The present is one of two things

A confusion of excitement and

speculation is the character

we are given of our own time,

because it is easy to say: we

are alleged to know no better. 

Yet we do, and ponder to per-

mit the present to redeem and

shoulder our debt to the past

in generous disposition toward

its natural succession. 

I have a friend who departs

this week from the pursuit of

another degree, in a Miesian
metropolis, to escort his 
sweet and younger sister

through the excitement of her

coming out, in Mississippi.

Here is everything laid up up-

on the levée of our time, to

bring forth the fairest vis-

ion of our future. If I could

glance into that river on the

clock that one would wish, I

would not ever but with hope.
We are really all descended
from this river in some way.

In this way this page began,

stepping more deliberately
one day into the flux. These 
things surpass impressions, 
charming, darling. The boys

deserve their sisters when
they cede to them the night.