hour-glass of time; when they have been the burthen of so
much thought, the charm and comfort of so many a vigil.
All that is worthless has been sieved and sifted out of
them. Nothing remains but the brightest lights and the
darkest shadows.

*

Burns, too proud and honest not to work, continued through
all reverses to sing of poverty with a light, defiant note.
Beranger waited till he was himself beyond the reach of
want before writing the OLD VAGABOND or JACQUES. Samuel
Johnson, although he was very sorry to be poor, 'was a
great arguer for the advantages of poverty' in his ill
days. Thus it is that brave men carry their crosses, and
smile with the fox burrowing in their vitals.

*

Now, what I like so much in France is the clear,
unflinching recognition by everybody of his own luck. They
all know on which side their bread is buttered, and take a
pleasure in showing it to others, which is surely the
better part of religion. And they scorn to make a poor
mouth over their poverty, which I take to be the better
part of manliness.

*

If people knew what an inspiriting thing it is to hear a