The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-08-05

The Inirmities OF Age Interfere with HI
Pleasures and His Literary Work.

The Inf1rmifies OF Age Interfere with His
Pleasures and His Literary Work.
Wakefield IN. H. Letter.
The SHOWS of over eighty winters rest
heavily upon Mr.. Wbittier's head. His
physical energies are waning: ne Is nearing
life's sunset. His literary labors have OF
necessity been almost entirely suspended
owing to his fast failing eyesight. Excite
ment. hustle and nOtOriety, always dis
tasteful to him. are doubly so In his present
state. and from this feeling may be at
trlbuted his selection of this secluded spot
in which to pass the midsummer days un-
disturbed by the attentions or the whirl OF
society.
During every summer for many years he
has visited one or more places that
ence there has become very generally
known. and for two or three seasons
past hundreds of people have called Mt
these places every summer tor the sole pur-
tentions have annoyed him not little. and
in his present state Of health he feels IN
able to bear them.
One of Mr.. Writers greatest Affections
is the loss of his sense of hearing until now
it requires quite an effort to converse with
him. This intirmity prevents him from at
tending divine worship In the church at
the Corner" whose white spire points
heavenward from o point almost directly
across the street from the Elmwood Inn.
n
other illustrates Mr.. Whittier's declining
strength is that he now does not pursue his
former walks TO enjoy his beloved CON-
muniOns with nature, which have always
been his greatest delight.
At the present time he still arises quito
early. as has always been his custom. usual
ly about o'clock, but he takes q long nap In
the middle of the day. and retires for the
night at o'clock In the evening.
He takes great pleasure in daily visiting
with its long overhanging mows of sweet
scented hay. and his walks are confined to
the Immediate surroundings of the house
within the yard.
day, In the late afternoon, to drink in the
beauties of the summer sunset. finding in
this one of his greatest pleasures
He feels unable TO bear the fatigue Of
riding. and has not driven out since COM
ing here, but it has been planned to take
day when he feels at his best. From this
point. which is low ridge. about two
miles west of the village. a beautiful and
extensive view of the White hills" is OBJ
tanned.
A peep into Mr.. Whittiers room revealed
as a prominent object writing table. upon
which rested as n central figure vase of
gOlden-rod and other wild flowers, plainly
objects of his especial pride and care, writ
ing material. q few pieces of manuscript
and lying at the front. clearly his latest
work, an unfinished letter. with pen drop
ped beside it. as though fatigue or indIs
position had rudelylintruded upon the task
Notwithstanding the beloved poets ply
steal weakness under the infrmities of age
his spirit of old. as if deeply imbued with
the waters of the fountain of eternal
youth, is still unimpaired. and still shines
forth eiequently from his beautiful eyes.
For literary efforts such as in the past
have charmed and delighted the world
1.-The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
They Answer Not
Toledo Blade