Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/223

 erly trained, they contended, brief reflection is sufficient for resolving on a line of action. That once decided on, all brooding over a future contingency is to be resolutely put aside equally with all unavailing regret in regard to the irrevocable past. Cheerfulness of mind, and health of body, were virtues to be cultivated as essential to the happiness of the individual and the comfort of those around him. It was difficult for me to determine whether the uniform serenity of manner so observable in all was more the result of general good health and a well-balanced physical constitution, or if the latter was not rather due to the former.

Ialma heard of my intention of setting out after breakfast with a demure smile, but made no observation. To the rest, my proceeding seemed quite natural; for, according to the prevailing social etiquette, a request from an elder to a man considerably younger was looked upon as something not to be lightly disregarded. Those days were long past when it was possible for the young to be more highly informed than their elders. Age and experience, accordingly, had resumed their natural position of superiority in respect to youthful inexperience.

In a conversation that occurred some time subsequent to that now referred to, I experienced considerable difficulty in explaining the possibility of a condition of society in which age was flouted at, and regarded as a disqualification, even for those duties in which cool-headed experience is pre-eminently desirable; and how it came about that what was, perhaps sarcastically, called "society," was ruled by those least qualified to do so, either by sense or experience.