contemporaneous decade. It was then one of many experiments for reforming and simplifying conditions of society, for applying transcendental ideas. It was entirely parallel to the communities and sociological ventures of the age. It was the experiment of a philosopher who had no affiliations with communal plans but who sought their aim,—expansion of all the faculties and reduction of the demands of society to the lowest terms. With reference to the "Walden incident, as revelation of the character of Thoreau, no words are more pertinent than the simple, sincere lines of his poet-friend applied, as were many of Channing's stanzas, to both Emerson and Thoreau:—
"More fitting place I cannot fancy now
For such a man to let the line run off
The mortal reel, such patience hath the lake,
Such gratitude and cheer are in the pines.
But more than either lake or forest's depths
This man hath in himself; a tranquil man,
With sunny sides where well the fruit is ripe,
Good front, and resolute bearing to this life,
And some serener virtues which control
This rich exterior prudence; virtues high,
That in the principles of things are set.
Great by their nature and consign'd to him,
Who, like a faithful merchant does account
To God for what he spends, and in what way."
