what he will do； when the insensate cry is loud； the counsel of wisdom overborne； he will hold apart； content with plain work that lies nearest to his hand； building； strengthening； whilst others riot in destruction。 He was ever hopeful； and deems it a crime to despair of his country。 〃Non； si male nunc； et olim sic erit。〃 Fallen on whatever evil days and evil tongues； he remembers that Englishman of old； who； under every menace； bore right onwards； and like him； if so it must be； can make it his duty and his service to stand and wait。
XXVI
Impatient for the light of spring； I have slept lately with my blind drawn up； so that at waking； I have the sky in view。 This morning； I awoke just before sunrise。 The air was still； a faint flush of rose to westward told me that the east made fair promise。 I could see no cloud； and there before me； dropping to the horizon； glistened the horned moon。
The promise held good。 After breakfast； I could not sit down by the fireside； indeed； a fire was scarce necessary； the sun drew me forth； and I walked all the morning about the moist lanes； delighting myself with the scent of earth。
On my way home； I saw the first celandine。
So； once more； the year has e full circle。 And how quickly； alas； how quickly！ Can it be a whole twelvemonth since the last spring？ Because I am so content with life； must life slip away； as though it grudged me my happiness？ Time was when a year drew its slow length of toil and anxiety and ever frustrate waiting。 Further away； the year of childhood seemed endless。 It is familiarity with life that makes time speed quickly。 When every day is a step in the unknown； as for children； the days are long with gathering of experience； the week gone by is already far in retrospect of thing