Читать книгу The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 01, No. 05, March, 1858 - Various - Страница 7

  "Dulce" it is, and "decorum" no doubt, for the country to fall,—to

  Offer one's blood an oblation to Freedom, and die for the Cause; yet

  Still, individual culture is also something, and no man

  Finds quite distinct the assurance that he of all others is called on,

  Or would be justified, even, in taking away from the world that

  Precious creature, himself. Nature sent him here to abide here;

  Else why sent him at all? Nature wants him still, it is likely.

  On the whole, we are meant to look after ourselves; it is certain

  Each has to eat for himself, digest for himself, and in general

  Care for his own dear life, and see to his own preservation;

  Nature's intentions, in most things uncertain, in this most plain and

    decisive:

  These, on the whole, I conjecture the Romans will follow, and I shall.

  So we cling to the rocks like limpets; Ocean may bluster,

  Over and under and round us; we open our shells to imbibe our

  Nourishment, close them again, and are safe, fulfilling the purpose

  Nature intended,—a wise one, of course, and a noble, we doubt not.

  Sweet it may be and decorous, perhaps, for the country to die; but,

  On the whole, we conclude the Romans won't do it, and I shan't.