Of all essential things in a gentleman’s bodily and moral training, this is really the beginning—that he should have close companionship with the horse, the dog, and the eagle. Of all birthrights and bookrights—this is his first. He needn’t be a Christian,—there have been millions of Pagan gentlemen; he needn’t be kind—there have been millions of cruel gentlemen; he needn’t be honest,—there have been millions of crafty gentlemen. He needn’t know how to read, or to write his own name. But he _must_ have horse, dog, and eagle for friends. If then he has also Man for his friend, he is a noble gentleman; and if God for his Friend, a king. And if, being honest, being kind, and having God and Man for his friends, he _then_ gets these three brutal friends, besides his angelic ones, he is perfect in earth, as for heaven. For, to be his friends, these must be brought up with him, and he with them. Falcon on fist, hound at foot, and horse part of himself—Eques, Ritter, Cavalier, Chevalier. Yes;—horse and dog you understand the good of; but what’s the good of the falcon, think you? To be friends with the falcon must mean that you love to see it soar; that is to say, you love fresh air and the fields. Farther, when the Law of God is understood, you will like better to see the eagle free than the jessed hawk. And to preserve your eagles’ nests, is to be a great nation. It means keeping everything that is noble; mountains and floods, and forests, and the glory and honour of them, and all the birds that haunt them. _Fors Clavigera, Letter_ 75. BALLANTYNE PRESS, EDINBURGH * * * * * *The Works of Ruskin* _These are published in various forms:—_ 1. The Library Edition, now in course of issue. This is the definitive and complete edition, and contains much literary and personal matter, not published in any other form. It alone contains all Ruskin’s works. This edition is strictly limited, and should be subscribed for without delay. 2. The Works Edition. 8vo. 3. The Students’ Edition. Crown 8vo. 4. The Pocket Edition. Fcap. 8vo. (See p. 3 _et sqq._). _Intending Subscribers to THE LIBRARY EDITION can arrange for payment by annual instalments on application to the Publisher._ _Information about any of the foregoing can be had of Mr. G. Allen, 156 Charing Cross Road, London, who will send complete Catalogue on application._ *Ruskin Reprints for the Pocket* *Fcap. 8vo, Gilt tops, Gilt backs. Autograph on side.* CLOTH LIMP . . . 2s. 6d ) LEATHER LIMP . . 3s. 6d ) net per Vol. With Indices _NOW READY_ SESAME AND LILIES. Three Lectures and Long Preface. THE CROWN OF WILD OLIVE. Essays on Work, Traffic, War, and the Future of England.