Page:The first and last journeys of Thoreau - lately discovered among his unpublished journals and manuscripts.djvu/69

 fair modern world is only a reprint of the Laws of Menu with the Gloss of Culluca. Tried by a New England eye, or the mere practical wisdom of modern times, they are but the oracles of a race already in its dotage. But held up to the sky, which is the only impartial and incorruptible ordeal, they seem of a piece with its depth and serenity; and I am assured that they will have a place and significance as long as there is a sky to test them by.

Suddenly a boatman's horn was heard, echoing from shore to shore to give notice of his approach to the farmer's wife, with whom he was to take his dinner; though in that retired place only the muskrats and kingfishers seemed to hear. And the current of our reflections being thus disturbed, went on and mingled with the music.

Proceeding on our way in the afternoon, the banks became lower, or receded farther from the channel; leaving a few trees only to fringe the water's edge, among which were the maple, birch, and bass. The last—(also called the lime or linden) the white-wood of the mechanic—overhung the [21]