My little
poem is vague enough to escape the reason, sincere enough to go to
the heart, and poetic enough to stir the imagination."
The power of accurate observation, of dispassionate analysis, of
keen discrimination and insight that we his readers are familiar
with in his writings about nature, books, men, and life in general,
is here seen to extend to self-analysis as well,--a rare gift; a
power that makes his opinions carry conviction. We feel he is not
intent on upholding any theory, but only on seeing things as they
are, and reporting them as they are.
A steady rain had set in early in the afternoon, effectually
drowning my hopes of a longer wood-land walk that day, but I
was then, and many a time since then have been, well content
that it was so. I learned less of woodland lore, but more of
the woodland philosopher.
In quiet converse passed the hours of that memorable day in
the humble retreat on the wooded hills,--
"Far from the clank of the world,"--
and in the company of the poet-naturalist. So cordial had my host
been, so gracious the admission to his home and hospitality, that I
left the little refuge with a feeling of enrichment I shall cherish
while life lasts. I had sought out a favorite author; I had gained
a friend.
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