acters, which
are by nature neither _calm_ nor _careless_, to act upon these
rules. I am rather of the opinion of Novalis, that "Wer sich
der hochsten Lieb ergeben Genest von ihnen Wunden nie."

'But I will endeavor to profit by the instructions of the
great philosopher who teaches, I think, what Christ did, to
use without overvaluing the world.

'Circumstances have decided that I must not go to Europe, and
shut upon me the door, as I think, forever, to the scenes I
could have loved. Let me now try to forget myself, and act
for others' sakes. What I can do with my pen, I know not. At
present, I feel no confidence or hope. The expectations so
many have been led to cherish by my conversational powers, I
am disposed to deem ill-founded. I do not think I can produce
a valuable work. I do not feel in my bosom that confidence
necessary to sustain me in such undertakings,--the confidence
of genius. But I am now but just recovered from bodily
illness, and still heart-broken by sorrow and disappointment.
I may be renewed again, and feel differently. If I do not
soon, I will make up my mind to teach. I can thus get money,
which I will use for the benefit of my dear, gentle, suffering
mother,--my brothers and sister. This will be the greatest
consolation to me, at all events.'

DEATH IN LIFE.

'The moon tempted me out, and I set forth for a house at
no great distance. The beloved south-west was blowing; the
heavens were flooded with light, which could not diminish the
tremulously pure radiance of the evening star; the air was
full of spring sounds, and sweet spring odors came up from
the earth. I felt that happy sort of feeling, as if the soul's
pinions were budding. My mind was full of poetic thoughts, and
nature's song of promise was chanting in my heart.

'But what a change when I entered that human dwelling! I will
try to give you an impression of what you, I fancy, have
never come in contact with. The little room--they have but
one--contains a bed, a table, and some old chairs. A single
stick of wood burns in the fire-place. It is not needed now,
but those who sit near it have long ceased to know what spring
is. They are all frost. Everything is old and faded, but at
the same time as clean and carefully mended as possible. For
all they know of pleasure is t