or
two before they make their port. The bullet of your thought must have overcome its
lateral and ricochet motion and fallen into its last and steady course before it
falls into
falls into
reaches
reaches
reaches
reaches
reaches
reaches
reaches
the ear of the hearer, else it may plough out
again
again
again
again
again
again
again
again
through the side of his head.
Also,
Also,
Also,
our sentences wanted room to unfold and form their columns in the interval.
We need a considerable neutral ground—though it be a disputed territory,
for individuals like nations must have suitable broad and natural
boundaries even a considerable neutral ground—though it
be a disputed territory between them.—The reason why the Kilkenny cats
quarrelled and ate each other all up but the tails in that hollow sphere,
certainly is that there was not room in that small space for their several
spheres to revolve
Individuals like nations must have suitable broad and
natural boundaries, even a considerable neutral ground, though it be a disputed
territory, between them
Individuals like nations must have suitable broad and
natural boundaries, even a considerable neutral ground, though it be a disputed
territory, between them
Individuals like nations must have suitable broad and
natural boundaries, even a considerable neutral ground, though it be a disputed
territory, between them
Individuals like nations must have suitable broad and
natural boundaries, even a considerable neutral ground, though it be a disputed
territory, between them
Individuals, like nations, must have suitable broad and natural boundaries,
even a considerable neutral ground, between them
Individuals, like nations, must have suitable broad and natural boundaries,
even a considerable neutral ground, between them
Individuals, like nations, must have suitable broad and natural boundaries,
even a considerable neutral ground, between them
.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the
pond to a companion on the opposite side.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on
the opposite side.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on
the opposite side.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on
the opposite side.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on
the opposite side.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on
the opposite side.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on
the opposite side.
I have found it a singular luxury to talk across the pond to a companion on
the opposite side.
or did you ever talk to the sexton across an empty
meeting house after the audience had gone? It is easy to be eloquent at such
a time In
or did you ever talk to the sexton across an empty meeting house
after the audience had gone
were gone out? It is easy to be eloquent at such a time. In
or did you ever talk to the sexton across an empty meeting house
after the audience had gone
were gone out? It is easy to be eloquent at such a time. In
or did you ever talk to the sexton across an empty meeting house
after the audience had gone
were gone out? It is easy to be eloquent at such a time. In
and did you ever talk to the sexton across an empty
meeting-house after the audience were gone out? It is easy to be eloquent at
such a time and in such a place. In
In
In
In
my house we were so near that we could not
begin to
begin to
begin to
begin to
begin to
begin to
begin to
begin to
hear,—
and
or we could not
and we could not
and we could not
and we could not
and we could not
nor could we
we could not
we could not
we could not
we could not
speak low enough to be heard; as when you throw two stones into calm water
but so
so
so
so
so
so
so
so
near that they break each other’s undulations. If we are
very
very
very
very
very
merely
merely
merely
merely
loquacious and loud talkers,
then indeed
then indeed
then indeed
then indeed
then indeed
then
then
then
we can afford to stand very near together,
cheek by jowl, and shoulder to shoulder
shoulder to shoulder, and cheek by jowl, and shoulder to
shoulder
shoulder to shoulder, and cheek by jowl, and shoulder to
shoulder
shoulder to shoulder, and cheek by jowl, and shoulder to
shoulder
shoulder to shoulder, and cheek by jowl
cheek by jowl,
cheek by jowl,
cheek by jowl,
and feel each other’s breath;
and feel each other’s breath;
and feel each other’s breath;
and feel each other’s breath;
but if we speak reservedly and thoughtfully, we want to be farther apart,
But if we would be silent we must commonly be so far apart that
we cannot possibly hear each other’s voices in any case & that is what we commonly mean by solitude
But
Indeed if we would be silent & yet enjoy the most intimate
society we must commonly be so far apart bodily
that we cannot possibly hear each other’s voices in any case, and
though this is what men commonly mean by
call solitude
But
Indeed if we would be silent & yet enjoy the most intimate
society we must commonly be so far apart bodily
that we cannot possibly hear each other’s voices in any case, and
though this is what men commonly mean by
call solitude
But
Indeed if we would be silent & yet enjoy the most intimate
society we must commonly be so far apart bodily
that we cannot possibly hear each other’s voices in any case, and
though this is what men commonly mean by
call solitude
If we would be silent, and enjoy the most intimate society, we must
be
that all animal heat and moisture may have a chance to evaporate. If we
would enjoy the most intimate society with that in each of us which is
without or above being spoken to, we must
not only be silent but commonly so far apart
bodily, that we cannot possibly hear each other’s voices in any case,
though this is what men commonly call solitude. Referred to this standard
speech is for the convenience of those who are hard of hearing
but there are many fine things which we cannot say if
we have to shout
that all animal heat and moisture may have a chance to evaporate. If we would
enjoy the most intimate society with that in each of us which is without, or
above, being spoken to, we must not only be silent, but commonly so far apart
bodily that we cannot possibly hear each other’s voice in any case. Referred to
this standard, speech is for the convenience of those who are hard of hearing;
but there are many fine things which we cannot say if we have to shout
that all animal heat and moisture may have a chance to evaporate. If we would
enjoy the most intimate society with that in each of us which is without, or
above, being spoken to, we must not only be silent, but commonly so far apart
bodily that we cannot possibly hear each other’s voice in any case. Referred to
this standard, speech is for the convenience of those who are hard of hearing;
but there are many fine things which we cannot say if we have to shout
that all animal heat and moisture may have a chance to evaporate. If we would
enjoy the most intimate society with that in each of us which is without, or
above, being spoken to, we must not only be silent, but commonly so far apart
bodily that we cannot possibly hear each other’s voice in any case. Referred to
this standard, speech is for the convenience of those who are hard of hearing;
but there are many fine things which we cannot say if we have to shout
. As the conversation began to assume a loftier and grander
tone& this was always the case when
it was successful
tone
tone
tone
tone
tone
tone
tone
, we gradually shoved our chairs farther apart till they touched the wall in
opposite corners, and then
sometimes
sometimes
commonly
commonly
commonly
commonly
commonly
commonly
there was not room
enough. If you do not want the fire to smoke you must not
stand too near it, so as to divert the current of the chimney’s
inspiration
enough. If you do not want the fire to smoke you must not
stand too near it, so as to divert the current of the chimney’s
inspiration
enough
enough
enough
enough
enough
enough
.
My “best" room,
however,
however,
however,
however,
however,
however,
however,
my withdrawing room,
my withdrawing room,
my withdrawing room,
my withdrawing room,
my withdrawing room,
my withdrawing room,
my withdrawing room,
my withdrawing room,
always ready for company, on whose carpet the sun rarely
fell, for its green blinds were kept always closed
fell, for its green blinds were kept always closed
fell
fell
fell
fell
fell
fell
, was the pine wood behind my house.
There when distinguished guests came in summer days
There in summer days when distinguished guests came
in summer days
Thither in summer days, when distinguished guests came,
Thither in summer days, when distinguished guests came,
Thither in summer days, when distinguished guests came,
Thither in summer days, when distinguished guests came,
Thither in summer days, when distinguished guests came,
Thither in summer days, when distinguished guests came,
I took them, and
Nature was my domestic that
Nature was my domestic that
a priceless domestic
a priceless domestic
a priceless domestic
a priceless domestic
a priceless domestic
a priceless domestic
swept the floor and dusted the furniture and kept the things in order.
If one guest
came to my house
came to my house
came
came
came
came
came
came
he sometimes partook of my frugal meal, and it was no interruption to
conversation to be stirring a
hasty-pudding,in the meanwhile
hasty-pudding,
hasty-pudding,
hasty-pudding,
hasty-pudding,
hasty-pudding,
hasty-pudding,
hasty-pudding,
or watching the rising and maturing of a loaf of bread in the ashes, in the
mean while. But if twenty came and sat in my house there was nothing said about
dinner, though there might be bread enough for two, more than if eating were a
forsaken habit; but we naturally practised abstinence; and this was never felt to
be
an offence against hospitality, but the most proper and considerate course. The waste
and decay of physical life, which so often needs repair, seemed miraculously retarded
in such a case
in such a case
in such a case
in such a case
in such a case
in such a case
in such a case
in such a case
, and the vital vigor stood its ground. I could entertain thus a thousand as
well as twenty; and
I am not aware that
if
if
if
if
if
if
if
if
any ever went away disappointed or hungry from my house when they found me at
home,
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at
least
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least
they may depend upon it that I sympathized with them at least
. So easy is it, though many housekeepers doubt it, to establish new and better
customs in the place of the old.
I mention this to show that you
You
You
You
You
You
You
You
need not rest your reputation on the dinners you give. For my own part, I was
never so effectually deterred from frequenting a man’s house, by any kind of Cerberus
whatever, as by the parade
he made of
one made about
one made about
one made about
one made about
one made about
one made about
one made about
dining me, which I took to be a very polite and roundabout hint never to
trouble him so again. I think I shall never revisit those scenes.
To quote the lines
I should be proud to have for the motto of my cabin those lines of
Spenser
I should be proud to have for the motto of my cabin those lines of
Spenser
I should be proud to have for the motto of my cabin those lines of
Spenser
I should be proud to have for the motto of my cabin those lines of
Spenser
I should be proud to have for the motto of my cabin those lines of
Spenser
I should be proud to have for the motto of my cabin those lines of
Spenser
I should be proud to have for the motto of my cabin those lines of
Spenser
which one of my visitors inscribed on a yellow walnut leaf
and which may make part of the motto of my
house
for a card
for a card
for a card
for a card
for a card
for a card
for a card
:—
“Arrivéd there, the little house they fill,
Ne looke for entertainment where none was;
Rest is their feast, and all things at their will:
The noblest mind the best contentment has."
When Winslow, afterward governor of the Plymouth Colony, went with a
companion on a visit of ceremony to Massassoit on foot through the woods, and arrived
tired and hungry
at his lodge,
at his lodge,
at his lodge,
at his lodge,
at his lodge,
at his lodge,
at his lodge,
at his lodge,
they were well received by the king, but nothing was said about eating that
day. When the night arrived, to quote their own words,—“He laid us on the bed with
himself and his wife, they at the one end and we at the other, it being only plank,
laid a foot from the ground and a thin mat upon them. Two more of his chief men, for
want of room, pressed by and upon us; so that we were worse weary of our lodging than
of our journey." At one o’clock the next day Massassoit "brought two fishes that he
had shot," about thrice as big as a bream; “these being boiled, there were at least
forty looked for a share in them. The most ate of them. This meal only we had in two
nights and a day; and had not one of us bought a partridge, we had taken our journey
fasting."
For fear
Fearing that they should be light-headed for want
of food & also sleep on account of
owing to “the savages’ barbarous singing (for
they used to sing themselves asleep)," and for want of food, and that they
might get home while they had strength to travel—they departed. The fact
was—the Indians had nothing to eat themselves—and they were wiser than to think
that apologies & ceremony could supply the place of food to their guests—and so they
drew their belts tighter & said nothing about it—As for lodging indeed they were but poorly entertained,
but as far as eating was concerned I do not see how the Indians could have
done better. This was a time of fasting with them. At another time
when Winslow visited them—they
he got as much to eat as he got little before
savages’ barbarous singing (for they used to sing themselves
asleep)," and for want of food and in
order that they might get home while they had strength to travel they
departed. As for lodging, it must be confessed that the
whites were but poorly entertained, but as far as eating was concerned I do
not see how the Indians could have done better. The fact was the
Indians had nothing to eat themselves, it was a time of
involuntary fasting with them and they were wiser than to think that
apologies & ceremony could supply the place of food to their guests,
and so they drew their belts tighter and said nothing about it.
As for lodging, indeed, they were but poorly entertained, but as far as
eating was concerned I do not see how the Indians could have done better.
This was a time of fasting with them
savages’ barbarous singing (for they used to sing themselves
asleep)" and in order that they might get home while they had strength to
travel, they departed. As for lodging, it must be confessed that the whites
were but poorly entertained, but as far as eating was concerned, I do not see
how the Indians could have done better. They had nothing to eat themselves, and
they were wiser than to think that apologies & ceremony could supply the
place of food to their guests; so they drew their belts tighter, and said
nothing about it
Fearing that they would be light-headed for want of food and also sleep,
owing to “the savages’ barbarous singing, (for they use to sing themselves
asleep,)" and that they might get home while they had strength to travel, they
departed. As for lodging, it is true they were but poorly entertained, though
what they found an inconvenience was no doubt intended for an honor; but as far
as eating was concerned, I do not see how the Indians could have done better.
They had nothing to eat themselves, and they were wiser than to think that
apologies could supply the place of food to their guests; so they drew their
belts tighter and said nothing about it. Another time when Winslow visited
them, it being a season of plenty with them, there was no deficiency in this
respect
Fearing that they would be light-headed for want of food and also sleep,
owing to “the savages’ barbarous singing, (for they use to sing themselves
asleep,)" and that they might get home while they had strength to travel, they
departed. As for lodging, it is true they were but poorly entertained, though
what they found an inconvenience was no doubt intended for an honor; but as far
as eating was concerned, I do not see how the Indians could have done better.
They had nothing to eat themselves, and they were wiser than to think that
apologies could supply the place of food to their guests; so they drew their
belts tighter and said nothing about it. Another time when Winslow visited
them, it being a season of plenty with them, there was no deficiency in this
respect
Fearing that they would be light-headed for want of food and also sleep,
owing to “the savages’ barbarous singing, (for they use to sing themselves
asleep,)" and that they might get home while they had strength to travel, they
departed. As for lodging, it is true they were but poorly entertained, though
what they found an inconvenience was no doubt intended for an honor; but as far
as eating was concerned, I do not see how the Indians could have done better.
They had nothing to eat themselves, and they were wiser than to think that
apologies could supply the place of food to their guests; so they drew their
belts tighter and said nothing about it. Another time when Winslow visited
them, it being a season of plenty with them, there was no deficiency in this
respect
Fearing that they would be light-headed for want of food and also sleep,
owing to “the savages’ barbarous singing, (for they use to sing themselves
asleep,)" and that they might get home while they had strength to travel, they
departed. As for lodging, it is true they were but poorly entertained, though
what they found an inconvenience was no doubt intended for an honor; but as far
as eating was concerned, I do not see how the Indians could have done better.
They had nothing to eat themselves, and they were wiser than to think that
apologies could supply the place of food to their guests; so they drew their
belts tighter and said nothing about it. Another time when Winslow visited
them, it being a season of plenty with them, there was no deficiency in this
respect
Fearing that they would be light-headed for want of food and also sleep,
owing to “the savages’ barbarous singing, (for they use to sing themselves
asleep,)" and that they might get home while they had strength to travel, they
departed. As for lodging, it is true they were but poorly entertained, though
what they found an inconvenience was no doubt intended for an honor; but as far
as eating was concerned, I do not see how the Indians could have done better.
They had nothing to eat themselves, and they were wiser than to think that
apologies could supply the place of food to their guests; so they drew their
belts tighter and said nothing about it. Another time when Winslow visited
them, it being a season of plenty with them, there was no deficiency in this
respect
.
As for men, they will hardly fail one any where. I
have had more of their society since
while
have had more of their society since
while
have had more of their society since
while
have had more of their society since
while
had more of their society
visitors while
had more visitors while
had more visitors while
had more visitors while
I lived in the woods than at any other period in my life;
I mean that I had some.
I mean that I had some.
I mean that I had some.
I met many men
I met many men
I met many men
I met many men
& I met many
several
I met several
I met several
I met several
there under more favorable circumstances than I could any where else.
Yet
Yet
Yet
Yet
Yet
But
But
But
fewer came to see me on trivial
businessit is true.
businessit is true.
businessit is true.
businessit is true.
businessit is true.
business.
business.
business.
In this respect, my company was winnowed by my mere distance from town. I had
withdrawn so far
into
within
into
within
into
within
into
within
into
within
within
within
within
the great ocean of solitude, into which the rivers of society empty, that for
the most part, so far as my needs were concerned, only the finest sediment was
deposited
where I was. Also
around me. Beside
where I was. Also
around me. Beside
where I was. Also
around me. Beside
where I was. Also
around me. Beside
where I was. Also
around me. Beside
around me. Beside,
around me. Beside,
around me. Beside,
there were wafted to me evidences of unexplored and uncultivated continents on
the other side.
Who should come to my lodge this morning but a true Homeric
or Paphlagonian
or Paphlagonian
or Paphlagonian
or Paphlagonian
or
a Paphlagonian
or Paphlagonian
or Paphlagonian
or Paphlagonian
man,—
Alex Therien—(terren, Alexander the Farmer) he calls himself
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
Alex Therien—(terren, Alexander the Farmer) he calls himself
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
Alex Therien—(terren, Alexander the Farmer) he calls himself
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
Alex Therien—(terren, Alexander the Farmer) he calls himself
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
Alex Therien—(terren, Alexander the Farmer) he calls himself
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
he had so suitable and poetic a name that I am sorry I cannot print it
here,
—a Canadian, a wood-chopper and post-maker, who can hole fifty posts in a
day, who made his last supper on a woodchuck which his dog caught. He, too, has
heard of Homer, and, “if it were not for books," would “not know what to do rainy
days," though perhaps he has not read one wholly through for many rainy seasons.
Some priest who could pronounce the Greek itself taught him to read his verse in
the testament
at Nicolèt, away by the Trois Riviers once
at Nicolèt, away by the Trois Riviers once
at Nicolèt, away by the Trois Riviers once
at Nicolèt, away by the Trois Riviers once
at Nicolèt, away by the Trois Riviers once in his native
parish far away
in his native parish far away
in his native parish far away
in his native parish far away
; and now I must translate to him, while he holds the book, Achilles’
reproof to Patroclus for his sad countenance.—“Why are you in tears, Patroclus, like
a young girl?"—
“Or have you alone heard some news from Phthia?
They say that Menœtius lives yet, son of Actor,
And Peleus lives, son of Æacus, among the Myrmidons,
Either of whom
dead
having died,
having died,
having died,
having died,
having died,
having died,
having died,
having died,
we should greatly grieve."
He says, “That’s good." He has a great bundle of
white-oak bark under his arm for a sick man, gathered this Sunday morning. “I
suppose there’s no harm in going after such a thing to-day,"
says he.
says he.
says he.
says he.
He had heard of Homer.
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was
about under the sun he did not know. I have since seen Therien many
times
He had heard of Homer.
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was
about under the sun he did not know. I have since seen Therien many
times
He had heard of Homer.
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was
about under the sun he did not know. I have since seen Therien many
times
He had heard of Homer.
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was
about under the sun he did not know. I have since seen Therien many
times
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was
about under the sun he did not know. I have since seen him many
times
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was about he did
not know
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was about he did
not know
To him Homer was a great writer, though what his writing was about he did
not know
. A more simple and natural man
I never saw
it would be hard to find.
it would be hard to find.
it would be hard to find.
it would be hard to find.
it would be hard to find.
it would be hard to find.
it would be hard to find.
it would be hard to find.
Vice and disease, which cast such a sombre moral hue over the world,
had
had
had
had
had
appeared to
seemed to
have
seemed to have
seemed to have
seemed to have
hardly any existence for him.
He left Canada and his father’s house a dozen years ago to
work in the states, and earn money to buy a farm with at last, perhaps in
his native country
He left Canada and his father’s house a dozen years ago to
work in the states, and earn money to buy a farm with at last, perhaps in
his native country
He left Canada and his father’s house a dozen years ago to
work in the states, and earn money to buy a farm with at last, perhaps in
his native country
He left Canada and his father’s house a dozen years ago to
work in the states, and earn money to buy a farm with at last, perhaps in
his native country
He left Canada and his father’s house a dozen years ago to work in the
States, and earn money perhaps to buy a farm with at last in his native
country. He was about twenty-eight years old & had left
Canada and his father’s house a dozen years before to work in the States,
and earn money to buy a farm with at last perhaps in his native
country
He was about twenty-eight years old, and had left Canada and his father’s
house a dozen years before to work in the States, and earn money to buy a
farm with at last, perhaps in his native country
He was about twenty-eight years old, and had left Canada and his father’s
house a dozen years before to work in the States, and earn money to buy a
farm with at last, perhaps in his native country
He was about twenty-eight years old, and had left Canada and his father’s
house a dozen years before to work in the States, and earn money to buy a
farm with at last, perhaps in his native country
.
He was about 28 years old—stout & sluggish, with a strong
thick fleshy & sunburnt neck & dark bushy hair & dull sleepy
& quiet blue eye—breathed hard and smelled of his work
He was about 28 years old—stout & sluggish, with a strong
thick fleshy & sunburnt neck & dark bushy hair & dull sleepy
& quiet blue eye—breathed hard and smelled of his work
He was about 28 years old—stout & sluggish, with a strong
thick fleshy & sunburnt neck & dark bushy hair & dull sleepy
& quiet blue eye—breathed hard and smelled of his work
He was about 28 years old—stout & sluggish, with a strong
thick fleshy & sunburnt neck & dark bushy hair & dull sleepy
& quiet blue eye—breathed hard and smelled of his work
He was about twenty-eight years old, cast in the
coarsest mould, sluggish and stout of
a stout but sluggish body with a
strong thick fleshy sunburnt neck, dark bushy hair,
and dull sleepy blue eyes, breathed hard and smelled of his work
He was cast in the coarsest mould; a stout but sluggish body, yet
gracefully carried, with a thick sunburnt neck, dark bushy hair, and dull
sleepy blue eyes, which were occasionally lit up with expression
He was cast in the coarsest mould; a stout but sluggish body, yet
gracefully carried, with a thick sunburnt neck, dark bushy hair, and dull
sleepy blue eyes, which were occasionally lit up with expression
He was cast in the coarsest mould; a stout but sluggish body, yet
gracefully carried, with a thick sunburnt neck, dark bushy hair, and dull
sleepy blue eyes, which were occasionally lit up with expression
. He wore a flat gray cloth cap, a dingy wool-colored
greatcoat which draped and concealed his body
greatcoat which draped and concealed his body
greatcoat which draped and concealed his body
greatcoat which draped and concealed his body
greatcoat which draped and concealed his body
greatcoat
greatcoat
greatcoat
, and cowhide boots. He
was strong-limbed and
was
was
was
was
was
was
was
a great consumer of meat, usually carrying his dinner to his work a couple
of miles past my house,—for he chopped all summer,—in a tin pail; cold meats,
often cold
woodchucks which his dog had caught
woodchucks which his dog had caught
woodchucks which his dog had caught
woodchucks which his dog had caught
woodchucks which his dog had caught
woodchucks
woodchucks
woodchucks
, and coffee in a stone bottle which dangled by a string
from his belt;
from his belt;
from his belt;
from his belt;
from his belt;
from his belt;
from his belt;
from his belt;
and sometimes he offered me a drink. He came along early, crossing my
bean-field, though without
any anxiety
anxiety
anxiety
anxiety
anxiety
anxiety
anxiety
anxiety
or haste to get to his work, such as Yankees exhibit.
He wasn’t a-going to hurt himself. He didn’t care if he only earned his
board.
He wasn’t a-going to hurt himself. He didn’t care if he only earned his
board.
He wasn’t a-going to hurt himself. He didn’t care if he only earned his
board.
Frequently he would leave his dinner in the bushes, when his dog had caught
a woodchuck
by the way,
by the way,
by the way,
by the way,
by the way,
by the way,
by the way,
by the way,
and go back a mile and a half to dress it and leave it in the cellar of the
house where he boarded, after deliberating
first
first
first
for half an hour whether he could not sink it in the pond safely till
nightfall,—loving to dwell long upon these themes. He would say, as he went by in
the morning, “How thick the pigeons are! If working every day were not my trade, I
could get all the meat I should want by hunting,—pigeons, woodchucks, rabbits,
partridges,—by
George
gosh
gosh
gosh
gosh
gosh
gosh
gosh
gosh
! I could get all I should want for a week in one day."
He was a skilful chopper, and indulged in some flourishes and ornaments in
his art. He cut his trees
so level
so level
so level
level
level
level
and close to the ground,
that a sled could slide over them
that a sled could slide over them
that a sled could slide over them
the stumps, and because the sprouts that came up
afterward were the better for it
that the sprouts which came up afterward might be more vigorous and a sled
might slide over the stumps
that the sprouts which came up afterward might be more vigorous and a sled
might slide over the stumps
that the sprouts which came up afterward might be more vigorous and a sled
might slide over the stumps
; and instead of leaving a whole tree to support his corded wood, he would pare
it away to a slender stake or splinter which you could break off with your hand at
last.
He interested me because he was so
happy—so solitary—so quiet
quiet & solitary & so happy
quiet and solitary and so happy
quiet and solitary and so happy
quiet and solitary and so happy
quiet and solitary and so happy
quiet and solitary and so happy
quiet and solitary and so happy
quiet and solitary and so happy
withal;
withal;
withal;
withal;
withal;
withal;
He was a well
He was a well
He was a world
well
He was a world
well
He was a well
a well
a well
a well
of good humor and
happiness
contentment
contentment
contentment
contentment
contentment
contentment
contentment
contentment
which overflowed at his eyes. His mirth was without alloy.
Sometimes I saw him at
his own
his own
his own
his
his
his
his
his
work in the woods, felling trees, and he would greet me with a laugh of
inexpressible satisfaction, and a salutation in Canadian French, though he spoke
English as
well, and when I asked him in which he thought now, or if he
spoke aloud to himself which language he used—you know we sometimes talk to
ourselves—“Yes—some times" answered he—He said it was in
English
well, and when I asked him in which he thought now, or if he
spoke aloud to himself which language he used—you know we sometimes talk to
ourselves—“Yes—some times" answered he—He said it was in
English
well—and when I asked him in which he thought now, or if he
spoke aloud to himself, which language he used—you know we sometimes talk to
ourselves—Yes, sometimes—he said it was in English
well—and when I asked him in which he thought now, or if he
spoke aloud to himself, which language he used—you know we sometimes talk to
ourselves—Yes, sometimes—he said it was in English
well, and when I asked him in which he thought now, or, if he
spoke aloud to himself, which language he used, you know we sometimes talk
to ourselves, said I—“Yes, sometimes," he would reply—He said it
was English
well
well
well
. When I approached him he would suspend his work, and with half-suppressed
mirth lie along the trunk of a
tree which he had felled and
peeling off the pine bark, roll it up in
tree which he had felled and
peeling off the pine bark, roll it up in
tree which he had felled, and peeling off the pine bark, roll
it up into
tree which he had felled, and peeling off the pine bark, roll
it up into
pine tree which he had felled, and peeling off the bark, roll it
up into
pine which he had felled, and, peeling off the inner bark, roll it up
into
pine which he had felled, and, peeling off the inner bark, roll it up
into
pine which he had felled, and, peeling off the inner bark, roll it up
into
a ball and chew it while he laughed and talked. Such an exuberance of
animal spirits had he that he
would sometimes tumble down and roll
would sometimes tumble down and roll
would sometimes tumble down and roll
would sometimes tumble down and roll
would sometimes tumble down and roll
sometimes tumbled down and rolled
sometimes tumbled down and rolled
sometimes tumbled down and rolled
on the ground with laughter at any thing which made him think and tickled
him.
Looking round upon the trees he would say
exclaim,—By George—I can enjoy myself well
enough in the woods
here chopping—I want no better sport.
Looking round upon the trees he would exclaim,—“By George! I can enjoy
myself well enough here chopping; I want no better sport."
Looking round upon the trees he would exclaim,—“By George! I can enjoy
myself well enough here chopping; I want no better sport."
Looking round upon the trees he would exclaim,—“By George! I can enjoy
myself well enough here chopping; I want no better sport."
Sometimes, when at leisure, he
would amuse himself all day in the woods with a little pocket
pistol firing salutes of powder to himself at regular intervals as he
travelled—and would occasionally steal up behind my house and fire a stout
charge—& laugh loudly at my surprise or at his
own trick He loved also to frighten his dog when alone with him in
the woods—by pointing his pistol at him & firing powder only
would amuse himself all day in the woods with a little pocket
pistol firing salutes of powder to himself at regular intervals as he
travelled—and would occasionally steal up behind my house and fire a stout
charge—& laugh loudly at my surprise or at his
own trick He loved also to frighten his dog when alone with him in
the woods—by pointing his pistol at him & firing powder only
would amuse himself all day in the woods with a little pocket
pistol firing salutes of powder to himself at regular intervals
as he travelled and would occasionally steal up behind my house and fire a
stout charge, and laugh loudly at my surprise or at his own trick. He loved
also to frighten his dog when alone with him in the woods by pointing his
pistol at him and firing powder only
would amuse himself all day in the woods with a little pocket
pistol firing salutes of powder to himself at regular intervals
as he travelled and would occasionally steal up behind my house and fire a
stout charge, and laugh loudly at my surprise or at his own trick. He loved
also to frighten his dog when alone with him in the woods by pointing his
pistol at him and firing powder only
would amuse himself all day in the woods with a
little pocket pistol firing salutes to himself at regular
intervals as he travelled or he would frighten his dog by pointing his
pistol at him and firing powder only and would
occasionally he would steal up be-hind my house and fire a stout
charge, and laugh loudly at my surprise or his own trick. He loved also
to frighten his dog when alone with him in his woods by pointing his
pistol at him and firing powder only
amused himself all day in the woods with a pocket pistol, firing salutes
to himself at regular intervals as he walked
amused himself all day in the woods with a pocket pistol, firing salutes
to himself at regular intervals as he walked
amused himself all day in the woods with a pocket pistol, firing salutes
to himself at regular intervals as he walked
.
In winter days when chopping in the woods he had a fire by which at
noon he warmed his coffee in a tin kettle, and as
he sat on a log to eat his dinner. He told me that
the chickadees would come round & light on his arm and peck at the
potatoe in his fingers, & he added “I like"
said that he “liked to have the little
fellers about me
him.
In winter days when chopping in the woods he had a fire by which at
noon he warmed his coffee in a tin kettle, and as
he sat on a log to eat his dinner. He told me that
the chickadees would come round & light on his arm and peck at the
potatoe in his fingers, & he added “I like"
said that he “liked to have the little
fellers about me
him.
In winter he chopped in the woods and had a fire by which at
noon he warmed his coffee in a tin kettle and as he sat on a log to eat his
dinner the chickadees would come round and light on his arm and peck at the
potatoe in his fingers, and he said that he “liked to have the little
fellers about him."
In winter he chopped in the woods and had a fire by which at
noon he warmed his coffee in a tin kettle and as he sat on a log to eat his
dinner the chickadees would come round and light on his arm and peck at the
potatoe in his fingers, and he said that he “liked to have the little
fellers about him."
In the winter he chopped in the woods
and had a fire by which at noon he warmed his coffee in a tin
kettle, and as he sat on a log to eat his dinner the chickadees would sometimes come round and light
alight on his arm and peck at the potatoe in
his fingers, and he said that he “liked to have the little fellers about
him."
In the winter he had a fire by which at noon he warmed his coffee in a
kettle; and as he sat on a log to eat his dinner the chickadees would
sometimes come round and alight on his arm and peck at the potato in his
fingers; and he said that he “liked to have the little about him."
In the winter he had a fire by which at noon he warmed his coffee in a
kettle; and as he sat on a log to eat his dinner the chickadees would
sometimes come round and alight on his arm and peck at the potato in his
fingers; and he said that he “liked to have the little about him."
In the winter he had a fire by which at noon he warmed his coffee in a
kettle; and as he sat on a log to eat his dinner the chickadees would
sometimes come round and alight on his arm and peck at the potato in his
fingers; and he said that he “liked to have the little about him."
In him the animal man chiefly was developed.
In him the animal man chiefly was developed.
In him the animal man chiefly was developed.
In him the animal man chiefly was developed.
In him the animal man chiefly was developed.
In him the animal man chiefly was developed.
In him the animal man chiefly was developed.
If others had cultivated their intellectual faculties till
they astonished him—his physical contentment and endurance—like
the
a cousin to the pine & the rock was
equally astonishing to them
If others had cultivated their intellectual faculties till they
astonished him, his
In physical contentment & endurance like a
he was cousin to the pine and the rock was equally
astonishing to them
in physical contentment & endurance he was cousin to the
pine & the rock
in physical contentment & endurance he was cousin to the
pine & the rock
In physical contentment and endurance and
contentment he was cousin to the pine and the rock
In physical endurance and contentment he was cousin to the pine and the
rock
In physical endurance and contentment he was cousin to the pine and the
rock
In physical endurance and contentment he was cousin to the pine and the
rock
. I asked him once if he was not sometimes tired at night, after working all
day; and he answered, with a sincere and serious
look, quite truthful
look, quite truthful
look, quite truthful
look, quite truthful
look, quite truthful
look
look
look
, "Gorrappit, I never was tired in my life."
It sounded like the triumph of the physical man
It sounded like the triumph of the physical man But the intellectual and spiritual man in him were
slumbering like an infant
It sounded like the triumph of the physical man. But the
intellectual and spiritual man in him were slumbering like
as in an infant
It sounded like the triumph of the physical man. But the
intellectual and spiritual man in him were slumbering like
as in an infant
It sounded like the triumph of the physical man. But the
intellectual and what is called spiritual man in him were
slumbering as in an infant
But the intellectual and what is called spiritual man in him were
slumbering as in an infant
But the intellectual and what is called spiritual man in him were
slumbering as in an infant
But the intellectual and what is called spiritual man in him were
slumbering as in an infant
.
He had been instructed only in that innocent and ineffectual way in which
the Catholic priests teach the aborigines,
in
in
in
in
in
by
by
by
by
which the pupil is never educated to the degree of consciousness, but only
to the degree of trust and reverence, and a child is not made a man, but kept a
child. When Nature made him, she gave him
contentment for his portion, a strong body and health and
propped him, as it were
contentment for his portion, a strong body and health and
propped him, as it were
contentment for his portion, a strong body & contentment
for his portion, and propped him
a strong body and contentment for his portion, and propped him
a strong body and contentment for his portion, and propped him
a strong body and contentment for his portion, and propped him
a strong body and contentment for his portion, and propped him
a strong body and contentment for his portion, and propped him
on every side with reverence and reliance, that he might live out his
threescore years and ten a child.
He was so genuine and unsophisticated that
He was so genuine and unsophisticated that
He was so genuine and unsophisticated that
He was so genuine and unsophisticated that
He was so genuine and unsophisticated that
He was so genuine and unsophisticated that
no introduction would serve to introduce him, more than if you introduced a
woodchuck to your neighbor. He had got to find him out as you did. He would not
play any
part, Like all children he lived
amused himself chiefly alone, not in
society, nor where rumor and fame reach
part
part
part
part
part
part
.
Men helped to feed & clothe him & paid him his
wages for work
Men helped to feed & clothe him & paid him his
wages for work
Men helped to feed & clothe him & paid him his
wages for work
Men helped to feed & clothe him & paid him
his wages for work & so helped to feed & clothe him
Men paid him wages for work, and so helped to feed and clothe him
Men paid him wages for work, and so helped to feed and clothe him
Men paid him wages for work, and so helped to feed and clothe him
; but he never exchanged opinions with them.
He was so simply and naturally humble—
if he can be called humble who never aspires
if he can be called humble who never aspires
if he can be called humble who never aspires
if he can be called humble who never aspires
—that humility was no distinct quality in him, nor could he conceive of it.
Wiser men were demigods to him.
If you told him that such a one
were
were
were
were
was
was
was
coming, he did as if he thought that any thing so grand would expect
nothing of himself, but take all the responsibility on itself, and let him be
forgotten still. He never heard the sound of praise.
He particularly reverenced the writer and the preacher. Their performances
were miracles. When I told him that I wrote
a good deal,
a good deal,
a good deal
considerably,
considerably,
considerably,
considerably,
considerably,
considerably,
he thought for a long time that it was merely the handwriting
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
I
meant
spoke of
meant
meant
meant
meant
meant
meant
meant
,
n
Note: “meant" copied and “spoke of" interlined
as a variant. (R. Clapper)
for he could write remarkably well himself, indeed much better than I
commonly do
for he could write remarkably well himself, indeed much better than I
commonly do
for he could write remarkably well himself, indeed much
better than I commonly do
for he could write remarkably well himself, indeed much
better than I commonly do
for he could write a remarkably good hand himself, much
better than I commonly do
for he could write a remarkably good hand himself
for he could write a remarkably good hand himself
for he could write a remarkably good hand himself
.
I sometimes found the name of his native parish handsomely written in
the snow by the highway, with the proper French accent, and knew that he
had passed.
I sometimes found the name of his native parish handsomely written in the
snow by the highway, with the proper French accent, and knew that he had
passed.
I sometimes found the name of his native parish handsomely written in the
snow by the highway, with the proper French accent, and knew that he had
passed.
I sometimes found the name of his native parish handsomely written in the
snow by the highway, with the proper French accent, and knew that he had
passed.
I asked him if he ever wished to write his thoughts. He said that he had
read and written letters for those who could not, but he never tried to write
thoughts,—no, he could not, he could not tell what to put first, it would kill
him, and then there was spelling to be attended to at the same time!
I heard that a
wise man
the chief of all the Reformers
wise man
the chief of all the Reformers
wise man
distinguished reformer
distinguished wise man & reformer
distinguished wise man and reformer
distinguished wise man and reformer
distinguished wise man and reformer
distinguished wise man and reformer
distinguished wise man and reformer
asked him if he did not want the world to be changed;
and
and
and
but
but
but
but
but
but
he answered with a chuckle of surprise in his Canadian accent, not knowing
that the question had ever been entertained before, “No,
he liked
he liked
he liked
he liked
he liked
I like
I like
I like
I like
it well enough." It would
suggest
have suggested
have suggested
have suggested
have suggested
have suggested
have suggested
have suggested
have suggested
many things to a philosopher to
have dealings with him
Indeed he was himself a philosopher in his way, & could take his
own views of things
have dealings with him
Indeed he was himself a philosopher in his way, & could take his
own views of things
have dealings with him
Indeed he was himself a philosopher in his way, & could take his
own views of things
have dealings with him
Indeed he was himself a philosopher in his way, & could take his
own views of things
have had dealings with him
have dealings with him
have dealings with him
have dealings with him
.
To a stranger he
would appear
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
to know nothing of things in general; yet I sometimes saw in him a man whom
I had not
known
seen
seen
seen
seen
seen
seen
before, and I did not know whether he was as wise as Shakspeare or as
simply ignorant as a child, whether to suspect him of a fine poetic consciousness
or of stupidity.
My friends said
My friends said
One of my friends said
A townsman told me
A townsman told me
A townsman told me
A townsman told me
A townsman told me
that when he met him sauntering through the village in his small
close-fitting cap,
and whistling to himself,
and whistling to himself,
and whistling to himself,
and whistling to himself,
and whistling to himself,
and whistling to himself,
he reminded him of a prince in disguise.
His only books were an almanac and an arithmetic, in which last
especially he was quite
especially he was quite
especially he was quite
rather
he was considerably
he was considerably
he was considerably
he was considerably
he was considerably
expert. The former was a sort of
universal lexicon
universal lexicon
universal lexicon
cyclopædia
cyclopædia
cyclopædia
cyclopædia
cyclopædia
to him, which he supposed
contained
to contain
to contain
to contain
to contain
to contain
to contain
to contain
an abstract of human knowledge,
as indeed it does to a considerable extent.
as indeed it does to a considerable extent.
as indeed it does to a considerable extent.
as indeed it does to a considerable extent.
as indeed it does to a considerable extent.
I loved to sound him on
all the
the various
the various
the various
the various
the various
the various
the various
reforms of the day, and he
rarely
rarely
rarely
never
never
never
never
never
failed to look at them in the most simple and practical
light and as they concerned him
light and as they concerned him
light and as they concerned him
light
light
light
light
light
. He had never heard of such things before.
He allowed that he might dispense with many articles of
commerce to advantage
Could he do without factories? I asked.
Could he do without factories? I asked.
Could he do without factories? I asked.
Could he do without factories? I asked.
Could he do without factories? I asked.
Could he do without factories? I asked.
Could he do without factories? I asked.
He had worn the home-made Vermont gray,
he said,
he said,
he said,
he said,
he said,
he said,
he said,
and that was good.
If I didn’t like factories—was it necessary to send abroad
for our drink? Did he ever drink anything beside water which the country
afforded?
If I didn’t like factories—was it necessary to send abroad
for our drink? Did he ever drink anything beside water which the country
afforded?
Could he dispense with tea and coffee? Did the country afford
any beverage?
Could he dispense with tea and coffee? Did this country afford any
beverage beside water?
Could he dispense with tea and coffee? Did this country afford any
beverage beside water?
Could he dispense with tea and coffee? Did this country afford any
beverage beside water?
Could he dispense with tea and coffee? Did this country afford any
beverage beside water?
Could he dispense with tea and coffee? Did this country afford any
beverage beside water?
He had soaked hemlock leaves in water and drank
it in Canada,
it in Canada,
it in Canada,
it,
it,
it,
it,
it,
and
thought
thought
thought
thought
thought
that was better than water in warm weather.
Could he
When I asked him once if he could do without
money and
When I asked him if he could do without money
When I asked him if he could do without money
When I asked him if he could do without money
When I asked him if he could do without money
When I asked him if he could do without money
When I asked him if he could do without money
When I asked him if he could do without money
, he showed the convenience of money in such a way as to suggest and
coincide with the most philosophical accounts of the origin of this institution,
and the very derivation of the word
. If an ox were
his property, and he wished to get
needles or thread
needles and thread
needles and thread
needles and thread
needles and thread
needles and thread
needles and thread
needles and thread
at the store, he thought it would be inconvenient and impossible soon to go
on mortgaging some
fraction
portion
portion
portion
portion
portion
portion
portion
of the creature each time to that amount.
He could defend many institutions better than any philosopher, because,
in describing them as they concerned him, he gave the true reason for their
prevalence, and speculation had not suggested to him any other.
He could defend many institutions better than any philosopher, because,
in describing them as they concerned him, he gave the true reason for their
prevalence, and speculation had not suggested to him any other.
He could defend many institutions better than any philosopher, because,
in describing them as they concerned him, he gave the true reason for their
prevalence, and speculation had not suggested to him any other.
He could defend many institutions better than any philosopher, because,
in describing them as they concerned him, he gave the true reason for their
prevalence, and speculation had not suggested to him any other.
He could defend many institutions better than any philosopher, because,
in describing them as they concerned him, he gave the true reason for their
prevalence, and speculation had not suggested to him any other.
Speaking of
Speaking of
Hearing
At another time, hearing
At another time, hearing
At another time, hearing
At another time, hearing
At another time, hearing
Plato’s definition of a man,—
one day, he said that the knee of the cock turned the other
way from man’s, and that was an important difference
a biped without feathers,—and that one exhibited a cock plucked and called
it Plato’s man, he thought it an important difference that the bent the wrong way
a biped without feathers,—and that one exhibited a cock plucked and called
it Plato’s man, he thought it an important difference that the bent the wrong way
a biped without feathers,—and that one exhibited a cock plucked and called
it Plato’s man, he thought it an important difference that the bent the wrong way
a biped without feathers,—and that one exhibited a cock plucked and called
it Plato’s man, he thought it an important difference that the bent the wrong way
a biped without feathers,—and that one exhibited a cock plucked and called
it Plato’s man, he thought it an important difference that the bent the wrong way
a biped without feathers,—and that one exhibited a cock plucked and called
it Plato’s man, he thought it an important difference that the bent the wrong way
a biped without feathers,—and that one exhibited a cock plucked and called
it Plato’s man, he thought it an important difference that the bent the wrong way
.
He would
exclaim sometimes
after conversing with me several hours
sometimes exclaim,
sometimes exclaim,
sometimes exclaim,
sometimes exclaim,
sometimes exclaim,
sometimes exclaim,
sometimes exclaim,
“How I love to talk! By George, I could talk all
day! You make me think of things I never thought of
before
day!"
day!"
day!"
day!"
day!"
day!"
day!"
I asked him
one afternoon
once
once
once
once
when I had not seen him for many months, if he had got a new idea this
summer. “Good Lord,"
says
said
said
said
said
he, “a man that has to work as I do, if he does not forget the ideas he has
had, he will do well. May be the man you hoe with is inclined to race; then,
by
gorry
[Godfrey]
n
Note: The preceding
brackets are Thoreau’s. (R. Clapper)
gorry,
gorry,
gorry,
your mind must be there; you think of weeds." He would sometimes ask me
first on such occasions, if I had made any improvement. One winter day I asked
him once
him
him
him
if he was always satisfied with himself, wishing to suggest a
substitute
for the priest within him employment & an aim for
life
& some higher motive for living.
within him for the priest without, and some higher motive for
living.
within him for the priest without, and some higher motive for
living.
within him for the priest without, and some higher motive for
living.
“Satisfied!" said he; “some men are satisfied with one thing, and some with
another. One man, perhaps, if he has got enough, will be satisfied to sit all day
with his back to the fire and his belly to the table, by George!" Yet I never, by
any manœuvring, could get him to take
what is called the spiritual
the spiritual
the spiritual
the spiritual
view of things; the highest that he appeared to conceive of was a
natural
simple expediency which did not imply the moral
sentiment
simple expediency, such as you might expect an animal to appreciate; and
this, practically, is true of most men
simple expediency, such as you might expect an animal to appreciate; and
this, practically, is true of most men
simple expediency, such as you might expect an animal to appreciate; and
this, practically, is true of most men
. If I suggested any improvement in his
own case
mode of life
mode of life
mode of life
, he merely answered, without expressing any regret, that it was too late.
Yet he thoroughly believed in honesty and the like virtues.
There was a certain positive originality, however slight, to be detected in
him, and I occasionally observed that he was thinking for himself and expressing
his own
opinion, however crude and indistinct
opinion
opinion
opinion
, a phenomenon so rare that I would any day walk ten miles to observe it,
and it amounted to the re-origination of
many of
many of
many of
many of
the institutions of society. Though he hesitated, and perhaps failed to
express himself
distinctly,
distinctly,
distinctly,
he always had a presentable thought behind. Yet his thinking was so
primitive and immersed in his animal life, that, though more promising than a
merely learned man’s, it
never
rarely
rarely
rarely
rarely
ripened to any thing which can be reported.
He suggested that there might be men of genius in the lowest grades of
life, however permanently humble and illiterate, who
have a view of their own always & are not indebted to
their neighbors
take a view of their own always & are not indebted to
their neighbors
take a view of their own always & are not indebted to
their neighbors
who take their own view always and are not indebted to their
neighbors
take their own view always, or do not pretend to see at all
take their own view always, or do not pretend to see at all
take their own view always, or do not pretend to see at all
; who are as bottomless
as even
as even
even as
even as
even as
even as
even as
Walden Pond was thought to be, though they may be dark and
muddy. Sometimes there would come half a dozen railroad
repairers to my house at once, healthy & sturdy working men, descended
from sound bodies & still transmitting arms and legs and bowels
downward. Some of them had got a rude wisdom withal, and a genuine courtesy which was sweet
thanks to their dear bought experience. One a handsome sailor-like young man
I remember who had lived among the Indians near Apollachicola, who said to
me “Sir, I like your notions," and went away wishing me “success and
happiness." They came in troops on Sunday in clean shirts, with washed hands
and faces, and fresh twigs in their hands. I observed in some of these men,
under faces homely, hard and seared
scarred like the rocks, but human &
wise still an inextinguishable & ineradicable
refinement and delicacy of nature, older & of more worth than the
sun & moon which are commonly thought to adorn the drawing
rooms only—Sometimes, I fancied, a genuine magnanimity equal to the least
occasion, and of unexplored & uncontaminated descent,
greater traits methought I noticed in the shortest intercourse, than
are recorded of any of the worthies. Their humble occupation
such as I had assigned to the worthies of the world.
It was no disadvantage that their occupation was humble and that
they took no aims upon themselves were no disadvantage. Our employment
affects but slowly the finer qualities of our nature.
Of course there is no more real rudeness in
laborers & washerwomen than in gentlemen and ladies. Most men are
wrecked upon their consciousness. Civilization makes bright only the
superficial film of the eye
muddy. Sometimes there would come half a dozen railroad
repairers to my house at once, healthy & sturdy working men, descended
from sound bodies & still transmitting arms and legs and bowels
downward. Some of them had got a rude wisdom withal, and a genuine courtesy which was sweet
thanks to their dear bought experience. One a handsome sailor-like young man
I remember who had lived among the Indians near Apollachicola, who said to
me “Sir, I like your notions," and went away wishing me “success and
happiness." They came in troops on Sunday in clean shirts, with washed hands
and faces, and fresh twigs in their hands. I observed in some of these men,
under faces homely, hard and seared
scarred like the rocks, but human &
wise still an inextinguishable & ineradicable
refinement and delicacy of nature, older & of more worth than the
sun & moon which are commonly thought to adorn the drawing
rooms only—Sometimes, I fancied, a genuine magnanimity equal to the least
occasion, and of unexplored & uncontaminated descent,
greater traits methought I noticed in the shortest intercourse, than
are recorded of any of the worthies. Their humble occupation
such as I had assigned to the worthies of the world.
It was no disadvantage that their occupation was humble and that
they took no aims upon themselves were no disadvantage. Our employment
affects but slowly the finer qualities of our nature.
Of course there is no more real rudeness in
laborers & washerwomen than in gentlemen and ladies. Most men are
wrecked upon their consciousness. Civilization makes bright only the
superficial film of the eye
muddy. Sometimes there would come half a dozen railroad
repairers to my house at once, healthy & sturdy working men, descended
from sound bodies & still transmitting arms and legs and bowels
downward. Some of them had got a rude wisdom withal, and a genuine courtesy which was sweet
thanks to their dear bought experience. One a handsome sailor-like young man
I remember who had lived among the Indians near Apollachicola, who said to
me “Sir, I like your notions," and went away wishing me “success and
happiness." They came in troops on Sunday in clean shirts, with washed hands
and faces, and fresh twigs in their hands. I observed in some of these men,
under faces homely, hard and seared
scarred like the rocks, but human &
wise still an inextinguishable & ineradicable
refinement and delicacy of nature, older & of more worth than the
sun & moon which are commonly thought to adorn the drawing
rooms only—Sometimes, I fancied, a genuine magnanimity equal to the least
occasion, and of unexplored & uncontaminated descent,
greater traits methought I noticed in the shortest intercourse, than
are recorded of any of the worthies. Their humble occupation
such as I had assigned to the worthies of the world.
It was no disadvantage that their occupation was humble and that
they took no aims upon themselves were no disadvantage. Our employment
affects but slowly the finer qualities of our nature.
Of course there is no more real rudeness in
laborers & washerwomen than in gentlemen and ladies. Most men are
wrecked upon their consciousness. Civilization makes bright only the
superficial film of the eye
muddy. Sometimes there would come half a dozen railroad
repairers to my house at once, healthy & sturdy working men, descended
from sound bodies & still transmitting arms and legs and bowels
downward. Some of them had got a rude wisdom withal, and a genuine courtesy which was sweet
thanks to their dear bought experience. One a handsome sailor-like young man
I remember who had lived among the Indians near Apollachicola, who said to
me “Sir, I like your notions," and went away wishing me “success and
happiness." They came in troops on Sunday in clean shirts, with washed hands
and faces, and fresh twigs in their hands. I observed in some of these men,
under faces homely, hard and seared
scarred like the rocks, but human &
wise still an inextinguishable & ineradicable
refinement and delicacy of nature, older & of more worth than the
sun & moon which are commonly thought to adorn the drawing
rooms only—Sometimes, I fancied, a genuine magnanimity equal to the least
occasion, and of unexplored & uncontaminated descent,
greater traits methought I noticed in the shortest intercourse, than
are recorded of any of the worthies. Their humble occupation
such as I had assigned to the worthies of the world.
It was no disadvantage that their occupation was humble and that
they took no aims upon themselves were no disadvantage. Our employment
affects but slowly the finer qualities of our nature.
Of course there is no more real rudeness in
laborers & washerwomen than in gentlemen and ladies. Most men are
wrecked upon their consciousness. Civilization makes bright only the
superficial film of the eye
muddy
muddy
muddy
.
n
Note: For earlier versions of
this passage in A & B, see Visitors 2. (R. Clapper)
Many a traveller came out of his way to see me and the inside of my house,
and,
for
as
as
as
as
as
as
as
an excuse for calling, asked for a glass of water. I
generally told
generally told
generally told
told
told
told
told
them that I drank
of
at
at
at
at
at
at
the pond, and pointed thither, offering to lend
them
him
them
them
them
them
them
them
a
dipper. One Sunday two young women strangers borrowed my
dipper; but I never saw them nor the dipper again. They thirsted not for
water but threw the dipper into the lake perchance. What the lake to them
but liquid fire and brimstone! They will never know peace till they have
returned the dipper. In all worlds this is decreed. Before this, even
while I was first putting my house
n
Note: the leaf ends here;
after an apparently missing leaf, the next leaf begins: (R. Clapper)
Perhaps he
is one of the sect of philosophers, the only one, so simple, so abstracted
in his thought and life from his contemporaries that his wisdom is
foolishness to them—His very vividness of perception—clear knowledge &
insight—have made him dumb—leaving no common consciousness & ground of
parlance with mankind. I was not to be deceived by a few stupid words of
course, or apparent stolidity. A month or two after this, as I heard, his
body was found dead among the brush over back of the hills, so far
decomposed that his coffin was carried to it, and it was put into it with
pitchforks,—But still in spite of all I
cherished I have my doubts still
suspicions that he may
might have died a Brahmin’s death, dwelling at
the roots of trees at last, and been absorbed into the spirit of Brahm
dipper. One Sunday two young women strangers borrowed my
dipper; but I never saw them nor the dipper again. They thirsted not for
water but threw the dipper into the lake perchance. What the lake to them
but liquid fire and brimstone! They will never know peace till they have
returned the dipper. In all worlds this is decreed. Before this, even
while I was first putting my house
n
Note: the leaf ends here;
after an apparently missing leaf, the next leaf begins: (R. Clapper)
Perhaps he
is one of the sect of philosophers, the only one, so simple, so abstracted
in his thought and life from his contemporaries that his wisdom is
foolishness to them—His very vividness of perception—clear knowledge &
insight—have made him dumb—leaving no common consciousness & ground of
parlance with mankind. I was not to be deceived by a few stupid words of
course, or apparent stolidity. A month or two after this, as I heard, his
body was found dead among the brush over back of the hills, so far
decomposed that his coffin was carried to it, and it was put into it with
pitchforks,—But still in spite of all I
cherished I have my doubts still
suspicions that he may
might have died a Brahmin’s death, dwelling at
the roots of trees at last, and been absorbed into the spirit of Brahm
dipper. One Sunday two young women strangers borrowed my
dipper; but I never saw them nor the dipper again. They thirsted not for
water but threw the dipper into the lake perchance. What the lake to them
but liquid fire and brimstone! They will never know peace till they have
returned the dipper. In all worlds this is decreed. Before this, even
while I was first putting my house
n
Note: the leaf ends here;
after an apparently missing leaf, the next leaf begins: (R. Clapper)
Perhaps he
is one of the sect of philosophers, the only one, so simple, so abstracted
in his thought and life from his contemporaries that his wisdom is
foolishness to them—His very vividness of perception—clear knowledge &
insight—have made him dumb—leaving no common consciousness & ground of
parlance with mankind. I was not to be deceived by a few stupid words of
course, or apparent stolidity. A month or two after this, as I heard, his
body was found dead among the brush over back of the hills, so far
decomposed that his coffin was carried to it, and it was put into it with
pitchforks,—But still in spite of all I
cherished I have my doubts still
suspicions that he may
might have died a Brahmin’s death, dwelling at
the roots of trees at last, and been absorbed into the spirit of Brahm
dipper
dipper
dipper
dipper
.
Far off as I lived, I was not exempted from the annual visitation which
occurs, methinks, about the first of April, when every body is on the move;
and I had my share of good luck, though there were some curious specimens
among my visitors.
Far off as I lived, I was not exempted from the annual visitation which
occurs, methinks, about the first of April, when every body is on the move;
and I had my share of good luck, though there were some curious specimens
among my visitors.
Far off as I lived, I was not exempted from the annual visitation which
occurs, methinks, about the first of April, when every body is on the move;
and I had my share of good luck, though there were some curious specimens
among my visitors.
Half-witted men from the almshouse
and elsewhere
and elsewhere
and elsewhere
and elsewhere
and elsewhere
and elsewhere
came to see me; but I
made
endeavored to make
endeavored to make
endeavored to make
endeavored to make
endeavored to make
endeavored to make
them exercise all the wit they had, and make their confessions to me; in
such cases making wit the theme of our conversation; and so was compensated.
Indeed, I
find
find
found some of them to be wiser than the so called overseers of the poor and selectmen of the
town, and thought it was time that the tables were turned. With respect to wit I found
found some of them to be wiser than the so called of the poor and selectmen of the town, and thought it was
time that the tables were turned. With respect to wit, I learned
found some of them to be wiser than the so called of the poor and selectmen of the town, and thought it was
time that the tables were turned. With respect to wit, I learned
found some of them to be wiser than the so called of the poor and selectmen of the town, and thought it was
time that the tables were turned. With respect to wit, I learned
found some of them to be wiser than the so called of the poor and selectmen of the town, and thought it was
time that the tables were turned. With respect to wit, I learned
that there was not much difference between the half and the whole.
One day,
in particular,
in particular,
in particular,
in particular,
in particular,
an inoffensive, simple-minded pauper, whom with others I had often seen
used as fencing stuff, standing or sitting on a bushel in the fields to keep
cattle and himself from straying, visited me, and expressed a wish to live as I
did. He told me, with the utmost simplicity and truth, quite superior, or rather
inferior
, to any thing that is called humility,
that he was “deficient in intellect." These were his words. The Lord had made him
so, yet he supposed the Lord cared as much for him as for another. “I have always
been so," said he, “from my childhood; I never had much mind; I was not like other
children; I am weak in the head. It was the Lord’s will, I suppose."
And there he was to prove the truth of his words. He was a metaphysical
puzzle to me.
And there he was to prove the truth of his words. He was a metaphysical
puzzle to me.
And there he was to prove the truth of his words. He was a metaphysical
puzzle to me.
And there he was to prove the truth of his words. He was a metaphysical
puzzle to me.
I have rarely met a fellow-man on such promising ground,—it was so simple
and sincere and so true all that he said.
I did not know at first but it was the result of a wise
policy so to lay the surest foundations for an intercourse, that might come
to something. For, true enough, in proportion as he appeared to humble
himself he was he exalted
And, true enough, in proportion as he appeared to humble himself was he
exalted. I did not know at first but it was the result of a wise
policy
And, true enough, in proportion as he appeared to humble himself was he
exalted. I did not know at first but it was the result of a wise
policy
And, true enough, in proportion as he appeared to humble himself was he
exalted. I did not know at first but it was the result of a wise
policy
And, true enough, in proportion as he appeared to humble himself was he
exalted. I did not know at first but it was the result of a wise
policy
. It seemed that from such a basis of truth and frankness as the poor
weak-headed pauper had laid, our intercourse might go forward to something better
than the intercourse of sages.
I had some guests from those not reckoned commonly among the town’s poor, but
who should be; who are among the world’s poor, at any rate; guests who appeal, not
to
your hospitality, but to your
hospitality
; who
earnestly wish to be helped, and preface their appeal with the information that they
are resolved, for one thing, never to help themselves. I require of a visitor that
he
be not actually starving, though he may have the very best appetite in the world,
however he got it and I will not inquire how he
came by it
however he got it
however he got it
however he got it
however he got it
. Objects of charity are not guests. Men who did not know when their visit had
terminated, though I went about my business
again, and regarded myself as alone
again
again
again
again
, answering them from greater and greater
remoteness.
I’m contented you should stay
If you can take yourself away
remoteness.
remoteness.
remoteness.
remoteness.
Men of
almost
almost
almost
almost
every degree of wit called on me
in the migrating season.
in the migrating season.
in the migrating season.
in the migrating season.
Some who had more wits than they knew what to do with; runaway slaves with
plantation manners, who listened from time to time, like the fox in the fable, as
if
they heard the hounds a-baying on their track, and looked at me beseechingly, as much
as to say, —
“O Christian, will you send me back?"
One real runaway slave, among the rest, whom I
forwarded
helped to forward
helped to forward
helped to forward
helped to forward
helped to forward
toward the northstar. Men of one idea, like a hen with one chicken, and that a
duckling; men of a thousand ideas, and unkempt heads, like those hens which are made
to take charge of a hundred chickens, all in pursuit of one bug, a score of them lost
in every morning’s dew,—
and become frizzled and mangy in consequence;
and become frizzled and mangy in consequence;
and become frizzled and mangy in consequence;
and become frizzled and mangy in consequence;
men of ideas instead of legs, a sort of intellectual centipede that made you
crawl all over. One man proposed a book in which visitors should write their names,
as at the White Mountains;
said he would be at the expense of it! As if it were of any
significance for a man who had failed to make any impression on you to leave
his name. No, I kept a book, it needed only a small one, to put their fames in; I was at the expense of it
but, alas! I have too good a memory to make that necessary
but, alas! I have too good a memory to make that necessary
but, alas! I have too good a memory to make that necessary
but, alas! I have too good a memory to make that necessary
.
I could not
help noticing
but notice some of the peculiarities in
of
but notice some of the peculiarities of
but notice some of the peculiarities of
but notice some of the peculiarities of
but notice some of the peculiarities of
but notice some of the peculiarities of
but notice some of the peculiarities of
my visitors. Girls and boys and young women generally seemed glad to be in the
woods. They looked in the pond and at the flowers, and improved their time. Men of
business,
even farmers,
even farmers,
even farmers,
even farmers,
even farmers,
even farmers,
thought only of solitude and employment, and of the great distance at which I
dwelt from something or other; and though they said that they loved a ramble in the
woods occasionally, it was obvious that they did not. Restless committed men, whose
time was all taken up in getting a living
or keeping it;
or keeping it;
or keeping it;
or keeping it;
or keeping it;
or keeping it;
ministers
who spoke of God as if they enjoyed a monopoly of the subject, who could
not bear all kinds of opinions;
who spoke of God as if they enjoyed a monopoly of the subject, who could not
bear all kinds of opinions;
who spoke of God as if they enjoyed a monopoly of the subject, who could not
bear all kinds of opinions;
who spoke of God as if they enjoyed a monopoly of the subject, who could not
bear all kinds of opinions;
who spoke of God as if they enjoyed a monopoly of the subject, who could not
bear all kinds of opinions;
who spoke of God as if they enjoyed a monopoly of the subject, who could not
bear all kinds of opinions;
who spoke of God as if they enjoyed a monopoly of the subject, who could not
bear all kinds of opinions;
doctors,
lawyers, conscientious preachers
lawyers
lawyers
lawyers
lawyers
lawyers
lawyers
, uneasy housekeepers who pried into my cupboard and bed
What right had
How came Mrs. —— to know that my sheets were
not the cleanest
as clean as hers
when I was out,—how came Mrs. —— to know that my sheets were not as clean as
hers
when I was out,—how came Mrs. —— to know that my sheets were not as clean as
hers
when I was out,—how came Mrs. —— to know that my sheets were not as clean as
hers
when I was out,—how came Mrs. —— to know that my sheets were not as clean as
hers
when I was out,—how came Mrs. —— to know that my sheets were not as clean as
hers
when I was out,—how came Mrs. —— to know that my sheets were not as clean as
hers
? —young men who had ceased to be young, and had concluded that it was safest
to follow the beaten track of the professions,—
all these
all these
all these
all these
all these
all these
generally said that it was not possible to do so much good in my position.
Ay! there was the rub.
Ay! there was the rub.
Ay! there was the rub.
Ay! there was the rub.
Ay! there was the rub.
Ay! there was the rub.
Ay! there was the rub.
The old and infirm and the timid, of whatever age or sex, thought most of
sickness, and sudden accident and death; to them life seemed full of
danger anywhere, and they thought that a prudent man would
carefully select the safest position. (What danger is there if you don’t think
of any?)
danger anywhere, and they thought that a prudent man would
carefully select the safest position. (What danger is there if you don’t think
of any?)
danger anywhere, and they thought that a prudent man would
carefully select the safest position. (What danger is there if you don’t think
of any?)
Danger anywhere, —but what danger
of this kind is there if you don’t think of any?— and
they thought that a prudent man would carefully select the safest
position.
danger,—what danger is there if you don't think of any? —and they thought
that a prudent man would carefully select the safest position,
danger,—what danger is there if you don't think of any? —and they thought
that a prudent man would carefully select the safest position,
danger,—what danger is there if you don't think of any? —and they thought
that a prudent man would carefully select the safest position,
where Dr. B. might be on hand at a moment’s
warning.
where Dr. B. might be on hand at a moment’s warning.
where Dr. B. might be on hand at a moment’s warning.
where Dr. B. might be on hand at a moment’s warning.
where Dr. B. might be on hand at a moment’s warning.
where Dr. B. might be on hand at a moment’s warning.
where Dr. B. might be on hand at a moment’s warning.
To them the village was literally a
com-munity
,
a league for mutual defence, and you would suppose that they would not go
a-huckleberrying without a medicine chest. The amount of it is, if a man is alive,
there is always
danger
that he may die, though the
danger must be allowed to be less in proportion as he
makes himself the more
makes himself the more
makes himself the more
makes himself the more
is
is
is
dead-and-alive to begin with. A man sits as many risks as he
runs, if he did but know it
runs, if he did but know it
runs, if he did but know it
runs, if he did but know it
runs
runs
runs
. Finally, there were the self-styled reformers, the greatest bores of
all, not to imply that the others were bores at all
all,
all,
all,
all,
all,
all,
who thought that I was forever singing,—
This is the house that I built;
This is the man that lives in the house that I built;
but
who
who
who
who
they
they
they
did not know that the third line was,
These are the folks that worry the man
That lives in the house that I built.
I did not fear the hen-harriers, for I kept no chickens; but I feared the
men-harriers rather.
I did not fear the hen-harriers, for I kept no chickens; but I feared the
men-harriers rather.
I did not fear the hen-harriers, for I kept no chickens; but I feared the
men-harriers rather.
I did not fear the hen-harriers, for I kept no chickens; but I feared the
men-harriers rather.
But I had more welcome
cheering visitors than these last
from time to time of whom I shall speak in another place
I had more cheering visitors than the last
I had more cheering visitors than the last
I had more cheering visitors than the last
. Children come a-berrying, railroad men taking a Sunday morning walk
in clean shirts
in clean shirts
in clean shirts
in clean shirts
, fishermen and hunters,
—(all in short who really got to the woods and left the woods behind them
were welcome) fishers & hunters of men too
poets and philosophers
poets and philosophers
poets and philosophers
, in short, all honest pilgrims, who came out to the woods for freedom’s sake,
and really left the village behind, I was ready to greet with,—“Welcome, Englishmen!
welcome, Englishmen!" for I had had communication with that race.