casteth at novelty, than to go on safely and sleepily in the easy ways
of ancient mistakings." Life cannot but be pleasant to those who are
fond of books, "our silent companions." They speak a language all their
own and we can find companionship for every mood, grave, gay, dreamy,
discursive, philosophical and scientific.

If you are a busy worker in a large city and wish a breath of country
air, a breeze from the meadow, a ramble along a country road, read
Whittier's "Among the Hills."

"Pleasant it was when woods were green
And winds were soft and low,
To lie amid some sylvan scene
Where shadows dark--and sunlight sheen,
Alternate come and go."

If you are weary with brain work and seek repose, read Longfellow.

"And the cares that infest the day,
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs,
And as silently steal away."

If in an heroic mood read Milton.

"For with thee
Certain my resolution is to die,
How can I live without thee? how forgo
Thy sweet converse, and love so dearly joined."

If fortune has smiled upon you and flattery falls sweet on your ear, and