Secrete loquimur. (Pers. _Sat._ v. 21.) We speak alone, Or one to one. It is for the corner of a library, or to amuse a neighbour, a kinsman, or a friend of mine withal, who by this image may happily take pleasure to renew acquaintance and to reconverse with me.... Notwithstanding if my posterity be of another mind, I shall have wherewith to be avenged, for they cannot make so little accompt of me, as then I shall do of them. All the commerce I have in this with the world is that I borrow the instruments of their writing, as more speedy and more easy; in requital whereof I may peradventure hinder the melting of some piece of butter in the market or a grocer from selling an ounce of pepper. Ne toga cordylis et paenula desit olivis (Martial). Lest fish-fry should a fit gown want, Lest cloaks should be for Olives scant. Et laxas scombris saepe dabo tunicas (Catullus). To long-tailed mackerels often I Will side-wide (paper) coats apply. And if it happen no man read me, have I lost my time to have entertained myself so many idle hours about so pleasing and profitable thoughts?... I have no more made my book than my book hath made me. A book consubstantial to his author: of a peculiar and fit occupation. A member of my life. Not of an occupation and end strange and foreign, as all other books.... What if I lend mine ears somewhat more attentively unto books, sith I but watch if I can filch something from them wherewith to enamel and uphold mine? I never study to make a book, yet have I somewhat studied, because I had already made it (if to nibble or pinch, by the head or feet, now one author and then another, be in any sort to study), but nothing at all to form my opinions.--MONTAIGNE. TO HIS BOOK Thou art a plant sprung up to wither never, But, like a laurel, to grow green for ever. Make haste away, and let one be A friendly patron unto thee; Lest rapt from hence, I see thee lie Torn for the use of pasterie; Or see thy injured leaves serve well To make loose gowns for mackerel; Or see the grocers, in a trice, Make hoods of thee to serve out spice. If hap it must that I must see thee lie Absyrtus-like, all torn confusedly; With solemn tears, and with much grief of heart, I'll recollect thee, weeping, part by part; And having washed thee, close thee in a chest With spice; that done, I'll leave thee to thy rest. The bound, almost, now of my book I see; But yet no end of those therein or me; Here we begin new life; while thousands quite Are lost, and theirs, in everlasting night. Go thou forth, my book, though late Yet be timely fortunate. It may chance good luck may send Thee a kinsman or a friend That may harbour thee, when I With my fates neglected lie. If thou know'st not where to dwell, See, the fire's by. Farewell. R. HERRICK. _Hesperides._ IMMORTALITY IN BOOKS