Methinks the wave is endowed with an instinctive wisdom, that it thus shuns the world." "Rather," said Walter, "with the love for change which exists everywhere in nature, it does not seek the shade until it has passed by 'towered cities,'and 'the busy hum of men.'" "I admire the shrewdness of your reply," rejoined Aram; "but note how far more pure and lovely are its waters in these retreats, than when washing the walls of the reeking town, receiving into its breast the taint of a thousand pollutions, vexed by the sound, and stench, and unholy perturbation of men's dwelling-place.

Now it glasses only what is high or beautiful in nature--the stars or the leafy banks.

The wind that ruffles it, is clothed with perfumes; the rivulet that swells it, descends from the everlasting mountains, or is formed by the rains of Heaven.

Believe me, it is the type of a life that glides into solitude, from the weariness and fretful turmoil of the world.
'No flattery, hate, or envy lodgeth there, There no suspicion walled in proved steel, Yet fearful of the arms herself doth wear, Pride is not there; no tyrant there we feel!'" [Phineas Fletcher.] "I will not cope with you in simile, or in poetry," said Walter, as his lip curved; "it is enough for me to think that life should be spent in action.

I hasten to prove if my judgment be erroneous." "Are you, then, about to leave us ?" inquired Aram.
"Yes, within a few days." "Indeed, I regret to hear it." The answer sounded jarringly on the irritated nerves of the disappointed rival.
"You do me more honour than I desire," said he, "in interesting yourself, however lightly, in my schemes or fortune!" "Young man," replied Aram, coldly, "I never see the impetuous and yearning spirit of youth without a certain, and it may be, a painful interest.