had a pitiful time of it by all accounts. But there is this about

some women, which overtops the best gymnosophist among men, that

they suffice to themselves, and can walk in a high and cold zone

without the countenance of any trousered being. I declare,

although the reverse of a professed ascetic, I am more obliged to

women for this ideal than I should be to the majority of them, or

indeed to any but one, for a spontaneous kiss. There is nothing so

encouraging as the spectacle of self-sufficiency. And when I think

of the slim and lovely maidens, running the woods all night to the

note of Diana's horn; moving among the old oaks, as fancy-free as

they; things of the forest and the starlight, not touched by the

commotion of man's hot and turbid life--although there are plenty

other ideals that I should prefer--I find my heart beat at the

thought of this one. 'Tis to fail in life, but to fail with what a

grace! That is not lost which is not regretted. And where--here

slips out the male--where would be much of the glory of inspiring

love, if there were no contempt to overcome?

ON THE WILLEBROEK CANAL

Next morning, when we set forth on the Willebroek Canal, the rain

began heavy and chill. The water of the canal stood at about the

drinking temperature of tea; and under this cold aspersion, the

surface was covered with steam. The exhilaration of departure, and

the easy motion of the boats under each stroke of the paddles,

supported us through this misfortune while it lasted; and when the

cloud passed and the sun came out again, our spirits went up above

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