Some of Emerson's best poems were first published in _The Dial_, as were
his lecture on _The Transcendentalist_ and many other articles by him.
Thoreau wrote for almost every number. Some of the articles were dull, not
a few were vague, but many were an inspiration to the age, and their
resultant effect is still felt in our life and literature. Much of the
minor poetry was good and stimulating. William Channing (1818-1901)
published in _The Dial_ his _Thoughts_, in which we find lines that might
serve as an epitaph for a life approved by a transcendentalist:--
"It flourished in pure willingness;
Discovered strongest earnestness;
Was fragrant for each lightest wind;
Was of its own particular kind;--
Nor knew a tone of discord sharp;
Breathed alway like a silver harp;
And went to immortality."
While turning the pages of _The Dial_, we shall often meet with sentiments
as full of meaning to us as to the people of that time. Among such we may
instance:--
"Rest is not quitting
The busy career;
Rest is the fitting
Of self to its sphere."
Occasionally we shall find an expression fit to become a fireside motto:--
"I slept, and dreamed that life was beauty;
I woke, and found that life was duty.
Pages:
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213