"
The invalid shook his head, sadly.
"You are very kind, Arthur," he said, "in taking such interest in a
querulous old man, like me, and I would gratify you; but, indeed, it is
not the illness of the body of which I complain, for that only suffers
in sympathy with the mind. Fresh breezes may fan the brow, and verdant
scenes charm the eye, but tell me,
'Can they minister to a mind diseased,
Or pluck from mem'ry's roots a barbed arrow?'
If you promise that they can accomplish such wonders as these, then
shall I gladly try your prescription."
"No, Sir," was the reply; "admirer as I am of Nature, and powerful as I
deem her ministrations, I dare not undertake in her name, to promise
that she shall perform such a miracle as this. From bitter, yet salutary
experience, I know that the sick heart may turn even with loathing from
her loveliest scenes, as being but reminders of by-gone happiness,
awakening associations too painful for the spirit calmly to
contemplate." He paused abruptly, and then in a lower tone repeated to
himself, as he gazed on the beautiful, park-like grounds, that
surrounded Mr.
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