H. B. Marriott Watson

“ But Nature takes long a-dying; in a hundred parts she still disputes the end with all her old virulence, and it is a summons to the closing struggle I hear in yonder star. In a little the voices will have ceased and dreamful ease be our only portion: that is why the call rings so clearly to-night, mingling with all the sounds of time departed. But has, then, Nature really no further hope? Has she no surprises for us? Having slain and coffined her, shall we have taken the measure of the universe? ”

“ My soul sings at the approach of peril; my heart is the heart of the universe—at one with it. I am afire to sail the world around, and fall upon the most golden adventures.
These are sounds and visions of the romance of the earth, the madness of yonder falling star, in the eye of which is no peace. Yet is the potency of its invitation paling. Generation by generation does Nature swagger less and her vaunted prospect dwindle. When the earth was young and gallant her legions were indomitable, our will was a poor reed to hers. ”

“ How the new time fades and vanishes, leaving me the plain, bold guest of the past! Rude, ungenerous Nature screams for my life, and I greet her claim with blows and laughter. The thunderous surge is booming in my ears and the ethereal touch of the mists is on my face ”